Party at Paula's

We know, we know... "Your John" is home!
That's what we hear everytime John John comes home from LSU! And we have to have this big lovefest!! These moments were actually caught in the action. Not staged in the least!! Actual moments of love and devotion... parents to their newly independent child. And did I mention that every time John John comes home, we have to have a full on PARTY!? Yep. The neighborhood gathers. They invite over all of his high school friends. And think about it, my kids haven't even started kindergarten. Gabs figured out she could watch Tangled on Miss Katie's iPad. Any springtime part in Louisiana is GOING To consist of crawfish!! Even our littles know how to peel crawdads!! And this is how we do it!! We sprawl out all over an 8' table (or three) and let er rip! In case you were wondering, average, people eat 8 pounds of crawfish a piece. Some may eat 5, some may eat 10. But believe me, there are lots and lots and lots of carcasses left over. Look at my jolly man. Linda Lou made a pineapple upside cake. Isn't it FAB..U.LOUS?!I'd say Paula kinda has the photo love in the same psycho way that I do. Most of the ones in the front are of our JohnJohn who has moved a full 3 1/2 hours away! I jest, but we all know I will FREAK when my kids move out! It was fun when John lived there. He is a gabber. He would tell us all the rumors in the high school circles. He just could NOT keep a secret. Even when it was about himself and he was just worried his mom would find out. Now, Paula's second son, Clayton, is NO fun. He only answers in single word "phrases". "no", Yes", "I dont' know". etc. Just nothing. Nata. Well looky here. Look who showed up and graced us with her presence!! She and I are planning a little getaway next week. Todd the Bod spent the ENTIRE last week in Atlanta last week, so it's my turn. This summer, Emma Lou is taking Amy (here in the pink) with her to the beach. I am so glad. I just love that kid. Such a pleasant personality. And she plays with my girls!! Bonus. Meanwhile, back at the iPad. Here's my third sweet girl!! She's doing well for all of you who I know would want to know. We are approaching the 6 month mark, and I know that each month, on the 3rd, Mary Allison is well aware of exactly how long it's been. I know she misses her mom immensely! But she carries on. She is a strong, confident, independent girl!! A rarity of a mature teenager. Some think she is doing "too well". I've heard that a thousand times. WHAT does THAT mean? "Too well" is great, I think. She and I are similar in that we don't necessarily want to wear our hearts on our sleeve. We may hurt, but don't think it is something we want the world to have to take a part in nor spectate. I can totally understand my girl! ANd so we will go next week and enjoy each other's company, and if she feels the need to be sad, I will certainly help her through that. I miss her mama too! This is Meredith. She is a prima ballerina in the Twin City Ballet Company. And Elllie thinks she is the cat's meow. Can you tell!? She almost thinks as much about Meredith as I do about my most recent favorite shoes!! And that's a LOT! MO