Ready, Set, Don't go

So tomorrow night Misti flies out to Alabama. Last Saturday Gma Jan, Laci and I pulled together a surprise going away party for her at a little mexican restaurant in town. She was indeed surprised, and it was perfect, she was surrounded by a room full of people who came to wish her well. I asked her to come up and have dinner tonight so we could say our goodbyes..as you can't really do that at the airport any longer, and this way the whole family could be here to see her.
She requested that I make meatloaf and mashed potatoes and gravy. So the family is coming up tonight for dinner. I'm making meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole and peanut butter pie. So its a busy day for me, cleaning, run to the store for some last minute things, and then cooking.

It's probably for the best I stay busy today. Everytime I stop for a moment and think, tears come to my eyes. I (along with everyone else) am very excited for Misti and the new opportunites on her horizon. I'm proud of her for having the guts to make such a big leap of faith. She is doing what we prepare all of our children to do- Spread her wings and fly. I never imagined how hard it would be to let her go though.

There is this song that Billy Ray Cyrus sings along with his young daughter Miley. It's called "Ready, Set, Don't Go". I googled the lyrics last week and was crying by the time I was done reading them. This song is so fitting for this time in my life, in our lives.

"Ready, Set, Don't Go"

She's gotta do what she's gotta do

And I've gotta like it or not

She's got dreams too big for this town

And she needs to give 'em a shot

Whatever they are

Looks like she's all ready to leave

Nothing left to pack

There ain't no room for me in that car

Even if she asked me to tag along

God I gotta be strong

She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life

As ready as she's ever been

Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes

The prize is hers to win

She's waitin' on my blessings

before she hits that open road

Baby get ready

Get set

Don't go

She says things are fallen into place

Feels like they're fallen apart

I painted this big ol' smile on my face

To hide my broken heart

If only she knew

This is where I don't say what I want so bad to say

This is where I want to but I won't get in the way

Of her and her dreams

And spreadin' her wings

She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life

As ready as she's ever been

Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes

The prize is hers to win

She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that open road

Baby get ready

Get set

Don't go

And I leave you with a few pictures from the restaurant last weekend...

Misti, Gma Jan, Cortney and Laci

Sisters...Misti, Cortney and Laci

This is a long time coming.. :) Misti and Cortney
I love you Misti. We wish you happiness and joy under the blue skies of Alabama. Always remember that your family is here for you and we love you. Good, bad, whatever.
We are family and that is a never ending bond.