Five

Now we're getting into the numbers which potentially add some stage fright! On Friday, I went down to the Lyon County offices to apply for my wedding license. (Thanks to Celeste who graciously reminded me that I needed to do this...who knew? We've never done this before). On the forms, there was the "name change" place for me to fill in. My throat got tight and I got my first case of jitters. I thought, "Do I have to decide this now?"

It isn't that I "had" to give up my name or change anything. Especially since once I do, I've got to change my DL, passport, credit cards and Social Security stuff (just to name a few). I didn't even have to make the decision right away. Of course, if I didn't, then it would cost me $250 to do later. That was all I needed to hear. (And a lesson in procrastination; you can do it later...but it will cost you) Another "milestone" day. I dropped my middle name, Leslie, and will be officially Joan Mehler Taylor...but you can still call me Joni. No more JLM.

And all of the little annoying things that I do (according to Mike) and that he does (according to me) are now being put under a microscope and standing out like the California tremors and earthquakes. We're still "in it for the long haul"...but the infamous wedding jitters and cold feet are peeking out a bit here and there. My Mom says this is normal. And finally, after years and years of pretending I didn't hear what she was saying, I trust what my Mom says. She's usually right anyway...though it's years later that I tell her so.

We had a lovely Father's day...with Minnesota Dad. Even the two oldest Rooney boys, Hunter and Taylor, joined us! And the riding this weekend was Hot weather riding. I even rode twice on Friday, which about did Mike in. Especially since I didn't mow the lawn, (one of *my* annoying things, according to him...and I see his point.) So we bought our own mower and now I have no excuse. I won't mind mowing. It's like vacuuming the grass! Ah yes, Summer on the plains!

I better start practicing my new signature....it's all the little things that I get excited about! And the big things too. Hurry up Mom and Layne! HAPPY MONDAY!!! Happy week! I feel like I used to feel when it was summer and I was off to visit Grandma for month(s) at a time in Alabama....It really didn't get any better than that!! That "almost grown up kid" excitement. I guess I'm really an "almost grown up kid" now!!!