To the Nice Fellow at the McDonald's Drive-Through

Yes, that was the same lady in the big van three different times on Saturday. I was sick. My kitchen sink wasn't working. The dollar menu was my friend.

And to someone who might benefit from the large sum of money I just spent to get a plumbing education: Don't put eggshells down the garbage disposal. Apparently, "It's like pouring gravel down there."

And now we all know.

A Little Romance

So, it's an absolutely dreary, icy February day and I haul my sick self out of bed to lay on my keyboard and write an overdue column. When it's finished, I do what I do promptly every other Thursday before the office opens every other Friday. I email it to Ann, the managing editor at the Herald and ask her to let me know she got it. Ann is my friend. We've worked together long distance for fifteen years. I've trusted her with my heart my columns all that time. She knows me pretty well--she's probably the only person on the planet who has read every single column I've ever written. And I know her a little, too. I remember writing to her in the early morning just before I went to the emergency room when I thought I was miscarrying last time I was pregnant. And she wrote back and comforted me and promised her prayers. Then, she understood the bittersweet news when I relayed that there were two babies but just one heartbeat and she shared with me a little bit of her own sorrow. Ann is my age and has never been married. She is a wonderful, talented, woman of grace and God. On that day, I began to offer a prayer every time I sent a column that God would send someone her way.

Today, when she tells me she's received my column, she passes along some happy news! She's engaged! He's the associate publisher of the Florida Catholic (I'm afraid to ask what this means for us).She also tells me that she's in the running for a wedding photography prize package. Ann is used to being behind the camera. What a great gift it would be for her to spend her day being captured by someone else's professional camera. If you're a sucker for a love story, go read Ann's (written by the love of her life) and  then scroll to the bottom and vote for "Ann and Chris."

But What About the Prom??

It's a perennial socialization question for homeschoolers everywhere. Here in Northern Virginia, it's been answered beautifully for years. We have a great prom! In case you are a local Catholic homeschooled teen and you haven't heard, this is your prom!(And even if you're not local, it's worth the trip;-) Here's the scoop:

Be sure and mark Saturday, April 26 (6:30-11:00) on your calendar!

This year we will again be having the Prom at the Knights of Columbus Barn,401 West Holly Avenue, Sterling, VA.The price will be $65.00 per person,with the first deposit of $30.00 is due NOW and the final payment of $35.00 due on Friday, March 14th. If you would like to attend please email either Mrs. Cunningham or Mrs. Jacobeen so we can reserve a spot for you. (The Barn requires 50% by mid February and the final amount one month prior, so these dates are necessary.)We have tried as hard as we could to keep the price down. The night will include photos (starting @ 6:30), a dinner buffet and dancing (via DJ), until 11:00 p.m. All homeschoolers are allowed to invite two guests of the same sex if they would like. If you are inviting a guest(s), please see that they understand and agree to our guidelines (included in this announcement). We are also including a Reservation Form to be used by everyone (guests included) and sent along with your first deposit. Please make checks payable to “Marsha Jacobeen”, and mail all forms and deposits to Mrs. Marsha Jacobeen @ 4330 Moylan Lane, Fairfax, VA;22033. Parents wishing to be chaperones are welcome Just let us know (modify the reservation form) and send in your deposits as well.
As a reminder, the CHSYA code of conduct states that “all CHSYA teens will treat each other with respect and dress appropriately.” All attendees should dress in keeping with the importance of this event. Boys should wear a jacket and tie, and girls should wear modest dresses (no spaghetti straps,no strapless gowns, dress length should be below the knee, nothing too tight.CHSYA members should make their guests aware of the guidelines for dress and conduct. Your signature verifies that you have read the guidelines and will adhere to them. Thank you!

If you are interested in being part of one of the following committees:decorations, flowers, dinner/dessert and music, please make a note of this
on your reservation form. We need both teens and parents to help.

Spread the word.... this is always a great event! This is your Prom!  Let's keep the same quality and standards this year and make it a great celebration and wonderful memory!

Remember the $30.00 deposit gets mailed to Mrs. Marsha Jacobeen by February
15th (Yes, that's FIVE days ago--so please hurrry! We can't have a prom without you!). If you have questions, concerns, suggestions etc. call or email one of us – Mrs. Cunningham 703-352-3245 or ccunninghamspam15@cox.net and Mrs.
Jacobeen @703-378-2660 or bjacobeenspam@aol.com
(Remember to scrape the spam from the email addresses.)

We are looking forward to hearing from all of you with your reservations and offers to help.
Blessings,
Mrs. Maria Cunningham and Mrs. Marsha Jacobeen
Download reservation forms and information here: Download 2008_announcement1.doc

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