the graduate

I love days that surprise us. Currently residing in Arizona, today is one of those days, when it's been hitting temps exceeding 90 degrees and God sends us a few breezy, 80 degrees days that remind me of us being on the beach just one short week ago.

Speaking of location changes, in just a few months one of our nieces will be heading to the City of Angels for the first time. Our niece Amber received an offer to work at Disneyland for their college program and I couldn't be more proud of her. If you met this girl you'd understand, she's a Disney Princess come to life.

Today' post is dedicated to her because today, Amber graduates from NAU. It's amazing and crazy how FAST time flies. When I started dating Mr. Charming, Amber was just starting highschool, and now, all these years later, she's all grown up, heading out into the world on her own and I can't wait to see her spread her beautiful fairy wings and fly.

I always say how blessed I am to have married into such a big, wonderful and lovely family, and Miss Amber is so special. I've always seen so much of me in her. Her angelic voice allowed her to tour with me to promote my first album as my backup singer and she's worked on all my tracks since, she's been my friend before she became my family and she even stood up with us on our wedding day as one of our bridesmaids. Getting to share those parts of my dream and life with her was so special. She's also an amazing artist and continues to inspire me to live like a kid and dream big every day.

Shooting on the Beach in Carlsbad

Me & Amber - Thanksgiving 2013

So, Amber, here's to you. I'm sorry I couldn't be in Flagstaff with you. Getting to see you live another moment larger than life. But I send all my love and hugs and kisses and can't wait to celebrate you when you're home for the summer, before you head off to get your very own pair of mouse ears.

I love you and am so proud of you. You may continue to reach life's beautiful milestones along your journey, but if I've learned anything about you through becoming your friend and your family, I know you'll never truly grow up. ;)