It's Been A Long While

It's been a long while since I've written anything here. The mundane happenings of everyday life did not seem noteworthy write about. Yet in the same breath, they are noteworthy. It is in the normal occurrences of each day that form core memories and moments in our lives.

Since I last wrote, I've experienced a multitude of those very memories and moments. While they are no longer documented here, they are documented in my heart forever. And if I'm being honest, they are on my cell phone camera roll too. 

As I look back over the pictures I am reminded of those special events that stamped a forever spot in my life. The moments that only happen once in a lifetime, the moments that make each day fold into the next and the moments of every mundane wrinkle of life.

 

I don't know about you but he's feeling 22

 He's 22! (All I can hear in my head is the song, 22 by Taylor Swift)  

Your dad and I are so proud of you. You have accomplished so much in your 22 years. Happy 22nd Birthday Reece!

 

 

 

Happy 17th Birthday R2

 I'm going to need time to slow down. How in the world are you 17? You are smart, funny, outdoorsy, passionate, caring, and I love everything about you. Happy 17th Birthday, R2!

Happy 21st Birthday

 Happy 21st birthday Reece! (aka R1) You have grown into such a remarkable man. Your drive and work ethic are helping you pursue your dreams and turning them into reality. Your dad and I have loved having a front row seat to your life. We love you and we are so extremely proud of you.

 

Sweet 16

 Happy 16th Birthday R2! 

 Not sure how sixteen years have flown by so fast, but they have. 

You keep your dad and I laughing everyday. 

 

You make us so proud with your work ethic.

You are always polite to others and lend a hand whenever possible. 

We hope your day is just as amazing as you are! 

We love you!

20 Years

Happy 20^th Birthday R1!

You have grown into a man right before my eyes. The years have past so quickly. 

When I look at you, I still see the 2yr old with a head full of curly hair running around in the front yard. 

I also see the 5yr old on the first day of kindergarten and the 10yrs old with braces. I see the 18yr old during his senior year of high school walking across the stage at graduation to receive his diploma and smiling at his accomplishment. 

But I also see the man you’ve become. The one who is half way through his junior year of college. I see the man working hard toward the goals he set for himself and not stopping till they have been achieved. 

I love having a front row seat to your life. You make me so proud. I’m honored God gave you to me. 

I love you and I hope year 20 is everything you want it to be and more!

15

 Happy 15th Birthday R1! You are the kid that makes me laugh everyday. Your dad and I love you and we hope your day is as wonderful and awesome as you are!

Happy 2020

It's been a hot minute since I wrote my last blog post back in October. Well maybe not a minute but it sure feels that way. 

Baseball season ended with my beloved Astros making it to World Series but losing to the Nationals in 7 games. It was heartbreaking to watch and to listen to Joe Buck's one sided announcing, if you want to even call it that. And even thought our ball club is being picked apart in the office season, I still love my 'Stros.

Then of course November hit and I got just a bit excited about the upcoming holiday season and put our Christmas trees up in the house the first weekend in November. The man cave tree took about 3 hours, the living room tree, it took a week. And now you know why the process begins when it does. R1 said our house looked bi-polar when you walked in, Fall decor still out and the Christmas trees up and decorated. 

We had family over for Thanksgiving and we ate to much and laughed a lot. Once Thanksgiving was over the parade of Christmas parties began. I told Hubs I really wanted to be in the moment of the holiday season/reason and be intentional with our time so even though we were invited to 5 parties, we only attended one. 

Next thing I knew it was Christmas break. See I told you a hot minute. 

Two glorious weeks of no school or schedule. We stayed up way to late, had a ton fun, and of course ate way to much again. I really enjoyed my time with family.

And now here it is January 2020. I was glad to see 2019 go and I'm hoping 2020 is full of blessing. 

Happy New Year!

Still My Favorite Team

Well my beloved Astros didn't win the World Series last night.  It was a heck of series and I loved watching them play.

But the only good thing about last nights game ending was that I no longer have to listen to Joe Buck!

On the bright side spring training starts in 103 days.

Take It Back 2019

My beloved Astros are going to the 2019 World Series!

 

TAKE IT BACK BOYS!

22

Happy 22nd Anniversary Hubs!

I am so thankful that God chose you for me to go through this life with. 

I love you!

HBD Hubs

 Happy Birthday Hubs! 

He's my person. My ride or die. The one whop puts up with all of my craziness and still loves me at the end of the day. He's the one I love doing this life with. 

I hope your day is amazing, even if it is spent doing all this back to school stuff. 

I love you! 

 

Hey 19

R1 turned 19 this month. 19, the last of the teenage years. Even though he's almost a man, he is still my baby, my first born. 

He has turned out to be an amazing young man.   

R1, you are finding out what you need in life, what makes happy and what you need to do to achieve it. You had a terrific first year of college and even made the Dean's list.  You are not afraid of trying new things and taking a risk.

19 is going to be awesome!

I love you!
 
 

Katie

Oh June was such a hard month. 

We lost my 16 year old niece on June 12. It came two days after losing sweet little Christian.

Katie was born with multiple health issues that ultimately lead to her passing. 

But for everything that sweet girl faced in her life, she always had a smile. Katie enjoyed doing what most 16 year old girls do, playing on her phone and her computer. She liked to watch movies and videos. She liked school too. She loved to see her teachers and her friends. But more importantly, she loved her family.  

Oh sweet Katie girl, I love you and I will miss you terribly. 

 

Little Christian

There once was a little girl named Amanda who had a favorite teacher when she was in 4th grade. Her favorite teacher was my husband. 

When that girl grew up, she had a little boy and she named him Christian, after her favorite teacher. 

Sometimes people just grab a hold of your heart and you love them fiercely. Amanda, her little boy Christian, and her entire family are very special to us. 


This little boy was simply amazing and wonderful. He was absolutely precious. 

 
Yesterday, in the early morning hours, little Christian gained his angel wings.

I am heart broken. I will miss his sweet smile and the hugs he used to give me. We love you Christian and we will miss you so very much.  

50 Years

I turn 50 years old this weekend.
I can remember a time when I thought 30, 40, and 50 were old. And now here I am, 50 years old and it's not as old as I thought. 

I've learned a lot things in my 50 years. But here are a few things I feel are important to know. 

Be fair. Be honest. Be generous. Respect others.

Marriage is hard work. There are highs and lows, but it is very much worth it.

Anyone who judges you by the kind of car you drive or shoes you wear is not someone worth impressing.

I’m fat. I’ve gotten over it and you should too.

Visit or talk to your parents and grandparents often. You will realize once they are gone just how much you got out of those visits and conversations.

Let your kids climb in bed and snuggle with you. One day they won’t, and you will miss it.

Develop a strong handshake (even if you are a woman) No one wants to shake hands with someone who’s hand is limp.

When you mess up, fess up. Apologizing isn’t always easy but it’s the right thing to do.

Be truthful or be quiet.

Your education isn’t complete until you’ve learned to take a hint.

Whatever your passion, pursue it as though your days were numbered, because they are.

Your grown children are simply wonderful. But so are your younger children. Enjoy every moment, it goes by fast.

Drink lots of water. It’s good for you, your brain, and your body.

Treasure your friendships. Keep your circle small. Know it’s also ok to end friendships with compassion and finality.

Be patient with people – most are often just trying to help.

Hug your kids and tell them you love them every day.

Failure is going to happen. Pick yourself up and dust your self off and keep moving forward.

Don’t get caught up with what you see in the mirror, because it reflects only a tiny part of how beautiful you are.

Language is a powerful weapon and the words you say will either soothe, hurt, engage, or damage those around you, including yourself.

Losing a loved one is painful. It’s hard and it’s ugly. But when you remember them, smile no matter what. Over time smiling at the memories will help ease the pain.

Everyone else is just as worried and insecure as you are. Some just hid it better. It doesn’t mean they are smarter.

Laugh often.

It’s just stuff. It gets broken or lost in a flood. But ultimately, it’s just stuff. The memories will always be there.

Don’t judge. You don’t know all the facts. We all have faults and bad habits.

Take the girls trip. Laughter with girlfriends is great medicine.

Always let someone proofread. It usually makes a difference.

Pamper yourself. Get your hair done, get a pedicure. It will always make you feel better.