Cool at 8

Apparently, 

when you turn 8 you become way cool.

But, not so cool that you don't give your momma a hug and a kiss in front of your friends...

I'm not going to even pretend. This boy has me wrapped.  He has from the first time I held him.  I couldn't get enough of him them, and I can't get enough of him now.  

He's a momma's boy....

like big time. 

Recently, I heard him say, "You mess with my momma, you mess with me." 

I hope it never changes...

Happy 8th Birthday crazy boy!  I can't wait to celebrate all weekend long.

Choose Love,

Best Party EVER

We had a ball! 

 Lyssa was surround by friends and family that truly love her.  We couldn't have asked for anything more.

After a flag football game, and a soccer game...it was on.  We started hanging lights, lanterns, banners, baking, wrapping, slicing, and celebrating.  

Lyssa chose to have an art party this year, it was my favorite party yet!

I owe a HUGE thank you to Roxanne Spradlin for giving up her Saturday afternoon to spend it with my girl and her friends.  She was the best art teacher we could have asked for.  Her generosity keeps going and going. I love you with all my heart!

These two are actually a whole lot alike...

They started with a colorful art palette, and a blank canvas... 

Little by little we watched their art change from this...

To this...

And finally to this...

Aren't they just adorable!?! 

Each girl found her inner artist, and I hope when the girls look at their creation they will smile and remember what a happy day it was.

I'm serious when I say this was the best party EVER! 

Thanks again to all the family members and friends who helped us celebrate this girl... 

She continues to make me smile...

Choose Love

Eleven

On this day, eleven years ago, I was holding my new baby girl.  I don't think I put her down for like a year.  She was perfect.  While our friends were having fun and living the college life, we entered the world of the unknown.  Looking back...I wouldn't change a thing.

We didn't know what we were doing, but we knew she was ours and we wouldn't have it any other way.  She has made us who we are.  We really don't even know life without her.

It brings tears to my eye to think about our journey with her.  She really is the best daughter I could ever ask for.  She is hysterical, fun, has a fashion of her own, caring, loves her family, and has an enormous heart.

Today, we will add another candle to the birthday cake.  I will get teary, and reminisce on this past year.  She will hug me and tell me how much she loves me...

Can't wait to celebrate this day with you.  I love you Lyssa Kate!

Choose Love,

Lately

Last weekend was pretty much perfect weekend through my eyes.  Spending four days on the lake with the people who mean the most to me...just can't beat it!  

I consider myself very lucky and blessed to have access to a boat, live within minutes of an awesome lake, and share it with some of my favorite people!

Whether it's building frog holes, 

Having a race, 

Playing in the water, 

Pretending to be lightning bugs, 

Cooking supper in the dutch oven,

Or, just enjoying the view ;)...

We always have the best time and create some great memories!

However, my absolute most favorite part of the whole weekend..

was this girl!

 She begged us to let her ski.  I admit it, I didn't think she would be able to because all we have are adult skis.
We decided to let her give a whirl, and that's exactly what she did.
I don't know why I ever doubt her! 

Cause if at first she doesn't succeed,

She tries again, and again, and again...

Until she does...

This was actually her second time to get up, but I was so excited the first time I forgot to keep the camera on her :)
Please excuse all the crazy voices in the background, we were a wee bit excited!

Lyssa Kate,
You never seize to amaze me! I love your determination and will to never, ever give up!

On another note, it's Friday!!
We have our game shirts on, a T in the yard, and our tickets are ready.

I got in a bleacher run in this morning while Tate help set up the field with Coach Berna...

 And a little pre-game with daddy.

The stadium is empty now, but it won't be for long...

Go Wildcats!!

Beat Westlake!!

Choose Love,

Ready or Not

There is something different in the air.  

I recognize the smell, and the feel. 

 Oh, yeah...it's football season!

As much as I hate the time Aaron is away...

I do love some football.  

I love to watch him coach even more.  

He's kinda crazy, but that's the reason he's so fun to watch.

These kiddos are ready to cheer on the wildcats!

Meet mini coach Dunnam.  

He's got a whistle and he's not afraid to use it!! 

School also started this week.  So far, so good!  

The kids love their teachers.

I know I say it all the time, but time really does fly by.  I can't believe my babies are in the 2nd and 5th grade.

It blows my mind...

Tater, we are going to have to work on your spelling :)

Choose Love,

Cool Chicks Wear Blue

So, every year we Temple coaches wives are lucky enough to be 'wined and dined' by our first lady, Roxanne Spradlin :).  I'm not going to lie, I look forward to the invitation every summer.  She makes sure every little detail is covered from the front door, to the decorations, to the food, and to the fun! It is over the top! 

If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. Being a coach's wife isn't easy, but it sure does help when you are surrounded by people who care and love ya. 

Roxanne, thanks for being my home away from home.  You will never know how much it means to me that you are willing to do whatever it takes to make me (us) feel so special and loved.  

Check out Roxanne's blog for more details and pictures...I couldn't have said it better myself!

Here's to another football season...

It's gonna be a good one!

Go Wildcats!!!!

Our Family Chain is Broken...

I've opened and closed my laptop a 100 times.  I have a lot of great things to blog about...my birthday, my babies, Aaron and I had our 11th anniversary, the 4th of July,  but I just can't seem to get over this slump I'm in.

Last week I had to face my biggest fear.  Losing someone I love.  I watched my grandmother go from living independently in her own house to passing away from cancer just four short weeks later in the nursing home.  I feel blessed that I was able to spend so much time with her in those last few weeks, but I have never ever experienced anything like that.  Just real life stuff that I will never forget.  She knew she was dying, and she wasn't afraid to talk about it.  She told me many times that she was ready. She knew where she was going and that's all that mattered to her.  In fact, one of our last conversations just a few days before she passed is something that still brings tears to my eyes...

It was the Sunday night just a few days before she passed away.  At the last minute after dinner I decided to swing by the nursing home to tell her goodnight.   I was the only one in her room.  She was lying in bed and I hopped up there to sit beside her.  She grabbed my hand with what little energy she had left.  Word for word it went like this...
She said, "I went to heaven today." Startled, " I said, "You did?" "Yes, ma'am" she said.  I asked her, "What was it like?"  She said, "It was WONDERFUL, I was there with my family and we were all sitting around talking and Jesus was there." At this point tears were falling down my face and chills down my back.  I asked, "Does Jesus look like he does in the pictures?" Without hesitation, she said, "Yes!"  Just when I thought this conversation couldn't get any better she said, "But I needed more time."  That was it, that's how it ended.  She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep for the night.  She lived for three more days.  I'm still not sure why she needed more time, but I know whatever it was, her and God got it figured out.

I have never felt so much sadness. I have some visuals that I can't get out of my mind.  Like watching my dad and my uncle physically move their mother from her chair to her bed...over and over and over and over with tears in their eyes.  My aunts made sure she had everything she needed... Whatever she wanted, that's what they did...

Which also made me feel a kind of love like I have never felt in my life.  The way our family came together was amazing.  Whether it was 2 months, or 2 years since we had last seen each other it felt like we hadn't missed a beat.  Big hugs, lots of tears, lots of hugs, and LOTS of stories!!  Just like grandma would have wanted it.   Her biggest worry was how her family would be after she passed.  I have to remember that.  She told us over and over, don't be sad, be happy....

I just don't think she knew how dang much we were going to miss her...

We knew little that day,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death, we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you.
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide.
And although we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.

Choose Love,

There is a New Girl in Town

Have I ever mentioned I just love where I'm from.  People just truly love you.  Then when you have kids, they love them like they are their own.  You can't go anywhere without someone giving you a giant hug and big kiss on the cheek.

Well, my baby girl loves it just as much as I do.  Today she started working down at Fin's Red Bird, with my coach from high school.  You can see more about her resturant here.

She is sooooo in her element. Being with people, working hard, and not afraid of a thing! 

Lyssa, I love you so much I could just squish you!

I Love You, Dad

Choose Love,

School's Out for Summer!

This last week of school has been full of awards programs, parties, and lots of fun! I'm so proud of Lyssa and Parker!  The adjusted so well to their new school, and worked so hard to earn all of their end of school awards. We were once again blessed by awesome teachers this year!!

Lyssa and her teacher Mrs. Sears

Buddies

 Lyssa and Parker on their last day of school 2012.

Parker and his teacher Mrs. Robbins

Proud Boy

This weekend we also attended the first annual end of school bash! The kids had a blast (okay, so did the adults)!

There was limbo contest, a batman jumpy, photo booth, cotton candy, snow cones, and tons of food.

Helloooooo summer time!  We welcome you with open arms!!