a big win...

That's my Colton - #20!

a teary surprise...

Cecily kept asking to get on her email account. As soon as she got home from school she started asking and I couldn't figure out why it was suddenly so important. Afterall, she's never really done ANYTHING with that account. Finally, shortly before bedtime, we let her get on the computer. Her questions suddenly changed... then she wanted to know how often I check my email and did I usually check it before bed. So I did. After the kids were in bed, I sat down to my computer and found this email in my inbox. It says it all really and any mom would understand why it brought tears to my eyes. What a blessing this sweet child of God is to me and so many others... and oh, how I love this girl!

focused on the ball...

I love the above picture. It shows Reece, ready for the play to begin. But if you look even closer and see his eyes - you can see his focus. Right on the ball. He's not going to move till that ball is snapped. He is focused and ready to go. This pictures epitomizes the "big picture" I saw today. Finally, I watched Reece doing something he was completely focused on... he was serious... he was disciplined... he was ready to go.

Football may - or may not - be something Reece decides to stick with long term. For now, though, I am enjoying seeing "a light" come on inside him that shows even a glimmer of passion in something. Go Reece!

Reece with Coach Daddy.... aren't they so handsome?!

flag football begins...

Cayce is getting serious now. His 7 and 8 year olds began their "pre-season workouts" today. Not sure that the boys were as serious as Cayce but they all seemed to have a good time, particularly one cute little blonde-headed boy who lives to play ball!

Patience, Coach Cayce... patience.

who is this??

Tonight was Open House at the elementary school. When I walked into Brock's room, I was greeted by this little guy who was sitting at Brock's desk... who could it be?!

hilary's birthday...

Happy birthday (a day early) to our wonderful sitter and friend, Hilary!

no procrastinating?

May be the first time ever but today I found Colton working on a school project days BEFORE it was due!

that's gonna leave a mark...

Three... the number of stitches Brock got this morning after he fell off his bed (while he was sleeping) at 6:55 a.m. and busted his chin on the cedar chest. This would only happen to Brock.

His take on it? By the time we were finally headed to school, he was just so excited that he got to spend half the day with me (I think the lollipop from the doctor and the pizza lunch I treated him to after his procedure may have helped). Oh, how I love this boy!

a jar of coins...

Collecting coins can add up... $134.00 to be exact. At least that's what it was this time around. The kids and I spent the evening rolling the coins from the overflowing change jar... they were amazed and excited to see how much money was there in just coins!

It was decided the money would be set aside as the kids try to save for a pool for our backyard... that won't take long at all. Yes, a little sarcasm there but nonetheless, I am proud of them for making the effort and for thinking it IS possible!

back to school blessing at church...

Yes, we are truly blessed.

reece's first...

Today was Reece's first tackle football game. It was a scrimmage and the heat index was at 114 degrees, which prompted the coaches to "call" the game at halftime. 114 degrees, PLUS the ten degrees you have to add for the pads the players had on... that was one hot half!! Apparently, TYFA has no rules and/or guidelines regarding temperature extremes... apparently there are no MOMS in the TYFA administration. Because truly, this is just stupid. I am very thankful that our boys, particularly my own, seem to be okay but Cayce is not. For someone who prides himself on being tough and being able to handle extreme physical circumstances (even enjoying them at times), he is quite miserable even now - 5.5 hours after we left the fields. There is way too much importance and pressure put on youth sports today... but that's a "soap box" of mine for another time!

2nd day of 2nd grade...

A proud 2nd grader shows off his "2" visor that he made himself and wore to school today with the rest of his class wearing their creations as well. I never knew the 2nd day of 2nd grade was such a big deal - but I am sure glad it is - Brock loved it!

first day of school!

2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th grades - here we come! Are you ready for us?!

ready for school...

Kids are clean and in bed; backpacks are ready; lunches are packed; clothes are laid out. Prayed over each child tonight at bedtime... ready for a GREAT school year!

last days of summer...

braces AND glasses!

my Texas!

My birthday gift from Dawn & Barry, Ricky & Courtney and Tony! It's exactly what I wanted!!!

a night of hugs n kisses...

Today, I turned 40. And then, as if my sibling surprise yesterday morning wasn't enough, my sweet husband decided to put me into "surprise overload" tonight. A party with close friends and family? What an amazing surprise and gift! And then, to top it all off, Kimberly presented me with a scrapbook she made for me filled with letters and pictures from family as well as old and new friends.

All I can say is... WOW. This is the BEST birthday I have ever had! Being surrounded by so much love, happiness and laughter truly is one of the greatest gifts anyone could ever ask for. I am so humbled by the efforts Cayce, Rex & Lynne, Kimberly, Gail, Jill and my siblings put into making this celebration so special for me. Truly, I am so blessed.

sibling surprise!

At 6:20 this morning, I was awakened by a text on my phone (somehow the ringer was miraculously turned "on" during the night). The text showed a picture of my brothers standing on my front porch... I just laid in my bed and stared. Still half asleep, my brain was having a hard time comprehending what was happening. Then, all of a sudden it hit me - I set the phone down, jumped out of bed and ran outside. Standing there before me was my sister and two bothers, who had driven all night from Texas to surprise me for my 40th birthday (which is tomorrow). It was pouring down rain and I didn't even notice it. ALL of my siblings were there!!

This is the first time in 12 years that we have all been together at the SAME time. Today, as we spent time together and then tonight, as went out to dinner by ourselves, we realized it was the FIRST time in our adult lives that we have ever been together with noone else around -- no friends, boyfriends/girlfriends, spouses, kids, other family, etc. Just us. And it was so awesome - we laughed and laughed and laughed. What an amazing gift. I am good - no other gifts needed this birthday year. I have all I'll ever need - family, friends and lots of love and laughter. Thank you, Cayce, for arranging this surprise and for keeping this surprise a surprise - I love you!!!

classes posted...

Class lists were posted at 5 pm at the kids' elementary school today. This picture was taken at 5:02 pm. Madness!

orthodontist...

A visit to the orthodontist today meant molds of Cecily's mouth (as preparations were made for braces) and video game time for my boys. The nice thing about coming here is that noone complains - even the ones who aren't seeing the ortho. Love it!