Field Day!

Ah, Field Day, the time of year when you know school is about to move aside for summer. Also, the time of year when your daughter puts her shoes on for the first time in months (she wears flip slops usually), only to realize they are a wee on the snug side. Live and learn, Renee. Live and learn.

We were armed with our lime green shirts to support Charly for her big field day event. I always looked forward to field day when I was a kid and I know she did too! Her events were softball throw, hit and the 50m run. She did a couple of other events as well but I had to take poor little Piper home early. Allergies have gotten the best of her the past couple of days.

 It is always a treat to watch Charly interact and smile with her fellow classmates.

Here she is doing the softball pitch.....yeah, we need to work on that with her. LOL 

And, yes that is her ball almost directly above her head.  What can I say, baseball isn't her sport. Speaking of sports, this mom of three girls is actively taking her foot out of her mouth as we are about to take part of.....are you ready for this?..........*C*H*E*E*R*

Yes, you read that right! Not sure when I will learn to keep my big mouth shut when it comes to saying things I will "never" let the girls do. I was literally having a conversation about cheer leading a few months back with my sister in law. It was something I was absolutely set on not encouraging. I should have know that our little family field trip to the Armed Forces Bowl would inspire one of our lovely daughters to want to become a BYU cheer leader when she grows up. Well, guess who has those aspirations? Yep, it's Charly. I must say, the idea of her wanting to go to BYU and cheer for them is a pretty great goal to have, even at this young age, so of course we are going to encourage her and support her in this new activity!  Here's to hoping her quiet front she puts on opens up to one, loud mouthed, energetic cheerleader! Goooooooo, CHARLY!

Can someone please tell me how all the sudden I'm staring at the face of an eight year old girl who is definitely not a baby anymore. I know it sounds cliche, but it's so true what them old folks say about time flying by. Sometimes I look at Charly and can't even believe the beautiful, confident, tan, little girl who is staring back at me. This is unreal!

As for Piper, we I took the big step and enrolled her into kindergarten for the fall. A part of me is relieved but there is always doubt that tries to creep in on our choice of schooling for the time being. To an outsider it makes perfect sense. To me it makes almost zero sense. But, for now, this is the path we are on. 

I try really hard not to sit and think of all the things I dislike about public school, about all the reasons I am a big huge quitter, a failure....... It's hard. 

Then, I am reminded of all the strides our girls are making. Like, when Piper scaled the wall at the Spring Fling, totally leaving the older kids in the dust. She pretty much has the confidence of a leader! Piper rocks! Get it? Rocks? {Insert laugh here}

And, Winnie. Oh, Winnie! Cutest little baby with her daddy's baseball cap on. EVER! Winnie is officially the same age as Piper was when we moved here. Now there is some perspective for ya!

Mother's Day

With our house for sale I often daydream of cooler climates, greener scenery and that day when Nate comes running through the door (OK, he would never be THAT enthusiastic, LOL) with the news of a job advancement that would take our family out west. Even though I love the idea, I'm still not sure if I'm ready to pack up and move.....which is probably why I am not too concerned that there has been next to no interest on our house. 

We would be leaving behind a HUGE part of our life here.

For now, here we are. Six hours from my family who we get to see pretty much whenever we want. Six hours away from my mom and sister who came up for Mother's day to hear Charly and Piper sing during sacrament with the rest of the primary class who I get the pleasure of leading. (Yep, I lead music. I am learning as I go, but seriously, this has got to be the goldmine of church callings. I LOVE IT!!)

Seriously though, it is so nice to know there is only six hours separating us from the Rich/Crenshaws.

To Mickey, With Love {A Charming Son's Blog About His Lovely Mom}

{The following is a love letter from my darling husband to his lovely mom, a special and dear woman whom much credit is due for raising this amazing man}

In case you didn’t already know, my mom is truly an amazing person.  She has always been a beautiful person, both inside, and out.

Check her out here, "pre-me" wearing this stylish, floral dress, and her beautiful long locks.

Family has always been top priority to my mom.   I never once doubted her love to me as  she has always made me feel loved and important. My mom made sure to teach me the importance of family and made it a priority to make sure that I knew and loved all of them.

She always took time from her day to spend time with me.  I remember countless trips to grandma and grandpa’s house where we played in the yard, swam in the pool and played games.   

Check out her “Farrah Fawcett” like updo as we just came back from a dog show practice and went to visit my grandparents.  She is definitely a “cool” mom.

Mom also showed me the beauties of nature and, just like in this picture, she took many trips to the mountains with me to play and frolic (Yeah, I just said "frolic") though the mountains.  I remember playing in the river and finding cool things to show her like rocks, bugs and other things.  She taught me about the wilderness and how to respect it.

Holidays were always a fun time with my mom.   Halloween was the best! My mom wouldn’t hesitate to dress up as a “Bad A” punk rocker lady!  Again, she is so cool.

I know that my mom was a great role model to me as a kid. Today, she still is and will continue to be someone I look up to.  We may not get to talk as much as we used to and we definitely don’t see each other as much as I’d like (because I live in the “deep south” of Texas). 

She has been a great mother-in-law/friend to my lovely wife Renée and shows great love and devotion to my girls.  I know she is a great grandma and I know my girls know this as well!  They always love going to her house and spending time with her and Kim. They are the best Nascar Lovin' grandparents, after all.

She is probably the biggest animal lover I know and whether it was raising dogs, corralling cats or painstakingly making sure that every spider in the house found it safely outside unharmed, mom taught me to respect and love ALL creatures, (even the ones that may bite you). 

Not pictured our many moments of helping mom at school and learning how great a teacher she was and still is.  She spent countless hours teaching me everything, from academics to life issues.  But her love was so great, she touched the hearts of many kids she taught at school.  She was also like a second mother to my friends growing up on Madison.  I remember my friends telling me how lucky I was to have her as my mom; of course I already knew that and remember responding with a usually “duh”, or “yeah, I know”.

She has always been a great example to me.  In particular, she is so kind to everyone and always showed respect to people.  A great example was when her heart was broken when my parents divorced, and even though it probably would be easier to have contention towards my dad, she showed the complete opposite.  She knew it was better for me to see my parents as friends if they couldn’t be together.

I could write a book about all the memories I have of mom and will finish it off with the fact that she is a great mom who loves me and loves family.  I am blessed and know that I she was sent to be my mom from a divine power.

Howard W. Hunter said once that, “Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind.”

I know that this quote is true and believe it wholeheartedly.

I love you mom and I hope that you know how special you are to my family and I.

Happy Mother’s Day, and I really do miss you and hope someday we will live closer together again.

Love Always,

Nate

PS Mickey, We really do love you so much and your forgiving heart has been a great example to me especially! You and I have been through quite a lot and what a blessing it is to have your presence in our daily lives.....You have given me a priceless gift with Nathan!  I am one lucky gal to have married him, and to hold a spot in your family!  I couldn't ask for a more loving mother in law that the one I've found in you!

Renée 

Blues Baby

Sometimes our little, delicious baby stands at the back door, banging to be let out, while her big sisters play peek-a-boo from outside. 

I imagine she daydreams of frolicking with them amongst the chicken, cats and Shelby without momma nearby to steer her clear of any dangers. Soon, Winnie. Soon.

But, for now, Winnie must be content laying in the bean bag Piper put her in for the 100th time, while playing the blues on the harmonica. What a life this baby leads.