Over thinking things...

The blog falls behind when I over think posts.

And I don't post because its "not enough" or not worthy of a full long post.

Lots of fun goals for 2013 around here. And that's gonna mean quick fun posts!! Can't wait!!

Kids Sail Free

What do you mean, "we don't get gifts"???

So, I heard a conversation tonight, and her voice just rings in my ear.

 It was a few people chatting about "teacher's gifts" and so they asked a teacher what she preferred. And she began talking about the ornaments that she has a bazillion of, but some of them she loves so much, because of that particular child.

Another talked about how she doesn't really like the "trinkets" but she encourages her parents in the room to purchase books for the classroom library. And the teacher also commented about how she likes to receive "edible giftables"

And then there was another teacher, and someone asked her opinion. She quickly replied "I teach High School. We don't get gifts"

 WHAT!!!!!!!! Hold THE BUS! What do you mean? You don't get gifts? Are you telling me that parents of High Schoolers are so disconnected, that they don't tell their children's teachers Thank You?
 Seriously. Well, the sad part is, I already knew this. Mason's freshman year, I went and put cookies in ALL of the High School teachers boxes. There aren't that many.

Maybe 30 or so.

I had baked cookies. And put 2 to a bag.
TWO.

Yes, count them. 1 & 2.

(Do you know how long it takes to bake 60 cookies?! Like...um, no time! and then tie some cheap curling ribbon?!)


And I had an alarming number of teachers tell me they had NEVER received a Christmas gift in their entire High School Teaching career?

Unbelievable.

These are the teachers that help influence our children's career choice.

These are the teachers that teach them a foreign language, to equip them and help make them marketable to Corporate America.

These are the teachers that hug them when they break up with their first love....or that take care of them when they are sick, but NEED to be at school so they don't miss a huge exam.

You seriously, can't bake them a cookie.

Or buy them a dollar box of candy?

Come on now!

So, all of that to say this.

As Mason's High School career draws to a close....I realize just the value in all of years of doing this.

13 years.

Yes, 13 years and every year I have baked cookies, dipped spoons, chocolate dipped pretzels, or whatever I was feeling crafty enough to do.

And no, I am NOT bragging on myself, but am honestly thankful that I took the time.

Christmas time is frantic at our house.

And I would be willing to be that 11 of the 13 years...I was up late at night, finishing them in a quiet house, while my other 3 were nestled away (NOT helping!)

But, each  year, my boys write on the tags.

And they tell me how many teachers, coaches, janitors, office workers, etc that they want to give "gifts" to...and then they go in that morning with a bag full of goodies!

And they come with nothing! And they are always ready to tell me that so&so loved it...or Mrs. Whatever said she LOVES cookies, etc

I can only hope that my children and their wives will follow in this tradition...and maybe one day their teacher will say "I teach High School...and our kids are taught to appreciate us!"

You see...what had happened was...

Let me set the scene....

It was a dark and stormy night.........

Ok. Ok.
Tuesday morning, 5:30am. Dark as soot up here where I live! Pouring down rain.

And, the best part.....I'm VERY stubborn. I know I know. Shocker!!

So, my mom was gonna drop me off at the airport, on my way to Walt Disney World for work.

So...I decided to use the side porch (that we never use because the steps are awful)

Yes. You can already see where this is headed...

Anyways, I digress.

It was raining. Like. Pouring. I was in a hurry. So I decided to only make ONE trip to the car.

So. I grabbed my suitcase, my carrying bag, and out the door I went.

Step one, step two, and set my suitcase on the ground and BAM!!!!

No step three!

I just stepped straight down to the ground and my ankle went as far under me as possible.

I screamed like a little girl that just meet Justin Beiber!!!!

So loud that mason, who was upstairs, in the bathroom getting ready, heard me and came running outside.

Needless to say, I screamed, cried, regrouped grabbed an ankle brace and dashed out the door.
Throbbing.
Like a beast.

As soon as we landed I called my doc (who is awesome, btw)

(foot...about 3 hours after the "incident")

He assured me it wasn't broken.
Take care of business, wrap it tight, lots of ibuprofen, Ice, and stay off of it.....

Um....has he never been to Walt Disney World?!?!

Ok. So 862 miles of walking, later :)

(the next morning)

And in every single pic we took, I have this crazy, my-leg-doesnt-need-to-touch-the-ground thing going on.



I went to see him as soon as we got back home.

Just before going to the doc...

And now....the boot!

GRRR....

Nah, I didn't do this...but it was fun to pose for a photo opp :)

Good cereal...free movies! What's not to love?!

Move over busy schedule – It’s Movie Time, brought to you by General Mills. Now we know that a family night out might feel impossible right now. Whether it’s preparing for the holidays or managing the kid’s busy schedules, it can be difficult to find time to get out of the house for some family fun. Well, General Mills is willing to make it easier to catch the latest blockbuster just by eating their delicious cereal!

For a limited time enjoying a night out at the movies is as simple as enjoying your favorite cereals from General Mills.  With the recent releases of Breaking Dawn – Part II and Wreck-It-Ralph, it’s time to spread the word that you can all go to the movies for free. Here’s how it works: For a limited time (11/08/2012 – 12/06/2013) you can receive a free movie ticket when you purchase two specially marked packages of General Mills cereals including Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Trix, Cocoa Puffs, Golden Grahams, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Puffs. After purchasing two participating cereals, visit www.generalmills.com/moviecash to enter the unique code found inside each box of cereal and print-off your free Movie Cash certificate (good for one admission of up to a $12 value at participating theaters). To find a participating movie theater in your area log onto: www.emoviecash.com/dis_locator/ Here's the fun part! I'm doing a giveaway!!!   Your gift pack will contain: Two free movie tickets A free box of General Mills Cereal brands participating in the promotion All you have to do is leave a comment, and let me know what is YOUR favorite General Mills cereal...and what upcoming movie do you want to see? **And then, bonus entries if you 1. "like" Main Street Memories on facebook.  2. Follow me on twitter: @iPlanDisney  Ready. Set. Comment!

All good things must come to an end.

(photo credit to my Sissy)

This photo Is the perfect reflection of how I feel this morning. You can't see my tears.

But what you can see is a Mama so proud. Not just proud of my #50. Proud of all of them. Like they are my very own.

 I'm not sad because they lost.

I mean, yes, like Mason said...you always wish you could go one more round. But...

Come on. The played Hoover. It's like saying you fought Mahamad Ali. Or that you swam with Michael Phelps.

They played AT Regions Park. Under the lights.

They made it to round 2, when half of the nation was at home. Wishing they would have.

This year alone:
They buried a teammate
Battled numerous injuries
Lost several starters to injuries
Attend the funeral of their Coach's father, as a team
BEAT OXFORD
And made it to Round 2 in the state playoffs. Something no Pell City Team has done in YEARS!!!


But most of all, they found that brotherhood that many men before them have found in this sport, and that's why it's the game it is.

As a girl, I never really "got it". And even when Mason came in that freshman year and said he wanted to go out for Spring Training. I fought it.He wanted to play, his Daddy wanted him to play, and I wanted him to stay home and cuddle with me...and not get hurt ;)

I'm so glad I lost that battle.

These are my boys.

MY BOYS.

And I'm not sad because they lost.

I'm sad because this chapter of our life has closed. And I won't have them every day. To love and hug.

I might not have a house fulla boys on Saturday mornings to feed.

I won't have Fridays full of psycho chaos. Chaos that I love.

So. I'm thankful for this picture. Of me. So proud of my boys.

And I guess my biggest question is...now what?!

Oh yeah...basketball starts Monday:)

a 20 minute recap.....

And so it all comes down to this.

A 20 minute recap of the entire football season.

And truthfully, the season isn't over yet, but we wanted the video ready for Senior Dinner, so, here it is.

I will add the events of today (Senior Day) and then the playoff games, and then it will be complete.

However, the funny thing is......

It's just so symbolic of time, and our lives.

How much we invest in every day, and how much we worry about the "small stuff" when truly, this is a 20 minute recap that begins with Picture Day, back in June.

June!

And here we are 5 months later....and all of the workouts, early mornings, hot afternoons, late Friday nights, painful Saturday mornings.

Yes, all of that...5 months, recapped in 20 minutes.

And so, yes, it is true what God tells us in His word.

Life is but a vapor.

And, as I watch the video, I am thankful.

Thankful for every second I got to spend with these boys.

Thankful for bandaids.
Thankful for Ibuprofen.
Thankful for the boys that wanted my lotion because they were "ashy"
Thankful that they know I love them to bits.

Yes, and even thankful for that blessed football program...and all of the blood, sweat, and tears ;)

I wouldn't trade a second of my "vapor" for these times.

Truly. The best days of our lives.

You have to teach them how...

Ok, so, I am participating again in the October, Photo-A-Day challenge, and well, I am glad I am.

Because I snapped this, this morning, I had just dashed in from my morning run, and we were about to dash right back out the door.

And Scott was putting the "finishing touches" on Chap for the day.

You see, it's picture day.

And, Chap is also in a "Men of Distinction" group at school. So, they dress up once a week. And, today, is that day.

So, Chap has been working on his TIE-ing skills :)

---------
And here's where the lesson comes in.

Scott always works on turning things into "teaching moments".
And he is very verbal about the fact that our kids have to be "taught" the simple skills in life.
Like, how to shake a man's hand.

You just aren't born knowing how to give a firm, solid, manly handshake.
As a matter of fact, at my age..ahem...I still don't know that skill. Why? Because I wasn't taught that skill..because I didn't need it.

you get me?

So, I digress.

Scott does a great job, and I am continually thankful for his role as a "teacher" to our boys. Teaching them life-skills to be men.

So, this morning, as they were getting ready, I think the best part about this, is the way that Chap is so focused and watching his Daddy, and maybe, I just wanna think that he was soaking it all in. Ya know?

-------
Now, if I could just get Scott to teach them how to wash dishes.....oh wait...I think I need to teach him first :)

Chronicles of Senior Year---one month down!

School started one month ago today! I can't believe it has already been a month.

In JUST ONE MONTH--
We have had the football Jamboree, and 3 season games.
(we are up 2-1, by the way!)

All of those have included a breakfast that morning.
One pep rally.

We have been to an Honors College banquet for the University of Alabama!!

He received his admission letter to the University of Alabama.

He received his first scholarship offer (praise the Lord!)

We have ordered his "traditional" invitations, all of his Senior Class of 2013 garb :)

We have submitted one scholarship application.

and what else?


And meanwhile, Chap has started running Cross Country. He has had two meets and another coming up this weekend.

He's had a few basketball practices in the the mix.

And he was the famous Emmit, the Panther at the first season Home Game!

All in all, we have had quite a busy 30 days, and wow! Time does zoom!

Please. Please. Let us stop...long enough to enjoy it!

I wrote love on my arm....

The sad truth is, as a sixth grader, suicide hurt me.

The thought that my Papa didn't feel like I loved him enough...to stick around. It hurt me so deep.

As an adult, I know is wasn't *me* that he was running from, and I know it wasn't *me* that didn't love him enough. But, somehow, it still makes me think, that maybe he just needed a little more love.

Or he just needed a reminder, that whatever it was, that was hurting him so deep in his heart, he could get through it. And in a day or so, he would be glad he didn't give up.

But, sadly. He did give up.

He lost his will to fight.

He let go.

And, he ended his own life. And today, that still hurts my heart.

I wish he could've met my kids. I wish they could've loved him.

I wish they could've sat on his porch,in that lawn chair, and enjoyed that big back yard with him.

I wish they could've held his hand like I did.

I wish they could've seen his endless stash of Izod clothes and socks.

Oh the izod socks.

So many things that suicide took away from us all.

So, today. I write love on my arms.

And I am posting it here, and twitter, and facebook.

And I hope that if someone that I love sees this, it will BURN this image into their heart, so that when you think you want to give up. You won't do it.

 

 

Haters are a part of the process....

It seems that lately, I am in an effort to refocus myself, and the relationships that surround me, and that I find myself engulfed in, and those that I find myself in a state of constant people-pleasing, and always-on....

and we all know how much I love my girl, Oprah.

Well, I am also very fond of TD Jakes. What a wise, wise man, with such a knack for speaking the truth, with a go-ahead fashion.

"Haters are a part of the process", he says. And I so very much love the part about finding your relationships in a non-public forum.

The world doesn't understand me. The world doesn't "get" me, and truth be known, the world doesn't care.

Just those few that I hold near and dear.
And I guess with age, and with life experiences, those have even lessened.

So, catch this segment, from Oprah's life class. I am mostly blogging it, so that I can refer back to it, on days when I need it.

Exclusive Webisode: Bishop T.D. Jakes on People-Pleasing

During the commercial break, Oprah talks about why many women struggle with what she calls the disease to please. Find out how Bishop T.D. Jakes advises you move forward and live with those who may try to hold you back.

Passing the torch...

 I could almost get teary-eyed looking at this photo.

This was taken at Graduation, 2012.

Graduation when the sweet Brady was graduating, and my dear friend, and fellow Panther Mom, Wendy, would be sending her sweet guy off on a new adventure.

What a great, fine young man she has in Brady, and in his big brother, Brett.

Throughout the past several years, I have looked to Wendy for advice. For words of wisdom. For sweet encouragement, or just for a little bit of glitter, as she too knows what it is like to live in a house of 3 guys, lots of stinky clothes, girlfriends taking away their time, many many trips to the grocery store to restock, but lots of hugs and snuggles too.

I can't even count the times that I have listened to every piece of advice she has to offer, listened so intently, because I knew she had already traveled the path I was wrangling my way through at the time.

I have cried many tears to her, and she has been so gut-straight honest.

And so, it brings me to this.

These Panther earrings.

She brought them to me at graduation, the official night that Mason becomes a Senior, and she "passed the torch" to me.

Oh, my goodness. Even now, it just put a lump in my belly!

The pressure!

She passed these to me, as I still have several years to go in the Panther Stands.

Oh, sweet Wendy. I treasure them so, and I thank you for loving me as much as you have in these past years. I can only hope that my two sweet guys turn out half as wonderful as yours.
-----

So, I knew that I had to wear them to the games, so I added the Panther to my necklace!

And I am so very much in love with it! I can't wait to sport it at every game!

And I don't regret it one bit....

So, here's the whole story. From the beginning.

Let's go back a bit...

It started back in March.

I was invited to an Awards event. For work.

Now, the thing you must know, is that I was crazy, crazy honored. Just to be asked to attend. Much less to realize that it was an award, to recognize my achievement as a "professional".

Scott always says "numbers are how you measure the success of something"----and that is him speaking from a work perspective, not necessarily a life perspective.

So, this particular award, is a "numbers" award. An award to recognize my achievement as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, something that I feel like I have worked very hard to achieve at Main Street Memories.

If I look back on my life, I have achieved many, many, many things.
I have taught both of my kids to read.
I have taught both of them to tie their shoes (even though I am left handed and they are right)
I sang that "color songs" with both of my boys, and helped them learn their colors at the crisp, young age of 5.
I was there, when my 3rd grader won the "Trash Art" project, because I helped him think outside of the box.
I have seen both of my children get their SAT grades, and just marvel at their scores, and how they measure up. And that, I feel like it was an achievement.
 Both of my children were tapped into the Beta Club. Achievement.
I was there when both of my boys asked Jesus into their heart, to be their Lord and Savior.
----You see, this list goes on and on and on.

But, truly, nothing that I would say is considered "success" in the eyes of the world.

Anyways, moving on.

So, I was invited to attend this event.

-----
And then, July 3rd, I qualified to run for Board of Education.

And I knew that day, that I would be out of town.

YES!!!!!! GASP!!!!!!! Out of town on the day of the election!!

And so, that brings me to today.

--------------

For the last few days, truly, I have been a bundle of nerves.

We landed in Hawaii---oh wait! Did I fail to mention that my "work event" was in Hawaii. Yes, it is.
At Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa.

So, anyways, we landed in Hawaii on Saturday, after a BEAST of a 9+ hour, direct flight.

 Yes, we look tired. I know. It's ok.

We received a "lei greeting" as soon as we stepped off of the plane.

We did a little chill that night, and then the next morning, I woke up to this:

 

Don't hate. It's ok. This was my balcony view. And honestly, I was humbled at the opportunity.

So, ok, let's get back to this election.  So, Monday, I totally struggled. And truthfully, I might have made the people around me miserable, as I just couldn't get my emotions in check. And I just couldn't decide if I was supposed to feel guilty for being here, or guilty for not being there, or just happy to be here or what?

And so, then this morning (Tuesday) yes, that's right. I had breakfast with this guy! Hallelujah.

It is like all of stars were in perfect alignment, and I felt safe and at home. 

Seriously, crazy, I know. And not too many people "get it" but really, I needed some of the Mouse in my life today.

  

So, then, as the day goes on, the nerves start to rumble inside of me. And I just had to come to peace with it. And just know, and just remind myself over and over, that the truth of it is that God already knows the outcome.

God has a plan. And no matter the outcome of these votes, He is in control. Thankfully.

And so, it came. 2pm. (well, 2pm here was 7pm at home) and then 2:30 and then 2:40....and I honestly felt like I was going to internally combust.

Poor Susie for having to deal with me thru all of this.

Anyways, and so the results came, and they weren't as I had hoped.

And well, as much as I wanna say that "yay, it's ok" and "oh, it's fine" and blah blah blah. The truth is, I'm kinda sad about the whole thing. 

And I'm not really sad because the other guy won, I think I'm just sad because I know that I woulda gave it my whole heart. And I know that I woulda been the very very best me that I could be. And, I honestly know how bad I wanted it, so that I could help make things great.

------------

But, in the end. Now, about 5 hours later, here's where I am.

It's ok. 

I don't regret it all one bit.

Could I have done more? Yes. But, I spent the other day making cupcakes with Chap, and I don't regret NOT going door-to-door at that time.

Could I have bought yard signs? Yes. But we went to Walt Disney World for a family vacation this summer. And I don't regret spending that money instead.

Could I have been at the Civic Center today? Yes. But, I don't regret being here at "work" in Hawaii, feeling accomplished for something that I have worked very hard it.

So, I guess all in all, I just needed to get it all out.

Here it is.

I'm in Hawaii.

And I'm so very thankful for the people that voted for me, and believed in me.

But, I am also thankful that God has afforded me some other opportunities too.

--------

Oh, and then I got a little FaceTime from these three guys. And they all three just wanted to let me know that they were sorry that I lost, and they are proud of me just the same.

-----

And so to end the conversation Chap says "and Mom, look on the bright side...you lost...but you're in Hawaii"

That kid speaks the truth!

My rear view...

I was ok.
No really. I was.
He hugged me. I wished him a great day. I took lots of pictures. And they both let me.

No arguing. No complaining. They know me. They "get" me.

And Chap and I got in my car. And he got in his. And as we approached the high school. I got a big lump in my throat. Knowing that I wasn't dropping him off for this monumental day.
Day one. Senior year.

And then.
I glanced in my rear view. And I spotted him.
All on his own.
And man.....
It got me.

Like such a perfect picture.
He's growing up. He's gaining independence. And isn't that what I had hoped for.
Isn't this what you spend those early years doing? Teaching lessons of independence.
But then. In my rear view.
So very appropriate.
It was like I saw it all in a glance. All in my rear view.
Kindergarten. And Mrs Whitten. And tying shoes. And learning letters. And making school projects. And junior high. And field days. And lunch boxes.
There it all is.
All wrapped up in that white Ford Explorer.
Goodness I'm so thankful for the sweet guy he is. And how much he loves me, and loves Jesus, and loves life in his own quiet way.
But as I watched him zip into that parking lot, it was more than I could take.
Praying. With all that is within me, for the best year ever.

Oreo love

I just wasn't prepared...

So, tonight was was the visitation service for the 18-year-old. Sweet Jacob Cross.

We had the service at our church.

I wasn't prepared. Actually, I never gave it one second of thought.

Not one second.

Why did it not cross my mind?

For the last two days, I have been so thankful that it was going to be at our church. Because it is a sanctuary. A safe place. Not a cold funeral home.

Those boys need Jesus and His peace with them right now. I have been so thankful for that. That they would feel safe, at this time.

But, it never once crossed my mind, that Kendall's service was also there. Not once. I guess I was so caught up with thinking of them, that I didn't see the bigger picture (and I am usually pretty good at that).

And then.

As I turned into that side door. The same side door we entered.

We went down that aisle. The same aisle.

And at the foot of the sanctuary, the flowers greeted me before I could approach the family. And as I stood with them just ahead of me. It was a vision that I truly believe I have blocked from every emotion that I have.

I had no idea.

Oh, and as I approached his mom, I felt their pain. I felt their feet hurt from standing. I knew their eyes were sore from rubbing with endless amounts of cheap kleenex. I knew they were tired of having that first "I am so sorry" encounter with people that they loved. I knew that they felt awkward when it was someone that they didn't know. Or someone that was obviously grieving heavily. Almost as if the family had to comfort THEM.

I understood. And I wished I could take it from them. I wished I could make it better.

And then as I watched each boy, sign the casket with a Sharpie, and then hug the parents, and then turn to exit, and catch that lump in their throat. Oh, how I wanted to squeeze each of them. And some, I did.

As I turned to exit myself, that overwhelming, powerful, suffocate my chest, and I almost couldn't breathe feeling...it returned to me. And as I stepped closer to the door, I remembered leaving the church. And leaving, knowing that I was leaving her at that foot of that sanctuary.

It was hard to take those steps to exit that day.
And it was hard today.

A flood of emotions I wasn't prepared.

And then in the foyer, to see all of those sweet tough boys, crying on each other shoulders, pounding their buddies backs, it hurt me.

What an overwhelming sense of pride I had for them. Proud of their team. Proud of their brotherhood.

I am not sure I have ever been as broken of a mom.

I just wasn't prepared.

And I am not sure tomorrow will be any easier.

I am ok with being "that mom".....

It's 3:42 am. And I can't sleep.
As I sit pouring over photos, looking thru the BAZILLION pictures that I took during Football Season, I can't help but remember how many times the guys whined like baby girls :

"come on, don't take another picture"
"hey, look, there's Smith's mom again, with the camera"
"Oh my gosh, you are NOT taking a picture of that"

And then last night, as I took some pictures to a mother, grieving the loss of her 18 year old, and teammate of Mason's.....I can't help but hear that over and over in mind.

As I gave her the pictures. One by one. Because she couldn't handle more than one at a time.
She touched them. She held them. She rubbed his face. She cried out with a voice that no mother should ever project.
And at that very moment, with the trembling in her lips, she said "this is all I have left"
It chills my arms as I type.

This. Is. All. I. Have. Left.

Yes, isn't it true.

No one wants to have their picture taken. And no one wants to be IN a picture. And NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE wants to see "that mom" coming with camera quick at the ready on my shoulder.

But, then, in the end, it's all you have left. Yes, you have your memories. But they jump out at you if they are captured in a photo.

You can see their twinkle in their eye. You can see the way that one little hair always curled wrong. You can see that scar from when they fell riding their bike, and you were so sad that they would have a scar. And now you are so thankful for that scar, because it shows character.

And so, as I approach Mason's Senior Year, and all of the memories that lie ahead, already in progress, and soon a part of his past, and then Chap quickly approaching....I think my motto for the next few years will be this....

Watch out boys, am 100% ok with being "that mom"
Now lemme go stock up on a few memory cards :)

4th of July 5k

So Michele Seay started a local 5k a few years ago. And it has become a4th of July tradition for us.
No bibs. No real clock. Just some neighborhood fun. Followed by a kids parade.
She does a great job with the post race and a little bit of festivities and it's really just a good way to start the day!

This year Scott carried the flag for Mlke 2. Very cool.

Mary Kay Lash Love

I was asked to take Mary Kay's Lash Love waterproof mascara on a run! 5 miles later my eyes are still fully covered.
Sweat. Nope.
Eye rubbing. Nope.
Still there!!!

Swoon! I'm in love!!

Next I think I'll take it for a swim :)

runDisney is on Twitter

 

As much as we tweet @DisneySports, it is so exciting to see @runDisney hit the twitterverse.....so, if you aren't following them, go ahead. Look them up!

They are the true meaning to the word "Happiest Race on Earth"

**and tell them #ThoseAlabamaGirls sent ya ;)

Habitat for Humanity--Panther Style

So proud of these guys for spending one of their off days from school, pitching in to help on this Habitat for Humanity House. They were there early, and then spent the better part of the day putting up walls.

 When they arrived at the worksite, there was just a floor base, and when they left, all 4 of the walls were up, and set in place. The mom that would be receiving this house was there to also help lend a hand and she was ever thankful for these guys.
As a mom, I am so thankful that he is part of a team that works hard to give back to the community! Go Panthers!

Your life in an occasion...

I was "piddling" in my bedroom, and the tv was on...just background noise...and it was left on, from another show that was on earlier.

Anyways, I had no idea what the show was or anything, but I heard the guy say this quote, and it jumped out at me, like a firework!

WHAT?!

I love this quote. Your life is an occasion...Rise to it!

Ahh, I am not sure why this rang out to me so vividly, but I am posting this everywhere possible, so that I can be reminded to live it, and embrace it, and make it great!

Ahh...I love little random tidbits like these!

Instagram..Photo A Day

Watch out! I am so proud of me!

I did the May photo-a-day challenge (and i missed one day!)

BUT---HERE'S THE BEST PART---

I uploaded my pics to Shutterfly, and made a book...AND ORDERED IT!!!! Yay me!

You can view it right here! So, come join the June challenge with us...

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly baby photo books are the perfect way to preserve your baby's precious moments.

Yippee!!!

Remember this post? I love that these guys like to have a little bit of fun with life!

And, watching them grow....even as they jump!

So, another door closes, and we are finished with Intermediate School...and moving right on over to Jr. High.

The summer of lasts....starts right now!

 

As we watched the graduates of 2012 walk the field tonite, I was so proud of them. And the people that they don't even know that they are yet.

I also was watching, and soaking it all in......knowing that in LESS than 365 days, my big guy will be walking that same field.

Wrapping it all up. In one nice, and tidy package...with a tassel.

So, let's start RIGHT NOW.

One thing I do know for sure, is this: we have a year of so many emotions and moments ahead of us.

So many firsts. So many lasts. So many ONLYs.

 

Because we don't know what next summer holds, with potential colleges, welcome events, jobs, summer programs, etc

We plan to start right now. Making the most of every single second.

We plan to vacation like never before. We plan to spend lots of time "playing" and enjoying these days, and quite honestly, just spending as much "the 4 of us" time as we can.

Yes, there is lots of work to be done, and lots of things to take care of, but we also want to make the very most of these days as we can.

So, Sweet Summahtime...you are welcome here!!!

Let's do this!