Happy 15 Years!

Well .... today marks 15 years married to my best friend. I just thought it would be fun to share some wedding pictures and rather than buy a card, write a card :)

I understand that not everyone has a marriage that absolutely makes their life. I recently heard someone say that no man can ever complete a woman.. that's just a line from a movie. I have to say I completely disagree. I guess not everyone finds someone who makes them feel complete, but I did and I'm so thankful.

I've been spending some time looking back at old pictures and remembering all we've been through. You know, pictures seem to always show the smiles and the laughs and the posed moments, but we both can look through the picture and remember the not so happy moments and the times when things weren't just great. The things that only you and I know. The moments that pulled us together and brought us to this place. I'm so thankful that when we had those moments and when we have more of those moments, we'll be together to fight through them as a team.

I had no idea 18 years ago when we met how much that precious moment would impact the rest of my life. I'm so glad I didn't because the surprises along the way have been so much fun.

Thank you for being an awesome best friend, for always supporting and defending me, for forgiving me when needed, for providing for me, for standing next to me and holding me when things hurt, for loving me unconditionally and for having mercy on me:). I love you with all my heart. Happy 15th.. Here's to many more.

Mother/Daughter Weekend

So as the boys were gone camping, the girls and I enjoyed a weekend home together. It was quiet and clean and a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of soccer and football games.



We did lots of shopping, spent too much, and saw a Chick Flick with the sweet Durands. Kate danced at the fair with her dance company, so I thought I'd share some pictures. Caroline tumbles tomorrow night at the fair, so I'll just upload a picture of her then :)

Father/Son Camping Trip

So this weekend was the annual Father/Son Camping Trip that Chad takes the boys on. I thought I'd share some pictures. I don't know that I can write much since I wasn't there, but I understand that they had a great time and truly enjoyed being out together.

They went to Mineral Wells, Tx about 2.5 hrs away. Another Dad brought a huge grill, so they ate in style all weekend. Homeade everything right out in the wilderness. With tents and sleeping bags and all. Chad says the campfire was the favorite.



They also went rock climbing and saw some gorgeous views from very high. The boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to going again next year.

It's the One on One time

So I'm sitting here writing.. the house is quiet... all except for one little girl sitting behind me in her zebra snuggie reading her library book and eating a spoonful of cookie dough.. I know. It's 10:15pm, but who cares. She's skinny, I've only spent 2 hours in her presence today, and I just don't care if she's up late eating cookie dough. I'm just enjoying being with her.


It's just a reminder to me that the small moments of one on one time are so precious. As a mother of four and the youngest of four,I feel like I am qualified to discuss the signifigance of one on one time in large families.

I can remember times that my mother spent with me away from the others. Time that was JUST the two of us. No fighting for her attention while my sister was yaking or my brother cutting up.. just us. Once I remember my mom rocking me while she watched MASH. I was much too old to be rocked, but I remember loving it and hoping it wouldn't end. I also remember a time or two that she checked me out of school for a dentist appointment. My favorite thing was our lunchtime afterward. Just us!

With four semi little kids, I try so hard to savor those moments. Last week I stole Cort after school and took him to Starbucks. At first he kinda looked at me like I was crazy, but once he got his Chocolate Chippity Frappucino and got involved in talking to me, he was pretty happy with the choice.

Clayton gets his mommy time every Monday and Friday. He's enjoying his last year as a Preschooler. And Kate, well, she kinda gets it often because she comes and finds me and is old enough to enjoy whatever I'm doing. Usually it's an hour of "Say Yes to the Dress". And Caroline, well, we have to work on it. She lives a crazy life with her gym, but somehow we manage to find the time.

Now, I'm not going to lie. There are plenty of moments when I hear "Mommy.. will you read my book... Or Mommy, will you lay with me... Or Mommy will you go for a bike ride" that I just shutter and say "not now"... and I usually regret it later because I know it was important to that child. But, I'm doing my best and pray that they see that.

And last but not least, Daddy gets his one on one time too! It usually is a little harder for him with four needy kids, but we make it all work. All I can do is thank God for the time he multiplies for me and the precious moments as they come.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Daddy just turned 39 on Sunday. One more year, Honey! For his birthday his mom came down. We went to Ninfas and to Ritchies to let him pick out some Cowboy boots. He got some gorgeous boots that he's so proud of. After a little monster cake and a few other gifts, we called it a day and celebrated Daddy. Happy Birthday, Baby!

Cort's First Football Game

As if Cort needs another sport... he's decided to play football. I was just a little too apprehensive to let him play tackle so young, so we went with flag football at the Woodway Family Center. He LOVES it! Tonight was his first game.



His team, The Cobras, played The Longhorns and won 12 to 8. Cort scored a touchdown which was so fun to watch. He ran around... cut back.. and in the end zone he went. After that he did a little celebrating in the end zone, of course. He also came very close to intercepting a pass and made some really great blocks for his teammate to score another touchdown. Needless to say, he was pretty excited and has found yet another sport that he just can't live without. Looks like we're adding another to the schedule.


Just moments after his football game he asked to go out to where his baseball team was playing and cheer them on for the remainder of the game. They won 7 to 5.. at which time Cort said.. well... it looks like the Tigers can win without me :)

The Boys First Major League Game

This year for father's day I decided to surprise both my dad and Chad with 4 tickets to see the Chicago Cubs play the Houston Astros. This was a little selfish on my part because it ensured a visit with my parents.



Mom and Dad met us in Kemah, Tx where we spent the night at the Boardwalk Inn, then traveled over to Houston for the Astros Game the next day. The guys went to the game while the girls shopped. It was a perfect match for all of us.

Clayton even got a game ball. He was so cute and SOoO excited.