tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27485734510135245322024-03-18T04:20:29.981-05:00The Queen of the Kingsfairy tales of a royal working mom...The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.comBlogger1960125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-23233791020345614182023-02-22T12:39:00.000-06:002023-02-22T12:39:12.505-06:00Happy birthday, Momma<p> Hey, Momma!</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy birthday! </p><p><br /></p><p>We love celebrating you - I mean, there is nothing easier in the world that celebrating a loving, caring, giving, selfless person like you. And you know what else you are? </p><p>Strong.<br />Brilliant.<br />Beautiful.<br />Supportive.</p><p>I know this birthday is going to be hard. I know the next 20 birthdays are going to be hard. But I also know that YOU are worth celebrating big. Even if it feels and looks different than any birthday you've had for the past 55 years with Dad. He wants us to celebrate you because he was so proud to be yours. He was so grateful to be loved by you. And we are, too. This year even more so. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5Bb4WWwoYVCqkR42la0qF595hwwEBQwmjmbWUp9IK1APjap7ltIgbhDqLruT2SGAS-jBg4g-aFfbhu4oM7FyS7FkJnAN0M2oDj8O33ABWuH7kVp9H4CT5Xvd3Tvlef86dAfs6w5n-BpwoibruTQWGrPLtex4-bLw1a-sKT_cMHes0wSIx-VAsznErw/s818/Subject.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="818" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5Bb4WWwoYVCqkR42la0qF595hwwEBQwmjmbWUp9IK1APjap7ltIgbhDqLruT2SGAS-jBg4g-aFfbhu4oM7FyS7FkJnAN0M2oDj8O33ABWuH7kVp9H4CT5Xvd3Tvlef86dAfs6w5n-BpwoibruTQWGrPLtex4-bLw1a-sKT_cMHes0wSIx-VAsznErw/w400-h319/Subject.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>You've amazed me for my entire life. You're patient with all of us. You're funny when you get mad. (ok, so maybe we just laugh at you when you're mad). You are fiercely loyal and protective (just ask any sports referee). You want things to be fair. You want us to feel valued. You want us to be happy. You don't love it when any of us are mad or sad or generally inconvenienced (which is why you insist on skipping yourself in a game of Uno). </p><p>You've taught me the art of opening up my home to whoever needs a place to feel welcomed. I recognize the importance of "the more the merrier" and always cook more than I need to just in case. I never feel guilty about ordering the ice cream. I've made it my goal to make sure my home is as inviting and welcoming as the one you raised us all in (including our friends). My fridge is stocked with soda. My pantry has sugary cereal and my snacks are always ready for as many hands that need one. ( I do draw the line at going to 4 different fast food restaurants but occasionally will call an audible and celebrate a "Gigi night"). </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;">I'm as hard on my kids' friends as I am on them because I love them like my own. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I cuss a little. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I prefer jeans and leggings to fancy dresses. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I wear hardly any makeup. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I prefer baths to showers any day of the week. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I love a good pedicure. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I used reusable bags before they were cool. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Bread is my bestie. </p><p style="text-align: left;">A target run with my best-friend can solve any problem. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I think Jesus is pretty cool but his followers annoy the heck out of me from time to time. </p></blockquote><p>Basically, I'm you.</p><p>All that I am, all that I hope to be, rests in the example you set for me. </p><p>You are a leader in every sense of the word. You have modeled the way for Jody, Jeremy and each of ours to grieve but keep going. To keep Christ at our core. To cry when we need to but to celebrate, too. To find joy within our own sorrow. </p><p>And we do. We will. Always.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_Fy7iM8WRDZ1gzhsP4trckLLGS-FHQlggBq9yqJxKPWPvSLwcxqP2dSEVKmDtSEUQ1u3YCBHX5bRMFaTsqwRWZvs8rkP3w9zWZCbZ-fcQRx-e_05AXlQ9voOY7lxNOOC1TCu2-3BlraqVN5-eAwAwcwaGK1uqWKLXMrUec-9VS75qEocC5XGjzcs5w/s4032/IMG_4957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_Fy7iM8WRDZ1gzhsP4trckLLGS-FHQlggBq9yqJxKPWPvSLwcxqP2dSEVKmDtSEUQ1u3YCBHX5bRMFaTsqwRWZvs8rkP3w9zWZCbZ-fcQRx-e_05AXlQ9voOY7lxNOOC1TCu2-3BlraqVN5-eAwAwcwaGK1uqWKLXMrUec-9VS75qEocC5XGjzcs5w/w480-h640/IMG_4957.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>We are so glad YOU were born and we take this day and all the days ahead being grateful for the gift of you as our momma. </p><p>I love you, Mom. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HJeeJITEuxood--gPxX0AfX1Se1UmLd9sVZSMfcBYpgh7Q03aq0mQMR3Ll27dKc2HPD0lZfMD3peqeaYDsuS72lWqUjxTTVXMreUnaJgXOpkBKCULCc0ySj8AwOkp6QNsnuWDPIoefNyuc9tS00ZQKc7mWCEiqCIYf6UVOW8z0qljCmeaFYsPZwcXA/s4032/IMG_4961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HJeeJITEuxood--gPxX0AfX1Se1UmLd9sVZSMfcBYpgh7Q03aq0mQMR3Ll27dKc2HPD0lZfMD3peqeaYDsuS72lWqUjxTTVXMreUnaJgXOpkBKCULCc0ySj8AwOkp6QNsnuWDPIoefNyuc9tS00ZQKc7mWCEiqCIYf6UVOW8z0qljCmeaFYsPZwcXA/w480-h640/IMG_4961.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Happy happy birthday!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-82022851444281955432022-12-20T07:34:00.001-06:002022-12-20T07:34:00.200-06:00Daddy Greg Honey<div style="text-align: left;">It's been one month since our world changed. <br />One month of catching my breath when I remember he's gone. <br />One month of silent tears at the most random times. <br />One month of thinking of life as before and after. <br />One month of the rest of our lives that will look different. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">26. That's the number of days between diagnosis and losing him. Such a jarring number to think of in those terms. But y'all... in those 26 days I experienced more love than some people get in a lifetime. I was witness to Mom living her vows out loud, just like she did every day, but in a way that was so beautiful and comforting to us. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I could share more about those days, and maybe one day I will. But today, I want to share about Daddy Greg Honey (a name he got from Jody when he was little). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>To begin with - my dad has seen the face of God. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Isn’t that amazing?! </b></div><div><br /></div><div>That could be the total of my words today. That is more than enough to say - he lived and loved and lead a life that allowed him to leave this earth and<b> see the face of God.</b> Amen indeed. </div><div><br /></div><div>But because I am who I am and he was who he was, you’re getting more than that from me. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I prepped to share these words at his service, I began to make a list of things I wanted people to know about Dad. Seems like a pretty impossible task… there is just too much for me to put into words. </div><div><br /></div><div>But as I reflected on the 43 years that I got to spend with him, a few things come to mind. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He valued community.</b> </div><div>Mom and Dad moved to Texas when she was pregnant with me and I think they were like a major popular new couple in town. My earliest childhood memories are filled with the little league fields, small groups at our home, and days at the swimming pool. With Dad in the center of it all - coaching teams, hosting kids, or letting us all pile on top of him. He was up for fun and never too old or too cool to be with us and our friends. He and mom taught us how to build a village that sustains us. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He was a good little Italian.</b> </div><div>One of my favorite stories about Dad is when they first moved to Waco and began attending this church, he looked through the directory and found the first “Italian name” in the directory - Ben Leonido. He called up Mr. Ben and let him know they were new Italians in town and asked if he wanted to meet at the back of the church after mass. Mr. Ben of course said yes. Well, after mass that week Dad went to the back of the church and looked all around for his new Italian friend. And then Mr. Ben showed up - a short Filipino man outstretched his hand, introduced himself to Dad and they were instantly best friends. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He hated being late.</b> </div><div>Bless his heart between his mom, my mom, and sometimes me he was hardly on time. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He was incredibly patient.</b> (See above). Whether he was teaching my brothers how to play tennis, mow the yard, tie a tie, or change a tire - he would keep doing it as long as it took not just until they got “it” right… but until they felt confident in themselves. He did the same for me, too. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He called me Princess</b>. </div><div>But he never made me feel too precious to get dirty or try new things or hang with the boys. He made sure I knew I was capable of whatever I wanted to do or accomplish while also making me feel cherished. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He hardly ever lost his temper.</b></div><div> Seriously … and we know how to push buttons in our house… but I don’t remember him ANGRY very often. We were disciplined for sure, but not with anger. And you would know when he was angry because he’d get a little bit of spit on his bottom lip - and that’s when we got scared. I only saw it twice. Once when I didn’t want to do my homework in the 4th grade and once when I was in college and Jeremy and I spent money on the credit card for some “home improvements” (which Dad knew was just an excuse to throw a party). And there was also that one time Jody drove to Baton Rouge in the middle of the night, but I’ll let him tell you that one. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He loved Elvis and LSU.</b> </div><div>A lot. He did this funny little dance any time Elvis came on and he loved letting me know that my Aggies were sadly never going to be as good as his Tigers. It only took us several years and 7 overtimes to finally beat them. One day when we were driving into Baton Rouge going over the bridge to our exit, Radley looked over to where the LSU campus is and said, “Pops… I made a decision. I’m going to LSU… And for a split second, my Dad was on cloud nine. and Radley finished by saying, “and then I’m going to a REAL college.”</div><div> </div><div><b>He loved to shop.</b> </div><div>And he was good at it. I loved going shopping with Dad… he wouldn’t just tell me I looked great in something, he knew which colors looked good on me, which cut of a dress I should buy, and which brands would last. And that’s when mom would come in and just say “buy it” - a great dynamic duo. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He loved his legs.</b> </div><div>Give that man a pair of short shorts and tennis racket and watch out. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He wanted us to be OUR best more than be THE best. </b></div><div>A lesson that has stayed with each of us, I think, and something we have hopefully passed on to our kids. Being YOUR best each day, being kind, and doing what’s right above all else is a lesson I am grateful to have learned. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He took pride in his work.</b></div><div> I loved visiting him at JCPenney - he was just so good at his job. He knew everything there was to know about every corner of that store. I would watch in awe as he solved problems, made sales, and served customers. Customer service has been ingrained into our lives and I’ve taken the example he has set for us and used it in my own work and I know Jody and Jeremy have as well. It’s a lesson that goes well beyond our jobs. It has bled into our lives and how we interact with everyone we meet. I often think about what Dad would do in my own job - how would he lead, how would he serve - what should my strategy be. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He gifted us his time.</b></div><div> I know he didn’t make every tennis match, band performance, basketball game, or cheerleading commitment… but I can’t remember one time he wasn’t there when we needed him. Our kids would say the same thing. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He could sleep anywhere.</b> Literally. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He was present with us.</b> </div><div>Always in the moment, not distracted. He listened. He never quit wanting to learn more. We didn’t have to agree with him which was such a gift. He genuinely wanted to hear our OWN beliefs, why we believed them, and where he could learn more about whatever we were talking about. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He was a family guy. </b></div><div>Adoring son. Steadfast brother. Loving cousin. I know we all loved visiting Baton Rouge and watch him with his crew of siblings and cousins. You could see how much they all meant to him and how part of him always wanted to stay a little longer. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>He loved his grandkids.</b> </div><div>Something fierce. His whole face lit up when he was around them. As sad as I am to have lost him, I ache the most that those 6 kids (plus his many other adopted grands) lost him so soon. But I am so grateful for every single moment he spent with them. We spent Thanksgiving sharing what about Pops we were thankful for and here’s what they said:</div><div><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Owen: Life lessons and playing golf</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Radley: The little moments they got to spend together, from running to the store to being outside - he got to spend a lot of alone time with Pops</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Kailyn - His sense of humor and making it a priority to spend time with them</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Emmy - For how well he loved her - she knew it and felt it</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Landry - For every second she got to spend with him and he was the best back scratcher</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Keirstyn - For being the best hugger</div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><b>He loved my mom.</b> </div><div>Abundantly. Fiercely. Faithfully. He valued and honored their covenant for 53 years. They spent more of their life together than apart. He worked so hard to build a life she loved and if you ask her today, she’d say it was a job well done. </div><div><br /></div><div>I could type all day about things I want you to know about Dad. But here’s all you <b>NEED </b>to know about him... </div><div><br /></div><div>He loved Jesus. </div><div>He followed Christ. </div><div>He lead us to Him. </div><div><br /></div><div>As we spent our final days with Dad we got to say all the things we wanted to say. We told him how proud we are to be his and how thankful we are for being loved by him. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then he shared with us the same. A gift I will forever be grateful for. A gift I want to share with you. </div><div><br /></div><div>He told us he wasn’t scared of death. He confidently knew what was next for him. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then he said this:</div><div><br /></div><div>Make your walk with Christ your own. </div><div>Go to church. </div><div>Know God. </div><div>Love God.</div><div>Honor God. </div><div><br /></div><div>Be proud to be Catholic and be humbled by the miracle of the Eucharist each time you receive the body of Christ. </div><div><br /></div><div>So in honor of Dad, that’s what I ask of you today. Celebrate his life by knowing Christ our King gives us eternal life and fulfills His promise to us that we will meet again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Know that a life that knows God is a life well lived. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just like Dad. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Daddy, for that gift and so many others. We are proud to be yours. </div></div>The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-10937245994600841912021-03-18T13:14:00.000-05:002021-03-18T13:14:03.926-05:00Still dreaming... <p> Fifteen years ago today I married the man of my dreams. He checked off all the boxes on the proverbial list... </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Kind</li><li>Considerate </li><li>Cute</li><li>Great cook</li><li>Generous </li><li>God fearing</li></ul><p></p><p>And most importantly, he put up with me. </p><p>We laughed a lot. He smelled good. He took care of me. He was everything I had prayed for in a partner. </p><p>He still is. </p><p>A few months ago I was cleaning out something for probably the millionth time and came across another list... one we had made driving home from a road trip one weekend. I remember the moment, he was driving my Ford Focus (because going anywhere in the jeep was way too windy). My feet were propped up on the dash, shoes on the floor, music on the radio and we started talking about all the things we wanted to accomplish together. So I did what I always do, grabbed a pen and paper and began to make a list. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8P-Hw03_mONqdBUpFWXTXgttAKu7l1umrbKhBbKxcb9TkqLnKLQfTUil-c4F5y87wcCYEpjyx2z616N92LQr9NxuebPDrTaYU_uyUPCKjwO7XnEa01XxOHcKx1OpqrSvjyhZS4qgDtdI-/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Framed bucket list of places to go" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8P-Hw03_mONqdBUpFWXTXgttAKu7l1umrbKhBbKxcb9TkqLnKLQfTUil-c4F5y87wcCYEpjyx2z616N92LQr9NxuebPDrTaYU_uyUPCKjwO7XnEa01XxOHcKx1OpqrSvjyhZS4qgDtdI-/w480-h640/IMG_1417.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nothing was off limits. No dream was too big. No place too far away. We just dreamed unabashedly without question as if we would obviously cross off every single item. Together we dreamed all the big, wild, crazy dreams... we imagined the adventures and we wrote them all down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>As he opened the package a wide smile lit up his face - he knew exactly what he was seeing and I was brought back to that car ride home. We shared some laughs over how grand of an imagination we had and then we noted we had checked off exactly three items: visit all Disney Parks (well, all of them in the US), we've both lost (and gained) 10/20 pounds since then, we go on family vacations and we've taken tons of cross country road trips. <div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcoTks740X0vGvFGVqj1ZnFurOGzKkPZAr9JgQLM8UU6FcGgfJ-84oagZQgPJAMXnD5Wg3Fg5ASiFA2P1KkJN6vSdqulzGZjJ6CXlEYq40CvypQUX1nsNPYwuwlXQWSwPBJPB70nvTvM2/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcoTks740X0vGvFGVqj1ZnFurOGzKkPZAr9JgQLM8UU6FcGgfJ-84oagZQgPJAMXnD5Wg3Fg5ASiFA2P1KkJN6vSdqulzGZjJ6CXlEYq40CvypQUX1nsNPYwuwlXQWSwPBJPB70nvTvM2/w480-h640/IMG_1418.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The moment I found these pieces of paper I knew I had to frame them and give them to Ryan for our anniversary, not because of the items we haven't checked off this list... but for the 1000s of others we have. And while we're both a little disappointed that we aren't retired or that Ryan isn't one of the world's 100 richest men... we sure can't complain about all the dreams we have "checked" together. There is no person in the world I would rather have ridiculous dreams with than him... can't wait for 50 more years of checking off boxes we didn't even think to create. </div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p></div></div>The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-67529158383566970722021-01-07T19:40:00.000-06:002021-01-07T19:40:05.653-06:00The day after... <p>I q-dropped PoliSci. Twice. I just didn't really have any desire to understand how government works when I could be doing more important things like figuring out how to win Derby Days. </p><p>But while my understanding of our complex government may have taken years to comprehend, I have never misunderstood the magnitude of the meaning of democracy, the privilege I hold as an American*, and the importance of leadership in the pursuit of our liberty. </p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*It took me longer than I'd like to admit to understand my privilege as a white American</span>.</p><p>I grew up believing what the adults around me believed. I remember being so sad when George H.W. Bush wasn't reelected but also not fully recognizing why I was or should be sad. As a 6th grader I had other things to worry about like the growing zit on my nose and the fact that I had an inappropriate crush on our PE student teacher. </p><p>I also remember the letter. You know the one. The one that a great leader wrote to his successor. The letter that took courage, humility, and honor to write. The letter that put others before himself. The letter that focused on the betterment of the people through the example he set. The letter that has become a tradition in an office that should represent all that is great about this country. And while it may not have been a long standing tradition, it was an important one. A powerful one. The notion that a nation could transition between leaders, ideals, passions and visions with mutual respect is something to be proud of as Americans. </p><p>Humility in leadership is one of the most important characteristics a person should exhibit. Knowing when to lead and when to ask for help and better yet, when to admit that you just aren't the best person for a job can determine the legacy you leave. I've spent my career trying to teach that to young adults that will one day rise to lead our classrooms, businesses, hospitals, universities and this great country. I have witnessed them ask for help, seek outside perspectives and continue to grow knowing that they never stop learning, they never know everything. </p><p>But yesterday, we witnessed the opposite of humility. We watched as the leader of our country exhibited such selfishness and greed that he knowingly put our entire country at risk. A hunger for power at all costs. What we witnessed yesterday was not patriotism. It was white supremacy. Insurrection. Treason. Terrorism. In my opinion, an attack that was more harmful than 9/11. These men and women didn't represent outsiders trying to take down the American way, they walked in our nations capitol holding American flags, claiming to represent the ideals of our nation and attempted to destroy almost 250 years of democracy. </p><p>This didn't happen overnight. We watched the fall in slow motion with every lie from his mouth and horrific rhetoric on Twitter. And we won't be able to fix it overnight. Things won't magically change on January 20. It will take more work to undo the harm than it took to create it. </p><p>And while my hope rests in Jesus, <b>the work rests in US.</b></p><p>You and me. The way we speak to each other. The way we help our neighbors. The way we stand up against racism in <i>real</i> time with <i>real</i> actions and not just through a like or share on social media. We have hard conversations with our children. We create space for respectful discourse. We are open to questions and are prepared with answers. We quit blaming the media and start taking ownership ourselves. We do not turn a blind eye to obvious hate. We quit buying into ridiculous conspiracy theories. We acknowledge the injustice of systemic racism and we work to change it. </p><p>We start with me to make it better for we. We each work to become humble, courageous leaders in our homes and communities. That's what I'm telling my kids today... the day after we witnessed us at our worst. There is still hope for us to become our best. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-91500213478306521562020-03-15T22:59:00.000-05:002020-03-15T22:59:54.791-05:00Three little words...Wow.<br />
<br />
I almost don't even know how to do this anymore. Do I make a new introduction or can I assume you still know who I am?<br />
<br />
I've kind of lost my touch. Truth be known, writing brings me a lot of joy... but somewhere along the way I lost it. If I'm honest with myself, I didn't really lose the joy for writing, I got frustrated that no one seemed to care what I was saying. My ego got in the way. I didn't get enough comments. Friends didn't share my words with others. The only real consistent encouragement I got was from my Momma (thanks, Mom)... but even then it felt more like she wanted to know what the kids were doing and less about what I was writing (sorry, Mom).<br />
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So what brings me here, today?<br />
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Well.... to be specific....<br />
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Chaos.<br />
Fear.<br />
Uncertainty.<br />
Faith.<br />
Hope.<br />
Love.<br />
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All these emotions I'm experiencing have no where else to go but into words.<br />
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I committed to reading the bible this year and I'm trying not to let the fact that I am heavily into the Old Testament be a dire sign that God is trying to wipe us clean for the giant mess we've created of this world. I'm sure some of you are feeling some of the same feelings I am. So let's figure out how to get through this together, shall we?<br />
<br />Chaos<br />
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Y'all. HEB looks like it was ransacked by some college kids needing a late night snack because they have a case of the munchies. (So I've been told - that is NOT from personal experience). Schools are closed. Conferences cancelled. Entire sports seasons have stopped. Chaos is the only way to describe it. And through so much chaos I can't help but feel a little...<br />
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Fear.<br />
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This is SCARY y'all. I have tried hiding my tears from my kiddos as best as I can because I don't want them to be scared. But I am SCARED. For my family. For my parents. For my friends. For strangers. Just scared. I need my momma, but I also want her to cover herself in bubble wrap coated in bleach and stay inside a closet for the next 8 weeks, so...there's that. There's also just so much<br />
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Uncertainty.<br />
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We basically know nothing. I mean, some people know some things, but we don't really KNOW anything.<br />
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And that got me thinking about Noah and Abraham and Joseph and Moses... can you imagine the chaos and fear and uncertainty each of them felt? Noah was told to build an ark with very specific dimensions and doing that kind of precise project makes me want to weep. Abraham was told he would be a dad at the ripe old age of 100. Joseph was nearly killed by his brothers. And, poor Moses spent 40 YEARS taking an a 11 day road trip to the promised land that HE NEVER GOT TO SEE.<br />
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Chaos.<br />
Fear.<br />
Uncertainty.<br />
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But through all of that, they had three things that are even more powerful...<br />
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Faith.<br />
Hope.<br />
Love.<br />
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Their faith guided them through their darkest hours. Their hope gave them reason to continue in times of chaos. And His love, well, His love is what carried them through... and that same love is what will sustain us today, tomorrow and the days after that.The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-5082300330723269202019-01-29T05:44:00.000-06:002019-01-31T06:03:01.870-06:00Dear 30 year old me, Dear 30 year old me,<br />
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In exactly 30 days you will be 40 years old. When Dad turned 40, the entire store of JCP was turned into a graveyard. The "marketing ladies" made tombstones, his office was filled with black balloons, and I think black crepe paper was just about everywhere in the break room.<br />
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Needless to say, we thought 40 was "near death" old.<br />
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I have other ideas about this milestone age now. But today isn't about nearly 40 year-old us... it's about 30 year-old you and a few things that helped us survive and maybe a few things I wish I would have known... but before we get to that, let's look at us at 30...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuvrRb9seflrGs3puHSrQH-XWYTEFiV9ErENgQFhay6NAYF5EcbKnXai1zeKsTzAhCkw4kiaOE1EgozEoyPA_yDyL6WU21X6LfGlxrRpxObkT4yDQrwue0xqF168GLF2FVOW7p4txrHDm/s1600/30yo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="404" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuvrRb9seflrGs3puHSrQH-XWYTEFiV9ErENgQFhay6NAYF5EcbKnXai1zeKsTzAhCkw4kiaOE1EgozEoyPA_yDyL6WU21X6LfGlxrRpxObkT4yDQrwue0xqF168GLF2FVOW7p4txrHDm/s640/30yo.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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I specifically chose this picture because know that it's one of 4 times that you will look this good for the next 10 years. HA! (Shout out to professional hair and makeup for Niki's wedding!)</div>
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<b>Life isn't going to be exactly what you planned and that's ok.</b><br />
Not one single bit of your life can be orchestrated solely by you. It's impossible... and that's what makes it so beautiful. We can get all the degrees we want, pick out the perfect house, say yes to our dream job, and even decide how many kids we want. But we actually control zero parts of what happens to us - and that's life. Every disaster, every success, every challenge, every easy day, every obstacle and every milestone... there's beauty in each piece of our individual puzzles.<br />
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<b>No one has a better life than you do, different? Maybe. But not better. </b><br />
<i>(Spoiler alert: this is still something we're gonna be working on at 40) </i>Say this to yourself every time you get a case of the greens - you know, jealousy? We all have different stories to tell, and life would be so sad if you missed out on telling yours because you were so wrapped in someone else's. Don't fall for the lie of social media - we all show the highlight reels... but the good stuff, the REAL stuff is important, too. Sometimes it's hard to watch other people do things that you aren't doing and not feel like a "failure." But, there's a strong possibility that those same people are looking at you and wanting a little slice of your life, too.<br />
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<b>Get in a selfish routine. </b><br />
Sounds weird, right? Don't get me wrong, doing for others is awesome, but making time for yourself is important, too. When you pour into yourself (by reading, relaxing, sleeping, eating well, exercising) then you have a lot more to give to those around you.<br />
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<b>It's okay to ask for help.</b><br />
Asking for help doesn't make you weak - it makes you smart. "It" really does take a village. Raising children, owning pets, working, going to school... even being married takes more than 2 people sometimes. Ask your village for support - they will never let you down.<br />
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<b>Cheer on your friends. </b><br />
Be excited about the success of your friends - even when you aren't accomplishing big things. Remember that "no one's life is BETTER... just different" lesson? It applies here. Be on the front row, cheer the loudest, support their dreams, buy their products, like their pictures, comment on their blog posts, share their story... CHEER THEM ON!<br />
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<b>Recognize the power of no.</b><br />
Girl. JUST SAY NO. You don't have to be everything to everybody every single day. Those two little letters hold a powerful punch. And by saying "no" more ... you give strength to your "yes!". Sounds weird, but it's true. People will come to realize that your YES means you are committed because you don't give them away so easily. Let's practice, real quick: "Sorry, I can't commit to that right now." ... "I know that I've done this before, but this just isn't my best yes." [Thank you, Lysa T.] ... "It's a no from me." ... "My talents are better suited else where." ... "I've already committed my time other places."<br />
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<b>Girlfriends are one of your greatest gifts.</b><br />
You are going to meet new people throughout your life. Be grateful for the individual role that each woman plays in shaping who you are. Your work friends, your best-friends, your new friends, your old friends... they all have a piece of you and you need every single one of them. Savor that time, appreciate that kinship and foster every single one of those relationships. You will laugh and cry and cheer and scheme. You will solve each other's problems. Your girlfriends are one of this decade's greatest blessings.<br />
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<b>Everything doesn't have to happen now.</b><br />
Believe it or not, you don't have to drive a fancy car, go on exotic vacations, build a dream home, cook lavish meals and also have a six-pack. (Which is great, because, spoiler alert, 10 years later and you still haven't checked off any of those items). AND THAT IS OKAY! We (hopefully) get to live on this earth for a long time... enjoy the season of life you are in without worrying about all the things you haven't done.<br />
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<b>Your spouse/partner is not actually trying to drive you crazy.</b><br />
It may feel like it, but they're not. :)<br />
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<b>Your children's favorite toys will be blocks/legos, cars, dolls, books and dress up clothes. </b><br />
Don't waste money on the "latest and greatest" fad. They always come back to those five things. <i>The money we would have saved??? We could have gone to Italy and back 15 times by now!</i><br />
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<b>No one has it together. </b><br />
Yep. We are all a bunch of big fat fakers. All of us are worried we aren't doing something right, we're messing up our kids, we aren't giving our all at work, we could be better partners... the list goes on. The truth is we are all doing the best we can, and that's all we should expect.<br />
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<b>Choose your joy.</b><br />
By now, you are a broken record at telling the kids "choose your attitude"... sometimes we could use those same words of wisdom. As Ms. Hawkins ended 95% of her announcements in Jr. High... "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it." There is so much power in our choices to choose joy, happiness, gratefulness... in those moments that have you stressed, worried, angry... choose joy instead.<br />
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<b>Seek Him first.</b><br />
Most important piece of advice in this list. Seek Him first. Seek Him always. There is nothing that we can do to ever lose the love of Christ. You are going to walk through stress, disappointment, anger, fear, joy.... give it all back to Him. The beauty of Christ is that we are never alone... we never have to solve on single problem alone. He is there for all the big and small and hard. Seek Him first.<br />
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In closing, you are going to love your thirties. There is such a gentle gift in aging. You begin to focus on the important things, you hold on to the dear things and you let things that don't matter fade. And you finally FINALLY figure out your best hair. Savor every single second of this decade. The best really is yet to come...<br />
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Love,<br />
Your older, wiser (and honestly better looking) self.</div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-15956867964777834902019-01-27T15:49:00.001-06:002019-01-27T15:49:33.347-06:0040 to 40I've always been a believer in celebrating birthdays BIG. I'm going to attribute this to my mom, who managed to always make us feel special and loved on our special day each year. Whether it was saying yes to a sleepover turned midnight makeover, renting the skating rink for a Rainbow Brite themed blowout or a surprise Sweet 16 (complete with a car with a GIANT BOW on top) - she and my dad made us feel loved.<br />
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Basically poor Ryan inherited a spoiled rotten person. But I digress.<br />
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Sunday marked 40 days until my 40th birthday. I've been count downing on my phone, looking forward to the milestone and trying to decide how I wanted to celebrate the big day.<br />
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Turns out... I get to celebrate for the next FORTY days.<br />
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Ryan, Cindy and Jenni have crafted the most amazing (and overwhelmingly humbling) birthday gift of my life. Each day, for the next 40 days someone from my life is going to wish me happy birthday.<br />
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I can't get over it. I'm sitting here in Blue Baker crying as I type this.<br />
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I don't drive a fancy car.<br />
The floor in my house is being held together with wood glue.<br />
I can't use my shower.<br />
I've never been to Europe.<br />
I don't have a giant savings account filled with the moneys.<br />
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But, without a doubt... I am loved. And I am so completely grateful for every person that God has placed in my life. Every hard part, every easy friendship. Every tiny moment has been carefully crafted just for me. Just like every part of your life has been carefully crafted for YOU.<br />
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Parts of my life are absolutely nothing like I imagined... but everything I could ever dream.<br />
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This aging thing, y'all... I just can't describe the freedom you feel. I quit apologizing. I take time for myself. I listen before I speak. I am zero percent impressed with material things. I love the reflection in the mirror... but more importantly, that pistol of a woman inside... man, she's pretty cool, too.<br />
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So here is to the next 40 days of celebrating every gift that has entered my life. I treasure these people, these memories, these divine miracles that crossed my path. Each of them have helped shape me into the wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend... the list goes on. I am who I am because each of you and that is the greatest gift by far.The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-40560454251138800882019-01-26T23:02:00.000-06:002019-01-27T23:02:55.828-06:00We5AmeriKings 2018: Day 11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's safe to say that we all had a favorite day on the this amazing trip, and I think day 11 may have been Rad's. We enjoyed a slower morning and then walked from our hotel to the <a href="http://georgiaaquarium.org/">Georgia Aquarium. </a></div>
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Here's a few fun facts that make this aquarium so special: </div>
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Georgia Aquarium opened to the public in November 2005 with over one million guests
visiting within the first 100 days and 3.6 million guests visiting within the first year. </div>
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Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere with more than
10 million gallons of water. </div>
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Ocean Voyager is the largest indoor aquatic habitat in the world, holding 6.3 <b>million</b>
gallons of water. </div>
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Georgia Aquarium is the only Aquarium in North
America that is home to whale sharks, the largest fish
in the world.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_zCw6T9yGKw6KQTNCO5r3p6DIHFgpWTq7P8HNGP2An2scTyXjAfd6G9mBNX5qItIN5DyP2KCqBn-wM3Pq9wVqTlaxVzRQaPqQ5-jcl3QKhj4EMggJJFfIUqZtn9l-D7sCYVtawq4fMcg/s1600/IMG_7798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_zCw6T9yGKw6KQTNCO5r3p6DIHFgpWTq7P8HNGP2An2scTyXjAfd6G9mBNX5qItIN5DyP2KCqBn-wM3Pq9wVqTlaxVzRQaPqQ5-jcl3QKhj4EMggJJFfIUqZtn9l-D7sCYVtawq4fMcg/s640/IMG_7798.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Pro tip: If you get there when it opens (like we did)... skip the first few exhibits and go straight to the whale shark. The crowds don't show up until later in the day so the viewing section is practically empty. I didn't think about this until it was too late so we had to shove some people out of the way by the time we made our way around. (kidding, of course). </div>
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Instead, we got an early morning view of these critters... and the piranhas, too! </div>
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Since the moment we planned Atlanta as a stop, I had been looking forward to seeing the whale shark and then this happened. Holy cow, Beluga whales are majestic y'all. I'm pretty sure I teared up which isn't really a surprise, but still. To think of all the creatures God created... as we walked around, I was reminded of the song "So Will I" by Hillsong...</div>
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<div class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="128" data-mhc="1" jsname="U8S5sf" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 12px; max-height: 128px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s ease 0s;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>If the stars were made to worship so will I</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>If the mountains bow in reverence so will I</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span jsname="YS01Ge"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I</u></b></div>
</span><span jsname="YS01Ge"><div style="text-align: center;">
For if everything exists to lift You high so will I</div>
</span><span jsname="YS01Ge"><div style="text-align: center;">
If the wind goes where You send it so will I</div>
</span><span jsname="YS01Ge"><div style="text-align: center;">
If the rocks cry out in silence so will I</div>
</span><span jsname="YS01Ge"><div style="text-align: center;">
If the sum of all our praises still falls shy</div>
</span><span jsname="YS01Ge"><div style="text-align: center;">
Then we’ll sing again a hundred billion times</div>
</span></i></span></div>
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<span jsname="YS01Ge">He made every.single.living.organism. and we haven't even discovered them all! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5tloM5KG92CqojKgJHHiovf2W9b3kKUr3bYkeT1EN2zLxnn6Z_9IgSCodrPyhOJx6YnSkft9NwrzTTL6Bt_St8hhBUI8MnmPfj6NLsZixfbDSsJzWBjSIWGwSsyGYFT2-teOYxYhr54L/s1600/IMG_7879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5tloM5KG92CqojKgJHHiovf2W9b3kKUr3bYkeT1EN2zLxnn6Z_9IgSCodrPyhOJx6YnSkft9NwrzTTL6Bt_St8hhBUI8MnmPfj6NLsZixfbDSsJzWBjSIWGwSsyGYFT2-teOYxYhr54L/s640/IMG_7879.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I am so glad that Gigi, Pops, Jody and Owen joined in this crazy little adventure of ours. I love watching my kids grow up with grandparents and they LOVE LOVE LOVE when their big cousin is around. And if that wasn't enough, the treated everyone to the <a href="https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/go-behind-the-seas/">Behind the Seas Tour </a>which was awesome!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9e_EF3XYXdKECDYDS4Jw2Zi2bLDz0TUc4vE2EEZZKsFXWTWZjtApDv_Y9bY49vu__CmWVnJaMyojhP91RuR0evwDxjwE_8ikYUWSh8iv8qs_IPbSnbVqRPNuHvGN1pmiyA9fv0OqJji0O/s1600/IMG_E7894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1477" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9e_EF3XYXdKECDYDS4Jw2Zi2bLDz0TUc4vE2EEZZKsFXWTWZjtApDv_Y9bY49vu__CmWVnJaMyojhP91RuR0evwDxjwE_8ikYUWSh8iv8qs_IPbSnbVqRPNuHvGN1pmiyA9fv0OqJji0O/s640/IMG_E7894.JPG" width="590" /></a></div>
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We got to learn all how the aquarium operates, how many gallons of water they use, and how to make an "instant ocean". We got to see where they examine sick animals, store food, feed fish and, you know... HANG OUT WITH A WHALE SHARK. </div>
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I was tempted to fork over the $350 it takes to swim with this beauty, but we also needed the gas money to get back to College Station. </div>
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This was seriously so cool - every one of us was impressed (even if Pops doesn't look like it). </div>
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We wound our way through the amazing Ocean Voyager and had to squeeze in an underwater selfie. </div>
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And then.... </div>
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Radley was trying to figure out how we could take her home. </div>
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We've been to quite a few aquariums in our decade of parenting (plus pre-parenting days) and this was by far our favorite. If you are within driving distance of Atlanta, then put this on your list of things to do! Every single one of us loved it! Getting there as the doors opened was key, we were able to walk through the entire aquarium at an easy pace and be done just in time for a late lunch. </div>
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<br />We headed back to the hotel through Centennial Park and had plenty of the day ahead of us to check off a few more items on our list. </div>
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We took the kids to Jimmy Carter's Presidential Library and he's my new favorite human. I'm sure he didn't do everything right, but these libraries really know how to sell a person and I just want to put him and Rosalyn in my pocket. </div>
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Then we made our way back to Centennial Park to let the kids play in the "splash pad" before dinner. Jody, Gigi and Pops rested up and I took a quick nap in Ryan's lap while all of the children ran around like fools acting as if this were the first time they had every seen water from a fountain. </div>
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<br />It was a delight!</div>
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We ended the day with another amazing meal surrounded by amazing family pinching ourselves for this incredible life. </div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-31296100852919602272019-01-02T06:07:00.000-06:002019-01-11T06:07:35.742-06:00New Year + Old Friends = Real Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
New Year's Eve has become one of my most favorite days of the year - reflecting on the year we are leaving behind mixed with thoughts of what lies ahead. 2018 wanted to make sure that it was a year to remember; showing off with one of the most beautiful sunsets I've seen. My social media was filled with this same sky from different points of view and that made me stop and think about how connected each of us are ... we sometimes just see life from different angles. </div>
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Jen and I have started trading off NYE hosting duties and I highly recommend you do the same. We have a collection of decorations that gets added to each year and pass the tub back and forth. She's a rock star hostess that makes you feel so welcome and at home so the night was sure to be filled with fun. </div>
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I "forced" Radley to wear "nice" clothes for the party but brought some back-ups knowing that he would want to run around and play. He couldn't change until we got a family pic so he insisted we snap this as soon as Ryan walked in from work.</div>
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The evening included lots of kids running around having an epic nerf gun battle, the men enjoying the Aggie football game outside and the women gathered around the food, trading stories and sharing laughs. We were so glad that Owen and Jody got to ring in 2019 with us again, too!</div>
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Please note the scattered nerf bullets, gymnastics mat turned barricade, and bright red bare feet from a night of jumping on the trampoline, in pretty cold weather (for Texas)... basically heaven for them!</div>
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(Please also note there is no picture of just the boys, because.... #boys).</div>
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I hope that 2019 brings you evenings gathered around a table, in the company of friends that are your family, listening to kids play, trading stories, sharing laughs, and looking forward to all the good that a new year brings!</div>
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Happy 2019 - I think she's going to be good to us!</div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-8735851690806776212018-12-27T13:02:00.000-06:002018-12-29T13:03:07.012-06:00It's CHRISTMAS....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Twas Christmas morning, we actually slept late</div>
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Until 6am at least (there was no debate)</div>
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When three little ones ran in our room with cheer</div>
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WAKE UP WAKE UP - Christmas is here! </div>
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We rubbed our eyes put a smile on our face</div>
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Then all five paused for a moment of grace</div>
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Thank you, dear Jesus, for a year filled with love</div>
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For kindness and health and the gifts from above</div>
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Emmy lead us all in a prayer </div>
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and in my opinion, that was Christmas, right there</div>
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Sweet words in her precious little voice</div>
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Asking us all to reflect and in Him rejoice</div>
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But alas, that Jolly St. Nick</div>
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Had a few more items in his bag full of tricks</div>
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Two shiny bikes painted just as a requested</div>
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And a Playstation 4 made the day extra festive</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM_4eGFf5atPJwS_JVPd0qwnkEjNzD-kGSFqIafK-sc5lpbGF4zwzSYMiEK7f4CUp_OUcZtXzGDXN0GNTKtx-_idWf6ciKZ9oQ-JIW4UBpE93JLv4UolWrxw51_5ccT4Y7RNpIPGBzJKF/s1600/Christmas18.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1600" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM_4eGFf5atPJwS_JVPd0qwnkEjNzD-kGSFqIafK-sc5lpbGF4zwzSYMiEK7f4CUp_OUcZtXzGDXN0GNTKtx-_idWf6ciKZ9oQ-JIW4UBpE93JLv4UolWrxw51_5ccT4Y7RNpIPGBzJKF/s640/Christmas18.1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />But he wasn't done with surprises there was a little more</div>
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Some scratch offs, a robot and beef jerky was in store</div>
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Then a phone call was made to Gigi and Pops</div>
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"GET OVER HERE NOW AND DON'T MAKE ANY STOPS"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB7UqkwVAR7J6f9czmMAMGPL_AyQTlHF9LvPOf2pQb7E21T8NPxHu25oyPaXHBFG2PPge9ZX3mf6mTfnXFkP92urGw6zM57YNJzNjCU5i58awxP2OnFbkF8affZTKwgcqIGwBlIS7oAmq/s1600/Christmas18.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB7UqkwVAR7J6f9czmMAMGPL_AyQTlHF9LvPOf2pQb7E21T8NPxHu25oyPaXHBFG2PPge9ZX3mf6mTfnXFkP92urGw6zM57YNJzNjCU5i58awxP2OnFbkF8affZTKwgcqIGwBlIS7oAmq/s640/Christmas18.2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Breakfast was served, my favorite each year</div>
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Rolls and bacon make us all grin from ear to ear</div>
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Then the annual gift sorting began</div>
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All you type-As surely understand</div>
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We have order to our chaos, or so it would seem</div>
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We like to take our time to enjoy each and everything</div>
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Like fancy new socks that were chosen by Rad</div>
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And can only be FULLY appreciated by a super cool Dad </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsXjftGrHYHGeHAlm9oeTo4U3SNFovPdCNkURWUsFhiq0KvPEdb81KaHieV4ipWCoqsgbO4Y6-kGEk1mz5ePYFHEssjUkW6cegmH9Kb1g0J7pppNFTtMhHpoj2m-rWmCF_WMLoCMQk0XT/s1600/Christmas18.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsXjftGrHYHGeHAlm9oeTo4U3SNFovPdCNkURWUsFhiq0KvPEdb81KaHieV4ipWCoqsgbO4Y6-kGEk1mz5ePYFHEssjUkW6cegmH9Kb1g0J7pppNFTtMhHpoj2m-rWmCF_WMLoCMQk0XT/s640/Christmas18.3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While the presents were opened and everyone said thanks</div>
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I made sure to snap a few pictures of ME for the photo bank</div>
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These four humans are the only gifts I need</div>
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I can do without the wants, wears or read</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HMA6a0mxlhjnokDPWp_2iKN3Aoj4O_XY5BH-9aW6cZmtUOZV_gzG7eWnwO6Yda34KHQzzVa_6vXiz_mEAMk0m59mbNgQoRaBah9owHFqf9X8r1FYSb2OqCmhZZDz_CKD6O323XwrOXiZ/s1600/Christmas18.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HMA6a0mxlhjnokDPWp_2iKN3Aoj4O_XY5BH-9aW6cZmtUOZV_gzG7eWnwO6Yda34KHQzzVa_6vXiz_mEAMk0m59mbNgQoRaBah9owHFqf9X8r1FYSb2OqCmhZZDz_CKD6O323XwrOXiZ/s640/Christmas18.4.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
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As usual, my favorite part of the day</div>
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Were all the hugs given out along the way</div>
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A hug for a dress, a hug for a mask</div>
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A hug for that special gift that I was afraid to ask</div>
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A hug just because is the best hug of all</div>
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Better than a hug for a game or a doll</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiMDStlhce3_lxl8AfXUQGTR-FwxlKkyYMV1AgC8aU89RKhLRWt21sjcUMY0jK6mKxZVJVvvPthjdhEh8j54noFmvxsol9wszsRDS2v9Ead2b9hj4wiBtR7b7HN7YLS-FSr68WVhCa32E/s1600/Christmas18.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1416" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiMDStlhce3_lxl8AfXUQGTR-FwxlKkyYMV1AgC8aU89RKhLRWt21sjcUMY0jK6mKxZVJVvvPthjdhEh8j54noFmvxsol9wszsRDS2v9Ead2b9hj4wiBtR7b7HN7YLS-FSr68WVhCa32E/s640/Christmas18.5.jpg" width="566" /></a></div>
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All the new stuff is awesome</div>
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That I won't deny</div>
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But the real joy is what matters </div>
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And brings a tear to my eye</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiouD8zFqHfvq0jjpkQrsvKlBvPLsruPAAGxBuhXWtnl-UAUNxlCbq2lt9ndCWIlBODFrkw9WzJHhhmeSL2fum-O0E40E0BIwd-9xuijKAIsgFkcrVzgX5oabHwDesDsF9fN2PC8PX_DL-/s1600/Christmas18.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1293" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiouD8zFqHfvq0jjpkQrsvKlBvPLsruPAAGxBuhXWtnl-UAUNxlCbq2lt9ndCWIlBODFrkw9WzJHhhmeSL2fum-O0E40E0BIwd-9xuijKAIsgFkcrVzgX5oabHwDesDsF9fN2PC8PX_DL-/s640/Christmas18.6.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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The moments in between that aren't posed or rehearsed</div>
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Are the moments I will always recall first</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixamOacP9KfGvj8w4bwYFn8l4u2BOEbjrWVkhOLAXsmhii3g0aqqA6pZ1bAETydDHn6COMxbB9ZqkG-D6nr9hGCHSMjZO_tO7FnYKF-xw2T2j8PYMej5XcM_qWCRwx2gKW5gdZNF1wbX4/s1600/Christmas18.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixamOacP9KfGvj8w4bwYFn8l4u2BOEbjrWVkhOLAXsmhii3g0aqqA6pZ1bAETydDHn6COMxbB9ZqkG-D6nr9hGCHSMjZO_tO7FnYKF-xw2T2j8PYMej5XcM_qWCRwx2gKW5gdZNF1wbX4/s640/Christmas18.7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the ones I don't capture behind some giant lens</div>
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Usually bring me the happiest grin</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbiTzQdL_lTjwmHBDDdNOgeYwjCEjVTZLO3CrbhbzOPUr-PdQPNsNuLz99IkSfK3qx9z9msFExSjDJ0vFKEL5TMJ-mxBZtMkgP3DtKTRn5X4ANioilpZfB0TMybRyX5OUjyQX_5F2pgkK/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbiTzQdL_lTjwmHBDDdNOgeYwjCEjVTZLO3CrbhbzOPUr-PdQPNsNuLz99IkSfK3qx9z9msFExSjDJ0vFKEL5TMJ-mxBZtMkgP3DtKTRn5X4ANioilpZfB0TMybRyX5OUjyQX_5F2pgkK/s640/IMG_0959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each year we get older and much wiser, too</div>
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We stop and enjoy instead of having a "to do"</div>
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We hug and we laugh and if we're lucky enough</div>
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We recognize all the things that make up the "good stuff"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVH2IRrVugngWjFYXuWe2RkHVppV1DOfXOsqcVb2NnY7p-aJK7lg-re4g3PPNGCkDVDJUiGlWjC1QzBJUSzSbNLmjHjrjW2korgOOyuacjsJJ7it66JgkwJBNnrSQRLKEah3B_sNYZNE87/s1600/IMG_0940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVH2IRrVugngWjFYXuWe2RkHVppV1DOfXOsqcVb2NnY7p-aJK7lg-re4g3PPNGCkDVDJUiGlWjC1QzBJUSzSbNLmjHjrjW2korgOOyuacjsJJ7it66JgkwJBNnrSQRLKEah3B_sNYZNE87/s640/IMG_0940.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Like laughing with cousins and enjoying new toys</div>
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And filling the streets with a joyful noise</div>
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All the packages piled under that tree</div>
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Aren't the only gifts for you and for me</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Kouj35DZyq4Ng6hNlrNb6My3D3lCNHG98GDILIiuFtvKVmxisQI210s86SJK3MvT4kiI8KjdZCL1FFBOkSsPuxtba4JdUsK87y-vWc1s3ggoAGcRGwDFAoGq7p3CyjSEpZL61DtzOz8v/s1600/Christmas18.8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Kouj35DZyq4Ng6hNlrNb6My3D3lCNHG98GDILIiuFtvKVmxisQI210s86SJK3MvT4kiI8KjdZCL1FFBOkSsPuxtba4JdUsK87y-vWc1s3ggoAGcRGwDFAoGq7p3CyjSEpZL61DtzOz8v/s640/Christmas18.8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's not the ribbons or sparkly bows</div>
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That make a difference, that much we know</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxkzZr6uK852Zxow0GWXLdVA6FO1zFSUEDp6i53ImnaLo3HNEEhPjhAC7ZlWLeHT7InSIyMxiuYTSOaoMBH8haF7_NhiW9pexnEeCj0_l5kdqXp0wHyWBPDq9n36qZuvW9h42w6XiUTWk/s1600/IMG_0950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxkzZr6uK852Zxow0GWXLdVA6FO1zFSUEDp6i53ImnaLo3HNEEhPjhAC7ZlWLeHT7InSIyMxiuYTSOaoMBH8haF7_NhiW9pexnEeCj0_l5kdqXp0wHyWBPDq9n36qZuvW9h42w6XiUTWk/s640/IMG_0950.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's time spent with family and our wonderful friends</div>
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That fill the day with joy from beginning to end</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXovrygGfspkEQhHwxW5RsXeHqxpxo3Hos9kENzx53FCZipf5H006WR90bydsgyZdhP6s8pF5vLQWZjjCTriF2L0eO11u3qQ06PBwl27G4yywAV7xKbr8xOpwd3fLbYlVCGlk7nfBbGqA/s1600/IMG_0956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXovrygGfspkEQhHwxW5RsXeHqxpxo3Hos9kENzx53FCZipf5H006WR90bydsgyZdhP6s8pF5vLQWZjjCTriF2L0eO11u3qQ06PBwl27G4yywAV7xKbr8xOpwd3fLbYlVCGlk7nfBbGqA/s640/IMG_0956.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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May your Christmas be merry and your New Year be bright</div>
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And may 2019 be filled with blessings you count each and every night!!</div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-80170117477036985292018-12-25T06:00:00.000-06:002018-12-25T06:00:05.512-06:00Seas and Greetings... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxLOVDUU6-kZt-cKcH5cLn-A2cLNJ2W9S4FFfnBJdaAOINfVSShsrl_Lxi5NIglVAsb3Rcq4tysQCUR-tefkw0jQVMWleptcN2LITEzkPRNxL41cUpPyZG68Ijrr4jVPdIb6xl3bdg_E0/s1600/Christmas2018collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxLOVDUU6-kZt-cKcH5cLn-A2cLNJ2W9S4FFfnBJdaAOINfVSShsrl_Lxi5NIglVAsb3Rcq4tysQCUR-tefkw0jQVMWleptcN2LITEzkPRNxL41cUpPyZG68Ijrr4jVPdIb6xl3bdg_E0/s640/Christmas2018collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Merry Christmas!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We hope that 2018 has been as gracious to you as it has
been to us. This year has been filled with all the busy-ness that life these
days brings but we pray that you are finding time this season to slow down,
soak it all in and rest in the knowledge that a savior was born to redeem us! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To save you the time in reading lots of
details and me the time in trying to remember them all, I’m going to give you a
“by the numbers” review of our year! Then you can go back to that “soaking it
all in” part of this season!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">24,398</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: the
number of steps we took on our marathon day in Washington D.C. We toured the
White House, visited the Renwick, ate at Ryan’s favorite restaurant (Georgia
Brown’s), got a behind the scenes tour of the Capitol and ended the evening
with the most glorious sunset stroll through the Monuments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3,598: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
number of miles Ryan drove on our TWO WEEK road trip to THIRTEEN states! We
have set a goal of seeing all 50 states as a family by Landry’s 21<sup>st</sup>
birthday. As of the end of this trip, we’ve knocked off 23 states! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our pictures are from our new favorite
beach – the Outerbanks! None of us wanted the trip to end (it’s probably no
surprise that I cried as we pulled into CS because I just wasn’t ready for our
vacation to be over!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">**Shout
out to the Gorries for being the best hosts ever for an entire WEEK of our
journey!**<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">256: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
number of times the kids have asked if we can go back to Disney for Christmas! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">93: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The age
MaMaw would have celebrated on her next birthday. We celebrated her life this
Thanksgiving and are so thankful for the years we got to spend with her!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">40</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: The
age Ryan turned in May! The kids spoiled him rotten and we celebrated with dear
friends at his favorite old stomping grounds in College Station! I even
surprised him with a weekend away with his best buddies! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">24: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
number of items I’ve checked off my “40 by 40” list. Since I have less than 100
days until I reach that milestone, I may be changing the name to “40 by the day
before I turn 41!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">10: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
number of canvases Emersyn has brought home with her original artwork! She is
our creative child and has loved her Tuesday afternoons with her bestie (Anna)
at art! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">5:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> The
number of times each day that Landry asks if she can put on “GYNastics
clothes”. This girl LOVES gymnastics and we love watching her do something she
enjoys so much!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3.5: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
number of flag football games Radley got to play this fall. After seven years
of nothing but “fütbol” he decided to try a new sport. Sadly, the October and
November rain had different plans for his football career – he’s switching back
to soccer in the spring! ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1: </span></u></b><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
number of new cousins that joined our crew! Keirstyn Guercio was born on April
20 and the #wee3kings have been smitten ever since! That brings the girl/boy
ratio to 4:2!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Within each of these numbers is an infinite amount of
blessings that we pray you also enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happiest of New
Years!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We5Kings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara;">Ryan, Katy, Radley,
Emersyn and Landry <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-64737741637513412692018-12-24T16:09:00.002-06:002018-12-24T16:09:41.403-06:00Christmas Countdown 2018: 3, 2, 1... <div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas Christmas time is near.... time for joy and time for cheer! ONLY THREE DAYS LEFT (technically, as I'm typing this, there's only a few hours until the big day arrives....)</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Only 3 days until Christmas</span></b> – it’s Mommy’s favorite night; grab some popcorn, put on pjs and under the tree we’ll sleep tonight!</div>
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This really is one of my absolute favorite nights of the season and honestly, I'm not sure how many more we have left. The kids are literally outgrowing the pallet on the floor all shoved together so I will cherish it as long as we can make it happen. </div>
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And don't be fooled by these angelic faces... </div>
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Radley's pjs were three sizes too small... but I still required coordinated pjs and big smiles in front of the tree while we try to master the self-timer as I say joy-filled things like, "can you just be normal?"... Seriously. Just. Sit. Still. And. Smile." and ... "We will sit here as long as it takes..."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JF8HQ1ksy7Bd2EQPNjU4mEzdCKE25bh1VBS_5T5cSf80pE3HHT949-XC4ZGHcRmw7G4EROpnS1GWBScrQwurNdzZYbj88GhfJnfIK5Q-WmSuB7m03GDe4JsL1dieOVP1iSzChfhHVWr5/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JF8HQ1ksy7Bd2EQPNjU4mEzdCKE25bh1VBS_5T5cSf80pE3HHT949-XC4ZGHcRmw7G4EROpnS1GWBScrQwurNdzZYbj88GhfJnfIK5Q-WmSuB7m03GDe4JsL1dieOVP1iSzChfhHVWr5/s640/IMG_0874.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is me. Pretending to be a soft spoken mom-type that smiles all the time. </div>
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But by 10pm when we've all fallen asleep next to a movie we have memorized, I look up and just cry. Absolutely nothing sweeter!</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Only 2 days until Christmas</b></span> – What’s something fun YOU want to do?? Kid’s choice!!</div>
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Y'all. This was THE MOST FUN. The kids have discovered "Minute to Win It" on Netflix so they organized a mini-competition between me and Gigi vs Ryan and Pops. Chaos ensued. Laughter was heard. Fun was had by all! You really just have to watch... </div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NIxOM3qdfCA/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NIxOM3qdfCA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Only 1 day until Christmas</span></b> – Get dressed so we can get cooking! SANTA COMES TOMORROW! </div>
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It's not Christmas until the meatballs are made... </div>
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and it's a family tradition we are sure to keep alive for many years to come!</div>
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Merry Christmas everyone! </div>
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The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-60419609190668300622018-12-22T10:45:00.002-06:002018-12-24T15:58:56.749-06:00Christmas Countdown 2018: 6, 5, 4... <br />
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />It's funny how these activities hardly change each year but the kids still look forward to each and every one and I look forward to spending all this time with them. </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Only 6 days until Christmas</span></b> – let’s eat popcorn for dinner and go see a movie!!!</div>
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This night is always one of my favorites because I love going to the movies and also popcorn for dinner is always a good idea. We were hoping Ryan could make it in time to join us but UPS is unpredictable so just the four of us got to enjoy a night out. We showered and bathed, threw on some pjs and headed to the theater!</div>
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I was a lot nervous about this whole "Mary Poppins Returns" things but it was so so so good and fun and charming and imaginative and colorful and happy and just so stinking great! </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Only 5 days until Christmas </span></b>– Let’s go see some lights!! </div>
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We got bundled up and headed to a local park to walk around and enjoy their annual light display. The evening ended up being perfect for a little stroll and the chill that was in the air was easily kept at bay with all the ooey gooey warmth in my heart. </div>
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These #wee3kings are just the ultimate gift each and every day and while I will never claim to be an easy going, go with the flow, all the time happy, Momma... I will never deny the blessings of time with them!</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Only 4 days until Christmas</span></b> – School is officially done, let’s go out to dinner for lots of fun!</div>
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Do you see a theme? As Christmas gets closer, I think of more and more excuses to not have to cook - ha! Ryan DID get to meet us for a quick dinner out at our favorite breakfast for dinner spot. The whole family ate for under $30 and we were home and in our pjs by 7:30pm! </div>
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And just like that, there's only three days left... </div>
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The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-17138051099283135852018-12-19T23:55:00.001-06:002018-12-19T23:55:23.142-06:00Christmas Countdown 2018: 9, 8, 7...<div style="text-align: center;">
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Our countdown continued with some of our favorite activities... </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Only 9 days until Christmas</span></b> – Light 5 candles at church for people that need prayers</div>
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We don't have any pictures of this one, because not every single moment needs to be documented. But I do want to remember the family we lit a candle for. A mom and her two kids that we see every week in church - we arrived a little late on Sunday and the pews are more crowded this time of year so we couldn't find a pew that would fit all 5 of us. This momma noticed and moved back to free up space in her pew so we could sit down. I hope we always remember the simple kindness in that gesture and instant difference it made in our day. May we all live our lives so that people light candles to bless us back. </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Only 8 days until Christmas</span></b> – Game on! Let’s make breakfast for dinner and play our favorite games!</div>
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As excited as I was about brinner and board games, the night got even better when Ryan showed up at 5:45pm! Y'all - this is just crazy cakes. I mean, that's really not normal on any day but during holiday peak season?!? I was frightened. That was amazing on its own, but we also had the added bonus of Miss Elizabeth and Corey AND I made cream gravy so basically we had the best night ever!</div>
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Liz and Corey also brought Radley a belated birthday gift which was maybe the sweetest thing ever - Corey gifted him all of his old Pokemon cards and Radley was so excited! They immediately started using words that I didn't know the meaning of but I didn't really need to... I just needed to know that my kids are loved by lots of people and that's the gift to me. </div>
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I also won the game, but that's not really important. </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Only 7 days until Christmas</span></b> – Tomorrow is MaMaw's birthday! Let’s go buy a special ornament to honor her!</div>
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We headed to HobLob after the evenings crazy of art and gymnastics and I got a little worried that we weren't going to find anything. At this point they have already taken most of Christmas down and what's left is broken, chipped or an emoji which is not the looking we are going for. Emersyn spotted this frame ornament and asked if we could put a picture of MaMaw inside and I think it's just perfect. </div>
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But as we were about to leave, I spotted this angel holding a red bird. MaMaw loved red birds and we love her so the two are a perfect fit, </div>
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Happy Birthday, MaMaw...and Merry Christmas, too!</div>
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The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-44048888894829660752018-12-17T23:34:00.000-06:002018-12-17T23:34:19.861-06:00Christmas Countdown 2018: 12, 11, 10... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I sometimes get frustrated with past Katy... making all sorts of parenting decisions without thinking of the long-term repercussions. The energy I had as a first time parent in my 20s is vastly different now that I'm approaching the big 4- 0. I'm basically waving the white flag half the time around here. </div>
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Except when it comes to Christmas. I can't help it. I love the pomp and circumstance. The ridiculous, over-the-top celebrating, the messy traditions... all of it. And while I may take a bit longer to come up with ideas, I'm so glad that all those years ago, we started a 12 day countdown to ring in the season. </div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Only 12 days until Christmas</span></b>… the big day is getting near! You’re hanging with the Baileys tonight, one of your favorite nights of the year! </div>
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For the past few years, Krista has gifted ME with a "night off." She picks up my kiddos and they feed them, entertain them and deliver them back home precisely at bedtime. I usually spend my evening in the quiet house, wrapping gifts, eating my favorite foods and drinking one glass of wine. This year was no different and while my crew was making pizzas, I was savoring every last bite of my favorite pizza, with my favorite movie, doing my favorite thing - wrapping presents. We were all in heaven!</div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Only 11 days until Christmas </span></b>– Spread holiday cheer and wrap some gifts! </div>
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This is a repeat item every year - we gather all the supplies for teacher gifts, wrap them up, sign the labels and get them prepped for delivery. I thought the number would go down this year since Radley started 5th grade, but my kids are GIVERS so we wrapped up their favorite snack (popcorn and m&ms) for THIRTY-FOUR teachers. </div>
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Tis the season indeed. </div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Only 10 days until Christmas </span></b>– Tonight is going to be special – we know you’ll love the plan! It includes singing carols with lots of our favorite friends! And just to make sure we all sound extra sweet, we’ll start with cups of coco for a warm and cozy treat!</div>
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I could NOT wait for this surprise!! Ryan headed to HEB SUPER early Saturday morning to load up on the essentials for the evening and the kids were so dang excited about a party! Emersyn has been asking if we can have a "Christmas party" and she was extra thrilled that her wish came true. </div>
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I made homemade hot chocolate...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(6 gallons whole milk, 2 cans sweetened condensed milk, 4 cups heavy whipping cream (separated), 2 tsp vanilla, .5 tsp. sea salt, 1 bag milk chocolate chips. Mix all ingredients in a crockpot EXCEPT for 2 cups of HWC, cook on high for 2 hours, stir, add 2 remaining cups of HWC and turn on low for 2 hours.)</span></div>
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... and Ryan cleared HEB out of sugar cookies and we were prepped and ready for the night!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfux795tnncES4NKa7uDfdDLXU9QIoVVFVzjMjMw0nyKdqHLFKsorA_04ZsXXf40wjQUw7lzqApF-CSSDp8EMzqTZk02SmQNxep0sEHDpVbhizi6XnQL_BLVn60hk7x-qrUdjGaZbG7zcn/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfux795tnncES4NKa7uDfdDLXU9QIoVVFVzjMjMw0nyKdqHLFKsorA_04ZsXXf40wjQUw7lzqApF-CSSDp8EMzqTZk02SmQNxep0sEHDpVbhizi6XnQL_BLVn60hk7x-qrUdjGaZbG7zcn/s640/IMG_0785.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The kids had SO.MUCH.FUN. singing carols and the best part was surprising total strangers with a little Christmas joy. They just couldn't believe that we were doing this "just because"... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCH2U3DSfBfvVNO-oTJ5GvSuxkCeOQDTpXD-_j_E81b-9bpmHjfNZq1R-Ri-IGkGLJYWW4pg8fNZPAaq-d1jLywxcTj0fo2Sn6C6oN9Y4SOB3S5kXteyLLeSBun6Y05hqfNWYxqqLkuV7/s1600/IMG_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCH2U3DSfBfvVNO-oTJ5GvSuxkCeOQDTpXD-_j_E81b-9bpmHjfNZq1R-Ri-IGkGLJYWW4pg8fNZPAaq-d1jLywxcTj0fo2Sn6C6oN9Y4SOB3S5kXteyLLeSBun6Y05hqfNWYxqqLkuV7/s640/IMG_0786.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We ended at our house for treats and coco and enjoyed the company of friends while living out the joy of the season. </div>
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The countdown continues tomorrow!</div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-76882245794395689692018-12-12T13:45:00.000-06:002018-12-29T13:45:50.391-06:00Rosin up that bow... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Growing up in Robinson, there was no question whether or not I would be part of the band. Everyone was in band - it's what we did - so as Radley approached 5th grade, I was interested to see what he would pick for his elective. They have the choice between art/music/theater (one each semester) or orchestra. </div>
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He picked orchestra and I was THRILLED. Some of my greatest childhood memories live in that band hall and while his journey doesn't ever have to resemble mine or Ryan's, I'm glad that he will have a year of experiencing the journey of learning music with a cohort of friends!</div>
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He had his first orchestra concert and we were all eager to watch him show off his new skills. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRJoEmKCnKCbYEQdAqZMJt3Dsfb4D2ztV11-p9ul0P7riFRmsqRwz1y6ARpHFnQAPqMA9i5_o_cK7p3LW0YOr-rNfFxOJTTUCDCbYwjkKVD5dbFFNAzNzbxcJAgOLQddfj0ndYk99GPfG/s1600/DSC_5236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRJoEmKCnKCbYEQdAqZMJt3Dsfb4D2ztV11-p9ul0P7riFRmsqRwz1y6ARpHFnQAPqMA9i5_o_cK7p3LW0YOr-rNfFxOJTTUCDCbYwjkKVD5dbFFNAzNzbxcJAgOLQddfj0ndYk99GPfG/s640/DSC_5236.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I tried to be chill and not take too many pictures, but clearly... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckxHN523iTtyO0DemQ-L6MMXnPJXQsfP-GABOIViElJkQhyphenhyphenXKglsyIrnBi5WJJfz4bTaK3CKONA65QSEcKiPzL2HfTDnvHfQgYVaPWT4-iLLMPcPzogktFj1xYrd1dq1WQGou7mOnij7s/s1600/DSC_5238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckxHN523iTtyO0DemQ-L6MMXnPJXQsfP-GABOIViElJkQhyphenhyphenXKglsyIrnBi5WJJfz4bTaK3CKONA65QSEcKiPzL2HfTDnvHfQgYVaPWT4-iLLMPcPzogktFj1xYrd1dq1WQGou7mOnij7s/s640/DSC_5238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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He also tried to ignore us and not smile our way, but clearly.... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFTMaqx4dtk4olps6tataubOEyMR8mI1wxazFjK9QAynty4JzN64ozxHvqlijlsObMMJvwTMeB0d-X3Zgl0Z7TXErFcVAxlZ83msTv1exjcrfvPWXZK5SpEvqLhgNsmnbiLkaZ_qLoC2Q/s1600/IMG_0709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFTMaqx4dtk4olps6tataubOEyMR8mI1wxazFjK9QAynty4JzN64ozxHvqlijlsObMMJvwTMeB0d-X3Zgl0Z7TXErFcVAxlZ83msTv1exjcrfvPWXZK5SpEvqLhgNsmnbiLkaZ_qLoC2Q/s640/IMG_0709.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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The concert lasted 15 minutes as they showed off their newfound skills and all of those kids were nothing but smiles as we made our way out of the auditorium to sing our praises. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLXTt_X4G3TNVWoRe3THvyzQlWi1EQ-1k-_ul4RjlJ6_JzC8fPq4HiNGxbZzJl3EMhPHzqIXoyTcrXzPXBwf5Zi8Xa6YVqfh2CCuy0EsLF218iLDzDldubql6joGflgVSr08PlPIZIOBl/s1600/IMG_0696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLXTt_X4G3TNVWoRe3THvyzQlWi1EQ-1k-_ul4RjlJ6_JzC8fPq4HiNGxbZzJl3EMhPHzqIXoyTcrXzPXBwf5Zi8Xa6YVqfh2CCuy0EsLF218iLDzDldubql6joGflgVSr08PlPIZIOBl/s640/IMG_0696.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As usual, we showed up big for those 15 minutes - I hope all my kids recognize how lucky they are to be loved so much. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sidenote: Ryan was home super sick and had to miss the big performance. PTL for videos!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c9miuUPOCCEntVLPmBo13hq5RuBsmGFYZTN7kROO4SzpXJxTnAsEB_jEFVWMpHh8tUVnAm6_lE2EwcEnshqyG-3gDiCF9Tvr7mdWPnfTQ8-ZE_xDazxZ6uXCHl8jJPW2D6ewlfEnB6gc/s1600/IMG_0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c9miuUPOCCEntVLPmBo13hq5RuBsmGFYZTN7kROO4SzpXJxTnAsEB_jEFVWMpHh8tUVnAm6_lE2EwcEnshqyG-3gDiCF9Tvr7mdWPnfTQ8-ZE_xDazxZ6uXCHl8jJPW2D6ewlfEnB6gc/s640/IMG_0705.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favorite part of the evening happened as we were walking out to go to dinner; Radley spotted his principal and wanted to say hello...</div>
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Rad: Hi, Mr. Symank</div>
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Mr. S: Hi Radley, great job...</div>
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Rad: Thank you...</div>
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Mr. S: Were you nervous?</div>
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Rad: A little...</div>
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Mr. S: Good - that means you care. </div>
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I just love that. "Good - it means you care." </div>
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One more thing checked off that "kids refuse to quit growing up" bucket list. I look at him and can't get over how big he is which is ironic, because this kid has lived BIG since day one. Big love, big laugh, big emotions, big joy, big nerves.... and yet here I am just wishing he could stay little. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQS4vkaZufVZK5VAaSDuYXUH1y3HaFFSeavIx8YFpKeuoSJmLxLv5ZR7Bfi-Gl3gWplGJK1lXiK55VAi8acdEQ1qHMn4b2WjRCQUfV95E9W4HsF6e_LpD7KiligksTYk0UW9RR5kGz1OnW/s1600/IMG_0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQS4vkaZufVZK5VAaSDuYXUH1y3HaFFSeavIx8YFpKeuoSJmLxLv5ZR7Bfi-Gl3gWplGJK1lXiK55VAi8acdEQ1qHMn4b2WjRCQUfV95E9W4HsF6e_LpD7KiligksTYk0UW9RR5kGz1OnW/s640/IMG_0710.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But honestly, I am grateful for the big he brings to every moment of our lives. I'm grateful for what we get to share as he gets big... and I can't wait for all the BIG things he'll keep teaching me along the way. </div>
<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-34131415354438358462018-12-11T13:04:00.000-06:002019-01-21T13:05:20.804-06:00Framily traditions...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What started off as a way to add less to our to do list (and toy pile) has easily become a day that I look forward to most each year. We've gone from juggling car seats and diapers to managing six extremely eager <strike>bosses</strike> helpers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjNEmwQjMXtpIB4BEEYoaMSLa4_DEC8M4NAEGPViTWxzk2YbP6SOMkXExxfeGodRCVjRvYmKn3fpThxaP5s5JqAV5FmMZE3C_OYotlpdXoNqH70Hn0wAhHTMSJ6nc-o1Ye5QKRyKrYMSV/s1600/IMG_0531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjNEmwQjMXtpIB4BEEYoaMSLa4_DEC8M4NAEGPViTWxzk2YbP6SOMkXExxfeGodRCVjRvYmKn3fpThxaP5s5JqAV5FmMZE3C_OYotlpdXoNqH70Hn0wAhHTMSJ6nc-o1Ye5QKRyKrYMSV/s640/IMG_0531.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Each year we fill our buggies with the same essentials from the list of needs but our conversations grow in depth and meaning. The kids have filled backpacks stuffed with food that some of their friends take home on the weekends. While they don't know what it feels like to wonder about our next meal, there is a very real possibility that they know someone that does. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gXhFAvjRf-eD6y3x6dNILLSXVf-pyhojerPSrkOzxh2QhDAFv2Kn_-VEO3xvhnKo7Mj071N__Gw3Ww9JF-aLuqPrZgPt3alFGJeKXZcS3xE311_RXHF6qP14tNQacf3C2zxdYOyfOgfk/s1600/IMG_0533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gXhFAvjRf-eD6y3x6dNILLSXVf-pyhojerPSrkOzxh2QhDAFv2Kn_-VEO3xvhnKo7Mj071N__Gw3Ww9JF-aLuqPrZgPt3alFGJeKXZcS3xE311_RXHF6qP14tNQacf3C2zxdYOyfOgfk/s640/IMG_0533.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />We load up our car and head to the Brazos Center to make our donation to the annual Food For Families Food Drive. They obviously compete to see who can lift the heaviest bags and fill the cart the fastest. And I try to etch each and every second of these moments into memory.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEYzmgg4wlJCYYdYM-pk99ip2LSMI-uvLUDPWgWfchtC3FhDFy_yFgnyDaNVtJce0DFSmhRFX-K0NEQfUosndoQFsdfmp3OKyqlE0sXCqpvf4a0-BxJLEsZv3Ti6EnUcOZVwWiS98wIpp/s1600/IMG_0536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEYzmgg4wlJCYYdYM-pk99ip2LSMI-uvLUDPWgWfchtC3FhDFy_yFgnyDaNVtJce0DFSmhRFX-K0NEQfUosndoQFsdfmp3OKyqlE0sXCqpvf4a0-BxJLEsZv3Ti6EnUcOZVwWiS98wIpp/s640/IMG_0536.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I hope I never take these moments for granted. I hope that as they continue to grow older and time gets shorter and lives get busier that we still find the time to do what counts. I hope that the memory of this tradition matters more than the memories of what Santa leaves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpIRBxkReMK1Ihu_mKszIPedbRFMnK1edQ0UGZEbqWdN1G8mfMPZV_ChoV_DMOxlEy2QEeoE3AFdnmi3R_nYDIYwBavi_t0VAMrhV1eponLUX_ifvKmrjAScRnGa48A5IbG5Jjb30khsk/s1600/IMG_0547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpIRBxkReMK1Ihu_mKszIPedbRFMnK1edQ0UGZEbqWdN1G8mfMPZV_ChoV_DMOxlEy2QEeoE3AFdnmi3R_nYDIYwBavi_t0VAMrhV1eponLUX_ifvKmrjAScRnGa48A5IbG5Jjb30khsk/s640/IMG_0547.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And I hope that when they have kids of their own, they continue the tradition of giving back and paying it forward. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzw5YqIDtzQ3QwILOzBL3GTAmVVGHPVgTHvc9BJAsH_WI8v_pQI7aaujRJunHubrLWJV3KHZo4T5HGIFRZ0A1sVb0sR5NlosZSt_clSeyuGZpaFezZwRFX3vKwD-pv7QYW04TVoq6ulXK4/s1600/IMG_0545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzw5YqIDtzQ3QwILOzBL3GTAmVVGHPVgTHvc9BJAsH_WI8v_pQI7aaujRJunHubrLWJV3KHZo4T5HGIFRZ0A1sVb0sR5NlosZSt_clSeyuGZpaFezZwRFX3vKwD-pv7QYW04TVoq6ulXK4/s640/IMG_0545.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-15712662559498780512018-12-09T14:01:00.000-06:002018-12-29T14:01:37.749-06:00Something new... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love traditions. I love the routine. The memories. The easiness. The sentimentality. The significance. I love the stories behind them that get told over and over again and the way they can change over the years. </div>
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But there is also something to be said for trying something new especially when it's your kid's idea (and only major "bucket list" item of the season.)</div>
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Emersyn decided that she wanted to make Christmas cookies - REAL ones - not the break and bake kind. So I got my friend, Jenn, famous sugar cookie recipe, made some dough, set up the kitchen and let them go to work... </div>
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I'm actually surprised with how well they turned out. The dough is DELICIOUS on it's own, but add in all that sweetness from a teeny impromptu neighborhood cookie decorating party and they were over the top, amazing!</div>
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"Everyone put your hand in there..."</div>
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#basic #stillloveit</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcp04V-csY8tggKzDJQv2-Pac4zMZRX2Q2psR8H0diG69chhhi9S9x0OiPLzVCuFEFUTyZDlKDvGuFXvFIzkPsdBRlangvu0ei09w05Lj7BteT8_bePq6YgJ9A25BqMn827Tvn7RFcJsY/s1600/IMG_0671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcp04V-csY8tggKzDJQv2-Pac4zMZRX2Q2psR8H0diG69chhhi9S9x0OiPLzVCuFEFUTyZDlKDvGuFXvFIzkPsdBRlangvu0ei09w05Lj7BteT8_bePq6YgJ9A25BqMn827Tvn7RFcJsY/s640/IMG_0671.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've come to discover that my favorite moments are the ones that I don't have pictures of... which just means I enjoyed the memory as it happened instead of after the fact. We let the kids pick the color of icing to make and then let them loose with decorating. And y'all... I LOVE them... every single sugar overloaded cookie was just perfect!</div>
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So here's to loving the old while not being afraid to try something new!</div>
<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-85932072914257879822018-09-25T21:33:00.000-05:002018-09-25T21:33:16.615-05:00We5AmeriKings 2018: Day 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The morning we had been dreading arrived way too soon for us. Goodbyes are kind of the worst and this one was like waking up from the perfect dream - we just didn't want any of it to end. We squeezed all of our friends extra tight... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1n74AlgpF7qlUlhyeSZnM62jY_EbzpzBKQQePqaq83JRwctviMiowd9l0jByVzmgMz3__DMWd06PhAoihNUsZy9YVxiQWQ4T6Xna2rRGvetuRVohdWTMKuKwFiMBTWopkNQfnBcaNXKc/s1600/Day10.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1n74AlgpF7qlUlhyeSZnM62jY_EbzpzBKQQePqaq83JRwctviMiowd9l0jByVzmgMz3__DMWd06PhAoihNUsZy9YVxiQWQ4T6Xna2rRGvetuRVohdWTMKuKwFiMBTWopkNQfnBcaNXKc/s640/Day10.1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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loaded the car and got moving. This was going to be our longest travel day and let's just say we had less than the best driving conditions. </div>
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Exactly.</div>
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Instagram made our long days a little extra fun - we loved each and every question that people sent our way... totally recommend this as a family activity if you have a long road trip planned!</div>
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After answering questions, reading books, eating their weight in snacks and surviving the down pour... Ryan and I FINALLY let them watch a movie. 2300 miles travelled without so much as a complaint? We kinda felt like they earned that 2 hour break in the drive. </div>
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(And I enjoyed the quiet). </div>
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We crossed a new state off our list (spoiler alert: SC was voted least favorite welcome center on the trip)...</div>
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and then one more... </div>
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and about 10 hours later, we arrived in ATLANTA!! We 100% lucked out and missed all major traffic and pulled directly into a primo parking spot at our destination of choice for the day. Miracles happen, people. Prior to our trip across the southeastern states, I was discussing places to eat with my friend, Gerald. He told me that we "HAD" to go to Ponce City Market when we were in the ATL and while we were all incredibly excited for dinner... </div>
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we were even MORE EXCITED about who we were having dinner with!!! Y'ALL. </div>
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I'm just going to pause right here and tell you that while I was clearly prepared to see my mom, dad, brother and nephew when we arrived... I was in no way prepared for how incredibly awesome it was going to feel to see them!</div>
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PRO TIP: Plan a crazy road trip. Talk your family into meeting you at some point. Make memories. </div>
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We all scattered for dinner and sampled a little bit of everything... friend chicken, hamburgers, shrimp po boys, gyros, you name it... and we tasted it. Can't recommend this place enough... if you're in Atlanta, then make plans to spend an evening at Ponce. </div>
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The kids donut know what they would do without their favorite big cousin Owen ... </div>
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And I donut know what I would do without my driver, partner, ride or die companion. </div>
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Day ten was one step closer to home... but it turns out home is just where ever I am with him. </div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-66906466733433786402018-09-25T06:14:00.001-05:002018-09-25T06:14:50.746-05:00We5AmeriKings 2018: Day 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The rain decided to join us for our last day at the beach, but that didn't stop us from heading down there to play. </div>
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The waves were CRAZY!!! And the water was freezing... but there's something kind of awesome about being at the beach in the rain. We were the only ones down there which is also a perk of the rain. </div>
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The drizzle and the chill were too much for a few, so one group headed back and a few of us stayed a little longer to soak in the peacefulness of the rain. I don't remember what we were talking about, but I do remember loving that moment in time with just me and him... listening to his dreams of the ocean and being grateful for a God that blesses us in big and small ways.</div>
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And since it was the middle of July and we were at the beach, it only made sense that we would make a big ol' batch of HOT CHOCOLATE for the kids. Ha!</div>
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We took advantage of those clouds and ran into Nags Head to score some souvenirs. And wouldn't you know it? The sun decided to come out again, so I cut my shopping excursion short and we headed back to the beach house!</div>
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The next few hours were filled with little people laughing, wave fighting, castle building, hole digging, and me just soaking up all the goodness of the day.</div>
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I don't know if we sit in the moment enough. That's a lie - we don't sit in the moment enough. Days are filled with giving updates on our lives instead of just living our lives. I'm always glad for the choice of just sitting to him, and taking in the life that we've created together. </div>
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Take crazy trips. Plan ridiculous road trips. Go somewhere you've never been. Spend days with people you've never met. Show your people the world outside your bubble. Pack the car with junk food and PB&Js and drive to an ocean that your toes haven't felt. I promise that you won't regret a single second.</div>
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And enjoy a beer with this new motley crew of folks you've met... </div>
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because soon enough the sun will start setting on those perfect days of nothing at all and you will have to force 10 kids to come inside for dinner. </div>
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North Carolina was so good to us... but we still had four days of fun left.... next stop? ATLANTA!!!</div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-88114330326091694972018-09-23T21:38:00.000-05:002018-09-23T21:38:01.489-05:00We5AmeriKings 2018: Day 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our second day in North Carolina was perfect. Plain and simple from sun up until sun down we enjoy every single bit of the time we had in one of the most beautiful beaches we've visited. The kids made fast friends with alllllll the other kids at the beach... did I forget to mention that we met two other families there? Oh. Let me rewind...</div>
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So, you remember that we basically invited ourselves to stay at Jenn and Dave's is part of the grand scheme of getting to FINALLY beach with them. Well, that also included two other families and their kiddos for a total of TEN kids, eight parents and 1 dog. (And may I add, that Bailey is hands down the coolest dog, I've ever met.) And as crazy as it all sounded... we had the BEST time with them! Jenn was so nervous because she and Dave were the common thread of all of us, but turns out she knows how to pick friends and we all got along so well. </div>
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And these people know how to beach! They all came prepped with their umbrellas, and chairs and beach gear. We did bring our chairs, towels, and coolers but they all were ready to beach. I'm pretty sure the high that day was 75 so it felt like winter to us. ;) </div>
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Look at these cutie kids!! It should be noted that Gracie has a strict "no pictures" policy as seen by her expression below. HAHAHA!</div>
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This was another one of those days where my camera stayed put and my heart stayed full. I spent less than 10 minutes snapping a few "to remember" moments but really, I just soaked up the sun, the fun, and the memories of the day.</div>
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I'm not sure how many times we looked at each other and said, "I can't believe that we are here!!!" ... at least 183 for good measure. I thank God for a million little things, but I thank Him frequently for the beautiful friendships He has given me. I get some strange looks when I talk about Jenn, we are hard to explain. Two gals that live 1000 miles apart. Met once... blogged... texted...emailed... met... but when I'm having "a day" or "a moment" or a million "moments", I can send her a message and know that she gets me. She gets it. We are similar creatures filled with a shared love of creating, loving big, living out loud, doing too much, and not regretting a moment of the crazy we created. Our husbands work long hours, but also devote themselves to our schemes... they are every bit as chill as we are stressed and it drives us equally crazy. I mean who says yes to the person that invites herself to your house with her family for a week??</div>
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The same person that would have invited herself to begin with!</div>
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:)</div>
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Days don't get much better than these...especially when you've been going non-stop for seven days. The kids loved the break in the trip and sticking their toes in a new ocean!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX_6PrkfaLPy4Cq3VWAahn4gFR6mrhV1N80qQEDu-4jj3jZWC27tR3Q30yfqgHgvwjFUV9KqKNpVdymYXYxOVwN5AaBXefO1_-UynxVSKJSbDLT4jSLGHu8oKabX_r23WrUPVA5z4lXOt/s1600/beachday5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX_6PrkfaLPy4Cq3VWAahn4gFR6mrhV1N80qQEDu-4jj3jZWC27tR3Q30yfqgHgvwjFUV9KqKNpVdymYXYxOVwN5AaBXefO1_-UynxVSKJSbDLT4jSLGHu8oKabX_r23WrUPVA5z4lXOt/s640/beachday5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And because I like to torture myself, I found the pics from our <a href="https://katy-thequeenofthekings.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-day-at-beach.html">Gulf Shores</a> trip in 2014. </div>
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Those sweet babies may not be as little, but they sure are just as sweet. </div>
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We really just got lost in the day together. New friends with new stories... sharing old memories while creating treasured moments. At the heart of those stories will always be these four - I'd go to the depths of the ocean for them and I'm beyond grateful for His provisions in allowing us to adventure together year after year. </div>
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A day at the beach. I'd honestly spend a million days at the beach with these peeps... funny how well you get to know someone in a fraction of a second. Thanks for letting us invite ourselves on your vacation... we had a blast!</div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-57974602565344133372018-09-19T22:04:00.001-05:002018-09-19T22:04:48.143-05:00We5AmeriKings: Day 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After three delightful days in D.C. we were up dark and early once again for a quick 5 hour trip south to North Carolina. The kids literal response when we told them how long the drive was, "Oh... that's all - this is going to be an easy day!" </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVQ8NE5uFbc1AulaD4yZ1IwUfFbVmGYqoKOmfn_ejaQ86hL90hTEj7wOSzal0Z2NKFvAemo9kyGI0FS0J_fLMHFiyafkou9GbHGxqWomM180hAj_5xlGtOCZuhXPQdUdn3gXnfzyal-tB/s1600/IMG_7488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVQ8NE5uFbc1AulaD4yZ1IwUfFbVmGYqoKOmfn_ejaQ86hL90hTEj7wOSzal0Z2NKFvAemo9kyGI0FS0J_fLMHFiyafkou9GbHGxqWomM180hAj_5xlGtOCZuhXPQdUdn3gXnfzyal-tB/s640/IMG_7488.JPG" width="358" /></a></div>
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We have zero photographic evidence that we visited Virginia because we were in the rain all.day.long. We didn't stop because it just wasn't worth sitting in a car all day soaking wet for a picture. I am certain that the Virginia welcome center would have made the top 5 for sure. However, once we arrived to North Carolina we documented it not once.... </div>
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but twice! </div>
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We made it to Nags Head in record time despite the rain and our first stop was <a href="http://www.mamakwans.com/">Mama Kwans</a>. Jenn was so excited for us to eat there and I was just so excited to finally be at the beach with the Gorrie's. </div>
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(Let me back up and fill you in on something... we have been dreaming about a joint family vacation for YEARS. Probably since Henry was a baby and he's now 7. Her family visits the <a href="https://www.outerbanks.com/">Outerbanks</a> every year but we've just never been able to join. So when the kids picked D.C. as their destination of choice, I was DETERMINED to figure out how we do the thing and get us to the beach. Turns out, we just needed a two week road trip to make it all happen. Ok....back to regularly scheduled blogging.) </div>
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MK's doesn't open until 11am and the place fills up QUICK. So, our darling husbands took one for the team(s) and waited outside to snag us the first table. #luckygals After some delicious tacos and the best mango margarita of my life, we headed to do the only sensible thing to do while it's raining at the beach...</div>
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ride a mechanical shark.... duh! </div>
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He was SO excited about this and did surprisingly well hanging on. </div>
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We met up with the entire crew...and shopped some more before heading to our home for the next week. </div>
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Wouldn't it be nice to own one of these?<br /><br />The rain stopped just in time for us to unpack, throw on some bathing suits, and...</div>
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HEAD TO THE BEACH!</div>
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#happyplace</div>
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After some showers and silly faces... it was time for a well-deserved bedtime for this crew...</div>
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We couldn't have been more excited to spend the next three days with every single one of our new friends!</div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-72093351934682740832018-09-18T23:09:00.001-05:002018-09-18T23:09:28.828-05:00We5AmeriKings 2018: Day 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a "Disney World" day's worth of activity, Ryan and I decided our original plan for our final day in D.C. would have to be postponed for the next time we're in town. We really wanted to take a drive to Arlington, but we weren't convinced the girls would enjoy another a day of walking around outside or quite understand the magnitude of the space. Instead, our amazing hosts recommended the <a href="https://airandspace.si.edu/udvar-hazy-center">Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum.</a></div>
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I've never been more excited about a change of plans in the history of ever. I mean look at this place. </div>
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<a href="https://airandspace.si.edu/udvar-hazy-center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit</span></a></div>
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This place was amazing - filled from end to end and top to bottom with more history than you can imagine. In the form of air crafts! We were all instantly excited about the morning ahead. </div>
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Our first stop was at the IMAX theater to watch Journey to Space - a ridiculously amazing look at how NASA is planning the first manned mission to Mars. I left regretting that I was not an astronaut and deeply trying to convince the kids that at least one of them should be. </div>
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My favorite part about the entire day was seeing this beautiful piece of American history. How incredible is this?? The Discovery flew more missions and carried more astronauts than any other spacecraft in history. The Discovery was 27 years old when it flew its last mission and had travelled to space 39 times! GAH - just so stinking cool! I think we could have spent all day in this one section of the museum - so must to see and learn!</div>
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Instead we walked up and down, each picking out our favorite air craft designs, shapes, colors, and names and just had the best time taking the day easy and slow. </div>
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We finished the visit with a quick trip up to the observation tower before heading back to the Gorrie's. </div>
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This is the part where I should tell you we quickly made it home with no problem, but alas... the truth was that we almost ran out of gas on the freeway, in the heat of the day, stuck in traffic, in a major city. We looked up the nearest gas station and lucked out that it was 1 mile away... we pulled up... and it was SHUT DOWN. In a miracle of miracles we made it an additional 4 miles and did not die. </div>
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The drama earned everyone one more dip in the pool... </div>
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I 110% recommend taking the time to drive to Virginia to visit this A&S Museum... I do not recommend the part about running out of gas. I do recommend staying with amazing friends that have wine waiting for you when you get home.</div>
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And just like that, our days in D.C. were done and we were ready to head out on the next part of our adventure.... </div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-77750027388412913732018-09-17T22:53:00.001-05:002018-09-18T11:12:53.108-05:00Wrong way... I was in the car rider line today and something happened.<br />
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(No, it wasn't a left-turner, although if you've followed me on Instagram for half a second, you'd know how I feel about them.)<br />
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I looked up and saw a car driving the wrong way - as in the car was trying to exit through the entrance.<br />
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Y'all.<br />
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The car passed three cars until I saw it, GOT OUT OF MYRTLE (the minivan) and stood in the lane to stop them from continuing.<br />
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The car politely waved, turned around then pulled in front of me - in the car rider line.<br />
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So, I got out again, walked to the driver window and politely asked, "Are you picking up anyone?"<br />
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The sweet driver looked at me so overwhelmed and said, "No... I'm just a substitute teacher... help!"<br />
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So I pointed her in the right direction and she was on her way.<br />
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And then I (of course) got to thinking.<br />
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How many times do we see people doing things "wrong" and never say anything? We blindly ignore them but probably also complain about their actions under our breath. We let them drive the wrong way, take pictures, and shame them on social media rather than approach them and redirect.<br />
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Now, let's think about this in terms of something much bigger than a confused driver going the wrong way in a parking lot. How many times do we see or hear people do or say things that are hurtful to others? What do we do about it?<br />
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Do we help?<br />
Do we stare?<br />
Do we mumble under our breath about their actions?<br />
Do we PRETEND NOT TO EVEN SEE?<br />
Do we act like we don't understand?<br />
Do we say a quick prayer for Jesus to change a heart, even though He placed you right in front of them for a reason?<br />
Do we share the awkward laugh because it's easier?<br />
Do we hide behind social media?<br />
Do we try to make a difference?<br />
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Are we willing to stand in front of that moving car to stop it or do we just watch the car go the wrong way?<br />
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748573451013524532.post-71496623115498340542018-09-10T11:48:00.001-05:002018-09-10T11:48:11.897-05:00Monkey bars are lame... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I lasted exactly 11 years and one day as a mom with no broken bones. Those were glorious times that I will remember with fondness. Friday changed all of that and I'm still kind of in panic mode.<br /><br />I was in a meeting with one of my students and my cell phone started ringing, but I didn't recognize the number so I clearly didn't pick up the phone. We wrapped up our meeting and being the responsible adult I am, I actually listened to the voicemail informing me that Emersyn had fallen from the monkey bars... it was bad...looked broken...blah blah blah... when I immediately went in</div>
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HOLY COW GRAB ALL THE THINGS I NEED TO GET TO SCHOOL NOW </div>
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mode. You know calm. </div>
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I called her teacher back, spoke to the nurse and made the 4 mile drive as quickly and safely as possible. Luckily, Gigi was in town for Grandparents' Day lunch and was able to turn around to grab Landry and just be a momma, too. (#Godthings)</div>
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The office staff had me all checked in before I even arrived, standing with my nametag so I could see Emmy as soon as possible. (#myschoolisamazing).</div>
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Before I could go back, I had to find out how bad it was...</div>
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Me: How bad is it?</div>
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LH: Pretty bad... definitely broken</div>
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Me: Yes, but like, am I going to see bones or just crazy arms? I need to know because I'm an overreactor.</div>
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LH: Oh... no bones.</div>
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Me: Ok, I can proceed. </div>
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I made it to see my girl and y'all...</div>
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SHE IS NOT MY CHILD.</div>
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There were no freak outs. There were no screams. There was like one stoic tear streaming down her face. SHE WAS SO CALM. I had to follow her lead. </div>
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We loaded her in the car and headed to the ER where one of my pledge sisters works. We were able to talk on the phone and she had the staff ready for us so that when I pulled up to the facility, they were there waiting. Emersyn sat so still and so brave and so patient and listened so well. I told her I had to go park the car and I would be back as soon as I could and then they wheeled her into the ER.</div>
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At this point, I let myself cry a little. I knew she was going to be ok. I knew that this could be so.much.worse. but I also knew that my sweet girl was in pain. And that is never any fun to see as a parent. I briefly thought about how I wished a team I serve on at A&M existed for schools... I needed another adult to be there to calm ME down. I was worried I went to the wrong ER because there is another one nearby that's all "TRAUMA ONE" or whatever and while I knew this wasn't a trauma, I was second guessing myself. </div>
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<br />As I made my way back through those sliding glass doors I looked up and saw one of my teammates from that same A&M team. Y'all. <b><u>God is so gracious to us.</u></b> He knew exactly how to make me strong when I was feeling so weak. I hugged my friend and she let me cry and I was so much better from that quick and meaningful interaction. I made my way back to the room and she was still being so brave. </div>
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The nursing team got straight to work and let us know Heather had called about us. One nurse knew us from soccer - Ryan had been her son's soccer coach a few years ago and her son and Radley shared a birthday. (#Godthings). They got to work and made everything so easy and quick. Gigi had managed to pick up Landry and make it home to get Prince Naveen/Bunny who saved the day during the blood draw/IV insert. (One stick y'all...this team was magical). </div>
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Xrays came back and looked exactly how Reeda (CHE nurse) had predicted... broken in two places... surgery was going to be necessary because of that pesky break at the elbow. Can I remind you that she has only cried like 7 tears through all of this and more out of annoyance than anything. </div>
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Emersyn was so worried about Landry - she didn't want to make her upset, but we finally convinced her that it would be okay for Landry to come back to the ER. I sent Ryan home to shower and change and grab things for me since we knew we'd be staying the night. Cindy made her way up there to sit with me and Landry and Gigi made their way home to grab dinner and Radley. We were all over the place but I was never once worried about who was getting where - our village had us covered. </div>
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As Landry was telling Emmy bye, she kind of lost it. I mean, great big tears of worry and concern, but she held it together long enough to get to the hallway where Emmy couldn't see her. Sisters are pretty darn precious. </div>
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We finally got wheeled up to our room and they gave her some pain meds to calm her down and let her sleep. Her two complaints were wanting water and not being able to write. </div>
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Her sweet teachers came to visit her and her bestie wouldn't go to bed without making a trip up to the hospital, too. There's really nothing better as a parent than to know your kids are loved and God showed us all afternoon just how loved, cared for and prayed for they are. </div>
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The only person Emersyn demanded she had to see before surgery was Radley. She was so worried she wasn't going to see him and she needed him to get up there and tell her she was going to be okay. Y'all. </div>
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<br />WHY DO KIDS FIGHT SO MUCH WHEN THEY LOVE EACH OTHER SO MUCH? </div>
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Anyway, her brother was on his way along with her entire crew of family. This crew lifted her spirits and got her first real smile of the afternoon. </div>
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Surgery was initially scheduled for 8pm but 8pm became 8:30...9... and finally at 10pm, they made it back to our room to wheel her into pre-op. Ryan, Gigi, Rad and I walked down with her (and bunny of course). Landry had left with the Munsons because, she's 6 and probably didn't need to be up all night, and spending the night with the bestie sounded more fun than spending 12 hours at a hospital. </div>
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At 11pm they wheeled her back to surgery. And y'all. I'm not sure how I held it together. Maybe it was because my friend, Katy, was going to be in OR (#Godthings). Maybe it was because I was in shock. Maybe it was because God gave me super strength. Maybe it was because my momma was there. Maybe it was because Ryan was losing it. Mostly it was because my girl needed to hear my voice be strong and confident and sure. She had been brave enough and tough enough all day... it was my turn to do the same. </div>
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At 11:58pm, her surgeon came to report that everything went perfectly well and we could go see her. </div>
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She woke up long enough to let us know that Princess Anna helped put her arm back together and fell quickly back to sleep. </div>
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Ryan helped wheel her up to her room and we settled in for the night. </div>
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By 9am the next morning, her hair and teeth had been brushed and she was begging to go home. </div>
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Radley and Landry arrived with new goodies, big hugs and then headed to Waco with Gigi for the day so Emmy could have some peace and quiet at home. </div>
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Thank God for Gigi's and Mommas. We happen to believe we have the best of both.</div>
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And this is where we've been the past few days. Happy to be home and healing. Getting pampered, growing stronger and more confident with that heavy cast and sling and ready to get back to normal in the next 5-6 weeks. </div>
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I learned a few things since Friday.</div>
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My kids are the bravest, greatest, most amazing people on the planet. </div>
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Husbands don't deal well with injured babies. ;)</div>
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God is gracious and kind and giving. He equips us in the big and small of life with the exact tools and people we need. He really never forsakes us. </div>
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A momma always needs her momma. </div>
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It's never too early for cookies, popcorn or ice cream.</div>
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Monkey bars are lame. </div>
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<br />The Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13282350059970518315noreply@blogger.com0