Happy Anniversary...

44 years ago today this beautiful couple became man and wife. 

For 44 years they have shared laughs and tears. They have celebrated and rejoiced and even cried and mourned. They have worked hard, loved hard, prayed hard. The have been a wonderful example of working through the tough to get to the great. They don't always agree but they do ALWAYS live by their vows to each other and to our family. 

They have always supported us, loved us, challenged us and taught us about the meaning of loyalty, integrity, honesty, and service. They do more than just show up - they are present in our lives. They listen and even allow us to "learn them" a thing or two. 

They have 3 kids of their own and raised 30 times as many. 

They have grown from JoAnne and Greg to Mom and Dad and now GiGi and Pops.

We love you and are thankful for you each and every day!!

Happy Anniversary!

Spring Breakers...

Spring Break has officially begun and we headed out last Friday to kick off this week long excuse to be lazy by driving 6 hours to Baton Rouge - the irony of that statement is not lost on me. Gigi and Pops headed out with the bigs early Friday morning while Sarah snapped Landry's one year pics. (more on that later). We all met up at MaMaw's for a giant slumber party in a house that seems to have shrunk over the years - in the best way possible. 

Saturday morning we woke up, grabbed breakfast and headed out for a day of fun. 

First stop: Baton Rouge State Capitol. 

There are 50 steps leading to the entrance of the capitol building that list the names of the states in the order they joined the union. Radley was so pumped to find Texas, California and Louisiana but there was someone else who was equally excited... she climbed up half of them by herself!

He was equally excited to see the inside and in true Radley form asked about 2048 questions that I really couldn't answer. I have no doubt that this boy could be sitting in one of those chairs one day.

Now, while all things are bigger (and arguably better) in Texas... the Louisiana state capitol is the tallest - 40+ stories and we made it all the way to the top. Landry of course loved it (and as you can tell, was trying to winch her way out of the Moby Wrap). 

It's a good thing Emmy's hair was in piggies because that wind was crazy!

This guy. He's cute, huh? 

Pops was pointing out all the boats, buildings, and sharing stories with Radley - all of which I seem to remember from way back when.

As we headed to our next stop we paused for the required "Texas" pic - with the obvious additions of Louisana gators.  

On the way to our next adventure we spotted a farmer's market - and clearly pulled over to walk down Main Street for a sampling of goodness. 

Homemade wine. Now, I am not real sure what a "muscodine" is, but it makes some tasty beverage. 

Landry's view is always the best. 

We noticed some slight differences between Louisiana farmer's markets and others we've seen. We sadly did not buy any alligator sausage on Saturday. 

 But we definitely didn't leave empty handed. 

 The last stop of the morning was to visit Mike the Tiger. We decided that the LSU mascot may be able to beat the Aggie mascot - but Radley wasn't scared.

(Fun fact: the LSU school newspaper is called The Reveille)

Mike wasn't feeling into all the visitor's but the kids LOVED him and they were greeted with lots of smiles from all the LSU fans even though they were all decked out in their Aggie gear.  We hung out and roared at Mike, spent too much money at the bookstore (where Pops purchased the kids some purple and gold) and met my sweet cousin who is a senior at LSU. She joined us for lunch at a campus favorite where I had the best Bloody Mary/poached eggs over crab cakes brunch ever. 

All of that before noon. 

We were tired. 

But these guys weren't done yet - they were headed to Bocage - a BR country club where all white clothing is required to play tennis. I nearly died when they came back from Academy and walked out as twinkies. 

I mean died. 

The girls and I proceeded to take a 3 hour nap, chat with more cousins and then headed out for dinner at my Dad's cousin's new restaurant. We clearly don't go hungry in Baton Rouge which makes everyone's tummy happy and hearts full.

I failed at taking any pics at dinner, but it as amazing. Full of family and love and everything that life is about. Ryan is trying to talk me into moving to Baton Rouge and some days I think he may be on to something... we will see. For now, I love visiting a place that has filled my childhood with happy memories and watching my kids discover the wonders of this place all over again.

Freezing fun...

(First let me apologize to my momma for my lack of blogging this week. It's been crazy but her persistent "I need a blog" texts have won. Thank you, loyal reader, Momma for caring). 

:)

Now for our regularly scheduled blog post.

Once every year it gets cold in Texas. Really cold. And that day was last Saturday - just in time for Radley's soccer game. Holy guacamole Batman, we were chilly! 

(I also know that there are some of you that laugh at this since you have been in FEET of snow this year, but hey - it's Texas...the place where everything is bigger... including the exaggerated stories about our weather). 

Landry actually loves the cold weather. She kicks off her socks and shoes - probably because it's funny to watch silly Mommy put them back on. Over and over again. She squeals in delight at the wind. 

Emmy and Gigi?

notsomuch.

Don't let Gigi's smile fool you here, they were not loving it. 

The kids didn't seem to mind it though. The temperature wasn't really that cold - it was this horrible bone chilling wind that made it bad. Radley tried to play without his "gloves" ie. extra pair of socks on his hands but didn't make it 4 minutes before running to the side and asking me to put them back on. 

When it was time for him and Ashtyn to let other friends play they headed to us and sat under the snuggie. It was pretty darn adorable. 

He still managed to play and have fun! Their team is really starting to click - passing the ball, "seeing" the field - makes me excited and nervous all at the same time! 

After the game we all went out to lunch and then headed home to give Gigi her {belated} birthday gift. I think she liked it a lot. 

We all love you BUNCHES, Gigi!!

Happy Birthday, GiGi...

You've been Mom for 30+ years

You've watched us succeed and wiped away our tears

You've given tough love but are also our friend 

You've taught us to love until the very end

And over the years as we grew and changed

One thing has remained the same

Your love and support are always high

Even in times when we don't  see eye to eye

So thanks, Mom for all that you do!

Happy Birthday indeed, Happy Birthday to YOU!!

All our bags are packed...

I'm not the only one packing for MAKs arrival. 

GiGi and Pops bought Radley and Emersyn some upgraded luggage (their stuff was too small) for their weekend trips to Waco. We will probably ship them off send them to spend some quality time with their grandparents after MAK arrives. 

I think they were ready to leave today! 

Thanks GiGi and Pops!

Finding north...

Ever wonder what it feels like to be trapped in a "perfect storm" struggling to find north and relying on your compass to show you the way?

That is exactly how I would describe the past week.

Fely quietly passed away last Friday morning at her home in her sleep. She couldn't take one more day of pain and I think she was ready to be home. As sad and heartbreaking as this is for Ryan and our family, we are at peace knowing that she is with Him.

As soon as we got the call we went into "go" mode and with the help of dear friends and family managed to have everything in order to get on the road. Ryan and I are so lucky to have family and friends that are family to give us this support and comfort.

The entire weekend was one storm after another, not in a negative way, just in a "we've lost our way" feeling, an out of body experience. No matter how "prepared" we were for this to happen, you can never prepare enough. I am so proud of Ryan. The respect and honor that he has for his mom is evident in everything that he does. In finding his north, he made sure that the events honoring her life were just that: an honor to her. From the service to the food, to how he spoke to every "guest", he honored her by serving as the "perfect host"... just as she would have wanted.

The death of a parent is hard for anyone, but this week was especially difficult for Ryan. He has no grandparents, his dad died when he was 8 and now his mom had passed away. His birthday was May 19 and she was laid to rest on May 16, which was his dad's birthday. And while I could very easily focus on the cruelty of this situation, in searching for my North, I see the blessings that we were given.

A part of me believes in dying, Fely gave Ryan his last gift. An end to her suffering. She was no longer in pain. She was at home, peaceful, rested. She had a wonderful visit with all of us on Mother's Day. Fely gave him the gift of peace.

And the significance of having her service on his dad's birthday is beautiful to me. Bill was her true love. She has missed him every single day since the day that he died. He was the love of her life and she went to meet him on his birthday... giving life to their love once again.

In the week that has now passed, Ryan and I have found ourselves creating that "new normal" that people talk about. Searching for north, working through the storm and coming out changed, cleaned, renewed and at peace with our lives. While we could focus on so many what ifs, regrets, and what will never be's, we choose to see the light, we choose to be thankful for what was given to us and what we will now gain with the strength and courage that was created by all of this.

Our compass allowing us to find true north is Him, His guidance, His love, His comfort, and the peace that we have knowing that she is with Him now.

Thank you for the prayers. We feel them and are forever grateful for each of you.

Mother's Day...

This weekend we drove to Sherman to celebrate Mother's Day with Fely. 

As I mentioned before, Fely was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December. The disease is rapidly causing her more pain and preventing her from doing the things that she loves and enjoys to do. We knew that there was no other place that we should be to celebrate this Mother's Day than with her. 

In reality, we were celebrating her life, as a Mom and a Dad to Ryan. Ryan's dad passed away when he was eight years old. Since then Fely has been a mother and a father; at times lacking that disciplinarian role (which Ryan took full advantage of) but always offering her love to him.

I am so proud of Ryan. His strength. His tenderness. His faith. His respect and honor for his mom. I always prayed that I would be blessed with a good man. A hard working, honorable human to share my life with and in these moments of our life, every second of doubt and moment of frustration, he has lead with an example for me to follow. Ryan carries on with the knowledge that no matter what comes next, He is the ultimate provider, the navigator, the One in which our destiny lies. Ryan has been kind, patient and supportive of his mom... everything a parent could hope to have in a child, a child could want in a parent and I could need in a husband. 

These images capture her so beautifully, for even in her time of weakness and vulnerability, she is still poised, polished and perfectly beautiful in her skin. (In true Fely fashion, she had final approval of all pictures that were taken...with a "oh, that looks good" I knew the spark she has in her is still shining).

She was eager to visit and talk and so happy to share time with all of us. Especially Ryan. 

I have known Fely for 12 years now and never in that time had I been given the pleasure of cooking or cleaning in her house. Always the gracious hostess and not wanting anyone to go out of their way for her, I was honored to be able to serve her this weekend. To bring her dinner in bed, to clean the dishes and to pick up around the house. As I sat at the sink washing the dishes, I found myself crying, thinking about the simple act of putting soap on a sponge, knowing that the only reason I was doing this was because she couldn't anymore. 

How did that happen?

She was elated to see Emmy and Radley and just be in their presence. You could see the joy in her face watching them but recognize the remorse of knowing that she wouldn't be here to see their lives unfold. But I challenge that thought... knowing that she will be with them, beside them and in them for every grand moment of their lives. She is part of them and we will make sure that she is part of our lives and their heritage today and always. 

In visiting her for this day, she gave us a gift. A wonderful visit. The ability to see her strong while allowing us to know that she is weak. Doesn't every child need to know that about their parent? That while we hope to carry our kids through their darkest days, that sometimes it is them that will carry us?

I am thankful that we were given this weekend with her. That she was able to talk to us, to tell Radley she loved him as many times as she could. To read to him and Emmy, to laugh and to cry. 

That she showed us her fear as much as her courage. 

I am thankful for my own Momma, teaching me and showing me that life goes on; we persevere, we conquer and we look to Him and His guiding light even in the darkest hours. 

And while this Mother's Day wasn't at all anything that I would have ever planned... it was more than I could have ever hoped for. 

Hope you all had a beautiful day celebrating the Moms in your life, too. 

Happy {belated} Birthday...

You've stood beside me since I can remember... 

from first days of school...

to moments in the spotlight... 

.... you've offered hugs...

... words of wisdom... 

... and suppor that only comes from a Dad... 

... with a hug or just holding my hand...  

I could and can always count on you to see me through!

Love you Dad! 

Three days...

GiGi and Pops graciously offered to watch Radley and Emmy for a few nights since we were no longer able to go to Sherman. We jumped at the chance thought long and hard about it and although we knew it would be hard to be without them for 3 nights, we recognized that my mom and dad raised Jody, Jeremy and me without killing us, so they would be fine with our kiddos, too!

Radley (and Emmy) could not have been more excited. 

As I was loading him in the car he said (and I quote), "It's ok, Momma, we'll be fine. See ya later!"

My ego and heart were a little broken that I didn't get even a tiny tear, but he did make me feel better when he leaned over to blow me a kiss. 

{I would like it noted that I dropped them off... with NO instructions. None. Everyone that knows me should be proud. I am trying to relinquish control.}

So what did we do for THREE whole days and nights?!?!

No one should be surprised that the first thing I did was clean the house. It was beautiful and stayed that way for THREE whole days and nights!! Ahhhhh... I also caught up on Emmy's baby book, some crafting projects and became acquainted with my new friend, Netflix. 

Wednesday night we spent with the HMMs (also sans kids) and our friend Angie. We just sat and talked for hours and had the best time. Ryan even made Cindy cry from laughing so hard. I love nights like those, no plans, no expectations just enjoying the company of friends. 

Ryan did have to work on Thursday and Friday, but that's ok because he got to come home to this...  

Seriously, best dish ever. 

And then Friday was our anniversary which we celebrated at our favorite place in town, Christopher's World Grille. We love to act like we are "regulars" and hope to one day have a booth named after us. It was one of those perfect evenings where the conversation never stops, the food is amazing, the drinks are perfectly prepared and the company isn't too bad to look at, either. 

I can't believe that it's been five years. Seems like just yesterday I was walking down that aisle to my happily ever after. And while every day isn't filled with perfection, our marriage couldn't be a bigger blessing to me. Thanks, Ryan, for all that you do to keep me and our children happy. 

We had a lovely 3 day mini staycation, but seriously missed our kiddos! Thank you so much, Mom and Dad, for being so wonderful. Radley and Emmy had so much fun and love you so very much!!

Want to do it again?

Happy Birthday Mom/GiGi...

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I hope that your day is as beautiful as you are!

Thank you for all of the years of drying my tears and helping me through whatever it is I faced. I love you so much and hope you know how special you are to not just me, but to everyone that knows you. 

You are giving. 

You are kind.

You are loud.

You are gracious.

You are beautiful.

You are funny.

You are smart.

You are a terrible texter.

You are a wife.

You are a mom.

You are a best-friend.

You are a GiGi.

And most of all... 

You are LOVED!

Happy Birthday!!