Surprise Celebration

On Friday we drove to Round Rock to spend the weekend with Mom and the fam.  We stayed up late catching up, sharing photos, and laughing with Mom.  Saturday morning while Mom was getting dressed Mendy picked me up and we snuck off to Starbucks (for some fuel) and then Costco/HEB to buy lobster/scallop/shrimp for a surprise 50th wedding celebration.  When we got home, the kids helped us decorate the tables and kitchen with 50th decorations and prepare the lunch.  Their wedding colors were close to a light pink/shrimp color, so we accented with that color.  Cindy/Gamee made table runners for the 2 tables, and the kids enjoyed using those.  Mom was so surprised when we walked in and all of us yelled, "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY"!  Lunch was delicious with grilled lobster and sauteed scallops.  For dessert, we had apple pie/ice cream.  We also spoiled her with a canvas that had dates from their love story on it.  Starting with "3" which represents the start of their love story.  When they were dating in high school, they signed their notes with "3" instead of their names so that if caught the teacher would not know what students were to blame.  "3" represented the 3 most important words to them "I love you".  We are so blessed to have witnessed an unconditional love like Mom and Dad's, and something like that is ALWAYS worth celebrating!  We ended the evening by all watching Kennybug play her soccer game.  Such a perfect day.  Sunday was relaxed with sleeping in, swimming, grilling hot dogs, and an attempt on some pictures.  What a great celebration weekend for us all with lots of laughs.

Happy 50th Anniversary

August 23, 1968
This is the date that started a love story like no other, 50 years ago. Even though Daddy is not here to celebrate this special day, our family does. This may sound odd to some, but the love between our Mom and Dad is one to celebrate. Together they loved deeply, forgave often, and showed us all what unconditional love truly meant. Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad! 
"3"

First day of 1st and 3rd grades

Well, here we are.  After a LONG summer of fun in the sun, memories, and new adventures…school has begun.  This year was a little tougher as it was all new for everyone.  New district, new school, new staff, new classes, and new students.  Even new bus riders this afternoon!  So many changes in one day.  Caelin was a little scared as she walked in her new classroom.  She clung tightly to my arm, but was still brave through the tears and walked in.  She found a chair at a table with 3 other girls and after a little coaching started to work.  Cade appeared to do well and walked right in to class as a 3^rd grader.  He was bold and confident.  I love that he was able to smile and proceed with reading the board for directions.  I think I might have been more nervous for them all day.  I could NOT wait to see them get off the bus this afternoon and hug them!  They reported that they both had good days, but missed their old friends and teachers.  We assured them that this year would allow them to meet even more friends and new memories.  Praying that this year allows them to make friends and learn how to step out of their comfort zones when needed. 

Caelin’s 1^st grade teacher: Miss Jessica Kirk 

Cade’s 3^rd grade teacher: Mrs. Moline, Mrs. Hennick, Mrs. Wilt