SNOW Day!

As it does often, Texas weather throws us a curve ball...and this time it was a ball of snow.  We were grateful for the extended weekend and time to be cozy with family.  We spent the days binge watching Outer Banks on TV, playing games, reading, being in pajamas, and eating lots of home baked goods by Caelin.  Before the snow started, Cade and Caelin taped skewers to a ruler so we could measure the inches outside once the snow started.  When the snow started falling around 10pm yesterday, we ran through the snowflakes, drew on truck, and went to bed excited for tomorrow.  When we woke up today, we found the peak of the weather with snow.  Thus, we spent almost 2 hours outside building a snowman, having a snowball fight, and making snow ice cream like my Daddy used to.  What a fun day to just be together and enjoy the little things!  

47th Presidential Inauguration

Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. The ceremony took place inside the Capitol Rotunda due to extreme cold weather. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to President Trump. During the swearing-in, First Lady Melania Trump held two Bibles: one gifted to Trump by his mother in 1955 and the historic Lincoln Bible. Vice President JD Vance was sworn in by Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. We loved watching the 21 canon salute outside that was started in the 1400's when firearms were introduced and symbolize the highest honor and a historical day in history.  In his inaugural address, President Trump declared the onset of a "golden age of America," outlining plans to revitalize the economy, strengthen national security, and implement significant policy changes. Following the ceremony, he signed numerous executive orders, including measures to reverse previous administration policies and initiatives aimed at reshaping federal regulations. Today was part of American history and we are grateful for this great country we live in. Regardless of political preferences, we feel it’s important to treat our elected officials with respect and grace, remembering that ultimately, God is truly the one in power. 

Grampee's 30th year for Houston Marathon

This year’s Houston Chevron Marathon was a family affair to remember as Grampee proudly completed his third Houston Half Marathon.  These last 3 years were consecutive behind 27 consecutive full marathons.  This means for the last consecutive 30 years, Grampee has competed in either the full or half marathon! The event, held on a crisp January morning in the low 30 degrees, brought together all types of runners and supporters, but for us, it was all about cheering on our favorite runner. The grandkids made the day extra special, not only by being there to see Grampee cross the finish line but also by showering him with cheers and encouragement along the way. Their excitement was contagious as they waved, cheered and even snagged a variety of fun freebies from the vendors. Watching them beam with pride as they celebrated their grandfather's accomplishment was heartwarming. The day before the big race, we gathered at Adriatic Cafe for a delicious pre-race meal, fueling up on hearty Italian favorites and soaking in the anticipation of the next morning. Grampee’s dedication to training and his determination to finish strong was a true inspiration for everyone at the table. Crossing the finish line after months of preparation and hard work, Grampee showed us all the power of perseverance and commitment. Congratulations to Grampee on another incredible milestone—your family is so proud of you as always!

OG's in Tomball

In August of 2020, Klein ISD blessed me with the opportunity to bring 3 individuals up to the district level to assist me with running the big initiatives I wanted to start for growing out behavior supports.  I knew these 3 women were what the district needed to not only make progress, but bring their innovative ideas to action as a team.  What I didn’t know is that God’s plan was bigger (as always) and these 3 girls were what my heart and soul needed.  We grew very close in the first semester as we truly had some hard mountains to climb, but through sweat, tears, and even blood…we did it together.  That bond we created has changed my life forever and I cannot imagine my life without my “OG’s”.  We try every 3-4 months to plan a weekend gathering together and that has continued for the past 5 years.  This past weekend we found a little house in Tomball and stayed local.  Our hubbies often laugh and ask why local, but the truth is, we just don’t care as long as we are together.  We enjoyed good food, games, shopping, candle making, new restaurants, games, and a whole lotta laughs.  I thank God daily for Anna, Megan and Emily.  Until next time… 

Cade's first J-O-B!

Cade was excited to be selected to work the THS NextLevel Sports Camp this year.  Today was his first day and he will be serving where needed on Saturdays for an 8 week Flag Football season for students in grades K-6th.  He is beyond excited to get paid $15/hr and start saving some money.  We are so proud of all the ways he pushes himself to be better and is growing up way to fast.  Since he got his own bank account last summer, this will be a great way for him to learn how to deposit his own checks and monitor his bank activity.  PS- $15/hr for his first job is not too shabby, ha!

Happy BD Daddy

Today my personal hero would have been 76. My Daddy was simply the best at everything in my eyes. He never stopped taking care of his girls, put up with a lot of hormones, modeled how to apologize and forgive, and most importantly LOVED deeply. In your honor today, we blessed others, spent time as a family, and ate carrot cake. Happy BD Daddy!

Welcome 2025!

A new year always brings a fresh start and new goals.  This year crept up quite quickly and I am not even sure what new my personal goals may be.  I know last year I focused on 100oz water intake daily, getting a treatment plan for my headaches, and reading a book or completing a puzzle every month as part of self care.  The water intake and treatment plan for headaches were completed with success, but I was 1 month shy of completing my goal of finishing a book or puzzle monthly for self-care.  Even though I didn't finish by the end of the year, I will make sure to complete it in the coming months, even if late.  LOL.  This year, I want to focus more on the smaller moments and RECENTER more.  What that truly looks like, I am not sure as of today.  I want to love more deeply, serve others more, and explore a new part of our country with family.  I know that may sound vague to some, but I have learned to not have everything planned out or put specific timelines on myself or I will pass by the little things and miss an opportunity to be more like Mary instead of Martha. Thus "recenter" is my word for the year with a focus verse on Lamentations 3:22-23.  I feel a longing to recenter my life to the people and things that truly matter.  I want to let go of the things I need to prune (like in 2022) and not feel guilty releasing those things in an effort to seek more of the goodness of God.  To celebrate our new year as a family, we had a yummy meal of ham, black eyed peas, cabbage, and mac and cheese at Nana's before heading home.  I am thankful to God for bringing us all to 2025 with good health and togetherness.  I truly look forward to all the peace, joy filled moments, and new adventures of 2025.  Cheers to a new year and a better version of each of us!  

2018 - CHOOSE JOY

2019 - DRAW CLOSER

2020 - BALANCE

2021 - INTENTIONAL

2022 - PRUNING

2023 - SEEK

2024 - ANCHOR

2025 - RECENTER- Lamentations 3:22-23