Some Things I Just Love

Homemade pizza

A daughter who unexpectedly just wants to do the dishes....cause mama had a hard day

And focus.

There is no picture here.

I'm not having that clear focus right now.

Unless focusing on getting through today counts. 

In that case, I'm focused on a nap....

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

Yesterday I was a food photographer.

Last night I was an advocate for a woman in crisis.

This morning I was brushing up on some of my legal terminology.

This evening I was a freelance writer....finished up the last of my five assigned articles (due by midnight!)

What will I be tomorrow?

I better get some sleep.....since there simply is no way of knowing. 

I will....

I will look back on this situation....a family matter....that I am....in and believe wholeheartedly that God has been preparing me for this.

To be supportive in this exact situation. 

To be a miracle to somebody.....as crazy at that sounds.....

....in a situation that sounds like an episode of Dateline.  

God, please grant your peace and presence and blessings on this.  Now. 

Weekend-in-Review

Busy weekend. 
Ball Games
The last of the Christmas Party celebrations.

oh.
And one of the most surreal experiences of my life.
I was riding along in the back seat of my own car.
While my baby boy drove.

Tookie scored 12 points and won her first basketball game. 

Brian and Nathan playing pool at my aunt and uncle's house.

Candy-cane tongues!

Here's the boy.  4 hours out from getting his drivers permit.  And he's already driving a Lexus. 

Cruising with uncle Shawn. 

He drives.  Away.

Famous Quotes from the Last 2 Days

Yesterday:
Danielle:  Hey.....I know three words that mean the same as poop.
Claire:  I know four.
Marisa:  I know five.  Hey mom, how many do you know?
Me:  Six.  Off the top of my head, anyway.
Girls:  Tell us.
Me:  No. Enough poop talk.

Today:
Danielle:  I'm not lying, I'm kidding.

And heard through the bathroom doors while someone was showering: (I'm not allowed to say which of my youngest daughters likes to sing this song)
Life don't go
Quite like you plan it
We try so hard to understand it
Irrebutable? Indisbutable fact is
Shhhh
It Happens

Happy Birthday Nathan!

Oh my how proud I am of you. 

You are such an AMAZING young man....and I honestly don't have any idea of what I have ever done to deserve you!

When thinking about your last year, there are a few things that pop up in my mind:

You know that saying that goes something like "Sports do not build character, they reveal it"?
I have seen this to be so true in you.
You don't always have the successful record that you strive for.
And yet, you NEVER stop striving. 
You expect the best from yourself, and when that isn't cutting it, you work harder.
And you take it upon yourself to not let your teammates get down, slow down or give up.

You are a leader.
I see it tons when you are playing sports and with your peers.
You have such power to make a difference in the world, and you do it every day, in your own ways.

You care.
You don't just hang out with certain people because they are "cool" or because you are "cool."
You notice needs around you and somehow, without making a big deal about it, you reach out.
And you are so cool about it, too.

You make being the "nice guy" look good.

You take care.

You look after me and your sisters...instictively.

I don't have to ask you to mow or shovel.
You warm up the car and you pump the gas.
You are always asking me to teach you to do things that would help you take care of me.
And you hardly ever ask me for money.
You are responsible, and even try to protect my feelings on some things.

You are brave.

I don't have to list the reasons....cause you know.

You stand up for the right thing.

You are smart.

You ask questions to learn the answers, not to be fed the answers.

Before you were born, I prayed for you.  I made sort of a deal with God. 

(i know that me thinking that God makes deals is poor theology...so what)

the circumstances in which you were born in were less than ideal.

But I promised God that I would bring you up "in the way" of Him if He would grant me the

priviledge of being your mama. 

I know I fall short

but I keep on trying.

Because you are worth it.

You make me want to be a better mama. 

Love you so much, Wildcat!!

7th Grade Girls Finish Season Undefeated!