A Quick Laugh

Our child was the first child born and spent a lot of her early years as the only. This means she naturally gravitates towards the adults in the room. Always.  

At summer camp, she becomes besties with the counselors. When at a party with children, she can be found with the adults. Most of the stories we have involve teachers, not classmates. In class, she likes to sit away from her classmates. 

It is who she is.

Now for a story....

Weeks ago, we attended a meeting on a potential upcoming class trip opportunity to Italy. This is a chance to hang with other kids their own age in a different country. Alice asked if we all went, if she could room with us. We stopped to ask her math teacher (a trip chaperone) if the kids had to room with other kids or if she could room with us. She said it depends on what we wanted. I mentioned Alice needed to learn how to hang with other people her age and not room with her parents. Alice gave me a look, the math teacher laughed.

Fast forward to this weekend when she was talking about school drama. 

Her "Oh, and thanks to YOU, now I have to sit next to so-and-so in Math class because my teacher thinks I (in air quotes) 'need to socialize with kids my age'! I used to sit alone!! It was wonderful!! And now it's ruined!"

I laughed until I cried.

This season of life with Alice has been one of my favorites. Our conversations are hysterical. Always.

Until next time.....

A Pinch of Hope

This weekend I stepped WAY out of my comfort zone for something I knew in my heart was important. 

I have been unapologetically vocal about my disgust with those in leadership roles and my disappointment with those who put them there. I share this on social media and in the shirts I wear when I leave the house.

But lately, that hasn't been enough.

Last Friday I decided to see if there was a No Kings gathering in our area and was pleasantly surprised to see one in our little community. I told my Beloved I needed to be there. I texted my like-minded Bestie and her response was an immediate "I'm down." That night we bought markers and made signs. 

I was going outside......

Before we left the house, it was important to me that Alice understood why this was necessary.

We talked about our Freedom of Speech and how the current administration would like to silence those who disagree with them. We talked about how they are trying to manage what stories the Press are allowed to tell. We talked about how they are attempting to erase parts of history that might make us uncomfortable; but these are things that to be learned so we don't accept the terrible treatment of others as being okay. 

Lastly, we talked about the importance of showing up for our friends that do not look like us who are having to worry about being unlawfully detained for the color of their skin. That is not something we have to worry about and it's important to use our voices for them. By showing our outrage at the blatant injustice - we are showing them they are safe with us.

On Saturday, with our signs in hand, we headed to City Hall and joined around 300 people from our community in solidarity that NONE of this okay. The lies. The shutdowns. The disgusting internet trolling done by the freaking leader of the United States - NONE OF IT IS OKAY.

We held signs, waved, blew bubbles, sang, chanted - even when it rained.  

And for the first time in a long time, we all didn't feel so alone.

We stood next to a woman from our neighboring community who was thankful to be able to stand with people who felt the same way she did. 

It's easy to feel like we're crazy. But over 7 million people peacefully gathered to express their anger at where we are heading. 

And for the first time in a long time, I had hope.

Hope that the hate won't continue to win.

Hope that eventually the lies will stop and consequences will happen. (I miss accountability and consequences and checks & balances...)

Hope that communities can live in peace again.

Just.....a pinch of hope.

I'm thankful we attended because now I know I'm not so alone in the immediate space I share with so many. 

Until next time....

I stood here.....

I love crunchy leaves. I will go out of my way to stomp on crunchy leaves. So much so that when I'm on a Book Club adventure with girls I haven't seen in years, I will abandon the group for a lovely pile of crunchy leaves. 

Sorry, Ladies, they call me. 

Yesterday, our book club spent the afternoon on Galveston Island in honor of our most recent book, Dark Water Rising by Marian Hale. We drove the island looking for landmarks mentioned in the book and we made a stop at Garten Verein for a walk through the park. 

We met up for dinner with our 5th member and her ADORABLE young man. *Henry, you can always sit by me.* We talked some about the book but mostly we just talked.Talked about medical woes and plays we did at church when we were little. We talked about life and kids and fractions. I say, just eat the whole pie! 

No pressure, no stress - just a visit with old (plus a new) friends. 

And it was lovely.

We ended the adventure with a sunset trip to the strand where I kept my tennis shoes on because, sand....no thank you. 

That's WAY too much outside for me.

Nope.

Too close.

Until next time.......




 

Socially Spent

We have not done classroom birthday parties yet mainly because we felt she was too young and we had things going on. Plus, I'm no good with new people. I get all weird. I have gone her entire school career without learning any of the parent's names. I know this is probably horrible but the extent of our interactions is usually opening the door for each other on the way in or out. That's it! I know who belongs to which kid! Mostly. 

Now it's just awkward to ask, I've seen some of these women for 3+ years. 

However, we decided this year we would make more of an effort to socialize her so if she came home with an invite and wanted to go - we would try to make that happen. 

And the universe LAUGHED and she came home with three invites for this past weekend. 

And the kids have words now and spent the entire week talking about the parties like little gossipy teenagers. There was no way of getting around it.

Saturday we had a Halloween party with costumes and pumpkin painting. 

I am grown. I haven't dressed up in YEARS!!! But I didn't want to be the only one not in a costume so I borrowed some scrubs from my mom. I mean, if I'm going to be uncomfortable, I might as well dress comfortably. 

We show up at 3 with our pumpkin and the host (who is the ONLY other adult wearing a costume - more showed up later though) says she's not sure she's had anyone show up at 3 before - they usually show up much later! 

For clarification, the invitation listed the party at 3pm with no end time. And it didn't say it was 'starting at 3'. It said When: 3pm. I noticed the timeline for the event when we got there and things were scheduled until almost 6. Jesus, take the wheel.

Turns out it's an all-evening family event they throw every year. I was glad Alice got to go this year. She had a ball. She ran all over in her princess dress and cried huge tears when it was time to go. It was cold but she was happy. And she was finally able to see J's room because they've been talking about it all week and he wants her to see it. It's upstairs now and you have to take your shoes off.

Ummmm......pump your breaks, little girl! Wanting to rush off to see some boys room. She will give me all the grey hairs.  

On Sunday, she had back-to-back birthdays. 

We started with a little girl in her class and the invite said "costumes optional". Thinking ease, we went with Fancy Nancy because all that involves is a party dress and some accessories that are going to end up in my purse after a few minutes anyway. We arrive and not a single child is in a costume. Not even the birthday girl. Bless.

Alice is super awkward and these party helped me to realize that ALL kids are super awkward. This little girl is about as excited about socializing as I am. And all Alice wanted to do was play with her toys because they're all new to her! 

Alice doesn't understand the rules of a party. "It's time to play this game!" "No thank you, I don't want to." Yeah, that's not how this works, you have to play along, kid. And then tears. Always tears. 

As we were making our exit, the mom mentioned we could do play dates and dinner. She had my number on the caller ID so she could contact me. 

Y'all - this is like my worst nightmare. They have a really nice, calm house. I don't know how to behave in that kind of environment. And what happens when it's our turn to host?! I'm already sweating just thinking about it. 

Our next party was for a little boy. There was no guidance as to what to buy these kids so we got board games that would be appropriate for each child. 

We arrive to the party at Peter Piper Pizza and immediately realize the party is for a kid I've never even seen. Apparently, there are two boys in the class with the same name and while I was shopping for one, it was the other one I should have been shopping for. This was probably the most uncomfortable social encounter we have ever had. 

Although this does explain why the child I shopped for was in no hurry to leave the little girl's party before his. 

There were at least 3 other kids from Alice's class and I did eventually meet the boy's parents and figure out which child he was. 

Y'all. 

This was just all too much socializing. 

I had to write down names so I could remember what they were for when we run into each other at the Thankful Feast. 

And I think we might have hit our max on social engagements for the year. 

We're officially socially spent.

Real talk.

Until next time......

Into the Weeds

Nothing says "we're Texans" better than standing in some weeds. 

It's spring in Texas which means you can't take a drive through the country without passing a gaggle of cars pulled over and mobs of families traipsing through the fields of reds and blues. I always thought it was kind of funny. 

And then we had the cutest little girl ever. 

And SHE MUST HAVE HER PICTURE TAKEN IN THE BLUEBONNETS!!!!! What kind of Texas kid would she be if she didn't?! We can't fail her as parents!! SHE MUST STAND IN THE PRETTY FLOWERS!

So we made a stop at a friends house and let her play in the weeds.

She didn't seem to mind.

Our friend, Amanda was kind enough to let us play in her pretty flowers. And she even took our picture!

Happy spring, y'all!

Saving and Sharing

Today is 'square' and the little square is the perfect shape to hold a yo-yo collection!

You've seen my Beloved's music collection but he also has a yo-yo collection. He is very selective about his collection and he takes his souvenirs very seriously. Even as a boy he would take time and consider what he wanted to bring home. And he always took very good care of those treasures! If you look around the house, you can find them here and there.

I love that I've married someone just as sentimental as I am when it comes to trinkets and treasures. 

I have a friend who just had a baby girl. They have a little boy and decided to let this one be a surprise so they didn't do much shopping. I have boxes of baby girl clothes that Alice no longer needs and I've held on to them because that's what you do. It's very hard to let some things go. People keep things thinking they're 'saving it for the next one' but that's not the case for us. It's been a bit therapeutic to let items go. 

Sometimes sharing is a lot like letting go. It's 'acceptance' and that's not a bad thing.

So we boxed them all up and now the clothes are hers. 

Although there are some things I just can't part with. Some items of clothes that mean too much or a toy she spent months playing with. These I just can't let go of. 

And my Beloved says that's okay. He never says I can't keep something. 

Now he will if he thinks we're getting too close to starring in an episode of Hoarders. ;) But until then.

What did you save? What trinket or item of clothing do you hold dear? 

My Mamaw is clearing out some space in her house and is slowly bringing me items. Last week she brought me a little yellow brush with Garfield on it. We played with this brush when we were little. And now Alice toddles around the house with it. It's a beautiful thing. 

Until next time....

Was there a game on?

Today was Super Bowl Sunday! And as usual, we joined our friends for a party. Although this year we did a lot more chasing than we did watching. I'm not even sure I saw anyone score. I can say something really snarky about the Bronco's but I think it's still too soon. ;)

Alice was not the youngest! But she was the youngest mobile child which meant we got to follow her around making sure she didn't eat anything she wasn't supposed to. 

She did discover Ethan's work bench and all of his tools. Now she thinks she needs one.

She learned how to use a chainsaw from one of the big kids.

She also discovered the toddler bed.

She had to have help getting out of the bed the first time since putting down the tools in her hands was obviously out of the question. However, by the third time she was trying to get out - she did it all on her own. She sat and inched her little feet closer and closer to the floor. She's a smart little thing. 

Now for the photo challenge - favorite. And these two are mine.

Always.

Until next time.....

Celebrate

It's our New Years Eve tradition to gather at my mom's house and help prepare the gumbo! 

Every year on January 1st, we have a Gumbo party. Dad started this tradition a very, very long time ago. After we lost him, mom decided to keep it up. Now that we're older, we get to help which means laughing and drinking and playing games.

There is no place else I'd rather be on New Years Eve. 

We chop peppers, onions, sausages and pick chicken. And when we're done - we play games!

This year we played a game called "Are You Normal?"

And I won!! TAKE THAT!! I'm the most normal! HOLLA! ;)

I'm framing this as proof. 

;)

Happy New Year to you! And next year if you're in the area - stop by for some Gumbo! 

Something Awesome

This was our last day all together. So sad! 

We hung out in Magic Kingdom and ate dinner at Tony's Town Square restaurant. 

Her parents are silly.

While we waited on our reservations, Aunt Shelly and Alice took a walk.

She found a curb and went up and down it about 20 times.

This girl. 

Here we are at dinner!

I realize I've used that picture already. It's okay. 

Alice got to share my pasta. She didn't complain. The girls loves her carbs. 

After dinner, we decided to ATTEMPT to ride a ride and headed towards It's a Small World. (During the day, the wait for rides was 70 - 150 minutes. No thank you.) When we got there the line was mostly empty so we decided to take a chance. 

She enjoyed the ride! Thank goodness. She liked the music and the movement. It was a success. 

Afterward, it took us forever to get out of the park through the crowd waiting for the parade and fireworks. 

But I did get to snap a picture of the castle.

And it DOES look magical at Christmas!

Sparkly

Nana's tree is very sparkly!!

We had a day of celebration!

Today was Mamaw's birthday! She got Lemon Pound-cake.

And tomorrow is Deb's! She got chocolate pie!!! 

We celebrated with cake, presents and laughing! And then almost everyone took a nap. ;)

Alice likes to share. 

She practiced walking with Abby!

She laughed with Nana!

And she reached the second floor all on her own....again. This time the Dada supervised. 

Happy birthday, Mamaw & Deb!! We love you!

On the Door & Santa Woes

A Snowman and a friendly warning. ;) I used a friendly font AND I said THANKS!! 

See!! Friendly! 

I only put the sign up when she's sleeping and let me tell you - it works! I haven't had one delivery person ring the doorbell or knock while the sign is in use. They're probably laughing too hard or snapping a picture. Regardless - it works!

Now for our adventures!

Aunt Kelley is in town for Christmas and came to spend some time with us. 

When we went to Moody Gardens last week, Santa wasn't working. Apparently he doesn't have to work during the week....in December....two weeks before Christmas. Stupid Santa. 

So we decided to go down for lunch and a Santa visit today! Only apparently Santa doesn't work on Saturdays until 5pm. Santa is just DUMB. And being the Santa at Moody Gardens must be the easiest gig ever. I mean, seriously! No Santa until 5pm on the Saturday before Christmas?!? I might have caused a scene and made some noise. Stupid Santa. 

(I know, I know. I should have taken her to the mall. I HATE the mall. And I'm not taking her to any outdoor store either. We'll just go another year without meeting Santa. Maybe she'll meet him when she's 12. Yeesh. Maybe there will be a Santa Mickey...here's hoping. Freakin' Christmas.) 

So we saw the Stingrays instead.

And of course the penguins!

It was still a fun day even though Santa stood us up....again. 

You just can't rely on anybody these days! 

;)

Tree

The light tree at Moody Gardens!

Before we walked through the lights, we went through the Aquarium. This was my Beloved's first trip with Alice and it was so cute.

Dada and Alice checking out the Penguins.

Alice loves the Aquarium.

It's so precious.

(I haven't mentioned this before but I'm not a big fan of water. Alice seems to be drawn to it. Again - God laughs.)

Dada & a shark!

The Family

Alice, the Dada and a Mammoth 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Makes you feel Merry

Time spent with the ones I love.

Today we got to go to the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens. It was a lot of fun! I'll post more pics soon but here are a few family shots we took before we left the house.

Momma and her kids.

The childrens. ;)

Travis and Kat.

I love when we can all be together. I love the conversations, the laughter, the silliness, the eating. ;) It's always a fun time. And it's always worth it.

Until next time....

Thanksgiving

We started the day with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. She didn't care much for the floats but loved the singing and dancing!

Then we went to the Nana's house for LOTS of food, laughter and family bonding time. 

It was a lovely day!

I am thankful for my family and their constant love and support. I'm thankful for my Beloved who adores us. I'm grateful for good weather, safety of travel and laughter. I'm thankful for texts with cousins and pie. I'm thankful for our home, our freedom and our health. I'm thankful for movie dates, fire pits and five days with the Beloved. 

I'm sure after the 5 days - he'll be thankful to go back to work. ;)

Until next time.....

Tuesday fun

Today we had lunch with our friend, Nella! And Alice wore her shoes!

As long as she can't see them, they don't bother her. I put them on before we got in to the car. She puckered up a little but immediately fell asleep.

When we got to the restaurant she had no problems with them....unless she could see them. Then she pouts and points at them like 'make it stop!'. But if they're out of sight - she's good to go. Silly baby.

She did fine until we got home.

Can you see the disgust on her face?

There it is! It's like I cancelled Christmas. 

Yeesh.

For the KIP challenge - today is pantry.

It's hardly ever completely full or totally organized. But it works.

The RAP photo is "I don't look forward to this" and it would have be blogging while Alice is awake. She's a mess and uses the opportunity to get in to everything. E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.  

So far while typing this I've had to remove my INR machine, a TV guide and a piece of string from her grasp. And that's after I had to stop her from chewing on my knee & banging on the mirror wall with her toy. She's currently under the highchair. She's going to need help getting unstuck in 3.....2.....1.

Yep.

Until next time.....