Only a Mom's Moment

Nolan, Haley and I went skating tonight with our friends, the Wilkes, and my niece, Lauren. Of course I have been taking my kids skating since they could walk because naturally it was one of my favorite childhood memories so I am hoping to create the same tradition for my kids. Anyways, in the past, Nolan and Haley would NEVER participate when it was time for the games and races. They would sit back shy, curious, and timid. Well tonight, Jennings said let's play and willingly Nolan and Haley went.

I watched them sit nervously through the instructions. Then Haley's age group was called to race. She lined up at the cones and STAYED there when her friend quickly decided to leave the floor. Haley was by far the smallest and youngest in her group. The whistle blew and off she went. She skated her heart out even though she was in last place! She had the biggest grin on her face, she was glowing from ear to ear. Haley was determined to finish the race. She kept trying harder and harder to pass the girl in front of her. This girl staying only a foot or two ahead. They were coming around the last corner just before the finish line and the other little girl fell and Haley went ahead, finishing next to last. She was so proud and I was MUCH prouder for her because she kept trying until the end. Haley skated off the floor to me and said, " Mommy, I really came in last because she beat me around the other three corners." That's my sweet girl, Haley!!! What she didn't realize is that she really won because all these years she wanted to go out and participate but never would and after tonight I bet she'll give it a second try!

Then, it was Nolan's turn for his first skate race. The whistle blew and he took off like lightening. I was nervously watching and hoping that he wouldn't fall at this fast pace. He was 7Th out of 12 coming around the first corner but was moving quickly. By the second corner, he had moved up two spots to 5Th place. As he rounded the third corner he passed another, being in fourth now, and then he JUMPED over the last corner cone trying to get around another skater and landed it beautifully as my heart sank, and he came across the finish line in third place! I was amazed by his competitive efforts to win. He did fabulous for his first race! Only a mom can express this feeling of accomplishment through the eye's of her own children. A night I'll always remember.

Three Decades of Friendship

After posting the Alvers 60Th celebration,

I realized that Cindy, Susan, and I have managed three decades of memories together.

I hope we are blessed with 60 years of friendship.

Happy 60th Anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Alvers

Jack and Agnes Alvers have accomplished a lifetime of love, peace, and happiness together.

Rick and Valerie Alvers held a reception to honor the Alvers for this unique milestone.

I wonder how many people will ever experience this these days for themselves

or even attend a 60Th wedding anniversary for someone else.

It's nice to know there are people who still value the word COMMITMENT.

They have certainly been blessed by God.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Parker's Birthday

What a precious party Parker had at The Strawberry Tea Room. The girls had a blast wearing their dresses, using the china, exchanging hats, eating finger foods, listening to The Spider's Tea Party Story, and trying to be all grown up. Grandma Clark told them to pretend they were eating with the President. Happy Birthday Parker!

Co-Ed Softball

The co-ed softball league league begins again.

Ryan is an incredible athlete, he loves the thrill of competing.

This picture was taken just before he launched the ball over the fence for a 3 run homerun.

Way to Go Babe!

It is his turn again, what will he do? He looks so serious! I can't believe it, another homerun!

I'm so proud of my groom. Keep it up babe!

This is my friend, Elaine.

She is a brave, young lady to fill the position of second base with these men.

She was able to hold her own.

She also hit the ball well, putting it in play everytime.

You go girl!

Aquatica -Sea World's New Water Park

We had a blast! I would definitely recommend this water park to any kid that loves a thrill. For the first time ever, both my kids were tall enough to ride every slide. They had slides for all ages, wave pools, rapids, a lazy river, and etc. They were determined to experience it all and they did. It was wonderful, a great family day.

Fourth of July Celebration

Nolan and Haley were in their first parade. They rode on the float that represented their ball teams. Imagine that! Then we spent the day with family and friends just chilling out in the pool, a relaxing afternoon. Check out our bunnies, Milky Way and Snickers. They like to play too! After that, we decided to attempt the fireworks new location. Since we are originals in this town, it was hard to break tradition and go to a new location. Last year, we refused to. We were able to park rather close, ride a golf cart up to the field, and definitely enjoyed the grass instead of the sand. Nolan and Haley entertained themselves by playing tag and trying to walk on their hands while waiting for the fireworks to begin. I was disappointed in the time the show began, 9:40. It was about 40 minutes late!!! The fireworks lasted about 15 minutes and then the craziness began. The one way street out!!!!!!!! Our final opinion of the new location would be enjoyable if the fireworks would have started in a more timely manner and leaving could be resolved. It took about 10 minutes to park at the beginning, 40 minutes to wait for them to begin, and another 25 minutes to leave. That is a lot of time for a 15 to 20 minute show. Anyways, its all about tradition for us though and making memories that will last for our precious children.

By the way, I'm getting close to being caught up on my blog. I'm hoping to post more current events as they happen. Thanks for understanding.

Nolan Ryan - Our All Star Favorite

Nolan was excited to be a part of the All-Star Team. His team came in 2nd place during the tournament. What an exciting time in the eye's of a child. These are the days the parents will always remember! Way to go NOLE!

Happy Birthday Haley

I can't believe how fast my baby girl is growing up. She is so full of life and happiness. My prayer is that she'll remain this way forever.