Vacation Goals

We usually go on vacation twice a year.  However, due to scheduling conflicts, we were not able to go on vacation until now.  To say we were ready is a huge understatement.

We are on a mission to visit all 50 states and this time it was Florida!  Disney World to be exact.

Our good friend is a Disney travel agent for Vacations Gone Goofy (in fact, we have several friends that work for this great company).  She has been helping us plan for months.  We told her exactly what we wanted to do, how long we wanted to stay, etc., and she made it all happen.

We stayed at the All Star Sports Resort in the baseball section (of course!) and spent 2 days in Magic Kingdom and 2 days in Epcot.

To be honest, it was probably 2 days too long for our family.  We are not die hard Disney fans (sorry, friends), but we wanted to experience these 2 parks.  We could've spent just one day in each park and been good. Plus, after walking about 500 miles each day (cue the song by The Proclaimers), our feet were so tired and sore.

We saw a lot of characters, but we didn't want to wait in line to meet them.

We went on all of our favorite rides: Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mad Tea Party, Space Mountain, and more!

We saw some fantastic architecture.

We also saw some magical fireworks every night.

We did have fun, ate lots of food, went on lots of rides (and even felt motion sickness from one of them), but it was time to really relax.  So, off to the beach we went.

We've been to Gulf Shores before and we were so excited to go back.  The only downfall was that we were not there long enough.  We always stay at a condo on the beach and it's the most relaxing place, we were never in a rush to do anything, and we could listen to those waves crash all day long.  

There was a hurricane in the Caribbean and it affected all of the gulf.  The water came in closer than usual in the morning, brought some light afternoon showers, and the waves were a little more unruly.

Gulf Shores always has spectacular sunrises and sunsets and we got to see dolphins every single morning.

All too soon, it was time to head home.  Back to reality and all the responsibilities that await us.  But we're already looking forward to our next vacation!

Work Goals-The End

The end of the road.  The end of the journey.  The end of the chapter.   Closing one door.  Whatever you want to call it, it's here.  After eight years, my time as a music preschool teacher has come to an end.  I will now spend my days as a full-time Music Therapy student at a nearby university.

The years have gone fast and honestly, sometimes the days were long.  They were tough.  They have been exhausting and even caused some tears.  However, the days full of joy, laughter, and lots of amazing music is what I'll remember the most.

To my fabulous boss...
I remember the day I told God I wanted to work in music again.  I wanted to find that passion that I had briefly lost.  The very next day was when I was offered this job.  Thank you for being obedient and so instrumental in my life.  We have cried, laughed, and experienced so much together.  Our friendship is deeper than just being co-workers.  There were many, many times we spent in your office talking about more than just work and simply sharing our hearts with each other.  Most importantly, you always let me be me.  My personality is definitely like no one else's, but you never once tried to change that. 

To my fellow teachers and co-workers...
I will always be thankful for your support and love over the years.  You put up with my sarcastic remarks, repetitive songs, and love of The Wiggles.  You lifted me up and prayed over me when it was warranted.  Some of the wonderful friendships that have been formed will surely last forever.  My favorite part is always when you request a favorite song that I have played throughout the years.  Victor Vito, anyone?

To the parents...
I had the privilege of teaching your oldest child, your middle child, and even your youngest child.  You have flooded me with thoughtful notes, kind gestures, and amazing gifts.  I absolutely love when you share a story of your child singing a song at home that they had learned in my classroom. Thank you, thank you, thank you for allowing me to be just one small part in your child's life.    

To my students...
I will never forget you.  I will never forget the hilarious stories and comments you were always eager to share with me.  I will never forget the hugs, I love you's, and smiles.  We laughed so much together while you let me sing in my opera voice, mimic your dance moves, and be just a big kid.  You were always so ready to learn all about God and the powerful Bible stories.  You soaked in the music theory and amazed yourself when you realized you could write your own musical compositions.  YOU are the reason I have found my passion for music again.  YOU are the reason that I want to learn how to help other children through the powerful therapy of music.  YOU are the reason I stayed for so long and YOU are the reason I am leaving.  My heart is full.

As I say good-bye to this part of my life, I am saying good-bye to many other things as well.  The emotions run very deep and personal.  But will I look back with fond memories?  Absolutely!  Will I have any regrets of anything that has transpired over these years?  Never.

I know I am exactly where God wants me to be. 

Baseball Goals

Preston just finished a very long Spring season of baseball.  Practice started the first week of January and we played our 44th and final game this past Sunday.  We started as a 9UAA team and finished as a 9UAAA team.

To say we learned a lot this season is a huge understatement.  We learned what expectations we wanted as a baseball player, as an assistant coach/dad, and as a mom/cheerleader.  We have witnessed poor sportsmanship and great sportsmanship.  We have seen umpire's make some really lousy calls and some spot on calls.  We experienced heartache at a tough loss and jubilee at a really great win.  But most importantly, Preston's love for the game just grew tremendously.

This season Preston played pitcher...

 catcher...

and 1st base.

 He hit hard...

 so he could run hard.

 Sometimes Preston had to slide to get that run...

and sometimes it was easier.  

 They tried to pick him off...

 and other times he did the picking.

Preston tried to warn his teammates when someone was stealing...

and other times he did the stealing (which is his favorite thing to do).

Sometimes players fell on him...

 and sometimes he did the fall on his own (he dove off the pitcher's mound, caught the ball in the air and it is securely in his glove).

 Baseball can be serious business...

but it can also be loads of fun.

Especially when you bring home a trophy...

and when you are blessed enough to have your dad as an assistant coach.

Preston's Birthday Letter

Dear Preston,

You are finally in the double digits!  Now, a world full of huge milestones awaits you.  We cannot wait to see all that God has in store for you.

You world is filled with nothing but baseball.  If you are not playing it, you are watching it.  If you are not watching it, you are talking about it.  You have grown so much more passionate about this game.  You don't care whether you win or lose, you just want to play.  Keep being passionate.

You have us rolling with laughter at your hilarious faces, jokes, and dramatic gestures.  You have a fantastic singing voice and amazing dance moves that only we know about.  Keep making us laugh.

Your thirst for answers to those deep, thought-provoking Biblical and Life questions always confounds us.  You want to know more than what is simply found in books.  You constantly talk about God and all the questions you can't wait to ask Him.  Keep that hunger inside you.

You have big goals already set for your future.  We have no doubt you can achieve them with focus and hard work.  You have shown so much amazing perseverance in your life and are such a great role model.  Keep that determination.

We are so proud of you and love the little man that you are becoming.  We love experiencing life with you and look forward to many more adventures.  We can't wait to see you on that big field in Arlington when the Rangers come calling one day.  Keep that dream alive!

We love you, Nacho Libre,
Dad, Mom, and Kaitlyn

Amazing Goals

These past few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind for us.  We were at one of the kids' schools almost every day.  They had Field Day, 4th Grade Play Day, many drama productions, special class projects and field trips, End of Year parties, and award ceremonies.

But each event was special.  Each event was memorable.  Each event was bittersweet.

I always get very nostalgic this time of year.  Even more so now since both kids will be going to different schools next year.

No more elementary school.  No more Room Mom duties.  It's something I don't want to end.

Yet, I do.

The kids are growing up.  It's hard to watch and it's amazing to watch.  They are becoming their own unique selves with completely different personalities and quirks.  They are changing before our eyes and becoming beautiful people.  But, we sure miss those baby faces and little chubby hands.

The tears come quickly because of these moments, not necessarily because we are sad, but because we are thankful.  There are so many memories and opportunities that await them.

And us, being their very blessed parents, get to continue to watch.

And it will be amazing.

Your Positivity Is Showing

Recently, Preston's AA baseball team was reclassified to AAA after achieving a winning record, including a 1st place finish in a tournament.  When I told him the news, the first thing he said was "that will make us better players." 

First, I was amazed at such mature insight coming from him. Second, I was proud that he recognized it as a challenge, and without second thought, was ready to take it on. 

Perhaps, it's because we've become much more focused and goal oriented this year or perhaps it's because our faith has grown by leaps and bounds in recent months, but we have been determined to keep our thoughts and words positive.  We are determined to face any challenge that comes our way and conquer it.  In doing so, our kids see and hear the positivity that is spoken in our lives and mimic what they see.

Not everyday has been easy.  Not every challenge has been easy.  There certainly have been times when I have to sit and talk with God about my circumstance and everything comes into perspective.  He always reminds me that "if you have faith as small as a mustard seed..."

Negative words can be powerful.  "I can" can easily turn into "I can't."  They can easily cause someone to feel defeated before they have even mustered up the courage to feel like they can become a conqueror.  It's not very fun to go through life feeling like all the roadblocks that are meant to simply detour you cause you to stop altogether.

We don't like negativity in our home or spoken amongst our family.  When one of us speaks about a goal or a dream, we encourage each other to follow through with it and do whatever needs to be done to achieve it.  We are constantly encouraging and building each other up, no matter the circumstance.  It's hard to be around people that speak only discouraging or negative words.  Negativity can be contagious.

Just as Preston's positive words encouraged me, I pray that he knows how much his positive words can also encourage others.  And I pray our faith, as a family, continues to grow.  Positivity is also contagious.

 

Health Goals

Thank you, Kroger, for providing amazing health insurance for your employees and their families!!!

We, as a family, don't get sick very often.  If anything, it's once a year.  However, these past few months have been a little challenging, medically speaking.  We have been dealing with new braces, a broken finger, and a minor health diagnosis.

Personally, I have not been feeling the greatest for awhile and could just feel something was not right in my body.  Sure enough, there are a couple issues I need to handle, hoping to feel better again.  Unfortunately, I do not think my doctor is looking deep enough and there is something else going on.  With all the many health issues I've had to deal with throughout my life, I know when something is off.

Until we can pinpoint exactly what is going on, I've decided to start my workout routine again.  It is true, exercise does make you feel better.  I will admit there are times I am kicking and screaming as I head out the door to go workout or go for a long run.  But, I always feel better, albeit sweaty, afterwards.

We have a big summer vacation planned and our family goal is to be strong, completely healthy, and ready to take it on.