Barbie and Ken

With the arrival of the Barbie movie, Barbie fever has been everywhere!  Our friend Bridgit planned a Barbie and Ken themed surprise party for her husband Joe and we were all about it.  On top of the theme, we had a to go to Goodwill for our outfits.  I really didn't want to wear pink (because everyone else would) So I discovered Air Force Barbie from "vintage" 1993.

I was SHOCKED and thankful when I went to Goodwill and found an Air Force jumpsuit for Bob.  I guess I can thank the overzealous Halloween  rush for it!

I found a green bomber jacket to match, got us some aviators, and I think we make a pretty awesome Barbie and Ken.

The morning before the party I took part in a fundraiser for autism at my Crossfit gym.  I love feeling strong and this workout was a great one. I got to partner with Sandy and we flew through the workout.

Saturday's are for yoga or Crossfit.  I love it and feel so excited about it!

Our party was perfect and everyone came as a different version of Barbie and Ken.  Such a fun night celebrating our friend and having some extra fun in the process.

 

Bob has been in mad training mode for his 100 mile run on the Mogollon Rim.  He has spent the past several weekends up on the rim putting in the miles.  Last weekend we decided to head up to see Mom and Dad and let him get in another high altitude training weekend to finish off his training and get himself into the taper.

On our way up we stopped at the spot that will be the starting place for the monster.  Just a few more weeks and he will be here ready to take on the biggest event he has every taken on.  

We love being up in the mountains, especially this time of year.  Even though it is still pretty warm everywhere, the mornings and evenings up in the mountains are just magical.  Me and the girls enjoyed reading, spending time with Memaw and Papa, and enjoying Sadie cuddles.  This dog is a riot and she and Evie are like two peas in a pod.

Evie caught a hummingbird, no kidding.  She was fascinated by all the birds at Memaw's feeders.  Later in the day she caught one in the bunk house.  Amazing.  She was so happy.

On Saturday we got to go over to one of Memaw's neighbors houses to see miniature horses.  Even cuter than miniature horses was the fact that they had recently had babies. OMG were they cute.

Our afternoon was wonderful snuggling with all the little babies.  Evie particularly loved it.  I think Bee was designed to live on a farm.  She loves animals, and especially loves little animals that are her size.

We went to church on Sunday and found ourselves at a good ole fashioned potluck.  Guys, I love a good church potluck.  They are amazing and we had a great time.

Memaw and Papas 50th wedding anniversary is fast approaching and we took some photos for the party.  I am so excited to celebrate them in October!

 

Junior High gets a Lily

Junior High y'all, Lily is in junior high.  I always knew that when it was time to move out of elementary school Lily would be 100% ready.  This could not have been more true.  Lily is an absolute power, a force, and she is so ready to move onwards, and upwards.

This year Lily has a full plate of classes including AVID, Honors English, and Honors Social Studies.  Already this kid is THRIVING.  Again, always knew she would, but Jr High has fueled her even more and she LOVES it.  

Lily made the decision to leave the sport of Synchro and trade it for theatre!  She is taking Musical Theatre with plans to audition for the Spring musical, Beauty and the Beast Jr.

I am not sad about this.  She is such a good swimmer and an amazing synchro swimmer, but towards the end of her season last year she was discouraged.  Not now.  This kid comes home happy and so driven and motivated.  I cannot wait to see what she does and now she takes yoga with me.  Again, Im not sad about it.  This young woman is amazing.  

Lily is also participating on the Student Worship team at our church and loves to be heavily involved in the Youth Group.  She has friends everywhere she goes and her heart for Jesus and others is very big.

 Lily Grace, where do I even start?  I am in awe of you and who you are.  While I like to think I am a part of it, I know that you simply are amazing.  Its been baked right into you from the start.  Continue to grow in confidence and strength staying rooted in Christ and in all the promises he has for you.  Grow, expand, hold firm, and know the value add you are.  As your wings begin to take you closer to the edge of the nest I want you to know that I am here holding you close.  Keep loving, keep standing up for the good, keep showing kindness.  Stay bold, stay brave, and most importantly stay unapologetically you.

Love you

Mom

Fifth Grader takes Flight.

Evie starts her 5th grade year at Zaharis Elementary this year.  She is so exited and lets face it, I AM TOO!  She is so ready to get back into school and reconnect with her friends.

This year Evie has Mrs Chelsey Greiss as her teacher and she is WONDERFUL.  I am so thankful to have teachers and administrators (thank you Jen Kunz) who see Evie and take the time to pick just the right fit for her.  In the short time we have been back in school Evie has flourished.  Evie has begun to take full ownership of her homework and has fallen in love with reading.  Her favorite books so far are the Wings of Fire graphic novel series.  She devours them.  YAY!

We are so thankful for this little girl.  She had been such a catalyst for personal and relational growth in our family.  It hasn't always been easy, but without doubt it has been and will be worth it.  This year we are doing some family counseling and the change in all of us has encouraged and excited me.  

 Evie, Bee, I pray only good and amazing things for your 5th grade year.  Kiddo, you are a power house and so mighty. I am ever so grateful for you and for your tenacity and love.  You have taught me how to grow and have created space for me to learn to love you.  I am grateful.  You are so strong and capable.  There is literally nothing you cannot do.  Set your mind on growing in the love of Jesus, love of others, and love of self.  You are destined to shake up a great many worlds.  Go and do it kiddo. Be bold and be brave.

Love Mom