That's Princess with a Pea!

Following Beauty and the Beast, Lily joined the elementary drama club as their resident Stage Manager for the LSRM production of That's Princess with a Pea!

She and her best friend Madi had a blast being behind the scenes supporting the group that gave them a love for theatre. 

It was a blast watching Lily shine behind the scenes.  The kid just loves theatre.

Shine girl, SHINE!

 

25 Percenter

I have been a Crossfitter for 2 years.  Every year the entire global crossfit community takes part in the Crossfit Open.  You can register yourself and see where you rank in skill and time with the globe.  Its super fun, super challenging, and just an incredible way to see how far you have come. Top percentage moves on to quarterfinals, then a smaller group hits semi finals, where the last men and women standing get their invitations to the official Crossfit games.

Last year I had no idea what I was doing so I took on the scaled versions of the workouts and simply went for the experience.  This year I registered for the RX division and got ready to get my behind handed to me.

After finishing all 3 workouts I had no idea what to expect.  As the numbers across the globe rolled in I found myself in the top 25% of women my age which meant I qualified for quarterfinals.  What??

I won't lie, it was pretty cool.  So I geared up for another 4 workouts to make it through quarterfinals.

The quarterfinals work was no joke.  Crossfitters are truly the fittest humans, but I did surprise myself with a few things.  I can do strict handstand push ups, and not just one....10, I can clean #155.  Can't get it above my head, but I can clean it multiple times. I have an engine for days. just get me going in a long slog workout and I can breathe and move like a machine.

I am very proud of my effort and really enjoyed seeing myself as a 25 percenter.  Who knows what the future will bring.  Im hoping for more muscles.
 

EVDC Regionals 2024

Evie Bee has become quite the little diver.  It has been so much fun watching her blossom and become so confident on the board.  She has made some amazing friends and last April she had an opportunity to compete at Regionals in Scottsdale.

Evie dove in 3 meter and 1 meter and absolutely crushed it.  It has been so incredible to watch her do her thing.  Her skills have improved tremendously over the past year and she is finding that she is really good at this sport when she puts her mind to it.

Memaw, Papa, Grandma Jill, and Grandpa Steve all came to watch her dive.  It was so special to see everyone supporting our girl.

 We are so proud of our Evie for showing up and getting herself on podium with a group of tough competition.  Cant wait to see whats next for her!

Fathers Day 2024

Happy Father's Day to this guy!  I could write a novel about him, but this year a picture will have to do!

Your girls love you!

 

20 YEARS LATER

20 years.  Man, that went quick. I think I can mark this year with one word, expanding.  Expanding in capacity to have grace, to love without borders, to expand in our ability to challenge each other., to parent. We are having to learn love a little wider than we ever thought.  Life has a funny way of giving you exactly what you need, even if it isn't exactly what you wanted. 

I am grateful for it all and for the truly unwavering love of this man.  He is stalwart.  Its unreal.  Its a dream. 

Even after 20 years if our lives ended tomorrow I would tell you it wasn't enough time.  But lets face it, no amount of time would be enough.

Happy 20 years, my love.
 

Man we are Hon...or Roll!!!

 Both girls finished out their school years on the Honor Roll!  And its SUMMER TIME!  I mean, time flies, but this year felt unfair in its pace. We now have a 6th grader and an 8th grader. Good Lordy.

Evie had an outstanding year. This is the year we found the best ways to help her hone her ADHD super powers and well, the proof is in the pudding.  This girl thrived in school and has become a consummate diver.  Evie was even invited to Nationals for dive this year.  We are all looking forward to watching her next season. Evie is always looking for a playdate and is always asking someone to come and play with her.  She likes the same 5 outfits because they "feel the best," and is more concerned with when she can get Sonic again.  This kid is fun, tenacious, knows what she wants and is looking forward to starting voice lessons this summer. Here's to turning 11 soon and heading to 6th grade!

Lily walked into JH a young woman and came out practically an adult.  Its fine, Im fine, everything is fine.  She absolutely crushed her 7th grade year and found her place on the stage firmly routed in all things theater.  The kid absolutely loves it and whether she is back stage or on stage has found her people.  Watching her grow and thrive has been a treat.  She now moves into 8th grade in Advanced Musical Theater, and Advanced Show Choir.  She loved playing in Beauty and the Beast, JR this year and will once again hope to take center stage in Aladdin JR next year. The world is hers for the taking. 

Lily and Evie,

I know this year has gone by in a blur of my YTT and all the things, but know I am so proud of you both.  You have grown tremendously and I am enjoying watching you grow up.  You know Dad and I are always on your team. Go and Do and BE BOLD ABOUT IT!

Love you

Mom

NYC 2024: Day 4

Our last morning in NYC was spent on the move.  We took a long walk through Central Park with the entire group on our way to the New York Natural History Museum.  Anyone watch "Night at the Museum?"  Well we walked in it.

Taryn  gave us all a list of artifacts to find in the museum in a little scavenger hunt.  Lily and I came out on top and man oh man did we have to book it around the enormous place.  Good thing we are in such good shape.  We barely grabbed our win against all the other groups.

The close of our trip was as it should be.....smiles and a whole lot of sleep catch up!  Ready for our next adventure Lily Lou!

 

NYC 2024: Day 3

I may have "hung" up my running shoes, but I will always take them down to run central park!!! Bridgit had never been to the park so I played tour guide and we ran a beautiful 6 miles before the day began.

Running in Central Park doesn't even feel hard.  Its so beautiful and every trail is an adventure.

Absolutely love this lady and am so grateful for her presence in my life.  She is always up for exploring.

The kids all had a stage workshop so us adults hit the pavement and logged some miles.  We stopped at the Magnolia Bakery, St. Peters, Rockefeller Center, the Library.  SO GREAT.

We connected with the kids again and headed to the infamous Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Such an iconic place with so much history.  Food trucks park outside the building so we all got lunch on the steps before heading in to explore.

Our final Broadway show was & Juliet, both Lily and I were SO excited for this one.  Modern music, Romeo and Juliet (but if Juliet didn't kill herself).  IT WAS PERFECTION.  I mean Broadway always delivers, but this show was special.

It was such a great way to close out a fantastic trip.  Lily and Madi did the Stage door, fan girl thing and got their playbill signed by pretty much the entire cast.  What a night!