Love Thursday- Passing the Torch

My family swims. We basically grew up in or around the water. We all taught swim lessons, spent summers as lifeguards, etc. We loved to watch swimming and diving in the Olympics and probably all dreamt of being on that podium. I remember watching when Greg Louganis hit his head. I remember watching the East German women and knowing that there was no way, even after years of training (big cheaters). In our family, swimming speed decreased with age (meaning my mom was fast, but my younger brother smoked us all) and medals increased. I swam competively for many years and loved it. Well, maybe I didn't love ALL the training, but I met some of my best friends in the pool (Hi, Amanda!). I would have loved to continue my swimming career in college. My high school swim coach desperately tried to convince me to be on the team, but going to UT would have made me the slowest person on the team and I would have killed myself to be that slow person. Not wanting to leave swimming behind, I "assisted" the Texas men's swim team. Basically I helped with timing meets, meeting possible recruits, etc. Really it was a big excuse to hang out with insanely cute and talented guys. I loved it. The coolest part was getting to meet amazing athletes like Jenny Thompson (she came for a meet and was so nice) and watching the Olympics, and recognizing so many of the swimmers for so many years. The UT Men's Swim team always sends tons of guys to swim on the National team; it's really amazing. Now most of the swimmers I knew are coaches themselves. But, I still LOVE watching swimming races.

During the last Olympics, my girls were too young to appreciate anything other than the pageantry. They missed out on the awesomeness of Michael Phelps and Lezak's relay leg. This year, we're all watching the US Swimming trials and loving every minute of it. We pick our favorites- Phelps, Lochte, Brendan Hansen, Matt Grevers (that dude is TALL, have you seen him? Amazing), Natalie Coughlin, and waiting for one of my favorites, Darla Torres to swim.  I miss some of the "older crowd," like Aaron Peirsol. That guy was amazing, a Longhorn, and a super cutie! It's been great to take time to explain each stroke to my girls. I tell them which strokes mommy used to swim and why the swimmers kick like that. I feel like I'm passing part of my family's history to them. Honestly, they could be faster than any of us ever hoped to be. Em is an amazing swimmer; naturally gifted. M took a little longer, but is now showing real promise. It's taking every ounce of restraint to not put them in any meets. I want to grow their love for swimming. I know that you have to really love the sport first. It takes so many hours of training that if you don't love it, you'll leave it. I'm hoping that watching the Olympics will start a fire in them. If not for swimming, for something else (preferrably something that isn't too dangerous!).

Likewise amazing is how quicky they built the swimming facility on the floor of the arena. It's the fastest above ground pool ever! Plus, the flames that shoot out intermittently on deck are pretty dang cool. I told my husband that we need to add some deck flames to our backyard pool. He mentioned something about zoning and fire risk, blah blah blah.

Love Thursday- Dentist

My daughters are 5 and 7, which means it is prime tooth losing time in our house. My older daughter is usually pretty easy about getting her teeth out. She knows that once that tooth comes out, the tooth fairy is going to leave her money. That kid is a capitalist at heart and any money-making enterprise is an idea she can support! My younger daughter? Well, she's not so easily bribed. Over the past two weeks, she's been working on keeping her tooth in her mouth. It wasn't the first tooth she's lost, but it was the one giving her the most fits. That thing was holding on by a tiny little thread. It was, in my opinion, getting really disgusting. She couldn't eat with it, or talk, O WOE IS ME.

My daughter's dialogue for the past week: WOE IS ME. My tooth! My Tooth! Get away from me with your hand. I don't want you to even LOOK at my tooth. No way are you pulling it out. DRAMA-(throwing herself on various substances)- I'm just so Nervous about my tooth! O, woe is me. Repeat a gazillion times. Plus a gazillion tears.

Our dialogue- Please let us just LOOK at the tooth. See, it wants to come out. It's just a little pull, then you'll be done. It won't even hurt. We'll get ice cream. We'll paint your nails. We'll buy you a pony. Just let us get the dang tooth out.

Last night, after more tooth drama, I took my daughter into my lap to console her. And, right when she wasn't expecting it, reached in and yanked that nasty tooth out. Crisis over. Plus, the kid needed something to tell her therapist about when she's in her 30s complaining about how terrible her parents were!

Didn't seem so terrible this morning when she found a nice shiny gold dollar from the tooth fairy.

If reaching in and yanking your kid's tooth out isn't Love, I don't know what is. Because-ew, gross, yuck.

Love Thursday-Gumballs

I sometimes think my kids don't hear a thing I say; especially after saying the same thing over and over and over. After what Em did last week, I know they hear and remember. And, sometimes a simple act can mean so much. About a month ago the girls and I drove by an estate sale. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a vintage red gumball machine. I'm not going to lie, I might have screamed. I went over to look at (pet) it, but the sale was closed for the evening. I might have also mentioned about a 1,000 times how excited I was to come back after Church the next day and get it. I've wanted a red stand up (preferably vintage) gumball machine for our living room for months. And, here was one! Just down the road from my parents' house! Yay! The next day, we ran over after Church and...it was sold. Wah wah wah.

Fast forward a month and Em proudly says "Momma, I got something for you at school." She brought this little plastic gumball machine out. She used her reading points to buy it for me from her school store. Oh, My heart. I was so touched. (The by product for the girls from this deed is that now I can't say No when they want a gumball, because it is just so sweet!) Now, I don't even think I need an actual gumball machine.

Love Thursday- Back to School

I've finally found the true test of love: a mother's willingness (stupidity) to venture into Target and go back to school supply shopping. Remember when getting school supplies was fun! and exciting!? It's not like that anymore. It is full combat shopping. I can compare it only to those "Midnight Madness" warehouse sales Harold Powell used to have-C-R-A-Z-Y. The poor Target employees were restocking the shelves faster than you can say "What type of manilla paper do I need?" I went yesterday at lunch, thinking a weekday two and a half weeks before school would be relatively stress free. WRONG! Also, can somebody tell me why you have to get a specific brand of folder or erasers? Doesn't it all accomplish the same purpose? Is it to make parents go crazy before the school year starts???!!!

Of course the girls' school has an online supply order form, that I found out about 2 days after the orders were due...Augh. So, I bought what I could and came home to find an invitation from the PTO inviting me to an event WHERE THEY WILL BE SELLING SCHOOL SUPPLIES. Then, my head exploded.

The things we do for our kids. That's Love, man.

Love Thursday: Chaperones & Butterflies

I had another post all set for today. Then, my husband surprised me (well, our daughter) and I had to change it up. My husband works from home. He works from home pretty much all day-from the time he gets up to the time he goes to bed. Actually, all the guys he works with do. It's great because they are all focused on being successful and helping the company to be successful, but sometimes you just want him to turn the darn phone off. Anyhow...even though his schedule can be pretty flexible, he likes to stick with a schedule. Today our older daughter, Em has a field trip to the Butterfly Exhibit. Apparently her teacher impressed upon my husband the need for chaperones on this trip. Clearly, going to the Butterfly Exhibit is high on his list of things he'd like to do. An important note, he asked last night whether we'd been-um, yes probably three times as a family, twice with our extended family, and a couple times with friends. Clearly the Butterfly Exhibit is his favorite place to go, very memorable. Anyhow, he decided to take some time off of work to chaperone a bunch of 6 & 7 year olds today. It made our daughter SO happy to know that her daddy would be with her today. It made me happy to know that he made the decision to make time for her. That's the most important decision. To make time for those you love.

Happy Love Thursday. Today, make time for someone you love.

Ten years

Today marks my husband and my 10th Anniversary. I am ridiculously proud of us. I just love him so darn much. I'm not going to get all sweetly romantic on you because my husband still hasn't found his way over here, so there is no use in writing a love missive to him. Anyway, that's not his bag. I will say that I love that man more than Buc-ee's kolaches, Buffy tv marathons, new shoes, and chocolate...possibly more than a Longhorn National Championship. That said, here are a couple snippets from our Anniversary:

Him "Do I REALLY have to get you a card?"

Me: "Yes."

Him: "Well, what if I get you the same card?" (This has happened MULTIPLE times)

Me: "Just look for the one with a 10 on it."

What I got- a card entirely in Spanish. "I knew I had not gotten you that card yet." -Nice.

At dinner, "our song" starts playing on the radio, but in French.

Me: "It's our song."

Him: "Really?"

Me: "Yes."

Him: "Did they play this at our wedding?"

Me: "Really?!"

Ah, Love. Happy Love Thursday.

Love Thursday- The Beginning

Last we left our intrepid student, she (me-OK, I'm switching back to first person because 3rd person kills me)...I was heading to the Job Fair for the pediatric patients. Although I really didn't see the point, I decided to take Debbie's advice and look a little more presentable than usual. I was later very glad that I put forth that minimal amount of extra effort. I sat at my station and pretended to know what I was doing (surprisingly very few people had any interest in future lawyers, go figure). Before we got started, Debbie introduced me to her boyfriend's friend (got that?!), Nate. Nate was there representing the Army as he recently finished serving in the Army. And, that was it. He was cute and funny. I thought, "Hmm, this guy has potential." I'll eventually go over and talk to him...wait...there they go rushing off to the Matagorda County Rodeo. Clearly Nate was interested in the finer things in life.

The next week I arrived for my volunteer duties and (possibly mercilessly) questioned Debbie about Nate. All the basic facts; enough to let her know I thought he was cute and could she pass him a note! (Kidding, but I would have) Being such a good friend, Debbie arranged for Nate and I to meet up at the annual volunteer Spring Fling a few weeks later. Debbie managed to get Nate and I to sit at the same table. Shortly thereafter we had our first dance (I have the picture to prove it but alas my stupid computer hates pictures right now). At the end of the night we waited and waited for Debbie's car. I was supposed to ride home with Debbie, but the valets decided they didn't want that to happen and conveniently "lost" Debbie's car for hours. Nate offered to drive me home. After quizzing Debbie about Nate- Do you know him well? Does he have a history? Ever been convicted of a crime? Can you write down his license plate and car model number in case I disappear? You know, the usual, I rode home with my future husband.

Love Thursday-The Beginning

Love Thursdays are back!

In less than a month, my husband and I will celebrate our 10^th wedding anniversary. And people said it wouldn’t last- phshaw. I thought it would be fun (for me) to chronicle some of our story here each week. I love learning about how people met, fell in love, etc. I hope our story will remind you of your special love stories.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far away… called Houston, a young law student (me) was busy volunteering at a local cancer hospital. Every week she would go to the pediatric department of that large hospital to play bingo with the patients, make arts & crafts, read stories, or play games. Every week she also got to see people who later became good friends (Hi Alex (sometimes), Hi Debbie). Her friend Debbie was part of the volunteer program and asked our young student to represent lawyers at the job fair for the patients. Sure. Not that she knew anything about being an actual lawyer, but sure. Debbie reminded our young student, “Oh and be sure to look nice that evening.” “Right, like I’m going to meet some hot guy in the Pedi Dome” she said as she flew out the door. Fast forward a week and that is exactly what happened... (To be Continued)

*Don't forget to enter the Novica Giveaway, you have one more day!

Love Thursday-Little Loves

This photo encompasses most of my major loves- I Love these two girls; I Love how they love spending time together; I Love being out in the country (the girls are riding on a souped up golf cart); and I Love the boots. In short, it's a photo of all my little loves. Happy Love Thursday, hope today is full of your little loves.

Love Thursday- Cowgirl Up

It doesn't surprise anyone who knows me that I love Texas. I love living in this state of queso, river sitting, bluebonnets, and Bar-B-Q. I'm a breathing Texas Tourism ad. Neither my husband nor I are Texan by birth, but as many bumper stickers say "Texan by the grace of God." As a result, we are a Texas family. We are also a family overwhelmingly of girls. (Maybe this is why my husband goes hunting all the time, to escape the make-up and pink?!). Last week the girls got new boots (above) and haven't parted with them since. This is our life in a nutshell, two matching pairs of boots for my Texas girls, and a couple of well worn glitter shoes for good measure.

The boots signal rodeo season here in Houston. Rodeo is one of my favorite times of year. It used to mean the start of my husband's Barbecue cook-off time and all the fun that went with it. Now, it means that we'll "cowgirl up" (or cowboy up, as the case may be) and go to the Rodeo for a day of fun. It means a day of dreaming about our own piece of Texas ranch land...someday. A day of pig races, milking cows, petting baby animals, and eating everything fried on a stick that you can imagine. My husband chaperoned Em's class yesterday to the Rodeo and reported that the Texas pig beat all the others in the pig races yesterday, I'm taking that as a positive sign for the upcoming season. (PLEASE!!!). He also refused to buy me my own Longhorn. Pffft. That would have really shown me his love. I'm sure it would be right at home in our side yard. I even have a name all picked out- "Darrell Royal Earl Mack Lovely Longhorn of Awesomeness."

Happy Love Thursday. May your day be filled with boots, chaps, and yummy deep fried goodness.

Love Thursday- Write your Love

For a household that's not that "into" Valentine's day, we certainly have a good show of Love this year! Words of love...and maybe a recording of Chewbacca, I can't think of anything more LOVEly. Happy Love Thursday.

Love Thursday- A Sign of Love

House*Tweaking

This Love sign from House*Tweaking is perfect. I love that it acts as her headboard. It reminds me of a rustic sign we had at our rehearsal dinner. I think this Love sign might inspire a little project for our master bedroom...hmm. Have you found anything lately especially inspiring? Please share. Hope you find Love and inspiration today for Love Thursday.

Love Thursday- Beauty

It's Love Thursday. Karen is the brain behind Love Thursday; today is the official launch for Karen's book. It feels right to dedicate this Love Thursday to the opening quote from her book, The Beauty of Different.

Beauty is something we experience and feel on a soul level. It's more than being pretty or aesthetically attractive-it's an intangible attribute that stirs something deep inside of us.

Each of us-because of all our differences- possesses the power to touch another's soul.

Look closely.

We are all beautiful.

Excerpt from the Beauty of Different: Observations of a Confident Misfit, Karen Walrond.

Love Thursday-Home

Our girls have been enjoying playing with bath crayons I picked p the other day. They've been quite busy...not sure how clean they are getting, but they are having fun. My four year old, M, drew the heart and then wrote the word "Home" the other day. When I asked her how she thought of those two things, she replied "We have lots of love in our home." Yes, yes we do. What a great reminder for Love Thursday.

*Those drops are colored drops from the crayons, not blood. Forgive the picture quality, my camera is still in the shop so all photos are coming off my phone.*

Love Thursday- Veterans' Day edition

I come from a military family. There are Colonels, Majors, and all sorts of other ranks all over my family tree. I married a veteran, who has military service members stacked throughout his family as well. For my family, Veteran’s Day is a true holiday. I am thankful that my parents brought us up with a deep and abiding love of country. We were taught that service to others and service to your country are duties of the highest order. I grew up watching military families sacrifice. I saw friends lose their fathers, wives lose their husbands, and parents lose precious time with their children. In the last several years, my family members have served this country in Afghanistan, Iraq, and all points in between. Too many Americans forget what our military does. Too many of us forget those who laid down their lives for our safety and freedom. Not just those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives, but all the service men and women who stopped living their lives to answer the call of duty on a TDY or combat assignment.

I am fiercely proud of the service of my family members. Believe me when I tell you that I could write and write about the impact the military has had on my life. I say these things so you will understand the meaning behind my Love Thursday. This Love Thursday I celebrate the love of our military families- the deep and abiding sense of duty and service of our men and women who proudly wear the uniform, the love of the families left behind, and the willingness to make sacrifices. Happy Love Thursday and Happy Veterans' Day.

Love Thursday- Mommy Lessons

Chris posted a great list of lessons she's learned from being a mother at AlphaMom. I think it's a great exercise, to step back and evaluate what we are doing as parents, lessons learned, and to remember what is really important. What better way to show Love than to reflect on where we love the most-our family. Since I've been a mom for a little over 6 years, I figured I'd start with 6 Things I've Learned from Being a Mom. Feel free to add your own.

1) This too shall pass. It doesn't seem like it now. But, it will.
2) Just when I think I've got a handle on something, the wheel will fall off.
3) Life is too short not to sparkle. So, glitter it up. But, keep a dustbuster on hand for the glitter pick-up.
4) Chores can wait until after bed-time. Take the time to play and read with them now.
5) Listen to the silly songs. Encourage the silly. They like the silly.
6) Children learn by example, only show them what you want them to learn.

Happy Love Thursday.

Love Thursday-Colors

Em made these for us, not sure if it was out of love or guilt (from marking up the carpet). She made sure we knew that the drawing she made for daddy has a red heart (for Boomer Sonner) and mine has an orange heart (for Hoook 'em Horns). Happy Love Thursday, may your day be full of love and colors...but not on the carpet.

Love Thursday-Rivalries

The scene outside our home last Saturday, and every Texas v OU game for the last 11 years or so. Love outlasts all things, even college football rivalries.

Love Thursday-Sickness & Health

I've been sick off and on for the last week and a half. I thought I'd kicked the sickness to the curb this past weekend. I was feeling tired, but not too sick. Then Monday came, and Tuesday. And Tuesday, well, it kicked me to the curb. So much that I left work early. I rarely leave work early and hardly ever take a sick day. But, I sort of had to. My husband was so concerned with how sick I was getting, and the rapid progression into the crud, that he took matters into his own hands. He called me at work Tuesday morning and suggested that I come home early. I told him that I was finishing some work and would be home soon after. Apparently he didn't believe me, because he called my boss and told her she needed to kick me out of work! She agreed. Actually, she (and the rest of my co-workers) had been avoiding my office all day since I sounded like Typhoid Mary with all the coughing and sneezing. After she got off the phone with my husband, she called me and ordered me home! Thankfully I was feeling so bad Tuesday that i didn't really have time to be embarrassed by the fact that my husband called my boss, or that they conspired to get me home. I am feeling much better today. And, I resolve to listen better to my body when it tells me to slow down and take a day off to recover.

In case you think my husband is all lovey-dovey, he woke me up this morning (the first night I've even half slept in ages) because I was snoring. Of course I was snoring, I have drainage, and coughing, and all the things NyQuil is designed to combat, you goof.

Love is knowing what is best for your love in sickness.

Love Thursday-New Beginnings and Old Friends

Today I get on a plane to see my great friend Schmidles (not her real name) get married. Schmidles has seen me through tragically bad hair days, even more tragically bad boyfriends, law school exams, and lots of happy hours. She's been there to see me grow. She was good enough to be seen with me in public when I wore overalls-seriously tragic. She knows my love of Buffy, Britney, and sharks. She's supported me, encouraged me, and challenged me.

I'm thrilled to be able to be there for her on her wedding day. She's waited a very long time to find her happiness. Lord knows, she also dated a few tragically bad men along the way. Schmidles might be the last one of my friends to get married and I can't think of a better way to end the wedding craze for all our friends.

Happy Love Thursday-here's to new beginnings and old friends.