Lakin and Brilliant Blue

Lakin got to bring home Brilliant Blue this weekend! Brilliant Blue goes home with the Pre-K kiddo that is well behaved during the week. Blue stays with that child for the weekend, during which time they document their time together. Lakin played guitar hero and danced with Blue. Blue got to help her sign Valentines and decorate her Valentine box. He also helped build the new door for the master bathroom. Blue got to meet Meme and Papaw on Saturday since they came up to help with the door project. On Sunday, Blue got to go to church with Lakin and then he got to meet Nana and Papa who stopped by before shopping to bring the kids a Valentine's surprise. What a weekend!

Jayce places second in the Spelling Bee!

Congratulations, Jayce! Jayce placed second in the third and fourth grade spelling bee. I thought the word "accumulate" would get him, but he spelled that like it was "cat." The word "irrigate" is the one that tripped him up. I was so proud of his attitude! He really wanted to win but showed fantastic sportsmanship.

Donuts for Dads

Bobby enjoyed a special treat with the kids the past two days. Yesterday he attended Donuts for Dads with Lakin. She made him a special necktie that she colored. He was very impressed with his new neckwear! She also filled out a special questionnaire about her Daddy. She said he was 40 years old (ouch!) and that her favorite thing to do was go places with Daddy. Today Bobby attended Donuts for Dads with Maggie and Jayce. Jayce made him a booklet with awesome drawings. It told that Bobby's favorite color is orange, his favorite sport is golf, and that he is very funny. Maggie wrote a poem about her Daddy that says she loves him "from the highest point to the lowest point." He said it about made him cry. Sounds like a great couple of days for the kids and their Daddy!

The gym and me

Most of you are probably aware that the gym is no friend of mine. Even so, I bit the bullet in October and started working out with my sister and a trainer, a friend we've known since high school. My original goal was to become comfortable in the gym, to get stronger, and to feel like I had the energy to keep up with my kiddos. On Jan. 19, though, that changed a bit. Maybe it was a crisis after turning 35 (gasp). Either way you look at it, I started following a strict diet that the trainer's wife uses. I am eating healthy protein, fruits, and vegetables primarily 5-6 times a day. The funny thing is, I actually like it. I drink a chocolate protein shake each day, and that seems to take the edge off of my extreme chocolate addiction. And I rarely every feel hungry. All that to say this: In the past 10 days, I've dropped 8 pounds. I don't like sharing weight loss success, because I'm always worried that it is most likely not going to be lasting, but this feels a little different. I'm excited and motivated.

Here's to a new relationship between me and my gym.

Happy Birthday

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes. I had a very nice day today. We went to church this morning and then went to the Serights house for small group. We ate lots of food and spent the afternoon visiting while the kiddos played. Loved it! I look forward to getting together with the fam for the January and February birthdays next weekend.

The boys and the IFR

My boys had a day away today. They went to the OG&E Kids Day and then to the afternoon performance of the IFR. Jayce got tons of autographs, many notably from the attractive queen candidates. Ha! Bobby nearly choked on the prices of the food, but I convinced him that it was OK to spend a little to have a special day with his kiddo.

Dirty Santa Surprise

Dirty Santa at mom's house is always full of fun and craziness. This year took the cake, though. After stealing a gift, Stephen tripped and landed.....on one knee in front of Morgan! It was a surprise proposal that knocked her socks off. She was so excited and totally taken off guard. The ring is incredibly gorgeous and we couldn't be happier. She is an amazing young woman and Stephen and Morgan are perfect together. In fact, Maggie reminded Nana that she told Stephen a long time ago that he should marry Morgan! Turns out she was right!