Deep thoughts by Georgia.

"Mom, you know at gym today when the coach was talking about the Christmas break camp and she said "if your parents want to get rid of you..." That's SO weird! Why would she say that? What parents would want to 'get rid' of their kids?? I mean I guess some parents just want a little peace and quiet but to 'get kid' of your kids? Who does that???"

Weird things are happening...

I took this picture of Georgia the other day:

It shocked me- she just looks so "grown up" suddenly. I know, I know... I have these moments from time to time.

Then this morning I was fixing her hair and finally realized what's been "off" when I fix her hair recently. Standing behind her I can no longer look down and see the entire top of her head. The top of her head is probably about at my chin. 

I tried to carry her up the stairs the other night when she fell asleep in the car on the way home. I realized it was probably my last time to ever do that. She's just too "big" now...and that's why I never complained about carrying her everywhere. I knew this day would come- the day I wouldn't be able to. 8 1/2 years isn't a bad track record. 

She's eating off of "adult" plates now at dinner- (welcome to the struggle of your food running into each other). She is getting braces- already has the expander in. 

To make things worse I also just realized that come December we will be half way done with elementary school. 

How did this happen?

...and I finally found it.

I promise to update more later.... as soon as I can catch my breath. 
For now I leave you with the this..

Dear Georgia...

My sweet girl,
Here we are again...the end of ANOTHER school year. I will never be able to explain to you this sense of time speeding by me. You are 8. I truly cannot believe this day has come. I know I say this about all the days of your life and maybe one day you will understand. Becoming your Mom instantly taught me the importance of time.

Time that you never get back, time that you never get "enough" of, time that you never get to "re-do". I've said from the beginning- I always *knew* time was slipping away with you. From the moment you were born. Those moments would never come again. I recall thinking to myself "How is it that I will only get to experience this moment once in my life?! This child is so amazing, so precious! I could re-live THIS second forever." Lucky me that I get to.

I haven't been the best on catching up this year. I have plenty of pictures that you can see and recount the stories from our adventures but I haven't had time to "log" it all in here. I said this last year- I noticed a HUGE difference in you in 1st grade. You really changed and matured. This past year in 2nd grade, needless to say, this has occurred even more. Long gone are you "baby" days- no trace has been left. Wait, wait....there ARE your dimples, courtesy of moi ;). I look at you, and I promise, you won't ever understand this feeling until you have a child of your own, my mom use to tell me about it... My entire heart almost stops. I see SO much in you it amazes me. You grow taller every day it seems. I'm willing to bet you will be my height before you graduate from elementary. You still have arms and legs that go on for days just as the day you were born. So again, I suppose I re-count my statement...not all traces are gone of your "baby" days. Even as in infant you had the LONGEST legs, fingers, arms and toes. Nothing has changed there. The taller you grow, the longer your limbs grow.

You are funny. Your jokes- terrible. Sorry my dear. I'm working with you...maybe my fault that your jokes are so awful I laugh at them regardless. Who knows. Santa broke you a joke book. We need to continue reading up.... Regardless of your joke telling you are just funny. Your delivery on every day stuff is great. You make me laugh constantly. I'm constantly telling others of your anecdotes.

When you were in Kinder and 1st Grade I swear I never thought you would: (a) learn to read; or (b) find a love for reading. Oh how I worked with you! Finally you picked it up somewhat in 1st grade and still- reading was SUCH a huge part of my life... I truly have a love for reading and I wanted you to unlock that same passion. I knew once you did you would realize how amazing books are. They can take you amazing places and open you up to so many, many things. Reading is such an awesome tool to love. I'm not sure what happened. We will call it the "2nd Grade Summons" ;) You began to read. Sorry- you began to DEVOUR books this year! Gucci and I couldn't buy books fast enough! I would order off Amazon and you would open up and begin reading- by the time we would drive to dinner and finish eating you were finished with your book! Gucci would fill out your book orders and *bang* you read them all in a matter of days. If I had to rank "accomplishments" in you this year- Reading would top the list. I am so proud of you.

Your Imagination?!!? Second to none. Go take a look at your writing journals, your pictures you have drawn (all categorized and saved in your art room from preschool on) nothing new here but it continues. The stories you tell me in the car, the dreams you recant to me, the play scenes you act out. Every last bit of it.

You are the "leader" the "director". You know every move that should be made. At the annual square dancing at RCE you know EXACTLY what moves you and all your dance mates are suppose to make. I mean, after all, you guys do practice for weeks.... but boy are you angry when they make a mis-step!!! At your play- you whip your arms out and stop your other fireflies from going off the steps until the first line of fireflies has departed. Clearly- you know the rules ;P Someone running in the halls? You're going to cite the rules. I love this about you. I treasure this about you. Please, please, please continue to be a "rule follower".

All along the way I've never doubted for one minute being your Mom. It is the greatest thing I have ever done with my life and will always be. You have blessed my life in so many ways. If I make a million dollars and buy us a mansion nothing compares to you. I hope I am instilling in you all the morals and values I want to. I hope I am guiding you through life in the way God wants me to. I pray every night, you know this we pray together, that God protects, blesses and guides us every day for the rest of our lives. Every night I'm praying for guidance in being your Mom. I'm so very thankful God blessed me with this privilege.

We went to have mani's & pedi's recently.... an older lady was in the chair next to me and her daughter next to her. You were next to me. After awhile I realized the daughter was probably in her 20's, grown and had her own place. She and her mom had met up and did this regularly for manicures and to talk. I hope one day that is you and I. If not- I pray I have don't my job while you are young and although my voice isn't with you when you are older it's in your mind always reminding you of who you truly are.

Georgia you are amazing. You are and will be far greater than I ever will be. You were born to do great things and you will. You are fiercely loved by so many. Never, ever, ever doubt yourself. You are a child of God. As we have prayed every night since you were born, his protection and guidance are upon you always.

I love you more,
Mommy

Georgia Turns EIGHT!!

Say it isn't so!! Georgia is EIGHT!!
I think I'm just in shock. I cannot believe it.

In planning Miss G's birthday we had a chat. As with the last 2 years I offered a trip- "Do you want to go to Chicago?? We can see the first American Girl doll store I told you about last year!?, San Fransisco, Florida???" A couple years ago I decided I really liked the idea of trips for birthday's, Christmas, etc. (i.e. Ski Trip 2014) rather than spending money on toys and games that come and go. The memories you make off of a trip last forever. (Georgia isn't on board with this idea just yet it seems...) Just like last year, Georgia wanted a party with her friends- so we did. "What theme would you like, what kind of party?" She said she and some gals at school had put quite bit of thought into this and she would like a "Star Wars Pool Party". Dun. Dun. Dun....

............

Okay, Georgia. "Star Wars Pool Party" it is.

Give me a theme- (it may take a minute) but I will rally and Georgia will have the best "Star Wars" theme party you have ever seen.

In our location planning (since Georgia wanted to invite the ENTIRE 2nd grade class at RCE) we decided our neighborhood pool would be best over Westside this year due to the fact we could have an unlimited number of guests. Plus- why can't I throw a nice, easy, birthday party without intense work involved and planning for days? A little pool party between 2-4 would be easy! Swim, cake, we are done.

Hahaha.... Must have forgot I was "me". And also that I Pinterest. (we have a love/ hate relationship)

Party Favors..

Isn't this the first step of party planning?!?! Not a fan of goodie bags. They suck. Biggest waste of money I've ever seen in my life. PLUS I feel incredibly guilty for throwing away any piece of a goody bag Georgia comes home with from other parties. Look Moms, I know you tried, I try! You cannot put stuff in there that every parent doesn't want to throw in the trash, and we all know how much you spend putting said goodie bags together. Umm, It's not cheap to put a bunch of crud in a bag to pass out to friends. Therefore, every year I spend the goodie bag "budget" on one item that may be cooler than usual, or at least MIGHT get re-used by our party guests. This year- we turned pool noodles into Light Sabers. Not only was the 8 year old sect ecstatic they *actually* got to use those things as "swords"... They got to take them home as well. (Credit, My Mom and Emery for making these up to code and as rue to a real light saber as possible.)

BUT- you know me... Those light sabers just weren't enough to send our guests home with! (i.e. I got on Pinterest....Seriously- someone shut down my account.) I saw this SUPER cute R2D2 Craft someone made and bagged out of foam pieces to make R2D2. Uh...I can totally do that! AND surely Hobby Lobby will have SOME pre-cut circle foam pieces, etc. 

No....They didn't, and by this time I was fully committed. No problem. They did have the foam sheets, and double sided sticky paper and I had a craft! Time... not so much, but I was going to do this! Countless Hours and hundreds of tiny foam pieces, goodies for Georgia's friends- Done! (Hours, days, a few people bribed to help me later...)

Food!!!

Again, I told myself, "Make this easy! Just have cake!" ha. ha. ha.

This is what happened:

If you happened to talk to Georgia this week she couldn't get "Obi-Wan-Ka-Bob-Ies" out without dying from laughter. ;) She thought it was hilarious! 

And Then- The Party...

Party day arrived. So did the Houston rain. The party was scheduled to begin at 2pm. At 1pm the water began to fall from the sky. We held steady. No lightening, no thunder. At 2pm it was still quite drizzly, but nothing to stop about 25 eight year olds from jumping in the pool and having the time of their lives. This became one of my favorite parties to date. Georgia was SO into the "theme" and loved every minute. We had a blast and quite the turn out considering the rain. Thanks to all that came to celebrate- I surely hope you enjoyed as much as Miss G did!

And THAT is how you have a Star Wars Birthday Pool Party (in the rain). Actually turned out pretty perfect. Georgia and her friends ended up with a private pool and the other parents and I did not melt in the heat. Win for all! Turning "8" did not begin or end here though... Stay tuned for the rest of Georgia's Birthday weekend. Eight is looking to be pretty darn amazing. ;)

Will you...?

How can I say "No"? Wouldn't dream of having it any other way... :)

The Season of "Seasons"!!

It's February!!! I suppose it's time I take a moment to give a super quick run down of the holidays and that will come shortly.... But first, can I say how EXCITED I am that February kicks of the season of my "Seasons"?! Yep- First up is our all time favorite- Rodeo Season. :) My mom recently said to me, "Don't worry- it's almost Rodeo Season and you know that always cheers you up!" You know me all to well mother... ALL too well. On top of that (after last year) pretty sure it's Georgia's favorite season as well. Only Mommy will have to hook it up again this year because Miss Priss asked, "We get to go back in the suites this year right? The one with the Ice Cream carts??" In fact...any time we go to the stadium the child thinks we are going up to the suites. Can't say I'm going to hold that against her...she lives the life ;)

Naturally, Rodeo kicks off with the BEST weekend ever. Cook off weekend. What else is so great about cook off weekend? It ushers you into none other than Birthday Month. You may have thought last year was a little overboard. I know many of you were glad when April rolled around and ended the never ending celebrations but I'm here to tell you today, have no fear...this year Birthday Month is now to be referred to as "Birthday Season". Self declared, naturally. I am encompassing the month of February and the month of April as the mandatory "Melanie turns 30 Birthday Season"! SO much is already in the works. From here on out candles and dessert at every restaurant. I will have the "list" posted soon for those of you (mom) who pay attention. Kinda irritated there are still roll overs on there from years past. Why hasn't anyone purchased a small horse (dog) for me yet? And the new house? AND all that furniture?? I did take it upon myself to begin that Pinterest project....yes...*begin*...

Moving right along- recap of Christmas (pictures later because I'm being lazy)..
Second to Birthday Season (which includes Rodeo)  my other fav is Christmas. I mean...whose isn't?! I don't know where I really want to begin with all of this... I have no idea (because, again, too lazy to look if I updated on Thanksgiving...so maybe there?!)

Thanksgiving (briefly) was amazing. Lee made it clear earlier in the year that he would really like to (read- we are going) go to the A&M/ LSU football game being played Thanksgiving night in College Station. Hmmm- this didn't fall into plans of Thanksgiving in Arkansas but we improvised. My Dad ended up flying up to the Lake House with Georgia and Lee and I have a couple "adult" nights...my friends, with 3 kids, on opposite schedules this was quite the blessing as we originally thought our only night without kids was Labor Day weekend and we didn't have another "free" night until 12/28. Uh huh- 9/1- 12/28. Date nights are hard to come by in these parts ;) But we wouldn't have it any other way. Moving on he surprised me with a "stay-cation" here in town and we had date night every night (for 2 nights). Took FULL advantage ;) THEN we went to the game and made the trek to Arkansas for a day late Thanksgiving feast. All was good- except Mr. Loyd says we will be flying next time. Come to find out (already knew...) this guy is not one for road trips. On the flip side...put me in the car for 12 hours with Billy Joel & Mariah Carey and I'm in heaven.

Came home and hit the ground running. Christmas is quite the event if you are part of my family and holy moly was it this year. First weekend of December I was sick. All I recall was demanding from the couch in my illness that a fire be started and where to hang garland. At the end of the day the garland was hung... and a candle lit and place in front of the fireplace because someone doesn't know how to light it (Wait, what?!?! You have a fire place but have never lit it? How on earth can I be in your presence??)

Second weekend Miss Georgia Clare performed in her play performance. Never been prouder of her than when I watch her little acting debuts. She blows me away every time.

Third weekend- dun, dun, dun..... Packed up the kids for a weekend get away/ end of school vacuum to the Gaylord Texas. Never been? You must! It was amazing. Kids had a blast and we went back home and fell right into Christmas week- which included Lee's parent's coming into town, Lee & I Christmas shopping every night until midnight. Lots of food, not a lot of sleep and all the many, many, MANY Christmas celebrations that come with being a "Mabry". The Loyd's were inducted this year and everyone truly did enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Directly after Christmas (no- really, the next day) we began Davis's 4th birthday celebrations. I, for the record, have never envied anyone having a December bday period. Still do not. Davis turned 4 on 12/28. THREE DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS!! Clearly, by now, you know my obsession with birthday's and I was NOT going to let his blur into Christmas. Cake making/ shopping, Top Golf, Family bday party, Decorations, presents, etc. We pulled it off..... then I took a nap ;)

New Years Eve- The night, one year ago, that Lee and I were "introduced". This night held a special place for us both on reflecting on where we were then and where we are now. It's been quite the ride but I can honestly say.....sometimes- when you least expect it, everything just falls into place. We spent the evening alone together at the same restaurant where he FINALLY asked me to be "exclusive" with him ;) and then the rest of the evening being happy to be with each other & friends. Nothing comes close in my opinion.

There is your run down.
Love this life I have.
How lucky am I?

Wait, what?! (classic saying at this point) - "luck" has nothing to do with it. Standing up for myself and my daughter and creating a life I love is what it is all about. What it's always been about. "The Making of Melanie"....still in progress but....  "everyday is a winding road, I get a little bit closer... Everyday is a faded sign, I get a little bit closer to feeling fine..."

I know- the lamest. :) Getting back to my loves. Night night!
xoxo

No Brainer

For years I have spoken of alternative ways to being buried. Okay- weird maybe that I've thought about this but let's face it- burial is gross (unless you pay for one of those above ground cement houses- but even then...) and cremation is not an option for me. I have, in my head, opted to be frozen. Until I saw this:

Memorial Diamonds

Clearly the way I want to go.