Long time, no blog!

Wow! It has been a while, hasn't it! We have been sooo busy with work, volleyball and now basketball that I haven't taken the time to blog. But since it is Christmas time and one of my most favorite times of the year, I thought I would pause a minute and blog. My love for the holidays definitely comes from my parents! My dad is always sooo giving all year but around the holidays he is AMAZING! I think this is because of my mom and her love for Christmas! He loves to make her happy, sooo Christmas is the perfect time for him to do this!
My mom absolutely loves the holidays! For as long as I can remember, she has worked extremely hard and for days decorating the house, shopping, wrapping presents, making candy, etc...She wants everything to be just perfect! AND it always is! She and I have this tradition that we get up way too early the day after Thanksgiving and literally shop til we drop! This is probably my greatest, most enjoyable time to spend with Mom! For many, many years to come, shopping with my mom the day after Thanksgiving will be one of my greatest memories. Chelsea has been old enough for a while to go with us but this year, now that she is almost 16, I got to enjoy this tradition with the 2 ladies I love the most in this world! We had sooo much fun and truly enjoyed just spending time together!

On another note, this month is also a busy month because Chelsea's parents didn't do a very good job planning her arrival into this world and she has a birthday on the 18th. She will be 16! Ugh! I can't believe my baby will be 16! We are having a little party for her this weekend and that should be a lot of fun once it's here and all of the stress of planning it is over with! Will post more on the party, hopefully with some pictures soon! Until then, enjoy the season! Lisa

Someone Special's Birthday!

October 7th is a special day for a very special lady in my life. It is my Mom's birthday! She has always been a wonderful mother but I marvel at the kind of friend she is to me. I vent to her, I cry on her shoulder, I laugh with her, and I travel (ALOT) with her to ballgames, etc. She amazes me at how unconditionally she loves me. (I know some of you may have a hard time believing this, but I am not the easiest person to put up with, much less love!) And yet, she does and I know she does! I am soooo thankful that God blessed me with such a wonderful person to share my life with and the lives of my children with. She is my biggest cheerleader and the best role-model that anyone could ever ask for.

Mom, I love you and I hope your day is as special to you as you are to me! Happy Birthday!

Is it finally clickin'?

Wow! Seems like it has been forever since I last blogged!! I have been busy watching Chelsea play volleyball. She has been playing at least twice a week almost since school started. Her team has struggled, they have struggled since 7th grade actually. I think although there are several GOOD athletes, there are no standouts. Because several of them are on the same playing field, there are a lot of hard feelings among them when it comes to playing time or being moved up to varsity for some games and then back to jv for others. I believe this has hindered their ability to play together as a team as they have matured and better developed their abilities and skills in the game. Jealousy can be a hard pill to swallow and it is especially hard on girls! I have made this comment to many people, " I can't ever remember a time when Chance came home with stories of dislike either on his part toward someone else or against him that he had found out about." There is ALWAYS controversy when it comes to girls! I promise being a teenage girl is a much bigger challenge than being a boy. Boys duke it out and it's done and over, girls go for the juggler and if you ain't bleedin', they ain't quitin' and they have several girls to help if needed.
The team played this week in the Childress Tournament. It was nice to be able to watch these girls actually win several games. The smiles on their faces lit the whole gymnasium. Chelsea gets this desire or competitiveness, from where I don't know (yeah, right!), and she plays to win. She is always a little more bummed out than most of her teammates and is often "HOT" when the other girls come off the court laughing and making plans for after the game as soon as they have lost their behinds on the court. This week in volleyball was enjoyable for the Campbells. Winnin' may not be everything but if you don't strive to be the best then why bother??!!

Flag drill team

Chelsea is involved in something new this year, at least new for her. She is on the flag drill team. It has been a while since Childress had flag girls in the band and she is thrilled to a part of their return. The drill team had a feature in the pep rally this week and then marched, sort of, with the band at halftime on Friday. I am proud of her courage in getting out there and doing this and also proud of the amount of time she has put into doing it well.

Caution...love hurts!

I know it's been quite a while since I posted last but anyone who knows me, knows writing is a sort of therapy and more for my sanity than any thing else. I write when I am happy, proud, excited, mad and sad. I use my written words to thank people for all they do for my family and/or me or both. I write because sometimes things are easier for me to say in writing than face to face ( it's a lot easier to erase the written word than to take something back that may have been said in haste or out of anger.) Writing also allows me to tell those who mean the most to me, how much they mean to me without getting choked up or chickening out. There is one thing about my writing you can be sure of, however, it's that it comes straight from the heart and shot straight from the hip and that I have chosen my words to express exactly how I am feeling right then at that very moment. I may offend you, provoke you, sadden you or make you smile and usually whatever you feel when you finish reading my blog is exactly what I hoped for when I wrote it in the first place. This being said I can get into the short blog I got on here to post in the first place today. It goes something like this:

This week has been a very trying one for me and several in my life. I learned AGAIN first hand that love hurts! I learned that it is not always best to put yourself out there...to care for someone or something the way you want them to care for you or someone you care about. It isn't always best to treat others as you would hope they would treat you or your loved ones. I learned that broken hearts CAN make you physically sick! I have learned that questions like who, what, when, where and especially why often go unanswered (or have no legitimate answers anyway). I have learned that each person acts differently to hurt and I am dealing with this too. Some are quiet, some loud, some cry, some shutdown, some curse and some of us, do a little of it all!! I just wanted to caution you all , love is great, love is kind BUT... love also sucks, love hurts and if you don't watch out, it might just sneak up and bite you on the butt. "THIS WEEK", LOVE... wasn't worth it!! Later, Lisa

LOOK OUT FT. WORTH HERE WE COME!

Well, we are busy packing and getting ready for our trip to Ft. Worth for STATE softball. We have washed cars, baked goodies, made hamburgers and snocones, driven all over town asking for donations, and flocked almost everyone with the pink flamingos!! I am very humbled by the generosity that this community has shown toward Chelsea and her teammates. Everyone has been so kind and my family is so grateful.

I have said I know at least a hundred times since the girls have been put into this place of "a once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity that Chelsea is sooo excited. Actually, we all are!! She has supported Chance and his teams for so long: decorating cars, helping with fundraising, cheering and wishing from the stands that someday she would get her chance to shine. Well, here it is. SHE is the one going to the STATE tourney.

The girls will play on Friday at 7:30. We were suppose to play on Thursday but I guess we scared our opponent so much that they withdrew before we even got to Ft. Worth! LOL! Just kidding (on the scared part anyway.) I ask that you say a prayer for each of these young ladies and their families as we travel to the Metroplex. Ask that God keep them safe and injury-free. Wish us luck. And I only have one more thing to say, "Chelsea, girl, I am proud of you and how hard you have worked on and off the field to get yourself and your teammates to STATE! Have fun, play hard and leave it all on the field babe! This is a once-in-a-lifetime event!! Eat it up and remember, I LOVE YOU!

All-Stars 2009

Tomorrow Chelsea and about 10 of her teammates play in what could be the Area All-Star Championship Game. They have already played one game against each team in the tournament and won. They have beaten each team pretty handily and this makes me a little nervous going into tomorrow's game. You know, the big head thing!!! Anyway, she is pretty pumped about it. The team we play tomorrow will already have 1 loss, a loss against us, in the double-elimination tournament. We just need to beat them again and we are on our way to STATE in Ft. Worth the week of the 23rd.

Chelsea admitted to me today that she is a little torn about getting to go and play in Ft. Worth. You see, we are suppose to leave on vacation to Colorado that week. Fun Valley in South Fork, Colorado is "THE FAV" when it comes to my kids and she is torn. I think she is worried about letting Chance and the rest of the family down should the team make it to STATE. She, herself, has been counting down the days to Colorado and yet, she's really excited about the opportunity to get to go all the way in all-stars. I assured her we could do both, may have to take out a second mortgage on the house (LOL), but as always we will find a way. Besides, how many times in your life do you get a chance to play all-stars at the State level???? Now that's exciting!!

Anyway, we may be counting our chickens before they hatch. We have to get pass tomorrow's game with a win. Should we lose, we aren't out, we just have to play the same team on Friday and beat them then. Wish us luck!

And Chels...Hit 'em hard, swing level, throw 'em out, and give it everything you got, Girl! This may be your one and only chance and you love this game. PLAY IT!

Special visitors!

We recently had a couple of visitors to Childress. We have waited quite a while to finally get to meet them and I can honestly say we weren't disappointed. You see, Naomi and Tristan finally got to come to Childress. Tristan is Naomi's and Anthony's baby and oh, my gosh! We all fell in love with him. What a beautiful baby and how wonderfully God blessed Ant and Naomi! Naomi is a very sweet young lady and a terrific mom. We were all so very impressed! We had a wonderful time getting to know her and Tristan. If you ask me, I think Anthony is crazy if he doesn't make every effort to be in Tristan's life and if he lets this young lady walk out of his life, he's an idiot! You can see how much she cares for him and I, personally, am a little disappointed that Anthony hasn't made much effort to help her with "their" child. I could so go off on this subject but I won't. Anyway, Tristan is a doll and Naomi, beautiful. We enjoyed having them here in Childress and hope to get the chance to watch Tristan grow.

The Greatest Dad/Granddad Around!

These two photos of my dad and the kids are two of my favorites! They fit him so well. Anyone who knows him knows he's outgoing, friendly, stubborn, and yet, genuinely kind. He loves unconditionally and would give the shirt off his back to just about anyone. Dad loves his family with all that he is and the love he has for my mother is unlike any other. Growing up, I was so fortunate to have him as a dad and yet took for granted so many things, especially him! He is the greatest role model and I could ask for no better one for either of my children. He has taught us all sooo many things: how to ride bikes, fish, hunt, and play ball are just a few but the one thing this man has taught me is to no longer take for granted how very blessed we all are to have him in our lives. He loves life and lives it to the fullest daily (i.e. playing goofy with Chance in picture above) but his greatest gift has been to love us, through thick and thin, in times of disappointment and achievement, and even in times we couldn't love ourselves. This Father's Day I wanted to say, "Dad, I love you for the man you are, for the heart you have, and for the fabulous Grandfather you are to your Grandkids." We are soooo very blessed by you and I wouldn't want to go through this thing they call life without you!! Thank you for being the wonderful man you are! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! You're the greatest!

Track meet pictures!

Picture info: top to bottom

Chance's roommate, Kewawn, and Chelsea

Chance

Chelsea and me

Bre' and Chance

Anthony and Abby (Ant's friend)

Making Memories!

Ok, so it's been awhile. A lot of things have been going on. We've had the end of school, friends graduating, and now, we are in Austin for the state track meet. Childress had 5 athletes competing in the meet, including Bre'Ann and Dontae. They are both good friends of the kids so when the opportunity arose for us to come and cheer them on, I couldn't resist. I mean afterall, I relish any time I get to spend with my own kids. They have grown so quickly and more times than not, don't want anything to do with spending time with me. They are so busy you know. I have really enjoyed myself and think both of them have too. There hasn't been even one moment when I have thought I could actually kill them. LOL! Sometimes, smart mouths and attitudes really get on my nerves! They have even gotten along with each other. (Another miracle in itself!) We head home tomorrow. Back to the grind of everyday life again. I want to treasure these times. I want to make memories with my kids that will last a lifetime, not my lifetime, theirs. Hopefully this weekend has been one they will cherish forever. Hopefully, someday, they will tell their children about times spent with mom the way I tell them about things my parents and I have done together. Afterall, memories are really the only things in life that are priceless! It may cost to make them, but the joy you get out of reliving them last way longer than the money it took to make them!
Will post some pictures later. Chance wants his computer. Myspace is calling his name. :) Lisa

Sports Banquet 2009

Wow! I can't believe this school year is almost over. Went to the Sports Banquet on Thursday and took some pictures. Chelsea, my Mom, and I went shopping for "the dress", jewelry, shoes, etc... about 2 weeks ago. She didn't pick the one I liked best, surprise, surprise!! She did look amazing though if I do say so myself! LOL! I can't believe that just yesterday I got to pick out what she would wear and she was sooo cute and now, she's beautiful and looks so grown up. She flip-flops between being a tomboy and a girlie-girl! I like her both ways actually. I think some day her prince will love the fact that she can dress up and wow his socks off and the next day, put on a pair of jeans, pull her hair back and bait a fishing hook with the best of 'em and enjoy herself while doing it. Someday, some guy is going to be sooo lucky! Whomever he is, he better treat her right and love her like she deserves to be loved! (or he'll have lots of us to answer to! ha!)

She got "THE" uniform!

Chelsea came home today from softball practice totin' a varsity Lady Cat uniform! She is soooo excited. As I have said several times in past posts, softball is her true love! She couldn't stop smiling and her mom couldn't wait to get pictures! She has worked very hard and even if she doesn't get a chance to play in playoffs, which start this week for the Lady Cats, she is officially part of the team and I couldn't be any more proud of her.

Chels, be proud of yourself. You earned your chance! Make the most of it and enjoy every minute of it! Go Lady Cats!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM!

I AM SO BLESSED TO NOT ONLY CALL YOU MY MOM, BUT ALSO MY BEST FRIEND!

TO MY KIDS

With tomorrow being Mother's Day, I thought I would tell you why being your mom has been the best gift I could have ever received!


Your smiles make my day!
Your tears melt my heart!
Your triumphs are my triumphs!
Your failures, my failures!
Your happiness is my happiness!
Your hurts, my hurts!




I am more proud of the fact that YOU are MY children and that GOD chose ME to be YOUR MOM than anything else I could have ever dreamt of or accomplished!

YOU ARE MY CHILDREN---MY HARDEST JOB... MY BIGGEST JOY...MY DREAMS... MY HOPES... MY EVERYTHING!!

AND I LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS COULD EVER SAY!

It is truly an honor to be your mom!

The rules are:
1. Mention the person that tagged you.
2. Complete the lists of 8's.
3. Tag 8 other bloggers.
4. Tell them that they have been tagged.

Thanks Debbie!!

Here are my eights!

8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Seeing my children have successful lives
2. Softball playoffs!
3. Summer
4. Grandchildren (not now of course!)
5. Weekend girls trip with Chels, her friend, and Mom
6. Chelsea's high school graduation
7. Both kids college graduation
8. Both kids weddings *(should have listed this one before #4)!!!

8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Gave another TAKS oral test.
2. Worked at the hotel til 11 pm.
3. Waited up til almost midnight so I could put Chelsea's gym clothes in dryer.
4. Hoped there would not be a storm.
5. Hurt for all of the kids that swine flu decision affected.
6. Read several blogs.
7. Missed Chance!
8. Laughed til I almost wet my pants at Sharece's "DUDE" story!

8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1. Tuck Chance in bed like when he was little.
2. Not worry about paying for college.
3. Be as good to my parents as what they have been to me and my kids!
4. Explain to my kids a mother's love.
5. Forget my mistakes!
6. Watch Chelsea play in state softball tournament
7. Wiggle my nose and have a clean house.
8. Stop being so stressed all of the time.

8 Shows I Watch
1. Survivor
2. The Hills
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. One Tree Hill (I like this one too, Deb)
5. Bachelor (hopeless romantic)
6. New 90210
7. Private Practice
8. News

8 Bloggers That I Tagged (have fun ladies!)
Kim (I haven't seen your name on anyone else's list yet)

Everyone else, I tag you too!

Question????

Why is it that every time you do what you think is right, work your tail off, and think FINALLY, everything is gonna work out like it should, you get disappointed? How would you answer this? I will not go into any details so please don't ask but really I am looking for the right words and wisdom to help someone, including myself, understand why things don't always end up like we think and KNOW they should and please don't tell me everything happens for a reason, 'cuz right now, I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THAT!

Today is Sharece Prince's Birthday. I know most of the people in this town know her since she was "born and raised" here as they say but I wanted to do a top ten list about her anyway.

My top ten list about my friend....

1. She is a great mother.

2. Her granddaughters are soooo lucky!

3. She makes an amazing "adopted" mom to her daughters' significant others.

4. She works very hard.

5. Her life makes mine seem so less stressful! :)

6. She sacrifices many things for others.

7. She cares about each one of her "kids" in Jr. High and their success.

8. Her friendship is everlasting and unconditional.

9. She looks great (especially for her age) LOL!

And...

10. I couldn't think of anyone else I would rather celebrate my birthday with than her!

She is this really amazing, wonderful, sensitive, caring, and loving daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt, grandmother, and friend! Those of us who have the privilege of having her in our lives are very, very, blessed!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHARECE!

Senior Softball Monday!

As you can tell from the picture, this group of girls is all about having fun! Some of them I don't know a lot about except that it has been a blast to chase them not only in softball but also in other school activities. The two girls I don't know very well are Kaylie Ralston and Kasandra Cano. They are both beautiful young ladies that I wish I would have had gotten to know better.

The other 3 of these young ladies I know pretty well. They have been friends of my children for several years with one of them, Randa having literally grown up right in front of me.

Savanna Keys is a very talented young lady who has this infectious smile and a set of unbelievable dimples. She is outgoing and seems to get along well with just about anyone. I have yet to see a sport she didn't excel at. In order to do as well as she does, I know she has to be dedicated and work pretty darn hard. I am sure these characteristics will get her much success in the future.

Bre'Ann Cano, wow, what can I say? She is truly a delightful, beautiful young lady. I have watched her literally run with the wind, steal a basketball with a vengeance, and whack a volleyball so hard the whole gym vibrated. She is a joy to be around and has impacted my family in ways she may never know. We think she is one-of-a-kind and we will forever hold dear memories of times spent with her and cheering her on.

Randa Jeter...where do I begin? Randa first became a part of our family when she was 4. Yes, I said part of our family! Her mother, who I am happy to call one of my very best friends, worked out at the prison and Randa and her brother, Rance, would come to my house for daycare. At 4, Randa melted our hearts and at 17, she still does. She is respectful, kind, and beautiful inside and out. She is also very athletic, smart, sensitive, and ambitious! I consider her my own and would do anything for this young lady. She has been brought up in a single-parent household by a spitfire of a mother who has expected the best of her children and yet loved them beyond words. She has raised both Randa and her brother to be these two really amazing people who make a difference in so many people's lives. I wish I could find the words to do justice by this young lady! She will never fully understand how special she is to me and mine and how very blessed we are for having had the "PRIVILEGE" to be a part of her life! She is a ray of sunshine destined for great things!

God blesses those that bless others and I know for a fact that all 5 of these young ladies have blessed many people's lives with their positive attitudes and great personalities. I wish all of them the best of luck in their last home game but even more I wish them joy, happiness, success and many blessings in the years to come. It has been my pleasure, ladies! It has been my pleasure!

Teenagers can be so mean!

Teenagers can be so mean! They are mean to their "friends", enemies, parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers and pretty much anyone else they may come in contact with. I am often amazed at how mean they can truly be. Girls it seem are slightly more cut-throat, although boys are often the meanest to family members or at least from what I have seen.
This comes from personal experience. I have witnessed teammates being very ugly to each other especially when winning isn't the case. (I have also witnessed it when winning was happening.) Recently, a Lady Cat was struggling while playing a softball game and Chelsea was shocked at the way her own teammate talked to the struggling player after a ballgame. She came home very upset for her. Chelsea has been on the end of the wrath catching of her teammates in the past and I guess she felt really sorry for someone who is really not one of her friends, more so just a teammate.
I have tried to preach to both of my children how badly words can cut someone to the bone and I guess Chelsea realized it when she saw how hurt and upset the young lady on the receiving end was. I think teenagers get so wrapped up in their own little world that they forget that there are other people and other people's feelings that they should consider. If I had a nickel for every time my own children have hurt each other, my parents or me, I would be one wealthy soul! Chance, who thinks he's grown (and in most people's eyes, probably is grown) doesn't think he should have to answer to anyone. He thinks that when I call to say hi and see what he is doing, I'm meddling and usually ends up yelling his responses at me instead of talking to me. When I tell him there is no reason to yell, he claims he's not. He acts like I am such a bother to him at that very moment. I honestly am not being nosey. I just want to be a part of his life and make sure he's ok. I want to know when he's happy, make him better if he's sad, etc. but...I know most of you say it's your money that's sending him to school, blah, blah, blah. Have you walked in my shoes as a mother? It isn't easy!
Chelsea, on the other hand, can be so caring at times and then....I think she is more like me than Chance is. Guess that's why she can get to me! EEEWWW! I get so mad at her. She doesn't usually say anything but those looks she gives!!!! I know what she's thinking and that makes me just as angry with her. I have heard the way that she talks to or about other people, yes, my children are not perfect (neither am I), and her words can be very harsh. I try that speech about put yourself in their shoes, etc.. but just as adults, I think if you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times and often it doesn't sink in until you have burned bridges you can't ever rebuild no matter how hard you try or how badly you want to.
I know Chelsea will read this blog and I am hoping Chance will too. If they do I hope they get this far into the post. I would like for this to be a reminder to them both that words and actions hurt. I want them to know that no one, including mom, (which I know won't come as a surprise to them) is perfect. I know my words hurt too. I want them to know that my constant "in your business" action is not to annoy them, not because I don't trust them, but rather because I love them! I want others to know what wonderful young adults they are and can be. I want them to realize that sometimes, even if forgiven, hurtful things can't be forgotten especially if the person they are ugly to cares about them. Often people judge you the harshest by how you treat those you are suppose to care about and who care about you. Actions and words can cut to the bone, just remember that! And also remember that even if I may not like your actions sometimes, I will always love you!

FRUSTRATION 101!

As many of you know, I have a 2nd job, one outside of the home and outside of the school. My husband also holds down 2 jobs and sometimes more than that with the little side jobs he does. I am responsible for a pretty good size business and am amazed at how many people in this world expect to be given something for free. No one seems to want to work for their pay and to be honest with you I am sick to death of it!! I am in charge of several employees and am amazed that they really think they can just LITERALLY show up and get paid! Don't get me wrong I do have some workers that do anything and everything I ask of them and I appreciate their dedication and try to tell them often how much I appreciate them but others.... They act as if I OWE them and should be thankful they even bothered to come! I have had to cover so many shifts lately for employees that for one reason or another can't come in when they are scheduled to be at work. I don't mind helping out if it is a legitimate reason but I also don't think I should be the only one willing to do so. My parents raised me believing that in order to ever have anything in life, you had to work for it but somewhere down the line, I think other parents have failed to teach that to their kids who are now adults! I am probably somewhat guilty of this myself but I hope with my own children I have led by example and that although I think there is a time to be a child, I also believe that there comes a day when you have to grow up and WORK for a living, not sit on your behind and wait for someone to give you something!! In order for someone to be GIVEN something, it must first be TAKEN for someone else!! I don't remember where exactly I heard that but it has stuck!!

Kids constantly give my children a hard time telling them, almost accusing them, of being RICH! Yeah, right!! Yes, we are blessed. We are rich in good health, wonderful family, lasting friendships, and good jobs but I am so tired of kids telling my children they are rich as in wealthy!! CC and I work very hard to provide for our family as do my parents, my children's grandparents! It often takes all of us! True, my children, thankfully, have nice clothes, vehicles, cell phones, etc.. but these are the things we provide for our kids by working. I look around and don't see that my children have any more really than most and believe me, there are many other things they would still like to have. My children have had things stolen from them that we have worked hard and saved up money for. I remember Chance having something of his taken by someone staying the night with him at my parent's house and when it was mentioned to that group of guys, one of the boys said after everyone swore they didn't take it and that Chance had to have lost it, I remember one of the boys saying what difference does it make if he lost it or whatever, you or Granddad will just go and get him another one.
?*!@#?! ...WHAT?

I have gotten so fed up with this attitude that I have told my own children to look at the person telling them that they are rich and ask themselves, "Do they dress as nice as I do, do they have the same things I do, and... do their parents work?" If their parents don't have jobs, then I tell my kids to tell them, "you are the RICH ones because your parents don't have to work to give you the nice things you have, but mine do!" I know that this is probably not the "Nice" thing to say but is harassing my children NICE? Is the constant grilling of them necessary? If you want your children to have what my children have, get a job! How 'bout 2 for that matter! Or teenagers get one yourself! After this weekend, I might even know of a place that could use a new employee or two. But don't come asking me for something for free because I still believe...NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE and I'm letting this post serve as the official notice that the Campbells are not wealthy just hard working!!!

AAAHHH! I feel so much better now!! Later, Lisa

Well...She Did It!!

Yep, that's right!! Chelsea "B" got her a home run over the fence last night in Dimmitt!! YIPPEE! We were sooo excited for her. She has always been a good hitter but last night was the 1st time she has ever "PARKED" one! (Who cares if the fence wasn't quite as far as usual...I DON'T!) Ain't no one gonna take the air out of our bubble! I was yelling for the rafters, Granny was jumping up and down, and Chelsea's pearly-whites lit up the whole ball field. THIS IS her sport!! She likes volleyball and enjoys basketball and gives those sports her all when she plays them but there is just something about playing a sport you love that sends tingles down your spine and softball is her spine-tingler!!! Mine too for that matter!! LOL!
Her dad, Granddad, and brother all missed it!! That's the only disappointment of the whole ordeal! She told me to call Granddad, it was okay to call Dad, but don't call Chance!! She worships the ground that boy walks on and would do ANYTHING to make him as proud of her as she has been all of these years of him!! She wanted to be the one to tell him!! You should of heard her on the phone to him last night. (She had it on speaker phone. ) Their conversation went something like this: Chelsea: "Hey, Chance! Remember when I called you last week and told you I had hit a triple?" Chance: "yeah." Chelsea: "and remember you told me "yeah, well bet you can't hit a home run like your brother" and I said, "whatever!" well, guess what?" Chance: "You're lying, no way, your lying!" Chelsea: "I did Chance, I got one over the fence and in center field too!" Chance: "Really?, naw, you're lying!"Chelsea: "Ask mom. Huh, Mom! I hit it over the fence!" I say, "yep, she sure did!" then Chance:"That a way sissy, just like your brother! ..... I'm still better than you!" Chelsea: "We'll see! Your record was 7 home runs, right? I just need 6 more to tie!" Chance: "That was in one season. I had 10 for my career." Chelsea: "okay, 10! I still have the rest of this year and 3 more years to get 9 then!!" We all laughed, he told her good job and she beamed the rest of the way home...or at least til she fell to sleep!! LOL! Sibling rivalry...Gotta Love It!! And I'm one proud momma! Later, Lisa

(Oops! Chelsea tells me I wrote the wrong score on the ball. It was 23-6 us!)

The "Other" Parent!

Everyone seems to know my dad. He is outgoing, loud, opinionated but also, very loving, loyal, and smart. This blog , however, is not about my dad but rather this time it's about the other parent I have, MY MOM!

My mom is probably the best friend I have! As adults, she and I have traveled millions of miles and have spent endless hours together going to all sorts of ballgames, UIL competitions, and out of town birthday celebrations. She is always willing to be my co-pilot, co-conspirator, and right hand woman in all sorts of things I get myself into. She's cooked lunches for 15-20 of Chance's friends once a week all year last year, has baked an unlimited number of brownies, cupcakes, cookies, whatever my kids needed for classes, church lunches or fundraisers, bus rides, etc., and yet, never asks for anything in return. She is the world's best listener and gives genuine advice from the heart.

She has made sacrifices for my dad, my brother, me, and my children without being asked and probably more than we will ever realize. She is way stronger than we give her credit for and when she loves you, she LOVES you.

Most of you that know me know my brother Mark. This is where my mom is the most amazing woman in the world. Mark has lived at home his whole life, 42 years. My mom is his mom, his maid, his care-giver, and most importantly, his best friend. She has so much patience with him. Most of us grow up, get married, have children, then look forward to the day our teenagers leave home and come back to visit with families of their own, but Mom has been "MOM" and will be "MOM" to Mark his whole life. No romantic weekend getaways, no time by herself, no personal space and yet, you never hear her complain or question, "why me?". She has never been able to work outside of the home because of Mark, but the hours, love, and sacrifices she has put into being a mother to both Mark and I are unlimited. Her devotion to all of us has made me the mom I am. She has been the ultimate role model and if I can be just 1/2 the mom to my children (and 1/2 the grandmother to my grandchildren someday), that she has been then I will consider myself a success. Thanks MOM! You are amazing, loving, caring and the best Mother/Grandmother in the universe!! I owe you more than life itself and although I can never tell you enough, I RESPECT YOU, LOVE YOU AND AM HONORED TO CALL YOU MY MOM!

Wordless Wednesday--Spring Break Style

Happy Birthday to You!

CC turned 40 today!

Happy Birthday!

Here are 40 things about him you may or may not know.

He:

1. played football and basketball in high school and baseball in the summer. (guess my kids get most of their athletic ability from him but I won't admit this very often!)
2. met me while we were both attending WT.
3. never gets up in the morning saying, "I don't want to go to work today!" (keep waiting for this one to rub off on me!)
4. is gentle and so easy-going.
5. keeps me balanced and under control (most of the time).
6. works extremely hard holding down 2 jobs and has done this for years.
7. makes friends easily.
8. is honest and sincere.
9. is extremely quiet--opposites really do attract! LOL!
10. can fix just about anything that's broken.
11. is so good to my brother, Mark.
12. will help just about anyone who needs it.
13. spends hours out at the pig pen with Chelsea's FFA pigs.
14. cooks for me and brings me supper when I am working the evening shift at the hotel.
15. has this amazing laugh that is very contagious.
16. is a big fan of Texas Tech. (Mark thinks this is his ONLY fault!)
17. is a better housekeeper than I ever thought of being.
18. eats sunflower seeds by the gallons.
19. would help my dad do anything if dad would only ask.
20. has been an employee of TDCJ for 18 years.
21. very rarely gets angry.
22. shakes his head when he's disgusted with something.
23. is still in really good shape (especially for a 40 yr. old)!
24. has very little gray hair, you must look closely.
25. wears pants only an inch larger than when I married him.
26. loves me just the way I am!
27. can grill a mean steak.
28. has a working man's hands.
29. drives me crazy but usually crazy in a good way.
30. has a baby soft face.
31. looks way younger than 40!
32. is probably a better driver than I am (although I don't admit it to him!)
33. looks darn good in tight jeans.
34. makes me a better person.
35. allows me the opportunity to chase our kids and go, go, go constantly.
36. lights up a room with his smile.
37. makes this world a better place.
38. can work outside in the heat for hours and never complain that it's hot.
39. melts like butter when Chelsea tells him she loves him.
40. makes my heart skip a beat still after all of these years!

40 GREAT things about a GREAT guy!

Hope you have a GREAT birthday!