Happy Halloween

 We got to experience Halloween to the fullest this year...

A marathon runner and Cleopatra

 Samantha & Kaylee

 Campbell, Our Awesome middle school minister Holly, & Kaylee

Both girls were very excited about their costumes this year. Campbell got to be Queen of the Nile and Kaylee got to be a woman softball player from A League of Their Own.

 Cooper, Kaylee, Campbell, & Addie

Look at all these sweet girls!

 Kaylee & Tyler

We had the pleasure of participating in Trunk or Treat at church as well as attending a party at some of our precious friends' home in our neighborhood which included trick or treating there too. At the end of the evening we went back home to pass out candy to some of the precious children who came our way. My girls have reached the age where they look forward to this as much as trick or treating themselves. Goodbye Halloween 2015!

My 8th grader

How did this happen? This is Kaylee on her way to school for her 8th grade school picture. What?? She looks so big here. I had friends comment after I posted in on Facebook that they did not recognize her because she looked like a little lady. I am so not ready for the next phase of life (high school). It did not help that she came home telling me that this is the photo that will be on her school ID her freshman year. Ugh! My Momma heart is just trying to hold on to every minute. I love her so and know she will be awesome in high school. I am just worried about me...sigh.

A True Love/Hate Relationship

 Can you have a Love/Hate relationship with a car? I say yes! I love that this is the car Cary and I went in to the Chili's in Abilene on our first ever date. I love that it required fairly minimal work for the years we needed it to run just a little longer. It was a loyal car for the most part until it wasn't. The air conditioner stopped working, the maintenance got to be too much, and it was replaced by a Grand Prix with a backseat for the kids after our first child was born. That child is now 14 years old, yet the old faded Datsun still remained in our driveway collecting dust and other things we won't mention. It has not been used in at least 8 years and many interested parties had crossed our path but to no avail. Finally on the Saturday of the Taylor Swift concert a young man campaigning for a candidate in the upcoming election came knocking. He had seen our jewel/eyesore in the driveway and asked my husband if he would be willing to part with it. After a brief conversation where the young man was very excited, he agreed to buy the car. I was still thinking it was too good to be true and we would never see him again. He would get back to his home in Dallas and that would be that. Well to my surprise and elation it was not the end of the story...he came back that Monday with a trailer and hauled old faithful off. Cary felt good about it because he knew the young man would love it like he did and actually have the time to fix it up to its former glory. 

 I am so thankful for this man and the fact that he is so loyal even to an old car.

There were no tears as the car left and Cary actually had a smile when he entered the house. I made a mental note to vote for the candidate who had brought this young man to our door. I truly never thought this day would come. I pray the new owner has as many wonderful memories as Cary does in his new ride.

Taylor Swift here we come!

 Surprise! We loaded up the girls one Saturday and surprised them with tickets to see Taylor Swift in Arlington. We are so excited, well not sure if Cary is as excited as his girls but he is a great Dad for taking one for the team.

 Shawn Mendes was one of the opening acts. In case you don't know who he is, he is a Canadian singer who is only 17 years old and has a hit called "Stitches".  He has an amazing talent and I do not think this is the last you will hear from him.

 Ready for Taylor to take the stage.

 I have always heard that Taylor puts on an awesome show but I could not have even imagined what we experienced. If you ever have a chance to go see her concert, run to get tickets, you will be so thankful you did. The way she encourages her fans through out the show with her words of wisdom are something every one needs to hear. I love that she treats you as if she is talking right to your heart. You can tell she is truly taking the time to enjoy each day and the opportunity before her to build people up and make the choice to be a light in this world. She was genuinely amazed that AT&T Stadium was sold out for her concert. She even had tears in her eyes. This girl gets it, she knows she is blessed and uses what she has been given to bless others. I fell in love with her on this night because she showed her heart and character with such vulnerability and honesty.

 We got these fun wristbands that lit up with the beat of the music. I do not know how you even accomplish that but it was such a neat thing to watch.

 Elle Goulding was her surprise guest. She has the number one hit right now called "Love Me Like You Do." Such a beautiful song and voice on this lady.

 Thank you Taylor for a wonderful experience and for making us feel like we were sitting in your living room with you.

ACU Homecoming Weekend

We did not get to do many of the ACU Homecoming activities because several months earlier I had purchased Surprise Taylor Swift tickets for that Saturday night. We did try to pack in a few fun things though.  

 One of my precious college roommates, Becky, came to town on the Thursday before and I got to meet her along with her precious boys at the mall for lunch. We had so much fun catching up and watching the boys play. I just fell in love with her sweet family. We decided a few hours was not enough time so we went for coffee that evening. We shared, laughed, and just enjoyed the gift that our friendship is to us.

 On Friday night we went to see Mary Poppins put on by the ACU theatre department. It was phenomenal! I still remember being an usher at Hello Dolly during my pledging days. I will always remember Melissa Yarbrough playing the lead and me being memorized by her talent. Who knew later in life I would be able to call her friend. Thank you to my friend Dawn Meeks for running such a wonderful program. Our family had a fabulous time and cannot wait to attend another performance.

(Wesley, Campbell, SJ, & Ali)

We also got to take in a quick Saturday morning volleyball that weekend before hitting the road. Our team walked away with a win and as you can see remained loyal to her bestie.

Rangers vs Blue Jays

 Kaylee in her happy place.

 Kaylee and Reid at their yearly game.

Unfortunately for Kaylee, October also brought our last Rangers game that we had tickets for this year. This is always a bittersweet day for her. This girl loves baseball more than almost anything. She knows more stats than I dare say any boy her age or older. America's favorite pastime is definitely her's too.

 I also love that she is growing up with these special memories with her Dad. These two share a special bond partly because of their mutual love of the game. She says she is going to be the General Manager of the Texas Rangers one day and I would not put it past her. This girl can do anything that she puts her mind to. I told her I will be looking forward to watching games in an air conditioned suite. She just rolls her eyes and says the real fans sit out in the seats. Thankfully, I never claimed to be that big of a fan.

 Thank you Rangers for another great season and for the memories you give these two each year.

Hello October!

 Welcome to October! It seems like I blinked and it was time for Homecoming. Some of Kaylee's class decoded to get together for dinner at The Club before the game. It was a great opportunity to get a photo of all of these sweet children.

(Campbell & Lauren)

 The beginning of the month also ushered in another volleyball season. Campbell is on Mrs. Ruff's team once again with several of her sweet friends. We could not believe how much these sweet girls improved from last season. Campbell has developed a real talent and love for this sport thanks to good coaching and her determination. I just love watching her excel at something she loves.

 (Teammates: Wesley, Campbell, Ali, & Audrey)

 We also got to spend one Saturday watching our sweet friend Jack play soccer.

 We also got to watch Addie the same day so it was a win-win.

 Papa and Nana even made a trip to our house to celebrate Papa's Birthday which was in September.

I am not exactly sure why Papa has a face mask on here but they were having fun.