Texas love

With one brother in way over his head....it has made me stop and think about all my siblings...and how thankful I am for each one...near and far...bad and good...they are all a part of my heart. I don't see my brother Heath at all...he lives in Texas...and is oh so busy living the life of a horse trainer. But he has 3 amazing boys and although I don't see them as often as I would like they are still in my heart...every day.

I got this unexpected Text from Heath today and it warmed my heart...funny how unexpected love can do that...Remember that today and unexpectedly show someone you love them...it feels so good to give and to receive!

Coach for a day...

Jeff sent us an email about a meet in Glasglow, Kentucky-the Kentucky Christian School State Champion Meet. Jeremy and I thought it would be a great meet to do for the boys. A chance for them to hopefully shine and feel good. At the state meet they run up...with bigger..older....faster kids....and although this is great and such a compliment....it's also hard. You naturally want your kids to be recognized and to feel good...but they sacrifice that moment of glory...that moment on stage....that trophy....for the good of the team.  Riggs was the fastest fourth grader in the state.....Rollins the fastest second grader...if you look at their times compered to the others but because they run up they don't get to experience this. In fact the State chooses the all state team based on how they finish at state only so for Riggs....who is the fastest fourth grader in the state.....he is not even mentioned or thought about because he run with the fifth and 6th graders. The fourth grade all state team is composed of kids he has beaten all year. I just hate it for him.But, it is what it is and we do what we can as parents to soften the unfair reality of life sometimes...thus the trip to Glasgow! Jeremy was on call so he could not be two hours away from home so I was flying solo as mom....and coach today for the Hardy boys!

Monique Grendi...you would have been proud of me!

I registered, check in and got our course packet! I got their numbers on...and took the course map and off we went on the walk through!

We got warmed up...talked race strategies....and got motivated!

 ok so maybe I did let let have a little more fun than usual........  ;)

 It was a beautiful day...on a beautiful course....and I was so happy to be here with my boys!

 The gun to start the race was a cannon....a real cannon! It was off the hook! So loud and so cool!

 We chose the best box... they lined up...did their run outs....and when that cannon went off they took off and so did I! I had to run to all my planned cheer spots!

 They both raced and battled...

 Riggs came into the finish line first....so great for him to win this one! Just to win it all!

 Rollins came in third.....and the best moment was watching Riggs run down the finish line beside him...cheering his baby brother on!

 First and Third...not too bad Hardy Boys!

 We sat and enjoyed the rest of the races and talked about theirs.....it was awesome!

 At the awards ceremony the boys both got medals!

 It was great to see them shine and to see their hard work pay off! I loved spending this XC morning with them... coach for the day....Moma always!

Shelby County Invitational

Tonight we headed to Shelby County for our rescheduled meet. Coach gathered the kids before warm ups and gave out personal best ribbons from the Trinity meet.

 Tonight Riggs was a ribbon holder!

 The meet itself was great....both Riggs and Rollins were amazing! Rollins came in 21st and got a medal and Riggs came in 5th and got a trophy!

 My favorite part at each meet now is how they find each other after the race is over....I just love it!

 As night fell we gathered for awards.

 Colin got a trophy for his 6th place finish...he had a great race!

 Riggs and his 5th place trophy.......

 The boys were the first place finishers and they held their big plastic trophy with pride!

 The girls too won overall! It was a great night for the Gator XC team!

end of the day

They go so hard all day long....and they are a sweaty mess by the end of the day! Every night they climb in the bath and scrub and chat...and the end result is always two happy boys!

Best Friends

I am in awe of the relationship my boys have. I know things may change...and there may be times and ages where they drift apart...but I know the foundation will always be there so no matter what they will always find a way back to each other. They are best friends...truly. I dont know what they wold do without each other.  They each have their own rooms...decorated just so...but evey night they climb into the same bed..and drift off to sleep talking about the day...and what plans they have for tomorrow. I love it...they are so blessed to have this amazing friendship.

Welcome Spring!

It's official! Spring is here! Today was the first day of spring and it could not have been more perfect! We stayed home all day and enjoyed the beautiful day...and our friends and family cycled in and out all day long!  After Colin left from his sleepover...Ryan called and asked if he and Reagan could come over so we had back yard soccer...and time with these boys!

 Uncle Gary is in and he and Mamaw stopped by for a visit...it is always so good to see him and any time you get to love on Mamaw is a treat!

 The Brothers could feel the change of the seasons...and seemed to have an extra bounce in their steps today...they were outside all day long.....these two truly are the best of friends.

 The Timmerings popped over for a visit with sweet Sam...and we were so happy to see them!

 Nana, Landon and Mom were here for supper and that was a fun visit too....Lila loved having Nana read The Monster at the End of This Book .....a book she used to read to me when I was little.

 And the boys loved having Nana join them in the back yard too!

 It was the perfect...feel the Spring in the air and the warm days to come kind of day!

 Even Jack discovered the fun of fetching a good stick...and how chewing on it in the shade felt good too.

 I put Spring up inside the house.....

and look what is blooming in the back yard!!!!

It's here and we welcome it with open arms! Happy First Day of Spring! Spring makes my heart happy and full of love...it's revived...sending love to everyone and wishing you more spring days to come!