Remember the Alamo...and such...

So we all know by now that I'm not a Texan. Granted, I've been here long enough that most people would consider me one but this girl still has Louisiana roots. And always will. But I have also learned through the years that all good Texans MUST visit the Alamo when in San Antonio. It does not matter that it looks the same every single time or even - as Taylor pointed out - that "y'all lost that battle anyway." 

It's still a MUST.

Also, I guess Taylor doesn't find being born in this state reason enough to put herself into that group. It causes Tonto great angst, I can assure you.

But, all those things aside, there were Alamo pics...

...and river walk pics...

...and some Alamo selfies...

...and more riverwalk pics...

...and then we finally realized the sky was turning dark - like pitch black - all around us. Which we only realized when it started raining and we looked up. After two days at theme parks we were clearly fried. :)

So, instead of a morning spend perusing shops for random souvenirs (which is kind of a special kind of hell for me, personally), the girls grabbed cute t-shirts from Joe's Crab Shack and we headed home. In a downpour. Also, the interstate in San Antonio DOES NOT drain, y'all. We drove through standing water for a looooong time. 

But the rain didn't change anything about our weekend being super fun. And these two - along with the  tiny one not pictured - gave us some amazing kickoff to summer memories. :-)

Putting the Fiesta in Texas

After our day long adventure at Sea World (and yummy dinner at Genghis Grill...somewhere I'd never been), we basically all passed out. And then got up relatively early the next morning to head to Fiesta Texas. Because we're certainly not ones to be in a city with more than one theme park and not hit at least two.

Seriously. We might need help.

Unfortunately, when we got to Fiesta Texas, it started storming. So we sat in the car for a while and hoped it would stop. It finally let up so we headed inside. And we rode, like, four rides before realizing a GINORMOUS cell was headed our way. Not willing to be miserable and wet all day for the cause of rollercoasters, we did what most sane people do - grabbed McDonald's and headed to the hotel pool. :)

It was Tiny's first time and, y'all, she LOOOOVED it. This girl loves the water. In fact, bath time might be her favorite part of the day. So this was right up her alley.

And Tonto's...

...and Taylor's...

...and sweet E's as well.

And, because the San Antonio allergens were working overtime, sweet girl not only spent some time having to inhale steam from the hot tub but also getting breathing treatments. It's tough living with a respiratory dude sometimes. You can't get away with not treating snotty issues. Which is a good thing. :)

After a nap and some R&R, we decided to head back to the park. And apparently 5pm after a rainstorm is THE TIME to ride, friends. There were NO lines.

I'm a total adrenaline junkie. And so was T's friend. T? Not so much.

But she is good for amusing photo ops.

Seriously...the duck lips?

One of the funniest things ever happened on this here ride. Y'all. I've been riding this with my girl for a couple of years. She's always hesitant to get on it but generally loves the outcome. But this was a different experience. For instance, she got strapped in and immediately said "guy, I don't want to do this anymore." Well, it was too late.

Between her screaming "just go ahead and kill me now, y'all" at the top and later DEMANDING the worker below (who was laughing hysterically) PUT HER DOWN, I could not stop laughing. And before you think I'm a terrible mother, she was laughing at herself as well. She's also decided any and all rides involving a tower are dead to her. Well...alrighty then.

Superman was, as always, a crowd favorite.

And after getting too hot, someone needed a multitasking break, which included Powerade and her phone. This one's allllll teenager at this point. Obviously.

 

We ended our day with a few more rides but none could hold a candle to the newly redone Rattler. Y'all. I swore this one off YEARS ago after an unfortunate incident with my dad and a fractured elbow. Mine, not his. But he had some fault there, let me assure you. :)

And when we went a few years ago, I write it off again because it was so rough that it was unrideable. But now it's an iron coaster. With a dry ice tunnel. And it's the best ride in the park. So much so that we rode it twice. 

Hardcore, huh?

And what I thought was going to be a washed out waste of a day turned into one of the most fun I've had in a long time. Isn't that always the way? :)

Dia Del Sea World

So weekend before last - as soon as the girl finished up her 8th grade finals - we hit the road for a mini vacay to San Antonio. Kicking off the summer this way has kind of become a tradition and the timing was perfect because Baylor was hosting Diadeloso at Sea World that weekend, which meant a super good deal on tickets. :)

And it also means that we made a 3-hour drive with a baby who abhors the carseat. She was really pretty good, though, until the last 30 minutes. Stop and go traffic did NOT help in case anyone was wondering. I sort of wanted to tear up myself. 

But I didn't. And we eventually made it to our hotel and headed to happy hour in the lobby for some refreshments with friends who were meeting us in SA. And then we all went to dinner at Texas Land and Cattle. Which is where grilled asparagus and I fell head over heels in love. We've seen each other again since. And the second time was just as amazing.

But I digress...

Anyway...the next morning we headed to Sea World and, after some annoying issues getting info about tickets and a tour we had purchased, we set about the business of seeing some animals. Starting with the dolphins and the aquarium. We then hit the backside of the park (before it got crowded) for the rollercoasters and penguins. Which led us right into the Baylor picnic lunch time.

Clearly Baby S was thrilled. She just wanted to eat and sleep.

Ok, mostly sleep...

...but we finally headed to our first show - our favorite is the sea lion/walrus/otter performance - and...

...after suffering through the pre-show...

...they had technical difficulties and had to cancel the show. This would be the extent we saw Seymour.

Aren't they cute?

Anyway, the good news is that the tour we had secured was for the sea lions so we got to hear about them from the trainers...

...take a pic with ol' Seymour (what you can't see is that he's smiling - it was hilarious)...

...and feed the little (big) rascals...

...or at least the ones who weren't catching some rays.

On a related note, I wanna be this guy. Cruising around holding onto a sea lion.

Once we wrapped up the tour, we met our friends over at Azul where the baby decided, "hey, this looks FUN!" Seriously. She was mesmerized by the bright colors and the dolphins.

I'm still a sucker for a good beluga, though.

 

And, of course, we had to see the star of the show - Shamu! And his six best friends who look just like him! Hands down the best orca show I've seen at Sea World. No kidding.

And this guy was GINORMOUS, friends. Watching him do flips in the pool was like watching the law of gravity just disintegrate before our very eyes.

And to say someone was mesmerized by Shamu and all the lights would be the understatement of the century, friends. She LOOOOOOVED it!!! 

And so did the big girls. Such. Sweet. Memories. :-)

End of an Era

Y'all. I don't even know how to begin this post because I honestly cannot believe that the school year is coming to a close tomorrow. Don't get me wrong - I'm pleased as punch about it because, well, Mama needs a BREAK. (Why didn't anyone tell me being the parent of a teen is EXHAUSTING?) But, still, it sort of feels like I just sent my girl off to begin the 8th grade (with a tiny bit of leftover summer sunburn) and here she is about to cross over a threshold of which there is no return - HIGH SCHOOL.

And I've got to admit, as much as I loathed 7th grade (it really almost did me in, friends), this year was one that was (mostly) fun and fascinating. I've caught myself more than a few times looking at Taylor and wondering when in the heck she became almost grown. And how in the world (with all the major mistakes I made as a parent) she became such a thoughtful, bright, compassionate and - this was surprises me most because I remember myself at 14 - LOGICAL human being.

She and her friends (both girl and boy) bring us such JOY and the way she has adjusted to a baby being thrown into the mix on a moment's notice has made me more proud that I can possibly express. She is not like her Type A, everything must have a place mother. Not even a little bit. She rolls with the punches, could care less if her laundry ever gets put up, and lives to have fun and just soak up life. With as little drama as possible. In fact, the girl really doesn't tolerate drama. She just removes those folks from her life.

Oh, to have had that type of perspective at her age, y'all. It would have saved me a million tears and a whole lot of heartache.

This girl is my beautiful baby. And always will be. She amazes and challenges me. Daily. And have we discussed how funny she is? Because she's HILARIOUS.

There are a lot of stories about her that I keep off the interwebz these days because they are hers to tell. And I try, for the most part, to respect that growing up process. While it makes me sad on one hand to see her join the ranks of the high schoolers because it means her time at home is way too quickly coming to an end, I also love who she is and cannot wait to see what's in store for my bright eyed beauty.

Right after we have a summer full of camps, swimming pools, theme parks, beaches and FUN. :-)

Lately...

So it's the end of the school year and things are, like always, crazy. Last Thursday night we celebrated Taylor's FFA accomplishments at the end of year banquet. I didn't realize my camera battery was dead until I pull it out to snap a few shots so I apologize for the terrible camera phone (from a distance and in bad lighting) pics. ;-)

She earned her Greenhand Degree this year...

...in addition to being on the Greenhand Chapter Conducting and Dairy Cattle Teams. AND she was chosen to represent Midway at the FFA state convention this summer. So proud of this girl, friends.

And then on Monday, she was recognized at the Middle School Academic Awards Ceremony for the two FFA teams as well. She even wore a dress!

In other big news, Paw Paw went shopping last Friday and Tiny is now sleeping in her very own room. And on a mattress that is probably nicer than my own. :-)

First crib nap was a huge success - 3.5 hours. I repeat - 3.5 hours. Do you have any idea how much stuff I was able to get done during that time? I've been super sad to see her leave our room but it was time and I've definitely slept better not hearing her rustling. She's a mover and a shaker. 

 Nana and Boppy went shopping too and her sweet bedding should be here this weekend. Cannot. Wait.

My current favorite addition to the nursery. For obvious reasons.

And not to leave our other girl out, Dottie headed to the vet last week and got her first pedicure. She was quite clearly thrilled. And has refused to speak to Dave since, which is kind of hilarious.

In case you were wondering, yes, Tonto is smitten with Tiny. Not sure I can state it better than this picture. 

So that's the Reader's Digest version of what we've been up to. Crazy, busy, beautiful, sometimes exhausting life. And allergies. So. Many. Allergies. But why talk about that, right? 

The Day O' Mothers

So...Sunday was Mother's Day. In general, we're not big on elaborate celebrations. Just meeting up with my parents for linner (you know, between lunch and dinner) is par for the course. 

We all went to church that morning and, of course, Tiny looked ADORABLE in the blue dress that both Taylor and I wore home from the hospital. And she buried her face in Tonto's arm - face down - and went to sleep. The entire time. First of all, she NEVER does that when I have her there by myself. Second, no one got to see her dress. Stinker! :-)

But here's the dress...

We had a nice dinner (even though there was a VERY long wait) at Longhorn with my parents and I forced Taylor into a few selfies once we got home.

This one is actually more indicative of our personalities and relationship.

This girl is the embodiment of the following statement. Because all who know her realize she is NOT a rule follower. And cannot be forced into it. But she does love the Lord with all her heart.

We're also not big on huge gifts, which is why I was surprised to open a Pandora box and find this. Some know this story {it's an old one} but it's a good one so I'll tell it again. When Taylor was about 2, my mom took her to buy me a present (can't remember if it was Mother's Day, birthday, etc.) and asked T what she wanted to buy. Her response, "A heart because hearts mean I love you."

And a tradition was born. I have gotten hearts from that girl for EVERY occasion since. And. I. Love. It.

She picked out the heart charm on the left and obviously the one on the right is for Baby S. To say I love it would be an understatement. No matter any outcome, I will NEVER forget this Mother's Day.

Thoughts on Foster Care Month...

I recently learned that May is national Foster Care Month. Who knew? I had no idea. Seriously...not a clue. And I'm gonna be honest, sometimes I get really tired of celebrating this profession but not that one or a certain industry but not another. 

In my opinion...it. is. exhausting.

And kind of unfair. Because I'm still waiting for Marketing and PR Professionals week. But, yet, it never comes. And I say all this being married to one who has his own week (Respiratory Care) and month (healthcare) but who doesn't really celebrate either because he just views it as his career and calling.

But anyway...Foster Care Month intrigues me because I think there are some misconceptions out there and, up until recently, I was one of the biggest offenders. I do not say that lightly but with all sincerity. And our situation is not traditional in the foster care sense but we do deal with a lot of the same issues. And some additional ones that we might not know of in a traditional set up but that's really neither here nor there, quite frankly.

So here are a few thoughts and observations. Please, please do not take this to be any sort of end all, be all list because it's just not but I think maybe these are few of the biggest issues folks could benefit from knowing.

1) Foster care/foster-to-adopt is hard, y'all. 

Like, really hard. Particularly for Type A people like me because you want to know all the facts, make swift and informed decisions, execute said decisions quickly and move on with your new - and amazing - life. But it doesn't work that way. 

The system is over taxed, workers have case loads you can't imagine not to mention they're underpaid, all of the services associated with the system have the same issues AND movement is slow. Like, painstakingly slow. There are procedures that must be followed to be legal even when you cannot possibly see the benefit and it's enough to drive a Type A personality absolutely insane. Or at least to tears. Which it has. On multiple occasions. It's not an instant family with all of the loose ends tied up. It's messy. And hard. Most things worth having are and, y'all, it's soooo worth it. 

And, one more thing, those who choose to make this a career are doing it because they love it. They love these kids. They want what's best for them and will fight for them continually. If they didn't, there's no way they could survive because they put up with more than one could possibly imagine.

2) There are things foster/foster-to-adopt parents want to to/say/share but they just can't...

I would love to fling Baby S's photo all over social media. I have the most precious newborn photos you have ever seen not to mention recent pics of her laughing and giggling. And I can't share them. I can't even tell most people her name. Yes, this is a way to grow your family. But there are many non-conventional nuances to the process. And your heart wants to burst because everyone wants to share in your excitement but there are things I took for granted when Taylor was a baby that I will not again. Ever. 

And you want to tell people so many specifics so they can pray for you but there's this little thing called privacy. And even when you think one might not deserve it, they are entitled to it. And so you vaguely ask for prayers and are so grateful when they roll in.

And you want to believe absolutely nothing can happen to change the situation. But there's a possibility. Even if it's not a large one. And it creeps up on you in the middle of the night/day/morning/afternoon when you least expect it.

Please, friends - don't take your conventional experiences (whatever they may be) for granted.

3) It's a blessing.

In the past 3.5 months, I have learned more about dysfunction than I ever thought possible. There are things I thought only existed on reality television shows (and were done for ratings) that are real. They are happening in our communities. They are heartbreaking. Sad doesn't even begin to cut it and it will make you question everything you thought you knew.

But what an awesome God who would use us to save even one of these precious babies. I see of a lot of folks who call on the Church to mobilize and get involved more in foster care because there are so many children in need. Who better to love on the orphans than Christians? And I wholeheartedly agree. But there's also a growing number of children who age out of the system. They have nothing and no one and are expected to find their way in this big, scary world. They need the Church as well.

And, at the end of the day, I consider having Baby S in our lives nothing but a blessing. Even with all the things that may cause me uneasiness or anxiety or cause me to want to fall on the ground in a heap. I do hope we're a blessing to her - that's for sure. But I absolutely believe she's blessed us more than I've ever blessed her.

4) It's scary.

The things you see on Facebook or out in public are genuine. We're ecstatic. We're enjoying every single moment. We've waited for this for so long. But there are the moments you don't see - the ones where you collapse into a puddle of tears on someone's chest and beg for this process to move quickly because you are terrified for this child. Because you know too much about the situation and cannot imagine ever handing them over to anyone. 

The ones when your friends and family (hello, Tonto) have to pick you up, dust you off and remind you that what is most important is right in front of your face. That all you can do is take care of this baby, cherish every moment, and pray that God will work the rest out, knowing He loves her even more than you do.

5) It will stretch you farther you thought possible.

To call these uncharted waters would be simplifying a somewhat complex situation. To say that God has made this Type A girl relinquish any and all control is 100% true. To know that - no matter what - no one can ever take this time away from you is a comfort. And to believe that it will never end is a necessity. And, in the midst of it all, I'm grateful. We're grateful. And forever changed.