When your child starts kindergarten, you begin to notice the differences and similarities in kids. With Avery, I noticed that he was shorter than some others … I noticed that he was shy, yet popular … and I noticed that he hadn’t lost any baby teeth. While others began doting toothless grins around Christmas time, we remained perfectly aligned and no wiggles in sight.

In first grade, it seemed that we were the only ones that still had our baby teeth. A trip to the dentist confirmed that all was well. X-rays showed a beautiful set of permanent teeth that were formed, just not yet ready to ascend. My fears were eased … especially when our dentist mentioned that there should not be a need for braces. (Little sister, on the other hand, will buy a local orthodontist a new home!)

First grade came and went … as did the summer following. Then it happened. The first day of school, Avery said that his lower gum was hurting. I looked inside and there was a permanent tooth that had popped through behind his baby tooth. I felt the baby tooth assuming that it would wiggle, but it was tight as could be.

I called the dentist to see if we should wait for it to come out naturally or come in for a visit. The nurse assured me that we did need to come in, but the dentist was on vacation and we couldn’t get in for two weeks.

And so we waited.

Waited for the dentist …

And waited for wiggles.

Nothing.

Today was the day of the dentist appointment. My husband agreed to go, so that I wouldn’t have to miss any more work than necessary. I called to make sure that he was going to make it on time to the appointment (sorry, babe … I was just checking). All was well and the next text I got was “The dentist is going to pull the bottom two teeth ”

Suddenly, my baby boy’s short little life flashed in front of me. Those two teeth were the first to make an appearance in his mouth six-and-a-half years ago. So cute and so precious. I couldn’t imagine them not being there any longer.

Like any overly-emotional mother, I called Don and asked him to take one last picture of Avery with a mouth full of baby teeth. It’s not like I don’t have thousands (literally) of pictures of him with these same teeth. But there was something about knowing that it would never be the same that just hit me.

Thankfully, he took the picture … and didn’t even say “Are you kidding me?”

I appreciate that.

Within 5 minutes, I was receiving pictures of my little boy … and the teeth were gone.

Avery did great. He didn’t realize that there were shots to numb him (thankfully!). The dentist even put a glove on Avery’s hand and allowed him to help with pulling it out. He was so proud … and didn’t shed a tear.

So, tonight, the tooth fairy comes. Our tooth fairy has a lighter pocketbook than some other fairies in our neighborhood, but it doesn’t seem to matter. We broke out the tooth fairy box – loaded it with teeth and wrote the dates on the bottom.

And all was right with the world.

And another milestone is completed.

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27

Dear Avery,

I can not ever remember a time when I didn’t want to be a mom. Like so many little girls, I was rarely found without a baby doll on my hip. I had dozens of them … all named and each with their own pretend personality. I prepared myself as a child for the day that you would arrive.

And so it came, June 9, 2003 … the day that I’d waited my whole life for. The birth of a baby to be all mine. Would you be a boy or a girl? Only the ultrasound technician knew – you were a gift from God and our big surprise.

You entered this world so peacefully and easily. I’m not the least bit surprised when I look back now … that’s exactly how you are. Calm, well-behaved, and controlled - even 7 years later.

Little boy, your personality is so much like mine. I can look at you and read you from cover to cover without you uttering a word. I feel your pains and your joys. We have a special bond and friendship because of that, and although it makes me carry your weight a little heavier than I might otherwise, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I love every little thing about you. Your smile can light up an entire room. I love that when you tell a story, you are so engaged that you can block out the entire world around you. I adore that you pick out the harmony parts to songs on the radio and don’t understand why other’s can’t do that too. I smile when I think about the fact that when you really LOVE something … you love it forever. (How many times have we watched the movie “Cars”? Or listened to the song “Fireflies”?) You love with your whole heart … nothing less.

Most of all, I thank you that even at the age of 7, you are already the glue of our family. It’s you, sweet little boy, that invented “Click Family Game Night”. And even when your dad and I would rather just watch you and Piper play, you are the one that insists that we can only play a 4 player game or it doesn’t count as “Family Game Night”. And, in the end, I’m always glad that you did.

You, Avery, are my joy and light. And, although I shutter at the mere thought of you being 7, I can not wait to see where you go in the future. The world is yours and I’m behind you wherever it takes you.

Happy Birthday, Punky … you’re the sweetest child I’ve ever known.

I love you,
Mommy

I can hardly believe that, as of Saturday, we’ve lived in Texas for four years. It truly seems like yesterday that we were packing boxes and babies (still in diapers) and heading out into a future that was clear as mud.

Avery & Piper in 2006

It was a time in our lives that I can look back on now and smile. We were stuck in a rut that was beginning to consume us, trying desperately to break loose, but hitting major obstacles at every turn. Moving to Houston, we knew, would either kill us or make us thrive. Thankfully, it has been wonderful.

Texas has not felt the economic crunch that so many other states have. Our educational system isn’t facing the deep cuts that are prevelant nationwide. And, we’ve been blessed to have surrounded ourselves with people that have given us wise advice so that we’ve made smart decisions that are now working to the benefit of our family.

People always seem to ask if we’ll ever move back to Tennessee. I can honestly answer “no”. Our times there were wonderful & we have such fond memories, but Texas is our home now. It feels right to us … We love it.

Avery & Piper in 2010

Our children have lived more years as Texans than as “Volunteers”. They were potty-trained here, started school here, and have no memories of living elsewhere. That still seems so weird to me. Time really does fly!

There’s a bumper sticker that says “I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could.” I agree 100%.

God bless, Texas. Thank you for being so good to us!!! Here’s to many more years, memories, & good fortunes!

Many times in a natural disaster you can say “Well, unless you’ve been under a rock, you’ve heard about …” But, actually, this time – it seems a lot of people HAVEN’T heard what is going on in Tennessee.

Life is not good for one going through a disaster when the media is bombarded with two other HUGE news stories at the same time. They started the day with the oil spill in the gulf and about the time that TN went belly-up, the bomb was found in Times Square.

This is a picture of the house where we lived in Nashville. Thankfully, water never got inside. It lacked about 5-6 inches.

I lived in Nashville for nearly 7 years. When I talk about “going home,” I’m usually talking about Tennessee – even though it’s not technically my home. I loved the time that I lived there and many dear friends are still in the area.

Moving 15 hours away, I’m dependant on Facebook to keep connected. I’ve seen millions of pictures and posts of neighbor helping neighbor. It’s awesome to see, but anyone that has lived through a disaster knows … the worst is yet the come. Families facing clean-up, loss of possessions, jobs that are no more – the list is endless.

How can you help?

Text RED CROSS to 90999 and make a $10 donation from your cell phone! Nashville Area Red Cross is providing shelter to over 1,200 in the Middle Tennessee area. Relief work will be on-going!

I taught high school color guard for 16-ish years. The majority of those years, I wasn’t a mom. I took those kids under my wing and loved them like they were my own. During that time, I witnessed some things that I’ve been able to carry into parenting my own kids.

The biggest lesson I learned and still firmly believe in is that every child needs an extracurricular activity. It doesn’t matter if it’s school related or not, but they need to excel in something that is non-academic. Be it chess, soccer, band, or the science club … it doesn’t matter. But, the kids who are involved in an outside activity seemed to have a better sense of belonging. For kids at any age, that’s really important.

Along with that comes parent responsibility. I used to get so angry at Senior Recognition Night when parents would show up to bask in the limelight of their child. Yet, it was the first time I’d ever laid eyes on them!

You have a responsibility to your child. That doesn’t mean that you have to volunteer at the concession stand or be the president of the booster club, but it does mean that you have to attend performances, contests, and other “important to your child” events.

They may tell you that they don’t want you there, but trust me … attend anyway! You’ll be glad you did. There are some pretty fantastic kids out there doing some amazingly great things. Don’t let  your child miss out – and don’t you, as a mom/dad, miss a minute of it!

A couple of weeks ago, Stacy Julian (I’m a huge fan of hers) published this fun blog post. I was so inspired when I read it.

I’m impressed that I only doubled Stacy on one item … the band aids. Buying decorative band aids for a kid is like giving them a million bucks!

I’d love to challenge any parent to take on this list. I’ve written mine from the age that my kids are now … I could do another 22 things about when they were infants. It could be an awesome baby shower game!

22 THINGS THAT I’VE LEARNED AS A MOTHER

1. It doesn’t matter what time we get up, get in the shower, or begin the process of getting out the door. We will leave at least 5 minutes later than planned.
2. Little boy fingernails can get dirt under them within 10 minutes of getting out of the bath without ever going any place where there is dirt.
3. Never ask my kids “Where do you want to eat?” unless you’re ready to go to McDonald’s. That will always, 100% of the time, be their choice.
4. When a parent is needed during the night because of a bad dream, illness or other fears abound, my kids will always choose “mom” and let dad sleep.
5. Buying a couch the color of dirt was the smartest thing we’ve ever done.
6. If there is a mirror within a 200 foot radius, Piper Click will find it.
7. God heals skin covered with a cartoon character band-aid 10 times faster than with the regular kind.
8. Zout and A&D Ointment are a mother’s best friend.
9. Being good at Wii Sports automatically qualifies you to be at the same level as an  Olympic athlete in a six year old’s eyes.
10. If you ever want to find out what you sound like on the telephone, listen to your five year old daughter on a pretend Disney cell phone. That’s how you speak and the tone that you use.
11. Scooby Doo, The Flintstones and The Smurf’s are as funny to children today as they were 25 years ago.
12. It is impossible to put a speaking child to bed and leave the room without them needing to tell you one more thing.
13. About 4 weeks before a season is set to end, my children will change sizes making it necessary to buy a wardrobe that will only get about 10% wear and won’t fit by the time said-season rolls around again.
14. There are certain things only Daddy can do right (glue toys back together, mow the yard, make spaghetti) and things that only Mommy can do (take out hair bands, say “night night” prayers, brush hair).
15. Listening to kids sing pop songs and hearing the lyrics that come out of their mouths is hysterical. For example, “That’s just my baby’s daddy.” turns into “Who let my baby dance?”
16. A laundry basket boat in the middle of a tile kitchen floor is sometimes the only place safe from alligators.
17. Collections are a big deal. I gave birth to a feather collector, sticker collector x 2, Barbie collector, and a Nerd box collector. Look for these children on a future episode of Hoarders.
18. How a child organizes their Halloween candy can tell you a lot about their personality.
19. Pee, in the bathroom that a little boy uses, will end up in spaces you never knew existed.
20. Watching the expression on a child’s face when they are able to truly read a book for the first time is completely magical.
21. Kids will pretend to be anything … animals, grown ups, inanimate objects … it doesn’t seem one bit weird to them.
22. Being small gives kids a totally different view of the world. What a multitude of beautiful details I’ve missed being just 18 inches taller.

What have you learned since you’ve become a mother? If you take the challenge, post your link in the comment section. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

It’s March Madness time again. I can honestly say that other than the Olympics, this is the only time I’m a sports fan. I totally attribute this to being raised in Kentucky.

The entire time I was growing up, we watched University of Kentucky basketball. Every game. Every.Single.Game. And we loved it.

Have you filled out a bracket? Even if you don’t follow basketball, you should at least do a bracket. It’s good American fun. (I saw someone Tweet the following advice: if in doubt, go alphabetical!)

Of course, I’m rooting for UK to take it all, but I was equally as pleased when my Alma Mater, Murray State University advanced to the second round with a last second shot.

I’m hoping to watch with my kids tonight. They are at the age where they can follow the sport and I think they’ll enjoy a little friendly competition. It will be a great time for us to talk about things that I did with my family when I was small!

I’ve been on stage my entire life … well, since I was two years old. Dance recitals, beauty pageants, singing, color guard – you name it, I’ve done it. And, for the most part, I’ve done it pretty well. So, naturally, when I gave birth to a daughter, I assumed that she’d want to go down the same path. It’s genetic, right?

Sort of.

Piper is all-girl. 100% to the point of almost ridiculousness. If you checked her purse right now, you’d find a cell phone (she carries my old one), 8-9 tubes of lip gloss, and a Disney Princess camera … oh! and a dog. She’s my future celebutant. I L-O-V-E it.

A couple of weeks ago, my mom was visiting and took the kids to the mall. They were doing a model search. She said that they all watched for hours as child after child walked the runway, sang, danced, and smiled their way into a 1 year contract with an agency. Mom called to ask if she could sign my kids up … they really wanted to do it. Why not?

The call came on Monday. First for Avery. Then for Piper. I got all the info and was satisfied enough with what I heard to agree that they could do it.

When I arrived home that night, I reminded the kids of what they had seen and asked if they were interested. Avery wasn’t so sure. He really wanted to sing a solo … but this was just modeling. I convinced him to give it a shot, but he was never 100% sold. Piper IMMEDIATELY wanted to do it.

As the time grew closer, Avery never would practice his “walk”. Piper would only do it in front of me and always talked about how nervous she was. To know Piper, you would swear she wasn’t shy, but she’s actually the more naturally shy of my two kids.

We get to the mall and this is our experience ….

We’re not sure where Avery got the “elbow behind the head” thing … probably his way on ensuring that I never put him in this type of thing again. Piper did great. I could tell she was really nervous, but she later told me that she really enjoyed the lights and being up there “for real”. I have finally convinced her dad to let me enter her into a pageant, so I think this was a good first step for her. She’s always said “no” before and said that she’s too scared!

Piper advanced to the next round. They picked five kids from each age category (last night was 6 & under, and 7-12 years). Avery didn’t advance, but he didn’t even notice that his name wasn’t called. His head was buried in my iPhone playing a game. I doubt he would have been concerned.

Overall, it was a lot of fun and I’m certainly glad we did it. But, I’ll add that if I had a dime for every time Don looked at me and rolled his eyes, I’d be on a jet to the Caribbean right now! He was tolerant … but, well, I guess tolerant is the only word I can think of.

Piper’s career ended with her advancement. The next step was to pay $150 for a portfolio to be considered by an agency. I don’t think we’ll take up that scam. We’ll stop right there, thank you.

When I look at Avery I see so much of myself. His personality is a carbon copy of mine … especially from childhood.

He’s cautious.
He’s kind.
He’s a people pleaser to the core.

I value those traits in him, but they sometimes scare me to death as well.

Last night, I realized when looking at his folder that he had gotten in trouble at school the day before for messing around in line in the hallway. He “forgot” his folder at school that night. Later, he reluctantly admitted that it was so I wouldn’t find out.

This is the third time this 6 weeks that he’s gotten in trouble for something of this nature. And, although, he’s an excellent student and this is not cause for alarm … it sends me over the edge. Each of the times, he’s explained what happened and it boils down to defending himself (mostly from “line cutters”).

Defending himself. It makes me furious.

“Why?” you might ask. “You are totally over-reacting.” Is that what you’re thinking?

My fear is that this will begin the spiral that I felt as a kid. I surrounded myself with friends who ran over me. I look back now and remember the teasing that I endured just to have a friend to play with at recess. I can recall doing poorly on a test and throwing the paper away before I left the class so that my mom wouldn’t see it.

No parent wants their child to fall into the same traps that they did. Seeing them make those mistakes and attempting to steer them in another direction is the most trying thing that I’ve had to deal with as a mom.

Avery is a wonderful child. Bright, honest, compassionate, gifted, and wise beyond his years. He knows the difference between right and wrong, and has involved parents who love him very much. I know that he’ll fine. In fact, he’ll be better than fine … but this parenting business and trusting that you’re doing the right thing is tough.

… and I mean TOUGH.

I’m so blessed … my mother-in-law is coming to visit this weekend. For two weeks.

You read it right. I’m blessed and excited.

Sandra is a complete God-send to me. I enjoy visiting and spending time with her. I really lucked out!

My husband is the oldest of five boys. I can not imagine the chaos that Sandra lived with during the years that they were all at home. The stories are hysterical. Many of them involve rotten fruit, shag carpet, or some sort of sporting event. How she balanced life is beyond me. I struggle with two kids. I can’t imagine adding three more to the mix.

Sandra has embraced the daughters that she has now – the wives of three of her sons. She treats us like gold. I always cringe when I hear the horror stories of my friends and their in-laws. I feel so bad for them. Anthea, Kathleen, and I really have it made!

Now, if Don can make it these two weeks, we’ll be home free. Did I mention that I look so much like his mom that most of the time people think she’s my mother? Oh, and that our personalities are nearly identical?

Bless his heart – he married his mother!