Day of accomplishment and 

new beginnings.

 Truman Awards Assembly

 Samantha spent the day shadowing a senior boy at Central for the IB program her freshman year.

Gone, but not forgotten.

Good night Hailey Owens.

You united a town of people who were already good, 

we just didn't know how strong we were.

What an excellent night at the Pinewood Derby! 

The car

The weigh in

The competition

The racing

The win

The winner's circle

The new nickname.
"Minion Man"

I don't know if I was more proud of my son or the scouts he competed against.  They cheered him on, showed him respect and were true friends.

Nicole and I before TRX Tabata at

 Team Fusion

She was laughing because she knew what was coming and that her mother was completely unprepared.

After!

I have known for sometime that just being active was not 

enough.  The how, when and inspiration were lacking.  But, with my partner in tow we are going to do this.  She went for me but left doing it for herself.  I couldn't have been more pleased with our instructor at Team Fusion, Tom Hooper.  Now I may change my mind tomorrow when I can't walk. But, I should be good by next week.

Great weekend with Dr. Robert Jason Grant 

learning about Autplay Therapy.

Thinking of a beautiful little girl in pink.

2.22.14

Hailey Owens candlelight vigil.

We will be at home tonight.  Only the sheer numbers will be keeping us away.

In our thoughts and in our prayers. 

Accessible Recreation Aquatics....

looks like fun to me!

Our porch light is still on as our community mourns for Hailey Owens and those she left behind.  Actions will be taken to protect our children, safety is top priority, maintaining freedom is vital.  It will be tricky.  But, today it is too soon to move on. Social media was quiet again.  Shock and disbelief has given way to sadness and tears. There will be a time to fight back, but not today.  Hailey's presence still lingers in the air.  There will be time for action, just not today.  Today we mourn.

Again a night with no words to express what should be said.  Bless this family, our community, our schools, the witnesses who tried to save her and our law enforcement.  Rest In Peace, dear 

Hailey Owens.

I learned something today.  The answer to the question, "Why has Chase started wearing a ball cap and sunglasses?" (Everywhere)

When getting him off the bus I noticed his bus driver had on a ball-cap and sunglasses.  I will know for sure that he was copying him if he asks to start growing a beard.  The point is though, kids are watching.  They are learning.  We must set an example.  Use good language, be kind and never judge.  
And, for those days you can't pull it off-acknowledge it.  Let them know it is not okay.  But, you are trying and still learning as a grown-up.  And, that sometimes we do have milkshakes and popcorn for dinner, but it is not a habit.

Fun day at The Arc of the Ozarks annual 

Fish and Hunting Show

We spent our Valentine's Day

at the movies

and talking on the phone to distant Valentines.

Be still my heart.

Tis the night before Valentines and all through the house there was a mommy who was saying, "Why didn't we start this earlier?"

Chase finished his heart box at Art Inspired today.



Happy Valentine's 
                    Day 

One and all!



So my problem is if I miss a day, maybe two I get caught in catch-up mode.  I get stuck with not wanting to miss a thing of this incredibly wonderful and crazy life. But, this cannot be!  I cannot wait day after day for the chance to catch-up and just not blog. Tomorrow will be just as wonderful as yesterday. Today was just as amazing as last Saturday.  Friday may be rough, but so was Monday.  So here I am putting one foot in front of the other.  Actually one of my favorite Christmas songs from 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town'.
I shared that movie with the boys this Christmas.  The funny thing is Nathan put himself in bed (actually Chase's bed) on Christmas Eve.  He had not slept in his own room for longer than I will ever admit.  He wanted to be in bed before Santa arrived.  He has slept in his room, now in his own bed, from that very night.

Years of therapy, schedules & picture charts, melatonin, bedtime stories, lullabies, warm baths, sleep studies, EEGs... And SANTA did it in one night. 

I BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUS.  

I BELIEVE IN HOPE.

And as of tonight, I will put one foot in front of the other and return to my old friend The Bailiwick Project.

AND BLOG!