All the Practice Paid Off

I know this post is a couple of days late, but no less important and exciting to write.

Clayton's musical performance on Thursday evening was truly a highlight for me in all his four years. He did a fantastic job, had a great time and looked SO big and grown. We had a terrific turn out...mommy, daddy, Ya-Ya, Papa, Uncle Landon, Aunt Leah, Uncle Bob, Jay, Cara, Carlien, Micah, Aimee, Lainey, Pat and Trivia(Clayton's 2nd favorite dog).

Clayton walked out on stage, got situated and then began waving to the crowd pretending like he saw someone he recognized. Everyone was waving so he figured he would wave, too. He belted out the words to every song just like he had rehearsed and the hand motions came right along with it. I have been accused of singing along and doing the motions myself...they shouldn't have been watching me, right?. A little over halfway through he finally spotted our row and couldn't contain himself from waving way up high and calling out a few names. His face just lit up and the words came out a little louder. He would sing a bit, wave, sing a bit, wave.....so stinkin' cute!

My two favorite parts of the evening were the fact that I got to sit with my parents and Ray to watch my firstborn in his first performance. I'm sure for my parents it was truly a joy. Something about grandparents and grandchildren...I can only imagine. My other favorite part was when the children sang and signed "Jesus Loves Me". This was the first song Clayton learned and sang all by himself as a little, bitty guy. I hope Clayton always remembers the words to this song and clings to them whenever he needs to throughout his life. Such a simple song, but so TRUE! Definitely tears in the eyes.

Walkin' and Walkin' and Walkin'

I hit a big milestone with my training for the Breast Cancer 3-Day this morning. We walked 10 miles in about 3 1/2 hours. I'm so glad I did it.....my body needed to tell me what it thinks about all of this. No matter how tired I got or when my legs got heavy all I could think was, "This doesn't even remotely compare to what the brave women that fight this fight go through". We will slowly add to our mileage.....our next biggest goal will be to walk 18 miles in one day and turn around the next day and walk at least 12-15 miles. My body will definitely be screamin' then. Way to go Jamie, Barb, Jess and Lluvia! I am so proud of us!

On a breast cancer note....please keep sweet Ann Bertoia in your prayers. She is one of the ladies that I will walk in honor of. Her cancer is back. This lady is a fighter and a dear, sweet, blessed woman. Your prayers for her healing and family during this time is greatly appreciated. Love ya, Ann!

Third Day of Music Camp

Today was pretty uneventful. The lady who is assistant head of the program approached me today and commented on Cooper's curls and then went on a Clayton praise session. She wanted me to be aware of how much he loves to sing, play instruments and especially do the hand motions. Thankfully they have childcare for Cooper so I can give this talented little boy ALL of my undivided attention. We shall see...........

Second Day of Music Camp

Not much to say today except that I encountered several ladies today at camp that said goodbye to Clayton as we left. Everyone's comment was...."He's such an enthusiastic singer, we enjoy watching him". Is that polite, "for we laugh at his singing"? :) Let's hope stage fright doesn't get a hold of him and we get as good of a show on Thursday.

First Day of Music Camp

Well, we had a successful first day of music camp. As if listening to the CD since last Thursday, over and over and over, was not enough.......we now have the hand motions to go with it. Clayton had an absolute blast and is anxiously awaiting his performance on Thursday evening.

Clayton also got a new 'do that he can gel and style.....his choice. Super cute! Pics to come.

Happy Father's Day

Today is such a wonderful day. It is a day to celebrate our dads. My boys have such a fantastic daddy that thinks the world of them. He enjoys them, plays with them, wrestles with them, disciplines them but most of all just loves them. Clayton and Cooper definitely have a Godly example in their daddy. Ray strives to be like Him and the boys strive to be like their daddy. What a great thing to watch as it grows and changes with time. I look forward to my front row seat to this special relationship. Happy Father's Day, honey. We love you tons!

Happy Father's Day to my daddy, too. My dad has been in Hawaii for two weeks and I have missed him greatly! I spoke with him this morning and it was nice to hear his voice and know that he was home. My daddy and I have always been close (though he claims I have given him the hardest time compared to my brothers). :) He is a fabulous dad and Papa. My boys think he is great and love him dearly! Love you, daddy. Enjoy your day!

Last, but certainly not least, Happy Father's Day to a great father-in-law.
Mr. M is the best father-in-law I could have asked for. He loves me and treats me just like his own. I love that! We have a fun, bantering relationship that keeps me on my toes. He is a wonderful father and terrific Grandpa! Have a great day, Mr. M! See you soon.

One last Happy Father's Day.....my cousin, Christopher, became a first-time dad this morning at 3 a.m. Ethan Andrew debuted this morning and our whole family is truly blessed. Happy Father's Day and Congratulations to you and Nikki.

Fun Friday

Today was busy, but so much fun! We had Bible study this morning, then to Cheddar's for a birthday lunch and then to swim with Cara and Ellis. Cara is my dear friend and she nannies Ellis. Ellis is so fun and so cute. Clayton enjoys her so much and Cooper really enjoys her. It's nice to have a girl in the mix to hang out with some. The boys are loving all the swimming we are doing. This weekend is pretty low key, which we enjoy.

Have a great weekend! Happy 40th Birthday, Carey!

A "Joyful Noise" Kind of Morning

This morning as I was getting ready for Bible study, dressing the boys, packing Coop's bag, etc. I was listening to a joyful noise. Clayton is attending a music camp this upcoming week and they have sent the CD with the music ahead of time. Clayton was belting out the words to these new songs. It took me back to the teenage days of really wanting to know the words of the "in" song, but not knowing it and trying to sing like I did know it.

The best part was that he was singing with such a full heart and as joyfully as possible. He had a one-man worship session and had a blast. I tried to capture pics of his "o" shaped mouth everytime he said Lord or Joshua or Jericho, but the camera threw him off every time.

Such a sweet noise to a mommy's ears!

A Fun Weekend

The boys and I headed to Arlington on Saturday morning to visit our friends the Irons family. They have just bought a beautiful home and doing some remodeling. It is coming along great! We played at a local park, had lunch at McDonalds and played with water guns. Oh, Clayton's favorite part of the day was tearing down old wall paper...he is for hire!

Saturday night we headed to church and then had an impromptu dinner with some great friends at a local pizza place, Sali's. Clayton's buddy, Zachary, was among the friends and they had a blast playing Power Rangers at one end of the table while Coop tried his first taste of pizza crust at the other.

Sunday morning Ray headed to work and the boys and I checked out a friend's church here in Wylie. Woodbridge Community Church is up and coming and being blessed by God in a huge way. I met the senior pastor, Chris, as he was a teller at our credit union......I love the small town feel.

This evening we have just returned from dinner and swimming at our friends, the Roubals. We had hamburgers on the grill and a great time swimming. We haven't connected with them in some time and it was great to re-connect. It really felt like a summer night. Cooper chilled out in a raft and Clayton swam all over the place with his floaties. They should definitely sleep good tonight.

As I leave you this evening, please pray for Ray's grandmother. She has been in the hospital and they are trying to make her comfortable so she can return home and pass in peace. Pray for comfort and peace for her and the family as this is incredibly difficult. She is the matriarch of their family. Also, pray that we find the right way to tell Clayton when the time comes. He loves his Spanish Grandma (as he has affectionately named her).

Blessings!

Summer is Here!

Well, summer is officially here and I have committed to this blog. I want you all to know what we are up to and how much the boys are growing. So, here goes:

Clayton-He had eye surgery on the 9th of May and is doing fabulous. He is so resilient. The tonsils that came out last summer were more difficult than the eye....who knew? He is all boy and a big 4-year old. He is testing his independence and all the new phrases he is learning. They are not all great, but we use them as teachable moments. His latest thing is being the "Safety Patrol". He informs me often when I have a safety violation. Violations include, but are not limited to: talking on the cell phone and driving, eating and driving and reprimanding him and driving. He clearly states I should just focus on driving and keeping my hands on "10 and 2". I'm not sure where this stuff comes from, but I am a little scared.

Cooper-He is all over the place. He is crawling and standing alone. I know it is only a matter of time before he is running to keep up with Clayton. He has a head full of dark brown, curly hair. I think it grows everyday. He is wearing 12-18 months clothes.....big ol' chunk of love. He has fallen in love with his bath time and would take several a day if he could. He especially loves it when big brother hops in! He is over his bottle and baby food and is ready to move on to all table food, but I am hanging on for dear life. Those are the last few baby things I can control.

I had several people tell me when I was pregnant with Clayton that I definitely needed a little girl so I would have someone to cuddle with and think I was it.....guess what?.....I have two loving, sweet little boys that love to cuddle and think their mommy is wonderful ( I have one wonderful grown boy that I am super fond of, too).

We hope you all have a wonderful summer! Off to keep up with the boys!