Library

Do you all remember how I've mentioned that Luke's school is on steroids when it comes to parental involvement? Yeah? If not, read here.

So, this year, instead of Science Lab (which was WAY over my head, even in kindergarten), I decided to volunteer in the Library. This is a much wiser choice for me. The Dewey Decimal System came back to me like riding a bike. Anyhow, here are the popular first grade book choices.

Kat Kong
(Luke brought this home this week and his copy was falling apart)

Dogzilla (a sister book to Kat Kong)

I Spy (all different varieties)

Scaredy Squirrel
(a new book, I guess)

So, I'm comfortably ensconced in a volunteer position that doesn't intimidate me and, for that, I am grateful.

Morning Prayer

Luke woke up this morning and before he even climbed out of his bed he declared, "I'm having a bad day."

I rubbed his back with sympathy (but little patience because we were already running late, as usual). I definitely have had those days too. It reminds me of this prayer:

Dear Lord,

So far today I've done all right.
I haven't gossiped, cursed, or lost my temper.
I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or over indulgent.
I am really glad about these things.

But, in a few minutes Lord,
I am going to get out of bed,
and from then on,
I'm probably going to need a lot more help.

Thank You,
In Jesus' Name
AMEN

I hope the rest of his day was better than the beginning.

Hmm.

I got nothing exciting today. I'm very tired (for no good reason) and ready to go back home and crawl into my bed. The only problem with that is that it is too beautiful outside to spend the day inside. Wish I could go golfing today. That would be lovely.

Book Review

I'm pretty sure I'm late to the party on this, but I found a "new" book that I fell in love with this weekend. It has been on the New York Times Bestseller List for over a year, so all of you have probably already read it. Anyway, I read a book called "Same Kind of Different As Me."

It is set in Fort Worth, Texas, and is a true story about the authors, Ron Hall (an international art dealer) and Denver Moore (a modern-day slave), who are brought together by one woman. It is an amazing story and I read it in less than 24 hours because I couldn't put it down. I was so glad Saturday's soccer games were rained out so I could flop on my couch and keep my eyes glued to the pages of this book. It is fantastic, but it was even more interesting because I recognized people and places mentioned in the book. For example, a couple of the scenes take place on the patio of the Starbucks outside my neighborhood. Plus, in the last pages it actually mentions my neighbor (who lives across the street) by name. Admittedly, he was the mayor at the time the novel takes place, but still - he's my neighbor! So, beyond the fact that it is a very personal novel to me simply based on its setting, it is a novel that has touched millions of hearts.

In fact, I actually purchased it for a friend of mine who was in the hospital with a blood clot in her lungs. She had to be there for over a week, so I dropped by and brought her this book and a bag of popcorn, both of which I purchased in the hospital gift shop. She was thrilled because she had heard so many good things about it. She finished the book that weekend and when she came back to work, she brought it to me to borrow, raving about how wonderful a novel it is and how she cried through the last 50 pages. -- Ugh, not my kind of novel at all. I like to read happy stuff. I said, "Well, I don't usually like to read anything sad or serious, but I'll definitely check it out since you enjoyed it so much." I took the book and set it on the back of my desk.

Later that morning, three other people (including attorneys) came into my office and after discussing business their eyes caught on the book on my desk. They stopped mid-sentence and each one asked, "Oh my gosh! Have you read that book?!" Their excitement was palpable and I leaned back with wary eyes. "Uh, no. I'm going to read it though." And each person went on to sing praises about the book. So, that afternoon, I decided to play hookie from work. I grabbed the book, went to a wine bar (which was empty at 2:00 in the afternoon), ordered a glass of wine and a plate of cheese, and read "Same Kind of Different As Me" for about two and a half hours. When I got there, I laid my book on the table and ran to the restroom while the waitress poured my wine. When I returned she stopped me and said, "Oh, I noticed the book you're reading. It's so fantastic! It is one of my favorite books! Have you started reading it yet?" I laughed. "No, but I swear I'm going to read it today. You're the fifth person who has told me how great it is in the last few hours!" When she would check back, she would excitedly ask, "What part are you at?" I've never seen so many people excited about a novel before.

So, for those of you who haven't read it yet (if there is anyone left), I highly recommend "Same Kind of Different As Me." Just click on the name of the novel to find out more about it.

I'm sooo hungry.

Soccer

It seems that I am doomed to never see Evie play soccer. Soccer games were canceled this weekend due to an all-day torrential downpour, but only after Luke and Chuck showed up for Luke's 8:30 a.m. game. The kids played for 9 minutes before the organization finally decided to cancel all the games. Luke was sopping wet, but still in pretty good spirits by the time he got home.

Movie Quote 71

It's been a while. Here's another classic:

Take me to bed or lose me forever.

For Angie

I want to clear up a few things and make a confession.

About a year ago, I came to a life-altering conclusion. It really was difficult for me to admit, but after much analysis, consideration, prayer, and pondering, I realized that . . .













are you ready for it? . . . .















I cannot do it all.


It is even difficult for me to write. I hate it. I want to believe that I can do it all. But the simple fact is that I can't. I simply cannot do it all. I have to repeat it to myself - all the time.

So for all of you out there who think I'm "doing it all," please realize that there is a lot that I'm not doing, and a lot of it that I'm not advertising that I'm not doing.

For example, I don't exercise, do crafts with my kids, go to the park, walk the dogs, feed my kids healthy food, make baby food, decorate my home (except for fall and Christmas), make dinner, set the table (we eat in front of the TV), change the sheets, mow the law, plant or tend a garden, go swimming with my kids (I don't like to swim), play catch with the kids in the front yard, wash windows, clean the tub . . . or really anything else, put away laundry (will wash and fold, but hate to put away), iron, work all hours of the day and night to become a mega-super-star attorney, woo clients, party on Thursday nights, visit all the relatives on holidays, remember birthdays (although it is my sister's birthday today - happy birthday), scrapbook or keep baby books, send thank you notes, make coffee in the morning, sweep the floor, bathe my children every night (far from it), play with my kids every time they ask me (and I know the time is fleeting), volunteer at the schools, know my children's teachers names (I only know Luke's teacher's name); take vacations regularly, take the children to church every Sunday, read the kids a book every night, make them brush their teeth every night, and many other things.

Instead, I've reached the conclusion (for myself anyway) that no matter how hard I try, I will never be able to do everything. I have a family, I have a career, I have a social life. I am far from being super-mom, I will not excel spectacularly as an attorney, and I will never be a socialite. I have come to appreciate the fact that I work hard to be good at all three things, but I will never ever be excellent at all three. And so, I hate to admit that I've somewhat given up that burning desire inside myself to be everything all at once. And that unshakable confidence that led me to believe that I can do anything I want to do, has been shaken. I've come to accept that I have made sacrifices in my career and in my personal life to have the life I have now, and quite frankly, "it's a wonderful life," to borrow a quote from George Bailey.

Bad Birthday and Cub Scouts

So Evie got a real surprise for her birthday last night . . . a fever of 102. Poor baby. She has the worst luck. She spent the evening on the couch watching a brand new Barbie movie that she got for her birthday yesterday. It was rather pathetic.

As for Luke, well he had his first pack meeting for cub scouts. Quite frankly, before I got there, I had no idea what the difference was between a den meeting and a pack meeting, but let me tell you that I learned a lot from my first cub scout meeting. Wow.

When I first got there, I felt like I was attending a secret society meeting. They have a special handshake. Yes, they really do. Everyone was soooo nice! When I signed Luke in, I asked the guy who was checking everyone in if it was okay for me to be there. He said, "Of course!" and then began telling me that they welcome den mothers and mothers are welcome to volunteer and participate in any way possible. I said, "Well that's great, but is it okay if I just sit in a corner and read my book?" He looked a little disappointed and Luke and I moved on to find his den. (Apparently a den is a smaller group within the pack.)


Luke was hopping around like crazy in his seat and driving me crazy. On a bright note, I sat with the other slacker parent who actually put me and Chuck to shame with his efforts. I was just glad Chuck had put together Luke's uniform and sewed on all the patches, because Lord knows I don't sew. Not. A. Single. Stitch. That's not to say I can't sew, just that I choose not to. I digress.

So here are some of the things that I experienced at my first cub scout meeting:

1. Posting of the Colors (by 8-year old boys)

2. The watermelon cheer (you need a visual to understand)

3. Singing "Home on the Range"

4. Funny kid jokes which cracked every little kid up. Luke even turned to me and said, "Are you writing these down?" as he continued to crack up. So here are some of the hilarious jokes they told:

Q: Why didn't the chicken skeleton cross the road?
A: Because he didn't have enough guts.

Q: Why did the cow cross the road?
A: He wanted to get to the moo-vies.

Q: Have you seen the new pirate movie?
A: It's rated "Aaarrrr".

Q: Why did the rooster cross the road?
A: To cocka-doodle-doo something.

Yup. The laughter was loud and continuous. Whew.

5. The dolphin cheer (also needs a visual, but let me tell you it is worth seeing)

6. Then they made announcements and awarded belt loop thingies (there is a formal word for this, but I can't remember what).

At the end of the evening, I gathered Luke and started to head out the door. The same guy that greeted me at the beginning again informed me that mothers are always welcome to participate with everything and emphasized that they have had den mothers before. I smiled sweetly and said, "Thanks. I tell you what, as soon as you make the uniforms pink and sparkly, I'll join up." He looked at me with disappointed disgust and said, "Ugh. I don't think so. No, no, no. You can't be that bad." I nodded my head and said, "Yup."

We made our exit. And that, my friends, is why I will probably never be a den mother.


But I'm still a mom, driving a cub scout around in my minivan while he eats his McDonald's Happy Meal, and his soccer ball rolls around on the floor of the vehicle. It amazes me that I am this mom.

Five Years Ago . . .

Guess what!

Five years ago today, I popped out a tiny little girl and named her Evelyn Elizabeth.


She was beautiful, and, I believe, perhaps my very own guardian angel. She certainly changed my life in a very big way. She is the grace in my life. I know this may seem strange to say in light of the fact that I have two wonderful, precious, perfect boys acting as bookends to this sweet little girl. But for some reason, Evie was the one that changed so much of my life. Her birth, her very existence, impacted my world emotionally, professionally, and pretty much all around. I'd be happy to sit and discuss it with you if you are curious, but it is too much to put on a blog. Suffice it to say that she is a very special girl to everyone around her, and especially to me.


And just for your understanding of how close Evie and Luke are, here is a picture of Grandma introducing Luke to Evie.
He was close to George's age now (21 months - younger actually, Luke was only about 18 months old) when this picture was taken.


And here she is this morning. Still as beautiful and full of joy.

Happy birthday, my dear sweet angel.

Soccer Weekend

Good heavens! Such a great weekend! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend too. I have to admit that when things aren't totally hectic, my life is really pretty boring . . . but wonderful!

I got to read a fluff book this weekend--the whole book--which was heaven on earth. The kids were angels and Luke played soccer like a champ! (Evie didn't have a game this weekend.)

Luke's team is so different from the Bad News Bears that they used to be. I can't believe it. He actually looks like a player. And he wanders around the house kicking his soccer ball here and there. It's so amazing and cute!

The team is fantastic this year.
They have a real name, a real coach, and a real goal!

They are still scattered.

But . . . they run. (Not my son, obviously.)

They play defense.

They fall down.

They crash into each other.

They signal that they are open.

They play goalie.

(Look at how his fists are clenched.)

They huddle.

They have sportsmanship.

They have fans . . .

. . . and a flag . . .

. . . and a playbook put together in PowerPoint.

Yes, I know it is all unbelievable!

They've come a long way from their first practice as a team two years ago. I'm so proud of them all.

Happy Friday!

It never gets old . . .

Evie v. Soccer: Part 1 *Amended*

Evie has been asking to be on a soccer team since last year when she was watching Luke play. She's really got some skills with the soccer ball, and so I told her we'd get her signed up when she was old enough. I finally got my act together and got her signed up this year. She's on a team called the grasshoppers, and she is terrified.

She kicks and screams and bawls on the sideline. She hates it. But . . . I really think that if she can get comfortable with the situation and the other little girls (who terrify her), she will be good at it and really enjoy it.

I haven't had a chance to see her in action because I was at a leadership retreat last weekend for her first game, and Chuck took her to practice yesterday.

The greatest part of all this is that her team may possibly have one of the best coaches of all time. When I explained in an email that Evie is very shy and takes a while to warm up to group activities, he responded that it would be his goal to make Evie love soccer this season. He didn't say it would be his goal to help her overcome her fear or make her play and I love that. He just wants her to love soccer. What a great approach.

Apparently, at the practice and the game, they (the coach and the other little girls) spent some time trying to encourage Evie to join the group. When it was obvious that she wasn't going to participate, her coach came over and said in a sweet, calm voice, "Evie. I understand that you aren't ready to come play with the other girls yet, but when you are ready we will all be very excited to have you play. So, you just take your time and come over when you're ready." I love it. I, personally, would have taken a different tact as her parent and just forced her to do it while she cried, but I'm sure my way is not necessarily the right way to get things accomplished. I'm more of a bulldozer when it comes to those types of things.

Evie also started her art classes yesterday, and, once she stopped crying, she LOVED it! Next week should be awesome! And I should have some pictures!

Oh, and I think we should reflect on Luke's first season playing soccer.

First Soccer Practice (when I had no idea how bad it was going to get)

Second Soccer Practice (when it became apparent that it was going to be hell)

First Game (when the hell became comical)

Deb and Ella

The woman in this picture was my very, very best friend when I was in elementary school. I practically lived with her and her family. Because all my siblings were so much older than me, she was my playmate. I can't tell you how much time I spent at her house - particularly in the summer. As unfortunate as it is, we drifted and are no longer best friends. We haven't been for a very long time. In fact, she wasn't even at my wedding.

But there are some people and some relationships that even through the separation of time and distance we cannot forget. For both Debbie (she now goes by Deb, but old habits die hard) and me, I believe that our childhood friendship is one of those relationships. After all, Debbie was, at least for a few years, one of the most important people in my life.

So, it was heartbreaking to receive the news that the little girl in the picture next to Debbie (her stepdaughter) has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. In the last month, Little Ella has had a large tumor removed surgically from her brain, and subsequently had two follow up brain surgeries to relieve pooling blood. This beautiful little girl is now in a coma. Her story can be found on a website put together by Debbie: Hope & Love for Ella.

I hope you all will visit the website, lend your support, and keep this sweet little girl and all those who love her in your prayers.

** I know some of you were already aware of this. A tremendous "thank you" goes out to Roxy for spreading the word.

It's disgusting.

Luke chews his nails.

Luke chews all of his nails.

He chews his fingernails.

He chews his toenails.

It is beyond disgusting.

It looks terribly painful.

We have tried threats.

We have tried bribes.

We have tried nasty stuff on his fingers.

We put socks on his feet at night.

I'm threatening to put gloves on his hands too.

Nothing works.

Does anyone have any solution?

It's Done!

Ahhhh. It is over. Relief! It was fine. The Court had a ton of questions and I didn't even get a chance to say, "May it please the Court . . ." I feel pretty good about it, and now I can check that off of my professional goals. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes!

Back to the regular grindstone, and these beautiful faces (plus Luke - too busy with football to take a picture with me):

(No, I don't have problems with my teeth, although my smile is totally jacked in this photo.)

Here are some pictures from the Aggie game we went to weekend before last - first one of the season. My dear friend Robin took these pictures and you can see her adorable son in the picture of all four children.

It was like herding cats to get all four kids on the back of the fire truck, but impossible to get them to all look at the camera at the same time. And that's why these photos are priceless! They crack me up.

Here, George decided it would be okay to climb to the top of the open fire truck and stand on top of the bench. I disagreed with the little dare devil.

Here's the picture where I pulled him down from his adventure.

And here's the picture where he's pissed off that I ruined his fun.
And look what the humidity did to Evie's hair!

So, I'm really looking forward to spending some time with my sweethearts this week, now that my career has taken on a normal tempo again. Should be nice.

By the way, I totally feel like a real attorney now. For the longest time, I've felt like I'm just fooling everyone!

Nope, I'm not dead.

Just so you know, I'm not dead, just crazy busy at work. I have my first oral argument in front of the court of appeals tomorrow. Practice, practice, rehearse, review the record, practice some more. Ignore the children. Ignore my husband. Barely eat. Practice. Stay up late. Eat something to keep going. Practice. Groan. This wouldnt' be so bad if last week hadn't been the week from hell with other cases that I have to take care of too. Tomorrow, for better or worse, it will be over.

*wimpers*

May I just quietly say,




"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"


*sorry for not calling you today, mom"

Movie Quote 70

It's time for a movie quote on this rainy Wednesday. Enjoy!

I'm on this new diet. Well, I don't eat anything and when I feel like I'm about to faint I eat a cube of cheese. I'm just one stomach flu away from my goal weight.

Being a Professional Mother

There's no real good reason for my lack of posting, other than I'm really busy. So, sorry. That's part of the life of a Professional Mother.

For the time being, check out how cute this kid is!


I swear, I have a hundred pictures just like this, but I never get tired of seeing babies like this.

Oh, and here's a joke Luke told me this morning on the way to school. No accounting for his sense of humor.

Luke: Pineapple who?

Me: Who?

Luke: Pineapple YOU! *doubles over laughing and grabbing his stomach* That one just cracks Evie up! *looks to me*

Me: *trying to laugh really hard*

One of the hardest things is trying to laugh at jokes you don't understand - same thing goes for your kids' jokes that honestly don't make any sense, but you dare not hurt their feelings.

Spaghetti-O's

I know this may be boring to some of you all out there, but this kid cracks me up all day long when he's in a good mood. He's been in a great mood since yesterday.

This is George eating Spaghetti-O's with meatballs. He loves it!

It's never too early.

In case you were wondering, no, it isn't too early to start listening to Christmas music.

Football Season

Rosie is getting indoctrinated into American Football this weekend. Today she is going with her friend Lotta's family to a preseason Cowboy's football game. (Yes, I'm ridiculously jealous.) And this weekend we are taking her to her first Texas A&M football game. I hope she enjoys it at least a little bit, although I think College Station can be a bit of a shock to one's system. So, here's to the combination of a Brit and American Football!

Oh, and happy Champagne Thursday!

Evie's Modern Hula

This is Evie rockin' out in the car. It looks like she has a new twist on the hula.




Speaking of Evie, she has her first soccer practice TONIGHT! Think good thoughts. She's super shy, so I'm hoping it goes well.