Hat's Survey

I've literally been on my knees in prayer. My favorite Marine, my cousin L.B., is on his way to Afghanistan today. When L.B. was little he loved anything camo and that had to do with military. I think he decided to be a soldier a long time ago. I'm so proud of him for following through and doing what he wanted. He's an outstanding young man. He's good looking and funny and thoughtful and kind. I know the good Lord is going to protect him and watch over him, but I think we all still feel shaky about our boy going to war. His pretty little bride, Maggie, is beside herself. I ask you to pray for peace today. Pray for peace in the Middle East, peace for Maggie, peace for L.B.'s parents, and peace for all of his family. Most importantly, I ask you to pray for all of our service men & women...and to name L.B. in your prayers when you do.

This is L.B. and his Mom & wife

I did cake yesterday...it's not exactly what I had planned, but it works.

Love to you all!

Big news! My brother and sister-in-law are moving back home! I can't tell you how very, very happy this makes me. I missed them terribly this past year. It's just been weird around here. Dad's spent the better part of the year in Oklahoma, Mom's spent a lot of time away visiting Dad, and then Cody & Katie weren't here either. I've felt sort of alone at times. Even though Dad's still going to be gone maybe now it wont feel as lonely. Just knowing they're going to be 50 miles away is comforting. Cody's birthday is this weekend. Too bad he wont be back in time for us to celebrate together. So, we're going to go and help them move. Well, I say "we" but really Wesley is going to help. Our plan is to go to Wheeler Friday the 30th, spend the night there, spend the day & night there so Caden & Mattie can trick-or-treat the whole fam-damily, then Wesley can go on to Enid and get a load on Sunday while the kids and I get more visiting in. We'll either stay the night Sunday night or just come on home when he gets back. We were hoping the Mustangs would have a home game Friday so we could watch Jaten play, but it's in Wellington. Maybe we'll go through the country and still go, maybe. I'm looking forward to having my brother home and getting to see family on such a fun holiday. Good things.

So, Wesley's cousin is having a baby shower this weekend. I was expected to help. So, I volunteered a cake...since that's what I'm into these days. Turns out his cousin is diabetic and they didn't want a cake at the shower. I could do a diaper cake if I wanted to or not. I decided that I would, after all it couldn't be that hard, right? Holy cow, I can't thank Trisha enough for my diaper cake! It takes more effort than I thought! The theme is monkeys, and the table skirt is going to be zebra print. Apparently, Wesley's grandmother made sock monkeys for all of her grandkids one year and I found a cute sock monkey to go on top. I am not going to be able to make the shower. I hope she likes it.  

Today was a cake delivery day.Yesterday was cake disaster day. This lady ordered a cake, she wanted it to be poka dotted like the invitation. Nothing else, no writing, just polka dots...it was an easy order. I just made it harder. I didn't pay close attention and burned cakes. I got distracted and dropped cakes. I even baked a cake in an oven that I turned off after I put the cake in. Then, I messed some icing up and instead of fixing the problem right then, I thought I could make it work...and caused myself 10x more work and had to fix the original problem. Why is it that when we know what we need to do, we don't? We think we can compensate for it until it's obvious that fixing the problem is the only option left. I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. on a cake that should've been done in no time. Next time I'm going to focus on the job at hand and handle problems like I know I should. Here's the end result.

Buttercream with fondant accents. Can you tell that the cake is silver?

I haven't mentioned what a sweetheart Mattie is. My God, I'm so in love with my little girl. I love picking her up and cuddling her. I love her little inward laugh that she does. I love watching her smile at her Daddy and her brother. Mattie has such an easy going demeanor. She is so special and life is better because of her. I wonder when I look into her big blue eyes that are framed by dark, long eyelashes, and dark eyebrows who she'll grow to be.

My friend posted this great post. I snagged it from him to share. It is just that great:

Reins, Ropes and Rifles

Reins, Ropes and Rifles

My Daddy used to say that the best way to communicate your message was to “tell them what you are going to tell them; tell them; tell them what you told them.” That seems like good advice for this blog today.

I am going to tell you two very important things.

This is as normal as it gets. Stop waiting for things to “get back to normal.”

You are in charge of your life.

There are some things about being a cowboy that make you look at life very differently than many folks do. They are not, unfortunately, permanent lessons. I keep relearning them day by day. In an effort to bring these lessons to my mind more often, I have tied them to things that come to mind, and hand, so that I have daily reminders.

Reins, ropes and rifles are all very different things and they all have different uses, but I use them all to accomplish one goal.

Control.

Reins help you to control your horse. You had better never forget that you are in charge because the horse has other plans. You forget that you are in charge and you will find yourself in an untidy heap on the ground. You have the reins of life in your hand, too. You are in control.

Ropes are the handiest thing on a ranch. I have roped cows, horses, bulls, dogs, and hogs. I have repaired fences, made temporary gates and moved down trees with nothing more than my lariat rope. Most of the time, those things were not in my plans. If I planned on fixing a fence I would have brought tools and barbed wire. There are better materials to make gates from than braided rope. Trees are better moved with logging chains. But if you are a cowboy, you learn to expect the unexpected. Let me put that a little differently. You need to predict the unpredictable. We all need to be prepared for these curves life throws us. Instead, we often moan about how we wish things were normal. Ask any cowboy, busted fences and gates is normal. So is carrying a means to fix them in an emergency. Whatever you are going through right now? That is normal for you right at this moment. Deal with it. You are in charge.

Odds are that most of you never touch a rifle. I won’t spend a lot of time on this one. I will tell you though that sometimes a cowboy can get three miles from the nearest phone and the nearest neighbor. Cell phones have changed that for some. =) Everybody in the country keeps their ears tuned for three shots from a rifle. That is kind of the country boy’s 911. A rifle is best because it is the loudest.

What I am telling you is that your situation is normal for you right at this moment. I am also telling you that you are in charge. You can choose what action to take. You have the tools that you need to make this situation better. One of those tools is kind of like my rifle. You can call for help. I promise that someone is listening and will come to find you.

I told you what I was going to tell you.

I told you.

In closing, let me tell you what I told you.

This is as normal as it gets. Stop waiting for things to “get back to normal.”

You are in charge of your life.

See? Wasn't that great? It's so true.

Love to you all!

Last week, I went to my cousin's wedding in Florida. My Mom, Mamaw, Caden, & Mattie all flew to Tampa together. We spent 6 days away. I had an incredible time. It was exhausting but amazing. I think I should've been blogging while I was gone...because there are too many things to write about now.

It's been a long time since I've experienced so much in so little time. There are moments and images of my family that have been seared into my memory.

Day 1: Travel day. We got up really early and it was a long day. Of course, I was paranoid about traveling on the plane with my little babes while the H1N1 virus is a threat. I wiped seats with antibacterial stuff. But that probably didn't even matter because people couldn't keep their hands off of Mattie. One lady even took her binky and then put it back in Mattie's mouth. Three different people tried to take her from me to "help" me. And I honestly can't count how many people grabbed her hands. Hands that she loves to put in her mouth. It's such a hard thing, I know she is really stinkin' cute and when she smiles at you it's almost like an invitation to squeeze her little cheeks and hands. Most of the people were clean cut and non-threatening, people that probably have cute babies or grandbabies. But the thing is I don't know them, I don't know if they washed their hands recently, or if they work with an office full of people that have the flu. I don't know. Anyhow, I'm not a germaphobe all of the time but when it comes to my kid's health, I am. I said it over and over in Florida to my family, please don't touch a stranger's kid unless it's obvious they don't mind. *sigh*

I had a serious sinus infection going on and I've never been in so much pain from the pressure while flying in my life. Landing in Tampa literally brought me to tears. Caden and Mattie both did very well on the plane. Mattie didn't squall once. Caden loved the plane rides, of course, and was ready for more.

On the last leg of the flight and in the van ride to Aunt Lou's house, I had tons of questions for Mamaw. I got a better grip on some family history. Mamaw was really candid and I learned a lot...especially about my Papaw's side of the family.

Right before we started on the road to Lou's, I got a call from my Aunt Marsha. She told me that Tiffany's water had broke and they were off to have a baby. It was so cool to hear the excitement in Aunt Marsha's voice, so cool. I can't tell you how badly I wanted to be there with all of them.

My Aunt Lou and her husband, Dennis, and his daughter Kelsi live on this amazing piece of land that was once an old orange grove and butts up to the Peace River. The land has been in his family for a very long time. The scenery was gorgeous. Jena & her fiancee, Brian, and their baby Max came down for dinner. Everyone visited until late-thirty. Drinks were had and bets on Baby Bryant's delivery time were placed. I think it was about 1:00 a.m. before I made it to bed. Then at about 3:00 I had to get up and get Caden because he fell out of Mamaw's bed. And then a little after 4:00 a.m. we got the call about Jordan's baby! I laid in bed with a smile on my face for a little while, wondering what all must be going on in that hospital room.

Friday: Found out the baby's name is Nash Lee. And we got to see Aunt Marsha's Xanga post. It brought me to tears. What a wonderful world it is.

My little cousin L.B. and his new bride, Maggie showed up. I had just enough time to hug his neck and marvel at how handsome he is before heading to Tampa with Jena to pick up Anna. It was great having a little one-on-one time with Jena before her big day. It was just as wonderful to have Anna with us on the ride home. We had a really good visit. I smile just thinking about it. It was another late night.

Saturday: I was exhausted and pretty close to cracking. We got things ready for the rehearsal dinner. And everyone got ready to go. I opted to stay home with my kiddos and try to rest and gather myself. I missed out on karaoke and good times. But I did the right thing by staying home. Because Sunday, I felt like myself again.

Sunday: Got to visit with L.B., Uncle Barry, & Aunt Marsha. Then we all headed off to the wedding. Jena got married at a beautiful place called Lange Farms. She looked gorgeous and everything about her wedding was perfect. Just perfect. Mattie was a little angel during the ceremony, but Caden insisted he needed to pee on the grass...I gave him my camera to play with and he was able to keep quiet through the rest of the ceremony. There were a few times when I would look at Jena and she reminded me of a childhood friend I had. The reception was great, too! Caden ate a big meal and had energy to burn. Once the DJ started the music, he hit the dance floor and did NOT stop! He was too cute dancing around. He picked up a few new moves, too. Everyone got a kick out of watching him.

Monday: Got everything packed up and ready for the beach. But first my Aunt Lou took me, Anna, & Sarah down to the river to look for fossils and megladon teeth. The river was really high and running pretty fast, so we weren't able to get out in the middle and get a bunch of big stuff. However, we were chest deep and managed to get several bones and teeth. It was one of the more cool things I've ever done...digging up teeth that are millions of years old in a black water river that is home to gators and who knows what else. I was able to push my fear of alligators to the back of my mind and really enjoy myself. I can't wait to go back and do it again. It was really awesome.

We had brunch, then were on the road to Dunedin, FL. Aunt Marsha, Uncle Barry, & Sarah in their truck. And Mamaw, Anna, Caden, Mattie, Mom, and me in the POS rental van. We had to stop at a little rest area for Caden to potty. It was great because we had an excellent view of the Sunshine Skyway bridge and got to see a sandshark out in the Bay, thanks to my Aunt Marsha's excellent eyes.

We winded our way up the coast to a neat little town north of Clearwater, called Dunedin. Anna arranged for us to stay at a rental house. It was perfect! Beach towels, toys, and a pass to Honeymoon Island were included. She couldn't have done any better. So, we stopped just long enough to unload our bags, change Caden, Aunt Marsha & the Girls into swimsuits then off to the beach to frolic and watch the sunset. Caden was so delighted to grab seashells and give them to his Bam. Then he was off into the ocean with the girls. It took no time for him to get the hang of it. It was awesome to watch Aunt Marsha out in the water with her long, gorgeous hair flowing. I swear to you she IS a mermaid. She belongs by the sea, in the sea, something. Then we took Mattie's clothes off and I handed her to Aunt Marsha. She took my girl out into the water. I'll never forget watching her with Mattie, especially when she was bringing her back to the shore. Mattie was cradled in her arms and the light from the setting sun made it a magical moment. They both looked so beautiful and natural and I've replayed that moment in my head over and over again. My words do the moment no justice. The sunset was beautiful and relaxing. My Mamaw looked so content and happy sitting there in the white sand.

Tuesday: We got up and got ready to catch the ferry to Caladesi Island. Aunt Lou, L.B., Maggie, & Kelsi all met us before we boarded the ferry. On the ride over to the island we got to see a dolphin. I'm so glad we did that because Caden has told me and his Dad several times, that he "saw a dolphin splashing in the ocean." I felt like a total heel that day because I spent most of my time out in the water while other members of the family took turns watching my kids. Caden became especially attached to Anna...God bless her. Mamaw even got into the water for quite a while. You should've seen the smile on her face. It was so great. So great. Mattie even got to get back in with Bam & Aunt Marsha. More magic was made. Aunt Marsha went on a sea shelling expedition and was so far down the island that she missed the ferry. A few of Aunt Lou's crew stayed back with her to catch the next ferry. We met up with her and everyone on the beach at Honeymoon island. We played in the water some more. Then it was time for Lou & gang to go. I'm so glad they came out to the beach so we could spend more time with L.B. He is a marine and is going to Afghanistan the end of this month. I'll never forget our goodbye. It was really special. We love each other.

Jena & Bryan had also come to the island. They stayed with us for dinner. Uncle Barry & Aunt Marsha fixed the best boiled shrimp and potatoes. I stuffed myself! Then my Mom, Mamaw, Aunt Marsha, Anna, & Sarah all sat out on the deck and visited as long as we could keep our eyes open. I didn't want to go to bed.

Wednesday: We headed back to Tampa to catch the plane. Anna came with us because she was flying from the same terminal just 45 minutes later. It sure made getting through the airport so much easier. But saying goodbye to her made me break down in tears. She also did the sweetest thing. I realized I didn't have my gum for the flight. But we didn't have enough time to get any. I was pretty nervous about it considering how awful it was landing the last time. Well once I got seated with the kids, the intercom came on "Would passenger Whitney Hice please press the flight attendant call button." The flight attendant came down the isle and handed me a pack of gum. Just made me cry more.

We had a few stops to make on the flight home. And Caden totally made it worthwhile. Everytime we landed and people got off the plane he would look at them as they went by and say "bye-bye" "bye-bye" "bye-bye." He had the biggest, sweetest grin on his face. It was so precious. Sometimes my heart would hurt when people totally ignored him. It never bothered him, he was just onto the next person to wish farewell. I told my Mom that you can tell a lot about a person by how they treat a two year old. It doesn't take much to smile and say "bye" right back.

So that's it. My trip in a nutshell. And it doesn't even begin to cover everything, not even close. I didn't even mention getting bit or stung by something in the ocean. There is just too much to cover. It was a great trip. I can't wait for the next one. I love my family, can't wait to see them again. I think I want to take every vacation with my extended family from now on. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful people in my family tree. So blessed.

Here are the pics. I did edit a few of myself out...I looked like a beached whale sprawled out on the sand. Poor Wesley said  "well it's not the best position for you." So I'm not posting them and crossing my fingers they don't ever surface.

Me, Mattie, & my favorite Marine - L.B.

L.B. & Aunt Lou coming down the aisle

My cousin Sarah & her escort

Cousin Anna & her escort 

Sarah & Anna

Miss Mattie

My cousin, Jena the bride

My precious Mamaw

My Momma

Beautiful Aunt Marsha & her beauties

Jena's son, Max

My boy, Caden

Sarah & Mattie

Aunt Lou, L.B., & Maggie

Uncle Barry & Aunt Marsha...I think Caden took this. He tells you to "mile" for the camera.

Caladesi Island!

Me & Mattie

Aunt Lou

Anna

Caden & Max

Mermaids

My brother, Enidbanshee, recently posted about how music drives him. He listed a few songs and how they reminded him of people or made him feel. And suggested we do a list, too. It's amazing how there are very specific memories that are related to songs, some of them really random. I've narrowed my list down to these songs. I could go on and on and on. I chose to only post songs that make me smile when I think of the memory or person related to the song. So here it is:

Silver Wings by Merle Haggard - Reminds me of my brother, I'm not sure why but there was a time when he and I would sing the chorus together. Hardly ever in tune, but it was great.

I Believe In Love by Don Williams - reminds me of my Dad, there was a time when the two of us were driving somewhere between Lubbock & Lovington. This song was on the radio, and he just sang along...and his voice got really deep when he sang "And I believe in you." I remember thinking how much I loved my Dad when he was singing that song. It was before I turned into a teenager and before we had ever hurt each other's feelings. I love hearing this song because it reminds me of how much I love him.

Ace In the Hole, George Straight - reminds me of my Dad & Mom, we were all driving by what was the Gospel Lighthouse Church going somewhere or coming home from somewhere, that song was on and Mom & Dad just sang away. We ended up naming one of my show pigs Ace because of that song.  

Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett - reminds me of my Mom & Cody and this time we were driving between Amarillo & Lubbock. We played it over and over a few times and Cody kept telling us to stop singing.

Marty Robbin's Gunfighter's Ballad Cd - reminds me of my Mom, and how she drove us through the middle of the night to Albuquerque for the fair. She played this tape over and over. I remember waking up in the backseat to the windows down, a grey morning sky, and Mom belting these great tunes out, with a styrofoam cup of coffee in her hand. It's a great memory.

Dixie Chicken, Little Feat - reminds me of Wesley & Trisha, when she rode home with us from Ruidoso's Cowboy Symposium. We were driving through Ruidoso with the windows down and this song blaring away. We were all so happy. Then we saw the go-cart track and decided to stop and race...and had too much fun, they kicked us off of the track.

El Paso, Marty Robbins - reminds me of my Mom, and also reminds of this one time in Houston with Aunt Marsha & her family and our family all piled into their van singing it from memory.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - my Mom and being really little, riding shotgun in her Z, going from Wheeler to Amarillo, and she sang it a few times for me to try and learn it. I remember thinking that my Mom was magic. I guess because it's a magical sort of song, that and the fact that it turns out my Mom really is magic. I love her all over again when I hear it.

Blue Bayou, Linda Rondstat- Aunt Marsha & PawPaw because I had it playing on my Xanga once upon a time and she commented that it was one of PawPaw's favorite songs.

You Shook Me All Night Long, AC/DC - Anna, Sarah, & Jena, we rocked out to it one Christmas when I had just gotten my driver's license and drove them all over Wheeler. It's been "our" song ever since...the last time we rocked it was in Key West.

Anything Beachy that Kenny Chesney plays - all of his beach songs remind me of Mikka and the moment that we decided to go to Mexico. It turned out to be one of the best trips I've ever had....totally inspired by a silly song that just happened to be playing at the right moment in our lives.

Anything by the Fugee's - reminds me of Heather and Erika, and one night when Heather had her brother's Mustang convertible. We were 16, it was summer time, we played the c.d. over and over again and cruised Main street. We all had individual songs that were "ours" and one that was "ours" as a group of silly teenage girls. Life was really uncomplicated that night.

There's a song that Snoop & Dr. Dre do, I can't think of the name of it...only the beat. But it reminds me of Heather and driving around Lubbock during the summer, with the T-tops off of her Firebird. Just the two of us, heads bobbing, enjoying the weather and each other's company in the "big city" that sometimes seemed so lonely.

Black Velvet, Alannah Myles - reminds me of Amber G. and this summer when our Mom's had a garden together. We would spend an afternoon in the hot summer sun, our Mom's worked at hoeing weeds and picking veggies. Then they would drive us into town, we would go to this old bar called Scottie's (I think) it was always dark and empty because it was early, early in the evening. We got cherry cokes with a real cherry in a real glass and for some reason the jukebox autoplayed this song everytime we ever went there. Sometimes, I'll get a call from Amber and this song will be playing in the background and she'll tell me she's thinking of me. And sometimes, I call her when the song comes on the radio and tell her I'm thinking of her.

Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On, Mel McDaniel - reminds me of the Lea Co. Fair, every year my family practically lived up there because we had all sorts of livestock and arts and crafts entries. Anyhow, there was a clogging group that performed every year and they ALWAYS played this song.

I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing, Aerosmith - reminds me of this one time in a small bar in a small town in Nebraska where my friend Ross and I were the biggest thing to happen to them in a long time. We we're like rockstars that night and the entire bar called me "Tex" and Ross had a harem of women surrounding him all night. This was the last song of the night and we all had someone to dance with and my partner and I bumped into Ross and his dance partner and we all put our arms around each other's shoulders and danced in a circle...and before the song was halfway through the entire bar was in this circle, arms on shoulders, swaying with the music, singing along with big cheesy smiles on our faces.

Any South American or American Indian Flute Playing - reminds me of my brother. We both liked the flute playing on the Kill Bill movies and it also reminds me of staying next to the Indian village at the dorms during the State Fair.

On The Road Again, Willy Nelson - reminds me of my Mom. I just have a memory of her singing it when I was really little. It made me happy to be on the road with her then, and it still does today.

Sugar Sugar, Archies - reminds me of dancing with Caden in my Mom's livingroom. He's such a character.

Under the Board Walk, The Drifters - reminds me of my Mom and Aunt Marsha, and the time they took us to Shell Island. It was my first real beach experience. We were walking over this board walk down towards the beach and Aunt Marsha starts singing this song and Mom tuned up, and I tried to pretend I knew the lyrics and sing too, because it was so appropriate for the moment. I know them now.

I could go all day listing songs and the random people and places they remind me of. It's funny how very RANDOM the people are, folks that I haven't thought of in years and weren't even particularly close to are tied to some songs forever for me.

I'll end with my favorite song, Sit Down, by James - it evokes feelings of warm summer nights and laughter and dancing under the moon. It reminds me of my brother and the many friends that shared that summer together. And just because the lyrics, which I've posted before, really resonate with me. It's best to listen to the live version, it's got a great beat.

I'll sing myself to sleep
A song from the darkest hour
Secrets I can't keep
Inside of the day
Swing from high to deep
Extremes of sweet and sour
Hope that God exists
I hope I pray

Drawn by the undertow
My life is out of control
I believe this wave will bear my weight
So let it flow

Oh sit down
Sit down next to me
Sit down, down, down, down, down
In sympathy

Now I'm relieved to hear
That youve been to some far out places
It's hard to carry on
When you feel all alone
Now I've swung back down again
It's worse than it was before
If I hadnt seen such riches
I could live with being poor
Oh sit down
Sit down next to me
Sit down, down, down, down, down
In sympathy

Those who feel the breath of sadness
Sit down next to me
Those who find theyre touched by madness
Sit down next to me
Those who find themselves ridiculous
Sit down next to me

Our Mattie girl had a check-up today. She is 4 months now, weighs 16 lbs 7 oz, and is 24 1/2 inches long. She is perfectly healthy. Praise God for that. She also had immunizations and was the best baby about it. She cried only while she was getting her shots, just as soon as I picked her up she stopped. Mattie was such a little trooper!

Friday nite, I got a call from my cousin, Wade. He wanted to let us know that his boys were performing Saturday in Clovis, NM. And that his youngest, Colten, was planning to do his first backflip for a crowd. (They perform Freestyle MX on 4-wheelers.) It's about 160 miles to Clovis from here, but we weren't about to miss it.

I just wrote a fabulous story about my perspective of watching the backflip. And then my stupid computer messed up and I lost it. Stupid, stupid, stupid computer.

Long story short:

We meet up with Wade, Michele, and my Mom also came. After the show, we had a short visit with Uncle Charles and Aunt Butchie. And an even shorter visit with Caleb & Colten.

Colten & Caleb both performed and they were amazing. Simply amazing. And then Colten pulled the back flip and it was great to see! I cried and screamed and laughed...all at the same time. Watching someone you love do something only a handful of people in the entire world can do really does a number on one's emotions. I'm so happy that he has his first public performance of the backflip behind him. I'm even more glad that I got to see it in person. Seeing his Dad's face after he did it was worth the drive, alone.

I tried to video the flip, but by the time I got my camera to power back on, I missed it. So the only pic I have from the whole nite is one of Mattie. She slept through it all.

Caden has talked about "his Col-Kin (Colten) ever since. He fell head over heels for Colten at the family reunion when Colten dunked Caden's head in a fish pond a few times. I commented on here to Michele that I guess that's all it takes to win a 2 year old's heart. He loves his Uncle Cody and all of the older boy cousins that rough house with him.

I was especially struck with Caleb. It became very obvious to me that he has become a man. He talked to the crowd and was so smooth and calm. I'm impressed with his drive towards success.

Well, I wish I had more time to re-write everything. I don't know that I could given my disgust at my computer.

For now, know that I love ya!

Whit

Well let me see, life has been interesting the past week. We did the whole fair thing. Caden thoroughly enjoyed himself. We also went to Mikka's kid's birthday party. It was a swimming party, Caden still talks about swimming with Mikka. She took him down the big slide and it really made an impression on him. But it's no surprise that he talks about his "Bam" the most.

On a different subject, I lost a friendship this week. I had to make a hard decision. I was put in a lose-lose situation by this person. I prayed, I laid awake in bed for hours on end, for nights on end fretting about doing the right thing. I feel like the right thing was done. Like I said, it was a lose-lose situation for me and I chose to lose my friend and kept my conscience clear. It's a hard loss and I'll ALWAYS love this person. And maybe time will repair the hurt we caused one another. In the meantime, I'm glad to have washed my hands from the drama.

Wesley's birthday is coming up. I believe good times are in store.

And here are my precious babes: