Dig For The Cure

Ok...I'm way behind on blogging, but today I got ALL of my pictures uploaded to my computer...so this week will be all about "blogland catch up."

September 15th was Paragould Lady Rams Dig For The Cure volleyball game. The girls started this last year as a way to promote breast cancer awareness and raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation...all while showing their support for fellow teammate, Kobi...her mom lost her battle with breast cancer this past March. The girls bring all they have to this game...their passion for volleyball and love for Mrs. Kim & Kobi shine brightly...and it helps that they play their long time rival Greene County Tech.

Courtney Parker...proving that white girls can indeed jump!

Awesome effort by Kat Keel & Courtney Parker..probably one of my favorite pictures from the game.

Mallorye is still side-lined with an ankle injury, but she's still there every game & practice, cheering her team on. She had arthroscopic surgery August 30th and we're hoping she can play on Senior Night October 15th. This is Mal & Hailey Saunders reacting to what appears to be an awesome play.

We WON! 3-1

Showing a little love to Kobi after the win...and remembering why we play this game...to make a difference and be a part of something bigger than ourselves...huge life lesson these girls have learned.

Schools In Sessoin

Yes, that's right. School is back in full swing...and while I would love to share with you the fabulous first day pictures, I cannot. Why? Because my SD Card apparently is bad...according to my computer...and I have no idea how to get those pictures off of that SD Card. (if anyone knows I would be forever indebted)

Ok...so how'd the first day go?

Great. Well, for the most part. Everyone got up on time, out the door on time, to school on time...all major accomplishments.

Mallorye got to make a grand entrance with her class to the "classic" song "Ice Ice Baby"...these Seniors...I tell ya, they are crazy! I still can't believe this is her last year. I think she was feeling a little nostalgic...I know I was. I think the only "mishap" of the day was that somehow she was in Boys Choir and had to get that changed, which ended up knocking her out of College Algebra and into AP Calculus...she's none too happy about that.

Blake insisted on arriving at school at 7:20am and was really excited. As an 8th grader this year, he's top dog in his building...lol! His "mishap" was leaving his gym bag at school...somewhere...he couldn't remember where...ugh~boys!

It's been crazy busy...as always...and already my calendar is filling up with parties and ballgames and teacher conferences and..and...and...but I love it. I love being a mom and being busy with and for my kids. Too soon these days will be gone and I'll be staring at a blank calendar wishing for something to fill my days. But for now, I'll sleep little, drive much, laugh often, and love always.

Hopefully, one of you will send me a solution to my SD Card problem and I'll post pictures with the kids version of the first week....until then...

Memorial Weekend Room Makeover...finally

As you know, Blogger did not like me for a few months, and I couldn't get pictures to upload to my Blog...well...we've made up :) So here is the pictures from Memorial Weekend...when Quentin & I repainted Mallorye's bedroom....

The paint colors! Hot Pink & Blush Pink...hey, the girl likes pink...

Daddy...doin' his thang! Really, he is an awesome painter! He is so patient and meticulous. However, he did totally underestimate the time it would take to paint this room...he was thinking we could be done in a day...more like 3 DAYS!

A pop of color on the inside of the closet...


These were built in drawers before paint...which tells you sort of what her room looked like before the makeover...drab. (since I failed to get a before picture)

...and my awesome paint job...yet another pop of color!

I even spray painted the hardware black...a first for me...and I think they turned out lovely...

Finished product...I also painted the letters of her name and I love that they fit exactly over her window...how awesome is that?!

Still need a few more framed pictures around the "M", but all in all I think it's great

Paper Lanterns finally hung...she's had them for a year...and by the way..the canvas with the "M"...I made that..yes I did! All by myself..and I free handed the "M" when I cut it out of my scrapbook paper...impressive, I know.

and the final verdict...Mallorye loved it! Phew!!

Next room? Bathroom or Office??

Exhausted!

What an incredibly long day!

As many of you have read, Mallorye has been out of volleyball ALL.SUMMER.LONG due to a sprained ankle that just refuses to heal. Today was our 2nd trip to the Campbell Clinic in Collierville...last week we went for our 1st appointment and an MRI ...and today for results.

Well...the MRI didn't show anything "worrisome." So, the doctor wanted to do some more tests, which today involved having a needle...a very long needle...stuck into the synovial joint in Mal's ankle. OUCH! We go back next week for another injection and hopefully will at least know what direction we're headed.

Right now they are leaning toward inflammation of the synovial joint...I have no idea what they will do for that...or if she'll get to play volleyball this year...her senior year..her last year.

I'm tired. I've been driving for over 5 hours today and I'm just pooped. So..there's the update of the exciting news of the day. Oh...and she didn't shed a tear! So proud!

Prom Night

Here's some pictures from Malloye's point of view at Prom...and before....

Arent' they beautiful??! Molly, Hailey, Janae, Amie, Mallorye, & Jonna

Mal is fortunate to have a great bunch of friends, who love to laugh and have fun...this picture is so typical of them...just being crazy! Check out Molly's hot pink Converse...(those would be what Mal wanted to wear)...I'm glad they were able to have a great time together.

I think they were trying to be sassy.....

....and then sweet.....

Jonna & Mallorye...these girls have played ball (softball & volleyball) together most of their lives.

Ashley & Mallorye....think they're getting tired??

Hailey & Mallorye...they've been best friends throughout high school....they've played on the same softball team...the same volleyball team...and both their dads have been to Iraq...two very super sweet girls with a world of potential awaiting them...

Kathryn & Mallorye....these girls have been friends forever too...and also have played volleyball and softball together....Kathryn's dad Ken, and I, coached the girls softball team for many...many years and Kathryn has shared a couple of vacations with us....I can't believe how much they've both grown up...I look at this picture and think..."WOW! Where has time gone?"

Mallorye & Janae.....once again, a volleyball teammate and awesome friend. These girls have pulled off some pretty cool pranks at WalMart...all in good fun of course....

Mallorye & Maggie...yes, she plays volleyball with Mal too! I'm tellin' ya...the girl is blessed with some friends!! Which is a great thing...for where there are friends..there are memories!

We gave her a 3am curfew, but she came home at 1am...I'm pretty proud of her and the fact that I can trust her to do what she says. I know she was tired...as part of the Prom Committee, she had spent many hours this past week getting decorations ready and then tearing it all down on Friday night after the last song had played. In the words of Mal..."it took 18 hours to put the decorations up..and 1 hour to tear it all down."

Jonna, Ashley, Savannah, Amie, & Mallorye...waiting for the official Prom pictures...

Just A Glimpse...

Just thought I'd share a few quick pix of Mallorye...tonight is PHS Prom...her first time to go...I think she was a little nervous, but she looks gorgeous.

During hair (courtesy of Elisha) and before make up....

gorgeous....I love the touch of pink in her hair....
isn't she stunning?? She wasn't too happy about her shoes...she really wanted to get Black Converse sneakers...but didn't get them for her...honestly...I didn't realize it was a big deal until today...and I could tell that she really wanted them...Next year, if she wants Converse, she'll get Converse....lesson learned.

I love this photo! The hot pink Gerber Daisy was an afterthought of sorts, but I'm so glad we did it...it is so...Mallorye!

I'm tellin' ya....I can't say enough how beautiful she is tonight!!

Now the prayers start...prayers for her safety and that she'll have a blast....I sent the camera with her, so hopefully I'll have some cute photos to share with ya tomorrow...and yes, she is going alone...or rather..going with a group of friends, which will be way more fun I'm sure.

Mallorye's New Ride

Since before Mallorye turned 16, she has wanted a silver Jeep Liberty. And since we haven't found the money tree in our backyard...I could've sworn I planted one....we haven't been able to indulge that dream....till now...sort of. An opportunity to purchase my cousins Liberty came knockin' on our door a few weeks ago....and he financed it. So now Mal is the proud owner of a "blue" (hey, sometimes you gotta give a little) Jeep Liberty....and has her first bill....because in the effort of teaching fiscal responsibility, she will be paying her payment & insurance....$100 a month for the truck payment and $92 a month for insurance...not bad.

Now for the pictures!

Mallorye & her new ride

Full Frontal


She loves the fact that it has a Mossy Oak steering wheel cover


A little southern attitude

...and a pink butterfly to show her "girly" side

About to take off on her first drive in it....I love that it dings until she puts her seat belt on :)

I have to say, she really is a good kid who deserved a break..and hopefully this will serve her well....like, all the way through college would be nice!!

" Ok Mom, I'm shutting the door now...you can quit taking pictures...really, I gotta go"

Lights of the Delta

I am so behind on blogging...I'm not even sure where to begin. (I think I should've participated in NaBloPoMo...so at least I would've been accountable to post this past month) Anyway, thought I'd start with the most recent...

This past weekend, Mallorye competed in her first Preliminary Pageant. It was a much bigger deal than we realized, but we so enjoyed the experience, and learned a ton!! Like, always have a back up plan!

The weekend started on Friday afternoon with a 5 HOUR rehearsal! These people are seriously hard-core. The girls got some really neat gifts and then went on a tour of the Festival of Lights, complete with caroling, hot cocoa, and pictures with Santa! We drove back home and got in bed around midnight (next time we rent a room!)

The gifts...fleece blanket, tote bag, monogrammed soda koozie, leather day planner, a hoodie, and lots of candy and chocolate!

Saturday morning found us getting make up done at 7:30am! Then on to hair, where our first catastrophe happened. The lady never showed up to do her hair. Thank God for Colette! We ended up just going natural with her long straight hair...hey whatever works! Her interview was 11am...and she feels like she did really well on that...then at 2pm she competed in On Stage Question (aced that one!), and Talent...we need to work on the talent competition. At 7pm, the final stage of competition began with Active Wear (she looked awesome) and Evening Gown. Although we didn't come home with a crown, we did have an awesome experience, made new friends, and gained valueable knowledge.

Mallorye before interview

Mallorye killing time after the interview...she thought this sign was neat since her platform is "Heart of Hollywood" Organ Donation Awareness

Mallorye in her opening number outfit...getting ready to go back stage

Now to get ready for the next one!!

We're Home!!

It has been a long week. Mallorye (16) went in for her thyroidectomy Wednesday morning...early...5:30am early! By 7:30am we were in the surgery holding area and Mal was talking about Simba swimming through the gates of the Emerald City. Two of our pastors, Charles and Mike, came down and prayed with us, while a host of friends and family waited in the waiting room. All told, Mal had 16 people in the waiting room cheering her on and praying for her and countless people that were in their daily routines stopping to say a prayer. We are blessed, no doubt.

The surgery went well (2 hours in OR and 2 hours in recovery) and we settled in for our overnight stay in the hospital. More visitors. More phone calls. And of course more texts. I found it so amusing that the first thing she said when they got her to her room was, "where's my phone?"....the second? "Do you have a mirror?" Just like a teenager! For me, it was amazing to see that her neck sunk in where the goiter used to be. It's been there for so long and it was strange to see her "skinny neck" in it's place.

Wednesday night brought some pain and a dip in her calcium levels. We still thought we might get to go home, but they wanted to check her levels one more time at 8pm on Thursday before discharging us. Well, Katie bar the door. Her levels dropped again and she started having twitches and tingling in her hands and feet. Before the night was up, her entire body was numb and the doctor paid us a midnight visit. We whammied her with calcium and hoped for the best. She didn't have a drain tube or IV at this point, so we just waited on Mr. Calcium to cooperate. We passed the time coloring and putting together puzzles (thanks Katie W.). Her levels are still low, but they let us come home last night...Friday...a little more than an overnight stay...she was a little bummed...since she had a cute male tech taking care of her. She swears she could get his number given a little more time. LOL!

To spite the low calcium and tingling, she is doing great! I know it's only because so many people held her close in prayer. Thank you all! Enjoy some hospital pix!

A view of Mal's room...look at all the cute gifts she received...loved I'm tellin' ya!

My bed...doesn't it look comfy? Just like the Hampton Inn. Not.

2 days Post-Op and she looks better than I do! Beautiful!!

Model Behavior.

Posing with 2 of her gifts...the bear, Apple Trinity, is from her Small Group at church...the monkey, Molly, is from her brother and Adrienne...and the rest of the Chamber-Nelson gang!

The Wait Is Over

By the time most of you read this, Mallorye (16) will be in surgery and I'll be trying to relax...Her surgery is scheduled for 7:30 this morning and should take around 2 hours. I know this is a common surgery...just not for teenagers...to me, having your thyroid removed is a big deal. So, if you don't mind...would you please lift her up in your prayers this morning?!

We will be in the hospital a few days...at least overnight...so obviously I won't be blogging, BUT I will update through twitter (on my sidebar)

I really do appreciate all of you thinking of us, encouraging us, and praying for us!

Change

I just got home from my Monthly Marker Club Meeting and waiting on Mallorye to get home from her volleyball game in West Helena. This is the first game I've ever missed of hers since 7th grade...but West Helena is a 3-1/2 hour drive and I just couldn't leave work today. She's texted me and said they won...yeah!! It just seems so strange to wait for her to come home and not have to pick her up. I'm still not used to her driving...wondering if I ever will be.

I guess life is all about changes. I feel them all around me. The seasons are changing...the harsh heat of summer is starting to submit to the milder fall air. My kids are changing...growing more and more into the adults that they're meant to be. Even relationships are changing. I've made some really neat friends lately and it's awesome to see how God is blessing those relationships. Some of the changes are welcome while others are hard to swallow. I'm not sure what God is doing right now in my life....decluttering certain areas...but I'm open to His leading and I suppose that is truly the important part.

I know that nothing stays the same and I've heard it said..."if you're not changing, you're not growing"...it is for this reason that I embrace the changes, even the ones that are difficult.

Guest Blogger-Mallorye

This is one of my favorites from Mallorye's recent photo shoot for her 16th Birthday~you gotta love the attitude and personality in this shot!

Mallorye without the hair and makeup...lol!

AHHH!..that is how my first week was. I pretty much hate school, and all the work. It might be a little better if more of my friends were in my classes. Today was fun however, because we had assemblies all day for yearbook =)! We signed everybody's yearbook today <3> Ok..gotta run..I have a dance in 30 minutes and I have to get ready..bye ~~Mallorye

Definite Pageant Photogenic picture!

Love this! The old building in the background...the high heels...the Charlotte Russe ad quality.

Fredia did an amazing job on all of Mal's photos...very hard to choose just a few!