Today's thoughts are heavy in my head. I hate that. I thought the fun St. Patrick's would help, but it's still hard to be jolly.
I have optimistic worry.
Why? Several reasons: my 16-year old will be a missionary soon and is trying to earn money to fund the mission (needs $10k, has $4k). My 14-year old is constantly being called out for her lovely smile (seriously, even the lady at airport security commented how lovely McKenna is. She said, "I know, I've raised three boys"). Oh good grief! My 11-year old is challenging and testy like most teens I hear about (I don't have any testy teens, just a testy 11-year old). My 8-year old has weekly if not daily playdates. Not that this is a bad or a worrisome thing, but most of the time, I'm not with her. We just make arrangements to drop off and pick up. I'm not used to that. My husband has two stressful jobs and a time-consuming calling in the church. My limited budget means we have to say "no" more than we want, and I have to buy non-organic foods to make the grocery budget work each week. We finally got new tires on the truck, and the Tahoe's anti-lock brake system is out. Our home in Alabama is still for sale, with only one very thin lead in sight.
And, probably the most worrisome item is this photo taken at a local restaurant:
It's a HUGE star, filled with rattlesnake rattles! EWWWW!!!
= = = = = = =
Ok, now that I've unloaded, let's move on to happier events....
Swimming in Texas on March 16!! We have great neighbors!!
(note: Nathan was finishing cutting the grass before swimming, so I didn't get a pic of him - but he swam, too!)
Our neighbors, The Postmas, invited the kids over to try out the pool on Saturday. It was chilly but so nice!
The first night we moved in, Friday November 2, 2012, the Postma's came over to meet us amid the chaos of unloading the truck. They also extended access to their pool the next day (why not? it was 84 degrees on November 3!). Ken and I weren't sure about swimming, much less about unpacking our swimsuits, but after a tiring and hot morning of unloading the truck, let's just say we were more motivated to find those swimming suits!
In later weeks, we find out that our neighbor, Joan Spillane Postma is a Gold Medal Olympian from the Rome 1960 Olympics. She was part of the 4x100 freestyle relay that set a world record then. She showed the kids her gold medal. Here's her photo from those Olympics.
And here's a more recent article about her contribution to the Cypress-Fairbanks area and schools. They are such a fabulous couple who are very active in their church and community. We are honored to know them and call them friends.
McKenna has a boyfriend, and Ken is not happy!
Of all the boys I know, I couldn't be happier that 4-year old Sam McDougald is after my sweet McKenna. It all started with an innocent babysitting job that turned into a relationship. Sam's little brother Will doesn't seem to compete for McKenna (yet), but we'll see how that goes once Will is out of diapers and more interested in the sitter! Sam and Will's parents are top-notch which is a big plus in my book. I pray when my kids marry, they find someone from a great family with cool parents. So far, this is working in Sam's favor. He's also an amazingly cute red-head (what grandma doesn't want at least one red-headed grandbaby?!!). But, I must admit I have my reservations. His last name is Scottish, and McKenna's first name is Scottish - so she would be McKenna McDougald. Um, no. She would have to be Mrs. McKenna (keeping my last name even though I'm married) Maloney. Hope Sam doesn't mind!
A room full of 14-year old girls + rootbeer floats + games = tons of fun!
Especially if all this occurs on McKenna's 14th birthday!!
McKenna's 14th birthday happened to be on a Thursday of this year. The weekend after was crazy busy and I wasn't sure we could do anything for her day. So I (without her knowing) emailed a few of the girls at church and their leaders to stop by the house that night. I don't think McKenna caught on until the 4th girl arrived! I love her innocence! Then I confessed my trickery and the party began in earnest! To make it seem like we were having a "family party" I asked McKenna the week before what are her favorite things that I could serve for dinner and snacks while the family played games. She said: layered Mexican bean dip, chips and salsa, strawberries, grapes and root beer floats. Hmmmm - that worked out so perfectly I seriously wonder if she knew?!
Cute Girl Hairstyles
McKenna and Sariah are getting so good at these cool twists and braids. Here's one example of a chain hairband:
Next post will be more about the boys......Happy Wearin' O' the Green!
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