Merry Christmas 2010 (brought to you by the Wray family and Facebook)

As I sit here writing this annual Christmas letter (with just a few days to go until the Big Day; what can I say? I’m a procrastinator) and hear Sydney downstairs, I take a quick break to post the following Facebook status: “Scout is using the fire-stoking tool and mini broom in the fireplace and on the hearth: "The chimney has got to be clean and dust-free for Santa. He will come down the chimney and he will be like, 'Woah, this is so clean. Sydney did a great job.' Cause, you know, he always sees and knows what you've done."

It got me thinking…what a better way to tell you about our previous year than to share it with you via Facebook? Here are some actual, real-live FB statuses posted throughout 2010.

Jan. 7: Celebrated the championship game with Texas and Alabama fans alike. We ended up the happy ones, and Delaney cried tears of joy.

Jan. 12: In Tennessee for McKenna’s first big Winterguard competition of the season. She looks beautiful and, as always, I’m amazed at the ability to toss anything four rotations in the air.

Feb. 20: Family church retreat at Camp Sumatanga has got to be in the top one or two weekends of the year. Nothing like it!

Feb. 27: Visited the University of West Alabama today, and I saw the light go off in McKenna’s eyes. I do believe this is the place. [She ended up picking UWA for her college!]

March 20—Waiting in line for Tinkerbell and the fairies for almost two hours? Suprisingly worth it. (By the way, Disney World bed-jumping pictures are now officially in my FB albums for all of you to enjoy!)

April 10--Just sent McKenna off to her Senior Prom, and she looked mah-velous! (Thank you Jessica McClintock for the dress, Tina for the hair and makeup, and whatever family genes gave her what I couldn't give her.)

April 29--Kindergarterners still learning to read crack me up. Yesterday after school, Sydney got excited in the car and said: "Look, it's Waffle House! Let's go!" Then she stopped and said, "Oh man. That's not waffle house. It says mattress warehouse.”

April 30—Scout has decided to give nicknames to every Atlanta Braves player. We now have Chippyjon Jones, Brian McCandy Corn, Melky Way, and Clucky McClutch (Nate McClouth).

May 4--Noooooooooo! (Delaney and I just watched our dvr-ed "Lost" after coming home from a victorious night of softball.) The episode--especially the beach scene with them all crying over the loss of their friends--had us bawling like babies. “Lost,” you're killing me (and, yet, I love it)!

May 11--Scout's possible championship-winning game and McKenna's Senior Night (where she's giving a speech) are both at the same time tonight. I wish I could clone myself!

May 27--Today is a real "full circle" day! Fifteen years ago today, Gary and I got married...with this adorable little 3-year-old by our side. And today, McKenna graduates from high school.

June 14—I’m exhausted from the Southern Christian Writer’s Conference. But, as always, it was uplifting and encouraging and oh-so-fun!

June 24--Coming back from the beach last night, Sydney made this wiser-than-her-years (and also funny...since, well, it was Scout saying it) statement: "Think about all the dolphins and the fish out there. And the sharks too. Even though they're mean, they're important for this environment." Seeing the oil barriers on our beloved beach made all of us so sad.

July 24--Red-letter day for Scout: She swam "for real" for the first time and now can't get enough of it. ("I can't believe I can swim now!" she keeps saying.)

July 26--Best place EVER to play softball. The pitcher's circle is shaped like Mickey's ears. :-) [Delaney’s travel ball team participated in the USSA World Series, and came in 5^th out of 48 teams.]

July 27--I'm always afraid of looking forward to something and then being disappointed, but that was NOT the case today. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was absolutely fabulous!!! (From Hogwarts, to Olivander's, to the frozen butterbeer, to the chocolate frogs...everything.)

Aug. 3--So good talking to McKenna today. She is doing well, making friends, learning her guard routine, learning to eat at the dining hall, getting used to her dorm. (Whew!)

Aug. 15—Haven Grace’s 4 am heart transplant went great, and her NEW heart is in and beating. We are all crying tears of joy! (Isn't God grand?) [Haven is my sweet two-year-old cousin, and we have prayed so long for her to get a new heart.]

Aug. 26--The doctor who treated McKenna in the ER was named--get this!--Dr. Pepper. And as McKenna was finally going up to her room in the wee hours of the morning we saw him holding--get this!--a Dr. Pepper. Has got to the best. doctor. name. ever. [McKenna had a serious bronchial infection and spent four “fun-filled” days in the hospital.]

Sept. 11--Look for me on ESPN. I'll be the crazy, crimson-clad fan halfway up around the 20-yard line. I'll also be yelling "Roll Tide Roll!!" at the top of my lungs. (I'm sure I'll be easy to find!) SO excited to see the renewal of this wonderful rivalry between Bama and Penn State.

Sept. 13-- Delaney made the all tournament team for the JV volleyball tourney this past weekend. I am so proud of her (and so glad she gets her athletic abilities from someone other than me!!).

Sept. 24-My sweet McKenna is home for the weekend, and it makes me so happy to talk in the kitchen while I cook and get updates on boys, and classes, and friends, and life in general. She seems happier and more content than she has in a long time, which makes me incredibly content myself.

Sept. 26--I cry out to Him, not even knowing the words to say. [On the 26^th, we lost three of our best friends in a tragic carbon monoxide accident. We miss Greg, Karen, and Malorie—one of McKenna’s best friends—so much, and their passing was the greatest challenges of our year. Amidst our grief and pain, though, we learned so much about faith and friends, and have so many awesomely beautiful memories that we are still leaning upon!]

Oct. 6--I want to go along with Mitch and Cam to the Studio 54th of July Party, the Sederday Night Fever Party, and the Oscar Wilde and Crazy Brunch. [Along with “Modern Family” and the aforementioned “Lost,” I also loved “The Big Bang Theory,” “Psych,”and “Fringe.” Gary loved “Sons of Anarchy,” Delaney loved “Pretty Little Liars,” McKenna loved anything “Law and Order,” and Sydney loved “iCarly.” We all loved “Glee.”]

Oct. 7--For homework, Scout had to write down as many -all words as she could come up with. We did the regulars (hall, ball, mall, etc.)and I even taught her a new word, "gall." Then, the clincher...she put yall on the list. Yes, she is a Southern girl!

Oct. 16--I'm missing the Bama game tonight, but it's for the Perfect Reason. We are heading down to Livingston for UWA's Homecoming and I CANNOT WAIT to see McKenna.

Oct. 30 -- I'm ready for the Genie, Wonder Woman, Police Woman, Mad Hatter, and Red Queen to make another Halloween appearance! (I seriously wonder if most 42-year-olds love dressing up quite so much.)

Nov. 12-- Just home from a whirlwind trip to Texas for my Grandma Sloan's funeral. It was a beautiful service that truly did justice to the wonderful woman she was. There were so many smiles and few tears...just what she would have wanted, I believe! [My grandmother, Fay Sloan, passed away at 92-years-of age after battling dementia and illness.]

Nov. 20-- It's almost time for a Harry Potter Date Night with Gary.

Nov. 25—I am thankful. Oh so very thankful.

Dec. 5--Whew. We made it through the children's Christmas play at church. (Can you hear the "Hallelujah" chorus in the background?)

Dec. 15: “You really did have a wonderful life, George.” (“It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Alabama Theatre; “The Nutcracker” by the Alabama Ballet. I love making memories with the family…and I do, indeed, have a wonderful life!)

We hope you have a wonderful, peace-filled Christmas season. May your upcoming year be one with goodness, and joy, and laughter … and the knowledge that you are loved beyond measure by the God who made the awesome decision to be born among us as that sweet Christmas baby. His love is ever-real and ever-present and shows us how to live more fully in 2011!

We love you all!!

Gary, Cheryl, McKenna, Delaney, and Sydney

(While I'm still attempting to finish my Christmas letter for this year--oh, let's be honest. I haven't started it yet, although I have great ideas for it!--I thought I'd republish an essay I wrote last year for my blog. I used it in my letter last year and it still has meaning for me. Hope you enjoy it again. And I promise that my new letter will be on here soon. Or at least as quickly as I get it written.)

“The One Who Brought Mirth”

Sydney had been helping me get our Christmas decorations set out throughout the house. We'd put up the tree, and set up our Advent candle wreath; my huge nutcracker collection was set out, and random Santas appeared in corners everywhere.

The last things to be brought out were our nativity sets. One went on my fireplace mantel, and the other came to the dining room table.

As Sydney directed the placement of the figures on the table, she decided to give me a little lesson about the first Christmas. And, in so doing, gave me a pretty big lesson about Christmas today.

"I know who the Wise Men are," she said.

"You do?" I answered. "Tell me all about them."

She picked them up one by one and introduced me to the magi.

"This one is the one that brought gold. It's really pretty and valuable."

Yes, absolutely correct.

"This one is the one that brought frankincense. I think it's like a perfume."

Close, Sydney. And I'm just proud that you didn't call it frankenstein (which I was sorta expecting.)

"And this one is the last one. He's the one who brought mirth."

Almost immediately I thought about correcting her. We all know it's myrrh, after all. But I didn't.

I just gave her a hug and told her how I proud I was of how much she knew about the Wise Men and the story of Baby Jesus. And talked with her a few minutes about how we are like the Wise Men today; we give gifts to other people because they brought gifts to the baby, and that we need to give Jesus our own gifts (our love, and kindness, and helpfulness) today.

But I kept what she said...that "he's the one who brought mirth"...and pondered on it it a little bit. (I find that I often "keep things in my heart and ponder them" a lot during the Christmas season, much like we see Mary doing in the story that started it all.)

Mirth is defined in the dictionary as "gaiety or jollity, especially when accompanied by laughter."

How wonderful a concept it is to think that, as that Wise Man actually brought myrrh on that starry night so many years ago, he was also bringing a new era of mirth. He was welcoming something that should bring us all joy and happiness and gaiety and contentment and, yes, laughter.

The Christmas season can be overwhelming at times. We can find ourselves so wrapped up in everything that has to be done...the shopping, the money spending, the holiday events and responsibilities, the rush-rush of it all...that we don't experience what should really be the true emotional feeling of the season...the Mirth.

Mirth and joy and laughter come to me in many forms during this time of year.

They come to me as I pick out the gift that I just know will put a big smile on the face of a family member; or as I buy a gift for someone I've never even met, but know still that it will make their Christmas a little more joyful; or as I bite into a gingerbread cookie; or as I watch and listen to little children perform a Christmas play; or as I lie under the tree and shake my gifts with glee; or as I watch Charlie Brown's Christmas on tv; or as I dig out a few extra dollars and put them in that Salvation Army bucket; or as I light a candle that smells of cinnamon.

Mirth comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes during this time of year.

But, I...and we...must be open to its invitation. We must realize that it's here for us amidst the busyness. We must realize that it's really what makes the season worthwhile.

When we find it, we become a little more wise and we can then carry it to the world around us. And then we can carry it back to the baby Jesus (wrapped not in a box like that first Wise Men did, but wrapped in a smile, and a heart, and open arms) once again.

(And below is my sweet Scout, who taught me that lesson...and teaches me so many more every single day. This is her, by the way, singing at our Christmas musical at church two weeks ago. She sang the solo, "What Child Is This," and did beautifully.)

These are a few of my favorite things...

The first day of December has come and gone and now we are in full-on Christmas mode. I adore this time of year, for so many reasons (the lights! the food! the gifts! the family!) and I am oh-so-happy it's finally here.

As I look at my life (and the season right now), my heart is bursting with some "favorite things."

Things like...

Family traditions. Here is Sydney reading out some of our "thankful strips" on Thanksgiving morning. Traditions are what bind us together.

Football with Delaney. Here are Delaney and I all decked out in our crimson and white and houndstooth, getting ready to head out to the Iron Bowl last week. Alas, our beloved Bama team lost...but (amidst the wailing and gnashing of teeth), we sure enjoyed our time together with 101,000 of our closest friends.

My sweet, sweet girls. I absolutely ADORE this picture of Delaney, Sydney, and McKenna (which we took on Thanksgiving evening at my parents' house). The girls are just becoming more and more independent and lovely, and I'm proud to be their Momma. (McKenna is away at college and loving it, so we especially love when we get to spend time with her!)

Friends. Here are Chris and I at a recent 8os Silly Supper for the youth at our church. We were absolutely rocking the big hair, tight leggings, and heels (I was going for a sort of Red Version of His Royal Pupleness Prince). Chris is an amazing friend...one among many, many that I'm blessed to have.

Our special Malorie Ornament. We are all still just grieving the loss of our dear friends Greg, Karen, and Malorie, and this Christmas just won't be the same without them. Malorie loved Christmas so much and she also loved fashion. She always was dressed to the nines, and especially loved shoes! So, McKenna picked out this glittery, sparkly high heel ornament for our tree. It's always the ornament I notice first...and I wouldn't have it any othe way!

My white Christmas tree. The green tree is in the living room, the smaller tree is in the den, and the white tree is upstairs in the dining room. And I gotta say that there is something about that white tree, its disco ball ornaments, its sparkly lights, and the giant glittery "Peace" topper that just makes me smile extra big!

A visit with Santa. We went and visited the Big Guy yesterday and this Santa was a most excellent version. He talked with Sydney for several full minutes, and they seemed to be having quite the conversation.

My presents from Gary. One reason I love Gary is so much is that he absolutely understands my love of Christmas, and he indulges me big-time! He wraps my presents early so that I can shake them for weeks, and he always gets creative with his gift tags (it's a little something-something we do; we are required to write cute nicknames on each other's tags).

Music. I've been listening to a lot of Glee music lately (the Glee Christmas CD seems to be our holiday music of choice), which all of us just love (we love the show, of course, too and it's the highlight of our Tuesday nights!). But, yes, you also see some Green Day and Beatles peeking out from under the Glee music.

I hope you are enjoying some of your favorite things this December. If you aren't...what's stopping you?

Love you all, and see you soon!

So Thankful

On this Thanksgiving Eve, I'm sitting at the dining room table as I type. There is the smell of cream cheese cookies wafting from the kitchen, the glow of the newly-decorated Christmas tree winking at me from the living room below, and in front of me is the box that holds this year's "thankful" strips.

You might remember that we have a tradition in our family that involves writing our blessings down on strips of paper, then reading them with each other on Thanksgiving morning. It's one of my favorite traditions--mostly because it's so simple, and so true, and so honest. It doesn't involve gifts, or a lot of hard work, or expectations. (Those are the same reasons I love Thanksgiving in general, too. It's just easier than other holidays.)

While we won't read our blessings out loud until tomorrow, I can guess what some of the strips of paper will say. Sydney's will probably involve friends and books; McKenna's will most assuredly center on her new (we like him!) boyfriend; and, honestly, Delaney's will probably also involve boys (and the fact that she gets to the Iron Bowl with me on Friday); Gary's will be sweet and mention his wife and kids (and probably hunting).

Mine? Well, mine will include some of the following things that I'm thinking about tonight.

On this Thanksgiving Eve 2010, I have so much to be grateful for. Big and small things. Silly and serious things. A lot of things.

So, here is a list that just sorta tips the iceberg.

1. I'm thankful for sports. And especially for Alabama football. And even more especially for getting to go with Delaney to this year's Iron Bowl.

2. I'm thankful for sweet, sweet friends. Friends who keep me sane. And laugh with me. And enjoy an occasional margarita.

3. I'm thankful for creme brulee.

4. And mashed potatoes.

(You know how much I love food. Those are just two of my latest favorites.)

5. I'm thankful to have McKenna home from college for the Thanksgiving break.

6. I'm thankful that Scout loves to read so much. (And that she reads bedtime stories to me.)

7. I'm thankful for Delaney's strong personality and confidence (even though it can be a challenge sometimes.)

8. I'm thankful for "Glee." (And Glee CDs.)

9. I'm thankful for the wonderful, wonderful memories I have of my Grandma Sloan. (She passed away two weeks ago and I miss her. But, aww, what memories!)

10. I'm also thankful for the sweet memories of friends who left us too early. (Memories--and faith--are about all that get me through.)

11. I'm thankful for my amazing church.

12. And for grace. And more grace. And grace yet again.

13. I'm thankful for "Fringe."

14. And for everything Harry Potter. (Love that I wore my Hogwarts shirt--and carried a wand--to the new movie the other night.)

15. I'm thankful for online friends.

16. I'm thankful for the most awesome parents a girl could ask for.

17. I'm thankful for the beautiful weather we've been having. (Although I'd also be thankful for cooler, more appropriately seasonal weather. If you'd like to consider that, God.)

18. I'm thankful for the promise of Gan Gan's dressing tomorrow.

19. I'm thankful for a home. (So many don't have even the simplest blessings that I have.)

20. I'm thankful for bubble baths.

21. I'm thankful for sweet tea and good wine.

22. I'm thankful for a husband who gets me.

23. I'm thankful for a good night's sleep.

24. I'm thankful for laughter.

25. I'm thankful for white Christmas trees, and pink lights, and shiny ornaments.

26. I'm thankful for Facebook, and my computer, and blogging (I promise I'm gonna be better about posting!).

27. I'm thankful for teenagers. (Yep, you heard that right.)

28. I'm thankful for that some new writing opportunities are opening up for me. (This year has been a tough one for getting writing assignments, but I think things are looking up.)

29. I'm thankful for cameras. And photographs.

30. I'm thankful for having another day to breathe, and laugh, and love, and live. (I'm gonna do my best to make the most of the day.)

I love each and every one of you. And I hope that you all have a wonderful, wonderful Thanksgiving filled with all of your favorite things!

Roller Coasters

[I'm way behind on posting things to my blog, but I'm going to attempt to do better. I've been feeling a real pull to writing some creative things lately...mostly because some pretty big things have gone on lately; things that have made me think a lot about life and faith and our journey and family and all those good signs of life...so I'm going to be writing more "essay" type pieces. Also, November happens to be Family Stories month and I've got some ideas for that. I also, of course, need to post some pictures of Halloween, and football, and school, and other events/activities going on lately.

But, for the time being, here's something instead. It's something I wrote several weeks ago, after dealing with the loss of three dear, dear, dear friends. They were a beautiful, vibrant family...Greg, Karen, and 17-year-old Malorie...who died in a tragic carbon monoxide accident. We miss them so much and are still dealing with the loss. Thank goodness, though, we have such wonderful memories. And thank goodness I have something I can lean on as we get through it...and any hard times that life throws at us. Love you all, and will see you again soon. I promise!]

A couple of years ago, as I approached the eve of my 40th birthday, I decided to tackle some of the tasks I had sadly ignored for the first half of my life.

Regrets, untraveled trips, untried foods, fears.

At the bottom of my list, because (let’s be honest) I wanted to tackle this thing as much as I’d want to tackle a linebacker, I had written, “Ride a rollercoaster.”

Two years later, the closest I’ve come to crossing this item off my list is riding the Goofy Rollercoaster at Walt Disney World.

But, and this is the great thing about turning 40 (or 50, or 60, or 70, I hear)—I’m okay with that.

While I tried Indian food for the first time, and reconnected with childhood friends, and walked barefoot in the Atlantic, and lay under the stars with my husband, I left that one item empty. Even though I was given the opportunity several times (and had to live with the disappointed look in my three daughters’ eyes; “Come on, Mom, don’t be afraid. Once you get on it, it is SO much fun”), I just couldn’t make myself strap into what I like to affectionately call the steel trap of impending doom.

It makes my head spin, my mouth dry, and my stomach lurch just to think about it.

That doesn’t mean, though, that I wasn’t willing to twist the rules around a little bit—to try a faux version of a “real” roller coaster. (Anything to fulfill my fortysomething wanderlust, and still not have to actually get higher than 20 feet off the ground.)

I decided that I was game to try the aforementioned coaster in Orlando. Even though it’s labeled a “family” coaster and even my 6-year-old was riding it, my husband and girls were all equally shocked when I said I was going to give it a whirl.

“For real?” they all said in unison, and then laughed that laugh you reserve for old people who’ve descended into dementia or for that child with no coordination who decides to learn how to ice skate.

I rolled my eyes, as if I couldn’t believe that they’d doubt me, but then questioned my bravery when I saw how fast it appeared to go around the corners. (At this point, I began to draft my letter of complaint in my mind: “What is this theme park trying to pull over on all of us? This can’t be safe for little children.”) Then I gathered every ounce of courage and loaded into that goofily-decorated car, holding onto little Sydney’s hand; she, for her part, smiled and said it would be all right, Momma.

Our older girls sat behind us and began offering me Roller Coaster Tips 101.

Be sure and keep your eyes open.

It’s not really that high.

And the kicker, from Delaney: “Let go, and it’s so much more fun.”

Is she insane, I thought? Let go of this thing while it’s hurtling through space? No, thank you. I’ll just hold on tightly for dear life.

For the record, I did the exact opposite of what they advised. I closed my eyes; I yelled that “I. Told. You. I. Don’t. Like. Heights”; I gripped hard; I cursed my husband (and the inventors of the theme park) as we dove around the corner.

As I reflected later on the experience, though, I realized that—while I will never overcome my fears of roller coasters (even the little ones; and I’m totally okay with that)—Delaney’s words of advice are actually quite close to the definition I would give if someone would ask me how I am living my life of faith.

“Let go.”

If there’s one thing we humans all tend to share it’s the notion that we can do it pretty well on our own. We are capable. We are strong. We are in control.

I’ve seen it with each of my daughters at each phases of their lives. At two, they pushed my hands away as I tried to turn the pages of their toddler book; “I do it, Momma.” As teenagers, they pride themselves on driving themselves, fending for themselves, discovering for themselves. And that’s natural, of course, because we all have done it. And we all still do it.

Most vividly in my encounters with God have been those where I heard that voice in my ear and in my heart saying, “Give it up, Cheryl. You don’t have to do this by yourself. Let me be a part of what’s going on.”

That voice came to me close to twenty years ago, as I saw myself become—out of the blue, hurtled into the wind–a single Mom to a sweet, blue-eyed, very dependent one-year-old. I cried out to God in fear so many times that my voice became hoarse from the effort. Until one night (I can still remember the spot on the road, right there at a speed bump down the street from my parents’ house) when God said, “Let go of the fear, and let Me help you with McKenna.”

That voice came to me several years ago, as I discovered a strange lumpy-like knot below my stomach. As soon as I felt it, my overactive imagination went into overdrive. Cancer, surgery, “oh no, what will my kids do without me?” rumbled through my brain and, when none of my regular doctors could figure out what was going on (even after ultrasounds and all sorts of poking and prodding), the overdrive went into maximum drive. Amidst the crazy talk in my brain, God interrupted and said, “Calm down, Cheryl, and let go of this. Give it to me and I’ll take care of it, one way or another.” (I listened to the voice and something-so-simple-as-a-hernia was later discovered as the culprit.)

That voice came to me just a few short weeks ago, when a strange, hard-to-believe accident took three dear friends from our world. Comfort came in many forms. Our memories of the father, mother, and daughter were filled with music, and laughter (side-splitting laughter, in many cases), and silliness, and smiles, and jokes, and playfulness (and, my personal favorite, moments on a well-loved beach). Our common friendships. Our beautiful church family. Our knowledge that they gripped their faith tightly.

But, still, the sadness and the worry and the unflinching pull of grief took ahold of us. I saw it especially in the young people around us—teenagers who were dealing with the loss of a vibrant 17-year-old. The answers, in those times, are harder to come by. And, so naturally, you hold tighter to your tears and your tissues and your trepidations.

After things had quieted down on the day our friends were buried and children were back at home watching television and texting friends and eating pizza (normal things, as much as possible), I went back to the cemetery. It was, in the physical sense, the most beautiful day I’d seen in a long time. A Southern afternoon that only reached 75 degrees, no cloud in the sky, the wind blowing ever-so-lightly.

I went and sat down on the ground not far from the pulled-up ground and the pile of accumulated flowers. Then I lay down. Then I looked up into the bright, cloudless sky and I felt God say to me yet again, “Here we are, Cheryl, and you’re trying to handle this on your own. Let me carry it for you for a little while.” And, with that warmth radiating down onto my face, I knew that the admonishment was true once again.

That same voice comes to me everyday, as I struggle through much more mundane moments.

I look for a lost set of car keys. I struggle with how to discipline. I get mad at my husband. I feel inadequate. I get frustrated because I’m somewhere late again. I worry about someone close to me. I let circumstances take control of me.. And in the midst of those everyday things, I do my best to find the solutions; until I realize that my best isn’t good enough. I have to let go again.

On that day at Disney World, after getting off the coaster, we traipsed around the park holding hands and smiling big smiles. My daughters were proud of their Mom who could be so brave, and I felt a little bit lighter in my step.

Sure, I had my eyes closed the whole time. And I screamed like a little girl. And everyone around was much braver than me. But I made the attempt.

And so is life.

I scream and cry and let it all out. I close my eyes sometimes, because I’m afraid of what’s around the corner. And I oftentimes think that everyone else is doing a much better job than me.

The good news is, I’m not stuck on that goofy roller coaster. The good news is that I can get up every morning, grip on tight, but then…Let Go.

I know, I know.

I've been so good about not posting.

AND, there has been so much going on in the past month.

SO, I do believe I will try and get caught up.

Let's see...

I need to post something about Delaney's travel team placing 5th (out of 48) teams in the softball World Series.

And I need to post something about McKenna moving off to college.

And, yeah, then there's Delaney and Scout's first days of school.

So, I promise I'm gonna be back real soon!

Random Almost-Friday Thoughts

It's really late (like 11:58 am) on Thursday evening and, since it's been forever since I've been online, I thought I'd share with you (random style) what's been going on lately...

Got McKenna through freshman orientation and registration. Yep, my baby's heading off to college!

I'm so enjoying the return of my favorite Summer show. "Psych" totally cracks me up!

I have been cooking and baking SO much lately. When the kids go back to school in about three weeks, I'm gonna have to go on a serious diet to get rid of all the calories I've consumed via blueberry muffins, chocolate cupcakes, and assorted pasta dishes!

Had a blast leading sessions at our Vacation Bible School last week.

So loving how my Atlanta Braves are doing this season! They are red-hot right now and waaaay ahead in the National League East. Hoping it keeps going all the way to the World Series!

Had dinner the other night with my best friend and one of our mutual high school/college friends. It had seriously been more than 20 years since we'd seen each other. It felt like it had been so much shorter since we'd seen each other...and we agreed that we still all look fabulous!

Delaney's 14-and-under travel ball World Series is this week. Go Team Elite!

I CANNOT wait to see Harry Potter Wizarding World while we're at the Series.

I've pretty much gotten addicted to Facebook...hence, the lack of posts here. But, I love blogging too much to let if fall by the wayside. I'm vowing to be better about posting!

We visited our favorite Gulf Coast beach last month and it was so sad to see the oil up on the beach. Seeing the disaster first-hand just broke our hearts (and I'm definitely going to have write about that soon).

I hope you all are having an AWESOME Summer so far. See ya soon!

(And, oh...did you know that football season kicks off in like 40 days?)

Happy Fourth of July!!

I hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating Independence Day tomorrow. I wish you lots of good food, time with family, and lots and lots of blessings.

We will be at the softball park for a lot of the day (with Delaney's travel ball team at the NSA state tournament), so we'll be celebrating with a lot of this sort of stuff...

I do hope, though, to spend some time with family tomorrow (and Monday as well). We will invariably enjoy a lot of laughter, and fireworks, and food (especially food). I anticipate getting to make some sort of yummy, patriotic-looking dessert...

Other things I love about the Fourth of July include:

watching all those cool President-themed shows on the History Channel, playing with sparklers with the girls (I still feel like a kid when I do it), eating barbecue and watermelon, getting some sun (and maybe getting wet in a pool or sprinkler), and getting a little teary-eyed whenver I hear the national anthem or any other patriotic tune.

What do you love about this holiday?

How will you be celebrating this year?

This is what has kept me from posting...

I'm sorry, sorry, sorry (and sorry again) for not posting anything lately. Life has been incredibly busy and, although it's not going to get any slower any time soon, I'm going to do my best to be better about posting. I miss it when I'm not doing it.

Anyway, there are a couple of reasons why I've been awol from here for a few weeks.

Things like high school graduation, softball all-stars, and birthdays.

I'm constantly amazed at how time flies and my girls are growing up in front of my eyes. (It's crazy, isn't it?)

Summer is going to be full of activities (more softball, vacations, college move-in, etc. and etc.), so I'm going to do my best to get on here to preserve it all in words and pictures.

In the meantime, I hope you all are having a fantastic Summer. See you all soon!

And this is how Lost runs over into real life (or, "yes, here's more proof of my insanity")...

In my last post, I ruminated on how obsessed I am about "Lost," the television show. I've been more in love with this show than any I've ever watched (and, yes, I'm saying it...it even beats my ten-year-old "Charlie's Angels" and "Wonder Woman" obsession), and I've spent countless hours watching it and reading about it and theorizing about it, and feeling closer to imaginary characters than is really probably healthy. But, it is what it is. :-)

On Sunday night, the series finale of the show aired (and, by the way, I absolutely LOVED the finale. It's divided a lot of fans, but to me it was a beautiful culmination of the stories of the characters. They got redemption, their relationships were celebrated, AND the island story was still worth every bit of the time we put into it for six years, AND Jack--and Kate, and Hurley, and Ben, etc.--got to save the place and the people. If you want a "real" recap and my theories, just ask me. I'd be happy to provide them with you. LOL).

I had been obsessing over the end of the series since we first found out about it two seasons ago, and it was really on my brain a lot over the last week or so especially. It's only natural, then, that it seeped into my "real" life pretty naturally.

This past weekend, Gary and I spent a wonderfully relaxing time at a simply beautiful place called Dismals Canyon up in the northwest part of the state. There were gorgeous waterfalls, and hiking trails, and creeks, and cabins, and cliffs. We hiked, and held hands, and enjoyed each other's company so much.

And, of course, I spotted a lot of Lost-inspired scenes and posed for Lost-themed pictures (and yes, by the way, Gary did think I was insane).

Like me reenacting the scene were the castaways first found fresh water at the caves...

And me imagining jumping into this waterfall with Sawyer...

And me spotting what I think has got to the glowing river of life-giving light...

And me even finding what I think could be the well where Desmond was thrown...

When we returned home from our trip, we were greeted by even more Lost goodness. Delaney--my cohort in Lost obsession--had spent some time while we were gone decorating the house with all sorts of signs and scene recreations and decorations to honor the show (and to serve as a backdrop for watching the finale that night).

She had a jungle...

And some really cool signs...

And the black and white gamepieces...

And the "magical" wine...

And some "smoky" artwork...

It truly put a huge smile on my face, and welcomed us back to the real world in a really cool way (though not very "real," after all!).

As we approached the finale, we enjoyed some special "numbers" cookies (here is Sydney enjoying "Jack," who was appropriately #23)...

And we reenacted a few scenes. (Delaney sniffing the wine cork, which we really know is just a metaphor for the island!; me considering my reflection, ala the Sideways/Eternal world)...

I'm still saddened by the fact that my favorite obsession is over. It's engaged my mind and spirit so much over the years, and I will miss it. But, still, my best friends (including you all!) may be happy. They won't have to hear my crazy ramblings any more.

On that note...Long Live Lost. May my memories of you be ever sweet!

7 Signs You're Way Too Obsessed with "Lost"

7. You go to a screening of a live question and answer session with the "Lost" producers at a movie theatre in your town. While there, you seriously bond with other "Lost" nerds and you feel a strange kinship with them. (Delaney and I did this last night and had a blast!)

6. You stalk every "Lost"-related blog, website, and message board you can find.

5. You use "Lost" as the basis of your weekly Bible study class you teach to the youth girls at church. (Yes, my girls got a Lost lesson this past Wednesday.)

4. You DVR each episode and rewatch them at least two times.

3. You also save every DVR-ed episode from the season, so you can go back and watch them again after the season is over. You will have major "Lost" withdrawal, after all, probably the day after the show ends for good.

2. You cry every episode, as if the people on the show are your own family. Yes, I am sadly that connected to this show and the characters.

1. You seriously think about decorating different rooms in your house like the Hatch, the Glowing River of Life-Giving Light, the Beach, Otherville, and other assorted scenes from the show...all for a crazy series-ending finale party.

(I could go on and on and on and on, but I don't really want to frighten you any further. LOL Just know that I am looking SO forward to the series finale of "Lost" this Sunday night. I have so many theories, and expectations, and memories, and favorite moments. It's really touched me, even in a spiritual way. It's truly been my favorite tv show of all time, and I'm sad--and, yet, excited--to see how it all ends.)

A few "Proud Momma" moments

1. Delaney was given the Director's Award for outstanding female choir member at her middle school this year. (She is an athlete--remember softball from the previous post?--but she adores singing and anything musical as well. And is quite good at it.)

2. Scout's park softball team won the 6-and-under championship, and she was chosen for this year's All Star team!

3. McKenna continues to be recognized for, and enjoy, all the things affiliated with the end of her senior year. As senior class historian, she presented a speech at the senior awards night, was recognized at her final band concert, and enjoyed a special graduation tea that my Mom gave for her.

What proud, exciting, or just cool moments have you had lately?

Take Me Out to the Ballgame...All Over Again!

I recently came across this sweet note and picture I posted up above. Delaney must have written/drawn in when she was maybe seven or eight. On it (in case you can't read it well), she said to Gary: "You will always be my Poppy and my coach."

For most of her childhood, Gary spent countless hours at the ballpark with her Pop; or Coach Gary, as all the other girls on their teams called him. She started playing at four-years-old and played at the ballpark until she was 11; Gary was her head coach for most of those years. He coached her for two seasons in travel ball, but then soon handed over the coaching duties to other coaches as Delaney moved into more upper-echelon travel programs.

Delaney still plays softball (as any even occasional readers on this blog know! LOL), and she is getting geared up for the Summer travel ball season to start again with her Birmingham Mustangs.

We just finished up, though, with her eighth grade school ball season, so I thought I'd share some of my favorite pictures with you from the year.

She's a lot older now (and is finally getting taller!), but she's still that little girl who loved the game so much and loved her Poppy being her coach.






Of course, watching Delaney play softball has always been a family affair. And now Sydney is right there by Gary to watch all the action.

And then, when Delaney's games are over, Sydney is ready to play!

Gary coached Sydney's team, the Stray Cats, this year and they had a GREAT season. Just last night they hammered down the league championship for the 6-and-under teams at our softball park, and Sydney (or "Scout," as we all call her on the ball field) had some great plays.

Scout played circle girl for our team this year (this is the player that's in what is usually the pitcher's position, although the teams are coach-pitched), and she had a great hitting season. She didn't strike out one time!

Here are some pictures of my softball-loving Scout and her teammates and friends...








It's been so much fun to see Scout develop as a player this year (making catches like that one right there!), but more imporantly to make friends and learn sportsmanship and love something so much!

I only hope that she continues to love it as much as Delaney always has.