Is it just me?

First of all........I am a horrible writer. I know this. I cannot help it. I will ramble and jump around, just bear with me.

This past weekend Scoutie had a little fever. Well, I call 101.7 more than a little. She was lethargic, just not herself. It scares me half to death when she acts that way, because it just isn't her. I freak out. I cannot handle the idea of my baby being sick. So is it just me? Are all mothers this way? Riley and I are so totally different and he doesn't understand. Maybe I'm just a control freak. Her being sick and me not knowing what is wrong is beyond my control and I don't like it. Why should I worry so much? It isn't like she is screaming her head off. The wild thing is that I have this fabulous child that acts great even when she doesn't feel great. We shopped in Amarillo most of the day on Saturday. I kept giving her Tylenol to keep the fever down and she acted great. I can't relax. Seriously if I'm awake, I'm not relaxed. I'm always worrying about something even if it is so stupid. For example, I worry about dishes or my messy garage or stained clothes. Scout's first birthday is coming up. There are so many thing that I want done in the house or yard. Will I be content with working up until time and then just letting the undone things go? It's really about this sweet baby's birthday and enjoying her, right?

Anywho....(yes I meant to say "any-who").....I just want to try to be OK with not knowing. I don't have to know everything, understand everything, or fix everything. I want to live more in the moment.

So today is Memorial Day!! We had the option at school to take our students to the service at the cemetary. Of course we took them because we didn't want to have to teach (seriously). Not too many from the community were present, you know the usual people. If I had not been in school, would I have been present. Uhhhh.....most likely NOT. That makes me sad about myself. I want to be different. I don't want to be the person that is at the service only because it was a way out of class. I want my kiddo to grow up knowing and understanding these kinds of things. It kind of goes hand in hand with the "me freaking out" thing. I want my child to understand things even if they aren't always pretty or rosey. I don't want her to think that everything always has to be or will be perfect.

I want her to know that her Poppa, she'll never know, was in the Army Reserves. I want her to know about Mimi's cousin David who was killed (at age 23 or 24) fighting for our country. I want her to know about her cousin's that are serving right now. I want her to have great respect for all mankind who are sacrificing for this country whether she knows them or not.

Hope everyone has a safe and thoughful Memorial Day!!

Garden, garden....please grow!!

Riley and I decided to grow a garden at the feedyard this year. We have a big space and have planted quite a bit of stuff. It has just been so hot, that we can't seem to keep it wet enough. Most of it is coming up ok; maybe I don't have any patience.

Scout has been so good while we work. She either sits in her stroller and watches Riley and Tripp rope, plays with Trail, or crawls around. Mo, the feedyard pup, came and knocked her over once. She was pretty angry about being high-centered on one of the rows. I'm sure some will think I'm not a good mother, but it is near impossible to keep her from eating dirt.

Western Heritage Classic

I promise not to do this, yet I keep doing it. My mom's cousin LaRue even got on to me....still did it. I can only say I'll try to be a better blogger.

We went to Western Heritage in Abilene a little while ago. (That sounds better than May 6,7,8. Riley and Tripp were in the RHAA (Ranch Horse Association of America) Finals. Those who made the finals competed in two rounds in which the top five went into a final final round. They both made it back on their horses. Tripp on Cricket and Hooray and Riley on Gunner. Riley did well, but didn't come home with a saddle. Tripp ended up being reserve on Cricket and scored a pretty cool buckle. I think Trail was claiming it.

Scout got to swim for the first time. She loves the water. (Speaking of she was soaked when I picked her up this afternoon. She and Hope had been planting flowers.) She kicked and splashed with Riley and Trail. The swimming suit is too funny. It was quite a chore getting her into it and extra hard to peel off. How can it be so cute to look like that in a swimming suit when you are 1 and not so cute when you are 28?

Scout & Riley making the same face.

Scout on her back kicking.

"The Swimming Suit"

(This picture doesn't do justice to how tight it is.)

Scout in the hotel room window looking ornery!!

Me, Mom, and Scout

I'm not good at telling my momma how much I appreciate her. She is a great mom!! You never notice all the stuff moms do until later. My mom made so many sacrifices and decisions based around me. I can never thank her enough. Now all I can do is try to be the same kind of mom for Scout.

Riley has a great mom too!! I wouldn't have this wonderful man if it wasn't for all that she did raising him. Tam....I usually just tease you and jokingly blame ya'll for all of his tiny little flaws. He is great and you did a great job with him.

Too Long!!

I hate it when I neglect my blog like this. Guess that's just what happens when you are raising a sweet girl, teaching school + part-time job..........

Scout is doing great. She is crawling everywhere and loves to play chase. Daddy is much better at that game than I am. She has had a black eye and the yucky tummy stuff, but we're good now. This past week her Grams (Tammy) came to babysit. I think they had a great time together.

About my teaching school. I am subbing for the junior high math teacher here at S-E. She had a baby this month and I will finish the year out for her. We have TAKS all this week. YUCK!! I am glad that I can do a favor, but I am reminded all over again why I'm not still teaching. Scout beats the heck out of junior high students. Hope is keeping her and I'm pretty sure they have a "large time" every day.

Thats about it here. Hope you enjoy the photos from the past month.

Scout & Momma

The black eye.

Crazy Sleeper!

(Scout & Riley are the only 2 people I know that could sleep face down.)

Flower Head!

Scout's new spurs!

My uncle Don brought Scout these spurs today. Aren't they the cutest things? I love, love them and cannot begin to explain how special it is that he made them for her.

So here is our newest trick......belly-dancing. I have accused Hope of teaching her (ha-ha). Not sure where she came up with this one, but it's pretty funny.

4-4-4

1. Choose the fourth folder where you store pictures on your computer.

2. Choose the fourth picture.

3. Explain that picture.

4. Tag 4 other people.

This is mine. I really wanted to cheat and make it something cute, but didn't. This picture was taken sometime around Christmas last year. I thought I was really showing then. Ha Ha!!

Me thinking I'm big!

Me being big!!

I tag Tandy, Marlene, Kassi, and Michelle.

DENVER RANCH RODEO

This past weekend we went to Denver, CO for a ranch rodeo. We also went to the Downtown Aquarium. It is a pretty awesome place. Randy Knight (Red) is on the team this year. He is from Pueblo, CO and when we moved back to TX (in 1986) he moved with us. He is like family. His daughter Kelsey came along on the trip. She is a very sweet girl and we look forward to getting to hang out with the two of them more this summer. Sooo.....we won the rodeo. Everything just went really smooth. They won by about 7 points. I think they were the only team that didn't have a "no-time". Quentin did good in the bronc riding. He tied for 2nd place with a 79 score. You can check it out yourself at the bottom of this post.

Momma & Scout at the Aquarium

Mimi & Scout in their matching leopard print.

The whole gang! (See Scout's lollipop? She loved it!!)

Red & Kelsey

The team (Scout is on the horse with Riley).

THE FLOOR

Here are a few quick pics of the floor. I wasn't wanting to post anything until I had everything repainted etc., but there are a few people who just can't wait. We love, love this floor. It is laminate (pickled oak to be exact), so it looks old and rustic.

We're about to head to Denver......let's hope we make it there and don't get snowed in or something.