Fore!

Labor Day was one of the best days I've lived in a long while. My family came and spent the day here with us. There's nothing like being with family. I enjoy every minute. To me, one of the best feelings in the world is spending time with the people you love the most. Even though, ever since and I mean every single day since, I have heard "Chi bwoke Elwie's bawoon," I wouldn't trade time with my family for anything. There were many highlights to my day. Making the short list, golf with my dad, brother and brother in law was one of my favorites. We had so much fun. I loved getting to talk with my dad. I always love hanging out with my brother, even if we get a little competitive. And, Tony, well , there's not a time where I don't enjoy being around his contagious smile. We had such a great time! And, of course, making my first par ever didn't hurt either. :) I wish we could do it more often. And, a big shout out to my mom and sister who entertained all the babies and to my husband for working for our family. (I know how much it stunk to be working while we were playing golf together). I know I've said it before and it won't be last time I say it, but I have the most amazing family. I'm so, so blessed.

Happy birthday to my fabulous brother in law! Tony, I am so lucky to have you in my life. Your spirit, your unconditional love, your encouragement... YOU are amazing! I couldn't be happier that you chose to join our family. You take such great care of my sister. I can remember so vividly your face the night they took Kate to Harris. I remember begging you to quit being a superhero and just let it out. I remember you staying in the trauma waiting room for days without leaving, just waiting for the 10 minutes you got to see her every 2 hours. Your strength was admirable. Your calm was infectious. You pulled her through and for that alone, I will be forever grateful. Not only are we all blessed with you, but also with the most incredible children I have ever known. You are the other half of the buddy club. You are my Joey Galloway. You are an amazing friend, brother in law, and uncle. I love you, Tony. Happy Birthday.

Yes, family, there is a Beckett.

On her 10 month "birthday," Beckett experienced her first trip to the park. That sounds horrible, I know. I've got to get this girl out of the house (No comments, Mom, Dad, Kate, Tony, pretty much my entire family!). She's such the perfect little thing; I knew she'd love it! And she did...

for about five whole minutes. Then, the sweet baby swung herself right to sleep.

Isn't she the sweetest thing you've ever seen? Oh Beck, how I love you! I couldn't imagine not having your sweetness in my life.

A Day of Firsts

Today was a pretty exciting day in the Roe household.
Today, Eddie started his new job. We are so proud of him. Patiently and humbly waiting, he's been the absolute rock of our family. It's been a long time coming; it couldn't have happened to a better man.
Today, I began the year with a whole new crew of four year olds. I couldn't have had a better day; they are the absolute sweetest group of kids! It doesn't hurt that I only have eleven. (So far, that is. It's going to change for sure; It always does). And, it also doesn't hurt that my amazing mother in law and sister in law sent the most incredible basket of goodies filled with TONS of stuff - pedicure gift certificate, a super lunch sack from Etsy, an Arby's card, magazines, candy, thousand island, ketchup, stationary, and i could go on and on. I was envied by all who laid eyes on the basket!
Today, Elliott attended her first day of preschool. I'm not sure that she had the best time, but she sure did look cute. ;) The day could be a whole other blog on its own that I'm not sure I'm not going to get into. She may be too young - She's been quite spoiled to say the least (as have I). We are so incredibly blessed with a mother/mother in law/Gigi. I wouldn't have enough time or space to list all the reasons why. Throughout the life of the blog, you will come to find out many of them; it's inevitable. She's a major part of the positive aspects of our life. One of the biggest blessings we have is that Gigi takes care of our two baby girls. It's not like she doesn't have anything else to do. She chooses them - It's simply amazing. She's been there from the very first day. I don't worry. I don't think. I have great peace. And, anyone who knows me knows that doesn't come easy. It's not my nature. It never has been. As I left the house this morning, a part of me felt excited for the new adventures Elliott would experience. The other part of me left anxious, nervous and a tad bit sad at the times Ellie will miss with her Gigi. There's an extreme comfort having someone who knows my girls inside and out be there to witness all the things I miss. I've always been so grateful for this amazing woman, but today magnified just one of the reasons that I am forever blessed.
Happy or a little sad, laughing and maybe a little crying, we had a pretty eventful day. God has given me an amazing family. They're my support system. Every single one of them. God has been good to me.

Demarcus Ware? A couple of doors down...that's where!

It's that time of the year. The time of the year that I absolutely love. It's football season and I love every minute. Eddie and I were fortunate enough to travel to San Antonio for Dallas Cowboys training camp this year. Oh my goodness...talking about my own personal heaven.
We stayed at the Hyatt, which was where the team was staying during camp. As we were unlocking the door to our room for the first time, we turned to see Demarcus Ware a couple of doors down. Seriously?!? So, we knew right then, that this was going to be a memorable trip. We went out to dinner on the Riverwalk and had a great time together. San Antonio is where we got engaged, so it's always special for us to be there. The next morning, we got up bright and early to head to camp. Decked out in our cowboys gear, we enter the elevator. And lo and behold, guess who gets in? Yes, Demarcus Ware. Ahhhh! With Eddie standing shoulder to shoulder with him and me with this ridiculously goofy grin that I couldn't erase, we just stood and stared. Should we have said something? Maybe, but we both agreed, we could have gone home right then and been satisfied. We received front row seat passes and had a fabulous time watching practice. We named each player as they ran out. We watched their every move. We even heard Roy Williams sing "Don't Take the Girl." We got Sam Hurd's autograph. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I am so happy that I was able to share it with my husband. Here's to a great year...

The Ultimate Big Cousin!

I've been promising my nephew for months that when baseball season was over, he can come and stay with us. All summer, his sister has gotten to stay and go swimming and all the other "fun" stuff that Isaak was missing out on. He's a very talented baseball player and if you know anything about my family, you know that baseball is something we have never lived without. He absolutely loves playing...it's so funny, but sad at the same time, to see him get so invested in his games. He reminds me of someone else I know. ;)
So, a couple of weeks ago, Iso came to stay and we had a blast! He and Eddie were Wii buddies - Mario Kart until their eyes crossed! Isaak even taught Ed a few things. We swam, went to the jump house, he and Ed played golf and he and E had their own little slumber party! It's been the only 2 nights she's stayed in her own bed in a long while.
Isaak has a heart of gold. As the oldest of the bunch, he has taken to his role with perfection. He's a professional older cousin, loving E and B as much as humanly possible. He plays with E as if she is the most fun girl he's ever met. He's her protector. He loves to hold B and make her laugh. I swear he got more excited than we did when she started walking. He is seriously one of the funniest kids I know. His wittiness rivals Eddie's. He's a jokester. He's ridiculously athletic - and you know, I love that! He's my little guy. Words can't explain how much he means to me. I love watching him grow and learn more and more. Oh, and did I mention how smart he is? I'm telling you...he's the entire package. Isaak Maurice...your aunt loves you so much!

And she's off...

A couple of weeks ago, Miss Beckett's Uncle Tony witnessed her very first steps. I'm pretty sure his exact words were, "Uh, your daughter just took three steps." Ever since, she's been on the move. She is so brave; she thinks she can full on walk! It's such a difference from her timid older sister. She wants to go so bad! And she tries, wearing a smile the size of her face!
Here she is 8 days shy of 9 months...

Baby girl, stop growing up so fast!!!

Payback is ....

We're in trouble. My mom and dad have to be enjoying this just a bit, even if they don't admit it. Our little 2 year old blessing seems to have developed a mind of her own. Yes, we're in for it.

Yesterday, I was brushing Elliott's hair, getting her ready for a trip to Cleburne. She despises anything to do with her hair. Brushing it, washing it, braiding it...you name it; she hates it. As I began the ponytail, our conversation went like this...

"Stop it, Mommy."
"Elliott, you do not tell Mommy to stop it."
Very matter of factly, I hear...
"Stop it, Anna."

Huh. Payback? I think maybe so.