I've always written birthday letters to the kids, so when a priest friend of ours suggested I write myself one last year, I did. And I loved it. So here we go again... With every passing year, I'm more grateful for all the little moments. Perhaps it's because the preciousness of life becomes more acute and I become more aware. Either way, through all the good and the bad, I sought gratitude. We have a sign in our office that reads: "A grateful heart silences a complaining voice." I'd like to tell you I always do that, but let's be real. I'm a sassy southerner and sometimes the words come out before I can reel them back in. Let's just say I'm learning how to apologize and curb my … [Read more...]
Mr. Whitaker Celebrates a Birthday
My main squeeze celebrates his birthday today. As much as I want to throw him a HUGE bash, he's all, "Let's just do dinner as a family." One of these years I'm going to surprise him. When we first met 24 years ago, he was this hunk of cute. Of course, I did meet him before he put on those yell leader whites. Blue eyes, self-confident and dressed in military uniform. Alex, I'll take YES for $1,000. Fast forward all those years and he is still my biggest cheer yell leader. He's also my business' chairman of the board, my equal partner in life, my let's-stay-up-late-and-watch-netflix date, my honey-do man, my God-fearing, Aggie-loving man, and, quite simply, the greatest thing that … [Read more...]
The 10-Year-Old Trip to Disney: Part One
When our children turn ten, we treat them to a 10-year-old trip. To catch up on the full story with Clare, check out part one, part two, part three, part four and part five. And, if you want to follow our escapade on Instagram, just search the hashtag #clarecelebrates10atdisney The 10-year-old trip is legendary at our house. It’s more than a milestone, or counting your age on two full hands. It’s an adventure. Because we have six children, uninterrupted one-on-one time with them is precious. We don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing, this sharing with other siblings gig, but we do think a trip with just one is worth saving our pennies. And so we do whatever necessary to make it … [Read more...]
Numero Tres, Happy Birthday Gianna!
I had big plans to get this published this morning and, well, life. We had a beautiful day of celebrating with family and the party continues tomorrow as we host a joint confirmation/birthday party. You know us, there will be hard liquor, sweet tea, lots of good food and sweets. It's how we sacrament. If you're the nostalgic kind, then I'm pretty sure you'll love this. Oh, and remember this? I'm sorry. I'll stop. That's enough rabbit hole for tonight. Birthday letter, coming at ya. Dear Gianna, Or, should I say Gigi/Geejers/G-Money/Geejer McGeejerson? So many nicknames. So much love. When all your siblings can't stand the sight of one another, they always love seeing you. … [Read more...]
Clare, The Resident Ray of Sunshine, Turns Nine!
It's birthday letter time! Enjoy. Dear Clare, Where do I even begin? When we say you are the house ray of sunshine, we mean it. Our house is littered with signs of your loving heart. On any given day we can find you in the office, busily crafting away, making love notes and projects for your family and friends. Dad and I are usually the major beneficiaries and my nightstand proves it. Just this week you made more than a dozen tissue paper flowers and passed them out to your friends at your birthday party. Please do your mama one favor: never lose that generous heart of yours. You also happen to be a hoarder. Each summer when you go off to camp and dad and I clean your room, I am … [Read more...]
