34 Spankings for 34 Years

Oh, the pleasure Claire & Nolan derived from this...

Vacay Love

Daisy Girl

So Much...

So much to say, where do I begin?? Lots to share, so I'll go back a little. (I had hoped to have photos to go along with my stories, but camera isn't cooperating right now.)

I mentioned in an earlier post that Claire made the All-Star team for 6-year old girls. Her regular season team took 1st place and went undefeated for the season. After lots and lots of practice (they practiced a lot, did I mention that?) the All-Star won their first game, 27-24. After 2 nights off, they lost a tough game to a killer team (did I really just say that about 6 year old girls?). They lost again the next night, but took 3rd place and won the tournament Sportsmanship Award. The team played great, and although Claire was sad when they finally lost ("I just love to play, mom!") it was a fun experience. Kelly served as an official coach for the Pink Tigers (their non-official name) and said he was more nervous than he had ever been for a game before.

Claire also turned 7 on June 29th! We celebrated with a party at the movie theatre where we had cake and watched Wall-E with 8 friends. Hannah Montana and American Girl were among the favorite gifts, not to mention purses, movies and even a digital camera from Gramma.

Claire is a wonderful girl - so loving & giving, funny, smart and beautiful. I'm a bit biased, but I'd say she's turning out pretty well. I'm so proud of her!! She's a great friend to me, too.

We enjoyed a fabulous, long holiday weekend for the 4th. Friends joined us dinner and we took in spectacular fireworks here in Natchitoches. Nolan thought they were "sweet!" and Claire said that the 4th of July in Louisiana was "the best!".

And then there's Saturday. What happened Saturday, you ask? Daisy happened.

The Spann family officially increased by one when we adopted Daisy, a beagle-terrier mix. She's 6 months old, sweet and has lots of energy. She's definitely still a puppy, and we have the joy of training her. I was the one to push the dog issue. I wasn't up for a puppy, I wanted an older dog, but when I saw Daisy, I just knew. She's a great addition, especially since...

I'm home alone for almost 2 weeks!!

Kelly, Claire & Nolan left yesterday afternoon for New Orleans. Kelly is coaching at a baseball camp at Tulane University and the kids went along as campers. They'll stay the week until they leave on Friday to visit Kelly's family in the Florida panhandle. It's about halfway to New Orleans, so Kelly figured they'd keep going east a bit and make it a vacation. I miss them terribly, but didn't join them because I'm taking my own vacation shortly after they return.

My mom, sister & I are taking a "mom vacay" to Orlando, where we'll cruise to the Bahamas. I am so excited!! And I don't feel even a bit guilty (yet!). I've never been alone for that long (not ever!). I'm definitely an extrovert and get energized by being with people... but Daisy is doing a good job at keeping me company.

Okay, so it's back to work. I'm determined to get my camera up and running to share photos of the many exciting events happening around here lately. Until then - Adios!!

Young At Heart

On Wednesday I turned 31. I am no longer thirty, instead I am 'in my thirties'. This is very different, people. But I figure with all that I do to stay young, I'm really going back in years. So, really I turned 29. What?! Read On:

Last week I took mornings off to volunteer with VBS at our church. I had the opportunity to share "God's Unshakable Truth" with 18 wild & wonderful 3rd graders. It was a long week, as I worked late everyday to make up some hours, but it was worth it. That takes off a few months right there, at least.

This last weekend I attended a retreat for the Student Government Association at Northwestern. My job works very closely with students of different organizations, with SGA keeping me very busy. It was fun weekend & fully participated with the group in team building, low ropes, the whole bit. I even earned a nickname.

And each day I spend my time with college students from all walks of life. They are good to me, but definitely keep me young. I was spoiled on Wednesday with gifts, food, flowers & cards. I enjoyed a wonderful meal and received lovely gifts from my family. Claire schooled me in Yahtzee and I enjoyed every minute of it. I am LOVED.

And young at heart, no matter my age.

Summer Lovin'

Or Lovin' Summer, whichever way you like, it's definitely summer 'round here!

We're settling into out new home, which the kids call the "house in the woods" which is pretty accurate. We've been visited by lizards, squirrels, rabbits and every manner of insect you can imagine.

Kelly is in full stay-at-home dad mode. He's great at it, though we'd both be thrilled to switch roles. We're thankful for how everything has worked out this year and have truly seen God's hand in all that we embark upon.

Claire had her last softball game of the season on Tuesday, taking home a 1st place trophy. Early on in the season, when the team won games, we tried to emphasise that it wasn't a big deal... we didn't want losing to be a big deal either. Well, when they ended up with an undefeated season, we didn't have much opportunity to learn about being a good loser. And just when we thought it was over, I got a call last night informing me that Claire had been chosen for the All-Star team. She's thrilled, especially since she knows that they'll be in a tournament and are playing other cities. It also means that we have tree weeks of practice and games will be played in 100+ degrees. Summer in Louisiana, gotta love it!

Saturday is our 11th Wedding Anniversary. We'll actually be spending it together this year (last year he was in Kansas City & I in Minnesota). We're hiring a babysitter & everything... a very big deal!

We also have birthday partys, softball camps, and VBS starting next week. Like I said... Summer Lovin'!

Picture Day

A while back, one of my student workers who is a photography minor, took some photos of Claire & Nolan for an assignment. Above are a few of the results. Definitely an A, don'tcha think?