She amazes me...

Several weeks ago, my Doodlebug went for an interview in front of a panel of eight adults with numerous titles and abbreviations behind their names.  Her fifteen minute time slot was nothing but question after question and conversations ranging from her time spent with her dad working on her old Ford truck to role models that have motivated her to athletic abilities and much more.  I don't know about you, but not many adults, let alone high school kiddos, go through experiences such as this.  The interview was with our district Congressman's office for nomination to the United States Air Force Academy.

Tonight, she arrived home a few minutes before I did to find an envelope from the Congressman's office.  She greeted me at the door, stunned and with a few tears saying, "I got it! I really did it. I actually really did it."  Not sure why she was stunned because her dad and I have known for over 17 years that she is amazing.  Now this panel of eight folks are saying it too!

For those don't know (like me before I entered a family rich with Air Force history), one cannot attend any of the military academies without first being appointed by either a United States Congressman, the Vice-President of the United States, or the President of the United States.  Once appointed, the academies have to also accept the appointee.  This is a big deal guys!

Now, I know I'm the momma, but I am so incredibly excited for her.  Not because she is a step closer so something amazing, but simply because other people are confirming for her what I have been telling her all along - that she is an awesome human being! Sure do love my Doodlebug!

Nutter Butter Ballerina

Tonight, our nutter butter ballerina danced in her very first version of The Nutcracker.  She was absolutely beautiful...

Since she was three years old, she has been wearing one size or another of these soft, pink leather ballet slippers.  While viewing ballerinas from the audience, one might think they are nothing but dainty; however, the up close and personal view speaks something altogether different!

I mean look at these shoes.  They look like they do because of the often 6+ hours of ballet a week that she commits.  They smell like they do because of the intensity of practice. Those wrinkles and creases and odors are there because of her dedication to something she loves. Never once when I have said, "It's time for ballet" has she whined or dropped her shoulders as a silent signal saying "Really, I'd rather not."  Nope, not ever.  It is part of who she is and it shows.

It shows as she flits around the house.  It shows when she leaps through the Target parking lot.  It shows as she twirls through the grocery aisles.  It shows in her ballerina posture.  And it absolutely, positively, most definitely shows when she is ever so gracefully performing on stage.  While I do love watching her dance, what I really love is watching her face as she dances.  I can just see it - I can see how much she loves it and that makes my heart so excited for her.  She is my nutter butter ballerina.  

Fall 2015 - In our driveway...

Spring Concert 2015

Winter Concert 2014

Peter and the Wolf

Winter Concert 2015 

Winter Concert 2013

Winter Concert 2013

Spring 2012

Spring Concert 2014

3rd Birthday
She received her first pair of ballet shoes and was enrolled in ballet classes.

The first of the lasts...

Just like that, it's over.

Last weekend, yes it's taken me over a week to work up the gumption to write this post, was the first of the many lasts to come to the Patterson family this year.  Our Doodlebug has played soccer since she was four years old.  We've traveled near and far.  We've watch in blazing heat with sweat pouring. We've cheered through chattering teeth while wrapped in sleeping bags.  We've cried and laughed.  We've visited several urgent care facilities and had x-rays taken. Medals have been won and lost. But really, it was so, so much more than soccer.

The lessons we've learned from club soccer....

Winning isn't everything but it sure feels doggone good when it happens.

Life gives really hard hip checks, but we get up and keep on playing.

Hugs from teammates make the good even better and the bad bearable.

We don't always agree with the authority figure, but they are the authority figure and sometimes we just need to accept that.

If you want to speak your mind, at times, you've got to be willing to accept life's little yellow and red cards.

Sometimes the best approach is a slow steady dribble and sometimes, we need a break-neck speed approach - knowing the difference is important.

Communication is critical.

Focusing on what's important is a must.

You're never too old for a cheering soccer tunnel!

I could go on and on...

I truly have no words to express what an incredible blessing I've experienced over the last 13 years watching this girlie on the field.  I would absolutely do it all over again.  I would drive the miles, endure the weather, listen to the after-game car talks, wipe the tears, cheer and occasionally chastise from the sidelines, soak the mud covered uniforms, sit through practices, encourage after defeats and celebrate the triumphs...

Last game girlies.

Most of these girls have spent the last 5+ years together.  So blessed to have such a wonderful team of girls and parents.

Her last goal in her last game of her club career!

I'm her biggest fan.  And that part will never be over.  I will go through this year of lasts alongside her - cheering. Because even through my tears, I see her exciting future and I know she's gonna do great things.  

And just like that, it begins!