Flash that Beautiful Smile

Ever since he got his braces on in July of 2023, Camden has been looking forward to getting them off. Due to the snow storm we had a few months ago happening on a day he was supposed to have his appointment, he had to wait a little longer than anticipated. But, today was the day he finally got them off and was able to flash his beautiful smile. 

Last pic with braces

Instead of getting impressions for
a retainer, they now just take 3-D 
pictures and he will get his
retainer.

The removal

Picture time

My handsome boy!!

Camden is out of braces and Casen is almost ready to start them. At his dentist appointment in December, the dentist told Casen that he had two more teeth to lose and if he didn't do it by his next appointment in May, he would have to pull them. Fortunately, while we were in Kerrville this past weekend, he lost a loose tooth when it came out with a sneeze. LOL. Only Casen  . . . 

Final HS Soccer Games of the Season

We have spent the last weeks going to soccer games every Tuesday and Friday. After his knee dislocation, watching the games had been more stressful than ever. Any collision he has, which is often, has made me gasp and hold by breath. Fortunately, it got a little better as the season progressed. As much as he was not a fan of wearing his brace all season, his knee did behave itself. His team lost more games than they have won, but despite that, it has been fun watching him play for his school. 

Camden's buddy, Seth, has been taking pictures of the soccer players for money (smart side gig for him). Camden and Seth are church buddies and in YMSL together. Since Camden has helped Seth with geometry, he shared some pictures with Camden that he had taken. Camden says they are fire! :)

Melissa and Shawn were able to come to cheer him on at one of his games in Klein.

Final game of the season.

Happy 5th Birthday Nina

Our sweet baby girl turned 5 yesterday. She had a hair appointment on Thursday so that she would be beautiful for her big day. We have absolutely enjoyed every single day she has been in our family!!

Today, while Casen and I were in Waller for baseball, we headed to Buc-ee's between games for some lunch. While there, we ran into Reveille, the First Lady of Aggieland. While Casen in not a fan of A&M (most likely because his brother his) we decided we MUST take a picture and send it to Camden. 

Reveille's handler that day was Tony (according to what I could find on her Instagram page) as well as another student and they both were so very kind. Not only did they take one picture, they took several  to ensure we were all looking at the camera. Reveille was so very sweet!!! 

Permitted Driver

During Christmas Break, Camden took drivers education online through Aceable. He was only required to finish the first 6 hours of the 24 hour online course before obtaining his driver's permit, however since he was off from school and had time, he went ahead and completed the whole course. Today was the day that he was able to obtain his actual permit. So, right after school, we took ALL the required paperwork and headed to the DPS for him to obtain his permit.

For this course, over the next year, he will be required to spend 44 hours in the car learning and practicing. They divide those hours into 7 hours in-car observation time, 7 hours behind-the-wheel instruction time and 30 hours behind-the wheel. Of course, I will work to have him behind the wheel as much as I can so that he can have as much practice as possible before we let him loose when he turns 16. At this point, it will just be he and I practicing since he has zero desire to drive with his dad (who is rather feisty when he drives). Shane has little patience, so just as much as Camden doesn't want to drive with him, he doesn't want to drive with Camden. Wish us luck!

Night to Shine 2025

Tonight Camden and I again volunteered for Night to Shine. Camden arrived a bit late as he had a soccer game prior, so I unfortunately did not get a great picture with him. He again served on the red carpet, while I served as a gatekeeper, ensuring that individuals who were not supposed to be around the 290 guests stayed in their respective areas. I was able to serve along three wonderful friends, all of whom I worked with while at Hamilton MS. As in the past, it was such a joy serving at Night to Shine.

Me, Gail, Mary and Stacey

Me, Matt and Mary

Me and my boy

While Camden and I served at Night to Shine, Casen had his first high school prep baseball game. It is rather surreal to see him in Tomball Memorial High School gear since it will be a year and a half before he heads to high school. He had a great time playing ball with his school friends. 

Final Game of the Season

Tonight marked the final game of Casen's 7th grade basketball season. It has been fun watching he and his team mates play. While they won some and lost some, he was a great contribution to the team. It really has been fun watching him progress as a player and a teammate. Tonight they played against Grand Lakes Junior High (who is ranked first in the district) where some of his previous baseball and flag football teammates play. 

Defending Bryson

After Casen came out from playing, Coach Blackwood took Casen by the shoulders and talked to him for a bit. You could see Coach's passion from the stands and at one point during the conversation he was pointing to Casen's chest. Shane looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, he is talking to Casen about how he plays with heart. After the game, Coach came over to Shane and I as Casen was gathering his belongings and told us what a great kid Casen is and that what he has, you just can't teach and thanked us for being great parents. Wow!!! On our way home, we asked Casen what Coach said to him and he told us that Coach told him that he he played with heart, always leaving everything on the court and that is something you can teach, it is something within. Definitely a proud parent moment!

While he may be done with school sports this school year, we are looking forward to his spring baseball season.

Sports Filled Weekend and Birthday Celebration

The boys had quite a few sporting events this weekend, in addition to it being Camden's birthday weekend, so Nana and Poppa decided to take advantage of everything going on and enjoyed a long weekend with us. It began Thursday with Casen having a basketball game. They had a pep rally at his school to celebrate and fortunately, one of my friends whose daughter is a cheerleader, snapped some pics for me. I honestly had no idea parents could show up for the pep rally or I would have been there in person. 

The boys played their rival, Tomball Junior High, again however this time they did not come out on top. :( 

Basket made!

Friday evening, we headed to Camden's soccer game, which they were playing against Tomball High School at Tomball ISD Stadium. Playing under the big lights! :)

Camden's cheering section.

Camden had a showcase this weekend, so we were able to enjoy some beautiful weather while watching our favorite soccer player. On Saturday, his team was beating the other team pretty good, so his coach asked him if he wanted to play up. He gladly took the opportunity and ended up scoring a goal!! So fun to see since seldom do defenders normally score!

GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL!!!

After his game on Sunday, we headed back home to celebrate his birthday before Nana and Poppa left. Since he had a high school game scheduled on his birthday as well as a big test the day after, he talked us in to celebrating early. I am sure being able to open presents early had nothing to do with his request. LOL! 

I am so dang proud of Camden - he works hard in school as well as in soccer (both school and club). He has a goal and stays focused while also having fun. He loves playing video games on his self built computer, however is responsible enough to know that work comes before play, which earned him straight A's first semester. I am so grateful to be his mom and look forward to what this next year brings.

Mississippi mud cake for the win!

Of course I had to grab a picture tonight after his game since it is his actual birthday. 

Happy 15th Birthday Camden!!