Night to Shine 2026

Camden and I had the honor of volunteering again this year for one of our favorite philanthropies, Night to Shine. It is such a joy being able to serve our special needs community, seeing them all dressed up and being treated like the kings and queens they are.

Some of the YMSL moms

Camden with his YMSL buddies

Camden served on the red carpet again this year, while I served food inside the sanctuary where the prom was being held. It was so fun to watch all the guests dance the night away.

Landon and Camden

Camden and his YMSL classmates

I absolutely loved being able to see some of my previous Hamilton Middle School students. They will always hold such a special place in my heart. 

The celebration of the 
kings and queens of the night.

First and Lasts

Since Camden obtained his driver's permit a year ago, I have been having him drive as often as I can to ensure he has driven in all different types of scenarios and is ready to be driving on his own. Saturday, we headed over to Champions Driving School so he could take his driving test where he passed with flying colors. 

Today, after he got out of school, we headed to the DMV for him to obtain his actual driver's license. He was so dang excited! I, on the other hand, have such mixed emotions. While it is always fun to watch your children hit the big milestones, it also comes with a bit of sadness knowing they are that much closer to gaining their independence. Our drives to and from soccer practice where I could catch up on what was going on will no longer happen and I just don't think I am truly ready for it. 

Casen had his last basketball game of the season, so I had Camden drop me off at the junior high and then he headed home, on his own . . .

Casen's last basketball game was against their rivals, Grand Lakes Junior High, who was undefeated. Casen has been team mates in one sport or another with several of the boys on their team, so the competitive spirit was at an all time high. Going into half, Casen's team was up, however they unfortunately ended up losing. So hard to believe that his basketball career has now come to a close.

I love his supportive classmates!

So proud of Casen for a great season!

This morning, unbeknownst to Camden, I did grab a few pics of him as he headed off to school on his own. No more riding the big yellow dog for him! 

While I don't plan on being a stalker, I am grateful for Life360 just so I can check in on him to ensure he makes it to his destination safely. 

While it is a natural part of life, it is hard to see some chapters close while others are opening. It is just another reminder to enjoy every little moment, because time is fleeting.

Happy 16th Birthday Camden!

Today is the day Camden has been looking forward to for several years. . . his 16th birthday. Being the responsible individual he is, he decided not to take his driving test today, so as not to miss school, and instead will be taking his driving test Saturday and then we will head to the DPS on Monday to get his license. But, that didn't stop us from celebrating him today.

For the past year, Camden has been very vocal on what car he did or did not want to drive (like he really had a choice). :)  I considered buying myself a new car and giving him mine, to which he told me he did not want to drive my mom car (a Ford Explorer). That didn't bother me, because I really was not ready to give up my car yet. I knew we would not be purchasing him a brand new car, however I did want to get him something somewhat newer, low mileage and reliable, that could get him through college. After looking over the past year, it was evident that it was almost a better choice to buy a new car, due to lower interest rates and the minimal price difference between a new and used car of the same model. One day in October, my mom called and told me they were purchasing a new vehicle and asked if we wanted to buy theirs for a reasonable price. Knowing that my dad takes great care of his vehicles, we decided to go for it, with the plan to get Camden something different when he heads off to college. When we told Camden of this decision, we lovingly referred to his new vehicle as the Mystery Machine.

Camden was not overly thrilled with our decision since their vehicle is a GMC Acadia, which is also an SUV, but he was grateful he was getting a vehicle. Despite their vehicle having a few bells and whistles that mine does not have, he changed his tune about my car and asked if he could have mine and I drive my parents. Ha - I told him that shipped sailed when he was so adamant about not wanting my car. LOL. He will learn! He is lucky because I am almost got him a Mystery Machine lunch box for his birthday.

Camden and his (new to him) vehicle

Lucky boy received everything he had on his birthday list.

He needed a new keychain for 
his car key

A new wallet to carry his driver's license

New cologne

He wanted these cleats and fortunately
I purchased them they day they came out
because they sold out fast!

Money!!

For his cake, he requested his favorite, Mississippi Mud Cake. Yummy!!!!

Me and my 16 year old!

I am so very grateful for the past 16 years with Camden. I know all mom's say this about their kids, but he truly is a great kid. He is extremely thoughtful, serves others well, a great student, respectful, loves Jesus and his momma (just to name a few great things about him).

I can't wait to watch his future unfold. 

Lots of Games

Between soccer, basketball and baseball, we have been attending a lot of games, and I LOVE it. I must say, this time of year, I am enjoying that basketball is an indoor sport. But, I can't get too used to that because this is the last year Casen plans on playing basketball, so it will be nothing but outdoor sports. We have been sitting in some cold and sometimes rainy conditions watching Camden's soccer team. Honestly, I should have more pictures, but I am too busy sitting on my heated stadium seat under my all weather blanket, holding on to my rechargeable hand warmers. Anything I can do to combat the cold!

A nice win against Klein Forest

Casen's team had a GREAT win against one of their huge rivals, Tomball Junior High. Casen is such an aggressive player, and while he may not be the best shooter, he will fight for the ball, cause turnovers and plays with a lot of heart.

WWJH defeats Tomball JH.

Shawn and Melissa were able to 
watch a fun, intense game!

Tonight, Casen played in the first high school prep game of the year. It was fun seeing him back out on the ball field, and an added bonus was his team winning the game.

Winter Retreat 2026

This weekend we had our church youth group winter retreat. They always plan the retreat to coincide with MLK day, which works great so we have a day to recuperate. While Casen rode the bus with the youth group Friday evening, Camden had a soccer game, so we headed to Camp Cho-yeh on Lake Livingston after his teams win.

Shane and I did not attend last year, but they were in need of adult volunteers, so we both attended again this year. I stayed in the cabin with the 9th grade girls and one of my nurses (and friend), Melissa. Shane stayed in the cabin with the senior boys. It was a cold, but good weekend. I did not get too many pictures, as I was trying to let the boys be. 

Melissa R. and myself at the silent
disco. 

Camden with his friends Josh and Ryder

The whole group.

It was a tiring, but good weekend!