The first day of 8th grade & year 24 hit a little different this year. I'm not sure if it's because this is the last year before high school or what, but man it was hard! I mean look at her! She is such a beautiful young lady - inside and out! We couldn't be prouder of her! Here's to the best year yet!
This year all the school districts in Region 12 attended one big back-to-school convocation at Baylor's Foster Pavilion. I was so fortunate to be recognized by Baylor in front of 5,000 other educators for the Culture of Joy Award. They surprised me last June with videos from 4 former students about the impact I had made on them while they were in my classroom and beyond. I'm not sure if there is a bigger "thank you" for teachers than hearing from former students that are thriving. Although I am completely honored, I don't think anyone really needs to see their face on a jumbotron!
Marley and I got to end our summer in the greates way ever - with 35,000 other people praising Jesus! We went to our 2nd Forrest Frank concert, The Jesus Generation Tour, in Arlington, Texas for our last weekend before school started. We had the best time eating great food at Pappadeux's and praising Jesus! It was a memory of a lifetime with my girl and a time together I will forever cherish!
I love that Marley loves the Lord with all her heart and that we have an amazing church, with an amazing youth program that helps her faith grow. This year they went to Camp Cho Yeh - Boxwoods on Lake Livingston. She had a blast! The cabins were converted shipping containers right along a gorgeous lake!
We meet at 21 years old. How can we now have been married just as long? I cannot imagine spending a day without Adam, or our most amazing gift, Marley. We chose to spend today together as a family eating a "fancy" meal at the Butcher's Cellar together. Even the most "normal" of days with these 2 is a true blessing.
It's been 35 years since Shannon's passing. It's a day that none of us will forget and has forever impacted some of our most formative years. It opened ours eyes to the fact that we weren't invincible teenagers like we thought. Life can change in a moment. We don't know how long we have to live on this earth, therefore we must make the most of every moment. I could only wish to leave the kind of impact Shannon left in only 15 short years.
For the 5th year Marley got to attend Pine Cove Camps! It is one of her favorite weeks of the year for sure! This year was her first year at Pine Cove Timbers. It was an absolutely breathtaking campus.
Adam and I are both in awe of the way she walks in, knowing no one, and makes life-long friends without skipping a beat. She thrives in new environments and this makes my heart so happy!
She made new friends, had a fantastic counselor, Aubie, and even tried zip-lining and the banana boat! She's already ready for next year!
