It's a Wonderful Life

This past weekend we enjoyed Jake's high school theatre production of It's a Wonderful Life. It was great and we always enjoy the shows! It was quite fitting that my brother and niece were here as well.  Spending a few days with Wade before he left to return to Afghanistan truly reminded me that life is precious and wonderful! 

I dropped him off at the airport and sobbed. Almost as bad as when I dropped my kids off at kindergarten! The older I get the more emotional I become. Maybe getting older makes you realize how important things are and provides a new perspective on this crazy thing we call Life!

A Wonderful Weekend in a Wonderful Life'

A star is born

A few weekends ago, as we gathered at our house for hotdogs and LSU football, someone special decided to join us! Jake Worthington! THE Jake Worthington! Don't know who he is? He's a local kid who made his debut on The Voice, mentored by Blake Shelton.  He was the 1st runner up! I love to hear him sing! He sounds like old country, we need new artists who love old country! 

He's a God fearing, good country boy, who loves his family and friends. He's down to earth and the sweetest kid! One day, when his name is known by every person in America, I will smile and say "He ate at my kitchen table"!

Korczak's Children

Jake was recently cast the lead role in his high school's fall play, Korczak's Children. The play was based on the life of a real man, Janus Korczak, during the holocost. Dr. Korczak ran an orphanage.  His children were his world. Thè kids went on a field trip to the holocost museum in Houston, to help them portray their characters. This story was heartbreaking, and honestly, very hard to watch. I was so impressed that the kids were able to pull off such a dramatic play, especially Jake. The orphanage was moved to the ghetto when the Germans invaded. Eventually, the orphanage was taken over by the nazis and Korczak and his children were sent to a concentration camp to face a sure death.  Korczak was given the opportunity to change his identity and leave, but he knew he needed to stay with his children and try to keep them from being afraid, although he knew their destiny.  I saw all 4 productions, and cried at them all.  The story in itself was enough to provoke tears, but to see my son cry on stage, taking his role to heart, was almost more than I could bare. Days later, I still tear up thinking about it. Here's a few pictures.

I hope my child truly never experiences the pain he felt while assuming the role of Dr. Janus Korczak. 

Sometimes it really sucks being a Boy Mom

My son.  From the minute he was born I was the #1 girl in his life. I fed him, swaddled him, rocked him. I was there when he took his first step, to catch him if he fell.  I was there for every sickness, every boo boo, every scrape on his tiny little knees.  I was there to hug him, reassure him, guide him, LOVE him, every minute, everyday.  I was the one he came to when he was hungry, sick, sad, and even happy! I was his #1 girl! I was there for every hardship, disappointment and every heartache.  I was there to help him succeed, console him when he failed, and encourage him to move on. He always came to me with every problem, every want, every need.  I was always his biggest fan.

Then, one day, a new girl came along.  She was his new #1.  I was quickly pushed into 2nd place.  I always knew that day would come, but I hadn't really prepared myself for it.  Does anyone?  I am no longer the person he comes to first.  I see him for brief moments, but can tell she's on his mind. I wash his clothes and wish I could see him in these clothes for more than a minute when he's heading out the door.  Heading out to be with her. I smell his clothes as I fold them fresh out of the dryer. They smell like him, my heart longs for my little boy. I often go to his room, sit on the edge of his bed and reminisce of days gone by.  I am so proud of the man he has become, but secretly wish he was still my little boy. My little boy comes with the assurance that I'm still his #1. 

Somehow, I find a way to accept being his #2. I don't like it. I'm jealous of the time he spends with her. I pray that she will love my son the way I do. I pray that she will hold his heart close and consider it fragile. I pray that she will bring out the best in my son, but love him regardless. Love him when he's unlovable. Love him when he's weak. Love him no matter what, love him the way I do.

Then one day, he figures out that perhaps she is not #1.  He comes back to me and we resume life with me being his #1.  Of course I'm always here with open arms. Ready and willing to resume my place in his life. All is right in my world once again. 

That is, until the new #1 comes into his life.  One day the right one will be the last one and I will permanently lose my #1 status.  Until then, I will love and cherish every moment I have with my son.  And when the last #1 comes into his life, maybe it will be easier to let him go.  Perhaps then I won't think of her as his new #1.  I hope she will be like the daughter I never had. I hope she will guard his heart and make him happy. I hope she will see all the love he has to give, and she will be strong where he is weak.  I hope she will respect his relationship with me, and learn to love me as well.

But, until then, I will continue to play the fip flop game of being 1st or 2nd. 

Oh, and if by chance he ever has a daughter, I'll gladly slide into 3rd position!

A 3 Day Get-a-way

Brian and I made a quick trip to Alexandria, La to visit with his mom, sisters and niece. We decided at the last minute to leave a day early and visit Coushatta. We are not the gambling type, but an extra night away together was enticing! Because we made the last minute decision, the nicer hotels were booked.  We booked a room at Quality Inn, which is part of the Choice Hotels that Brian has points with from corporate travel.  Now, I'm really not that picky, as long as the room is clean and safe.  Neither one of those were the problem. Upon arrival at 3:00 pm, the room's air conditioner was turned off.  I kid you not, it was a 100 degrees in the room.  I promptly called the front desk and was told all rooms have a/c off.  What? I've never, ever stayed in a hotel where the a/c was turned off in the middle of the summer! I was not a happy camper! I need, and I mean just that, NEED a cool room!  We left for the dinner buffet at Coushatta, which was another disappointment! It was good, but not $30 each good.  No seafood! No seafood in Louisiana? I don't get seafood often as Brian is allergic to seafood, so no seafood on top of a hot hotel room, made me pout! We played the slots for a while, didn't win, but didn't lose much either.  I was amazed watching the amounts of money being blown! No thank you, Brian works too hard for our money!  We returned to a still hot room! It eventually cooled off, around 1 am. Finally sleep? Not! Every 30 minutes a train went by! Oh, my, already wishing I were home!

So, we load up after no sleep and head on to Alexandria. Our next hotel is the Comfort Inn, one we had stayed at in the past.  We open the door to our room and fridgid air slaps us in the face! YES! Yes, yes! I'm finally a happy girl! We ate the best pizza in the world, BJs, always a must when we visit!

We had a great visit with the family! Relaxing and nice! Granny loved Brian's IPad!  Who would have thunk? We didn't have to watch Fox news the whole time we were there!

I visited the Funky Fleur de Lis, (can't go to Alexandria without browsing this store)! Except I did more than browse, oooops, just had to have some things!

It's so nice for us to be able to get a way for a few days now that the kids are self sufficient! Sometimes taking a break from everyday routines is just what we need! Of course after 3 nights away I missed the boys and Marlee! Always good to be back home!

Colorado, youth group style!

The spirit of man is the candle of The Lord. Proverbs 20:27

Jake had a fabulous time with the youth group on their travels to Southfork, CO.  They spent two days getting there and two days getting home, but had much fun along the way!  

The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX

Blue hole in New Mexico! Water was 60 degrees!

White water rafting in Colorado.

Beautiful country!

I'm happy he had such a great time, but glad he is home!

A Dance to Remember

We had the pleasure of witnessing a beautiful wedding this past weekend. Tyler was one of the groomsmen. He looked sharp and handsome in his tux! During the ceremony, I found my mind imagining his wedding one day all while my youngest son sat next to me holding my hand. I am the luckiest Mom in the world!

I also experienced sharing my first dance with my sons! Jake's first dance ever, and it was with me! I don't even recall the song, just how sweet it was and how he smiled at me and said "I love you, mom".  It felt as if no one else was there, just me teaching my son how to dance.  My dance with Tyler was to Garth Brooks singing "Unconditional".  A flood of emotions all at one time! I once again imagined his wedding one day and us dancing the Groom/Mother dance. He was so strong and took charge! The song was perfect! Unconditional, yes that's how I love my sons! Beautiful dances I will always remember!

We had a great time and hope the newly weds will have a lifetime full of love!

All about Dad!

Happy Father's Day Brian! Our boys are really blessed to have you as their Dad! You are always there for them, stern when needed, sympathetic when needed, and there's nothing you would rather do than spend time with them! You have taught them what it means to be a great husband and father! They are so lucky to have such a role model in their life! We love you!

Mama has the baby boy blues!

Whoa! Hold on! Wait! What? Jake just finished his freshman year in high school.  He ended the year with all A's and tested academically advanced.  He started driving school the first Monday school was out.  He's a great driver and I know he will be safe!  I can't believe in 6 months he will have his license and I will have to let him go out on his own! My sweet baby boy is growing up with every blink of the eye! I love you Jacob Walker Rhone!

All good things must come to an end

I decided earlier this year to leave my position at Creative Corners.  After 11 years, it was a tough decision, but I felt it was time to go.  Time to rest, relax, travel with Brian on business trips, and whatever else God leads me to do! I left the corporate world right before Jake was born and began teaching when he was 4.  I will miss the children, but have offered to substitute when needed.  I will especially miss the ladies I worked with, but those friendships will go on! The "J" group (as we called ourselves) will be no more.  Jodi, Julie, Jenn, and Juanita!  Here's a few pictures from our annual celebration of the end of the school! We have deemed the 3rd Friday in May our reunion party for years to come! Change is hard for me, but I think this change was for the best, for my health, and 100's of other reasons. I will miss you girls!

Mother's Day Weekend 2014

Mother's Day weekend in Louisiana at my brother Welby's house.  All of the cousins were there except our Jake.  Wish I (and Jake) could have gone! The occasion was to celebrate Staci's graduation from nurse practitioner school!  We now have a PA in the family! Pictured L to R, top row, Emily Major, Sabrina Walker, Hailey McKay, Ross Guidry, Tyler Rhone, next row, Hannah McKay, Alison Guidry Lindsey, Wendi Major, Ross Walker, next row, Piper Major, Kai Major, Zeph a Major, bottom, Staci Guidry Pitarro, and Sophia Pitarro.

23!

Our first born turned 23 on 4/30! I cannot believe he's that old! Seems like yesterday he was just a small child! He has grown into such a handsome, compassionate man and we are very proud of him! He's finishing up college and will make a great teacher and coach! He loves to workout, spend time with us and his friends. I love you Tyler, my baby you will always be!

My Brothers

There’s no other love like the love for a brother. There’s no other love like the love from a brother. ~Terri Guillemets

In honor of National Sibling Day in April! I love my brothers! Wade, Wes, & Welby

Roll out the red carpet!

I had the pleasure of accompanying Brian on a business trip in March! Los Angeles, Hollywood, and several pacific coast beaches! It was so nice to get away with him and spend some much needed time together! I was totally relaxed, and other than missing my boys, I wanted to stay longer.  We often get caught up living our lives, being parents, and 1 million other things that we forget to make time to remember why we fell in love in the first place!

A sure sign that God isn't discouraged with us yet ~ Spring

I love Spring! I love seeing the trees bud, the grass coming in, and the flowers blooming! Spring brings freshness and hope to the world! A few pictures of my yard welcoming Spring!