Lolo's Blog

Where Have I Been?

2011-09-14T23:09:00.001-05:00

WOW! I have been MIA from my little bloggy for almost a month. Didn't mean too, just haven't had enough time lately! We have been busy bee's around here. I promise to get some good post up soon. I have several karate tournaments to tell you about, the fair, and an injury.

But all is well and we are all happy.

Until next time, God Bless.

First Day of Kindergarten 08.22.11

2011-08-22T23:11:00.015-05:00

Seriously! Where has the summer gone?! It has been over a month since I posted about our trip the US Open and I am not sure where that month went.

Whatever happened to it, it's gone, and today was the first day of school for our Mattie May. Oops! I forgot! She's just Mattie now! Anyway, it seems to me as if this is the child that should be starting school, not her daughter.

Last night we did well and got to bed at a decent hour, knowing we had to get Mattie up about 45 minutes earlier than what she is used to. Slept well and ready to get the day started.

Some where in this bed is a five year old ready to start school.

Still not sure where she is, but this is where I left her last night.

That kind of looks like a child snuggled up there!

There she is, under all that hair! Oh My!

I know a lot of people have special things they fix for breakfast for the first day of school, but I just leave it up to her. I was ready for just about everything, but all she wanted were chocolate muffins, a banana, and milk. Not the best breakfast ever, but what she wanted. I'll insist on a little better in the morning.

We finally got teeth brushed, clothes on, and all that hair tamed!

She is ready to go.

She choose this outfit, even the knee socks. This child loves knee socks!!

And those things are hard to find for those little legs!

She wanted dog ears!

So I did the best I could with the hair she had!

A pose for Grumpy and Mommie.

Posing at school for Mommie to take her picture.

One last picture with Mommie.

My two favorite girls in the world!

Miss Cagle, her teacher.

She found her locker and her desk and was ready to go.

She said she had a great day today, and she even had homework!

She loves having homework!

How long will that last.

As best we can tell,

the most exciting thing they did today was make gingerbread man

(and women)

cookies,

And they disappeared out of the oven just like in the book!

They looked all over the school campus and couldn't find them!

I took me awhile

(with a little help from my cousin)

to see what the teachers were doing.

Isn't that a cute way to teach these kids

their way around the new to them campus?!

I can't wait to see if they find those cookies tomorrow!

And this kid...

this is how she looked after a full day at school

and an afternoon at karate!

That poor white shirt may never be the same!

I hope all of you had a great first day of school. I know not all of you still have students at home, but in some way or another, we are all connected to someone starting school!

God Bless you all!

US Open Orlando 07-01 & 02-11

2011-07-18T10:53:00.002-05:00

Yes!

We went to Florida!
Again!
Just seven short months after we were there for the first time!

But this time was for fun of a different kind.
We (and I mean Mattie May, Frank, and I)
all competed in the US Open Karate World Championships!
Yes, Frank and I really did compete!
When we first started planning for this,
we were going for Mattie May to compete.
But Larry said he needed some more warm bodies on his team,
so just three short weeks before we left,
Frank and I started learning to break!
Most of Team Abilene traveled together,
in a 16 passenger van and
Don took his truck to pull the trailer
with all the breaking supplies on them.
HERE WE GO!

We followed the truck most of the way.

One of the longest stretches of the trip finally over!
I love my Texas home,
but it sure takes a long time to cross the border!We drove straight through the night all the way to Orlando.
Not any pictures of the night travel,
no flash on my iPhone!
The next morning the girls are still doing good.
They did very well traveling for such a long time!We finally made it to Orlando,
and we had to travel all the way to the Sunshine state
to see rain!
The skies opened up just as we pulled into Orlando
and we began to wonder if we would ever see the sun while we were there! After dinner together at Cici's,
we all went and checked into our rooms to get some
much needed rest.
Later that evening,
Frank and I took the girls in our room to
Downtown Disney.
We weren't going to make it to any of the parks this trip,
but we wanted them to have at least a taste of
Disney while we were there.

I fell in love with this fountain!
I want to do this in my back yard!

It didn't take long for Mattie May to find the
girl with the pixie dust!

I was still finding Pixie dust in her hair earlier this week!

Then we found the Lego store!

Wow! Recognize this guy?!
LOL

It amazes me what they do with Legos!

As we were walking around,
the girls found this little guy at
World of Disney.

I don't know about you,
but we love Stitch at our house,
and this one spits at you!
The kids loved it.

We ate supper at the
Earl of Sandwich.
It was really yummy
or I was just really hungry!
I wolfed mine down like I hadn't
eaten in a day or two!
Then we just walked around for awhile.

Mattie May found a place to play with
Mr. Potatohead for a bit,

and of course we had to find the child some ice cream,

and Lolo thought she deserved a little something special
for traveling so well the past two days.
And I'm a sucker for Tinker Belle!

I also couldn't let her leave the Disney area
without a pair of Independence Day Ears!

Waiting for our taxi.

Thursday was a day of work!
We found a place to keep the doodle bugs resting for a while,
even if we did have to use a table cloth as a blanket!

It was time to get that trailer unloaded,and start stacking everything in the building.
Larry and Don found some fans to start drying out all the bricks.
Love the rain, but it sure made for some extra work.

This is what it looked like as we first walked in,

but it didn't take long for us to fill our area!

We spent the rest of Thursday setting up and
getting everything ready for Friday.
Late that evening we had the little girls go through
their creative programs,
just run through,
no breaking.
Then it was off to get these kids fed
and into bed.
Friday was going to be a long day!

Back to Coronado Springs Resort at
7:30 Friday morning.
I don't have a lot of pictures of this day,
I just can't explain how busy
we were.

Frank giving Mattie May a pep talk before her Tiny Tots creative.

Now I have to do some explaining here. We (the adults) didn't read the rules quite right and thought that the Tiny Tots was a power division, so neither Mattie May or Rayven had a creative routine for this division. It took Don about two minutes to get our team together, tell them what break they would be holding for and run through it with Mattie May. So for something done on the fly, I must admit, I was very proud of her.

Tiny Tots Creative, Wood only

What can I say? Not bad to win 4Th place!

Don explaining to the girls what happened and
how proud we are of them for doing their best.
That's all we ever ask!

Then it was Frank's turn.
Mattie May giving some encouragement to Grumpy
before his first break.

Frank's first event was Power Side Kick Wood.
He had practiced for this,
oh,
let me think,

THE NIGHT BEFORE!
That's right! The first time he had ever tried this technique was
on Thursday night!
Getting set up

He really didn't want me to show this, but when have I ever listened to what he said!

His first attempt

Yes ouch! He hit the bar that was holding the boards!
But I am so proud of him! He won second place in this events.

As with any tournament we go to,
there is a lot of waiting.
Mattie May passes the time playing games on my iPhone,
or listening to music,

and if we are really lucky,
we get her to take a nap!

It will eventually take more than two chairs for her,
but she slept here for about two hours!
Never moved!
Even with all the noise around her!
Wish I could sleep like that!

Frank and I had to wait too!

We didn't think we were ever going to get to our events.

Finally it was time for Mattie May's creative open.
Again, I don't have many pictures.
Why?
Because it takes the entire team to set up,
then I walk Mattie May through and we check all
her stations to make sure they're right,
then when she starts,
I get excited and end up with fuzzy pictures!
What can I say?
I want her to do good!

Double Hammer Fist

with a great horse stance I might add!

The remains of her skull!

I'm telling ya!
The boys better watch out!

She only missed one break to put her in second place!

So proud!

Here's a shot that's not quite as blurry!

Now to keep her occupied while Frank and I compete.

My first event was Power Concrete Foot.
Before this competition,
I had only broken concrete once,

at the dojo,

about two weeks earlier,

and I broke three.

I really didn't think Larry had entered me in any foot breaks,
but he did,
in wood,
but he changed me when we got there
because he liked the bricks.
He said they were "sweet"!
Yeah,
OK,
You're the boss Shihan!

I only set up six caps,
thinking if I could break
half of them I would be OK.

Drake giving me a few tips.
I had not used a step before.
Thanks, Drake!

Rachel went before me,
and broke 7 of 7.
I would have to break 8 to win.

Frank and I decided when we agreed to this,
that we were going to win.
Why try for anything else?
I think some of his competitiveness is finally rubbing off on me!
So I added two caps,
got a wink from Frank,
and went for it!

Sorry, but this is the best photo I can give you!
Frank got a bit excited when I broke
EIGHT OF EIGHT!

That's right!
I won a world title!
Never in my wildest dreams was this one of them!
Not for breaking anyway!

Then it was on to
Power Wood Hand.
Again,
Rachel went in front of me and broke
5 of 5.
That meant I had to break
6 of 6.

Thanks Candy for the great shot of my break,

just wish I would have broken them all.
5 of 6.
Second place.

Then I had power wood elbow and I think I broke
5 of 6 again.
I just don't remember.
Rachel again won 1st and I won 2ND.
Not bad for my first time!
Then we got to concentrate on Frank.
Power Wood Hand

All set and ready to break

In mid break
(Yes, I know it's fuzzy!)

and the results

Six of Six
for 1st place and a
World Title
of his own!

Then he had
Power Wood Elbow
He had to break
9 of 9 for the win.

8 of 9 for
second place!

Not bad for a days work!
For our house
Two World Titles
Five Seconds
One Forth!
We are ready to start working towards next year!

Saturday was all about Larry.
His competition started early Saturday morning
and went to about the middle of the afternoon.

Setting up one of his concrete breaks.

Multi Directional Break - Wood

Larry did great himself!
First Place Power Concrete Elbow
Won the Ultimate Breaker
Set record for most baseball bats broken with elbow in 10 seconds

Total
Team Abilene brought home 23 World Titles
and numerous other trophies.
We have just over a year to get ready for next years open!

The rest of the trip was all about relaxing!
Sunday we headed to Cocoa Beach and Melbourne.
Frank and "all his girls"
stayed in Melbourne.

Not a bad view to have made the reservation just
five minutes before we arrived!

Everyone enjoyed our time at the beach.

I think Mattie May really enjoyed having others there to play with
besides Grumpy and Lolo!

Making sand angles!

They are growling at me for some reason!
LOL

We really blew Katie away
when we told her Mattie May was
playing with the jellyfish!

I'm sure this guy is who she had pictured in her head.

He is a big no no to touch.
You can tell by the red!

But she was just playing with these little guys.

Harmless.
They have no tentacles.
I don't know why.
If you do,
please,
do tell!

Monday morning,
I got up early to do something I have always
wanted to do.
I made my way down to the beach
by myself
and took some pictures of the sunrise.

God is so gracious to allow me
to enjoy His handiwork!
Stunning!

We then headed to Cocoa Beach to meet up with
the others for a breakfast cooked by Shihan!
Very yummy!

Frank, the man of my dreams!

Mattie May ready to hang ten!

Grumpy and Mattie May enjoying the waves.

And Frank's trophy wife!

We could not get her out of the water as usual!

This kid loves the beach!

Back at the hotel,
the girls and I watched fireworks from
the balcony in our room.
They were great and went on for hours.
Some professional,
others amateur,
but all were fantastic!

Tuesday was time to head back to Texas!
We loved the trip,
But just like Dorthy says
"There is no place like home!"

Mattie May traveled like this for quite a bit of the trip.

She deserved it.
Both the doodle bugs were troopers
on this long trip.

But when she was awake,
She was her normal silly self!

Showing me her milk mustache!

When we pulled into the dojo
this was my GPS!

Notice the totals of moving and stopped time!
Long trip!

It was a great trip.
We had some fantastic times,
learned a lot,
and are ready to do it all again next year,
with a few changes!
Next year I'm flying!

Until next time, God Bless!

US Karate Championships, Mesquite 06-25-11

2011-07-14T16:45:00.000-05:00

Oh, it is taking me so long to get caught up on these tournament posts! But I'm getting there.

If you read my blog much, you'll notice this is her first tournament after this incident! I'm still having trouble fixing her hair so it looks cute but stays out her face during competition, but just like these posts, I'm getting there.

This tournament in Mesquite was a fun one. Loved the location, very easy to get to and plenty of room to move around in. We started the day with our normal routine of breakfast at the hotel with lots of eggs, then it was off to the tournament.

The two doodle bugs waiting for kata to start.

Getting ready to bow in. She really is improving, but so are the others. Nice finish She tied for third and had to do her kata again to break the tie so we were pleased with a good 3rd place finish. It could have gone either way, but she prevailed this time. And we have a plan to help her continue to get stronger in her kata, but I'll address that a different day.

On to sparring.

First round, her friend Cameron from Midland. She fought a good round and when the two minutes were up
they were tied and it went to sudden death
and he got a really good kick on her and won. So another 3rd place finish. She had fun at this tournament with Rayven and Hazel. I'm still not sure what the teachers are going to do with these two next year! Both of their transfers were approved so the will be starting kindergarten together! YAY! Next tournament

The US Open in Orlando!

It's going to be fun!

Until then, God Bless!

Matthews Brothers Best Tournament Ever, Midland 06-11-11

2011-07-12T11:36:00.001-05:00

WOW! It has been more than a month since this tournament and I am finally getting around to posting about it.

We had not planned on going to this one because it is not an AOK tournament and there were no points to be had and we thought Mattie May would want a break. But she decided at the last minute that she wanted to go, so we packed up Saturday morning and headed west.

The tournament was held in one of the private schools in Midland and, man, did they have some great facilities! We were allowed to use the dressing rooms and they were super nice. I love this sign that was posted in the girls dressing room. I may have to put this on Mattie May's wall some day.

Doing some stretches with teammates...
or maybe she just goofing off!

The rules meeting.

It's been a long time since we let her enter the Demo division,
but several of the kids she normally competes against was in it,
so we let her too.
I'm sure Po being judge was an exciting thing for her!

All the participants with their trophies.

I tried to make it easy for her to be picked out of the crowed.

Now time for competition
and as always, she begins with kata.
(I still have camera issues, so blurry pictures)

Not a lot to talk about here,
but we did figure out more of what she needs to work on.

Awaiting the judges scores
which were not real good.

Addressing the judges.

Getting instructions from Shihan.

Because this was not an AOK tournament,
Mattie May and Rayven were in the same division
which doesn't usually happen
but the girls didn't seem to mind.

Watching Rayven spar.

First round, she was up against Kylie,

and she lost.

I don't even remember the score.

As I said, we had not planned on going to this tournament so we went on Saturday morning. We decided we would not be doing that again. The entire day, we were all just not up to our normal tournament selves. So even when we decide at the last minute to go to a tournament, we will be spending the night so we can all get ourselves focused.

It was still a good day. Shihan treated all the kids to ice cream after we ate an extremely late lunch and ice cream always makes a day better.

Until next time, God Bless.

Getting them Ready to Post

2011-07-10T00:31:00.003-05:00

I have several tournaments to tell you about. I have been uploading pictures all night and now I am just too tired to do any writing.

When getting them ready I realized I haven't posted about two tournaments in June. It has just been a busy month and the past two weeks have been crazy busy.

I will get to them I promise. Maybe tomorrow.

If not, I hope you are blessed with a great rest of the weekend.

God Bless.

I have so Much to Tell You,

2011-06-27T14:44:00.002-05:00

but too little time.

If you notice my first countdown clock to the right, you will see that we only have four days until Mattie May's next competition. And it is going to be her biggest one yet! I will try very hard to post our goings on while we are there, but I know we will be so very busy.

And I still have two post on two previous tournaments I need to finish up. But my time is running out!

Tomorrow will be a day of travel and I am hoping for some rest on Wednesday before we really get down to tournament business, but since this is our first trip to the open, I really don't know what to expect.

Please pray for us as we travel and for all the competitors to do their absolute best.

Until sometime,

God Bless!

The Unexpected Donation

2011-06-18T12:06:00.017-05:00

Some things in life are unexpectedly expected. There are certain things that most children are going to try that we as parents and grandparents hope that "this" child won't do it. As is such for our Mattie May.

What she did has been done by thousands, no millions, of children before her. Some children do it just once, others do it several times. Some will just do it to themselves while others do it to other children. Katie only did it once, to herself, on Christmas eve at 6:30 at night. That is one exact moment I will never forget.

Mattie May, for some reason, decided to do it to herself, yesterday.

This is something you don't see very often,

Mattie May with her hair down.

She loves her long hair.

I love it because I can style it in so many

different ways.

Yesterday for some reason,

she climbed up and got the scissors down

from their storage place while she was at karate.

This is how she came home!

YEP!

SHE CUT IT!

RIGHT AT THE HAIR BAND OF HER

DOG EAR!

So glad it was only her hair.

So thankful she didn't fall on the scissors

while she was trying to get them.

So glad my hairstylist is also my

fishing buddy and best friend.

I called her just as she was leaving her shop and

declared we had a hair emergency!

She told me to head to her house!

Michelle assessing the damage.

She even had to have a picture to show her

coworkers.

Getting her prepped.

Putting the remainder in a braid.

(More on the braid later)

Katie was doing OK until here...

One final cut and the braid is gone.

Yep Mattie May,

It's really gone!

Now to shape it up.

Some final touch ups...

and Viola!

cute and sassy,

just like Mattie May!

Now back to that braid, It was just long enough to donate to Locks of Love. So because Mattie May decided yesterday to do what so many children have done before her, she will be helping another child. We are so blessed that she is healthy and all that hair will grow back.

Until next time.

God Bless.

For Such a Long Week, It Sure Did Fly By

2011-06-17T15:30:00.005-05:00

I have been trying so hard to get pictures from Mattie May's tournament last weekend off my camera, edited a little bit, and posted on this blog. My heart has been into that this week as much as my heart was into the tournament last weekend. I am getting there though. Hopefully I will be able to get them on here this weekend.

No tournaments for her this weekend. Frank and I have our last regional TBC tournament on Sunday. It is going to be hot and windy so I'm sure I won't have many good things to say about that!

Frank and I have also been up to something else that I plan to tell you about in a few weeks. Yes, it does have to do with our trip to Orlando and Cocoa Beach, which we leave for in about 11 days! I am so ready for the trip. It is going to be a fun one! I can't believe I had never been to Florida until this past January and now I am already headed back that way!

I hope you all have a great weekend. Have fun, be safe and keep praying for rain!

God Bless!

Karate State Championships - Austin 06-04-11

2011-06-08T02:17:00.025-05:00

Last weekend we headed back to Austin for, you guessed it, Mattie May to compete in another tournament. Not many from our dojo went this time so Shihan rode with us and split the cost of the hotel too. It was a nice trip. We were able to do some planning for the US Open coming up in a few weeks.

Of course Mattie May went to sleep in the car and slept the rest of the night. Saturday morning it was up and at 'em bright and early. It was unusual but this tournament didn't start until 10:00 AM, so we had time to watch a few cartoons before we headed down to breakfast.

I'm not sure who is more entranced by the cartoon...

Shihan or Mattie May!!

This was another tournament in the Givens Recreation Center. Nice but crowded. Even though it is a smaller tournament, we had to stake out a spot to spend the day!

After quite a delay, they finally called for Mattie May's division in kata. This time she was the ONLY girl competing!

kata

Watching the first contestant.

Bowing to the judges

She had been at karate camp all week
and the work she has done really showed.

Nice, high kicks

I love that she doesn't get intimidated by the judges

Um, splits are a bit off,
we will make sure she stretches more next time!

Second place!

Great job Mattie May!

Your second trophy in kata!

Way to go!

A short rest then on to sparring

Shihan ordered her a sparring vest and it came in before we left. I wish we would have left it at home! She had not practiced in it, but we let her wear it anyway! Shihan put it under her gi trying to get it to lay down a bit more.

Yes, she looks like a little line backer!

But this is karate not football!

She came out strong and put the first four points on the board,

then he kicked her in the chest and it didn't hurt so she left herself open!

It was all over after that!

Believe me, she will either practice in the vest or it will be left at home!

Oh well, she still had her name called!

Third place sparring!

Yay! First time she has won two trophies at one tournament.

We are all very proud of you Mattie May!

Keep up the good work!

She now has points in all three regions of the AOK!

We had planned on having a bit of a break before the US Championships and the US Open, but this Saturday, she will be competing in Midland at the Matthews brother's tournament. It is a fun tournament for the kids, and I do believe I heard Po (Kung Fu Panda) was going to be there along with some other super heros!

Hope you have a great rest of the week! Until next time,

God Bless!

More of our trip to San Antonio

2011-06-02T21:10:00.030-05:00

Remember this post when I said we did more during the weekend than just karate? Well I am finally getting around to posting some of our "other" fun.After the tournament, we headed to the zoo. If you have never been to the San Antonio Zoo, you don't know what you are missing.

It is fantastic!

Once there, the first order of business was food. We were starving!

Yes, hot dogs are the food of champions!

Then Mattie May and Katie went to feed the birds.

I stayed outside with the drinks (they are not allowed inside with the birds.)

Then we saw some reptiles...

and some amphibians.

After the zoo, we decided to walk to the River Walk and the Alamo.

I am trying to get Mattie May doing karate in front of different landmarks. So far I am not having the best of luck. In Austin, she would not cooperate in front of the Capitol and she didn't have on her gi in front of the Alamo.

Oh, well, she looks cute anyway.

After walking and talking about the Alamo (it was closed already so we couldn't go in), Katie treated us to a carriage ride.

It was so nice and relaxing. Mattie May had a blast.

This isn't a good picture,

but this is Hannah, our horse.

Mattie May choose her because she had braids and bows!

After our ride around part of the historic area, we had supper... at Hagen Das Ice Cream! Yes, when you are with Lolo, ice cream counts for a meal.We walked around in the front of the wax museum. Mattie May wasn't really impressed by the few figures that were in the lobby, but she did find this nifty machine and her mom treated her to dessert! LOL

Not the cheapest dessert she's ever had, but it was just to fun to watch it being made.

Then we walked the 1/2 mile back to the hotel, bathed and hit the sack. Sunday was going to be another busy day.

After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoyed a full day at Fiesta Texas. I only got to ride one ride, but Mattie May rode the RoadRunner about a gajillion times. She loved it. The three of us split a hamburger and fries for lunch and then walked to the water park to meet up with the rest of our group.

Mattie May waiting for one of the boats to pass by.

Katie and Mattie May in the Texas pool.

The kids are in this somewhere...

and their fixing to get really wet!

Again, I didn't get to do much, just sit back and relax,

but the girls had a really good time.

Katie went off with some of the older kids to ride some rides and

Mattie May spent the afternoon in the kids pools having a blast with Rayven and Noah.

Two tired little super heros! LOL

Everyone was having such a great time that we left much later than we entended, but it was all worth it. Mattie May slept all the way home and Katie and I talked and sang and talked about the weekend all the way home. Sometime it's just fun to be by ourselves and think about our blessings.

Until next time.

God Bless!

Belt Test 05-28-11 Green to Red

2011-05-30T00:56:00.025-05:00

It has been a busy week, but it wasn't over yet.

Shihan had to squeeze a belt test in between tournaments,

and today was the day.

Even though it was on a Saturday,

still got to sleep in a bit because

it didn't start until 11:45,

thank goodness.

She's giving a little pre-test concert (hehehe)!

Three cutest kids in the dojo!

Shihan changed some more things in her kata,

so practicing one last time before

her test begins.

My Little Dragon green belt on last time!

Getting ranked up and ready to begin.

Stretches and warm up,

into the splits.

Attila the Hun fact review

(didn't know anything about Attila could be funny,

but she said something!),

(Yeah, she knows she did something cute!)

Dojo motto's,

stranger danger/self defense,

front roll,

blocking,

kata,

kicks,

and finish with breaking.

Off with the old...

...on with the new!

Must have a hug, a high five just won't do!

My Little Dragon Red Belt!

My favorite part of every class/test.

I'm hoping I get a shot like this for every belt test until she reaches black!

Just thirtysomething more to go!!!!

Seriously, what is up with always having to make a goofy face?!

LOL - Goobers!

Hope you all have a great rest of the three day weekend!

God Bless!

OH! Katie got a new job! Starts on Tuesday! Thanks for all your prayers!

Her Last First is Her First Last

2011-05-26T13:18:00.007-05:00

Do you remember this picture?

It was posted just nine short months ago.
It was her first day of school- Pre-K.
Four years old.

Well since then, I have shared many firsts first with you -

First day of karate
First day of soccer
First Ranger baseball game
First school field trip
First soccer goal
First school pictures
First belt test
First time being a flower girl
First karate demo
First karate tournament
First letter from Santa
First school party
First plane ride
First trip to Disney
First puppy
First time with the flu
First date night
First sparring trophy
First pedicure
First breaking trophy
First talent show
First kata trophy
First first place trophy
First article in the newspaper.

Whew! I'm tired reliving all that!

Well today was her first last day of school. Yesterday they had graduation and today was the final day. She was happy but sad at the same time. She is ready for a short break, but she was really sad to tell Ms. Torres good-bye. She is retiring this year, but even with that, Mattie May still wouldn't see her any more because she will be at a different school next year.
She will be at either Austin or Taylor, we are just waiting to see if her transfer was approved. This year was spent at a school with children all her age. Next year, there will be Kindergarten through fifth grade at which ever school she attends. She will also miss the class room. This child loves to learn. But we have plenty of things for her to learn this summer.
She will also be attending karate camp every day.
She will have so much fun.
They work on karate but they also do fun things like swim, go to the zoo, go to movies, and yes there may even be a trip to six flags in there!

So here is her first last day of school picture!

Where did those dogs ears go?!

God Bless!

Mongoose Open Championships San Antonio 05-21-11

2011-05-24T01:41:00.025-05:00

And a fun trip it was! We missed Grumpy on this trip. He stayed home to fish our TBC West region tournament and did well himself! We three girls left Friday afternoon. The drive was nice even though I was a bit uncomfortable. I "threw out my rib" as Dr. Ken put it, fixing my hair and coughing at the same time. But Katie really stepped up and did all the lifting of luggage and anything else I asked her. She really does take care of her momma when she needs too.

When we got checked into the hotel, we had to make a run to Target to pick up a few things and on the way back to the hotel Mattie May fell asleep, which meant Katie and I would have to wake up a little earlier than normal to get her a bath and ready for the tournament. We were a half a mile from the river walk and in a historic building. Katie later learned that we were staying in an old jail! Glad I didn't know that when our TV kept turning off! I might have been a little frightened! I'm used to working with Annie, but who knows what the ghost of a prisoner/jailer would be like! LOL

We had our usual breakfast at the hotel. Mattie May said she wasn't very hungry, so we packed a little extra with us just in case.

The gym was really nice with the seating in the upper section. We found a place on the floor where we could be closer to the rings/mats, but not sure where she was supposed to be. There were no ring assignments posted. We had to listen for her divisions to be called. Ugh, what a pain! Oh well, nothing we couldn't deal with!

Mattie May and Katie - - - waiting.

Mattie May sat very well and listened through the rules meeting, but the wait grew long as the black belts went through their competition. And the demo division didn't start until after that, which made for a very long day.

Mattie May and Rayven being themselves. Who knows what they are talking about.

Finally! Time to line up for kata. I think I counted 16 in her division.

Looking good! She was good and loud.

Coming down from her second rooster kick. They are looking better, but Lolo needs to work on her photography skills to get one in action instead of the end of it!

Good form. I love the concentration on her face.

Those splits are still getting better, but I'm not quite sure why she is leaning forward or why she looks like she is in pain.
She started strong and ended strong but had a few hesitations in the middle. We expected that. Shihan changed up her kata a little last week trying to make it a little more difficult, and it needs to be. It will stay as it is for a while then he'll add a bit more.

She didn't place in kata which is OK, I was just disappointed that her scores were so low, especially compared to the competitor whose instructor asked for permission to enter the ring to help! Oh yes, he sure did! And Mattie May's score was the same as his!
Oh well! Like the commercial says
"Live. Learn. Get Luvs!"
hahaha

After a short break and a PBJ sandwich, it was on to sparring. Getting some last minute coaching from Shihan.
Eighteen kids in this division and Mattie May was in the next to the last pairing. This little boy was in the last pairing. I was wondering if she would have to fight him. We'll just have to wait and see.

Round One

I think she has met this boy before. I remember him but don't remember him fighting. They are ready to go.

Good kick, but still dropping her hands. She is moving her head though so she is not getting as many points lost to head shots. She got these points and went on to win her first round 5-0. I had to text Frank. He was sitting on pins and needles wanting to know how she was doing.

Round Two

Again, I remember this boy, I just can't remember her fighting him. He was a bout a head taller than her but she held her own. She won this round 12 - 7! Frank's text?
"Kool! Keep Kickin' Butt!"
He doesn't have a competitive bone in his body! LOL

Round Three

Now I know she hasn't fought this boy before. He was taller and heftier, but she walked out there with all the confidence in the world. She did great. Shihan was there and I was so glad. He had to stop the fight three times! Twice they wouldn't move them back to the middle ring at the break and Mattie May was in the corner. You can't set up in a corner without taking a chance on getting a foul for stepping out of bounds. The third time was for face contact. The head judge called face contact three times and the boy should have been disqualified on the third one. Shihan didn't realize that the second one wasn't counted.
So she lost this round 12 - 7.

So, do we think she should have fought for first and second - Yes
Are we biased Yes and No
Yes - 'cuz she's our Mattie May
No - 'cuz had the three face contacts been counted she would have advanced.
Did Mattie May try her best - Most Definitely!
She fought a fair fight and that is the best she can do.

Presentation of Winners

I love the look on her face. We knew she was getting third, but she didn't. I love how you can see the anticipation in her eyes.

And third place - - -

...Mattie May!

With her trophy

We are so very proud of this child. I talk about how she is improving every week, but there is a lot I don't say. She is learning the rules, and that some try to get around them or don't think they apply to them. She is learning sportsmanship, and that not everyone has it, especially adults. She is learning respect, respect for her fellow opponents, judges and the adult spectators that haven't actually figured it out yet. These are things that will follow her no matter what she decides to try to achieve in life. We get complements on her all the time.

I have more to tell about our weekend in San Antonio. We did more that just karate this trip.

This weekend we have a break from tournaments but not from karate. She has another belt test on Saturday. If she passes, she will be a little dragon red belt. I'm sure she will do fine. On Sunday she will be attending a friends birthday party at May Farm, her most favorite place in the world. On Monday - No School and No Work! Yes we have a three day weekend. Her next tournament is the first weekend in June in Austin. Back to the state capital! Yay!

God Bless!

Matte May is in an Artcle in the Newspaper!

2011-05-19T10:18:00.007-05:00

This article ran in the Abilene Reporter News today (May 19, 2011).

So proud of all these kids.
They have put in a lot of time training,
most of them by their own choice.

Congratulations to all of you!
You deserve it!

(I have a picture, but I'm going to see if I can't get it to run in the paper before I post it here!)

20th Anniversary Houston International Karate Championship 05/14/11

2011-05-16T15:57:00.001-05:00

What a trip! Long. Tiring. But so very worth it. We left about 10:00 AM Friday morning and headed south. Mattie May did great for such a long trip and for being on a time schedule. She has made long trips before, but we usually aren't watching time and can stop often. But this time, we really wanted to be in Houston in time to relax, eat, swim, and get in bed at a decent hour. We only stopped twice on the way, once for something to eat and once for fuel and a pit stop!

Saturday morning started early, for a Saturday it was early. We had a yummy breakfast at the hotel, picked up Julie and Zachary, then we had to locate the tournament location and get her signed in, she was preregistered, but you never know how long you'll have to wait in line. Thankfully, it went smooth and we had her at the rules meeting in plenty of time. While she was listening to the rules, Grumpy found her ring assignment and found the ring so we were good to go.

I think there were about 18 kiddos in her division. Huge! What did we expect? This was Houston after all!

Lining up to bow in.

I know I'm biased, but why doesn't she get extra points for cuteness?
Just look at that face! LOL

Intro.
Good. Loud. Clear.
Facing the judge.

A tad off balance, but good concentration.

She did her best in kata with just a few minor places being off balance.
But it wasn't her day today - her participation medal.

This time something different - BREAKING! This is her favorite thing. She had worked really hard this past week, staying late every night at the dojo working on her hammer fist, elbow and foot stomp. But for reason's beyond Shihan's control, she only participated in first time breakers.

Great foot stomp, but look at that board leaning on the front cinder blocks.

Yeah, it should be in two pieces.
For some reason the child tried to do a palm. She has never done a palm
Crazy kid! She has a mind of her own!

Second place and we couldn't be more proud.

But she promises, next time she will do what she practices!
And she did ask if she could try the board again, and she broke it!

And on to sparring. Again, a huge division. I think there were 17 and only three girls! They broke it up into two brackets with the winner of each bracket facing each other for the championship. We were a bit confused at first because they didn't tell us this, but we figured it out.

Lining up to bow in.

I'm sorry, but again, look at all that cuteness! I just love it!

Watching Rayven in the Intermediate/Advanced division.

Those two girls crack us up.
Typical girls; best friends one second, mortal enemies the next!
But they do love each other and support each other.
I love listening to them cheer each other on.

AOK doesn't allow coaching once the competitors are in the ring,
so Mrs. Terry is giving her some quick instruction before she goes in.

"Touch Hands"

"Fight!"

She did really well on her first fight.

We have really been after her about her form - kick, punch punch!

If you notice, her hands are down in this picture, but she has taught herself to duck her head.

Her opponents missed several points because she would move her head.
Whatever works as long as it's legal!

Lolo messed up! My batteries ran out and I didn't have any spares! So what few pictures I have are from her first round. And how did she do? Well...

Remember, I said this was a huge division and it was broken into two brackets. Mattie May surprised us all! She won four rounds in her bracket with only one minute to rest between the third and forth fight to win her bracket and place her in the championship fight! And again, only one minute to rest before that fight.

At the last minute, I flipped my phone to video deciding if I drained the battery it would be OK. So as they say on the news...

"ROLL TAPE!"

That's right! Mattie May won! The tape shows, so I don't need to tell you that we were a bit excited! I think all that jumping was when I twisted my ankle. Frank was so excited he couldn't quit laughing. And Terry was louder than any one around! Mattie May has been improving but we never dreamed she would win against that large of a division. This is one proud grandma!

Remember this post when I said it's so good to have your name called?
Well it's even better when your name is called last!

Love that smile!

Getting ready to bow out.

Perfect bow!

Her first place medal!

I know your asking yourself "No Trophy?"
No! Not at this tournament.
Here they win bicycles!

That's right! She won a bicycle.

We are so very proud of Team Abilene. They brought back five, let me say it again, FIVE bicycles to Abilene. They took the big city by storm! I have said this before, but I am going to say it again - we are so new to this and learning something at every tournament, but I can't imagine having her at any other dojo in town. AMMA teaches their students how to achieve with hard work, encouragement, and discipline, but most of all, they love each and every student that walks through those doors. Thank you Shihan Larry Fields and all your staff! You are the best!

Now to prepare for the next tournament. It's back to San Antonio and the Mongoose Open Karate Championships. And if our plans don't change, we will also be visiting Fiesta Texas! It's good to relax after all these tournaments!

I hope you have a fantastic week. God Bless!

Texas Cotton Belt 05/07/11

2011-05-09T15:54:00.002-05:00

It had been two weeks since Mattie May's last tournament and she was ready to go. We took off early Friday so we would arrive in Mesquite early enough to hit the indoor pool. She wanted to get in as soon as we got out of the car, she didn't care that she didn't have on her new suit yet! I love indoor pools but this one was a bit disappointing. It wasn't heated! Yes it has been quite warm lately, but not warm enough to get in a cold pool! We stayed in until her lips were completely purple, then dipped in the hot tub to warm up before we headed to the room. By the time Grumpy made it back with our food, she was bathed and ready to eat.

We had a great nights sleep and a good breakfast before heading to Forney for the tournament.

This was a great tournament at the Forney Sports Center. Even though privately owned, I wish every person in Abilene could see what a wonderful place this is. I image it to be exactly what we missed out on from last years vote for a sports complex. It is a great place with lots room for different events, such as karate tournaments.

We arrived in plenty of time for some stretching and relaxing before she had to get ready for her kata. As the kids started lining up, we soon realized that Mattie May was going to go last again (YES!). It makes the wait longer but works out better for her. Remember, I explained that in this post. But is is getting better at the waiting part. She has made a few friends from Midland/Odessa and she enjoys watching them. And Alexis was at this tournament too, so she had several friends to watch this time.

It was finally her turn and she made the most of being last. She is still not as strong as the the other competitors but she is learning with each practice and tournament.

I just love this shot. I can see the power coming from that little mouth as she shouts "ACE".

And look at the concentration in this one. Hands are in great position, both legs straight. I also like the judge behind her. You can tell she is concentrating on the moves.

And the end. Everything looks good, and you can "see" the power of her voice as she completes her kata. (Not sure how they judged the toe on her right foot. LOL)

And she finally has her named called! She won her first trophy for kata. Third place. Again, the expression on that face! She was so happy!!

And here she is with her trophy.

Little stinker! She raised that above her head on her own. I think think she has been watching too many championships with Grumpy! LOL

There was no waiting between events at this tournament. As soon as we were finished taking pictures, she has to get her sparring gear on.

This is right before her first round. Can we say attitude? She was full of it on Saturday!

She had been so strong in sparring, but ever since this tournament, she has just been shying away.

She was in the last pair to fight in her division. I know this little girl has been at almost the same tournaments as Mattie May and always in the same division, but I think this is the first time they have been paired together.

It definitely was not a good day on the sparring mat. She lost in the first round. But the good thing was, she was finished around 11:30! I don't think she has ever been finished that soon!

We let her play on the bounce houses for awhile, then we headed out to find some fuel and food. It was a great tournament and we are looking forward to the next one.

I want to thank Mike for letting me use his camera this weekend. I learned a lot with it and now I want a new one! I think I will tell all my family just to give me money anytime they want to give me a gift and maybe I will be able to save up for a new one!

This weekend we head to Houston for the Houston International Karate Championships in Spring. We don't normally travel that far, but this tournament has breaking. This child loves to break and there aren't many tournaments that have it. It will be nice because we will hopefully get to visit with some cousin's on Friday evening before we have to get settled in and asleep. And we are staying on Saturday night too, just because of the length of the drive. I try to give Frank a break every now and again!

God Bless!

To Glorify God with the Talent He Gave Each of Us

2011-05-04T16:50:00.000-05:00

I have been working very hard to get some pictures ready to post of all the fun we have been having lately, but because we have been having so much fun, I am getting behind.

This past Saturday, our church had a talent show. I am so glad they did! This was not a show for boasting, but rather to show the many and different talents God has given the children in our congregation, we want to teach them how to use those gifts to glorify God. Not only did the children display their talents on stage, many had the opportunity to show art and photography. There was scripture reading, comedy, piano, cultural dances, puppetry, acting, singing and a couple of martial artist.

Mattie May was so excited and I must say she did very well. She was scheduled to go second, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, she went first. The coordinators were a little worried she would be nervous, but as you can see by the video, they were the only ones worried. (Turn up your volume, it is kind of hard to hear. And its fuzzy! Taken with Katie's iPhone)

UPDATE: 05.04.11 I redid the video! It is a bit longer and much clearer!

I love the collective sounds from the audience as she breaks her first board.

At the first where she is showing her self defense, each time she is running away, she is supposed to be yelling "Help! Help! This is not my mommy! Call 911!" That is a very important part of her stranger danger. And other than her looking down at the plug during her kata, I think she did great. I do believe she was the youngest participant and I hope that because of that she will encourage other members her age to participate next year.

Thank you Shihan Fields for helping her put it all together, She couldn't have done it without you. And thank you Clark for taking the video. I know you would have rather been sitting in your seat watching instead of on the floor with me.

God Bless!

Tumbleweed Karate Championships, Abilene 04.15 & 16.11

2011-04-19T17:30:00.002-05:00

The weekend we had so looked forward to has come and gone, and quite quickly for that matter. It seems we just got started and it was over. The weekend started out Friday night at the dojo. Mattie May had continuous sparring and breaking.

There were only three in her division for sparring so she had a bye in the first round (Yeah!). She met up with Rayven for the final round. I still haven't decided if this was a good thing or bad thing. She and RayRay practice together all the time but don't usually meet in at tournaments because Mattie May is a beginner and Rayven is in advanced. So it was good for MayMay to actually have to compete against her, but I don't think she (MayMay) could actually seperate that this was competition and she was pretty distracted.

She had pretty good form...

But Rayven was better.

She got second place in continuous sparring with Rayven getting first. Yeah to both of them!!!

Then is was on to breaking. She was entered in first time breaker and foot stomp and hand break.

First time breakers was first, followed by hand break and foot stomp (pictures soon)
She got first in hand break (hammer fist) and second in foot stomp.

She walked away with four trophies for the night. Saturday was at Sears Park Recreation Center. It was a long day. forms was first.
(The following 3 photos were taken with my iPhone and edited with Instagram)

She has been working on her horse stance and it does look much better. And look at those thumbs! Right where they are supposed to be!

Thumbs still good and look at that concentration!

And check out this split! Looking good MayMay!!

But all that work and no prize. She is getting better and better. Once we get that kata down, we are going to start working on entering and exiting the ring and on the introduction. Small pieces at a time. I hope I have the patients!

It was another tough day on the sparring mat. She was up against a girl she has fought before and has beaten. She was ahead of her too, but she came from behind and knocked Mattie May out in the first round. That little girl went on to fight for first but I'm not sure how she did.

After such a long day, Lolo decided that Mattie May needed a treat. We snuck out of the house and to the nail salon where I treated her to a manicure and pedicure. Isn't she just a doll?!

So we will continue to work on Mattie May's form and her technique in the ring. I know it will all come together and I am the only one that seems to not have the patients to wait. I know she is only five and has not even been doing this for a year, but i am afraid if she doesn't start winning she will lose interest. I want her to be involve in this for a long time!!

Her next tournament isn't until May but she is still busy working at the dojo. This Saturday, Team Abilene is doing a demo during half time of the Abilene Ruff Riders football game. Then next week she is going to do a creative breaking demo at church for our talent show. Busy, busy, busy. But God has blessed us with the time and her the ability to do this. And she is just so darn cute when she is out there!

God Bless!

Dragon Rock Classic - Austin 04.02.11

2011-04-05T16:04:00.010-05:00

Austin, Texas!!!! I love this city!! The capitol city of the Great State of Texas! I am one of the few people around that can say they have been as far up in the rotunda as a person can go. This was many years before they shut it down to tourist and I was a senior in high school the last time we were allowed to go up that far. I can also say that is the first time I realized that I was afraid of heights! I don't really remember how they got me down the spiral stair case, but they did! I have a few pictures from our visit to the capital building on this trip that I will post later. But now, let's talk karate.

We are still very new to this sport and we learn something new with each tournament we attend. I always compare them to track meets; you spend a lot of time waiting for your child's event, enjoy about 30 seconds watching them before it is over, then it is back to waiting for the next event.

This affects Mattie May more than it does some of the other participants because she is only entered in two events. We don't enter her in the demo event any more and she is not ready to be in specialty forms. But she will get there. Because she does spend so much time waiting, she looks like this a lot of the times... Yes, that is a yawn. I wish I could tell you she was cheering on a team mate or even singing, but no...it is a yawn! LOL

This time she was to have been last in her forms (Kata) but because a little boy went when he was not supposed to and the judges missed a little girl, she was second to last. As with anything where you are judged, the advantage with being last is 1)you are the last thing the judges see and 2)they are more free to score you higher because they don't have to wait to see what is coming up.

Now I'm not saying that this would have helped her win anything. If you look at the following pictures, you can see she needs some work on her forms.

See those thumbs? They are not supposed to be inside her fist.

See that bent right leg? Yeah, it should be straight and her foot should be flat on the floor.

Again with the thumbs in the fist and this time her left knee is bent! And believe it or not, she really shouldn't be smiling!

I know! She's only five! But so are the other competitors and some younger than that! She competes in the 5 and under division! But it is just like any other sport, get rid of the bad habits while they are young!

So I'll make you think about where she placed in this one - there were five competitors, they awarded four places and she didn't get a prize! But we really know what she needs to work on now!! And she is getting better every day!

Now on to sparring. And again, this just wasn't her day! Here she is getting ready for her first round. Let me know if you see anything a little strange in this picture...YES! That is one tall five year old! Now I'll tell you, Mattie May is not the tallest child we've ever had in our family and I know a five year old can be tall (Katie was always tallest in her class), but this kid was really up there! The perspective of this picture does make him look a little taller than he really is, but...

...it wasn't just his height, he had some amazing skill for someone in the beginner division! But Mattie May did not seem the least bit intimidated, so the fight ensued.

Kick #1 - it was pretty hard, but look how she is standing straight on! Kick #2 - Blurry picture, but same result

Kick #3 - finally realized she was standing wrong, but the damage was done.

Look at Momma's face in the background! He did to her exactly what we had been telling her all week to do, three strong kicks and the round was over.

Now, in this grandma's opinion (and I have more to say on this in another post) I don't think she really stood a chance against this boy. But I was very proud of her for staying in there and trying. Did she try her hardest - probably not, especially after that first kick. Did she ask to quit - absolutely not.

I will tell you, when she came off the mat and took off her head gear, she was definitely not happy. And once Grumpy asked her if she was OK, she started crying and told us that first kick really hurt her stomach. Some of you will probably think we are terrible, but she did the right thing and finished the fight.

After the tournament, I had wanted to get some pictures in her gi in front of the capital building (yes, I had permission!) but this girl was hot and tired. I did get one cute shot even though she looks more like a dancer than a martial artist... And she was a little miffed at me because I wouldn't let her get IN the fountain! She and I both have some practice to do!

Her next tournament is right here at home (yeah!)! The Tumbleweed Karate Championship on April 15 and 16. Breaking will be on Friday night at the dojo and forms and fighting at Sears Park Rec Center on Saturday. Mark you calendars and let me know if you want tickets!

God Bless!

Another Tournament

2011-03-29T13:48:00.005-05:00

Not karate this weekend though. We fished! Two Days! We haven't done that in a while and boy is my arm tired. You can read about those two tournaments here and here. All you Mattie May and karate fans, don't worry! She has another tournament this weekend in Austin. And don't forget to mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday April 15 and 16. That's is the tournament in Abilene - Tumbleweed Karate Championship. She will be doing some breaking at this tournament! Let me know if you want to come watch! God Bless!

Big "D" Nationals - Addison 03.19.11

2011-03-21T16:51:00.014-05:00

It was another fast but fun weekend! We left Friday night as soon as we could headed to Addison. As we left town, we passed a stand on the road that was selling bonsai trees and Mattie May asked Grumpy if she could have one. She told him they had been there all week and Lolo wouldn't buy one. He told her if she won a trophy that he would buy one for her.

We grabbed something to eat in Weatherford and got back on the road as soon as we could. Mattie May needed to get in bed even though she didn't have to be at her tournament as early as last week. She loves staying in the H Hotel but this time she didn't know she did until the next morning. She fell asleep in the car and never woke up as we moved her to the room.

Up bright and early to get breakfast and to the gym. The tournament was held at Greenhill School in Addison The facilities were fantastic. And what a crowd. But thank goodness we didn't have to rush. We decided last week that Mattie May didn't need to be entered in the demos so all she had to do was her kata and sparring.

After the opening ceremonies and rules meeting, a traditional lion dance was done. It was great! We were on the front row so we could see very well. And as they came around to the crowd, well, you can see how close we were.

We had her practice her kata several times before they called her division and she did very good. So when we called her name we thought she would do fine. She had a little trouble with the floor. There were no mats, and her feet wouldn't slide. But then she did something she has never done. SHE FORGOT HER KATA!! When she was finished we asked her what happened because she knows her kata very well. She told us she didn't do hers, she did Rayven's! Oh my, what a little stinker! We had a little discussion about that right then and there and that should never happen again!

She had about an hour and a half before sparring and we did everything we could to get her to rest. But that just wasn't going to happen. We did manage to get a corn dog down her before it was time. I know, real healthy diet!

There were 16 kids in her division again and I think three girls. She did very well the first two rounds, but by the third she was telling us she didn't want to spar anymore. Yikes! She made it through the third round OK. She took the lead but then let him catch her, but she managed to move ahead of him and take that round too.

She really did not want to spar the last round and we kept telling her it was the last round of the day and if she would just get out there she could do anything she wanted when she was through. She still didn't want to go but she did, crying all the way. I was having flashbacks of soccer where she would just stand there and cry! She didn't just stand, she kicked and threw punches crying the entire time! She lost by two but won second place! We were so excited and it took a bit for it to sink in that she had won!

5 & Under Boys & Girls Sparring - Beginners

Second Place

When she headed up to get her trophy, the tears were gone and she had completely forgotten about being hungry. She grabbed her trophy and headed straight to Grumpy. What do you think was the first thing she said to him? "Grumpy! Do I get my bonsai tree now?!" I sure hope they are on the corner this afternoon!

Don't forget to mark you calendars for the Tumbleweed Karate Championship April 15 & 16. It's going to be a blast! Breaking on Friday night, kata and sparring on Saturday. Let me know if you interested in getting tickets early!!!

God Bless!

Texas State Championships - San Antonio

2011-03-16T01:26:00.014-05:00

Before I get started, I want everyone to mark their calendars for April 15 - 16. That is when we are having our tournament in Abilene. I will definitely post more details as it gets closer, I just don't want you to plan something else.

Last Saturday, Mattie May attended her second karate tournament. She missed the last one because of the flu, so she was ready for this one. Of course, we got to stay in the H Hotel on Friday night and she always loves that!

We had to be there by 7:30 for her demo. When we got there we noticed how few cars there were in the parking lot. When we got inside we could see why. She was the only one there that was not from the host dojo! She was easy to spot! Every where she went, she was in black surrounded by red, blue and white. But as you can see from this picture, it didn't seem to bother her.

Happy as a lark and ready to go. From this picture it looks like she was the only girl, but there were several others, she just ended up surrounded by boys.

They gave her #1, which of course meant she would go first.

Again, didn't phase her. She did great, just fast as usual. I've been working on using my manual settings. I need some more practice! Most of my pictures turned out a tad blurry, but I'm using them anyway.

Everyone that participates in demo gets a trophy and medal. She displays hers proudly.

She has been working on sparring a lot. She didn't do well at her first tournament because she wouldn't block. Shehan has been working with her on following through after she throws a kick and blocking her opponents strike. Grumpy took the opportunity between demo and forms to work with her a bit. Protect your head!!!

She was so happy when Rayven finally got there. Here they are waiting their turn at forms.

I would love to know what this conversation is about!

She did slow down a bit from her demo to forms but she still needs more work. I also changed some settings on my camera and got a few better pictures.

She had a pretty long break between forms and sparring. Even though she was getting tired, we could not get her to lay down and rest. She was sitting in my lap at one point with all her gear on and was just about asleep. Thank goodness Autumn stepped in! She had her doing some exercises and got her good and awake.

There were only two girls in her division, so naturally they both had to face a boy for their first round. This little boys mom was not sitting far from me, and when he got up to fight, I could here her encouraging him. She said something close to "Oh look! You got a girl! You can win this EASY!"

REALLY?! I guess we'll have to wait and see. She got in some great kicks but as you can see in this picture, she is still dropping her hands.

And in this one too.

But all was good. She won 7 - 4! You go GIRL!! Maybe other mom will choose her words a bit more carefully next time!

Next round was not so good. She was ahead 4 - 0 when this little boy took advantage of her not protecting herself and not following through. He won 7-4. But she is definitely still learning and we can see improvement in her all the time. Her first tournament, she lost in the first round. Her second, she lost in the second round. Maybe we have a pattern forming here and she will make it all the way through soon!

Next weekend, Addison! It's going to be another fun weekend!

It Is Passing Way Too Fast!

2011-03-10T23:14:00.003-06:00

This week has just disappeared! I can't believe it and it seems I have accomplished nothing. One thing that has taken some hours away from my days is my bed time. I have been very good about going to bed at a decent hour this week. I have not had an easier time waking in the morning for the simple fact that I have never been, nor will I ever be, a morning person. But I can say I have had great days and have not felt tired.

Mattie May has been spending a little extra time at karate preparing for a tournament this weekend. I know she will do well. We want he to get all the experience that she can but continue to enjoy it at the same time.

She practiced sparring last night. I love watching her spar. She is getting better if we can just get her to keep her eye on her opponent! She cracks me up!

I also practiced last night. I have had my camera for 5 years now and have never worked with the manual settings. I decided last night was the night to try. I got some pretty good shots. I will leave you with my favorite. It is straight out of the camera, absolutely no editing. I love her expression. Let me know what you think.

God Bless!

February First

2011-03-04T10:31:00.000-06:00

This was a slow month but went by way to fast. If the year doesn't slow down, Christmas will be here before you know it!

February 1st we woke up to one of the worst ice/snow storms we've seen in this area. Mattie May had her first snow day. Actually, it was a snow week. They called off school from Feb. 1 thru Feb. 4. Abilene ISD has a policy of not announcing a snow day until the morning of school, but for the last two days of the week they announced them the night before. That is how bad is was around here. I was sick for most of it and spent my time trying to get well. On Wednesday, Frank was even told to stay home from work. He was still on call, but didn't have to get out in it.

Our church had Daddy/Daughter Date Night on February 18. Of course Frank took her and you can read about that here.

Frank also had a first this month. On the 19th he went on a hunt for axis deer. He came home with a nice doe that filled our freezer and that is always nice.

The end of February brought more sickness to our house. Mattie May had a fever of 103.3 Wednesday night Feb. 23. This was just the start of her first bought of the flu. Yuk! She made it through and will tell you the worst part of it all was the nasty medicine she had to take. But because she took it, she got a bow and arrow set and a new movie. Yes, sometimes you just have to use a bribe!

God Bless!

January First

2011-03-03T10:45:00.007-06:00

January was full of fun!

New Year's day Mattie May's first for the day was her first plane ride. Oh the fun! A few nerve's and a lot of excitement starting at 4:30 in the morning! We rode a shuttle from our hotel to DFW airport where we boarded the plane to Florida.

That was her second first for the day, going to Walt Disney World. Of course you can read about all that in my previous post starting with this one. I don't want to bore you any longer about that trip, but it has to be included in her first.

When we got back home, she got her first puppy. She had asked Santa for a puppy for Christmas and he delivered, sort of. Because of our trip, Santa didn't think it would be right to deliver a puppy only to have to find someone to care for it just a week later while we were gone to Florida. So he left her all she needed to care for a puppy and a letter in her stocking explaining that one of his elves in Abilene would be keeping it until we got home. And he delivered! We got Tramp on Sunday after our trip.

We ended January on a sad note. Mattie May attended her first visitation and funeral. My great aunt, Fonda Day, went on to her eternal life January 25. Mattie May did very good at both. You never know how children will react in situations like this. She even gave Granny a final good bye kiss and told her she would see her again some day. I just love that kid!

So on to February.

God Bless!

Sick and Disappointed :-(

2011-02-26T06:44:00.001-06:00

Today we are supposed to be in Duncanville at a karate tournament. Mattie May has worked so hard all week. When I picked her up from the dojo on Wednesday, she wasn't feeling well but just looked tired. Within 45 minutes, she had 103.3 fever!

Influenza Type B!

No school, karate, or parties (she'll miss 2) until Monday.

She is very disappointed in missing the tournament. She asked if she was better could she still go. I wish she could but she'll still need to be resting to regain some strength. So now she will just get better and start preparing for next month.

Good luck to all our AMMA family!

God Bless!

First First for December

2011-02-25T06:25:00.007-06:00

Well, there are not many things new a young child can do in December once they have enjoyed their first Christmas. And because Mattie May has been in day care since she was a baby, she has had parties at school to celebrate. Her first first this year is her first school party. It was a really great party. Katie or I could neither get off work to help with the party, but Frank was off work and he gladly stepped in to help. I guess you could say this was his first school Christmas party too. What a great guy/grandfather/hubby/dad!

They had sandwiches, veggie trays, and chips for lunch, cookies and cupcakes for dessert.

And Frank was right there helping.

Cute gloves!

That's a lot of food for 24 four year olds!

Yummy lunch with friends.

But before lunch and the gift exchange, the students gave a little performance. They started before I got there, but Frank caught some of it on video for me. You know Mattie May can be a little shy sometimes, but see if you can pick her out in this video.

HAHAHA! She is such a ham! I guess that's better than her being shy and not wanting to be up there. Love that kid!
(Technical Problems: I can not get the video to load. But I will tell you, she is certainly the "center" of attention in it. I will try again later to get it to load)

That afternoon when we got the mail, there was a special envelope for her. It was from an address we weren't familiar with.
It was her first letter from Santa Clause, all the way from the north pole. It wasn't just a letter, it had all sorts of goodies in it. She was so excited. We were able to put most of the things away to save for her later. But maybe she'll get another letter next year.

I'm catching up with our first first. Tomorrow I will be going through January. WOW! It seems like I've had a few things to say about that month.

God Bless!

November First First

2011-02-24T06:21:00.000-06:00

The first weekend in November found Mattie May, Katie and I with some free time. Katie remembered about Kids Workshop at Home Depot and we thought Mattie May might enjoy it. And we were right.

Wearing her apron just like Lolo and Mommie used to.

She glued...

and hammered...

and glued and hammered some more until she finished her

nice little spice rack.

Cute!!!

The following weekend found us on the way to Midland for her first karate tournament. We didn't know what to expect from the tournament or from her because this was actually a first for all of us. It was a lot of fun. She participated in kata demo, kata and sparring. Kata demo was first and I think I was the most nervous of any of us. She had never done this and I was afraid she would freeze, goof off, cry, or any other number of things we've seen children do when they perform for the first time.

I was very pleasantly surprised. She got out there and looked like a pro. As a matter of fact, the two women standing next to me asked how long she had been doing tournaments and couldn't believe this was her first. And when they asked how long she had been in karate almost called me a liar when I told them just over two months! I thought she was amazing.

She didn't place in anything but just the fact that she was out there trying after such a short time of learning was enough for me.

Kata

All her "awards" for participation. She was happier about

Po as anything else.

I missed the kick, but you see the result.

Getting some encouragement from the sidelines.

She has since worked her way up to purple belt and will be going to her next tournament this weekend. This time she will be in kata, sparring, and breaking. I can't wait. She is doing a great job and learning something new every day. And most days we still have trouble getting her to leave the dojo. Maybe they'll move a cot in there for her!

Tomorrow, December!

God Bless!

More October First First

2011-02-23T06:44:00.001-06:00

Sunday October 10 was an absolutely beautiful day. We decided to take Mattie May to the zoo after church. We asked Mattie B if she wanted to go with us just like we always do and she said Yes! I was so glad. It had been a long time since she had been out there. And it was good for Mattie May because she could be tour guide for Mattie B and show her all of her favorite things.

I just love this picture of our two Matties!

On Thursday October 14, she participated in her first karate demonstration. At the time she had only been in karate for eight weeks and was still a white belt. She did very well and made us very proud.

Waiting their turn.

Doing her kata.

She has loved karate from the first day she walked in the door and this seems like years ago although its only been a few months.

AMMA only does one fund raiser during the year, a haunted grave yard at Halloween. All the kids volunteer, even the little ones. So this was her first first haunted house and her first first volunteering to work at it. I was a bit worried about Mattie May as she is a lot like me when it comes to scary things. But once she got to put make up on and scream, she did OK.

LOL! It's hard to be scary when your this cute!

God Bless!

Back to the First Firsts

2011-02-22T06:11:00.003-06:00

Whew - Holidays. trips, sickness... I think I've posted on all of that. If you think back to before all those things, you'll remember I said I had some more first firsts that I needed to get posted. Some of them are almost five months old, but I still want to get them down so I will remember them.

October 9, Mattie May had two first firsts.

She had her first professional hair style. We had a very special event later in the day and I just knew I wouldn't be able to make her hair look decent. Thank goodness my best friend is a hair stylist. Michelle curled and pinned and twisted and sprayed and got her hair looking great!

Isn't she precious? She looks sad in this picture but was actually very happy, she was just afraid to move. LOL! She didn't want to mess up her hair.

Look at those curls! I don't imagine she will ever have them like that again!

And the other first first? For the first time she was a flower girl in Lindsey and Matt's wedding! She had a good time and looked just adorable. Here is one of the pre-wedding pictures -

And the wedding - well just look...

She and Caleb look so cute! The wedding was absolutely beautiful. Lindsey and Diane planned a beautiful ceremony and God gave us great weather and some special guest - the monarch butterflies. They were flying every where. It was hard to keep your eyes off of them. It was a wonderful night.

More first first tomorrow,

God Bless!

Quiet Weekend

2011-02-21T15:13:00.006-06:00

Hello Monday!

I had a truly quiet weekend this past weekend and it was nice...for about five minutes! I do miss my family when they are gone. I think it's this only child thing I've had going on all my life. I don't really like being alone. But it happens sometimes and I try to enjoy it.

Friday night, was Daddy/Daughter Date night. I wrote about that in my last post. I think they both enjoyed themselves.

Saturday was when the quiet really set in. Frank went hunting axis deer with some friends and didn't come back until Sunday. Katie spent the day with friends and Mattie May was spending time with her daddy's family. It was just me and the dog, and he spent the weekend outside enjoying the sunshine. So really, it was just me. Thank goodness for the noise of the television.

What did I do? Well, there is always laundry to be done. I can't imagine having more than four people in a house. People that do, their laundry piles must be enormous because mine are pretty large.

I also spent a lot of time at the computer. OK, really I spent all of my time at the computer. Last week my picture CD's from Disney came in plus I had pictures from Mattie May's belt test last Saturday that needed to be cleaned up. After I got those finished and prints ordered, I got back to work on our Disney scrapbook.

Scrapblog has merged with Mixbook and I am having a hard time with the changes. I had gotten real good at putting my layouts together in SB. I seem to be having a hard time getting the new stuff down. I think the one thing I miss the most about SB is the free hand cropping tool. I have so many things I wanted to use to make my own stickers for this book and now I can't do them. It had me down for a bit, but I moved on to something different - making a movie!

Traci made a movie for our grandmother's 90th birthday out of old pictures and home movies and videos. I had always wanted to try it but never took the time. As I was playing around with something on the computer, I found all the information she had sent me and decided to get to work. I have fallen in love! I hope to get it finished this week. I think making movies is going to be my next full time project. I can't wait to get some old pictures from Mom and see what I can do with those.

The only thing I really need now other than time just to get it finished, is music. Disney music. I don't have any CDs that are just Disney music and I would love to have that as my background for my movie. I found a lot on iTunes, but it will cost me a fortune if that is what I decided to do. Mattie May will have a lot of tunes on my iPhone to listen to if I end up going that route. If any one out there has some CDs of Disney music that I could borrow, please let me know! I would be greatly appreciated.

This coming weekend won't be so quiet for us. Tournament season starts! Fishing and karate. Mattie May has a karate tournament in Duncanville this Saturday. She is ready for it. Sunday, Frank and I have a fishing tournament at O.H. Ivie. I am ready for that too! We are definitely going to be rushed going to both, but that's OK.

Also, Sunday, my family is getting together to celebrate Mattie B's 95th birthday! WOW! She is such a very special lady to all of us. She is a February 28 baby and was born in a leap year! Thank goodness she came on the 28th! Because we will be fishing, I may talk Frank into taking two vehicles so I can enjoy the celebration. Mom says that I shouldn't worry about it, but it isn't everyday your grandmother turns 95! I am so blessed to have her, not every 48 year old can say their grandmother is still with them!

Until tomorrow,

God Bless!

Otherwise Known As...

2011-02-19T12:39:00.003-06:00

Last night was Daddy/Daughter Date Night at church. But in our house, we called it Grumpy/Mattie May Date Night.

One of Mattie May's best friends at church is Jackie and her daddy, Brandon, works with Frank. They decided that since date night was going to be a "tea" that they should take the girls to eat before they went to the church building. Chili's was the restaurant of choice and they met about 5:45, an hour before the tea.

At church, there were several different projects planned for them. My favorite was the photo frame that Mattie May decorated and then a picture of the two of them was inserted. I love it!

There were also some prayers and blessings for the little girls. Frank said it was all very good and he is ready for next year.

We took a few pictures before they left the house. If your one of my FB friends, you've already seen them, sorry.

Not only did he remember his mother-in-law's birthday this week, he remembered to order Mattie May a corsage for her "first date"! He is totally awesome!

My two sweeties!

They finally see eye to eye! LOL

My precious little ham.

She loves this dress. She calls it her wedding dress.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. And to those that have a holiday Monday just know I am very jealous!

God Bless!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Eight

2011-02-18T06:24:00.002-06:00

I almost forgot to post today. I've been busy. My PhotoPass CD's came in last week and tonight is the first night I have had to play with them. I decided to use one to update my blog header. What do you think? This is one of the Magic Photo's that the photographer took. I love them! They pose you and you don't know how the picture will look until you pull them up!

Mattie May and Tinker Belle. What a combination.

This was our last day in Florida. I have two pictures that I think really sum this day up.

This is the first.

No one wants vacation to end. We didn't have to catch the bus to the airport until 4:20, but we had to be out of our room by 11:00. We got all packed up and took our luggage to baggage check before we headed to breakfast.

We ended up with some meals on our food plan and they had to be used. Nothing worse than not using what we had paid for. We took a chance on Chef Mickey's. We didn't have reservations but we didn't last time either. We had to wait about 5 minutes for a seat.

By now, Mattie May was pretty good at talking with the cast members. We had a great waitress and Mattie May was talking to her about what fun week she had and that she really didn't want to go home. The next time the waitress came to our table, she brought Mattie May another birthday cupcake! "Every birthday trip should end happy!" How sweet was that?!

Some creative photography using my iPhone.

We spent the day riding Mattie May's favorite rides, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mad Tea Party, Dumbo Flying Elephants, and of course one more go on "it's a small world".

We also had one more full service meal we had to use. We took a chance at The Crystal Palace hoping to get to eat with Winnie the Pooh and all his friends (we hadn't seen them all week!) No luck this time. Oh well, Frank was hoping for a pizza anyway so we headed to Tony's Town Square. Just a short ten minute wait and we were in. Frank had his pizza and Mattie May was finally served off of a Mickey plate! All was well with the world!

After lunch we had time for some shopping. We had some ears we needed to get for friends and family back home. The ear store and candy shop were just up Main street. While we were shopping, we noticed they were getting ready for a parade. We made our purchases and went out to get a place to watch. The parade was great but as soon as it was over we had to get to the bus.

Picture two to wrap up our day. She is realizing we are leaving and is NOT a very happy camper!

Just look at that face. Tired and sad. I felt just like her. I called Mom to let her know we were leaving and could hardly talk trying to fight back tears! It was nothing that one more Mickey Mouse ice cream couldn'tt fix. We all had one to lift our spirits and finished just in time to bored the bus and get to the airport.

We had spent an entire week in January in short sleeves and sunshine only to get off the plane at DFW to almost freezing temperatures.

We had a great time and made memories that will last us a lifetime. We have already started planning and saving for our return trip!

Walt Disney Resort truly is

"The Happiest Place on Earth!"

God Blees!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Seven

2011-02-17T06:42:00.002-06:00

Day Seven found us back at Magic Kingdom, because that's what Mattie May wanted to do and this was her trip after all. As much as we had been enjoying our trip, this was the first day I actually felt relaxed. We only had one set of autographs to get and we knew right where we needed to be and when, so we just had fun.

Mattie May of course headed back to the tea cups! This time we rode in separate cups. Frank and I could really get ours to spinning this time!

We went to Winnie the Pooh's and had a little visit.

And had tea with Minnie Mouse! Love the decor in her home!

I don't have pictures of all this, but right after this picture is when we got to see the fairies. They told us Tinker Belle would definitely be there but not who the other two would be. The area you go in to wait for these characters is separated into two lines, one side fairies one side princesses. She already had all the princess signatures and her goal today was fairies! The line was pretty long but we felt it was moving pretty fast. They have monitors set up to watch clips of movies while your waiting and Katie and I really didn't notice the time. After a while my phone rang and it was Frank (he was waiting on a bench outside). He asked me if we were OK or if there was some sort of problem. No, we were fine just waiting, why was he asking me this? He said he kept seeing all these people go in after us and they had already started coming out, what was taking us so long? Katie and I started laughing, he didn't know there were two separate lines because he had stayed outside and all the people he was seeing were the ones going into see the princesses!!

We finally made our way in to see the fairies, Rosetta, Tinker Belle, and to Katie's delight, Vidia! Katie and Vidia have a lot in common. They both cause a lot of trouble!!! LOL

From here we just enjoyed the rest of the day, doing whatever Mattie May wanted.

Frank & Katie Flying with Dumbo!

After dark, we remembered there was one show we had not seen at EPCOT and it was now or never!! We caught the monorail over and once there, headed straight to see Turtle Talk with Crush. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!! Trina and Traci had told us that whatever we did not to miss this show. We had no idea what to expect but they were so very right! This is so fun! Crush, the turtle from Finding Nemo is on a movie screen but he interacts with the audience. It is so much fun! Katie and Mattie May both got to talk to him. Frank and I were sitting there enjoying the show and then realized we should have been recording! Ugh!!! We tried to get the phones going but it didn't turn out very well. Oh well. I don't think we will forget it!

Frank, Mattie May and Bruce

"Fish are friends not food!"

After Turtle Talk we walked around and enjoyed watching the divers checking out the aquarium. They kept swimming by Mattie May and waving at her. I think she thought they were there just for her enjoyment.

Mattie May found Nemo!

Then it was time to head back to our room and get packed and ready to leave on Friday. I leave you today with Frank and Mattie May's impression of Crush. Dude- until tomorrow! LOL

God Bless!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Six

2011-02-16T06:30:00.000-06:00

Magic Kingdom! Yeah! All day - start to finish! We had so much fun.

Most of the morning was spent waiting. As we were going to the park, Katie went ahead of us and got in line for Rapunzel and Flint Ryder. She checked her watch - 9:45. She was in the 12:00 PM line! Oh yeah! everyone wanted to see Rapunzel. Her movie was released right around Thanksgiving, so even some of the little girls that had been to MK before, probably hadn't got to see Rapunzel.

While Katie waited, Frank went to some ride to get our FastPass (I don't remember which one) and Mattie May and I walked around a bit. We walked to the other side of Cinderella's castle and saw Fairy Godmother.

We had to wait a bit for her too, but that was OK. It kept Mattie May from getting bored while just waiting in one line. Mattie May didn't seem to excited about seeing Rapunzel but she didn't ask not to. She just acted kind of weird. We couldn't really figure it out.

They finally let Mattie May's group in to see Rapunzel. This was one of the best waits we had. There was a large table (see in the picture below) and they handed the kids pictures and crayons. After they finished their pictures, they took them to their parents. They got instructions about Rapunzel and Flint Ryder coming out and then they were there. Mattie May was in the perfect spot, right next to Flint Ryder! Her eyes lit up. Just look at that face!She got to hold his hand and dance around with him. She was having fun. After the dance, all the kids got back in line with their parents and waited their turn for pictures. The photographers came around with Pascal to take pictures while we waited. She was really good and even got Frank to take his picture with the little guy! Mattie May finally got her turn with Rapunzel and Flint Ryder. This is when we figured out why she was not to thrilled to be waiting in line. She thought she was only going to see Rapunzel, just another princess. Her excitement came out when she saw Flint Ryder!!! Look how close she's standing to him. I think she only let go of his hand so he could sign her book. What a little flirt she is!!! Now that "chore" was done, we could go have fun. We road every ride in the park that we could. the only ones we didn't ride, Mattie May was to short. We walked, rode, laughed, ate, and watched shows all day. We also found some places to take pictures.

I want one of these at home!!!

We ate lunch outside and Mattie May couldn't keep her eyes off the birds. She said it reminded her of being at the beach when their all around trying to get your food. I don't know how she did it, but Katie talked her into trying to feed the them. We gave her all our left over french fries and hamburger buns, stood her in the middle of the walk way and stepped back and waited.

We didn't have to wait long! She was laughing so hard she could hardly hold her hands up. I managed to get one of the birds flying off. I don't know what makes me laugh more, her face or the lady walking behind her! There were lots of people looking at her. Some of them looked at us like we were crazy for letting her do that but most laughed right along with us! I looked around but never found any signs telling us not to feed the birds and no cast members ever asked us to stop, so we let her stand there until she ran out of fries.

I don't know how many rides we rode or shows we saw, but I do know I was glad to see the sun getting lower in the sky! We decided to grab a snack to eat while we waited on the fireworks. On the way we saw Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. They were great! And Mattie May really warmed up to them too even though she was extremely tired. She was the last one in line and they really spent a lot of time with her. We found a spot exactly where we wanted for the fireworks and enjoyed our snack. Mattie May kept saying she wanted to watch them from the hotel, but we knew if we stayed, she would get a big surprise from someone she loves. Luckily, we didn't have to wait long.

Now, I can't tell you what the surprise was, because I have cousins that are going in May and I don't want to spoil it for their girls. If you, have been (thanks Lindsey!) , I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

Frank and I have seen MANY fireworks shows in our lives, but WDW tops them all. Every night they do amazing shows. Next time, I'm going to remember to see how long they actually last! The little kid in me came out every night and I sat in awe of what I was watching.

We walked back to the room, got our showers and hit the sack. Well, Frank and Mattie May did! Katie and I hit the laundry room! But it wasn't too much later until we joined them back in the room and I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow!

Day Seven tomorrow and back to MK for Fairies and Pooh friends ending with EPCOT and Nemo!!! Whew!!! I'm tired just remembering as I type!!!

God Bless!!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Five

2011-02-15T06:40:00.001-06:00

Tuesday found us on the way to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Maybe it was because the long days and short nights were catching up with us, maybe it was because our muscles were beginning to tighten up, or maybe it was because we had such an exciting and excellent day on Monday at EPCOT, but for whatever reason, it was a unanimous decision that this was not our favorite park. We all agree that if we ever get to go again, this will be the first park we visit. That way we won't be so tired and maybe we will find it to be as exciting as the other three parks.

But of course, it is a Walt Disney World park, so there were some fun time had here!!

The first item of business on Frank's agenda was renting a stroller! He never complains about walking and toting Mattie May around on his shoulders, but by now he could tell he was wearing himself out. Mattie May doesn't like to ride in the buggy at the grocery store so we weren't real sure how this big girl was going to react to being asked to ride in a stroller. Frank came out with it and she jumped right in! I think her legs were getting a little sore from being on his shoulders all the time. So any of you that are planning a trip to WDW with young children, rent a stroller! The best thing we spent money on all week!

We were real sure what to do first and Mattie May saw a picture of Belle, so in we went to "Beauty and the Beast - The Musical". Mattie May and I enjoyed it, Frank and Katie not so much. Neither on of them are fans of musicals. Remember, Frank took a nap in Nemo! LOL

After the show we just started walking towards the Toy Story ride but got sidetracked when we saw Quincy and June signing autographs. Of course we had to stop. Mattie May loves the Little Einsteins, and she has always looked a lot like Annie.

Right across from where Quincy and June were was voyage of the Little Mermaid. Mattie May saw Ariel and headed to the line. I think she liked the bubbles coming from the ceiling better than any other part of this show.

We wanted to ride the Toy Story ride because this is the one ride in this park that everyone said is a must and of course being the sheep that we are, we had to follow. They had already handed out all the FastPasses for the day so we would have to wait in line, which at the time was a two hour wait. We decided before we committed to that we had better get us some lunch. Looking at the menus, our best bet with our two picky eaters was Play N Dine at Hollywood and Vine. The way our day was going I was afraid we weren't going to be able to get a table but we only had to wait about 5 minutes. It was an American food buffet, but not a great selection for my non-chicken eating husband, but he found some things he could eat. He had to get them off the children's buffet but no one tried to stop him. I guess they could see the hunger in his eyes. We got to eat, dance and play with Handy Manny, Oso, Leo and June.

It really was a great choice for us. It was a place Mattie May could just be a kid and eat what she wanted or get up and dance when the music came on. Grumpy even got in on a couple of dances, after all, he is just a 49 year old kid!

We walked a different route back to the Toy Story ride. On the way, we stopped for some shopping and pictures under Mickey's big magic hat.

We stumbled upon what looked like Grauman's Chinese Theater and had to look around at some of the prints in the cement. Katie found her favorite and fell in tears on top of it!

Not really, she just sat down so I could get all of her and the entire square in the picture.

We finally made it around to the Toy Story ride and the wait was down to an hour and a half! We decided we had to wait it out because we really didn't want to make a trip back to this park. There are enough things to look at in the line that Mattie May really did well for the wait and it ended up that we only waited for 45 minutes until we were to the booth to pick up our 3D glasses. Frank and Katie picked up our glasses and the cast member taking head counts told them that they didn't need them because we were leaving the ride. WHAT?! I think she finally realized we didn't understand what she was telling us. The ride was broken and they didn't know if it would open back up that day. Oh! Just one more disappointment at this park. Buzz Lightyear and Woody were right across the street. Mattie May wanted to wait for them so we did. Even though this was a pretty long line, it went rather quickly and Buzz and Wood were great. They both took their time with Mattie May and even made Katie get in some of the pictures.

We found Frank and he told us a cast member at the Toy Story ride had told him not to go to far, but we hated for Mattie May to have to step right back into another long line and possibly be disappointed again. I saw Green Army Man standing on the street so we went to talk to him.

Man we timed it just right. Right after we had pictures with him, Frank was yelling at me to hurry and just as I handed Mattie May to Katie they opened the ride. It didn't take us long to get back to the point where we had to leave and finally got to ride the ride.

Mattie May in the Toy Story Ride line.

Oh yes! It was definitely worth the wait. What a fantastic ride. The most fun we had all day. We all wished we had time to ride it again.

The exit for the ride took us out to where Mattie May had seen Quincy and June earlier in the day. She started pulling on Katie's arm and pointing all the while shouting "THERE SHE IS! THERE SHE IS!" She took us by surprise but we finally realized she was pointing at Annie and thankfully the line was not long at all.

Frank, Katie and Mattie May all wanted to ride the Tower of Terror. I hate those types of rides but was going willingly as not to disappoint Mattie May. At the last minute, we decided it was best for me to tell her that I really didn't like these types of rides but that we all thought she would really enjoy it because she is so much like Grumpy and Mommie. She thought that was OK so I went to wait on them and rest my feet. I knew they weren't going to have to wait to long because the line was rather short, so when they came back in about 15 minutes and Frank and Katie were both smiling I thought they had enjoyed the ride. I asked Mattie May how she liked it and she told me they didn't ride it.

I was so confused. Frank told me they got on the ride and buckled in when all the sudden Mattie May told the cast member she wanted to get off. :-( I tried to get Frank and Katie to go back and get on it but they didn't want to do that to her.

It was getting late and when we asked her what she wanted to do, she said she wanted to see the fireworks with the world floating on the lake. That was all the way over at EPCOT and we really didn't know if we had time to make it. The lines for the buses were long because the park was closing. Frank asked a cast member if there was a quicker way there and he directed us to the water taxi. That was fun and a bit more relaxed than riding the bus. Plus it took us up to some of the resorts we wouldn't have seen otherwise.

It had come a little shower so things were wet and it cooled off quit a bit but she was determined she was going to see that show. We did make it and it too was worth going back for. Amazing what they can do with lasers and fireworks. It was a great way to finish off a day that had had so many disappointments in it.

We turned in our stroller and Mattie May ended up on Frank's shoulders. I looked up and this is what I saw...

Yes, she really is asleep, he is not, I just caught him during a blink. We all crashed when we got back to the room and got a little rest before getting up for Day 6.

I know your probably asking yourself where all the trouble and disappointments were. Other than the ride shutting down, I left them all out! Even though this wasn't our favorite park, there really were a lot of fun things we did. And they would really take a while to write and read. We love to remember the happy times so they will stay with us.

God Bless!

Back on Track!

2011-02-15T01:33:00.003-06:00

Ugh! It's been over a week since my last post and about two weeks when I posted on Mattie May's birthday at WDW! Well I am determined to get through the WDW vacation post and move on to some other fun things.

So...I am working on those post and determined to get finished this week. Then I need to tell you about everything that has been happening this year. I have been busy this past week. Thank goodness, because the week before I was sick and snowed in.

Before I go, last week we had a couple of days and nights of extreme cold again. We did not make it through these days with out some frozen plumbing. That is one of the "exciting" stories I have to tell you! But for now, I'm going ot bed!

God Bless!

Two Dreaded S's!

2011-02-08T10:56:00.004-06:00

Ugh! Last Monday (Jan 31) I woke up sick! I hate being sick. I was sick enough to not go to work! That is not how I like to start my week.

Then on Tuesday (Feb 1) we were snowed in! I was still sick and to top it off with snow and ice, well, I was just miserable. The snow and ice were so bad they canceled school for 4 days. I don't remember that ever happening. It was bad enough that Katie's office was closed.

On Wednesday (Feb 2) Frank was told to stay home on call! THAT'S BAD ROADS! AEP wanted as few people out on the roads as possible. I figured if the roads were bad enough for him to stay home there was certainly no reason for me to venture out especially when I still wasn't hat 100%.

I felt bad enough all week that I didn't even turn on my computer!

Yesterday (Feb 7) I played catch up all day at work. So now I am a week behind on my blogging. I still have four days to finish out our trip to Disney. But I am better now and getting caught up at work so hopefully tomorrow I will start getting caught up on my blog.

Although, tonight the low is to be 16*! Argh! I am ready for spring! It is supposed to snow/rain/sleet or something, but it is not supposed to be as bad as it was last week so hopefully I won't get any further behind. I still have so much to share!

Until later, God Bless!

Mattie Mays Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Four

2011-01-28T06:00:00.014-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTIE MAY

FIVE YEARS OLD

Mattie May went to bed a four year old and woke up a five year old. Believe me, there was no way she was letting us forget that today was her birthday. We all sang happy birthday to wake her up. We had a few gifts for her to open, including her birthday ears. I've decided that everyone should wear Mickey ears on their birthday! They're just too much fun!

We had a great breakfast at Chef Mickey's where we were joined by the big guy himself. Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy were all there. They each came to our table to wish her a happy birthday.

They were all great and the food was fantastic. Donald duck was even able to get a smile and a laugh out of Frank! We all know how difficult that is!

There was so much going on, she was having trouble eating. And before she finished her breakfast, our waitress brought out her birthday cup cake. The candles and the wrapper were the only things not edible. Even that little Mickey face was made out of chocolate.

Look at the five year old smile! Who couldn't love this kid?!

About all she could finish was her milk and then she was ready to ride the monorail to EPCOT. By the way, did you know EPCOT is an acronym? Do you know what the actual name is? Well if you promise to read to the end of this post, I'll tell you! As anxious as she was to find Mulan, she asked to go in "the ball" first.

OK More useless trivia - do you know the ball is called Space Ship Earth? That is also the name of the ride inside!

While we waited for our FB time for Test Track, we watched Captain EO. Let me say, that movie is 25 years old but the special effects are still really cool. They must have really been ahead of their time when they filmed that! Mattie May was so excited that she was getting to watch Michael Jackson, but when the villain cat lady thing appeared on the screen, I started looking for a way for us to get out of there! She screamed this terrified scream, a truly blood curdling scream. Katie got her to take of her glasses and sit in her lap until she calmed down. She put her glasses back on and just closed her eyes when "the scary cat lady" came on the screen. She was very happy when she turned into a nice person at the end of the show. As we were walking out, she just kept jabbering about how good that was and if we had time could we see it again. I guess she has a love/hate feeling for Captain EO.

To waste more time we rode Imagination w/Figment. That is a really cute and educational ride. We had a pretzels and popcorn for snacks because we couldn't find an ice cream stand. We looked all the way to Test Track and never did pass one.

Test Track is amazing!! We were a bit concerned about the simulations of wrecks (we're all still a bit jumpy from last year!). OH MY GOODNESS! That was the most awesome ride! Trina, I'm really sorry you didn't get to ride it, but now you have a reason to go back! It is so cool!!!

Heading into the World Showcase, we found Mattie May an ice cream stand! She hadn't had any all day and we were afraid she would go into withdrawals! That kid loves ice cream! She would eat it every day at every meal if we would let her!

We visited Mexico for a while, walked through Norway and found the castle where we were to have her birthday dinner and then made a bee line to China. This was going to be the most important stop on our entire trip.

Why?

Mulan is in China!

We had to wait about fifteen minutes for her to come out but it was worth the wait. Mattie May patiently waited her turn with all the other princess in line. I don't think I have ever seen that child's eyes light up like they did when she saw her. When it was her turn, Mulan motioned for Mattie May to come on up, but before she took a step, she respectfully bowed to Mulan. It was so cute and Mulan was very impressed with her. Mattie May explained to Mulan that she liked her so much because she knew karate too. Mulan asked her what belt she was and asked her to show her some moves. She did part of her kata for her and gave her a bit of surprise when she did her little yell! Mulan said "Every good warrior packs a surprise!"

Mulan was impressed with Mattie May's kata.

They talked for a bit longer and Mulan signed her book, then they posed together for some pictures. I think Mattie May could have stayed right there for the rest of the day and been happier than any other child in the park!

Mulan asked for a Warrior pose!

Mulan gave her a great big hug, wished her happy birthday and told her to keep practicing her karate. Maybe next time they see each other, they can demonstrate some of their weapons skills! LOL

Always time for a silly picture!

After we watched an amazing movie on China in a round theater, we headed to Germany. Katie, Mattie May and I waited in line to see Snow White and Grumpy disappeared! He reappeared just as it was Mattie May's turn to speak to Snow White. He was a very happy camper with a bratwurst, sauerkraut and beer in his hands! Snow White got pretty amused when Mattie May told her she lived with one of her dwarfs. She asked which one and Mattie May told her Grumpy and showed her where he was sitting. Snow White waved and blew a kiss to him! It was just priceless!

From Germany we walked to Italy where Frank insisted that we try some gelato. It was only about 45 minutes before we our dinner reservations, but we had some anyway. I had never had any and it is probably a good thing that there is no where near home that sells the real stuff or I would be huge!!!! That is some yummy stuff!

Italian Gelato on the way to dinner?

Of course! It's Mattie May's birthday!

It started getting cool and we forgot Mattie May's jacket, so as we walked through Italy, America and Japan, Katie and I would walk through the stores looking for a child's jacket. We could only find clothes in adult sizes. It was so strange. Finally in the Japan pavilion I found some cute hooded jackets that Katie liked, so I got one that would fit her and we rolled the sleeves up and Mattie May wore it the rest of the night when we were outside.

It was taking so long that Frank and Mattie May came in to find us. While they walked around, they found the oyster bar. Not an oyster bar for eating but one for buying pearls! Frank had snuck around and bought two oysters for me for our anniversary. He knows how much I love pearls and I can't wear my pearl stud earrings any more.

This store was so much fun. I don't remember the conversation, but the little girl helping us got Mattie May to count for her in Japanese. She, the girl helping us, got so excited! She had all the other girls in there listening to her. I think she would have taken Mattie May home with her if we would have let her!

She was also the person that opened the oysters to find the pearls. After she opens the oyster, she leads everyone in a count down in Japanese as she takes out the pearl. When she did our pearls, she had Mattie May lead the store in the count down! I think everyone in there was amazed that this little girl with blue eyes and blonde hair was counting in Japanese!

Both of my oysters had pearls and they are very close in size but one has a yellow tint to it. They wanted me to change one pearl so they would match, but these are the ones I picked and the ones I wanted. Besides, they are on opposite sides of my head and so far, no one has noticed the color difference!

When the girl finished getting Frank's order on how he wanted the earrings, she came from behind the counter and had an origami crane she had made for Mattie May. She sang happy birthday to her using the crane like a puppet. She not only gave her the crane, she gave her a huge hug to go with it!

Because we had spent so much time in Japan, we had to practically run through Morocco, France, the United Kingdom and Canada to get back to Norway for dinner! Our reservation was for 7:55 and we walked up at 7:53! Yes, we were rushing! And all for nothing. They were running behind and they pushed our reservations up until 8:15! I'm glad we were doing so much walking since we seemed to be eating later and later each night!

To pass the time while we waited, we road Maelstrom, the Viking boats telling the story of Norway and the Vikings. It was another fun and educational ride, but I was just glad to be sitting down not rushing.

Our dinner was very good. We all tried something new, including Frank! I almost fell out of my chair! He never tries new stuff!! Mattie May was pleasantly surprised when she figured out she was having dinner with the Disney princesses. As much as she wore a tiara when she was little, she is not much into the princesses now. But she still had fun. During the Parade of Princesses she not only got to walk in Arial's group, but she got to hold her hand during the entire parade.

Her Mattieism for today wasn't something she said, it was something she did. As all the princesses, big and small, curtsied at the end of the parade, Mattie May bowed at the waist like she does for karate! All the people around her noticed. We actually didn't notice until we were watching the video and saw some customer's point and laugh.

She was promised she could have anything she wanted to eat as long as it wasn't ice cream or cake, it had to actually have some nutritional value! I guess when it's your birthday, any meal can be special! HAHAHA!

A hot dog for her special Birthday dinner!

Frank and Mattie May walked outside to find out what all the noise was we could here. It was the laser/fireworks show. They couldn't see all of it from where we were, but they could see enough to know it was an amazing show! And when they came back in, we surprised Mattie May with another birthday cake! It was a great chocolate cake and it was delish! We carried most of it back to our room because we also had dessert with our meals. Our waiter brought us one of each thing they had and we shared them all. And I wonder why I didn't loose any weight while we were gone!

On the way back to the monorail, we were finally able to take our time and not rush. My feet and legs were very grateful for that! I never complained, but I wondered with each step when my legs were just going to stop and say no more!! Next time I go, I'm not going to forget my pedometer so I'll know how far I walk each day!

We thought Mattie May was going to fall asleep on the monorail ride back to the hotel, but she didn't. And we walked back to our room just in time to see the lighted boat parade, so we went down to the beach and watched the rest of that. Lots of great Disney movie songs. Katie and I sang as many of them as we could at the top of our lungs. I am sure we woke some people up, but I didn't think about that until later. We were having to much fun!

Tomorrow is Disney Hollywood Studios!

God Bless!!

EPCOT is an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow. That's your useless trivia for today!

Mattie Mays Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Three

2011-01-27T06:00:00.001-06:00

I have had so much fun posting Mattie May's journal. Have you had fun reading her post? I really can't wait (well, I really can) until she can really write things herself. I can't tell you how many hours we spend, she has pencil in hand and paper in front of her and she just asks how to spell each word that she wants to get on paper. She tells me all the time she is going to be a writer.

I am definitely not the writer that she is, but I can add captions and comments to pictures. Although I don't have many pictures to choose from seeing as how I left my camera in Texas!

Day three of our adventure is actually day two of our time in Florida. Traci had told Mattie May about the safari ride at Animal Kingdom and shown her pictures, so this is where she wanted to go on our first full day. We caught the bus and off we went. This was the same bus ride where this happened.

As soon as we got off the bus, Katie and I both realized we had left our sun glasses in the room, including Mattie May's. So we stopped in the first shop we saw and got some. I don't think we could have survived without them. Seriously!

Katie's are super cute! Little Mickey's on hot pink!

Animal Kingdom still had their Christmas decorations up too. My favorite trees of all the parks. I thought of my mom when I saw these trees. Wild animals and prints all over. It was amazing. We found the PhotoPass photographer at this tree and she let us in on the secret of the Magic Photo. They are so cool. You will get to see them when I get my pictures from Disney. They are so neat.

" I look just like Tigger!"

As we headed up the path to the safari and saw the Tree of Life for the first time. Katie got so excited, I think she shed a tear. See, she does take after me! It was amazing. We have seen it on TV and in pictures many times, but it is kind of like the Grand Canyon, pictures just don't do it justice. You have to see it for yourself and feel your breath being taken away.

Tree of Life

It looks like it is coming our of our heads!

We ran into Lilo and Stitch. Mattie May had a great time with them. She had Kia Lan on her shirt and Stitch kept trying to get her to get a different shirt. It was great.

We got tickets for the safari and had more than enough time to head to Rafiki's Island?? The train ride over was nice. We really enjoyed "the island". It was fun and educational at the same time and that is always nice. Here, we met:

Pocahontas

Jiminy Cricket

and of course, Rafiki.

Mattie May wasn't real sure about him. I don't think she has seen the Lion King and isn't familiar with his character. But she did fine.

It was time to head to the safari, but as we were walking out Mattie May spotted the ice cream stand. So naturally we had to get ice cream. We met Casey here. She just started talking to Mattie May as if none of us were there. Of course she had to wish her a happy birthday because she had her birthday button on. Mattie May said to her "Thank you, but my birthday really isn't until tomorrow."

"REALLY?!?!?" Casey squealed, "Tomorrow is my birthday too!" Mattie May ran around the back and gave her a big hug and told her happy birthday too! I think Mattie May would have stayed with her the rest of the day. And to make things even better, Casey gave her her ice cream for her birthday!

Casey

The safari was so cool. It was very much like the drive through safaris that are all around, but oh so much better. This ride created another Mattieism. After she saw Traci's pictures, she kept telling us "you take a safari in a cari!" LOL So that was the name we gave it!

The Safari in the Cari

We think we get so close to the giraffes at the Abilene Zoo, but there is still a fence between you and them. Look how close we are to the one in this picture. Remember this was taken with an iPhone and no zoom! If only he would have looked my way!

Now she wanted to go ride the mountain. This was the ride we learned the importance of the FastPass! It was a two hour wait and the had given out all the FastPasses for the day. So sadly, we didn't get to ride this one. Yeah, some tears were flowing but after the promise of a snack, Katie settled down and got ready for something else.

We walked right up on the line for "Finding Nemo, The Musical" and of course, they were just shutting it off. Another disappointment until the girl saw Mattie May's birthday button. With a quick happy birthday wish, she let us in and told us to walk to the front! We had great seats! And it is a definitely a don't miss show. We had fun watching how they worked the puppets, especially Crush. I think that took five people to work! I don't know how because we were so close to the front, but Frank enjoyed a little nap while we were here!

Finding Nemo Musical

We headed over to the dinosaur part to see what was there. The roller coaster there looked really cool, but Mattie May was too short to ride. Frank decided he could get her on and the entire time we were in line, Katie and I kept telling him he would be the one dealing with Mattie May's tears this time! He kept telling us he would get her on there! Guess who was right? Yeah, Katie and I were! Thank goodness there was a popcorn stand nearby and a big bucket of popcorn can chase the biggest tears away. Katie also found the first hidden Mickey in this area!

We got in line to see Pluto and Goofy while we enjoyed our popcorn. A very interesting artist came by while we were waiting. At first we thought she was a member of the clean up cast, she was caring a broom & dust pan and dressed just like them. But the dust pan was full of water and the broom was formed into a giant paint brush. She would "paint" the characters from memory.

She said this was much more fun in the cooler weather. In the hot sun, her "art" doesn't last very long. It wasn't to much longer until we got to see Pluto and Goofy. These were the first two characters that Mattie May really interacted with. She couldn't wait to give them both a kiss on the nose!

Pluto & Goofy

Back to the Tree of Life we went. It was time to see things Through the Eye's of Bugs! This started out Innocent enough, but then the big hopper came out and Mattie May was in Grumpy's lap in a flash. Thank goodness she was there when the spiders started coming down from the ceiling! She was not a happy camper and tried her hardest to crawl inside his shirt! Katie and I were enjoying the show until the hornets stung us. Lets just suffice it to say, Mattie May didn't see a need to do this show any more!

Bug's Life

The Rain Forrest Cafe is just at the entrance of the park and that is where Mattie May wanted to eat. I don't know why. She hates it when the animals start going off and we were right in front of the big male elephant. After the first couple of times she realized he wasn't actually going to run over her and she enjoyed the rest of our meal.

We caught one of the last buses back to the hotel. Everyone got bathed and ready for bed. Tomorrow was The Big Day! Mattie May's birthday, our reason we were on this excellent adventure in the first place.

This was the wreath on the end of the Contemporary.

Tomorrow - Day Four - Mattie May's Happy Fifth Birthday!

God Bless!

A Very Special Lady

2011-01-26T10:04:00.007-06:00

My family lost a very special person yesterday. Most of the world knew her as Fonda Day, but in my family she was either Fonda Mae or Granny Grunt. She was Mattie B's youngest sister, but there where times when I was young that I thought she was one of my grandmothers.
Following are just a few of the wonderful memories I will always have.

When we lived in Midland, I would get to spend several weeks in Abilene during the summer and some of those days were spent with her, just the two of us. On most of those nights, she would take me to Dairy Queen to get a dipped cone, take it home to eat outside as we put the birds to bed. We would sit in her back yard at dusk as the three large trees filled with birds settling in to roost for the night. And most of those nights she would get so mad at me. I would eat the chocolate off the dipped cone and then give her the ice cream to eat. I don't guess she was very mad since this scenario replayed over and over.

I'm sure we were going to a wedding and we were talking about getting married for some reason. I have no idea why this seemed important to me as a little girl, but I told her I wanted her to wear a red dress when I got married, Many years later, on February 4, 1984, she waltzed into Mom's house dressed in the prettiest red suit I had ever seen, ready to see Frank and I get married! She also made sure I was wearing "the ring" that night, just as she did for Katie on her wedding day twenty one years later.

There was one Christmas eve, either in the late 60s or early 70s, when all my cousins came in wearing go go boots. I wanted some so bad, and I really don't know why I didn't have any already. They were so cute. Being the sweet little unspoiled only child that I was (am), I'm certain I wasn't pouting or anything like that and I'm not real sure what all she had done to make this happen, but Granny quit what she was doing, cooking or some unimportant task I'm sure, and told me to go to the car. As we were walking out the door and everyone was asking where we were going, all she told them was that we would be right back. We drove to Thornton's and she bought me go go boots! I'm positive there was not a happier child on that Christmas eve.

Granny traveled to Houston often to see her family, Bill, Karin, Marcia and Greg, and one of us (Mattie B's granddaughters) would usually get to go with her. There will always be a debate in our family who was her travel companion on more trips, Trina or me (I say me! LOL). They were fun trips and for some reason, I always got the hiccups. Every time, she would slap a quarter on the dashboard to "buy" them from me. It always worked, once the quarter was there, I didn't hiccup again. But on one trip, she didn't have a quarter so she put a dollar bill there. Evidently, she put it up there to soon, because I had one hiccup left in me! Not only did I get the dollar, I don't think I got ever got the hiccups again on one of our trips!

And Marcia Kay, all I have to say is hippity hops, kissing table, bubble bath in the pool and starch in the bathroom! LOL Trust me, that's all anyone else needs to know!

When we started "bringing boys home", we were always embarrassed when she would hardly let them get in the door before she grabbed them and planted a huge Granny kiss right on their lips. Oddly enough, some of those boys would be brave enough to come back and some have stuck around for years!

There was never a child that went to visit her that she didn't find something for them to take home with them. Be it a piece of candy or a couple of pennies (with advice on saving them!), children were not to walk away from her empty handed. Even when we would visit her in the nursing home, she would find something, usually candy, for Mattie May to take with her.

Granny, I will miss you, but I know I will see you again some day.

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Nine From Her Journal

2011-01-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

Well, this is it. Her last entry in her vacation to Disney journal.

I am too lazy to go back and look at my other post so I may be repeating myself on this. The entire time we were gone, she kept telling us she was ready to go home any time. We would ask her if she was not having a good time and she would tell us she was, but whenever we were ready to go home so was she. We just couldn't figure this one out. We knew she was having fun. Who wouldn't? We played all day, ate things we shouldn't have been eating at times we shouldn't have been eating, ice cream before meals, meeting all sorts of characters, and lots of laughing. She would never mention going home when we were working on journal. We just couldn't figure it out. I think when you read the last line of this entry and see the picture, you will have it figured out too!

Can you believe this was on her mind the entire time we were gone?! She has the most amazing mind!

God Bless!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Eight From Her Journal

2011-01-25T14:26:00.000-06:00

OK! I'm back on track!

This journal entry is a little bittersweet for me. It was our last day in Florida. I was very ready to get back home to Texas and my own bed and house, but we were having such a great time that I didn't want it to end. And I must admit, when I called Mom to tell her we were heading to the airport, I had to choke back some tears. I'm sure part of that was because we were so tired, but most of you know, that's just me, the crier!

I just love her drawing in this post. When she showed it to me, she pointed out the crooked windows. She was extremely proud of those. LOL. Silly goose. If you haven't figured out the H Hotel, it is the Holiday in Express. We stay in them almost every time we travel. It took us a couple of times to figure her out, but look here at their logo. That is where she got the name. She is learning to read and she definitely has her letters down! Just love her!

See you tomorrow for her final vacation entry.

God Bless!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure Funny Thing Day Three

2011-01-24T00:28:00.002-06:00

I had some technical difficulties getting her journal scanned today. We will continue with that tomorrow. I am still working on getting pictures order from Disney PhotoPass so no pictures to post. And to add to my headaches with pictures this month, Scrapblog is combining with MixBooks. I have to download all my pages or I will loose them! Argh! Oh well, I'll get it done.

I just didn't want to miss a post so thought I would give you a funny.

We ate a quick breakfast at The Contempo then caught the bus to Animal Kingdom. These buses are usually crowded but the best way to travel between the parks. Frank was standing in front of me, Katie to my right and Mattie May on my lap looking out the window over my shoulder. We picked up some passengers, some non-English speaking women, and one set beside me.

As we were traveling down the road, Mattie May whispered in my ear "I tooted." As I was explaining that we shouldn't do that in public, we heard Frank "Mattie May?! Was that you?" I smiled but then got tickled when Katie grabbed my knee and nodded to the lady next to me. She was trying to politely hold her nose while giving Frank a very stern look. She thought he had done it! We couldn't help but laugh out loud and try to explain that MM had done it. We think she understood because she too started laughing!

One of the more priceless experiences of our trip!

More tomorrow.

God Bless!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Seven From Her Journal

2011-01-22T16:12:00.003-06:00

So Tired! We have been cleaning house all day! I mean really cleaning! Getting rid of things that we don't need! Even Mattie May has been a great help. It looks like a bomb went of in my front room, but it will be cleared by tomorrow night.

Mattie May's journal entry for today is about Thursday, our last full day in Florida. It was a great day other than starting to be a bit cooler than the rest of the week, but it was a great day of course!

God Bless!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Six From Her Journal

2011-01-21T13:04:00.003-06:00

Whew! I'm tired from all this walking around the park! LOL This entry from Mattie May's journal is from Thursday January 6. By this point of our trip, my feet and legs were so tired and swollen, I didn't know how I was going to make it through the last two days. But I did and we had a blast.

You'll also notice, her entries are getting shorter. She was one tired little girl every night. And even though she didn't take any naps while we where there, she never really complained! Of course, how could she? We were at the Magic Kingdom!

Enjoy!

God Bless!

Taking Note of the "What Ifs'

2011-01-20T18:01:00.000-06:00

A year ago today at 6:01 PM, while on our way to church, Mattie May, Katie and I were hit by a drunk driver. You can read about it here. In this post, I talked about the what ifs that I had then. I still have them, lots of them. And when I see a report about a wreck caused by drunk driving, I get them all over again. This scripture will always remind me how blessed we are to have had only bruising and soreness. There are so many others that had so much worse. It is almost always so much worse.

We still can't drive through that intersection that Mattie May doesn't remind us that it's where the crazy lady hit us. We asked her this morning if she knew today it had been a year that we had been in that wreck and she reminded us that we were going to church to eat lasagna and cake. She still remembers.

I am too lazy to go back and check if I ever posted the girls blood alcohol level. In Texas, the limit is .08. She registered a .38! If you don't know, .40 is alcohol poisoning! From the time I saw her car, I knew she never tried to stop. I thought maybe she had reached for her cell phone, but I will always believe now that she was completely passed out. Her blood was almost 50% liqueur!

So just a reminder to everyone, please don't drink and drive. Don't let anyone drink and drive. It really isn't worth it.

God Bless

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Five From Her Journal

2011-01-19T17:20:00.003-06:00

Wow! The day almost past me by again! Here is her next journal entry. Note the picture is a bit better than normal. She just insisted she couldn't do this one so she enlisted Grumpy's help. Smart girl!

i will eventually get back to some of my own post and pictures, but hers are just to good to pass by!

God bless!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Four From Her Journal

2011-01-18T11:06:00.003-06:00

Oops! I missed two days! Sunday ended up being a pretty busy day for us and I really try to stay off the internet (not the computer) on Sundays. Yesterday (Monday) was an accidental holiday for Frank and I. Mattie May was out of school for MLK day. One day last week Katie had mentioned that if one of us could take off work to keep her that it would help her out a lot. Well, we both asked off and didn't tell the other one. Wow! Great communication skills there! Oh well! It ended up being a great day. We started by taking Tramp to the vet for his follow up puppy shots and just a check up by our doctor. Good news! He is very healthy and in overall great health. And he wasn't to afraid of going to the doctor! It was good too for Mattie May to be in on the responsibility of talking to the doctor and to see that Tramp didn't cry when he got a shot like she does!!

After breakfast at McDonald's we had planned on going to the zoo but it was still a bit too chilly, we went to the movie instead. Mattie May and I finally finished reading "The Chronicles of Narnia - The Dawn Treader" right before Christmas, but there was so much going on we never made it to the movie, so that is where we headed. It was a good movie but not as good as the first two in my opinion. The first thing I noticed was it was not a Disney movie. Why did Disney not do this one? I guess I need to do some research and find out.

Now to be perfectly honest, I have not read the books that the first two Narnia movies were based on so I don't know if this was the case in those movies, but Dawn Treader was all out of order! That really bothered me. And I guess that is why they had to add some things that were not really in the book, to make the movie flow. I am glad we saw it, but I am also glad we waited until we had finished the book. Mattie May is only five, but she kept noticing and telling me what was different in the movie. Hopefully this will keep her interested in books and not rely so much on movies!

We did manage to make it to the zoo. When we left the movie, it had warmed up considerably with just a little wind. We had an enjoyable time. I just love watching Mattie May (and Frank) try to get the animals to interact with them!

Now on to Mattie May's journal entry that should have been posted yesterday. It is from the fourth day of our trip which was her birthday. I think this was my favorite day of the entire trip. Maybe it was because of all the attention she received from it being her birthday, or maybe just the way she was able to interact with the people in the different countries pavilions in EPCOT. Or it could have been that was the day Frank got my pearl earrings! I don't know but enjoy her entry!

I just love her artwork!

God Bless!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Three From Her Journal

2011-01-15T23:00:00.001-06:00

I have been working on my pictures tonight, the few we have from our phones. I can upload them to my PhotoPass account and they will be on the CD I order. My neck is so tired! I was so intent on getting them finished that I almost forgot to post this page of Mattie May's journal! I hope you have a great night, what's left of it anyway. Until tomorrow...God Bless!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Two From Her Journal

2011-01-14T14:58:00.002-06:00

I love her concept of things. Look at that castle on the bottom of the page. She loves to write and draw so what better way to record her thoughts on our adventure. This is something I will probably do on our trips from now on.

God Bless!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day One From Her Journal

2011-01-13T14:57:00.005-06:00

I finally had to time to scan her journal. It is in my writting but in her words (mostly). At night we would quickly go over what we had done that day, talk about who she had met and got autographs, and she would give me one or two of her favorite memories from that day. She would start out dictating to me, but most of the time she would fall asleep. The next night, I would have her draw her picture and then we would start on what we had done that day.

I think she enjoyed doing this! I have always hated keeping a journal or diary, but maybe this will be a start to her keeping one.

If you have trouble reading it, I think you can click on it to make it larger. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, God Bless!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day Two

2011-01-12T23:42:00.025-06:00

Even though day two was long, there seemed to be quite a bit of down time. We had time waitng at the airport, flying to Florida, riding the bus to the hotel, checking into the hotel, figuring out what we wanted to do first. But at the same time, we seemed to be busy the entire time. It will be easier to tell about this day in pictures. Enjoy.

Watching this video, you wouldn't think this child was going anywhere special. Not much excitement here!

Mattie May and I chillin' in the airport. This was just before I realized I left my camera in the shuttle!

Grumpy and Mattie May checking out the sun rise and our airplane.

On the plane finally! Just love that smile!

She was trying to play on her DS using earbuds but they wouldn't stay in her ears. So... we used the orange belt off of Googily Bear's gi to hold them in place. Katie calls this picture

Tu-Pac Sha' Mattie! LOVE IT!

For the first time today, she finally shows some excitement of being at WDW!

Our first look at our home for the week, The Contemporary. We loved this place. Nice rooms. Great employees. Fantastic food. If you have never been, I would recommend anyone to stay here.

We were so happy to see that we were getting to see the Christmas decorations. We understood that the decorations would be taken down that night, however, we got to enjoy them all week in each park. They are simply amazing!

It didn't take Grumpy long to loose all his inhibitions! LOL! Another video I absolutely adore!

And finally, after five years of waiting, five years of watching Disney movies, looking at this in the opening, she saw Cinderella's castle for the first time! And let me tell you, this picture was taken after she calmed down a bit and let everyone within hearing or really shouting distance know that this was the first time she saw this castle!

I love this video. It is hard to hear Mattie May, but I'm sure it will bring a smile to your face too!

See you tomorrow for day three! God Bless!

Mattie May's Excellent Disney Adventure - Day One

2011-01-11T14:18:00.013-06:00

I haven't scanned Mattie May's journal yet, so I am going to begin about our adventure in my own words.

We left for Dallas Friday December 31. Frank wanted to leave earlier than I thought he would. I wasn't quite ready but what would a Mixon Vacation be without starting a little rushed? We packed quickly, prepped the house for the cold weather that had been forecast and headed east. Of course Mattie May wanted me to sit in the back with her and we watched a movie, played games and tried to get the truckers to honk all the way to the Metroplex. We were all a bit surprised at how light the traffic was. Traffic is always bad around the DFW airport and this was not only New Year's Eve, but Texas Tech had a bowl game at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday.

We checked into the hotel and took our bags up to the room. While we were deciding what to do, we watched the airplanes coming and going into the airport. We had a great view of this!

When we pulled into the "H" motel as Mattie May calls it, we all decided we were hungry. There was a Red Lobster right next door. Mattie May said that was what she wanted to eat. We had a great lunch and a great waiter. He fell in love with Mattie May and when he found out it was her birthday, he asked if he could buy her dessert! Of course!! We were on vacation and vacation is all about dessert! No worries about eating right for an entire week! Naturally he brought four spoons with it. There was no way one person, especially one under four feet tall, could have finished that by themselves!

Some of the many faces of Mattie May

Then the truth came out why Frank had wanted to leave home early. We were not very far from Bass Pro Shop, the greatest store in all the land (LOL). We did some shopping there and then visited Grapevine Mills mall. Katie wanted to get an Otterbox for her phone and I decided to get one too. Mattie May asked if there was a Build A Bear Workshop there and as hard as we tried to get out of there without going, she spotted several children carrying boxes from there, so of course we had to take her. She built Googily Bear. We normally don't buy clothes for her creations, but I found a gi that has changeable belts and this grandma felt she just had to have it. She got him dressed (with an orange belt of course), got him registered and back we went to the hotel.

We made sure that our carry on luggage was ready to pass through security and off to bed we went. New Year's Eve and we were all asleep by 10:00PM! The alarms were set for 3:45 AM and when we landed in Florida we didn't want to slow down for naps!

If I get a chance to scan Mattie May's journal, I will post that tomorrow. If not, I will tell you about day two!

God Bless

To Keep up With My New Year Resolution

2011-01-10T14:48:00.006-06:00

January 10 and this is my first post for the new year. I had said it was my goal to post at least something small every day this year. So why have I let an entire week and a couple of days go by with out keeping to that, even on the first day of the year? Because we have been in Neverland! And Tomorrowland, and Adventureland, and Fantasyland, and Frontierland just to name a few! And what a week it was! I have so much to tell you and a few pictures to show you but that will have to wait because today my theme song has been "I owe, I owe, so off to work I go!" LOL Silly little ol' me!

I will tell a little that some of you already know. I started off the trip thinking it was going to be a disaster, I left my camera in the shuttle from the hotel to the airport. We had already gone through security at the airport before I realized it. I called the hotel and the driver had already turned it in and they kept it for me until we got back Friday night. As in all things, God was in total control of this and He knew this way I would enjoy the trip instead of always worrying about getting that just right shot. Thanks to mine and Katie's iPhones and to Disney's PhotoPass, we will have pictures to relive the wonderful memories we made.

We got back home Saturday and yesterday Santa held true to his promise and delivered Mattie May's final Christmas present. His name is Tramp and he is just a little rolley polley of joy! I am sure we will have many stories about him in the future.

So until tomorrow, God bless you!

Disney Adventure - Day One Complete

2010-12-31T20:03:00.004-06:00

Well, it is 9:00 on New Year's eve 2010 and we are turning out the lights! We have had an awesome but long day! Mattie May is already asleep, Frank is watching football and Katie and I are headed to la la land too. We have to leave the hotel in the morning at 5:30 AM to get to the airport on time and go through all the security measures.

One short note, I gave Mattie May a journal for Christmas. I don't know why. She doesn't spell very well yet but I saw it and thought she might like it. And for other reasons unknown, I threw it in the suitcase as we were packing. When I saw it in there this afternoon I had the bright idea to have her tell us her favorite part of the day each day! She loved the idea!! So I left her a little room at the bottom of the page and she added a picture! When we get home I will scan the pages and make those my posts! If I have time after we arrive in FL to do any post, I may tell some of the story but I won't let you know that was what she wrote about!

One last funny note - when we finished writing in her journal tonight, she looked up at me and said "I'm going to have these in a book one day." LOL My Mattie May, already planning on writing her life story!

God Bless Your New Year!!!

The Excitement Continues

2010-12-28T09:57:00.005-06:00

Well Christmas has come and gone and we had a great time. I hope to get some pictures up this week but I'm not sure that is going to happen. The excitement continues around our house as we get ready for Mattie May's birthday trip. I can't believe how close it is! Look at our countdown calendar in the right side bar. It has gone from over a year to just days! Mattie May reminds us daily how many more days we have so I really don't need that calendar! LOL

We have already started packing and getting things together for the trip. Last night Mattie May packed her backpack. Such a smart girl, she asked her mom for a spare set of clothes in case hers get dirty! I promise, no prompting from any of the adults in the house. She did that all on her own!

I have been looking back at my little blog post from this past year. There have been not nearly enough. Call it a resolution if you want, but I am going to try hard this coming year to post each day. Even if it is just a short one to remind me that life is great and everyone is happy. 2010 started out great, but before the first month was over, things went downhill. It has been a difficult year, with so much of it being focused on that wreck. We never thought it would be that time consuming, but it was a major focus through about mid year. We then started trying to focus on our trip, but Mattie May started school, soccer and karate and our focus was changed again.

Frank had knee surgery in August, and much of my time went to that. Not that he couldn't do things for himself (he walked out of the clinic by himself!), it was that I just kept worrying about his recovery. That's just the way I am.

So now with the holidays mostly behind us, we can get ready to go. 2011 is going to be a great year and we plan on starting it off with a bang. There will be many firsts to report on this trip, for all four of us. Starting with Mattie May's first ride on an airplane! That should be fun.

This is the first time that any of us have been to Disney! Frank said he plans on being a big kid! I don't know why he thinks that is any different than what he usually is, but we are definitely going to have a great time.

Just in case I don't get back here until we get back, I wish you all safe and blessed new year! 2011 is going to be great!

Ephesians 6:14-15

2010-12-22T00:53:00.018-06:00

We are so close to Christmas, I just can't believe it! There are only four circles left on Santa's beard (Mattie May's count-down-calendar she made at school) and only three chocolates left in her advent box I bought for her at Christmas in November. I don't have a single gift wrapped, and I am sure I will find a few I still need to buy. We have just been busy. With what? I really don't know. We are just doing something all the time.

"The Chronicles of Narnia - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" has been in theaters for weeks and we have yet to see it. That is because Mattie May and I are reading the book and we aren't finished with it. As much as she wants to see it, she agrees with me that we

should finish reading before we do.

We have made cookies and cupcakes this month and if you have been keeping up, a gingerbread house was completed too!

It has been almost a month since I posted that I had all my Christmas cards addressed and ready to mail, and they were, sort of. There were a couple being mailed overseas and it took me a little longer to get to the post office than I had intended and then I had to give them time to arrive. We then received some cards from several people that were not on my list and we had to order more cards. That was a first for us.

Thankfully, we chose to have the cards printed instead of me making them. I don't know where I would have found the time to make more.

This is the fifth addition of our card to feature Mattie May. She has really changed this year, from a toddler to a little girl. Long gone are the dog ears that I love so much. Looking back at the last four cards, we just couldn't see how we could keep doing them the way we were and trying to make the next one better than the last. So we agreed to make some changes but keep the cards the same (clear as mud, right?)

In 2006, we were given an amazing gift from God, and what better way to give a gift than to wrap it up in a box with a bow...

2006

We had the angel announcing the birth of the King of Kings...

2007

The next year, we let her chose who she wanted to be and she chose one of her favorite stories, Esther, a wonderful story of faith...

2008

She also chose her character last year. She loves to play "mommy" so of course she chose Mary, so very tired from the journey to Bethlehem but lovingly caring for her new born son, the Son of God...

2009

We just felt that we couldn't make a better card and with her starting school, we couldn't find the time to do the picture. She is so very tired when she gets home in the evenings; school all day and then karate until about seven. Then add a tournament and belt tests on top of that and we were really pressed for time. And once the pictures were done, I would have to find the time to make the cards.

I was going through some pictures I had taken at her latest belt test and I found one of those lucky shots. You know the ones I mean, a great picture among some that are not so great. I showed it to Frank and he had the same idea I did. And to top it off, I had just read a scripture that fit perfectly.

Mixon Family Christmas Card 2010

Ephesians 6: 14 - 15

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled

around your waist, with the breastplate of

righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted

with the readiness that comes from the

gospel of peace.

I added this larger picture so you could see it a little better.

See...I told you the card was going to be different, but I promised it would be the same. A scripture from His Word and a picture to help tell the story.

In all the hustle and bustle that comes along with this time, please remember to sit with your children and remind them that it is not about all the gifts but about The Gift that was given to us by God.

From our family to yours, we pray for you a very Merry Christmas.