double digits birthday

It is a home school holiday on birthdays, so Daddy and Mama took the day off to celebrate.  We were able to get in a matinee showing of Trolls.  Kids loved it, it had its funny moments, but I think it was a one-timer for the adult folk.

Happy Birthday Boo

Oh, you my spunky girl.
This year, you have seemed to discover yourself.  You really enjoyed being in the drama classes and seem to blossomed in that role.  You have become more interested in art and your creative side consistently amazes us.  God has blessed you with a gift through your creative spirit.
You love to cook, but I am little scared of your ability to mix flavors.
You love animals, especially dogs.
I wish you knew how incredibly loved and special you are.  I think you sometimes question that.
God has amazing plans for you and I cannot wait to see the lady God has called you to be.

Favorite subject- cooking/baking
Favorite food- Italian meatballs
Favorite book- Magic Tree House series and the Who Was...series
Favorite movie- Nightmare Before Christmas
Best friend- Angela (friend from down the street)

library pumpkin context

The girls entered the RR public library's pumpkin contest.  The theme was a literary character or book, pumpkins had to be decorated and could not be carved.
LE used two pumpkins to make Garfield sleeping in his bed.  Boo decorated hers as Jack and Annie from the books Magic Tree House.
We were so excited when we got the call that LE won the contest and received a bundle of books.
We are so proud of both of our girls and the gifts God has given them.

Happy Halloween!

Bethany Hamilton aka LE
Britt Nicole aka Boo
a vet aka r2
Chase from Paw Patrol aka HR

We had a fun night of trick or treating in our neighborhood with our friends in the cul-de-sac.  Too much sugar was consumed and too much is still in my pantry.

return to Indy

This coming week, Rock Steady Boxing Austin celebrates our one year anniversary.  When I first traveled to Indy last fall I thought I had some background knowledge on Parkinson's and a little experience with boxing through some kickboxing classes I had taken.  But, after over the past year I realized that my first three days in Indy were just barely scratching the surface.  So many questions have come up and not to mention I just needed a fresh jolt of adrenaline from my coaches.
I was so fortunate to travel when I did, because I was able to attend RSB's biggest fundraiser and even meet the founder of Rock Steady, Scott Newman.  He is like Ali in my eyes.  It doesn't get much bigger in the Parkinson's Boxing World than Scott Newman.
But, hands down the highlight of my trip was meeting Harry.  I was first introduced to RSB through a video of Harry and Billy. Harry was in a level three class I observed.  I heard his voice and instantly knew it was him.  I got the honor to meet him and even share that because of his spunk, 90+ fighters have joined in to fight back against Parkinson's in the Austin area.  We both were in tears.  I am so truly grateful, God has trusted me on this journey.  I get to be a part of something amazing day I step into our gym.

"coach"

It's official, Ben is a Rock Steady Boxing certified Coach.  And according to our fighters, he is a really good one.  Ben has been in Indy for the past four days.  On Friday morning, he texted me and told me he got it.  I asked what he got.  He said, this, RSB, what we are doing.  I am so glad he encouraged me to take this journey, but to have him on it with me, makes it so much better.

unscheduled appendectomy

It has been a rough week, Ben had to teach for me on Tuesday b/c I had a UTI.  I thought I was going to take a couple of days off to recoup, but after coaching for me, Ben came home feeling crummy.  On Wednesday, he woke up feeling worse complaining of a pain in his side.  The kids and I went to the library so he could get some rest and that afternoon I drove to the gym to let another coach in to lead class for me. On my way, Ben called and said he could not stop throwing up.  I came back home and took him to the ER.  As we suspected, he had appendicitis and would need an appendectomy that evening.
I am so grateful for our neighbors and friends who were able to take the kids, and another friend for bringing us dinner.  He was discharged that evening, and it has been slow and go for a few days, but he is getting stronger and feeling better.

Port A Weekend Getaway

Instead of celebrating a spring break, we took a fall break to celebrate Mama and Daddy's birthday.  We took a four day weekend and spent it at Port A.  We stayed in the cutest condo on the beach and our days were filled with sandcastles, seafood, wave jumping, a few sunburns and sunrise walks on the beach.  I love these kind of days to disconnect and be with my favorite people.

a third gym

Today, we opened our third location of Rock Steady Boxing Austin.  After, lots of thoughts and prayers we decided the next logical step in this journey was to take the fight to Georgetown, TX.
After several major set backs, God opened and closed the right doors to allow this happen.
We found another small business owner who ran a karate studio, he was so excited to have us in his space during the off hours.  This time, we had to provide our own equipment, most of which we purchased from an auction house.
The potential is great, and we are off to a great start with 20 boxers on the roster, most who were driving to north Austin.  But, we already have enough fighters to be able to offer 5 classes a week, just need to find that perfect coach to help complete the program.

she's an orange belt

Doing karate is probably one of my better choices. Yes, I have decided to pursue the black belt. I can't say there has been blood, but definitely sweat and tears. All through my wait and all through the test I had every kind of flying creature in my stomach, not just butterflies. There were 6 others testing, 2 for orange, 4 for purple. I had done the moves so many times as soon as I heard what to do I tried to remember  which of the many moves it was, I did it.  I owe it all to my instructors, my family, and Jesus Christ.