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.

our first slumber party

We survived our first slumber party.  It was not nearly as bad as I imagined.  On Friday afternoon, LE got to pick four friends (plus a special bonus friend b/c she couldn't stay the night) to come over.  We spent the evening having mani's and pedi's, pizza, cupcakes and watching the new Jungle Book movie.
Mimi came into town and took the boys out for a night on the town.  For breakfast, I had juice, milk tons of fruit and a TX size RR doughnut.  Imagine my surprise that all of the fruit was left, but none of the gigantic doughnut.
She was blessed with cash, new beanie boos, a Star Wars tshirt and craft supplies.  I am so glad we gave in because it was a super low key party and lots of fun memories were made.

a tweenager

I seriously thought you'd be a tweenager once you hit twelve; I wasn't expecting you'd turn into a young lady over night.
This one is a tough one for me because now you are in sixth grade, junior high youth groups, and becoming more independent by the day.
I love that you still want to cuddle, and kiss Daddy and I goodnight and good bye and you still sleep with Fluffles.
I should just have you type up your favorites as they seem to change every day.
I think your:
Favorite food is cheeseburgers.
Favorite book is Ramona.
Favorite subject is reading and Texas History
Favorite movie is Soul Surfer
Favorite color is hot pink

We love you and are so proud of the young lady you are becoming.

Paw Patrol Party

Gigi and PopPop's creek is still flowing and we were able to celebrate a special 4 and 5 year olds' birthdays on the water.  My brother Troy's girlfriend's daughter's birthday is the week before HR's so we celebrated their special days together.  Apparently Paw Patrol is all the rage because she wanted a PP birthday too.  Mimi made Marshall cupcakes.  Beverly and Troy made fajitas.  We picked up a pinata at the Mexican market on our weekend getaway and we spent the day down on the creek with cousins.  Happy Birthday Lynny and Hank.

first two weeks of school