Monday, May 12, 2014

Nine Times

I found out I was pregnant with Tate in November of 2005, so when May rolled around that following year, Brad and my parents got me some small gifts to commemorate my very first Mother's Day. Yesterday, after a little finger counting, I found that this year marks nine years that I've gotten to celebrate this day as a mom. 

Being both a teacher and a mom, you would think that I do my fair share of "teaching" my kids - not just "school" stuff, but "life" stuff.  However, I find more often than not, it's them that teach me time and time again... And I'm a much better person, woman, teacher, friend, daughter, and wife because of them. 
Top NINE Things I've Learned From Tatertot
9. Sometimes dirty little boys smell really stinkin' good.
8. A kind heart and a sweet smile go a long way.
7. Diamonds really ARE a girl's best friend... As long as they're BASEBALL diamonds.
6. Toothless grins are priceless.
5. Shorts can be worn despite what the temperature says.
4. Big siblings are the best teachers.
3. If your name is Tate, you'll be referred to as "Tater" by all who know you... friends, parents, grandparents, coaches, etc. whether you like it or not.
2. Love at first sight really does exist.
1. Even the smallest of people can be your biggest source of STRENGTH. 

Top NINE Things I've Learned From Baby Nash
9. It doesn't take long for a little boy to wrap himself up in your heart.
8. Its okay to hold a sleeping baby just because you don't want to put him down.
7. Yellow balloons go to Heaven.
6. The love of a mother transcends all space and time.
5. It's important to take lots of pictures.
4. Being strong doesn't mean you can't break down.
3. The bond between siblings is FOREVER.
2. Slow down and take notice.
1. Sometimes FAITH is the only thing left to hold onto.
Top NINE Things I've Learned From Knoxie
9. Sleeping in is over-rated.
8. Fruit snacks are its own food group.
7. Tan lines are super cute on little bodies.
6. There's nothing that a mama's kiss can't cure.
5. Hearing the words, "I love you," NEVER gets old.
4. Everything is better if it's green.
3. It is perfectly acceptable to wear underwear instead of clothing.
2. Tags are not our friends.
1. There can be HOPE after a storm.

Top NINE Things I've Learned From Brady Girl
9. Little girls can be just as rough and tough as their brothers.
8. Farting is awesome.
7. Little voices singing are the best.
6. Everyone should wear a crown to bed.
5. Plastic surgeons rock! (Four babies in five years leaves a lot to be desired).
4. Blue eyes are beautiful.
3. Dispicable Me 2 is freakin' funny no matter how many times you watch it.
2. Cuteness can move mountains.
1. God gives us exactly who we need...  The most perfect fit to our families... And in this, we find our PEACE.

 
How in the world did I get this blessed?  
Love to y'all,
Tracy

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Sneak Peek

Many of you have been asking about the progress of my book.  So here's the latest...

My brother is almost done inking all of the pages - this is HUGE!  He actually sent me a video (that I couldn't get uploaded here) that showed me how he's doing it...  Think olden days... Quill and ink.  That's pretty much what he does.  Dips the pen in the ink, gets off any excess, draws, and cleans with water.  And repeat.  And repeat.  And repeat.  You get the point. 

I was already a fan of his work before and now that I see exactly how much time and effort this is taking, I'm an even bigger one!  Incredible.  Here's just a little peek into what he's been up to.  Click the image for a clearer look...

 Cover.
 A huge pile of candy... after all, you can eat as much as you want in heaven and NEVER have to worry about cavities!
 Did you know that you can go to the zoo and actually RIDE the giraffes?!
And... just imagine the amusement parks!
 
Did y'all notice the little balloons hidden in each page?  This is our way of sprinkling our Baby Nash throughout the entire book - I love the idea so much...  The next step will be for Trent's wife, Kara, to water color over all of these.  I'm so stinkin' pumped about how close we're getting.  I PROMISE to keep everyone in the loop about how it's going and where we are in the process.  After all, I wouldn't be at this point if it weren't for you!
 
So much love to y'all,
Tracy