a Ruby Report

Ruby is still keeping us on our toes! She's NOT to be left out and although she's 3 (and a half she would be sure to add), she's a leader and knows WHAT she wants. I forsee these being good traits; but, oh, how to harness.

For starters, she doesn't like bows. If you catch her with one it's after I've forced it upon her b/c she is 3 afterall and I should get some say while I can. She hates 2 ponytails--but I've started working those in too as long as I situate them on the back of her head and not on the side. She LOVES long hair and does not want it cut in a cute cut so we're back to needing a bow or 2 ponytails (b/c one just slides right out.) I realize no one cares about these issues----but you see I am projecting into the future...and I can't imagine opinions and preferences getting any stronger. she told me she never wanted to wear this cute outfit recently purchased again. Really? I remember being afraid I'd hurt my mom's feelings and would never have been so bold and that would have been around age 13.

Her preference:





Listen to this pretend conversation while she holds a crayon to her ear.

"Hey, Cody (friend from new school)!"

"Yeah, I'm talking on my Crayon" I assume Cody asks why.

"B/c my dad took my cell phone away."

What????? where does she get this. She doesn't watch teenage shows I promise. She does have a few college friends by virtue of our university family but I just don't see them discussing this.

So, Ruby's had a big month with a new school, starting Encore and soccer. Her favorite? Hands down Encore which is on Tuesday mornings. They just finished learning all about the symphony and went on a field trip to the symphony. Jay was her escort.

Jay was driving her to Ecore week before last....as they approached, she was getting EAGER and said, "ok, we're almost here, all I have left to do is take off my seat belt!" Walking in she says, "Dad, we don't need to hold hands because I have homework now."


Then there's Ruby with her dog, Shizzle! Poor dog. She requires alot from him but he obliges.



And Ruby is notorious for stealing my little camera (which will become hers as soon as I get around to getting a new one which is desperately needed). Wonder why? when I find my camera you never know what's her latest subjects. Here's what I found last week---and I mean multiple videos....just lucky I still have my camera after this shoot which were there were at least 10 shots at different angles.






And here's the example of not being outdone. Ruby was the youngest and smallest to climb to top of telephone type pole to go down zip line at Camp Widgiwagan on family outing.

To wrap up the Ruby Report...here's more snaps of FUN family ventures we've been up to lately.

We want another one

just like the other one...Touch Down, Willie, Touch Down!

Gparents--Ruby's soccer pics in next post!

Good times!

Good times with great friends and business partners!


The kids before heading home....




Willie caught 2 nice catfish with Daddy's help. Ruby caught a bass too but no pics. She was SO proud!!! I asked her if she was going to get another one for me to get on the camera. She replied, "it takes a while, mama."

Ruby was first to volunteer to take her turn tubing!

We missed Shizz but there were plenty of furry creatures around including chickens (fresh eggs every morning!), horses and doggies.

Willie got his wish! The crash was not intended obviously but he got right back on. He teamed up to tube with the teenagers so he could get a little more adventure.

And, Jay decided to test his old skills.

We arrived home to US Open, Shizz and prep for a big week---required trip to Academy Sports tonight to be sure all gear ready to go for more Good Times!

Bizarre or Men?

Heavier, old man with suspenders walks up to me in Panera today. He eases behind me and says "do you know Natalie Wood?"

I'm not 100% but I reply "Actress? Isn't she dead?"

"Yes, and you look just like her."

I laugh. Thinking that makes my day. (even though I don't know what she looks like off top of my head.)

And he continues...."Including your butt and I like it."

WHAT???????? do i do with that. I've concluded, Bizarre and Man.

(Dad, no need to call me on this....I serpentined out of there. He could have never kept up with me.)

Life Changers

Awesome time with Nations of Coaches' conference for basketball coaching wives! These ladies feel like sisters after a wonderful weekend encouraging each other only in a way that other coaches' wives can do! It's a calling for sure and I'm thankful we are in a place to pour into 12 young men year after year. Renewed and ready for another season. Thank you, Coach Jay, for the journey!

And in the midst of the conference weekend, I might as well gave birth! Meet Shizzel, our newest family member. Months ago, Ruby prenamed our eventual dog. Jay looking for a dog is like me on Realtracs a couple of years ago. Relentless. As Ruby has said more times than we can count, "He's the perfect dog for me, Daddy." He met ALL my initial requirements of gentle but athletic, house/crate trained, approx 2 years old etc. And my preferred breed for our next dog--Boxer. He's absolutely beautiful and is so gentle but playful and is not tearing up our house. So far, he'd only popped a balloon because he thought is was a ball. We all ADORE him!

First week of First Grade!

Registration Day for First Grade---snaggled!

Free time in the first week of school---teaching Ruby how to play golf.

VIP at Titans' practice

Bowling with friends

Wonder what the 2nd week will hold!

Sizzlin in the 'Sip

As customary we headed to the Sip for unrushed family time post recruiting and before back to school. Willie and Ruby stayed a whole week with Gran & Granny while daddy finished summer recruiting. Willie had wanted to get some golfing in all summer and with no golfers in this house, he had been relegated to the 100 yard backyard green behind our house. He was clearly moved when Granny told him we'd signed him up for Miss. State's Jr. Golf Academy. He told me that he almost cried.

Gran and Granny ran a super fun cousin camp which allowed Ruby and Willie to spend some treasured time with Riley and Eli too. Thanks to G&G for the bowling, swimming, and fun times!

I was eager to get further South to check on my mom so we didn't hang too long in Starkville. Mom is doing better now but here's us trying to be gentle and quiet at the hospital.

The rest of our trip in South Miss was characterized by the heat and more happy memories with cousins---playing football, baseball, swimming and tubing! I didn't have my camera on the Bogue Chitto float but I mentally captured the beauty, much needed cool waters, and serentiy. I committed to make that float an annual tradition---and hope that next year my mom can come with us.

Here's WW and Wilkes.

WW and Reagan after heated game of "interception."

Ruby spends much of her time with the dogs and I'm thinking she might need to be a vet. She (& JAY) have been on the hunt for her own dog---which she has pre-named Shizzle.

One highlight of our South Miss trip is to visit with Russ' (aka Big Country) family. We typically marvel at how big their boys are getting and listen to Jay & Russ reminisce about road trips, teammates & coaches.

Really, I can never get enough of seeing our families but it's always good to get home. In the course of our Miss trip, Willie lost both front teeth and I admitted---it's time for FIRST grade!