Cathryn's Quirks

I will be the first person to tell you that I have an obsessive/addictive personality. Richie will be the second person to tell you that. But I've witnessed some behaviors from Cathryn lately that make me look small time, and worse, I think it was me that created the monster.

It started off innocently enough, me listening to Phantom of the Opera in the car with Cathryn strapped into her car seat many years ago. Then, when Cathryn was three, the movie came out, and Richie took me out to see it. (I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried when the Overture played and the Paris Opera House transformed from black-and-white to full color.) Naturally, he also gifted me with the 2-disc Director's Cut of the DVD. That's when the trouble began. Right after Cathryn turned four, I took the DVD and Cathryn over to my mother's house. Mama had never seen Phantom and she had heard me rave so much about it, that she wanted be to bring it over. ANYWAY, Cathryn played with her dollhouse (meaning my old dollhouse that Mama still has) while we watched the movie. Cathryn became transfixed on the movie, completely forgetting about her dolls. On the way home, she asked me to put in the CD. She sang along as best as a 4-year old can.

It got worse from there. She wanted to watch the movie ALL the time. She wanted to listen to the CD all the time. So much so that I (YES, ME!!) have gotten tired of watching and listening to Phantom. She's even learning a song from Phantom to sing at her voice recital in a few weeks.

Now she's moved on to Cats. Yes, I know. Freaking Cats. A friend of Cathy and Richard's lent us a VHS copy of the musical, and once again, Cathryn has become transfixed. She enlists me to help her look up segments on YouTube. She asked me the other day to burn her a CD of the music. She also wanted to know if she can have a Facebook page so she can friend the creator of these Broadway musicals, Andrew Lloyd Webber. (The answer was an emphatic "NO", if you wondering.)

I'm absolutely positive that Cathryn is going to pursue a career in musical theater. Last night, she went to bed WITH AN ACTUAL SLEEP MASK OVER HER EYES. She also put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on her door. When I woke her this morning, she was still wearing the sleep mask, and asked me "Mom, why did you disturb my sleep when the sign on my door CLEARLY says 'Do Not Disturb'?"

I am not making this up, I promise.

Toodles!

Weekend News--abbreviated version

We had a really good weekend. Richie went to the IP Classic and watched some baseball, Cathryn played outside with the dog in the great weather, and I cleaned out Trey's room! Of course, I couldn't clean out everything, because some things are sentimental, and he might want them. He certainly was chivalrous about letting me use his closet for Cathryn's Spring/Summer clothes; this way I can keep her winter stuff hanging up! YAY--no packing things away!

Had a wonderful time Sunday. Went to Sunday School and service, and it was nice, sitting out in the congregation with Richie. If I had sung in the choir, I would have been able to walk down and sit with Richie anyway, but I really just wanted to sit with him through the whole service. After service, we went over to Tracey's for lunch, and she had a spread put out for us--hamburgers, BBQ, baked beans, potato salad, greasy brown rice, and macaroni and cheese with ice cream for desert. We all ate ourselves silly, and would have stayed longer if I didn't need to get back for evening service.

Boy am I glad that I did attend evening service! Gena, the minister of music at Ringel Heights, asked me to sing a song at Graves Station's revival Tuesday night! This is my first time singing solo at a revival, so I'm a little nervous, but also very excited. I think service starts at 7pm. Pray for me!

Toodles!

Meanwhile...

I find Cathryn unbelievably funny. She manages to occupy and amuse herself under the most grueling circumstances. This particular day, we had gone to one of Trey's games, it was too bright to see the screen of her Nintendo DS, and she had left her dolls at home. To make matters worse, there were no other children her age to play with. Never one to be brought down, Cathryn persevered:

She counted the individual blades of glass...

Cuddled with her Daddy....

Wrote, directed, and choreographed her own musical.

Children's minds fascinate me, and I pray that she will keep her sense of wonder, and her ability to make the best out of any situation.

Even if it means dragging me to the soccer field so that we can lie on the grass and make cloud animals, or play pretend soccer. Or my favorite, sit in the press box and call a pretend game.

Toodles!

More weekend photos

It was unbearably hot on Saturday at the first set of games, so most of the pictures I took were of Trey. However, I did get a few nice shots.

Trey's Grandma Toni and I had to practically chase Trey down for pictures. He's become quite skilled at hiding, but a very nice teammate of Trey's rounded him up for us. This is Shawn Thomas, another of Trey's teammates who transferred from Coker College.

More of Trey's teammates pop into the frame. They just seem to get along so well! The team really seems to have a great dynamic. At one point, Toni and I could hear Trey cracking jokes and making the team laugh--right where he loves to be.

We also had the luck to meet Trey's girlfriend, Anna Catoe. She was a joy to meet because she is smart, funny, and so easy-going. Anna also has the cutest accent. They look really happy together, and I believe that she and Trey have a lot in common. Plus, I believe she's got Trey figured out. Richie and I like her. A lot.

For me, this photo was the highlight of the weekend. Richie sat right behind home plate in the heat, getting sunburned like you would not believe, waiting for Trey to take the field. When Trey did take the field, let's just say there was an influx of emotion on our side of the fence. This photo was taken on Sunday, after the first game of the day.

Don't let this picture trick you. Katie and Cathryn get along very well. Katie, like Trey does not enjoy taking pictures. Cathryn, as has been evidenced through this blog, lives for the camera. Katie is Cathy's niece, and she is twelve. She thinks of Cathryn like a real live doll, and Cathryn is more than happy to comply because she really looks up to Katie.

And of course, Cathryn got bored (even though she had her Nintendo DS AND her Barbies), and decided to roll in the grass and climb trees:

Posing. See what I mean? LIVES for the camera.
The next two, however, were candid:

Another case in point: she begins to climb the tree, and her Aunt Rosa asks her why she's doing it. Her answer? "So my mom will take a picture of me!"

Of course, I complied. What choice did I have?

A great weekend all around for everyone. Looking forward to more.

Toodles!

To My Son and Daughter

This was passed on to me via email, and I thought I'd doctor it a bit, seeing as how I have a son and a daughter, and Trey's birthday is tomorrow. I promise pictures!


To My Son and Daughter

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day............


*sniffle* These things make me cry. *sob* Why are my children growing up????

Toodles....

Cathryn makes a new friend

I am incredibly behind in my blogging! I still have so much more to share!

In August, Trudie, my best friend from high school came to visit. She brought her mother, Vivian, and her daughter Sabrina, who is three month older than Cathryn.

Funny story--Trudie and I did everything within three months of one another. Engaged, married, and expecting. The girls had never met so we thought it would be fun to get them together.

Trudie and I were so excited, but not really surprised, to see how well the girls hit it off. They ran, giggled, and watched movies at Trudie's Grandpa Rogerson's house.

Here the girls have moved into the dining room, and are wearing the earphones to better hear the movie. Another thing Sabrina and Cathryn have in common--like their mothers, they immediately take off their shoes upon entering almost anywhere. Barefoot is better!

The girls also discovered that they each had an obsession with The Phantom of The Opera. Here they are singing. Look at all those movies! I think they watched snippets of them all!

Sabrina and Cathryn at our house. Trudie told me that Sabrina loves to play dress-up, and if it wasn't already clear that these two were a match made in Heaven, well, that should have been my clue! The girls played until 11 at night, while Richie, Trudie, and I sat in the living room and caught up. On the way back to Andrews, Cathryn sacked out in the backseat, but Sabrina was still going strong. It was so wonderful to see the girls get along the way they did. I wish we had more time to get them together.

I wanted to take pictures of me with Trudie, but for some reason, it was never the right time. And suddenly, it was time for them to go back to Missouri. They'll be back, and when they are, I'll be ready with my camera!

Love you, Trude!

Toodles!

Cathryn Begins the Second Grade

Ok, so I totally filched this idea from Stacy. I didn't think she'd mind if I used her idea and applied to my girl.

Even though we'd met Mrs. Grant, Cathryn's second grade teacher, a couple of days before, Mini-Me was still nervous about starting school again. She didn't know much about her teacher, and she only knew one or two kids in her class. She was up at 5 a.m., curling up between me and Richie because she couldn't sleep.

This was taken right outside our house. Cathryn chose her own outfit, and then asked me if it was appropriate for school. This was a big step for us both, because I've never let her choose her own clothes before. The pose was also her idea.

Cathryn's name on the front door of her new classroom in the second grade building. The sign below her name says "No Bones About It- Second Grade is Great!"

Cathryn with Mrs. Grant, her new teacher. I believe this is where Cathryn's jitters started to fade away. Mrs. Grant made the mistake of telling me that she loved pictures. Well, guess who is more than happy to show up with her camera?

Cathryn at her desk. Behind her is a chart of classroom duties, and Cathryn discovered that she is a Table Captain. Upon finding this out, she is ready for me to go. She doesn't know at this point what Table Captain means, but she's a smart cookie--she figured it had something to do with her being in charge, and she's always ready for that. She's very bossy to her Barbie Dolls at home.

When Cathryn came home, she said that she'd had a great day. The one complication was remembering to raise her hand to ask permission to leave her seat. She was so used to flitting around our office willy-nilly all summer, so we really didn't say much to her except to remember better next time.

Here's hoping for a great year!

Toodles!

Life Lessons From Mini-Me

The other morning, Cathryn was sitting near my desk and coloring while I was printing daily reports at my desk. I was singing a song, and this is how the conversation went:

Cathryn: Mom, have you been burning another CD? When am I going to get a CD?

Josie: No, I haven't been burning a CD. I've just been listening to music this morning while I was getting ready.

Cathryn: OH. Who are you singing?

Josie: A country singer named Miranda Lambert. She's pretty awesome.

Cathryn: (looking up from her paper, deadpanning) No, Mom. I am awesome.


I lost it, y'all. LOST IT. I was laughing so hard, I could barely high-five Cathryn or tell Richie the story. It was just...the most awesome, amazing thing I'd ever heard. I'm so excited that Cathryn has so much confidence in herself. It's surely bound to be helpful along the way.

I think it would really be helpful to everyone if they remind themselves off and on that hey, you are awesome!

Toodles!

Girl's Night Out

I admit it. I'm a cotton-headed ninnymuggins.

I shouldn't use such strong language about myself, but I feel so bad about what I did.

You see, for my birthday, my sister took me, Cathryn, and our mother to Le Grande Cirque at The Palace Theater. And I forgot my camera. On the one day a year my sister will allow photographs of herself. (My sister is not a vampire...I think.)

But even though I messed up so majorly, we still managed to have a good time. You think this kind of thing is going to be cheesy, but it turned out to be mind-blowingly awesome. From the start of the show, the performers keep you mesmerized, and there was always something amazing happening in every corner of the stage. We were like kids on Christmas morning, not knowing what to look at first! They really kept us going, too. The performers were coming out of the ceiling, down the aisles, from all over, so we never knew what to expect. My hands were sore from clapping, and my sides and face hurt from laughing by the time we left.

One of the best parts of the night for me and Tracey was watching Mama and Cathryn, and how much they enjoyed it. Mama sat frozen in her seat, clutching her purse in her lap, and Cathryn was so excited she could barely remain seated, and you could hear her laughing and gasping above everyone else in the audience. Especially at the beginning of the first half, when the performers used a black light and half-neon, half-black costumes. Everyone's clothes began glowing, and Cathryn freaked out--in a good way, of course.

Afterwards, we ate at Ruby Tuesdays and laughed while Mama read the entire menu OUT LOUD and asked what we thought of it, like we all didn't have menus in front of us.

We got home late, but it was worth it. Family is important, you know?

Toodles!

Hey, You Know Whaaaat? Cathryn's Seven!

Cathryn went to her first sleepover when she was five. Ever since, she's been dying for a sleepover of her own. For her 7th birthday, Richie and I finally gave in. We decided the best way to go was to keep it small, limiting the invites to four girls, and bringing them to Pirateland, where there are lots of enjoyable activities for kids.

We told her about it a month in advance, and from then, it was nonstop talk of her "birthday weekend". With a week to go, she started the birthday countdown. On Friday the 11th, she woke herself up early to begin her birthday weekend.

Before we left for the beach, we had to pick up Cathryn's cake from my mother's house. I think Paula did an awesome job with the cake, and it was delicious to boot.

We picked the girls up at Hardee's in Georgetown, and then picked up a pizza at Chicago Pizza in Surfside. After getting to Pirateland, Richie took the girls out on a golf cart ride so that I could unpack our bags.

The girls didn't sleep much on Friday night, and then woke up early Saturday morning so that we could go to the pool. They had so much fun playing the big pool and the kiddie pool. As we were leaving, the pool DJ wished her a Happy Birthday over the intercom and played a special Happy Birthday song.

After the pool, it was time for lunch. Richie made grilled hot dogs, plus we had cake and ice cream. Then it was time for presents-- easily, the girl's favorite part of the party. She loved all of her presents, but I think her favorite present was the Elvis beach towel from her Granny and Pappy.

While I cleaned the party room up, and packed our bags, Richie took the girls out for mini-golf and fun at the arcade. After I was done, I surprised them at the course.

Cathryn was very hardcore for a while, until her feet began to hurt.


They all look pretty tired, don't they? I know Richie was--he took them on golf cart rides, played with them for two or more hours in the pool, took them to play golf, and to the arcade.
We got a call from one of the parents who needed to pick their daughter up a little early, so we let the girls play outside while we got things back in order and packed up. I thought this was just the sweetest photo I took all weekend.

I hope everyone got lots of rest Saturday night, because they certainly partied Friday and Saturday! They were all super great, though, and I'm so happy Cathryn enjoyed her seventh birthday!

Toodles!

Cathryn's birthday, kinda

I promise pictures soon. But do know that Richie and I are STILL tired from Cathryn's sleepover this weekend.

There was pizza, manicures, pedicures, golf cart rides, movies, games, swimming, mini-golf, and playing at the arcade. Also, lots of squealing. Lots of squealing.


Toodles for now...

Cathryn takes an email survey!

You know those email surveys that get passed around? Well, Lisa had the great idea to give it to her kids and send it to me. Naturally, I am stealing her great idea and giving the survey to Cathryn. Here are her answers:

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE	Uh...(giggle) my granny and my mom
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?	Um...this morning when I got in trouble 'cause Daddy thought I made a mess in the kitchen but I didn't make a mess in the kitchen!
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING	Yes!
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?	I like mustard and ketchup
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?	No! (laughing..."Why did you make me answer that?")
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?	Yeah!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM LOT ?	What's that? (I explained sarcasm..) No.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS	Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?	No.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?	Apple Jacks and Captain Crunch Berries
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?	No. I just slide 'em off. Besides, I don't even laces!
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?	Yes yes yes! (giggle)
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?	chocolate and strawberry
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?	Their eye color
15. RED OR PINK?	(giggle giggle) Pink
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?	My toes
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?	My friend Abby...she went to another school.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?	yes
19. What color pants and shoes are you wearing?	My shoes are tan, but I'm barefoot right now. And my pants are tan.
20. what was the last thing you ate	Reeses cup
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?	My mom talking
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?	A pink
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?	Lipstick and granny's perfume
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?	my nana
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?	yes
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?	Tennis
27. HAIR COLOR?	Brown
28. EYE COLOR?	Blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?	No
30. FAVORITE FOOD?	chicken
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?	happy ending
32. Name of the last movie you watched?	Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?	green and white
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?	Summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES?	kisses
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?	Brownies
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?	I don't know
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?	I don't know
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?	Junie B. Jones Has A Peep In Her Pocket
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?	An eagle with an "A" and a star (she uses the computer at our office)
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?	Wizards of Waverly Place
42. FAVORITE SOUND?	horses
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?	(giggle) I like Elvis!
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?	DISNEY WORLD
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?	Singing
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?	Georgetown
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?	Everyone

Voice Recital

Since January, Cathryn has been taking voice lessons with Nita Daigle at Georgetown Community Church. Ever since Cathryn was born, she has loved music, and has loved to sing since she could speak. In fact, we took her out of dance to put her in voice because she was too busy singing to the music instead of performing the routine!

We did lots of calling around, and many teachers wouldn't take Cathryn because of her age--they didn't want to take anyone under the age of eight-- but we knew that she had something special. Fortunately, Nita was open to giving Cathryn an audition, and when she heard Cathryn, she immediately knew she was ready for lessons.

The culmination of the lessons was Thursday, June 5. Nita held a recital for all her voice and piano students. It was also the last day of school, so Cathryn was SUPER hyped up all day long. However, as we got closer to the time, and I was helping her get ready, she began to drift down off of her high and slide into nervousness (which isn't a bad thing) and stage fright (which is definitely not a good thing). I really began to worry about her as we drove to Georgetown Community Church for the recital.

Cathryn 's fears began to wane when Nita asked her if she wanted to warm up before the other students arrived. Cathryn was Nita's youngest student, so I appreciated all the extra time that Nita took with Cathryn. I love Cathryn's posture in this picture--the way she's holding her hands, the way she's paying attention to Nita--it tells me that she loves what she's doing.

I caught Cathryn as she was heading into the "holding room" where all the performers sat awaiting their turn. Her smile is a little forced here, and I think that speaks to her nervousness.

Nita's daughter Alexandra announced each performer before they came out, and the selections they had chosen for the recital.

Cathryn walking up to the microphone after Alexandra calls her name.

Cathryn wringing her little fingers as she waits for Nita to begin playing.


Cathryn sang two songs: "Castle On A Cloud" from Les Miserables, and "Living Water" from the Pam Andrews musical Splash Kingdom, which Nita's children's choir performed in May.


She did amazingly well on both selections. From the moment she opened her mouth to sing, you could tell that she enjoyed "Castle On A Cloud" the most, although she loved both songs. Cathryn's voice on these songs was clear like a bell--and reminded me of Ariel.

I'm not entirely sure, but I think this is the moment when my heart began to swell three times it's normal size. Literally, I think I could have popped , I was so excited for Cathryn.

At the end of the recital, Nita brought all the performers out to take a bow and receive applause for all their hard work.

Cathryn getting ready to receive a hug from one of the performers. They were such a closely knit group!

Cathryn and Nita. Nita gave Cathryn a beautiful silver musical note ornament and wrote her a wonderfully sweet note. I know that Cathryn can't wait to start lessons again in the fall!

Watch out world-- a star is being born!

Toodles!

Awards Day at Maryville Elementary School

On Tuesday, Maryville Elementary held their Awards Day. Cathryn received three awards: Perfect Attendance, MAP Testing, and Honor Roll (or, as they put it, Pony Express Achievement Award). Naturally, I had to take some pictures:

Look at that smile! She is so proud of her accomplishments! What a change from kindergarten!

After the awards ceremony was over, I headed over to Cathryn's classroom and took a few more pictures.

This is Cathryn's entire first grade class. There are only 14 students--what a difference from the 25 in kindergarten. Cathryn got along really well with all the kids in her class this year.

Erica P. became one of Cathryn's good friends this year. We even started bringing Erica with us to church on Wednesday nights!

This is Cathryn with her other best friend, Emma Kay. Cathryn recently went to a sleepover birthday party at Emma's.

Finally, here is our girl with Mrs. Poston, her teacher. Mrs. Poston was truly a Godsend and an answer to prayer. She and Cathryn got along so well, and she really restored Cathryn's faith in school again. Mrs. Poston saw that each child in her class was special, and she did her best to bring out their talents. We are so thankful for Mrs. Poston, and I hope she knows that she will always have a special place in Cathryn's heart.

School's out for summer!

Toodles!