Kallie's Performance

Kallie,

Today I am shift and I thought I was going to miss yet another event. Late in the day Shane Turner came in to work for me so I could surprise you at your school performance. Your shy smile when I walked in lit up my world.

I am so proud of you for the way you sang and danced. You even came up to the front to do a special dance with a few other kids.

Performing for an audience is not your thing right now. This may change, but you are very uncomfortable during these performances. I can see the stress on your face before and during, and I see the relief when it's over. When you were in kindergarten you refused to go on the stage and cried in the back corner for the entire performance.  It hurt me to know how uncomfortable you were but now I love to watch you work through. I am very proud of you for fighting your fears and pushing through.

Another Missed Event

Girls,

Right now I am missing yet another school event. Today happens to be Maryn's sock hop dance at school but it is always something. 

I am working overtime at station 32 with a sick stomach because I'm not there. I "chose" to put in for overtime but it is also neccesary. I would never expect you girls to understand but I know you are confused on why I'm at work a lot. Hopefully you know how important you girls are to me. I work a lot but it keeps your Mom at home with you. I will never know if we've made the right choice but right now it seems like the best we can do.

Once I get off tomorrow we'll make the most of our time together before I go back in for another round.

I love you girls more than you will ever know.

Your Mom sent some of these as I was writing this post.

UPDATE-

After working for two days I could not wait to pick y'all up from schools like I told you I would. I got stuck on a call for three extra hours and I couldn't make it to school on time.  

We made the most of our afternoon though and went out for a ride. I hope that somehow y'all remember the ride and the sun, not that I didn't make it to pick up.

Bracelets

Maryn,

Several months ago we were at swim team and I needed to put Kallie's hair up but didn't have a hair tie. So I had to borrow one from Naomi's mom. I guess you were embarrassed because ever since that day you have an arm full of bracelets just in case we need one. This has been your signature look all year in kindergarten.

I had to sneak this picture because you still get mad when the camera comes out.

Getting Out of the House

I've been out of town on two work trips for the past two weeks and this was my first full day home. You girls begged for a bike ride so we got out to enjoy the day. I love that you both would rather be active outside than inside with toys. I hope we can keep that up.

Later I went to grab lunch and came home to Kallie reading and Maryn on the swing.

Maryn Singing

Jason and Nicole

 Girls,

 

Tonight we went to a Round Rock Express game with several friends but most importantly Jason and Nicole.  Jason and Nicole are really good friends of ours and I hope that when you finally read this yall will be even closer.

 

Both of you girls bring up "Jason and Nicole" 50 times a day so yall were in heaven with a pool party at their house followed by a game.  This was for Jason's birthday.

 

 

Maryn, here you are sharing cotton candy with Jason grandfather who is a retired Austin Firefighter. I don't think he wanted the cotton candy but he couldn't resist you.

 

Kallie, you spent a lot of the game hanging out with Jason's Mom. 

Pancake Breakfast

 Maryn,

 

This morning Kallie was at Katie's so we had our own pancake breakfast morning.  This is a really special time for me. We make eggs (scrambled or flat) and pancakes or waffles.

 

Each time we do this one of yall will take Mom's order and the other will serve her food. Since you were alone today you wanted to be two different people so changed your apron and hair to take the order and serve.

 

By the way, the last picture is how you wore your hair to Captain Carnes' party. One bun, one pony tail, and one braid in the back.

 

  

He Doesn't Like To- Leave Home

Maryn,

I recently went to the Cowboy Cookout at your school and this is what I found on the table. This was tough to read but good at the same time. I know I work a lot but I am glad to know that you understand that I don't want to be away.  I hate leaving home and would do anything to spend more time with you girls.

And nice picture of me sweetie.

Kallie, 

This is what I drove away from the other day. You girls always walk me out and watch me leave. Most days yall chase me down the street.

South Padre 2015

Kallie,

I will definitely remember this night in South Padre with you.  Mom and Maryn fell asleep early and we listened to music and danced on the balcony, baked a cake, ate snacks, did cartwheels on the beach and chased crabs.

I have no idea if you will remember this night but I hope you do. I wish I could predict the times that will stand out in your memory. I will continue to try and capture a few.

Reminder

I found this note in the bathroom. Thanks Maryn.