Cardinal Classic...

This tournament was not our best showing.... not by a long shot. Roen didn't play horribly, but he never could gain his momentum. Remi struggled throughout his round, and his score is a definite reflection of that. But that's golf, and it's like I always say, come tournament time, it's pretty obvious who is putting in the time and who isn't. 

As a parent, it's not always easy to sit back and watch without interjecting your opinions on practice time, discipline,  and commitment to the team. But also as a parent, I know I can't want their success more than they do. 

Roen puts in the time, its just not always serious intentional time- he likes his practice to also serve as social hour. Remi likes to treat practice as a box to check, because let's be honest, he would much rather be at home 3d printing robotics parts, working on an engine, or welding something. You can lead an engineer to the golf course, but you can't make him love it more than his shop projects! 

Remi: 98

Roen: 78

Twisted 54 Golf Tournament...

We kicked off Spring golf in Longview for the Twisted 54 tournament! Because of the heavy forecast of rain, they ended up canceling the second day. I think every golfer had one good round and one round that wasn't great. As always, this is such a fun overnight trip for the team and missing school on a Friday makes it even better!

First stop is always Texas Roadhouse on the way into town! 

Remi: R1: 88, R2: 82

Roen: R1: 69, R2: 84

Helping Hands...

Well, I think it is time for a good ole catch-up! Spring is busy and it has this mama buzzing around like a little bee!

With the boys now 14 and 16, I am going to try to squeeze in a little family work time for them. On this particular Saturday, Roen headed off with Pops, where he spent the day lending an extra hand, young muscles, and a little physical labor. Remi set off to Home Depot, where he picked up some soil and spent his day working with Gran in her flowerbeds. Both boys came home with smiles and feeling accomplished.

After all, the best way to fill our own bucket is by filling the buckets of others!

February Wrap-Up...

This little month of love and all things hearts, always seems to just sneak by in a blink! But it was full and it's onward to Spring we march!

Just a few of my favorite things... my little pianist who still serenades me on a regular basis, looking out my laundry room window to see said pianist welding the night away (on who knows what project he currently has conjured up), the cutest Easter gift from my favorite auntie, going upstairs to gather dirty clothes after the boys have left for school to find Scout sneaking in a second sleep, gifting myself creative time, a little open-window fresh air, a catter on the way to winter break basketball practice, swing conversation with Remi and the furries, window seat company while I paint, the boys supporting Presley on her prom dress endeavor, and of course, lots of snuggles for our fur baby who hogs all the love!

Valentine Swaping...

With Roen being in Florida on Valentine's Day, he had to give Brynlee her goodie basket later on in February. They were able to sneak in a little movie date on a Sunday night when they didn't have softball or golf. They have actually since broken up, but I still love this precious girl and think they made such a good match. They ended on good terms, as I told Roen, there was zero reason for things to get ugly. Bottom line, my little Ro is not quite ready to pour the time and commitment into a relationship outside of his friends. It was a good break, but I won't be a bit sad if they find their way back to each other at some point. 

Remi planned an entire day for him and Elle and had so much fun doing so- he even let me get in on the planning. To avoid busy restaurants and wait times, he picked Elle up around lunch and took her out to Olive Garden- her favorite. From there, they got pedicures, ice cream, and then they went back to her house, where they watched their favorite shows! 

It's been a lot of fun to watch these boys navigate their feelings and commitment to these sweet girls! 

*Below is Remi signing his card for Elle before he left to pick her up

A Wrap on Sophomore Year Robotics...

Mid-Februray also brought Remi's last FTC robotics meet. This is a league the school competes in, separate from UIL robotics. Unfortunately, they did not end their season as well as hoped. In two of their rounds, their alliance teams had technical difficulties with remote-control Wi-Fi connections, which led them to battle those rounds solo and lose. Considering they were coming in as a top-ranked team, this was so disappointing.

However, the RoboCats have since learned that they have qualified for the UIL state robotics tournament! This was some really exciting news, as only 5 teams get this opportunity!

Looks like we will get to spend part of Spring Break watching Remi end sophomore year robotics on a pretty exciting note!

A Wrap on JV Wildcat Basketball...

Mid-February Roen had his very last JV basketball game. He ended up being very happy with his decision to join the team and has plans to play again next year. Even though it did add a dose of busy to our schedule, I loved getting to see my boy back out on the court! 

They may not have had the most winning season, but they sure did have fun! 

Winter Nationals '26...

This is the second year in a row that Roen's winter national golf tournament conflicted with Remi's robotics meet... which also happened to all fall on Valentine's Day. Last minute, Remi's meet got moved to a different weekend- our week of snow and ice had extracurricular school schedules rearranged every which way. I decided to stay home with Remi anyways, so that he could spend Valentine's Day with Elle and I wouldn't have to figure out last minute arrangements for the dogs. 

I really hated missing out and maybe one of these years, I'll get to join in on the winter Florida golf fun again, but dividing and conquering just comes with the territory of having kiddos close in age. 

Roen got to spend a lot of time with a childhood golf buddy and I think they had the best time! His golf had a lot of potential, as he sat in 2nd place for most of day one. However, with a triple on 18, he went into day 2 at 14th place. He never did find that sweet spot momentum on Sunday, and so ended worse than hoped. All in all, they had a lot of fun and I think it was a great little change of scenery for them both!

Day One: 76

Day Two: 86

Super Bowl Sunday...

We ended up with a full house to watch the Seahawks and Patriots battle it out! Lots of kiddos and good friends! It was a fun little evening and icing on the cake, no school the next day! I love getting a good sleep-in after a late night!

Will You Be My Valentine? {Part Two}

If you have been around these parts for much time at all, you know the difference between Remi and Roen is literally night and day!

One is a thinker, deeply intense, and lives life with a passion that can have him storming like a volcano or loving like Shakespeare! 

The other, well, he is something else all together! There is not a thing in the world that will rock his little boat. In fact, he has probably already jumped off his boat, hopped into a hot air balloon and floated off into his own world! Oh this boy, so easy to love and so easy to be around! He is happy, and doesn't make a fuss about much. So, when I sent three ideas to him and Remi for Valentine posters, he picked the one he liked, and just like that, easy peasy, check that box, done!

After one of Roen's basketball games, we headed over to watch Brynlee play and win her very first varsity softball game. After the game, he held up the poster, asked her to be his Valentine, she said yes, they hugged and then he walked her to her car.... it was simply sweet, no fluff needed, Roen's smile could have melted a million hearts! 

RoPie, I love that your happiness is so inherent, so simply you... never change, sweet boy!