Memaw & Kenzie Visit

My mom and niece came to visit for several days this past week. We had a great time and Ruthie and Kenzie played very well together. I caught them playing nicely in the sandbox and couldn't resist taking a some pictures.

Chelsea has her permit now, so of course she convinced Memaw to let her drive around town. I think Memaw a seen more of Brownwood/Early than she ever cared to. :)

Aggie Softball

This past weekend Rodney, Ruthie and I went to College Station to watch the Aggie Softball team win Regionals. Chelsea decided she wanted to stay with a friend. She's not as in to the softball thing as we are. Poor Ruthie, she doesn't have a choice. Here are some pics with a daughter of some of our good friends. You may notice we got some sun that day.

Are you smarter than 3 1/2 year old?

I swear I have the smartest 3 1/2 year old. Yesterday we were leaving the school and there was a little boy who was sitting on the curb. Ruthie waves to him and says, "Bye Alex". He had a haircut like Alex did in a picture. I told her that he wasn't Alex and she asked, "Where is Alex?" I reminded her he is in Heaven with God. She asked,When can I see him again?" I told her when Jesus, God son comes back. That answer seemed to be enough for her. So, fast forward to this morning. I am sitting at the computer and she comes up to me and ask me, "Mommy is God Back?" At first I didn't understand her, I never dreamed that would come out of her mouth. When I had to tell her "No, not yet" she walked off with this sad look on her face. I asked her what was wrong and she said, " I want to see my Alex." I know she doesn't totally understand the concept of Jesus' return and that God is the most important part of His return, but she's learning. I too anticipate Jesus' return to be with God and His Son and so I can see mine as well. I have to admit sometimes my interest is more in seeing my son, but I know God understands that I am human.

Also, I think Ruthie is proof that pictures speak a thousand words, that is the only way she has seen her brother.

Ruthie Flying a Kite

I don't know if there is a official list of "Top 100 things that are difficult to teach a 3 1/2 year old"but, I think I could start one. Flying a kite would be on that list somewhere. Ruthie was so willing learn but so not wanting to listen. After lots of instruction and even more patience ( on Mommy's part if I do say so myself) we got the kite in the air, sort of. I made the string "Ruthie size". Of course, she didn't want it "Ruthie size" but mommy won that battle. I think the battle score today is Mommy 1- Ruthie 100. Mommy will try again tomorrow. :)

The Biggest Blog Ever!!!!

Thank you to all the donated to our Relay for Life cause. The Chesser's were able to raise $580.00. Our team raised over $3,000. Every lap Tracie took she said a prayer for each survivor we were walking for those we lost. She also said a prayer of thanksgiving for those who donated.

This is the beginning of the "Survivor Walk". Survivors and their caregivers walk the first lap before anyone else walks a lap. My Mom wanted all of her family to participate in the first lap.

Purple shirts represent survivors. Some of the survivors are not wearing purple shirts due to that each team has a theme and they dress up. Our team was a tropical theme. Above to the left is Tracie's Mom (the extremely colorful one in the middle) and her Dad (in the wonderful red hat and shirt) along with other family members.

All the survivors one by one went to the mic and told how many years since their diagnosis. For Tracie's Mom it has been 17 1/2 years. The young boy in the picture to the left is just beginning his fight. Some survivors had more than one type of cancer. Rodney's mom has had breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Tracie's mom and cousin Teresa volunteer their services to "Lock of Love". Anyone who has long enough hair can donate. Tracie's mom cut the ponytail and cousin Teresa would give the participant a new hairdo.

Below are pictures taken throughout the night. L to R- Jacie,(Chelsea's best friend) Tracie, Teresa,(Tracie's cousin) Missy,(Tracie's sister) Chelsea, Diane (Tracie's mom)

Cody,(Tracie's nephew with a former teacher who is a survivor. Ruthie doing her Hula dance.
Ruthie & Makenzie(Tracie's niece)




Tracie's Mom & Dad


Jacie, Chelsea, Josh( Tracie's nephew & Taylor (Tracie's little cousin) Ruthie, Valen & Brendan (Cousin's meeting for the first time)

Congratulations Chelsea!

Chelsea tried out the Heartland Belles, which our high schoold drill team and she made it. I was so confident in her making it that Ruthie and I made her a congratulations card early this afternoon way before tryouts. Good Job Chels!!!

"Hand Me Downs"

This is Chelsea and Ruthie wearing the same outfit. Chelsea was over three in this picture and Ruthie was 2 1/2. Look how different the same outfit looks on them.