Melissa, Mom, Honey, Mrs. Dotson, Coach.....its all me....its just me.

Reaping our Rewards

2009-06-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

Train a child up in the way it should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Provers 22:6
Today both my daughters were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. I feel like this was one of the days of "reaping what we're sewing". It is such a struggle to handle the busy lives of kids these days. I feel like I am always "pushing" them to become their best selves. It was so good to see their hard work paying off and that they have friends with the same goals.
Of all of our 7th graders this was the small group that was chosen.

Jimmy and Mom~Mom were so proud of the girls!!!
I'm kinda beaming huh?

I love that they are friends with such a great group of kids...this is so important!!!!

6 of my Cheerleaders were inducted.....that is such an honor when you consider that 3 of them play another sport on top of cheering and they all still manage to make great grades and stay out of trouble!!! Thank you Lord, for the "help" you are giving me in training my children.

Mothers & Daughters

2009-05-09T17:58:00.000-07:00

Last night was the "Mother/Daughter Banquet" @ my mom's church. Here I am with my mom and my sister....I know they look just alike....me, not so much. But, isn't it weird how even that can be passed down to the next generation?See, I have one that looks just like me and one...not so much, but she does kinda look like she could be my sister's child and greatly resembles my mom too. Mom & Angie were named "Mother/Daughter Look-a-Like"Aren't they beautiful????
This is all 5 of the "Reynolds" women.....we are truly blessed!

After spending the evening together of two things I am CERTAIN, the older I get the wiser my mom gets, (hehehe) and my favorite quote is so very true.... if you bungle raising your children, nothing else you do well really matters....Mom, "well done":)

That's what's missing:(

2009-05-01T20:53:00.001-07:00

In the past week I've been able to see two of my "long lost friends" Kris & Ann Marie. The picture is of me & Kris. Ann took one on her phone, but I haven't seen it. I use to do such a great job keeping up with my girlfriends, but it seems like once the kids started playing sports that got harder and harder to do. Because all these girls are just as busy as I am running with their kids when we do find the time to get together we really appreciate it. I'd love to say that I'm going to do better at keeping in touch with the girls whose friendship means so much to me.....but I won't.......however; I will say...I TREASURE my lil run ins with them. I'll be on a natural high for a week or so just after my visits this week.

Why my parents don't see me.

2009-04-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

After talking with my mom this evening, I started feeling a little guilty (as I often do) about having to catch her up with our life through a phone conversation. So, mom here's why I didn't get to see you this weekend.
Ali had a tennis match....she's doing rather well for this to be her "off season" event.....the thing that keeps her busy when she's not cheering.

Trey had 5...count em' 5 baseball games Sat. & Sun. His team won 2 lost 3 and is now 6-3 for the season. He pitched yesterday:) and played 2nd base like he owned it!!!!
Callie's been very busy with track and like Ali......is blowing our mind with how well she is doing at her "just til cheerleading starts back sport". She is now doing hurdles and the 200 meter dash where she placed 3rd the other night. Her relay team has taken several 1st in their events so far (3 of the 4 girls on the relay team are my cheerleaders...I think I've trained them well).
This is her relay team.....doesn't this look like a wheaties box cover?????

I have been blessed.

2009-04-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

I've been very negative here lately. I'll blame it on the weather and my crazy schedule instead of admitting that I can sometimes be a "wollower". I've made that word up to describe a characteristic in people that really annoys me. I always just want to say "suck it up and go on". So, I've decided that I need to take my own advice and realize what I've been blessed with....
My boys....Trey & Jimmy....although I had to miss the game yesterday to go w/Ali to her Tennis Tourn. the two of them had a blast at the game....and I do realize what a blessing it is that my husband spends what little extra time he has coaching our son's baseball team.My dad, although he is very sick and still has good days and bad, is such a blessing to our family...especially the grand kids!My family, although I don't get "Home" near as much as I should...there's nothing like a trip to that farm to take my entire stress level down at least 5 notches....I know, I know, that in itself should get me there more often.My kids, even though they live in the most "fast paced" world they still enjoy the same things that I did at their age....nothing like driving a car up the mile long dirt road to the farm...this was Ali's 1st time and I must say she did quite well, especially since her sister was having prayer in the backseat for her safety.Callie's been driving that road since she was very young...1st in our laps then on her own...doesn't she look very comfortable:) Of course no one was praying and making a scene as she drove...hahahaMy sister....she's the one person who will ALWAYS tell me the truth....even if it's hard to hear. She's also the one person who will laugh at everything I say...she really does bring out the best in me and she's soooo good with my girls:)
Thank you Lord, for dealing with me gently and reminding me just how "blessed" I am.

Chan Man

2009-04-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

Last night my nephew Chandler broke the KY High School State Record for most consecutive scoreless innings pitched!!!! He broke the record with 37 and is now at 43.....this is even more amazing when you consider he's only a sophomore and obtained this record while pitching in the Dist., Regional, & State Tourn.....not exactly easy games. I'm just sooooo proud of him. The best thing about nephews... you can brag on their accomplishments....mommies don't get to do that...we/they have to be humble...So Cindy, this is for you!!! Wow....what a great night!!!!

On On U of K!!!

2009-03-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

Seriously, was this SO hard? He's who I wanted when Tubby left. I couldn't be more EXCITED!!!

My heart will forever bleed Blue....but this makes it easier.....it's really been hard for a long while. Isn't it funny how something like this can just make everything else Better!!!

I'm Ready for Some Baseball

2009-03-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's because I'm more than ready for some warm weather....Maybe it's because I LOVE my new camera.....

Maybe it's because I can see how much Dad's "constructive criticism" is REALLY paying off...

Maybe it's because they do this together....and I'm not sure who loves it more.......
Or maybe it is just because He's so CUTE........

But mommy is more than ready for some BASEBALL!!!!!

I thought I'd have a house full of boys........

2009-02-11T19:38:00.000-08:00

Me & Garran.....the thing I miss most about home......Me & Chandler.....the thing that quickly made this home........

I remember always thinking I'd be a great "boy mommy". I always knew I wanted a house full of children and just assumed they'd be boys. Well, I started with Callie and quickly learned that little girl was the most amazing thing that could happen to anyone. Next came Ali, another one of a kind miracle in my life. I had the two most wonderful daughters in the world and yet they were complete opposites. Although I fell in love with Trey (as anyone who meets him does) way before he was mine....he didn't "need me"....Trey came to love me and let me be his mom on his own time and he nor I would have it any other way. But recently I realize what a blessing my nephews are to me. Being an Aunt is without a doubt one of the greatest joys in my life. Unlike being their mommy, an aunt gets to love, brag, laugh, brag, goof, brag....and never worry about what mistakes we're making. You don't have to question every move you make...thats mommy's job and these two boys have "just the mommy they need". You can tell what a great job these ladies have done after being around either of these boys for 5 minutes. Now mind you, the sweet, handsome, respectful boy you'll meet is the same one thats giving his mom more grief and worry than she ever deserved, but because she doesn't let him get by with it.....I get to be "the aunt" without worry. I love these boys and I'm so thankful to have both of them in my life. And I'm even more grateful for how they "look out" for my daughters. Its amazing how protective and proud they are (in their own cool, quiet way). I should also mention I have another nephew, Jaxon who's just as wonderful as these two....but like Trey once was, Jaxon doesn't need me and I'm sure if either of his other aunts blog....you could read a book. haha

Somewhere In Between

2009-02-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Maybe its the weather, it feels like we're somewhere in between the worst of winter and the first of spring, but lately I feel like I'm "teetering" on the edge of who I am and who I want to be. Somewhere between the girl I was (although I have such wonderful memories I'm so grateful God saved me from her) and the women I want to be.

Somewhere between the girlfriend I was....... And the wife I want to be......Somewhere between the cheer coach thats a hero to some.....
and the exact opposite to others on the same team.....

I think as women in general we struggle to find balance. Like so many others I've spread myself too thin and feel like I'm "half-way" doing so many jobs that my heart is "all the way" in. But like so many other times in my life when I couldn't seem to find the balance I'm turning to one of my favorite scriptures Jerimiah 29:11... "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

And although I will ALWAYS be the girl thats somewhere in between what makes sense...like the way I cling to scripture and listen to "Seether" to get me through ....that I can handle because it only affects me. But when my actions affect so many other lives (especially those of children, mine & others) thats when the "teetering" bothers me.

Trey's ready for Super Bowl....

2009-02-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

Trey is so ready to support his team and Favorite Player Polamalu #43......GO STEELERS!!! Mommy just likes the commercials & half time show:)

Having a ball...wish WE were there

2009-01-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

Still gone to my happy place...

I've Gone to My HAPPY PLACE....

2009-01-30T16:22:00.000-08:00

I seriously think I have that disorder where you get depressed when you've gone too long without sun. So....in my head I am now at the Outer Banks!!! I'll be back when all this snow melts.

Another Snow/Family Day

2009-01-28T21:29:00.000-08:00

Jimmy & I drove to Paintsville this afternoon to go to Lowe's and I was amazed by how many people were w/out power. A couple of my cheerleaders and their families were affected and although I've touched base with them and know they're ok, it made me feel very sheltered and blessed to be having such a wonderful snow break. I'm praying for all those who are not so fortunate. On a lighter note...my family & I are learning a lot during our break....Like...Don't mess with Callie when chocolate is involved.
I'm so blessed by the friends my girls have.....yes we finally got Callie outside.
I'm so glad Chan realizes how much Trey looks up to him. He never lets him down.

SNOW DAYS

2009-01-27T10:53:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love snow days??? Especially when Dads snowed in too!!!!

He loves to play as much as they do.

Just who will he take out with this one???

Ali's havin a blast.

Dad & Trey

Chelsea is here too.

Princess, just not that in to COLD...rather read "Twilight".

This time she even amazed me.

2009-01-25T06:59:00.000-08:00

This is my "Callie Bug". My think for herself, do it herself, speak for herself daughter. I get a lot of heat from everyone (my husband, family, friends, her...) for just how tough I am on her. But I know HER...if you let up a little she'll abuse it a lot. I see her true potential and don't want her to waste any of it. Well, today she even amazed me and I just wanted to share a rundown of her day.

*Up at 6:45 eating, dressing, preparing for a full day

*8:00am at the local Christian School ready to compete in District Academic meet.

*8:56 still waiting to compete...suppose to start at 8:30 sharp so our cheerleaders could compete in cheer competition 45 min. away.

*9:00 Finally taking academic test

*9:20 pulled from test after only finishing 36 of 60 ?'s because she has to start her 45min. drive

9:30 Because they're 15 min. behind schedule & 16 other cheerleaders are depending on her she says this car ride was more like a plane ride (my hubby was driving....I don't want to know???)

*10:00 arrives a MAC to compete in 1st cheer division with just enough time to take off warm-up & put on skirt.

*Between 10:00-12:00 performs in two cheer divisions hitting every tumbling pass & stunt skill

*2:00 finds out she placed 1st in the District at Academic meet.

I'm proud of you Callie. You're an amazing lil girl:)

Sometimes I just want to be the Mommy....

2009-01-18T20:19:00.000-08:00

My family spent the day at a cheer competition. I'm lucky enough to have my girls love the same sport (Yes...Cheerleading is a sport) and I am their coach. Although being the coach allows me to spend sooo much time with them, have control over just how disciplined their squad is, and truly know their friends...sometimes I wish I could just be the mommy. As a coach I can't take pictures (but dad is always there camera in hand) and I can't praise my girls as individuals (even when the deserve it...I tend to be much harder on them than the others.) By the time we get to the privacy of our own home...we're all cheered out and I often forget to tell them just what talented girls they are and how very proud I am of both of them.

This is Callie doing the most wonderful job as a main base. She takes so much pride in protecting her flyer...she's also landing a roundoff, backhandspring, layout in our tumbling section. Not bad for a little girl who could barely land a handspring in last years routine.

This is Ali...what a flyer. She really takes advantage of her sisters great base skills. She's amazing too..and is landing roundoff, tucks in our routine on top of being our #1 and most consistent flyer.

Add their skills with many other girls and you get another 1st place trophy....Mommy's proud of you girls.

Counting Blessings

2008-12-30T18:28:00.000-08:00

I've had a very BAD 24 hours and although I feel like I need to seriously take a look at why, I'm choosing to do the "Oprah Thing" and count my blessings instead. Blending a family is NEVER easy, anyone who says it is....needs to seriously take a look at why they're in denial. I feel like we do very well and always try to put the kids 1st. Although we've had a rough patches, especially lately, we've been very blessed with the relationship of our daughters....Callie & Ali, who are just 6 months apart. Now, obviously that last fact was much sweeter when they were both 7 and not 12 & 13....talk about hormones. But, no matter how angry, sad, or crazy they get with us they ALWAYS love each other. We've actually joked lately about "how do they have so much to talk about?" They're in most of the same classes, they cheer together, tumble together, live together....yet most nights at bath/shower time they will sit in the bathroom floor and talk to each other. Well, tonight at a game I was ready to kill them for constantly talking on the sideline. But then I realized....."I'm so glad my girls love each other and that they have soooo much to talk about." Even if they were probably complaining about their parents. hahaha

Tis the Season....

2008-12-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

Wow!!! What a day. Let me preface by saying that not only is it the day before Christmas but also Trey's birthday. So, take the craziness that has become Christmas and through a birthday party in the middle of it.....that's been my week. I thought I was so on top of things this year. I planned Trey's B-day celebration at Ghatti Land for Sunday, finished all my shopping Sat. (except for stocking stuffers), and started my mother-in-laws (don't you just hate that title...she's too good to me for that to be all I can call her) gift earlier than ever before. I do a scrapbook of everything that happened to our family (all 11 of us) throughout the year. Its become so special to everyone and a family tradition. Anyway, I was feeling so proud of myself for being very UN-Melissa like. I was on the ball. Then, I remembered why I have to be busy right up til Christmas....so my mind doesn't have time to think!
During this time of year, as we put more of our focus on Jesus, I can't help but get a little home sick. Louisa is my Home in every way except for missing my family, especially my sister and nephew, and my former church and church family. I long for my former pastor, church friends, and family.
My sweet Callie bug leaves to go to her dads the last day of school and doesn't come home til Christmas Eve night. I know how lucky we are that we're able to work this out so that she's always HOME Christmas Eve night and gets to wake up here Christmas morning ...all without having to miss Christmas with her dad, grandparents, and cousins. But, anytime she's gone for more than the normal 2 and 1/2 days my heart is just so heavy. Needless to say I'm ready for my girl to be HOME.
Then because we had done the friend thing Sunday we were going to Celebrate Trey's b-day with just family tonight, but he's stranded in Lexington with his Poppy. We haven't even seen him today. Now mind you he's probably not bothered in the slightest. He is a Poppy's boy. The last time I talked to him he was getting ready to swim. But his dad & I are miserable.
Just writing it all down gives me perspective. I'm so glad that even with all the terrible decisions I've made in my life, my children have a very normal life and aren't pulled and tugged with an every other weekend, every other Holiday, no exceptions schedule. I'm so glad my son & father-in-law (theres that title again) were caught behind a wreck instead of in one. I'm so blessed. Thank You Lord for perspective.

They want us to help them stay little.

2008-12-11T19:40:00.000-08:00

My son Trey recently went to a UK game with his friend Spencer and during the trip visited the mall where they ran into Santa. The boys are both 9 and of course acted like they were appalled that Spencer's parents thought they may want to take a picture with him. Well mommy insisted (I'm so glad she did) and the boys did as they were told (rolling they're eyes I'm sure). As it turned out, long after the picture had been taken, printed, & purchased the boys were still sitting on Santa's knee. Can't you just see the genuine happiness in their faces?

Trey is not only our "baby" but the "baby of the hill. He is the youngest of 5 grandchildren. And although that has its great advantages it also comes with the price of trying to act like your older siblings and cousins. In this day and age its so hard to keep them little and innocent, but they really long for us to put our foot down sometimes. I often see my girls doing things that they truly enjoy, but acting like they're doing it for him cause he's little. I'm so glad Trey got this moment away from his sisters & cousins. I can just see & hear them now...making fun, having sarcastic remarks. Thank God for friends.

On Strike or OCD???

2008-12-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

My sister recently ask if I was on strike because she had helped me set up this blog last weekend, I posted one blog then hadn't been back. This happened not because I wasn't interested in the blog but because I've been too busy setting up other blogs. You see I'm a little OCD or what I've diagnosed as an "all or nothing" personality. This is a trait that I laugh where my personality is concerned but, get very frustrated when I see the quality in one of my daughters. Why is it so scary when we see ourselves in our children?? Or worse than that when we see their fathers in them. hehehehe

Seriously though, I enjoyed the blog so much that I decided to use it for two of my Christmas gifts. First I decided to set up a blog for my husbands baseball team as a Christmas gift to him. He's been asking for some time now for me to set up a myspace for them and I thought this would be even better. I had to share the gift with him early because I had to get info and pictures from him and other coaches, but it didn't ruin the gift at all....he's so excited and loves what I've done so far. My son also thinks mommy's the bomb now, so all in all I did well. Although most of the page is still in the works and has a lot of fictional info on it just so we could see what we wanted to do, you can check it out at louisabulldogsbaseball here at blogspot.

I'm afraid the boys in the back enjoy this sport more than those in front. But with all that I've seen in my life I've come to know that there are worse things your husband could be doing than playing baseball with your son.

I'd also really struggled with what to do for my cheerleaders for Christmas. I have 18 so anything I did was going to take more money than I wanted to spend. We had discussed doing a $10 limit gift exchange but after discussing it with them I've decided we'll take that $180 and sponsor 2 little girls on our community Angel Tree. They're so excited about wrapping all the gifts at the Christmas party this weekend and really seemed to be proud about giving something to someone in need. So, I thought while we wrapped gifts I'm going to hook up the lap top to the big screen and show them our new lmscheersquad blog page. I had each of them fill out a profile this week and I'm using that info to set everything up, this too is still in the works , but feel free to check it out.

So no, I'm not on strike....I'm OCD !!!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T14:41:00.001-08:00

This was the 1st Thanksgiving that my sister and I did the cooking....yes we're all still alive. Actually it went VERY well. But, suprisingly that won't be what I remember about this Thanksgiving. As we went around the table sharing what we were each most thankful for listening to what the 5 grandkids had to say just really warmed my heart. We or at least I often question every decision I make as a mommy. But when I heard my 12 year old daughter say; "I'm most thankful for my family, not just this one but the family I got when my mom and dad got divorced. I have a wonderful stepdad and stepmom and great families that came with them."...I knew (as I have for some time now) that we're ALL truly right where God wanted us to be. And for that...I"M THANKFUL!!!

1st Blog

2008-11-30T12:27:00.000-08:00

I'm trying this for the first time, knowing that this, like myspace is going to become an addiction. Oh well don't really have enough time to become too addicted. Wish me luck:) I'm getting pics together for futue post.