Cranky pants and football

Saturday, we drove down to Birmingham, AL to watch Jeremy play football for UTEP against UAB Birmingham.  Several of John's family members also attended, so it was a sort-of a mini family reunion.  It was amazing to see the difference between Gracie this year vs. last year about this time.  Last year, Jeremy had to pick her up for the pictures, but this year, she stood right beside him.  He noticed her growth immediately...which made her feel good.  I was very proud to have a nephew who is kind-hearted enough to notice.  Like the quote says...it is the small things that make a huge difference.  We hope to see Justin play next month in Missouri.  If all goes well, we will see Jeremy, Kim (John's sister), and Donald (brother-in-law) at the game as well.  It would be great too.  We haven't seen Kim in years, and we haven't seen the boys at the same time since they were 8!  Game pics to come soon!

About Gracie...WOW!  She is definitely turning into a "MOODY teenager"!  She is only 9, but my gosh at the mood swings.  She goes from happy and content to hateful and teary in no time flat.  It is just amazing to watch.  I feel like I am caught in a jar of bouncing balls sometimes.  I never know if I am going to get slammed by a super hard ball or slightly brushed by a squishy one.  I hope this phase of life passes quickly!!

On another quick note...John made a comment yesterday about my constant and effortless use of analogies and other literary techniques.  I simply said, "what else do you expect from a language arts teacher?"  Nice to know I am still on top of my game...even though I am currently out of the classroom.