Pressure

Keagan is attending a half day ID camp today at Carson Newman. 

While at camp, he received an email from a coach at another school that wrote to say he planned to attend next Sunday’s state league game. This is a big game; the winner takes the first place standing and is more highly seeded in October’s state tournament. Keagan feels lots of pressure to keep his knee healthy, get enough rest, and perform. When he read the coach’s email, he texted our group chat today, “even more pressure on that game.” 

Evan responded. 

Making Memories Since 1978

Like so many plans, my 2020 girls’ trip to Nashville was canceled due to Covid. Now, one year later, we finally got to make that trip! Saturday we met at the airport and made our way to the VRBO. While waiting out the afternoon rain, we broke open our first bottle of wine. No trip is complete without a commemorative glass. Monica had these made. 

We had dinner in the Gulch. After three hours at the table, we made it back to the rooftop balcony of the VRBO. We were up until 1:00 listening to it rain, talking, and swapping stories. 

Sunday we had brunch at my very favorite place in downtown Nashville, Hampton Social. 

We had bellinis with glitter balls, chicken stacks, and fried potatoes with feta cheese. It was all fantastic. 

We made it to the rooftop bar just before it rained again. 


We took advantage of the rain free hour and walked Broadway. We took refuge at the VRBO while it stormed, and then hit 12 South for Cronuts, shopping, and coffee. 

When the stores closed for the day, we headed north to tour Vandy and walk Centennial Park. 

Dinner was at the swanky 1230 Supper Club. We enjoyed live music while we dined on steaks. 

We made it to the rooftop bar and found spectacular views of Broadway. 

We were told earlier that we were too old and not hot enough to get to the rooftop bar, but we were hot enough for a Sunday night. 



Our weekend was filled with big laughs, great food, and even better company. Our next trip is already planned. Watch out New Orleans - we are coming to you in 2022. 

My Kitchen is Full

I’ve had the very best start to the weekend! I’m in my kitchen surrounded by all four kids, eating homemade chocolate chip cookies, and swapping the best stories and memories. The kitchen is filled with laughter and joy; my heart is full.

We all go our separate ways tomorrow morning. Tonight’s happiness with being together again will have to tide me over until Thanksgiving. 

My Friday Night Lights

This is my Friday Night Lights on a Wednesday. I have been looking forward to this game all day! So much so that I texted this to Keagan today during my lunch break. 

The start of the game was rough. Like 30 minutes rough. I felt like we needed another round of prayers because God didn’t seem to hear the first one led by #0.

We won 5-2, though, and earned another three points to climb one more place in the standings. Keagan delivered an assist tonight that scored our third goal! 

Episode #2:The Life if a College Freshman

In today’s episode of Life as a College Freshman, we explored controlled substances. 

Evan: Is it drug abuse for ppl to use adderall to get hw done? Literally everyone is doing that but it seems kinda suspect 

Me: It is for you because you don’t have a RX. 

Wes: It’s a crime. Taking a controlled substance not prescribed to you is illegal. 

Evan: Ya I figured but I didn’t know if adderall could be used like asprin or something like that without a prescription. 

😮😳😂🤣😮

Man, I thought I had done a fairly good job of preparing him for college. I didn’t realize I had to explain Adderall is not candy. 

Weekend on the Road

I love weekends on the road when you see and do so much, you totally forget about work and the drudgery of the daily routine. Friday night took us to East Tennessee. We were up bright and early Saturday for a college tour of a small Christian school with a great D2 soccer program. 

Keagan loved its proximity to Knox, the assortment of outdoor activities, and the small town feel. The athletic facilities weren’t bad either. 

Saturday afternoon we met up with Evan and Makinley in Knoxville for a late lunch. I love Market Square and downtown Knoxville. 

Right before I snapped this pic, Evan told me Mak loves his mustache (which I know is not true). Who could? 

We drove the UTK campus because Keagan had not been yet, and we both got a tour of the frat house. Keagan was in a bit of a shock with the size of the campus after touring a much, much smaller school. 

Then it was game time. Keagan had a state league game just a mile from campus. Evan came to cheer on his little bro. We racked up another win and climbed in the standings. 

Saturday night we hit the road again for Chattanooga. We woke up Sunday morning ready for state league game #2. 

It ended in a very disappointing 2-2 tie. 

The Day in the Life of a College Freshman

In today’s episode of Life as a College Freshman, we explored programs of study. 

Evan: I think I might change my major first semester going into sophomore year. I can’t do these sciences for 6 years. 

Me: What are you thinking about doing instead?

Evan: Either marketing or electrical engineering

Me: 😮 You do know electrical engineering is a type of science, right? 

Evan: (crickets)