The Rilee Times

This girl. She’s kinda sorta completely awesome.

Twelve

Twelve years ago today I earned the most important title I’ll ever have.

MOM.

It took 19 hours of labor and a c-section to earn that title, but I’ll gladly take it. This girl has given me more joy than I ever thought possible. When I photograph someone else’s child I always ask what single word they would use to sum up their child’s entire personality. It’s a tough question, I know. But it gives me a glimpse of they way they see their child. As I gathered these pictures of our now twelve year old Roo I tried to think of the single word that could sum her up and I just couldn’t narrow it down so in honor of her twelfth birthday I’ve chosen twelve words that I think sum her up.

Strong.

Charismatic.

Determined.

Hilarious.

Beautiful.

Confident.

Competitive.

Thoughtful.

Inspiring.

Witty.

Honest.

Loving.

Each of these are qualities I greatly admire, Roo. I’m so proud of the young lady you’ve become. I want you to know that I love you and that I’ll always be in your corner.
Happy 12th Birthday, Rilee Corinne!

Love,

Mom

Sweet Lucee Brown

When The Lu comes to me and says, “Hey, Mom! Record this!” I absolutely, positively, without question RECORD THIS.

This 23 seconds makes me unbelievably proud. As in bring a tear to your eye and ask yourself “did I really create this human?” proud.

Now excuse me while I go high five my husband and pat myself on the back. Because yes, we made that funny little human.

 

Say It Isn’t So

This child of mine is NOT about to be TEN. YEARS. OLD.

Nope.

Not possible.

Not happening.

No way.

Her birthday isn’t for another week but I’m already freaking out. Someone please tell me how to slow time. I want my babies to stay babies.

My Dying Soul

Upon learning Peachwave no longer has pineapple frozen yogurt I told the girls that a little bit of my soul just died.

Roo said, “Well…now you’ve got one foot in the grave, Mom.”

My Favorite Illustrator

The Lu has been hard at work in her illustrations. Here are a few of her latest pieces.

That One Time My Kid’s Art Made Yahoo

The Lu loves art. Always has. She and I recently discovered an artist on Instagram that we both love. Javier Perez, known on Instagram as cintascotch, takes everyday objects and adds quirky illustrations that just make you smile. Last week …

Faith, Family and Friends

Leave it to my kid to remind me what matters most.

Handpainted by The Ruler.

Drop the Hammer

The Ruler joined her first club softball team and she’s been working hard at speed and agility clinics and even attended a catching camp this weekend. I’m so proud of this girl! She’s quite the stud.

Spa Day

We took advantage of a snow day and pampered ourselves today.

I love spoiling these two!

All She Wants for Christmas is…A Man

I asked The Lu to write out a Christmas list last night.

I was slightly alarmed that my 9 year old wanted “a man” for Christmas. When I asked why she felt she needed a man she said, “You know…to be my bodyguard. And stand in the lunch line at school for me. Have you seen how long that line is?”

An Extra Pep in her Step

A couple of weeks ago Roo was asked to be the mascot for our school during International Walk to School Day and she was busting at the seams with excitement. This morning we drove to City Hall where she suited up …

Why My Daughter May Never Have a Boyfriend

After shaking my head in disgust and asking Roo to excuse herself to the bathroom she said, “Mom, I’m not gonna go to the bathroom for just a fart!”

First of all child, that wasn’t just A fart. That was a FAAAAAAART.

Possibly the fart of the century.

And second, I tried. I tried and I failed but I take comfort in the fact that this behavior just might keep the boys away.

And that is perfectly fine with me.

Another New Sport

First volleyball practice and she loves it!

Katy Perry

Windows down, hair blowing in the wind, we were enjoying a beautiful August evening as we drove home from volleyball practice. Until a car pulls up next to us blasting a Katy Perry song.

Lu looks over and says, “Eeeeeew, that dude doesn’t have a shirt on.”

Roo adds, “Yeah, and he’s listening to Katy Perry. Because that’s real manly.”