Dear Dad

Dear Dad,

These last few weeks have been pretty scary. Out of nowhere you started having severe stomach pains.  We thought we were taking you to the emergency room with kidney stones or appendicitis.  Little did we know that you would end up being in a fight for your life.

We hear the saying all the time that life can change in an instant, but we still go about our lives not really believing it.  I'm not ready for you to go.  We still have so much left to do; there's still so much more to say.

You are fought so hard for us!  Everyone is amazed you are still here.  There are so many people praying for you who love you.  We have been flooded with calls and texts and emails and concern from friends and extended family.  But, what's even crazier, is all the people praying for you who don't even know you.  I know it's happening because the stories make their way back to us.  I hope you are feeling the prayers and I hope you are feeling the love.  

I have so many wonderful memories with you.  I remember when I was a middle school cheerleader and you would stand at the top of the bleachers doing the UFO cheer.  Gosh that was embarrassing! In high school, I remember calling you from school telling you that the "lima bean machine" had broken down on the way to school.  I was glad to never see that thing again.  I remember in high school you came to Every. Single. Event.  You never missed.  You were one of the few dads always there.  I don't think I ever said thank you....thank you.  I remember in college being glad your work had an 800 phone number so I could call you anytime (pre-cell phone times).  I remember calling you from the dorm parking lot in the middle of the night because someone was in my parking place.  I know that seemed crazy to you, but to me, you were the "fixer".  You could solve all my problems.  I remember you loving on my babies and when I would get them back their little heads would smell of your cologne.  

I always tease you and say I am your apprentice and I have so much to learn.  If you are gone, who will I call when my garage is making a funny noise?  If you are gone, who will help me look at my sprinkler system when it isn't working quite right? Who will tell me my tires look low?

Today you come home from the hospital.  One day shy of a full month.  Just in time for Father's Day.  Getting you a gift this year seems ridiculous.  (don't worry, I will!)  This year for Father's Day I'm the one getting the gift, the gift of time.  I'm so thankful I get another Father's Day with you and pray there will be many more.  I will try my hardest not to take you for granted.  Thanks for being my Daddy! 

Love,

Mandi

A Letter to Taylor Swift's Mom

Dear Taylor Swift's Mom:

My 3 girls and I went to see Taylor Swift in concert last night and I just want to say thanks!  Thanks for raising a girl who has grown into a young woman who is a more than suitable role model for my 3 daughters.  Thanks for raising a daughter whose worst quality might be writing cheesy songs about ex-boyfriends or maybe her worst trait is those silly looks she gives at her concerts. (If you have been to one--you know!)

I'm thankful for her predictable songs.  I don't have to worry about foul language, inappropriate content or rated R material.  It's a bonus that I enjoy singing along in the car.

Thanks for raising a celebrity daughter who hasn't turned into a party girl more concerned with celebrity than her music.  Thanks for teaching her that you don't need drugs to be successful.  I love the fact that her rumored breakup with Harry Styles is "supposedly" because she wouldn't "put out".

I appreciate the fact that even at 22 years old you are traveling with her on tour.  I love that you look like a Mom and dress like a Mom and not a Real Housewife. Thanks for not hitting up the streets of LA partying with your daughter.

Thanks for believing in and empowering your daughter that she could set her mind to something and achieve it.   Thanks for providing a great role model for 3 aspiring musicians.


Sincerely,

The Herrold Sisters' Mom

Music Row

I haven't blogged in an awfully long time.  I was really good at blogging when we were living in Sugar Land.  It was a good way for me to keep my family and Tulsa friends connected.  It seemed kinda pointless when we moved back.  But, every now and again, something so special happens that I want to preserve it forever. This weekend was one of those weekends.

Without going into too much detail, my girls are being considered by an Artist Development Manager in Nashville.  (I think that's the correct term.  There are so many different people needed in this industry I am still having a hard time keeping it all straight!) 

I have shared this story before, but just for a refresher here is how the girls got started.  Abby simply asked me to take her to Nashville so she could sing for people on Music Row like Taylor Swift did so she could get famous.  Well, 14 months later that dream is beginning to come true. 

The girls were blessed enough to have an audience this weekend with a very well respected manager.  It was a surreal experience for me to watch them singing for a notable individual on Music Row!  I was really trying to soak up the whole experience.  As I was sitting there, I was remembering reading Naomi Judd's biography years ago.  She goes into detail about what it was like for them playing for these music executives.  I just couldn't believe the girls were lucky enough to be having a similar experience.  If they don't go any further than this, they have nothing to hang their heads about. Daniel told me it was a little awkward that I took a picture, but geez, how many times do your kids end up on Music Row? haha!

The girls are in music bootcamp the next month!  We are just praying God's will and perfect timing.  Stay tuned...

Tennis

Last year Hannah decided at the 11th hour that she would try out for the tennis team.  There are 2 teams made up of 6 girls (12 spots).  She didn't finish in the top 12.  She is such a gal of persistence she stuck with it and this year is #7.  Today was her first match.  I'm so sad that I wasn't able to watch her, but she won!!!  She won her doubles match and then won her singles match!  I'm so proud of that girl for sticking with it.

My tennis season started tonight as well.  I've been playing with the same group of girls for several years now and I can tell you it's a great group.  We all get along well and have a lot of fun.  We bring snacks and drinks and hang out together after every match win or lose.  Just like Hannah, we won our match tonight too.  I had to play singles and learned I'm not nearly as in good of shape as I like to think I am.  This body is getting older for sure!!!

Long Time No Blog

It's been a loooong time since I have blogged, and my friend Karen started blogging and it might have inspired me to start blogging again....maybe.  Her blog is hilarious.  You have to check it out!

Meanwhile, I don't even know what to blog about there's so much, and yet, it's all so boring!

The Herrold Sisters:  We are heading into "singing season".  Lots of great events planned for the spring and I'm excited for the girls!

Basketball:  Basketball kept us crazy busy the last two months!  All three girls played and it seemed that every Saturday they played at the exact same time at three different locations.  That was fun!

Soccer:  No rest for the weary.  Soccer season has started for EG!

Tennis:  It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Hannah is playing for Cascia this year and we are all excited about that.  For some reason, I agreed to captain my USTA team.  Why did I do that?????

Big D:  Big D stepped down from management and went back to brokering.  The travel was just really tough on a family of 5 and the change of pace has been good for him at work!

Spring Break:  Abby and Big D are headed to Africa for a mission trip!  I'm so proud of them I can hardly stand it!

Work:  In anticipation of Daniel's job change, I returned to work last April.  The funny thing about this is that my first day was Monday, April 2.  I sorta forgot to tell my kids I was going back to work.  So I told them the day before---on April 1st---are you following me?  That was April Fools Day!  They thought I was playing a bad joke on them.  Poor kids!  It was a tough adjustment on us all, but I think we are in a good rhythm now.  I have the most wonderful babysitter and most wonderfully flexible boss so it makes it more bearable!

The Grapevine Opry

Click here to read all about our weekend at The Grapevine Opry.

Blogging....

I need to blog.  I'm so far behind on blogging.  It feels a little like that scrapbooking phase I went through.  I did really great for awhile and then got busy.  Now I feel so far behind I don't know where to start.

I have lots of wonderful things to report about our summer.  It's been the best summer I can remember!  I got to accompany Hannah on a school trip to NYC.  Our family traveled to Nashville to watch my girls sing.  They officially became "The Herrold Sisters".  They were invited to sing at The Grapevine Opry.  They had their first gig and it was GREAT!  We went to Florida.  I started a new job in April and love it.  See....lots to blog about!!

So why is it I really want to talk about TomKat's divorce??  I'm fascinated!  I'd even settle for a post about The Today Show and the co-anchor debacle.  Or why bachelorette Emily Maynard let Shawn go home.  He was perfect for her!

I need a life.  But, I'm guessing you do too because you are bound to have an opinion on at least one of these items!!  I don't usually get lots of comments, but come on, people, talk to me today!!!

Peter Pan

This precious little thing stayed home from school sick today.  Actually, she was sick yesterday and I'm a ruler follower.  You must be fever free for 24 hours to go to school.  So today, she got to go to work with me.  On the way inside I had my arm around her back and told her I really didn't want her to grow anymore.  I told her this was the perfect age and she can stop growing now.

She looked up at me, and in a choked up voice said, "Sometimes I don't want to grow anymore either.  I could stay this way forever....like Peter Pan."  Aaahhh, way to melt a Mama's heart!  That's a moment I'll cherish forever!

Women & The Work Family Dilemna

I read a book in a college sociology class by this same title. I never expected to be thinking about it 20 years later.

As a stay at home Mom of about 12 years, I have struggled with feelings of self worth. Is what I'm doing making a difference? Will anyone want to hire me again if I have a 20 year gap on my resume? What if something happens to my husband's job and I am called on to help support the family-could I do it? Does anyone think I am valuable? I don't get a paycheck. I don't get promotions. I don't even have annual reviews with a chance to hear some positive feedback.

Over the course of the years, I have heard comments on both sides of the work/stay at home debate. But, recently, some comments I saw on a Facebook post really got to me and so here I find myself. The comments were basically making fun of moms that stay at home: all they do is workout and never really even get dressed in real clothes; they are at the school ALL the time; all they talk about are their kids, etc.; they snub working moms.

Sigh...I can't speak for all stay at home moms, but I can speak for myself. Is it possible you aren't being snubbed, but maybe the mom in her workout clothes feels inferior standing next to you in your business suit? Maybe she is worried you think she is worthless and does nothing all day. Is it possible, without the stay at home mom involved in PTA and school that our schools wouldn't be as great as they are today? Is it possible that the stay at home mom, in fact, sees her job as a full-time mom as that- a job? And she talks about her kids out of a love and a passion for them, the same way you talk about your job? Is it possible that it takes BOTH kinds of moms to make the world go 'round?

I think this work family dilemma is one that will continue for years. I wish that women could learn to have a mutual respect for each other and choices they have made. Why are women our worst critics? In some cases, there is no choice to be made- the mom MUST work. I am happy that my 3 daughters see working women in their business suits at class parties. They are learning that women can have a career and still be attentive to their children. But, I am also happy that I have had the opportunity to spend these years at home with my kids full time.

Ok, let the comments begin. I would really love to hear your thoughts on this one. Keep it respectful, please.

Redbud Valley

Last year we took the kids on a hike to Turkey Mountain. They absolutely loved it. We intended to fit in more hiking outings, but it just got so hot last summer and time got away from us.

Yesterday we took the kids to Redbud Valley. Redbud Valley is located just outside of Tulsa, in Catoosa, and is a hidden gem. The hiking was fun, but what was more fun were the surprise caves we happened upon.

Going on these little outings with my family is great quality time. EG's love language is definitely quality time and she was in her happy place the second we got in the car. She is also an outdoorsy girl, so the hiking is a bonus. Abby also seemed to love it. No TV. No phones. No distractions. Just good ol' fashioned family fun! Hannah is on her mission trip and missed it, so we will have to bring her back!

Mission Trip

I could not be more proud of my girl, Hannah. She has chosen to spend her spring break on a mission trip to Knoxville, TN. At this writing, she didn't have best friends going on the trip, but was still brave enough to sign up anyway. I have a feeling she will come home with some best friends, though.

Saturday morning I loaded her in one of two church vans headed for Tennessee. I have to tell you what an unnerving feeling this is. I don't have a problem with her being away from home. She has been going to summer camp since 1st grade. This is the first time I have put her in a vehicle and sent her across the country. At camp, I take her, get her bunk all set up and know exactly where she is. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time in prayer on Saturday!

Luckily, the kids were allowed to have their phones and electronics for the car ride. I heard from Hannah Sunday morning. Due to traffic and construction they did not arrive in Nashville, their first destination, until after midnight only to find out the hotel had given away their rooms. They finally settled into another hotel across town at 1:45 a.m. I'm equally thankful that I was not the adult driving that van as I am grateful that they arrived safely.

Today is the first day on the job site. I'm told they are working on houses: light repairs, painting, yard work, etc. I can't wait to hear all about this trip from Hannah's perspective. These types of mission trips weren't made available to me when i was growing up.

Hannah told me this wasn't a "real mission trip" because they were only working on houses and not walking around telling people about Jesus. I didn't argue this point with her, but I am excited for her to connect the dots this week. Those kids and workers are the face of Jesus this week giving their time and resources to help others. And, I suspect, some Jesus conversations will take place.

Ouch!!

Today I proved I'm not the budding tennis star I like to think I am. While chasing down a ball, my feet got all tangled and I fell. Hard. I have bruised knees, scraped hands, and a really swollen ankle. Sympathy comments welcome.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Wizard of Oz

This year Abby was selected to be a munchkin in Union High School's performance of The Wizard of Oz. I have to admit, I had NO idea how much work went into one of these shows. Had I known, we might not have auditioned. However, sometimes ignorance is bliss. She was selected with her good friend, Allie, so that helped her as well as me with the carpooling.

She had the best time and hardly ever complained about the long practices that towards the end, went way past her bedtime. She is already talking about wanting to try out next year.

Bullet Blogging

It has been so long since I have blogged that I wasn't sure how I could ever possible get caught up. Until I read a friend's blog and she did bullet blogging! Sounds good to me!

• Today is Ellie Grace's 9th birthday! I keep telling her not to grow and she keeps disobeying me! How is this possible that my baby is 9??!!
• Abby is a munchkin in Union High School's Wizard of Oz. It has been keeping us more than busy, but the debut performance is tomorrow night. I'm so proud of her!
• Hannah has not only adjusted to Cascia Hall, she is thriving and loving it. So glad we made the decision to move her.
• Daniel has been a traveling fool with his job, but is enjoying his work.
• All three girls are taking guitar. Ellie Grace got drums for Christmas.
• It's not very quiet at my house.
• Santa brought Abby a Westie puppy for Christmas. I feel like I have a newborn again. It's exhausting.
• Ellie Grace is playing basketball. It's so fun to watch this shy little girl come to life when she holds the ball. It's crazy how aggressive she can be. She loves it.
• I ran the Disney World Half Marathon in January, benefiting The Scott Carter Foundation.

I think these are most of the main highlights in my life lately. Hopefully I can get back to regular blogging. That is...if anyone is still reading.

My Mom, the Blogger

My Mom is blogging now! Don't worry, she's not posting her kids' achievements, sporting ventures, or drama. She's blogging about life as a baby boomer. I never thought I would see the day my Mom would be blogging, but she's doing it quite well. Check her out. Her link is on the left of my page "Bytes from a Baby Boomer".

PS She gets really excited about comments so drop her a note and let her know you stopped by.

Diorama

EG was assigned a project in school of designing a diorama. Now, before you jump down and look at the picture I must tell you I am not "one of those moms". I'm not crafty, or artsy, or Hobby Lobbyish. I don't enjoy projects and I think my kids should do the bulk of the work.

That being said, I cheerlead all the way. I give direction and provide supplies and I give lots of moral support.

Now that my disclaimer is out of the way....the first night we worked on the diorama I got this email to my inbox. I think she meant to send it to a friend, but I'm sure glad she accidentally sent it to me.

At arc we do this project where we get to pick a project. I picked the shoe box thing where we decorate the box. It has to be a one room school house. I love it! It's so fun!!!!

I am doing it with my moms help. She's awesome. I might do another one (but smaller) too! Everyone will like it! ARC is so fun! I love it!

As if that wasn't reward enough, here she is with her finished product. Mind you, it's far from perfect. But, to me, the fact that she can take full credit for it makes it an A+!

Life Is Sweet in Sugar Land

This past weekend we went for a quick trip to Sugar Land. It was the first time all of us had gone back together since the move. Our first stop: Lupe Tortilla, our favorite Mexican restaurant. We have MISSED this place!!!

Next we drove by our old house and visited our friends Pam and Tyler. Tyler didn't want me to take a picture, but I tried.

Abby spent 2 nights with her dear friend Megan. Megan's Mom was so sweet to include another friend, Kyla, in the playdates. Abby had such a wonderful time.

Ellie Grace stayed with us at the hotel, but got two very special play dates with Brooke and Sophie.

Hannah stayed with her very best friend, Katherine.

These two were inseparable when we lived here. It just so happens that Katherine's Mom grew up in Tulsa and her parents still live here. It's a lucky coincidence that we get to see them at least once a year! Alice was so sweet and had a cookout/swim party so we were able to see some more people. The kids had a great time.

I hung out mostly with Lazy Mom Leslie,

but we did manage to meet up with some friends for lunch.This is me with my friend, Melanie.

A funny story here. When I was uploading my pictures on my new Apple computer it had me label faces. Those of you with Apples know what I'm talking about. You label people's faces so that you can sort by say, pictures with Hannah or pictures with Abby. Well, it starts to recognize faces and ask you, "is this Hannah?" When I was tagging this picture it asked if Melanie was Hannah. A little while later I went to workout with my trainer. She said she had just seen my pictures on facebook. She said, "there's one picture of you with a girl that looks like she could be your sister." We pulled up the pics and she was referring to Melanie. Too funny!!

I also got to sneak in a lunch with my Aunt Raini and crew. Of course we ate at yet ANOTHER Mexican restaurant. They were afraid I might be getting tired of Mexican food, but seriously??? NO WAY!!!

Spring Fling

One event we look forward to every year at school is the Spring Fling. This year's theme was western. Seeing as how we spent the last two years in Texas we love a good western theme! My girls still had last year's cute rodeo shirts hanging in their closet so we were good to go.

EG's grade did square dancing. It was so precious.

Here she is with some precious friends:

Abby's grade did Miley Cyrus' "Hoedown Throw-down". It was also pretty darn cute!

After the performances we are allowed to go back to the classrooms and see what the kids have been working on. Each year, all the classes publish books that they have been working on. We stopped at EG's class first. Her book was just precious. It was basically filled with short stories, which were all events from her life. She had one page of artwork and one page of writing for each story. Everything she wrote about was just so precious, but I had to show you this one. Remember Unlucky 13? Well, EG hasn't forgotten!

Poor girl! It was such a traumatic day. She remembers it vividly and knows it was the day her daddy almost died.

Abby's class did a poetry book. They had all different poems in there, and she will definitely kill me for this, but I can't resist. Sorry this photo isn't great, and the book is still at school.

The part my camera cut off on line 3 says, "I wish that people would give me food and I would not have to clean my dish." Maybe I'm cracking the whip a little too hard over here??

Ever Wonder What God Is Trying To Teach You??

I do! I definitely think this year my family's health has either been under attack (i.e. Job) or God is trying to teach me something.

This actually started the week of Christmas. I received one of those phone calls that will stop you in your tracks. My mammogram came back abnormal. For some you, this might not be shocking, but we have NO history of breast cancer in my family. None. Zilch. Neither of my sisters or Mom have ever even been called back on a mammogram.

I had an appointment at the hospital the day before Christmas Eve. Not a very fun start to the holiday. After another bad mammogram there, they performed an ultrasound. All I was told was, "looks benign. Come back in 6 months to re-check."

Well, this didn't settle real well with me, my mom, or my doctor. My doctor made me an appointment with a breast surgeon, just to be safe. We were leaving for a ski trip the day after Christmas so the appointment would be when we returned. As much fun as we had on our trip, it seemed as if a big cloud loomed over the week. But, it was finally determined by the breast surgeon to, in fact, be benign. Whew!

The same day I was called about the bad mammogram, I must have been a nervous wreck because I sliced my finger opening a can of soup. Thanks to a good friend for stitching me up. That little finger caused me some havoc for several weeks.

Three weeks ago I woke hope with a horrible case of hives. I mean horrible I'm not going to post a picture of my face, but my lips were swollen, eyelids swollen over, etc. I looked like I had bad plastic surgery. I have never had an allergic reaction to anything! Ever! My friend, Gayle, drove me to the urgent care and I'm so glad she did. They gave me a steroid shot. When I got to the parking lot I started feeling lightheaded and before Gayle could get to me I fainted. Are you believing this story? Crazy! And of course Daniel was out of town. We never really figured out what was causing the hives, but the best guess was an allergic reaction to an antibiotic I was

taking. I probably need to go for allergy testing because every so often, like this morning, they reappear very mildly.

As if all of this isn't enough, I received a phone call from a mom on Hannah's gymnastics team. "Amanda, I don't want to alarm you, but Hannah has fallen. They have her stabilized and I can see that she is wiggling her toes." This is not a phone call any mom wants to receive. Ever! Hannah had fallen on her back. They wanted to call an ambulance, but I knew that would scare her so I raced out to get her. (yep, Daniel out of town for this one too!) Luckily, her x-rays came back perfect. I am so so thankful for that, but a few weeks later and she is still hurting so we are headed to an orthopedist this morning to have her checked out.

And finally, last night at her gymnastics class, Ellie Grace hurt her wrist. Honestly, I almost didn't even take her to the doctor. It was swollen, but she could move it so I didn't think it was broken. (Mother of the year here) But, I decided better safe than sorry, and sure enough, broken wrist. It is so swollen that they were not able to put a hard cast on it yet. Instead she has a soft cast. The doctor asked if I had an orthopedist. Well, conveniently I do and I will be there tomorrow. She sent me with the x-rays and I will talk to him this morning while I am there with Hannah.

Again, I'm not sure if I'm under attack or being pruned for His glory. But, evidently I'm a slow learner! Whether or not this is the point, I have learned not to take good health for granted. I have learned that life can change with one heart stopping phone call. And, I have learned that even though we think we are in control, we really have none.

Gymnastics Regionals

I had a GREAT weekend LAST weekend with Hannah in Fort Worth at her gymnastics regionals. Her big goal for the weekend was to make the Top Ten in at least one event. She has only been to regionals once and the closest she got was number 11. The Top Ten get awards on stage at the end of each session and so this was the ultimate goal.

She brought her friend, Morgan, from school. We had a great weekend. It started with waking up at 3 a.m. to watch the Royal Wedding. Oh yes we did!!! And after a 2 hour gymnastics practice you would think we would be ready for a nap, but instead we headed to Six Flags. I was exhausted, but the girls had a great time.

Hannah did great in 2 of her events. In her best event, trampoline, she had a major error at the very end of her routine. We calculated what her score would have been without the deduction, and she would have gotten 3rd place overall. (there were 5 states represented at this meet!) Amazingly, Hannah still got 10th place overall. This tells you how good she is on tramp that she can mess up and still make Top Ten. She was disappointed, but overall very happy with the whole weekend. She not only made the Top Ten in tramp, but in her other 2 events as well. (one 6th place and one 3rd place!)

It was a GREAT weekend!