Move in Day at UM

August 17, 2018. . . .

Freshman move in day at the University of Montevallo for my brand new college student.
This day was emotionally tough on all of us.  In particular, Tanner and myself.  I was so worried to leave him, as his social anxiety was kicked into high gear.  He had to stay for orientation weekend and he did not know the first kid on campus, and was just so incredibly nervous.

I am grateful to say that it only took a few days for him to get settled in and meet some friends from the team.  Now as I type, he is on day two of Spring semester and doing so well.

His roommates name is Noah, he's a pretty nice kid too.  However, we've learned that Tanner just does not adjust well to living with others. He is very particular about his space and his sleeping schedule, and it just does not mesh with a roommate.  He is surviving though!!

I am so glad that he has adjusted, but am still missing him like crazy.  Anytime he wants to transfer to the University of Alabama here at home, I'll be the first one there to help him pack!

XoXo,
Tina

Tanner is Eighteen

I can't forget Tanner's eighteenth birthday.  We were so busy right around his birthday with track and trips and the upcoming Graduation.  We were able to throw together a small family shrimp boil for our boy.  Celebrating him is always so easy, he doesn't require a big fuss,  just some food and a good cookie cake and he's happy.

Can't believe I have a legal adult on my hands!!  Happy eighteenth birthday Tanner!!

XoXo,

Tina

Alabama State Track Meet

Back in May right before graduation, we headed down to Gulf Shores for a few days of track competition and beach fun.  This past season, Tanner qualified for the state meet in javelin.

He did not get the finish that he wanted, and ended up coming in 9th place.  He did have a bad day in comparison to the rest of his season, but I could not help but be so proud of him and all his hard work this last year.

Love him!!




Tanner and our favorite track coach, Coach Rob.


Tanner and Drake. . . .


XoXo,
Tina

Graduation - Class of 2018

On Monday, May 14th at 7:30 pm we celebrated Tanner's high school Graduation.  Tanner finishing up high school has sent me on an emotional roller coaster throughout the entire year.  I am so extremely proud of him, and so excited for his future, but so sad at the same time that it is all ending.  You hear all types of horror stories about raising teenagers.  But the teenage years with my two have been, by far, my favorite season of life.  I love spending time with them and their friends.  And I love the young adults that they have become.  It is hard to see your babies grow up, but they just continue to grow into their personalities, and it is so fun to watch them become who they are destined to be.

I am thrilled to see what this young man of mine chooses to do in the next few years.  He has a lot of big choices to make for his future, but I know he will be successful in whatever he decides to pursue.

He has accepted a track & field scholarship to the University of Montevallo. (Go Falcons!)

I'm excited for him, and I know he is looking forward to starting this next phase.

We were all there on the field to meet him after the ceremony.  We took lots of photos, and then ended up having dinner at Waffle House because it was so late.  But the night was perfect, and one I will not forget.  We are so proud of our graduate!

With Nana and PawPaw.

With Maw Maw and Roger.

With Casey, Carrie, Wyatt, and Casey Ann.

Jaelin drove all the way from Columbus to attend graduation.  He is such a good friend to Tanner.  (True Besties)

With Gracyn.

Tanner and Garrett.

My favorite boys.

And me and my momma. :)

The Saturday after graduation we had a small celebration dinner with family and a couple of friends.  I love a good reason to decorate. . . 

Congratulations to the NHS Class of 2018 and Tanner!!

XoXo, 

Tina

Track & Field Season

We are right in the middle of track season.  Senior track season.  This year Tanner dropped running all together to focus on Javelin.  He is doing so great this year and has already improved his PR by quite a bit.  Right now his PR is 155.7 which ranks him at third in the state for 4A.  I am beyond proud of how hard he worked this Summer to improve.

He has also added discus and shot put this year and is doing well in those events too.  But most importantly, it gives him a little more to do and help pass the time at a long meet.

In two weeks he will go to sectionals and we are keeping are fingers crossed that he will qualify in javelin for the state meet the first week of May.

XoXo,

Tina

Senior Football Banquet

 Tanner's Senior football banquet has come and gone.  The banquet was held at the Tuscaloosa Rivermarket on the icy cold Friday night of January 12th.  All the players and cheerleaders were recognized, with special attention to the 20 boys.  The Senior class of 2018 make up HALF of the entire football team.  And they are really a special group of young men.  It was such a nice night to honor these boys.  Good food and good company made for a memorable night.

Tanner and Coach Hilliker.

Tanner with the athletic trainers.

L-R Tanner, Gabe, and Royce.

Houston and Tanner.

Wesley and Tanner.

Tanner and Cole.

Me with my favorite Rams.

And finally, a Ram and his number one fan.  (Always)

Now, bring on Track & Field. 

XoXo,

Tina