Phoebe's Footloose Musical performance

I was flying in to Harrisburg, PA to see Phoebe in the Footloose Musical at Penn State Harrisburg. My flight was scheduled to depart at 9:30am and arrive in Harrisburg at 4:57pm. The performance was set to begin at 7:30pm. I had plans to attend opening night on Wednesday and again on Thursday, then fly home first thing Friday morning. I left the house at 7am and received flight delay notifications from United so I turned around and went home. Left for the airport around 8am. I got there and the flight was delayed again. We finally make it to Chicago for the connection to then find out that flight was cancelled and they put me on another flight arriving at 10:30pm. After several more delays, we ended up departing at 11pm. The captain said there was a storm system between Chicago and Harrisburg, but he'd get us as far as he could, even if it meant we'd have to go around the system, up to NY and then come back down to PA. I sent out "I love you" texts to Damian and Phoebe, just in case anything happened. The flight actually wasn't bad, we were able to get through the storm and arrive in Harrisburg at 2:30am. Needless to say, I missed opening night. But I knew I'd be able to see it Thursday night. Phoebe invited me to lunch with her between her classes. We had lunch at a mexican restaurant and took our time catching up on life. I dropped her off at school and went back to the hotel to get a little work done and get ready for the show. I got there around 6:45, got my ticket and waited for them to open the doors. They were having some technical issues, so there was a delay letting us in. We were able to go in and get seated around 7:30, that's when the show was scheduled to start. Around 8:30 the theater manager announced that they'd have to call the show. They weren't able to resolve the technical issues. My eyes swelled up with tears but I held them in. I was so excited to see Phoebe on stage, doing what she loves. Phoebe eventually came out and ran up to me and we hugged so tight. She was crying and said "I just wanted to make you proud". I said oh my gosh boog, you make me proud every single day. I just really wanted to see you out there. This is beyond your control. She told me that the crew were going to IHOP and I insisted that she go with them and don't worry about me! They were who she needed to be with at the time and I was not going to be selfish. I hung back and spoke with the manager, Amy. She was so sweet and understanding. I told her what I went through to be there and asked if there was any way that someone could record it and share it with me. She explained that they didn't purchase a license to video it. I said I completely understand, but if there's any way that they could share it, I would be extremely grateful. I mentioned that I would reschedule my return flight and stay another night if she had a strong feeling it would be resolved, but she couldn't say for sure. And the only return flight that I was able to switch to would bring me home Sunday, but still, there was no way to know if it would be fixed. The return flights were on time, no delays. I got back to Houston around 11am. Phoebe texted me links that evening to watch the live streams. THANK YOU PENN STATE THEATER!! I was able to watch my girl on stage. She was amazing as always. Meagan flew in on Friday while I was flying home. She surprised Phoebe. They have such a wonderful friendship. LaQuinta wouldn't let Meagan check in and still charged her for the stay. They said she'd have to be 21 to check in, so she called Comfort Inn & Suites and they said a 19 year old could check in, so she went to stay there instead. Footloose The Musical was a great experience for Phoebe. The cast cried as they were closing up the last showing. I'm thankful that she's having these experiences, and I'm thankful that she has a handful of real friends in her life.

Phoebe’s 18th birthday!

Phoebe LOVES Christmas! Especially music and lights. So we surprised her with a weekend trip to the Gaylord Texan Resort. We stayed in a room that overlooked the atrium. It was beautiful. We went to Main Street and walked to take pictures of the amazing lights. We also went to the Ice Show which was a Grinch theme. Amazing is an understatement. Aidan, Evan, Nanny and Brianna arrived on Saturday to surprise her. We had her answer the hotel room door after I pretended to call the front desk asking for extra coffee creamer. :) Everyone had a great time. 💕

This kid now has her permit... oh my!

We went today to get Phoebe's driving permit. She must complete the driver education course and 44 hours of behind the wheel parent-taught lessons by December to get her license. Make it stop y'all! It's really bittersweet... I love to see her moving forward in life and accomplishing things, but on the other hand, that means she's drifting further and further away and pretty soon won't need her momma. :( No need for me to be selfish though, I'm not going to make this about me, I'm happy for her and very proud of the young lady she's turning out to be. <3

And then Google had to go and create this! < insert crying emoji here!!!!! >

Feedback from Phoebe's favorite middle school teacher

This one definitely pulled at the heart strings. Click on the image to view it larger.

We have a Woodlands Elite Soldier in the house!

Phoebe made the Soldiers All Star Prep Team at Woodlands Elite!! She would’ve liked a higher level but this is the only one they’re offering this season. So she’s excited to be part of a team and get a taste of competitive cheer. Show ‘em what you got baby girl! Mom & Dad are so proud of you! Love you stinker!!

It’s the little things...

That make you feel loved! I got out of the shower and found a stack of folded towels on my bed. Notice she had to include her name along with the first initial of her last name. Just in case I get confused from all the other people in the house? Lol. Love this kiddo!

She’s growing up y’all...

Phoebe will be a teenager in 7 days!!!
Since going back to school after Thanksgiving break she hasn’t fallen back to sleep after I get her up in the mornings. And this week she began to ask that the tv be off when she was going to bed. It is all so bittersweet! 💕😩🤪🙃

Phoebe's Growth

Today was Phoebe's follow up with Dr. Lyons at TX Children's.

She is now 4'7" and 73lbs!!
Before starting gH she was expected to be 4'10" as an adult and was below all percentiles on the growth chart.

Now she is within the 4% for weight and 1% for height! She's growing an average 4" per year.

She was excited and said it makes the daily doses worth it. Nothing can stop this girl!

Kudos award for Phoebe!

I received an email from KMS last week stating Phoebe will be given a Kudos award on Feb 7th. This award is given by teachers selecting a student that shows outstanding character, consistent positive attitude each day and puts effort into their work, etc... Congrats Phoebe, you continue to make us so proud! Keep being YOU! We love you!

Phoebe started growth hormone

A nurse with Omnitrope came by today and trained Phoebe on how to use the injection pens. Phoebe wanted to do the injection herself and she did great!