You know what I’m talking about. That 30-45 minute race against the clock…the tug-of-war with their mood vs. your mood, and all the hurdles you jump in between.

Event 1: The Awakening

It starts off so peaceful…rubbing their backs, talking so softly, wiping the hair from their faces. A little while later, you may turn on a little light…maybe take the blankets off a bit. Ten minutes later you are shouting at the top of your lungs because no one has moved an inch. They just stare at you. “Why is this woman so paranoid every morning!?”

Event 2: The Gear

You have everything laid out and ready. All they need to do is simply put it on their little bodies. They move at the pace of a sloth. You are watching the clock. MOVE PEOPLE! All hell breaks loose when the line on the sock doesn’t match up perfectly with their toes. Lord, help me. Breathe.

Event 3: The Prep

Everyone is dressed…finally. It’s time to brush their teeth and fix their hair. Compose yourself. This can be bad…or really good. It depends on the beast. You just stay quiet and hope that ponytail holder doesn’t stretch too tight. Say a small prayer the toothpaste comes out of the tube in the exact amount they need. Stay strong.

Event 4: The Finish Line

The end is near yet so far away. Do they have everything in their bags? Did you sign all the papers? Do they need to bring anything special for class today? Your mind is racing. You walk outside  to wait for the bus. They are cold. They are hot. It’s too foggy. The sun is in their eyes. It’s too dark. They are sweating. Two more minutes until you can breathe.

Finally the bus is coming down the street. Someone yells they have to pee. Seriously? Another race…did they not feel this urge in the past 30 minutes? Deep breaths.

They are finally on the bus to school…you kiss them and wave goodbye. Then here comes the guilt that you feel…you could have been calmer…maybe more patient. You could have run a better race.

Event 5: The Aftermath

You go back inside to chaos that’s left. Pajamas on the floor, toothpaste smeared in the sink, unmade beds, papers on the counter, dishes in the sink, and towels on the bathroom counter. You don’t have time to clean any of it, because you need to get to your actual job.

I feel your pain! And let’s not even talk about dress down day when this entire routine is thrown off. By the time I get to my “normal” job, I truly feel like I ran a marathon….twice….and the only medal or trophy I have to show for it is the stress on my face and the bags under my eyes.

Stay strong, team. We can do it!

I still cannot believe this happened, ya’ll. It was definitely an experience to remember.

Thanks to my nanny for pulling some strings and getting us in to watch the filming of Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s new music video “The Rest of our Life.”

Mom and I could not containment our excitement – we were giddy all day. Of course we had hopes to meet them, but we were just excited to see them in action!

We made it to the set before they did. We walked around the bar scene created. We were in awe by all the knick knacks, pictures, and love notes – including one from Johnny Cash to June <3

They filmed outside first. We just stared at their beauty – I had to remind myself to take pictures, because I was just staring :) She was on the phone in between shots, and he was taking pictures of the scenery.

We then went inside where Faith had to film the bar scene. On the way in, Tim noticed a guitar which is free for anyone to play in the restaurant when they are normally open. He picked it up and started playing whatever came to mind!

We were in different rooms than the filming, but we were able to watch on the TV screens in the equipment room. Since Tim was not in these scenes, he was in this room also watching and talking to everyone. He was such a nice country boy – he reminded me of the guys in our area…just drinking beer and talking about fishing and sports.

As Faith was walking through a door in one of her scenes, he looked at the screen and said, “Look, ya’ll, that’s my wife.” OMG <3

I did not want to intrude and ask him to take pictures – I did not want to bother him! I guess he saw Mom and I just staring, and he said “Do ya’ll want to take a picture?”

YES PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

We met Faith and shook hands in passing when she was leaving the makeup area. We could not get a picture with her since they were whisking her away to start filming again. Oh my, ya’ll, she is so beautiful….and so nice.

It has been killing me not to post about this since September 18th! We were asked by the production crew not to post any pictures or videos until the music video came out to the public. I’m so thankful to my nanny and family for letting us experience this once in a lifetime day! I’m also super thankful I got to do it all with my mamma :)

My sweet Kennedy,

I can’t believe you are already 7. SEVEN! No more smocked dresses, less and less bows, and even toys are becoming a thing of the past. Seven years sure did fly by quickly, but I SO enjoy watching to grow in to a beautiful and smart young lady.

Did I mention SMART!? You are blowing me away by everything you are learning in school. You ace all of your tests, you are eager to do homework, and you actually want to read books all the time! I could not ask for a better student. Keep up the hard work, and you will do amazing things.

You have been working so hard over the past year at training for your first gymnastics competition next month. I have seen you grow so much as a gymnast. You fall…get back up… and try harder. You never want to quit – after hours of practice, you come home and you are still flipping. It’s in your blood, and I love your dedication.

Being the oldest, you help me out so much. I can already tell that you will be a good little mamma one day. You are so caring and considerate toward Jules & Easton. They are lucky to have a big sister to look up to like you :)

I love your hilarious personality. I find selfies, videos, and the funniest messages all day long. I love when we laugh so hard that tears are coming down our faces. You are contagious! Some of my favorite moments are in the car on the way to gymnastics. You love for us to play “funny stories” – we have to tell a hilarious story to see who will laugh first. I think I laugh more at YOU than the story.

You make me so proud to be your mommy, Kennedy. Have a wonderful seventh birthday, my love.

Love, Mom