Dani Rhea
A platform to connect, celebrate, and write your story.

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Blogs have a wonderful place here on the interwebs. As a new stay-at-home mom, I feverishly read "Mommy Blogs" searching for a voice like my own to tell me that I wasn't as crazy as i felt. The raw passion one can portray on a blog, be it about fashion, parenting, art, or politics, gives blogs a wonderful place for words to take shape. To exude feeling. To promote a cause. I can get lost in the blogosphere searching for that perfect place to share my own experience. I kept a blog when the kids were small because I rapidly fell behind on scrapbooking. The blog seemed like the perfect solution-you can take a gander at all those adventures at www.daniella-scrogdog.blogspot.com . Those were really special days. Now that my kids are teens, this blog feels so different. My babies are turning into people. They are learning to drive, taking advanced classes, and applying for college. Our story is changing-it's evolving, as everyone's does. These posts give you a glimpse into our evolution.

Posts in Growing up Scroggins
I have a college student!
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The news came last Thursday, and it was more exciting than I ever imagined. My oldest child texted me from school informing me that her classmates were logging into the application portal and realizing their acceptance to Texas A&M University. She asked if I had her application password (you know one of those like FGT$%^%$#) with me, and I didn’t. We were both in a state until I could race home, log in, and see that fated phrase.

Welcome to Texas A&M University

EEEEK!!! I texted her a screenshot, but before she even had a chance to receive it, I called her. Then, before we even had a chance to talk, I hung up, and facetimed her. Yes, I will admit it, I was a complete freaking out spaz of a mom. It was the exact same exciting feeling of taking that first positive pregnancy test—of wanting, and hoping so much for a blessing, and then seeing the actuality! It. was. overwhelming.

She actually works in my husband’s accounting office after school, so she carried me (on facetime) down the hall, and almost broke up a meeting to tell him. I’m not sure, but I think his eyes were a little shiny at the news. He wears an Aggie lanyard to work everyday, and just ever so slightly motioned to it with an almighty “Gig ‘Em". I think we were all floating.

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I immediately texted our “tribe” of family and friends to meet in town before the Decatur Homecoming game. I wanted to gather our people to celebrate, toast, and memorialize this moment. MY KID IS GOING TO BE AN AGGIE! After years of back and forth, not knowing if she even wanted to be an Aggie, and then deciding to apply, and THEN to be accepted! It was just one of the happiest days.

We celebrated with snacks and beverages, and then as rain caused delays in our hometown homecoming, we stayed for Book Trivia (which could not have been more perfect for my bookworm child). Friends, grandparents, parents, and siblings—we created a team, and worked together as much as we could muster (through our constant excitement when we remembered that thing about AGGIELAND).

After the trivia, we did manage to attend Hometown Homecoming, complete with a Senior Mum, and hugs from friends all around. It really was one of the best days—a day of things coming together, and a day to live, celebrate and love.

The Last First Day of High School

I'm just sitting down from the first day of school festivities. Today I sent a 7th grader, a sophomore, and a senior into school once again. Because they are growing up, and doing their own things, we didn't have our traditional first day breakfast together followed by first day pictures. I was out the door with my sophomore by 6:00 a.m. to drop him off at early morning football practice, and then headed to set up for the Senior Breakfast. My youngest had a special morning with my husband at McDonald's, and then warily walked into the field house for his first athletics meeting.

I had all the feels, but I couldn't quite figure out what the names of those feels were??

At the breakfast I chatted with moms and dads, took some group pictures, and a selfie with my own child. I poured juice. I hugged kids. I stepped back and realized she wouldn't be here next year for this first day of school. She will have her own first day of school. Away from home. 

Our family will feel different.

I think I'm slowly processing all of this change.

Thankfully, some veteran moms had arranged a "Boo Hoo Brunch," and we met for food, drinks, and support. I listened as moms talked about sending their youngest off to school, and how they were looking forward to empty nesting. I watched as a few moms teared up, knowing their lives were going to be vastly different this time next year. Most moms were brave, looking forward to what their child will do this year, how they will mature, and become ready for life as an adult.

It made me quiet. I could feel my quiet.

I think I've just cracked open this emotional experience. Right now I'm holding it together, but I'm honestly not sure how my heart will weather this Senior Storm.

This isn't my first rodeo...

I stayed home (for the first time) after the birth of my son, Tanner. I was 25 years old living in suburban, Texas, and definitely needed an outlet to the real world. Enter the world of Playgroup and Mommy Blogs. I was instantly hooked, and told the stories of our everyday, trying to living in the moment. I knew the years would pass all too quickly, and I wanted to be thankful for them in the moment...the moments that were so damn hard-the crying, the pooping, the throwing food, the laundry, the sleep avoidance---all of it. I will never forget those years, and I make it a point to compliment new moms whenever I have the chance. I will bring in some of those stories here---a coming together of thoughts, writing, and memories as I charge forward with a new and exciting adventure.

Click this link to peruse the "baby days." Leave a comment if you have thoughts. :)

http://daniella-scrogdog.blogspot.com/