Long Overdue!



In my daughter's eyes
I am a hero I am strong and wise
And I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I want to be

In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes
Everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me
Gives me strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe

In my daughter's eyes



And when she wraps her hand around my finger
Oh, It puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about
It's hanging on when your heart has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light

It's in my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes
I can see the future
A reflection of who I am
And what will be
And though she'll grow
And someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see
How happy she made me
For I'll be there

In my daughter's eyes

Happy 4th Birthday, Lauren Grace Fleming!

Fleming Swagger

urban Dictionary definition:
Swagger is to move with confidence, sophistication and to be cool.

Swagger is to conduct yourself in a way that would automatically earn respect.
To dress in a very stylish and quirky fashionable way would suggest one is swagger.

Let me tell you, if there was one boy who walked onto the school campus this morning with Swagger - it was Thomas Fleming!

You see, today was the first day of school for Thomas. He was so excited that he woke up early and got himself dressed (this included 3 wardrobe changes) and then he had the desire to put on deodorant! Isn't that what the big kids do? Seriously!

He got his hair combed, teeth brushed, and then he asked to leave an HOUR early so he could check out his classroom. The whole family took Thomas to school and this is what you would have seen if you joined us...

1st Grade excitement!

He has arrived in all of his swagger!

Fear the Fang or Fear the Fleming that thinks he is Mr. Cool.

Thrilled that we can all share this special day.

Mrs. Hoffman's class!

Thomas is ready to take on the day.

Now you know where he gets his SWAGGER!

We hope all the kids had a wonderful start to a new school year. What are your favorite school days memories???

Round 1 - Ding! Ding!

Fifteen years ago - back in 1995, I walked through the doors of 1036 W. Balboa Blvd, Apt. #1 in Newport Beach to watch the Tyson vs. McNeely fight with a friend, but what I was really there for is a whole different story...

     You see the start of the 4FLEMZ began this very day! A few months before this 'scheduled event' I found myself going on casual lunch dates and work related field trips with a person I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with - what I didn't know was if he felt the same way. So, when this special someone invited me to his bachelor pad to watch the fight with a few close friends I jumped at the opportunity to spend more time with him. What I didn't realize is that I would walk out that night as his girlfriend and we have never looked back and we have been together ever since!

     As I reminisce about the good old days I can still remember us going on many dates and getting to know each other even more. I think of how young we were and how we grew together. I remember the fun stories of the days where each of us drove between Buena Park and Newport Beach to see each other during every available opportunity, meeting each others families for the first time, the discussions of marriage and of course the dinner disaster before the official proposal. All of that seems so long ago, but yet I can remember as if it were just yesterday.
     As I see us today, we have conquered many obstacles together. We have been through losses and wins together, but we always remained each others biggest 'promoters' when we needed it the most and we have never 'thrown in the towel.'
     We now have two beautiful children and we seem to be enjoying the life we always imagined for ourselves. (Okay, minus winning the lottery! But, who needs the 'purse' when we have each other? WE DO, OF COURSE!)

Today marks a small milestone in what is yet to come!

     This mystery man is obviously my husband and I would like to thank him for sticking by my side and believing that the two of us make the whole! I have fallen more in love with him with everyday that we get to share together.  I believe we are ready to 'go the distance' and if there is one thing Mike Tyson did right, it was bringing the two of us together 15 years ago!

How did your family begin?

Fleming Friday Folly

Beauty School Drop Out?

Every few weeks, I take the kids to get their haircut. Lauren loves to get her hair trimmed regardless of the salon and Thomas only likes his haircut by (her name shall remain anonymous) at The Haircutters. After several salon visits based upon the latest coupon the 4FLEMZ receive in the mail I soon realized it was best to stick with (her name shall remain anonymous) at The Haircutters since the kids started asking for her when they were notified it was haircut time.

(Her name shall remain anonymous) is always excited when the kids come through the door at the salon. She is quick to mention how much they have changed since the last visit only a few weeks ago and let's them pick out a candy before they hop in her chair. She then engages the kids in a non-stop conversation regarding school, activities and movies. Now you know why the kids love her!

Alright, now I am going to cut to the chase. On our last visit, after Lauren was all trimmed up I thought I would ask her to teach me how to french braid since Lauren's hair is getting longer. She quickly replied, "I don't know how to french braid." I am sure I had a look on my face like WTH? Maybe I needed to clarify with her that I did not ask if she knew how to make french bread, but then I heard her shout out to another stylist in the salon, (her name shall remain anonymous too) - "Do you know how to french braid?" and then I heard the response, "NO!"

Seriously? Seriously! Isn't french braiding a requirement before you graduate beauty school? Maybe this is how Frenchie got her name from Grease?
Happy Friday!

The kids are feeling a little hoarse...

Isn't Reece beautiful?! Our children are in love.

I can't get him to brush his teeth, but he will brush his horse!

Lauren cleaning and picking Reece's hoof (frog)

Getting Reece's saddle ready

Getting Reece acclimated to the riding ring.

 

Tommy's first ride on Reece!

Lauren's first ride on Reece!

 I guess soccer mom is out and horse mom is in.

If Hay is for Horses, than Horses are for the 4Flemz!

Fleming Friday Folly

The trials and tribulations of summer camp...

Thomas went on an excursion to Wild Rivers this week, which left us a little nervous since he is not a great swimmer. The night before he was due to leave we spoke to him about following all the rules and staying with the his group leader. The next morning, he woke up with a pep in his step and was ready to conquer the unknown territory of the local water park. Later that afternoon when he returned home, we asked him how his field trip went. He notified us that he had a great time and that he did not go down the TOILET BOWL!

In my head I am thinking about 10 six year olds in the bathroom with little supervision and I quickly responded, "What happened in the restroom? Why would you try and go down the TOILET BOWL?"
Thomas then shared the look...the look that I will probably see more than once in our lives...the come on mom - get a life - don't you know look. The TOILET BOWL is a ride!

Pheeew. Happy Friday!

Back in the Saddle

Summer is upon us! Since school is officially out we have found plenty to keep the 4FLEMZ busy.
The kids are having a blast at summer camp at TLC and TutorTime, hanging out at the local watering hole (our association pool) and saddling up to ride off into the sunset...

No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you!

Out two little rodeo clowns are learning horsemanship and eventually will be riding on the back of their new best friend, Reece!

Although we have heard some rumblings that we live in no man's land, there is a fond appreciation that the 4FLEMZ have for what surrounds us. We are very thankful that all of us get to enjoy the beauty of living close to the canyon. For all you city slickers you may want to mosey on over for the afternoon - if you can stomach the LONG drive! Get off your ass (I meant mule) and smell the fresh air and enjoy Arroyo Trabuco, O'Neill Regional Park and Starr Ranch Sanctuary. You may even get to see a replay of the showdown at the OK Corral if you step through our front door!

What type of summer activities or adventures are you headed out to do?