I Brought Five Kids to the Opry

Country Music, Family, Mommy Blogger, Music, Tribe

You read that right. I brought five kids ages 9, 6, 4, 2 and 9 months to the sacred Grand Ole Opry. Am I an insane person? Maybe a little… But here are my reason why and my tricks on how.

Reasons… Their daddy got to debut his new trio at one of the most remarkable venues in the United States. This was not Craig’s first time playing there he has been blessed enough to sing in the circle at least 7-8 times. We have pictures of Jax meeting Randy Travis, Dakota being doted on by Mickey Guyton and Jeannie Seely and Gray was in the womb when daddy and I sang “Somewhere in There” together. It wasn’t the first and I definitely don’t think it will be the last. This was too special for any of them to miss. What Texas Hill did that night from the first note to the standing ovation is something my littles will never forget. After two years of not getting to see their dad be remarkable on stage, this was a night I wanted marked in their memories. Would I have enjoyed it more had I planned a triple date night with the wives Kelli and Jenny…? Maybe. But there is nothing like three cowboy hats bobbing their heads, Dakota dancing in the aisle and Blakely shimmying on my lap. It wasn’t easy but thank goodness for moms/ mother in laws and patient fans.

How did I do it you ask…? Moms/Mother in Law and patient fans 🙂 Snacks are a must, a beer to relieve the anxiety was a plus, and timing dinner, naps and playing hard to make sure everyone wasn’t too wound up was helpful too. I woke up that day and we put outfits together so I could dress and go. I started my makeup (which takes all of 10 minutes with peace) about two hours before show time while the kiddos were watching a movie with Mimi. Taco Bell came in clutch for dinner during that 40 minute drive to the event. The ritual of pre-outing pep talk always happens and goes a little something like this… “Make sure you are always holding a hand, say your thank you’s, yes ma’ams and sir’s and boys, hold the doors when you can.”

It was a lot don’t get me wrong. It always is. But we now have the below pictures to show them when they can truly understand the magnitude of what happened for their daddy and our family that night. We DEBUTED AT THE OPRY. Texas Hill was a dream we never knew we had or needed. This night was magic, they are magic, and our kiddos got to see the magic. The best part of the night aside from crying tears of pride were the compliments I got from everyone who watched the kids expecting the worst. The people in front, behind and next to use were buckling down for mayhem as the lights dimmed and curtains opened. Instead they witnessed the sparkle in five blues eyes when they watched their dad and his brothers do what they do best. I will never get a better compliment and I will never be more impressed by five little humans than I am my own. My entire life I thought I had to make myself proud and happy and I know I do at times, but this pride… this happy… this life is something I couldn’t have even dreamt. I love all six of my tribe with every inch of my being. Thank you all for your continued support and for those who were there that night… Thank you for making it magic.

Lesson learned: DO NOT have children wear cowboy hats at an indoor venue unless you plan on carrying them later in the night.

As For Me and My House

Family, Foodie, Humor, Mommy Blogger, Music, Quarantine, Working Mom

I haven’t written in a while for two reasons. Lack of inspiration being one and fear being the other. It is difficult to be inspired when you fear the opinions of others especially in a creative writing space. Something shifted as we listened to an incredible church service yesterday, then last night we got to jam with the trio and the icing on top was watching “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” this morning. The feel good vibes are strong today because I got to feed my soul with all the things. So, I thought I would tell you about them 🙂

Church. The message was simple. “I Believe”. If you are reading this you know that me and my house serve the Lord. He is our center and my children are being raised Christian. If you do not agree I don’t judge. That’s what it’s all about. BELIEVE in your faith, yourself, your family, your friends just believe and do it with conviction. Shut off the news, don’t get involved in the rumors or the arguments on Facebook, don’t waste the precious time we have being caught up in the crap. I believe in being informed and drawing my own conclusions from there. I try and steer clear of any news that is opinion centered. The Pastor yesterday basically said all of these things (except he didn’t say crap) and it was so refreshing to be reminded. So I will continue posting and writing and keeping it light and fun because that is us. I do it in hopes of bringing some smiles to you whether you are wearing a mask or aren’t wearing a mask, whether you are red blue or green, whether you watch Fox or CNN, whether you think Whataburger is better than In and Out. Actually, if you believe that last one you are wrong but I love you anyway. I digress…

Jam sesh. There is nothing better and nothing I love doing more especially with Adam, Craig, Casey, Jenny, Amanda and Kelly. The talent on the porch last night was insurmountable. The conversations and the hearts are so good and kind. The way the music made me feel and the food/drink was perfection. 2020 has really brought to light the importance of being kind and present. I was so present last night in every conversation every laugh and every vocal lick. I am just so grateful for good friends, for this time of stillness, for our health and for the exciting things happening in our life musically. I am trying to focus on the positive otherwise the negative can get so overwhelming I start to drown. I choose to focus on the good and it is a choice I make every morning when I wake up for myself and my family. Having a fun night makes the choice easier and the bad lighter. So get out there you crazy cats and kittens. Go read the book, drink the wine, get the tan… whatever makes you feel good and recharge your sanity battery during the weirdest year of all time.

Finally Mr. Rogers. If you have not yet seen “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” stop reading my blog right now and go watch it on Amazon Video FO FREE. It was totally different then I thought it would be. It’s a reminder that love is always the simpler choice. Covid has made a lot of people really bored, angry and depressed. Give them grace. This is my Corona mantra. When Craig is having a rough day I give him grace. When I am having a bad day he gives me grace. When some dingleberry comments on a picture of our son to cut his hair because he looks like a “sissy” we give him grace. I still call him a dingleberry because I am not a saint. Again, I am working on my Mr. Rogers mentality not quit there yet.

BELIEVE. BE KIND. GIVE YOURSELF GRACE.

Thank you for reading this it’s a reminder for me and if one person finds some comfort in a word or two I will be a happy camper. xo

A MUST DO during Quarantine

Family, Foodie, Humor, Mommy Blogger, Music, Quarantine, Working Mom

We have been getting pretty creative around here during quarantine. Some of our fun activities have included making “spongey soap” (super cool and handy in these times), “Kite Fishing” (using a fishing pole as your kite string), metal detecting, I have mastered the art of french braiding which has been a goal of mine for YEARS, teaching kids under 8 years old to sing harmonies together, potty training a two year old (basically letting him be naked all the time and peepee on plants), playing a pinball video game in the late night hours as a “date night”, Dakota Lynn our 4 year old is officially incredible on a bike with no training wheels, Dakota is now skating too, Jaxon can do skate tricks, Graydon digs for worms that we use to fish…. Guys I could go on with all of the weird pointless but oh so fun things we are doing at the Boyd Bunker. That being said, my ultimate favorite thing we have done since being quarantined is… get ready for it… OTG!

Craig and I went OFF THE GRID for a full day. I am not sure if it was the phone update that tells you how many hours you are using your phone a week OR maybe he had just grown tired of the Tik Tok posts BUT Craig woke up one day last week and said “We are putting our phones on the night stand and not checking them again until 6PM”. Folks… this is HARD. My first thought was we don’t have a land line so what if an emergency happens and no one can reach us (in hind site that was a reasonable fear and we probably should have at least checked them once). Second thought was, what if my three month old says his first word or starts walking or learns to read today and I don’t have my camera to document it??? Then I remembered, he’s three months old.

Once I got over my fear, put down my adult “choopy” (Our family calls pacifiers “choopy’s”… no clue why) aka phone and my eyes adjusted to the real world and not the virtual one, I began to really REALLY enjoy. I did not one, but TWO puzzles with my kids and just FYI the patience it takes to do puzzles with a two year old and four year old is unimaginable. We didn’t talk business, money, pandemic or dumb posts ONE TIME in the day and it was the most beautiful breath of fresh air. During lunch I found myself laughing and flirting with my hubby because I was present. At the end of the day our kids told us it was “the best day” and there is no amount of likes or views in the world that could ever beat that type of reach.

If you can, if you are currently unemployed, if you are feeling the weight of stress pushing down on your shoulders or if you just need a good mental detox, I am telling you now go OTG (off the grid). It is probably one of the few times in our life we are able to without feeling terribly guilty. You won’t be missing out on anything because there is nothing to miss out on. You will absolutely have several moments throughout the day of peace and I guarantee you will smell some flowers you would have normally missed. In fact, I was so inspired by a day without technology that I have decided to become Amish if this thing isn’t over soon. If you need to reach me I will be out in the country churning butter, harvesting my own wine, gardening, and sewing. WTH is happening to me??? #quarantine

The Tale of a Musician’s Wife

Family, Mommy Blogger, Music, Working Mom

I wish you well

I wish you more than you can tell

And I hope someday we’re crying

At the mention of your name

I hope for peace

At the bottles release

You’ll lose more than you’ve gained but

Memories will stay the same

You are worth it

You are better than you think

You’ve climbed the mountain tops

And you’ve spent time on bare feet

Don’t forget it

You are better than a song

And one day when they all sing along

Just remember

That you are worth it

I’ve seen the best

And I’ve been through the worst

When you think you can stand high

This town will knock you down

It’ll bleed you dry

But you’ve overcome

Years of try and try

One more saying no is one less yes

than tomorrow’s better buy

You are worth it

You are better than you think

You’ve climbed the mountain tops

And you’ve spent time on bare feet

Don’t forget it

You’re better than a song

And one day when they all sing along

Just remember

That you are worth it

Keep thinking big

Keep dreaming harder than I did

The heart I fell in love with

And still fall for is you

You are worth it

You are better than you think

You’ve climbed the mountain tops

And you’ve spent time on bare feet

Don’t forget it

You’re better than a song

And one day when they all sing along

Just remember

That you are worth it

Felt inspired tonight. It’s been a crazy journey and I pray it’s not over for us or anyone else. We are going to come out of this more creative and inspired than ever before. This is not just a hobby for most of us it is a way of life. The way he writes, the way he dresses, how he handles social media, how we raise our kids it’s all one in the same… through music. I’m so proud and inspired by fellow musicians who have created a working outlet in a time where you can’t do your favorite thing in the world which is play live in front of fans. Knowing that we can at least play in our homes for everyone right now (sweats and all) is our saving grace and we love each and everyone of you for it. Craig Wayne Boyd going live tomorrow Friday April 3 at 9pm cst. Can’t wait to hang with you all again.

NASHVILLE STRONG

A Mom’s Take on Coronavirus

Family, Mommy Blogger, Music, Working Mom

I don’t even like saying the word and as I type I am still unsure of what to talk about so no one takes offense. The past two weeks in Nashville and our county have been strange. We have experienced a tornado hit our beloved town then only days later we are seeing the unimaginable happen in our country/world. I have seen love, support and community come together in the most beautiful way and then an entire shift to panic. There are so many views, so many articles, so many posts happening that I have tried to stay offline as much as humanly possible yet our lively hood revolves around current events and public appearances. Here goes something…

Craig left for Austin, Texas today to play a festival in Round Rock. Do we post about it? Do we share with people that he is on his way to do his job? We did. Not sure if it was the “correct” decision but as a family we made it. We decided that because it was outside of the metropolis that is Austin and because the cases are few nearby, and Craig’s fans are attending that driving (rather than flying) and playing an acoustic show while being as conscious of cleanliness as possible was a must. He/We are absolutely aware of the importance of being “quarantined” and respect everyone’s thoughts. Every mic will be sanitized, there will be elbow bumps instead of hugs, and when he gets home there will be a lot of laundry to do but this situation will be handled in the most cleanly and safe way possible. I hope his fans and our friends know and respect that.

We have also “stocked up”. We have enough toilet paper for two weeks, formula, diapers and wipes for two weeks and food for TWO WEEKS. I am the most protective mom on the planet but we did not go shopping in bulk for anything. We shopped responsibly knowing that there are other new moms out there who need exactly what I do and there are elderly people looking to have food in their fridge too. This panic is scary. This shift in our economy is scary. We aren’t sure we will get deposits or any new shows in the next few months and THAT. IS. SCARY. Prayer and family time has been the only thing that seems to keep me from grinding my teeth at night.

My personality has always been the “half glass full” kinda gal. My figurative glass is half full knowing that I have enjoyed three days with my tribe. No phones, no news, just outdoors, cuddles and close friends. We have taught Dakota to ride a bike with no training wheels successfully and I am so stinking proud of her. Jaxon has learned two new songs on piano and is now honing in on his drum skills (SOS Johannes!). Graydon is learning colors and has mastered the rainbow with the help of M&M’s. Boston has us all smiling with every one of his new smiles. Craig and I are talking less and loving more. If I wasn’t so worried about our careers and humanity I would chalk this moment in time up as precious. That being said, my literal glass right now is half full because I don’t think I could experience this many emotions without a glass of wine or two.

Yesterday I needed out of the house so I went and detailed our car from front to back. Aside from wine, reading and praying… cleaning has become my new therapy. I needed a moment to reflect. Afterwards, I found myself going to Dollar General for ice cream for our kids because they are absolute rockstars. The other day Dakota and Gray were playing and Graydon came running into our room saying “Mommy there is a Mado (tornado) outside”. In that moment I realized how much they hear, see and absorb. In that moment I knew that my tension was rubbing off on him. Then Jaxon came home clinging to a stuffed animal which he has never done. His school was flattened by a tornado two weeks ago and now he knows that he won’t be going back for a while because people are getting sick. I asked Craig if we should take the “stuffy” away and he said “No. They are kids and they have feelings bigger than ours.” Moral of all of this… Love. Let people feel. And know that children are hearing and feeling all of the emotions that you have. I don’t think anyone should hide them but they should be talked about and then cover everyone in enough kisses and hugs to make the scary disappear. It is difficult, I am not saying it is easy but remember you are the leader of your pack and you want to make that pack as strong and comfortable as possible. (I say this to myself as I type because this is new territory and I am obviously learning as I go to).

Love you all, wash your hands, and share with me any creative ideas you might have for adults and kids alike to stay sane during this time of chaos. xo

A Musician’s Wife

Music, Uncategorized

There was a moment where I thought I would marry a blue collared man and then later in life there was a moment I thought I would marry a business man. God dealt me my perfect card and I married a musician. This is where I tell the story of a #musicianswife.

Craig Wayne left three days ago and to be honest it wasn’t on great terms. My family vacation was always Lake Havasu and he played Havasu on Tuesday and then straight to Vegas. What no one tells you when you marry a musician is the amount of FOMO ‘feeling of missing out” you feel. I want to be there! I was on the bus and took the flights in the beginning of our relationship before babies but now trying to get a family of five anywhere is a small fortune. So to every wife that misses the concert or the trip I feel you and I feel FOR you.

And the counter argument to what I just said is IT IS WORK. My husband gives every ounce of everything he has every time he goes out. It isn’t a vacation or a party it’s meeting the fans that have made our dreams possible and giving them the time and love they deserve, it’s long nights and long days of rehearsals, tv appearances and shmoozing. It is as exhausting if not more than being with three kids alone. And now going into day 4, I MISS HIM. Yes the laundry is done, dishes are washed, babies are in bed and there are no boxers or socks on my bedroom floor but I miss all of it and I want him home dirty undies and all.

In retrospect I couldn’t have married anyone else. I would have been bored. I love our unorganized and spontaneous life, our long nights, our stress and I love the unknown. I would have become complacent with anything less. The amount of respect I have for my man and any man or woman that entertains for a living is huge. So to every fan that goes to the shows and shares the social media posts THANK YOU (you know who you are in our camp). You keep our fire burning and our passion for music going.

I am on a Facebook page of #musicianswives so here are some fun little tidbits I have come across that anyone married to a musician or around musicians can relate to and this will end my sorry excuse of a blog because MAMA IS TIRED. XO

YOU KNOW YOU ARE MARRIED TO A MUSICIAN WHEN…

You find guitar picks and sharpies in your laundry machine

You have a box of miscellaneous cords that you will never use but have to keep

Your kids use headshots as coloring books

Facetime is your best friend. Ever.

You could retire on the guitars in your closet

You have 30 jars of peanut butter and jelly and a case of coconut water because that’s what he has on his rider but somehow the whiskey never makes it home

Your kids like their microphones and drumsticks more than the toys you have spent hundreds of dollars on

Monday through Wednesday is the weekend

Quiet in your house is a fairytale

Your musician has more black clothing items than you do

You watch “Friends” on repeat when home alone so you don’t freak yourself out with any other nonsense

You’ve made more trips to BNA airport than an Uber or Lyft driver

Mr. Boyd

Foodie, Humor, Mommy Blogger, Music

Last night I took babe out for the big 40th birthday to the Fairlane Hotel and ate at Ellington’s Midway Bar and Grill. For our Nashvillian friends…Best. Food. Ever. Being from the west coast I’m always apprehensive about eating seafood in the middle of the country but their scallops were a gift from heaven. We started with the tastiest truffle fries, fried pork strips with Alabama white sauce (this is slowly becoming my favorite condiment), baked cauliflower drizzled in ponzu, then a wedge salad that could have fed Craig’s whole band, bread (there’s nothing more to say than “bread” because bread is my best friend) and ended with the sexy scallops. At the beginning of this binge feast we came in confident and ready to conquer the entire menu. By the end of the appetizers we called off an entree and dessert. Amazing food, incredible view and ambience (anyone that plays smooth jazz and Brian McKnight in Nashville is a friend of mine) and the sweetest waitress of all time named Kathryn. She was the one that really made the night. Well, her and the two Manhattan’s I drank.

Kathryn was truly the sweetest waitress of all time. She was professional, informative and all around a cool person. She is from Brooklyn so we got to chat about my knowledge of New York and Long Island being that my dad and stepmom live out there, and she also lived in California which is where I’m from. She was a big fan of The Voice and told Craig “You were probably the last season I watched because I figured after you there wasn’t much better”. Apparently the entire staff googled him and watched his blind audition on The Voice before we got there because she knew his name from the reservation. (A. I love that she told us that B. If you ever see someone you love in person go say hi and take the picture. If they get upset they shouldn’t have chose entertainment as a career) It was special that she knew who he was and was a fan because Craig’s order of loves goes GOD, Family and friends/fans… oh and the Cowboys.

Annnddd this is where my post probably should have started before I shamelessly promoted an incredible restaurant and gave a shout out to an awesome friend we made… my husband. His heart is his most attractive quality. I will never make fun of him but I will let you in on jokes I have that I’ve told him to his face so here’s one. He’s like living with a super hot Grandma. He loves fancy dishes, cooking, flower arrangements and matching BUT he also cheers on the Cowboys every Sunday (Yay Sports!!!), works on cars, loves a fine whiskey and eats steak like a caveman. So really I’ve got the best of everything.

40 is a big birthday and last night was a beautiful night of reflection. As we sat chatting with Kathryn about his career and experiences it really hit me just how incredible his life and now our life is. He went from scraping money to pay for diapers and cans of tuna (he still eats canned tuna weekly but by choice now) to playing a residency at The Hard Rock with Rascal Flatts in a years span. You can tell in his humble and soft spoken personality where he came from but when he’s on stage he becomes CWB. Guitar in hand he commands everything around him like the pro he is. And his voice…. I know I’m bias but it’s just the best.

Baby, you are a force to be reckoned with. Own 40 like you do everything else and I’m just so very proud of you. Thank you for the perfect dinner, thank you for always getting up on stage when I ask you to on our date nights, and mostly thank you for loving me and our kiddos with all your might. Oh, and NO thank you for my pounding headache today. Topshelf baby topshelf.

Intro to BoydsRUs!

Fashion, Humor, Mommy Blogger, Music

Alrighty everyone (you will learn I refuse to say y’all…) I’m doing it. Biting the bullet. Taking the polar plunge. I am joining the army of mommy bloggers. Now I’m not doing this for the fame or the Fab Fit Fun boxes. I’m doing it because I don’t have the time to sit at my window, gazing at the sunset, quill and leather-bound journal in hand, Josh Groban playing in the background as I write and reflect on each day…Typing in bed at 11PM when everyone is finally asleep, dishes are no longer in my sink, maybe I showered maybe I didn’t, and of course with a hefty pour of red in my hand is my reality.

Fair warning: I’m a little sarcasm, a little nerdy, a little blonde and a whole lotta love wrapped up into one 5’7, 130 LB package (Ok ok 135 after the holidays). Born and raised in Southern California I am now based in Nashville and LOVING it. I am an almost 30-year-old mama of three munchies named Jaxon Wayne (6), Dakota Lynn (3), and Graydon Scott (1). I work for a Los Angeles based modeling agency (Yes I will talk about this often, NO I can’t get you a date). And my husband Craig Wayne Boyd is a country artist who won season 7 of The Voice (#yaller!!!)

There are super highs and plenty of lows that come with this wild ride but I try to keep our life on a steady “live love laugh” roll. I won’t preach at you, I won’t judge you, I won’t give you advice because I’m learning as I go too. I went from eating Top Ramon every day with Sriracha on it to trying to keep three humans alive. I am the last person who should be giving advice. I just figure we are all in this together so I’ll throw my $#!+ out there and hope a few laughs come from it. Cheers to 2019 let’s do this!!!

PS Expect a ton of posts the first couple of weeks then they will dwindle because #life. My goal is 1-2 a week.

PSS If anyone has any WordPress tips please share. This is a foreign language to me. SOS