December update

Great Christmas week. The J family came over to eat B's fried turkey. Mike brought a ham, deviled eggs, margharitas for Frances and lots more food. We all had a great time.  Then on Christmas the boys enjoyed their gifts and off we went to BG for the Powers Christmas with A Erin who drove in from FL.  We had a great time with all of them.  I still think its great my family and I sit in a circle taking turns opening their gifts just like we did as a kid.  And we made mom cry with her gift that we suprised her with. We took her reels of her as a child and had them transferred to DVDs.  She loved it and was so suprised since Kelly had to sneak them out of her closet.  Tonight we had basketball practice (M) and I am exhausted.  Tomorrow we do some GA travelling.  Love our families.

Update for Christmas

Been so busy as usual that I keep forgetting to post. Last weekend M played in a tournament and they went undefeated. he scored 3 points.  Did great.  I saw my friend Leigh from IL and  her hubby at their hotel Fri  night.  Saturday we went to Aunt Nancys Christmas party and then Sunday we wrapped gifts, shopped, and saw the movie "The Hobbit" as a family.  Today has been so nice with Brians dad and stepmom and sister and stepbrother and Grandmother.  B cooked a fried turkey which rocked.  I made mashed potatoes and the rest was brought.  Oh, B made a chocolate pie too.  My oven is broken so very thankful for all the food that they brought. We all had a fun time exchanging gifts, eating and laughing at my extra hyper kids this Christmas Eve!!!!! (This picture was taken last Christmas Eve!)

Puzzle time

This picture was taken exactly one year ago today.  I found it when looking thru photos.  Awwww, I love when kids bond with grandparents!

Party

The boys had their Christmas parties at school today. I went to help in their classes .  The kids had fun.
Off to bed now.

Update on weekend

Friday- B's work Christmas party. It was yum and we got to dress up.
Saturday- basketball games. Then we took kids to see the play "Best Christmas Pageant Ever".
Sunday-Christmas party at our friend Jaymes house where kids exchanged gifts.

College

Tonight B and I took the kids to their first college basketball game.  What a cheap fun family night. (next time we will eat somewhere besides there though!)  M even got to be on the big Jumbotron and we heard he was on tv too waving at the cameras with his basketball team that we met there.  They got to wave long skinny balloons around and spongy hands that said Belmont on them.

Our day

work, pick up kids, piano practice, one childs homework, the Y, McDonalds, basketball, baths, the other childs homework and read book.  Sit down at 849. ZZZZZzzzzzz

Home runs

B had travel ball practice tonight and they worked on their hitting all night.  He is going to learn a lot from this new coach.  It is amazing how far that kid can hit and now learning some ways to make him hit better makes me have home runs dancing in my head instead of sugarplums.  :  ) 14 days till Christmas. Wow!

Weekend

Friday M had basketball practice and then him and I went shopping for bball socks. Yesterday M lost his bball game and B won.  B scored a couple of baskets.  Then we watched the Disney version of The Scrooge. B fell asleep at the beginning of it. Then tonight he fell asleep at 7. Tired boy. Guess getting up for church and basketball wore him out.  I went to my cookie swap with my girlfriends tonight. Had a great time. So glad to get a break from thinking about my back that has been killing me this weekend. I guess its from working out four days this week.  The boys played basketball with their friends Mitchell and Grant that came over while I was at the cookie swap. They have cookies to eat for a week!

shutterfly rocks

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Busyiness

Life keeps getting busier.  Looks like we will be doing
Monday-scouts, Tuesday-travel ball, Wed-piano, church, Thurs-Basketball practice, Fri-basketball practice. Saturday two games.  Wow. And we go to the Y inbetween all of this.  I can't hardly keep my eyes open writing this but i had to write this.  Brian fells asleep with Blake and the cat and dog fell asleep with Michael. Thought that was sweet.  I am doing laundry after making Brian a salad and ham sandwich with Panera bread. yum. I could eat that 3cheese bread up. The whole loaf its so good!

Nite Nite

I am exhausted after cleaning the house all night so just got out of shower at 1134. I have to go tobed due to my work day beginning at 720. Quick summary on our day. I went to the doctor and has some lab work done.  Then picked kids up from school and the boys and i walked around the trails with me. Luckily it was inside since it poured all day. then we went to Lego club at the library. B did his homework with me while M was with his club.  Then onward we went home to eat the chicken enchilada soup and bread I made in the crockpot so it would be ready when we got home. yum. Then i cleaned the house all night and ordered a few gifts. goodnite

Christmas letter

(Christmas letter with card I sent to all of my aunts/uncles)

Dec. 2, 2012

Dear family,

I hope this letter find you and your loved ones happy and healthy.  I thought I would sit down and type up an update on our family this year in our Christmas card. 

We are just starting in basketball season with both boys, after not having much of a break from baseball.  Blake (6) played Spring ball, travel ball, and fall ball baseball.  But he can not get enough. He throws a ball every single day.  “Burn out” is not in his vocabulary.  He is happiest holding a football or any kid of ball.  Brian coached his teams except for his travel ball team. We really enjoyed it.  Sports is our family time. Now he is playing basketball with his best buddy.  Brian and that boys dad are coaching.

Michael is still taking piano lessons. He joined the cubscouts this fall since he took a break from baseball.  He played in the Spring but decided he needed a break in the fall.  Now he is playing basketball and is the tallest on his team.

Brian is still working as an appraiser in Franklin, TN and I am still working for the same dentist but in a different position as Dental Hygiene coordinator instead of a hygienist because of my back. I am still working part time.

The year has been a busy one as usual trying to keep up with the boys. The boys and I joined the YMCA a couple weeks ago so now we go there 4days a week after school. I still volunteer at the kids school once a week and attend a womans bible class one morning a week.  We probably wouldn’t know what to do though if we weren’t crazy busy!

I hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving and you have a Merry Christmas.

Thinking of you,

Michelle  and family

Basketball season has begun

Proud of my boys today playing their basketball games. We had a great family day spent mostly at the games and then we fit in a nice lunch in between.  M got to shoot 7times and 6 almost went in!!!!  B scored one.  They both did great defensively. M won and B lost but I was really proud of how hard they worked today.  B was so cute playing with his buddy from Kindergarten. They would slap each other on the back and laugh and tell each other to pass the ball to each other.  Wish I had a pic of them with their planning and back slapping!

Friday

M and I went and had dinner at Fazoli's after his make up piano lesson tonight. B was home with his Dad.  It was a good dinner. M and I laughed about things and then went to bball practice.  Sweet boy.  Then B and I played a board game and M and I tried to beat his video game. Now hubby and I watching our show.

Reading

Blake has such a sweet voice when he's reading. He may not have the love for reading that we do but he's coming along and once he gets his confidence in it i think he will soar.  Tonight was the best I've seen him read and it was a 3.5 book which he's been reading 1.4 books.

I met the office at Dr. S ortho office for a continued education class.  Then hit Walmart and picked up kids. Did homework in car and then went in to the Y. The boys ran the tracks with their trainer while I did Zumba class which was fun but a workout.

Eyes closing. Gotta get to bed. B snuggled in my bed and M fell asleep with his Dad reading to him. Sweet boys.

A day in the life of our house

Work, piano lessons, the Y, dinner, homework for an hour and a half! B missed two days of school so we had make up work. ugh. I dont think i will pass 1st grade.  944 and kids are still wide awake in bed. I am trying to stay up to see Leno tonight since our friend is on there but I think the tivo is going to have to take over.

Break

Just made sausage balls, getting ready to make banana bread to take to my mother in laws house.  I also ordered a carrot cake from a friend at school that is famous for her carrot cakes.  I don't personally like carrot cakes but I know a lot of people do, so thought it would be a nice touch.  Now onward to pack and make the banana bread! (B's fav)

The words of my boys

M (9yrs old), "It would be cool if dogs could talk."
B (6) "Not if they said bad words."
hahahhahahha

Sunday

Today I went and saw the Breaking Dawn movie with Jayme.  Great movie. Then came home and went for a walk with the kids.  I cooked mexican casserole for dinner (kids had leftover pizza on a picnic blanket on our floor) then I watched a cheesy movie with the kids.  Now B and I are getting to watch our show Walking Dead while the kids are tucked into bed.

Great day!

Had a great time today shopping with my mom. I also got to see my aunt, uncle, and cousins daughter for lunch and a little shopping.  I don't get to go shopping much and I cant even honestly remember when I have gone for more then 10minutes and looked for something for myself without kids complaining so it was a special day.  It was so much fun. Mom and I tried on shoes and shopped for Christmas outfits for the boys' Christmas card picture. (If i ever get around to taking it)  I bought myself some boots too!  Great day!

Love my boys

Cleaned house all day, picked up kids, took them to their book fund raiser, got them new basketball shoes, bought me some new jeans (in record 15min time! no lie) , then basketball practice.  Took kids to grandparents and then B and i went to have dinner at Toots and came home and watched our fav show.

Thursday

Today I helped at the school most of the day. Then kids and i went and did homework in car so we could go straight to the Y.  I walked and then went to 30min of a Zumba class.  Due to my back I didnt think it wise to push it thru the whole 45min class and although I felt very uncoordinated at first it actually was pretty fun.  Will see if I can walk tomorrow. Then kids and I tried to go buy shoes but no such luck for basketball shoes. Will try again tomorrow.  Then off to drivethru Sonic and basketball practice.  Kids to bed and I am ready to join them at 930!

Workout

Today we became official members of the YMCA.  B and I took a tour while M went on to checkout the kids class.  Then after our tour B decided to join M.  The kids had a trainer teach them how to use the workout equipment in their kids section.  (they also played the Wii and met new friends )  I walked with a friend of mine around the track. Hopefully I will be able to walk tomorrow.  I mean physically walk ha.  The kids really liked it and suprisingly I liked it too. I have got to strengthen my back so I can get out of all this pain so I have my fingers crossed I can figure out the fine line of what I can do.  Then the kids had their party at church tonight for "end of semester" class.  They are in their room whispering now after B and I just finished playing a board game and M fit in a quick tv show.

Our day

Today the kids got out of school early so we went to the Y to sign up for a membership.  Then we went to visit Nanoo after doing homework.  When we came home it was time for chicken tacos in the crockpot.

Bday party

By Michael age 9 as of today....

I was at Grandpas and Grandmas.  Then I went home and kept asking ," when are they going to be here?" Finally everyone came. And we started playing videogames.  We did it for 2hrs and the videogames were on the truck.  After that I opened my presents.  Then we went to the pinata Aunt Kelly made.  I was the first one to hit it and my first try I broke it.  After that we started playing games.  Then me and Colby went inside to play Skylanders Giants.  I had 5guys, 1 Giant and 4 Legendaries.  It was a really cool day.  Mom and Daddy bought the video game and the party.  Me and Colby played Minecraft for a while and we kept hiding from each other.

Written by the boys

(written by Blake)
Today was a good day.  No fair that Michael gets to go on a field trip tomorrow.  Next week is our church party.  We watched Ninjago, it was fun.  Michael's birthday party is in 3 days.

(written by Michael)
We finally got Juice Plus today which is fruits and veggies in a gummy that our friend Cami told us about.

The kitty is sitting next to me when I write this.  At school I got 4 100's which are A's.  Their the best you can get.  We have a field trip tomorrow.  Next week is the last day of our Boys Missions class at church.  After music today Mr. Swain was teaching us different musical instruments are in movies and tv shows depending on the mood and we watched Peter and the Wolf.

Day off

Kids out of school for election day.  Took them to a jumpy place that you jump on trampolines and can play dodgeball. The kids were in heaven and played for almost 2hrs straight and wouldve kept playing if we didn't have to leave!

Monday

Monday-work, pick up kids from school, go get flu shots at two different places since B was too young to get it at the first Walgreens we went to.  Grocery, home, dinner.  B took M to cub scouts and Little B and I did homework.  He's doing so much better at school.  Really proud of him.  He also was asked to play on the Outlaws travel ball team today. Proud of my boys. Love them so much.

Our Sunday

This is our picture we took for our anniversary dinner.  

Today we went to church as a family, then home to watch the Chicago Bears whoop up on Tn Titans.  I thought it would be a fun game with all of us yelling at the tv and such but the Bears basically took the game before half time .  Then we went to a birthday party at the movie theatre and saw the movie Wreck it Ralf.  Cute kids movie.

Our update on weekend

Last night we got to celebrate our anniversary.  The boys stayed with the J grandparents and we went and shot guns and ate at Bonefish Grill which was yum.  Great night.

Today B had travel ball tryouts. He did really good.  Very proud of him.  Then his twin friends came over to play for a few hours. They played football, basketball, Monopoly, we made snickerdoodles, played on Ipad, etc.... amazing how much they can do in three hours!

For dinner I made some delicious mac and cheese I found on pinterest and corn on the cob. B made some skillet hamburgers that were good.  Now he is fishing, kids are snoozing and I am about to join them.

Chipper

Today we got a new kitten. (we get a lot of mice living next to woods)  He is going to be Chipper after Chipper Jones who is the boys fav baseball player.  Their Dad came up with name. I had a name for the girl cat we were supposed to get but we ended up with a boy.  Way too much testosterone in our house now!  But very thankful to Janets brother who is a vet who gave us the kitten free with shots and everything since we were saving it.  They get a lot of strays dropped off at their office.  M especially loves the cat and says he will take care of everything with it. (he is trying to get us to get another puppy so showing responsibility)  Told us we don't even have to pay him chores for it.

Happy Halloween

Halloween. Worked. Picked up a pumpkin pizza for dinner.  Got kids from school. Took kids trick or treating down our street and then B took them around neighborhood while I handed out candy. (somehow that has become tradition since I always get to take them to so much other fall stuff)  We didnt have alot of trick or treaters this year. Maybe 15. But kids got lots of candy around the neighborhood. Then went to the J Granparents house. Kids got to bed very late so now i am getting to bed very late! Midnight. Ugh.  But I still remember how I would just wish the day away on halloween when at school so you just have to remember how much kids love it.. It use to kill me to wait to get home and then wait watching for the sun to go down so you could trick or treat. I'd ask 100 times if it was time yet and it seemed like it took forever.  It reminded me of B how he asks alot what time it is and how much longer.  And it was cold tonight too but their Dad dressed them in layers under the cute costumes. B was Captain America (which I encouraged him to pick and since he doesnt really care he said ok) and M was a Skull Ninja (because yes there is a difference he says between dif. ninjas).

Our day

Took the boys to practice baseball at dirt fields today.  Made my mother in laws leek potato soup which rocked for dinner.  Now laying in bed wishing back wouldnt hurt.  B asleep next to me.  He fell right to sleep after he read me his book. We were waiting for M and his Dad to get done reading their book and B just went right to sleep. He loves to fall asleep in my bed.

Sunday

This morning the four of us went to church.  Then the kids made up a new game today using a football. They asked me what to name it so we named it home ball since you have to run a football to the home spot.  They carved one of our pumpkins with their Dad and now I have the pumpkin seeds cooking.  I hate how it went from low perfect 80's last week to 50's now. Ugh.  Seems like fall is so quick.

School

B reading at school the story he wrote.  Such a cutie.  I helped at school Fri and they put on puppet shows, read their stories they wrote, had pretzels and apple juice (for Octoberfest party), painted and built castles, etc.  Fun day.  I love how B will just hug me and tell me he loves me and say thank you for coming to help in my class.  His Dad got to come to see his play and he was so proud he was there.

Fall Ball

Our season is over.  Always sad to say goodbye to our team but always proud of how the boys have grown. Proud of my hubby for planting the seeds to make these boys good ball players, not to mention being good teammates, etc.  Some of these kids he is the only male role model they have.  Being a coach is such an important role I always tell him.  We were 7and 5 and looks like we will be in 3rd place due to losing our last game.  Great kids, great parents and great coaches. How blessed we are.  Love how B is the tallest in the pictures.  He's such a good baseball player. His hitting has just exploded this season. He hit so many real homeruns this season.  And he is so fast he almost caught up with the kid in front of him numerous times.  Great 1st baseman.  He has such a love for the game and he loves to play it every day.  I am happy to have been a part of his team .

Fall

Such a beautiful week with 80 degrees and sunshine all week.  tomorrow it turns cold which is a bummer because we've been so busy this week that I havent had time to take them to the Sam Davis Home for their yearly picture.  So guess we will brave the 50 degree weather next week!  Fall is so crazy.

Nanoo

Work, picked M up from school. B stayed home due to his neck still hurting from falling I guess Sat.  He ran into a chair B said.  His Dad had to take him to his work meeting today since I was at work already.  Then I picked him up and we went to visit Nanoo.  Now I am watching the Bears game. I hope his  neck is better tomorrow.

Season over

Had our baseball party at the park today. Proud of my husband for all the compliments he got again this season for his coaching. We had a good group of parents again and kids.  Enjoyed the season. We have our last game Tuesday and then a week off before basketball starts .  I'm always kinda sad when the season is over because you get use to a team and it's hard to start over with different people.

So late

1030 baseball game for B which they won and then B and I did concession stand for a few hours while the kids played on playground and ate lots of food.  Then we came home for an hour to chill out before B took the boys to Uncle Jeremys house for football and I had dinner with L.  Then B and I watched a movie and I am off to bed now. So late

friday

Tiring day. Took kids to school and then had a quick breakfast with L before going to help at the kids funraiser run. Then left long enough to go to a bible study at my church and then back again to the school to see the other child run.  Came home for an hour. Picked kids up, got donuts with report card, got tags for car, went home to pack up the kids for Grandpas house. B and his Dad went to baseball since my back was bothering me. I got some laundry done and now need bed!

School

Helped in B's class today and then helped M's teacher. B's class we made puppets which M did in same teacher's class.  Such memories. Today was report card day and was proud of them both.

What I want for my kids

I really want my kids to know how much they are loved.  I want them to know how special they are.  How they have gifts that God gave them and that they are sometimes different from each other.  I want them to know how some things will be easy for them but some things will be hard and that's ok as long as they do their best. I want them to know we will love them no matter what.  That even when they are getting in trouble for something that we only teach them so they will be better in the future and not because we don't love them.  I want them to know they can always come to us with anything.  I want them to be honest, trustworthy, loyal and loving.  I want them to think of others feelings. I want them to think of me when they are older and call me. I want them to remember they told me they'd send me flowers when they don't live with me. I want them to learn love from their father and I because we are a good example of it.  I want them to know God and trust in him with all their faith.  I want them to always remember all of our good times and to pull out the scrapbooks and photoalbums and videos when they are older.  I want them to tell their kids stories of when they were kids.  I want them to have good friends. I want them to be a little part of each of their dad and I.  I want them to be proud of themselves. I want them to be confident in themselves.

20th

This picture was taken at my reunion.
I am not sure why I dont have any posts for a week.  B has been using my computer for work and I have to keep logging him out and me in so not sure if I messed up somewhere along the way but I just noticed I am missing a week of blogs.  Granted it was a crazy week trying to get ready for my reunion, go out of town and B play 3 baseball games on top of the other normal piano lessons, homework, and work.   But I did finally get my computer back.  We got B a new computer thanks to my brother for finding us the deal.

Out of town

We were out of town for my HS reunion. I was happy I got to dress up in a pretty dress. I hate shopping but enjoyed it once the dress was bought!  Loved seeing my BF's and friends and I hadnt seen in a long time.  Took B to our hotel pool for a little bit and ate out with the family. They stayed the night with Grandparents P and had a good time.  Today we had Cub scouts and basketball tryouts.  Getting taxes taken care of last two days too. Ugh. Hate them. Such a relief when they are done!

Manic Monday

Busy day. Work, help PTO at school, homework, baseball, visit Brian's Dad before his surgery tomorrow. Then baths, cook a desert for Grandad and Colleens visit tomorrow. Which I have to add is going to hopefully be awesome. I have saved this recipe since I saw it months ago knowing my mother in law would love it since she loves Nutter Butters.  The homemade icing on top is the best I have ever had.  B said it will have to be made on all my cakes now. Darn. I really like the ease of canned! ha! It has to sit in fridge over night so I havent tried it yet. Fingers crossed.  B did great in his ball game. They won , they are 4-3 now.  B hit a homerun that was sweet. Right down the line of 3rd base to the outfield. He almost caught up to the kid in front of him though. That child is so fast.  1130 and I shouldve gone to bed forever ago. How can you be so tired during the day and then wide awake at night!  Looking forward to our visit tomorrow. Grandad has been wanting to see B play ball.  Hope its a good game!

Love my boys

We had such a great time at Cheekwood. It is so gorgeous and we enjoyed it with friends . My sweet mom bought us the membership for Christmas.  She rocks. We have so many great memories there.  This year they had a new Pumpkin Patch which make for our 4th one this week.  Love my boys.

Saturday

Today the boys and I have cleaned and cleaned and cleaned the house. We've had so much fun this week on their fall break that I have neglected the house and now we have to catch up.  Their Nana and Pawpa are coming to visit Monday!  Now the kids are playing videogames with their Dad after he just grilled some chicken for dinner.  I am still finishing the constantly multiplying laundry.  I love to hear the kids giggles in the other room while playing baseball on the Wii.  I think B is beating his Dad by the laughs I hear from B.  I posted this picture because I love it.  I think I take this same picture every year we go to this pumpkin patch but it is just such a pretty view of the flag and rolling hills in the background.

Sweetie

Love my sweet sweet boy. Had a great day today with our friends at Cheekwood.  What a gorgeous place. This pic was taken at the pumpkin patch we went to in KY though.  But today we did make our 4th appearance to a pumpkin patch.  We do love them!

Cousins

Boys had fun with their cousin and Grandma and Grandpa P the few days we got to stay there.

Today we went to the zoo with friends and yesterday we went to swim at the Y with them.  Big Fall Break!

Pumpkin patches

The boys and I have gone to 3 pumpkin patches in the last 4 days. We love pumpkin patches.  #1 we went to KY and got to have fun with Grandma P.  The boys went down a big slide, went on a hayride, went thru a huge hay maze etc.  Then the #2 one was in Ky with Grandma and their Cousin D.  They rode on a tricycle track, went down a slide, played in corn etc.  #3 was just the boys and I today.  We went down the road from our house and the boys picked out pumpkins, decorated one, drew a picture, playing in the corn with bottles and went thru a small hay clubhouse.  We love the fall!

Talking

So M has been on the phone with Aunt E for like an hour I think now. His 1000 words to her 100 are cracking me up.  He is such a talker and full of things to talk about. He has talked about mommy and her acupuncture, the spiders in our house, his autographed baseball from Chipper Jones, him playing basketballl and all his trophies, him watching the Heat play baskeball last season and many other numerous topics that are making me grin. (although I didnt even get to hear half of it since I was bathing B and getting him to bed ) Glad I don't do anything I need to hide from people since he'd probably tell them all about it.  :  )  But I am so glad that they got to bond tonight on the phone.  My cell died while they were talking and he told me to text her and tell her, "Call me later, I miss you and I love you. Enjoyed talking to you." Is it just me or is that pretty mature for his age?  :  )

Week update

I went on B's field trip with him today.  Then we had piano lessons and baseball practice.  Now sitting down to eat dinner at 745!  Got my carpets cleaned yesterday so happy about that and saw the acupuncturist so am feeling much better then I did the beginning of the week.

Our Monday

M got to wear his cub scout uniform to a meeting for the first time tonight. He looked so handsome.  And B's team won their game.  B got his first GRANDSLAM in a game.  Sweet hit to center.  Then M and I went and had dinner at Fazoli's while B and his Dad watched the game that was after his.

Sunday

I have done laundry all day except for a trip to Walmart and a 30min basketball shootout with B.  I have even managed to get the fall clothes washed and put away.  Of course now it will probably be 90degrees!  B  and his dad watched the Titans game and boy was it a good one. I finally sat down to watch the last 9minutes or so and it went into overtime wow.  Glad we pulled it out.  B is so fun to watch sports with. He's high fiveing and jumping up and down.  I beat him at basketball but barely. He's so sports talented.  It was a gorgeous day today too.  The boys are getting so big. I had to have them try on clothes to see what fit and what didnt.  Time just flies to fast.  Last night Aunt M started sewing the patches onto M's cubscout uniform and B finished it tonight. Wow, that was a big job for them and I am very appreciative they could do it. My plan was to use the glue the Cub Scouts sold me but they did it so it looks really  nice.  I will get a pic of him in it tomorrow.  The one that B took of him today was M with a messy hair do haha.  I will make him brush it tomorrow!  Cutie pie.

Handsome

Love this pic of my sweetie.  Enjoyed going on his field trip to the cave yesterday.  Love how he leans on me and hugs on me when we are standing there waiting for the leader to stop talking.  So handsome.

Life is Never boring

Some days the kids and I run so much that at the end of the day I just feel wiped out.  Of course my kids keep running . I wish I could bottle their energy.  Today I spent the day with M at his field trip at a cave that was an hour and a half away.  Then on the way home, B reminded me that M had piano lessons.  Luckily he reminded me.  Then we ran straight to the bank and to Subway so we could fit dinner in before running to baseball practice.  Now the kids and their Dad are at the grandparents house and I am so tuckered out that the thought of cleaning the house just makes me more tired.  10 loads of laundry to do, no milk in the house and I just want to go to bed haha.  So I am going to type this and put my Super Mommy pants on and off I go to tackle the house.  Atleast life is never boring!  :  )

The days updates

After school I took the boys to get M his 1st official cub scout shirt and patches etc. and then I took them  to the ball park so they could practice on the dirt field.  Then they wanted to play at the playground.  On the way home we got some barbecue thru the drivethru to bring home for dinner (their Dads request).  M practiced piano and did his homework while I helped B do his. Lucky me, I had a wonderful lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in probably a year and then dinner with a longtime friend.  Coincidentally they both fell the same day!  I feel blessed to have gotten to go spend time with them both today! Tomorrow I go on M's fieldtrip with him.

Buddies

I love this picture of B.  These cuties are the #1, #2 and cleanup hitters on the team.  1st base, shortstop and pitcher.  But most importantly they are buddies.

Monday

Yesterday we had a great family day. B had one tournament game which they lost so him and I headed over to see Nanoo.  Then we went home with their Dad got back in town from the UT game.  I dropped B off to spend time with his Dad and went to grocery and then picked M up.  Their Dad made hamburgers and we laid on the couch and cuddled with B. He's been such a sweetie saying he loves us and wanting to cuddle.  Today M had boyscouts and got his new glasses.  His face had grown so his old glasses were so small on his face. he looks so handsome in these new glasses .  Now putting them to bed.

Blessings

Laying in bed tonight with my sleeping 6yr old while my older one was in the bathroom taking a bath and talking and the hubby was sleeping on the couch, I heard an ambulance go by.  It made me think of my blessings I have.  Thank you God for them.

Bday party

My son is going to think I am the best mom in the whole world when he finds out i just bought him a video game birthday party. The truck comes to your house and he can invite 19 kids.  The kids have their video game party inside the truck that sits in front of your house. It was half off so I bought it. He will jump up and down. I am almost tempted to call him at his Grandparents to tell him. I am excited for him! And I am excited that now i wont have a bunch of kids in my house!

Update

Hubby was out of town visiting his Grandad and Mom and stepdad so he took my computer and I am now able to blog.  So to update on the week.....the boys have had a great week at school.  B has gotten stars and M has gotten all A's on his progress report.  Baseball practice tonight, went to the library and scrapbooked yesterday. The boys and I watched the Bears game together till half time and they had to go to bed.  Wed. I took them to trade in their games at Gamestop and we had dinner.  We were going to church and my back couldnt take anymore after working all day so we ended up coming home so I could lay flat down but I think they ended up loving the fact they got to play their new games they got.  They took good care of their Mommy till bedtime.  Lots of hugs.  Today I went to bible class with my ladies class and then cleaned ALL day long. But my house smells great. I love fall and got all the fall stuff out and lit a pumpkin spice candle. Fall just makes me happy.

Bored? Not me....

Some days I feel like I run so much that I have high blood pressure. Luckily my dr says no haha.  Cleaned house, helped at school, Walmart and kids eye dr, drive thru for dinner (even though I had chicken in the crockpot but no time to get home and eat it!) and then baseball, laundry, baths and bed.  Now its 821 and I am sitting down to read with B .  But love my crazy busy life.  I'd be bored otherwise.

Dugout Mom

Crazy busy day.  Work, Walmart, pick up kids, grocery, cook dinner, baseball and then cubscouts. Working in the dugout at B's games gives me high blood pressure sometimes.  The kids distract my brain (which probably doesnt take much haha) asking me to open waters, find their hat, asking me when they hit, telling me someone took their seat etc....while I am trying to keep up with how many outs we have, who's up to bat, who has a bat in their hand when they shouldn't, tell kids to sit down, pick up the bats on the field, talk to parents asking questions, get the catcher gear on , etc.  I never realized how much a dugout mom does during a game for a 5/6 yr old.  It gets easier as they get older since the kids learn what to do but a bunch of 5yr olds ask alot of questions and run around a dugout and take bats and try to bat when its not their turn.  Makes me laugh thinking about it.  Sometimes I think i should sit on the bleachers and let someone else do it.  But I do it because I love to have the bond with the kids.I love to think how hopefully we are planting seeds with these kids. Teaching them to love baseball.  Giving them confidence.  I love to think about how B will remember his mom and dad helping with his teams.  I love to high five the kids and them know my name and them tell me how they did at school and see how much better they get as the season goes on.  I do it because I am right there when B comes in from a homerun he hit and there to high five him when he throws himself at the base to get an out.  I do it for the memories.  And to help make my hubbys life easier coaching haha.

Travel Ball end of season party

So tonight we had B's travel ball-end of season party.  He got an awesome looking travel ball team jersey as a gift from the team.  $70 so should be awesome but the team bought it so think that is awesome the kids all got this to wear in the future.  We will have his state championship patch sewed on to it too.  He also got a plaque that shows the team and all of their tournaments they won .  Then we ate hamburgers and hotdogs and played kickball and baseball with the kids against adults. The boys had a blast.

Saturday

Hubby needs to buy a new computer since he keeps stealing mine so I am not on it half as much as I normally would. (which may be good?)  So today we went to B's baseball game. He had a homerun, and two doubles.  He got about 6outs again at 1st but they lost by a fluke by 1 point.  Then the boys and I went and made pizzas for dinner at this neat restaurant with friends and then went to the new park.  The boys had fun with their friend running around the new park.  Then we came home and put the kids to bed. B went fishing with a buddy and i  watched General Hospital for 3hrs while he was gone.  :  )

Gifts from God

B won his first fall ball game tonight.  He got 6outs at first base, hit two home runs and had a double (only because he wouldve run over the kid on 3rd.)  Very proud of him and the rest of our team.  Then the boys went to their grandparents for the night and their Dad and I got to go have dinner at our fav mexican restaurant.  Then we ran back out to the ball park to watch a friends son win their game before coming home.  Sad I am not in Chicago for the wedding of my cousin and Jordyn but happy to have seen the game, had dinner with hubby and for the rest of the family things we will be doing this weekend. 5days of  baseball in the next 5days!

On a different note, I watched M practice piano last night and am so impressed with how he can move his fingers all around the keyboard and play such pretty music.  Each of my boys has such different talents and gifts from God.

Family pic

I took this pic on the way into the stadium of M with his Grandparents and Dad.  Thought it was sweet.

Best Braves game EVER

Had a wonderful trip to GA this weekend to see the inlaws.  They took us to the best Braves game /baseball game ever.  In the 8th inning we were losing and everyone was leaving.  In the 9th, Chipper Jones (the boys love him and he is retiring this year) got up to bat and B and I had just said how awesome would it be if he hit a homerun and won the game while the kids (B' s first game as a 6yr old and M's 2nd game but 1st with us) were there with us to share it.  And he hit it over the wall to win the game by 1 and we all jumped and screamed and it was heavenly.  What a great memory that I got to share with my family.

Family weekend

Got to Nanas last night . Had big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs.  Today the kids swam and then we had big steak sandwiches and the best leek and potato soup. (for those of you who know me, i know you are so impressed I liked anything that was green)  Tomorrow is our Braves game. We are having a great time visiting with Nana, GG , Aunt M and Grandad.  Time flies when you are having fun.

Scouts

M has been begging for a couple years now to do cub scouts so today he got signed up.  B and his Dad went and hit balls at the ballpark while M and I were at the information meeting.  M is very excited about it.

Bedtime

Anything you can jump on and get wet on is always first in a boys eyes....

B's team played a scrimmage game. Then I went to my friends jewelry partry that our book club was able to participate in.  It was loads of girl fun and now I am wiped and need to go to bed!.

Sunday Sweetie

I love this sweet pic of B.  We had a great time at the parties yesterday and I took this pic of him and sometimes you just take a pic that makes you smile and this is definitely one of those. Then today the boys and I went to church, had lunch Taco Bell style and then the 4 of us all went to some friends house tonight for dinner.  I made a yummy chocolate eclair desert and she made chicken enchiladas and a yummy cheese dip that I had to get the recipe for.  We all had a great time.  We also had our bathroom floor tiled in the boys bathroom and it looks really good.

Bday parties galore

The boys and I went to a skating bday party at 1 and then a jumpy/water bday party at 4.  We partied from 1-8.  I am ready for bed.  It was fun though. The boys had the best time.

Typical Friday

My women's bible class this morning, then clean house, get schedule ready for our baseball team tonight, pick kids up from school, piano lesson, dinner, baseball practice, take kids to grandparents, cook mac and cheese and roasted potatoes while B cooked the filet. Yum!  10pm and time to sit down at the computer.

Cousin talk

I thought it was sweet today that when the boys and I were headed home from school that B told me t hat he wasn't going to invite a boy to his bday party that he invited last time unless his cousin wasn't going to be there which he said he would be there unless he was sick.  So I asked him why and he said because that boy  was mean to his cousin.  Awwwww....

Staff photo

Our staff photo. Thought it turned out cute.  I spent the whole day at work working on getting facebook and our internet site updated.  It's so great to have a group pic.  It was a fun day we did this too.  After work, the boys and I came home. B threw for a long time and hit some with his Dad.  We did homework and then M went to a friends house to play and Ainsley came over to hang out with B while I scrapbooked with her mom.

Baseball

We had practice with our new fall ball team.  I am proud of B for coaching.  We had a good time and the kids seem to all be cuties so far.  So far I have had good contacts with all the parents as team mom.  We scrimmage already  next week!  Times flies when you are having fun!

I was really proud of B today after school (he cried this morn). He had such a good attitude about his homework after his teacher talked to him. I hope it sticks. He has a good teacher that loves sports just like him.  And he had a great practice tonight too.

Sunday

Church with the boys, scrapbooked, went to team mom meeting and then home to email all my team mom stuff to parents.  Then a lovely dinner with my aunt and uncle from Gatlinburg, mom, dad, sis, niece and my boys.  Now cooking some cheese garlic biscuits for our work party tomorrow.  (at 10pm, yes its been a busy day)  I had Jayme take this pic of the boys and me today.  I so love them.

Saturday

The boys had a great time spending night with their J Grandparents last night and all day.  B cleaned the garage and I cleaned the house. We got alot done but still so much more to do.  Just looked at calendar and realized we both have a baseball coach and team mom meeting one after the other tomorrow so looks like that is going to put a dent in getting the garage done. B grilled out a can coke chicken and we had leftover mac and cheese I made the other night with the lemon pie yum I made too.

Thankful

Thankful for my husband who took me out for mexican for dinner.  Thankful for the grandparents who wanted the boys to spend the night.  Thankful to God for all the good he has given me.

Love em

B is not a fan of school. He always tells me the best part is recess and lunch.  So starting school is always an adventure.  I have been trying to teach the boys about being content in situations.  Coincidentally they learned this at church on Sunday too.  It doesnt happen to be helping at the moment but hopefully planting the seeds will help.  He's doing so good reading with me every night though.  Such improvement from last year.  His brother didn't go to school for a couple days which didn't help the matter of him not wanting to go to school.  But tomorrow he should be back to school after being on antibiotics for strep.  Hope B doesnt get it now.  B tells me he'd rather be home with me then at school.  It makes me sad but I keep telling him how important it is to go to school.  His Daddy is laying in bed with him now telling him the same stuff.  Even M was getting in on it last night. I heard him whispering to B last night about why he needs to go to school.  How it will help him.  M is a good brother.  I just keep hugging B and telling him we all have to do things we dont want to do.  And I keep encouraging M to encourage B.  Love em.

Reading

(This picture was taken last year and I think I even put it on my blog last year but had to post it again since we are talking about reading. cutie pie)I adore my boys.  Especially when they hug me and tell me they love me for no reason.  I don't even mind that they still like to sleep in my bed sometimes.  Their Dad always puts them asleep back into their bed so I love me some cuddling time while they sleep.  Tonight B and I did Starfall again like last night where he reads books to me online.  He is doing so good.  He hasn't had a love for reading like M and so reading on the computer makes it more fun for him.  I love that program.  He was really proud of himself. I heard him tell his brother when I left the room "I did all of that myself" (and he said it so proudly)They get big so quick. I just want to keep them this age forever.  I know I say that alot. M tells me I say that alot at different ages haha.  We have such good times together.

Sunday

The boys and I went to church.  Then we came home for a little while to pick up the house and them play.  Then we had travel ball pictures and the 4 of us went out for dinner for a family dinner at Toots.  Gotta love free kids meals.  Now we are home and I have to go make school lunches for tomrrow.  I don't miss doing that!

Monopoly

The boys and I got into a big Monopoly game today.  They love that game. They spent the night with their Grandparents last night and played a bunch of board games so they wanted me to play it today.  I won !  It is a very long game but I use to play it for hours with my friend when I was 9 or 10.  We loved it too.
I did some scrapbooking today and B grilled out some hamburgers after he went and shot guns with his friend D.  Now we are watching the Olympics while I email our new fall ball team that B is coaching for little B.

Friday

Boys had a good first day of school!  So glad. My work also did professional pics today with a lovely brunch and neck massages. Great boss and wife.  Happy day.

End of summer

Fun day with friends after the kids and I went to register at school today.  So much paperwork. Some day they will do this all on the computer in such a quick easy way and I will look back on this and laugh. Was there for 1 1/2 hrs doing paperwork and meeting teachers and saying hi to old teachers.  Then we went to swim with a bunch of friends. So thankful for my friends.  Ordered yummy Jets pizza. Then hit grocery store and then scrapbooked with friend.  Kids are passed out in my bed at the moment and I am wondering where I am going to fit!  I so love to look at them asleep. They are so precious and I am very thankful for them.

Shoes

Right now B is taking a bath with ALOT of bubbles!  And M is in the living room with a bubble beard on his chin!  So funny!  Today we went shoe shopping. Their Dad is very adamant about Nikes but for some reason M likes Sketchers so we compromised since B's Nikes cost so much I was willing to let M get his Sketchers to even it out.  B can go thru a pair of tennis shoes. He wears them flat out on the toe so he has to have some good shoes. No cheap shoes for him.  This picture is from this weekend with my friend L kids. They had a blast.

Ever heard of a pay phone?

My kids asked me yesterday what a pay phone was.  So funny.  Maybe some day their kids will ask them what a cell phone is.

Worked, picked kids up and took them to bowl with friends. Went to bank. Came home long enough to do a load of laundry and feed the boys before going to a friends house to help another friend with a wedding gift. Got pizza (which made for the kids 2nd dinner for the night). Now am listening to the kids whisper in their rooms.

Tub time

The kids were so funny playing in the bathtub tonight. They both cleaned a tub before their bubble bath for their chore and then we filled it to the rim with bubbles. B played a baseball game in the tub and M played a basketball game.  I went back and forth between both bathrooms cracking up at the things they were saying. The benefit of having two bathrooms next to each other.  The design may not work for some homeowners but it sure works for us!

Mr. Martha Stewart

Today I brought the boys to KY so we could see my friend from HS that I havent seen in 6yrs.  Had such a great visit with her and her beautiful 3boys.  Had dinner with my parents and brother.  Tomorrow I will get to have lunch with them all and my sister and her fam before heading home.  My hubby is all excited to cook us some "real" sausage we bought from a friends uncle from the country.  He is making it for me and the boys for dinner tomorrow night. I can't wait especially since he said it's better then anything we've had in the past and we've had some awesome sausage from the country last year.  We always bought it from a guy that made it fresh on the farm with no preservatives etc....so I can't believe its even better then that. Plus I Love when hubby cooks!  He is Mr. Martha Stewart!

Nephews visit

With my nephew visiting we went today to swim at my friend Laura's house. Everyone had a great time. I brought sandwiches and applesauce. We had donut holes on the way there for breakfast. Then for dinner B grilled chicken sandwiches, fried potatoes and I made corn on the cob , mac and cheese leftovers and then the boys helped me make a grape koolaid pie. Now they are watching the movie Big with Tom Hanks that I watched when I was a kid.  It's been so long since I saw it!

Weekend with their cousin

I picked up my nephew on Wed after work. I took them to Nashville Shores today and then hubby took them to the river to fish. The kids caught 3 fish each.  Tomorrow we will go swimming at a friends house. Right now the kids are watching a movie and eating popcorn and candy. They should go to bed good tonight!

Dad's bday

I thought the boys were so clever coming up with the king costume for their Dad to wear for his bday!M even made the staph himself.

Good bday

Hubbys bday. The boys were cute and got him a Braves shirt and a pillow like mine (tempurpedic, rocks!)  And B also picked him out Hersheys chocolates since he loves those.  Then I cooked a lime pie (thanks to Leahs recipe) and made some roasted veggies ( I know you are impressed) and then B grillled some steaks. yum.

Weekend in July

This has been a great week at VBS.  The boys really enjoyed it with all of their friends.  M especially was asking me alot of questions today about God and I told him how proud I am of him that he is touched by God and impresses me with his questions and behavior.  We also went yesterday to Nashville Shores. Mom got us for Christmas this great membership and the boys love it.  Today M went to a bday party at the skating rink for Reggie and then we went to a cookout/swimming party at Jeremys.  We suprised the boys Dad with a chocolate cake with strawberries in the middle at the cookout.

VBS

VBS has been great this week at Cami's church.  The boys are having such a great time with their friends and the lessons.  I pray they will be Godly boys and Godly men.  I love to watch them sing and dance and laugh and raise their hands.  Does this picture look like a boy that is having fun!

1st lost tooth

B lost his first tooth last night at 11pm! His brother wiggled it for him until it came out.  M was so proud of himself and B looked a little shell shocked.  They will always remember this. He told me I can't tell anyone or post it on facebook because he wants to be the one to tell everyone!  Cutie!

A walk with my son in the sand

I adore my sons. This was a special moment when we were in Myrtle Beach that my  8yr old decided to put his arm around me for the first time as we were walking.  Luckily B could get a quick picture of it since I am so thankful for the moment to be caught on film so I can keep it forever!  Some day he will be taller then me but I hope he still wants to put his arm around me as we walk down the beach!!!  (or atleast walk with me on the beach!)

The boys perspective of our canoe trip

The boys are helping me write this tonight. They said I forgot to write (about our canoe trip) that we saw turtles, crawldads and tadpoles (which they caught the last two and put in a water bottle) and we saw a waterfall. The boys dad took them up (while making me nervous) to the top of the waterfall so they got to be up close and personal and I was at the bottom taking their picture.  M said to tell you the fish he caught was a small mouth!  M said "the trip was so cool." B said the same thing plus he said ,"Awesome!"  Then M said, "It was really good family time" and B said , "The cabin was cool!"

 :

The boys wanted to help me wrote my blog after we canoed Thurs night but we couldn't get internet service and then last night they fell asleep practically when we walked in the door so I am going to try and write it tonight while they are sleeping at their grandparents house.  Maybe they will give me some more details tomorrow!

B was the best catcher of the minnows . He used a little net his Dad bought him and I told him to put a chip in it (I had dropped a burnt one on the ground and it seemed like a good way to make him fish with them) and he went to town and caught all kinds of them!  He was so cute and proud of himself. His Dad would then put them on his line and fish with them. They caught two big ones but somehow they escaped before we got them in.  B tried to reel one in and so did M.  But they still were excited that they got to fight them.  Everytime B would catch a minnow we'd put it in a water bottle. We had a few going since he had caught so much. And yes Mommy actually had to touch them to put them in the bottle.  I know shocker.  The things you do for your kids.  M caught his first fish and it was a nice size.  He did it all himself.  He has really turned into a little fisherman.  We had a great time stopping on the side of the banks to swim and have lunch.  We saw a goat on the side of the creek (kinda on a mountain), cows, turtles, blue herron, NO SNAKES thankfully, and other things the boys will remind me of tomrrow.  We were even going down the river while the boys were telling me what I should write in my blog when we got home!  It was a beautiful two days.  Our cabin was very cool. They just renovated the old one that their Dad and I use to stay in with 3 beds now.  And it looks just like a cabin so they thought it was very cool.  M said it was the best.  The next day we werent sure if we'd canoe again or go home but they talked us into staying and canoeing again.  It was  great family time.  Then we ate at the pizza place their Dad and I always eat at in town. Yum, They really liked it.

Canoe trip

I am exhausted after two great days of canoeing with the boys and their Dad but wanted to give a quick little summary of our two days.  We all had a great time.  The weather was perfect.  The boys got to swim, fish, use squirt guns, picnic, get on a board and float down the river in the current.

Wednesday

Today I worked till 130, got the kids, met M so he could hang out with the kids so his mom could go do something.  The boys had a good time.  Cleaned house and did a little bit of catching up on my soaps finally!!!!  I am only about 46 episodes behind!  :  )  Oh well.  Hopefully the weather will hold out tomorrow so we can do some canoeing with the kids.

Quote

6yr old B told me today that he thought people put salt in the ocean and he didn't understand why but now he knows God puts it in there.

Monday

Back to work today, then on to the grocery store, did laundry and cleaned the house. Made brownies and played Sorry (boardgame) with the boys and their Dad.  Then they played Monopoly till midnight!

Champions

Today B's team won their 3 games and won their 2nd state championship title. (2nd place, 1st place, 1st place and 2 state championship titles were the tournaments they played in this summer) This was their last tournament for the season.  B even caught a popup fly in center field that was so exciting I jumped up and hit my head on the canopy over my head!  B was really proud of himself and kept smiling.  Then we ordered pizza for him to celebrate. Now both boys are asleep next to me. Love them so much. Proud of them both. It was so hot hot hot today and the boys just kept on playing and didn't complain. Even when it was all over with B and a few of the other kids were running the bases and we had to make him leave the park since they were closing up.  Then on the way home B asked if we could throw the ball when we got home. He is too funny. That boy loves him some ball.

Fam vacation

What a great week.  This is a quick summary of our week. I shouldve wrote it down all week but the service was so scattered in our condo.

Sun- Hubby and B got there. E and I took kids to beach and pool. Then everyone else met us at beach.  We went out for dinner.  Mon- Hubby and I took kids our for breakfast which was really good. By the time we got home and read for beach it started storming. Luckily we had the indoor pool and lazy river so we hung out there all day.  Tues-Beach and pool  Wed-Beach and pool Thurs- M and Dad went on jet skis.  We went to beach and pool all day too.  Then fam pic on beach and dinner. Fri we had to leave. Sat we got home at 1am.  B played tournament game at 9am. ugh. But they won!  Had a great trip with the whole family. Mom picked out great place and we all loved it. I so love to listen to the ocean. Thanks to all the fam. Luv u all.

Beach

We arrived yesterday in myrtle beach with the family. Had dinner and walked on the beach. How I love the beach. So peaceful and relaxing. Today we went to beach, pool and lazy river. Beautiful day. Then ordered pizza and went to grocery store. B and his dad are on there way here now after b playing in a tournament that they were undefeated in! So proud of the boys. Love the place mom got us. 5 bedroom and so pretty with a great view of the ocean.

Written by B age 6

I hate sand because it gets in my eyes.  And you get messy.  Mommy is going to have to carry me.  I want to play at the pool and do miniature golf.  I want to see my family.

It was raining really bad .  I wonder if it is raining at Dawsons.

No Boat!

So we went to pick up our pontoon we rented with our friends. 5minutes from there, B gets a call from them to tell us that our boat isn't running today.  Wow. Talk about shock. So we all go to our friends house who is out of town who has a pool. We hang out there for a few hrs. (their permission of course haha)  Then we all go home and rest for a couple of hrs before we meet again at our house for a cookout.  I am worn out but boy the food was good. I am very disappointed in not getting the boat today but atleast we were able to still have a good day.  We couldnt do fireworks due to the dry hot weather and the ban on fireworks so it honestly didnt feel l ike the 4th of July but atleast it was fun with friends.

Tuesday the 3rd of July

Excited about tomorrow when we go out on our rented pontoon boat with friends.  And our vacation is coming up and I am ready ready ready for one!  The countdown has begun!  On top of that we have the sister in law coming in town to hang out with us.  Now If I just didn't have to clean the house!  Ok, time to watch the fireworks!

Love

I love this pic of them. This was after the game.  His Dad bought him a celebration Hawaiin ice.

State Champions

B won the state championship today. It was so hot today. It felt hotter then yesterday and it was 106 compared to the 110 yesterday.  So proud of all of the boys. B played left center.  They had two games yesterday and 2 today.