Sunday, December 30, 2012

It snowed...a lot

We had a blizzard! The boys (and the dog) loved it! Brian and I, not so much. But who cares what mommy and daddy think!


They had a blast playing outside in the snow. It was really wet too, so it was perfect for making snow balls.
Or to just lay around on and chill.

But it was really hard to shovel, so Brandon said he would help me out. It knocked him on his butt!


After they were frozen to their bones, we went inside and warmed up with some hot cocoa. Then we snuggled under some blankets and watched a movie. You can't beat a snow day!


Sunday, December 23, 2012

Birthday Boy


At 4:42pm tonight Nathan turned 10 years old. How time flies when we're having so much fun!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Here come Santa Clause...

Photo

That's Santa on a fire truck! And that's a fire truck decked out in Christmas lights.
Every year, a few days before Christmas, Santa makes his rounds through the neighborhoods of our small community. And every year we bundle up, wait as patiently as possible for him to pass our house with sirens blaring, and wave until our arms hurt. The boys love it! (me too!)
After Santa is out of our sight we head back inside to warm up with some hot chocolate and debate over who Santa actually waved at. (I'm pretty sure it was me.) Then we pop in a Christmas movie and wrap some presents. It has turned into a pretty fun tradition.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

My heart


Hug and kiss your kids. Tell them you love them and how special they are. Let them know that they are the most important and most cherished part of your life. Celebrate them.

My heart goes out to the families in Connecticut. My thoughts, my prayers, my condolences.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Fun times

We went to the circus! We saw lions, elephants, clowns, ladies that flew through the sky like birds and dragons. It was magical!
We decided to surprise the kids with a special night out. They tried all week to guess what we were going to do, but never figured it out. When we got to the arena and they finally figured it out, they were beyond excited. The show was amazing. Death defying stunts, loud music, crazy clowns and a real live (mechanical) dragon that breathed green fire held the kids attention the entire time. The kids are ready to go back. Me too!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Weekend plans

Have a great weekend.


The park is calling our names. The swings are singing a sweet song that lures us to them. And the slides are patiently waiting for our squeals.




Monday, November 5, 2012

Happy Monday


Have a great week!
xo

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Halloween


This Halloween the boys decided on store bought costumes. I don't like store bought costumes but I guess it isn't about me. They were happy and thought they looked pretty awesome, and that is all that matters.
Nathan was a Clone Trooper from StarWars and Brandon was a fighter pilot. Their cousin came down as well, she was Bat Girl. She's too freaking cute for her own good!
The boys had a lot of fun. Brian took the night off and walked them around the neighborhood while I stayed back and handed out candy. So after an hour of walking around they came back loaded down with enough candy to last them until Valentine's Day. I dumped the rest of my candy into some little kids bucket so I could go inside (it was very cold) and we called it a night. We checked the candy, ate a few pieces, played with their cousin Kelila, brushed our teeth and hit the hay. It was a pretty successful night in their eyes.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Pumpkin Picking


This past weekend we picked out our pumpkins. There were so many choices... big, small, bumpy, orange, yellow, pink, skinny, fat, expensive and everything else you can think of. But we picked the best ones of course. Nathan got a perfectly round orange one, Brandon picked out a pink flat disk of a pumpkin. I got a yellow bumpy one, because mommy needs a pumpkin too.
Now the fall is complete.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Washington DC

We just got back from Washington DC and we had such an amazing time.
We walked a lot.
We saw a lot.
We also learned a lot! 


The boys were so excited to get there and had a list of "must see" places. A couple of their favorites were the International Spy Museum and the Crime and Punishment Museum (go figure, boys loving spys, good guys and bad guys). They loved all of the memorials and monuments. And riding the Metro was as exciting as a carnival ride.
We are hoping to go back next year to see the Law Enforcement Museum they'll be opening. We also got to visit the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and see David Moore's name on the wall. That is a beautiful memorial, sad but beautiful.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

I don't mean to brag, but...


My kids are so freaking smart! and funny! and cute! and (mostly) well behaved! And I love them with every ounce of my soul!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

The future looks bright


We are already half way through the first 9 weeks of school. I don't know where the time goes. So far the boys are doing really well. Brandon has adjusted to kindergarten and absolutely adores his teacher. She's super sweet just like a kindergarten teacher should be. We got his midterm progress report today and he's right on track. I think it's going to be a great year for him.
Nathan is doing well too. He is in an advanced math class this year, has been chosen for student government and running club is starting up soon. He loves to run! He's getting all A's on his midterm report and couldn't be happier with the way things are shaping up this year.
My little smarty pants make me so proud!

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Becoming a man is hard work



Nathan has decided he is old enough to mow the lawn on his own. He is 9 years old after all.
So who am I to stand in his way of doing his manly duties?
Brandon tried it out as well but found out he's not quite strong enough. Or tall enough. But he gave it his best effort.
Nathan though, he is strong enough. And tall enough (barely). He gave it his best effort and mowed the entire back yard. He is so proud of himself and I'm so excited that I have some help! He mowed and I trimmed and Brandon cheered us on. Then we went and got a chocolate milkshakes.
I'm going to have to see what other manly things around the house Nathan can do.

Friday, August 10, 2012

I mustache you a question...

Never mind...I'll shave it for later.


This was the boys' first full week of school. Nathan was student of the week in his class for showing responsibility and Brandon missed 2 days because he was sick with the croup.
So far, school is pretty fun.
Their mom tells corny jokes though. But they are still young enough to think she's pretty darn funny.
I wonder how much longer that will last?

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

First Day of School


D day finally arrived.
The boys woke up before the alarm went off, dressed and ready with goofy grins on their faces.
Only a few (hundred) tears were shed (by me).  
I was so excited to see them get off the bus. They raced up to the house and jumped into my arms. It was the best part of my day.
Nathan's favorite part was seeing his friends and playing at recess.
Brandon's favorite part was making new friends and playing at recess.
And they both can't wait to do it all over again tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

1 more day


1 more day until school starts.
We get to meet the teachers tonight and drop off school supplies.
I'm still crying.
It still sucks.

Monday, July 30, 2012

2 more days


2 more days until school starts.
I started crying 2 days ago.
It sucks.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Toes in the water


If the boys had to choose between spending the night at Nana and Papaw's or hanging out with their dear loving mama, I think know I would be tossed aside like yesterdays news. But who wouldn't? They got to swim, cook out, roast marshmallows, shop for new toys, eat ice cream three times in one day, camp out on the floor, eat more junk food and do all the things that I don't let them do. I kinda wished I spent the night too. I want to eat ice cream three times in one day...

Since I was all alone and bored, I sat on the back deck a shared a beer with my best buddy Samson. He likes to act like an only child when the boys are gone.


Then Brian came home and we were bored together. It was nice. We don't get a lot of alone time. But it's always funny when we do, because all we do is talk about the kids and wonder what they're doing.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Hot summer

This summer has been insanely hot. Crazy hot! In the 100's hot! We had a few days of cool 80-90 degree relief but today it's 95 and humid. It kinda sucks.
Other than the weather, we've had a nice summer. Last week we had out of town family here. The boys were in heaven! Grandpa, Penny and David drove down from MN and Uncle Rick and Auna were here from CT. We went to movies, the arcade, had a cook out and just hung out enjoying each others company. It was really nice having everyone together and really sad to see everyone leave.
Now we are getting ready for school. Just a couple more weeks and Nathan will be a big 4th grader and Brandon will start kindergarten. Crayons, glue sticks and number 2 pencils will need to be bought along with Kleenex for the first day of school. I may need a tissue or two to get me through the day. I'll now be handing off both of my children to strangers. It just doesn't feel right. But I suppose those apron strings need to be cut. And I may be a tad bit dramatic about the stranger part. Just a tad though.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

$6.00 worth of fun

Never underestimate an inexpensive toy.
$6.00 can equal over 3 hours of crazy imagination fun.
Bow and arrows can turn an ordinary boy into a hunter, protector, and superhero.
It took the promise of food and that there is always tomorrow to get them inside tonight. That was the best 6 dollar toy ever! (Thanks Nana and Papaw!)

Saturday, June 9, 2012

This is what big brothers are for...


They tie your shoes for you when you just can't get it right.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Adventures with the boys

This past weekend Brian and I took the boys on an adventure.
First we took them on a cave tour. Brandon wasn't impressed at first. Dirt, rocks and holes in the ground isn't new to him. But by the end of the tour he was pretty excited. Nathan loved every minute of it, especially when they turned out all the lights and lit a candle to show how they use to give the tours way back when.
After exploring the cave we went canoeing. This was a huge hit! For all of us. We loaded up on a canoe, drifted down the river, spotted all sorts of critters, stopped for a picnic lunch and paddled until our arms were worn out. It was lots and lots and lots of fun! We are already planning another trip down the river.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Monday, May 28, 2012

Happy Memorial Day

I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Thank you to all that have served, to all the brave men and women who have given their lives for our freedom.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Last day of the 3rd grade


Summer has officially started!


3rd grade went without a hitch. My little smarty pants completed the year with all A's and one B.


Brandon is so excited that Nathan is all done with school he can barely stand it. He keeps singing "I'm so excited...I just can't hide it!"
To celebrate the end of the school year we bought some new squirt guns and water balloons for a water wars weekend with daddy. It's gonna be epic!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Tricksters

There are many tricks my boys know. They know how to scared the crazies out of me by doing death defying stunts. They know how to make daddy laugh when he's trying to dole out a punishment. They know if they bat their eyelashes at Nana they can get her to do anything, even play Xbox. And they know they can always sucker Papaw into buying them treats, like slushies.


Papaw is an easy target. But I know he wouldn't have it any other way!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Happy Mother's Day



Happy Mother's Day!!
I hope you have a wonderful day full of daisies, giggles
and lots of love!


Monday, April 23, 2012

A new chapter

The other day was a BIG day for Brandon. We registered him for kindergarten. This fall he'll be starting full day kindergarten and he couldn't be more excited. Me, on the other hand, could wait another year or two (or 10). He was so excited to go to the school, play with some of the kids and meet some teachers. They had the kids go through an evaluation to see what they already know and what they need to work on during the summer before school starts. Since Brandon is a little genious, he doesn't need to work on anything. The teacher that did the evaluation said he was "one smart little man." All I could do was stand there smiling like a fool, thinking to myself "well, duh! I could have told you that!" But I just smiled and thanked her.
Brandon cannot wait to pick out a backpack and a new lunch box. He's already changed his mind 15 times about what type he wants and we haven't even been to the store yet. I'm sure that's going to be a fun (and long) day at the store. And he keeps quizzing Nathan about what he'll do in kindergarten. "Bubba, will I have homework like you? Bubba, is the teacher nice? Bubba, will I have to tie my own shoes?" Nathan is so patient with him too. He answers all his questions and always tells Brandon that he is going to love it.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Spring Break


This year for Nathan's spring break we decided to take the boys to Gatlinburg TN. We left on a horrible, no good, rainy day. It was like driving through a monsoon. I drove until I hit a puddle that totally engulfed our vehicle. Then I proceded to pull over, hand Brian the keys and didn't drive for the rest of the way. But once we got to Gatlinburg the skies cleared up, turned bright blue and the only clouds that we saw were the big puffy white ones.
While we were in Gatlinburg, we hiked through the Smoky Mountains, went zip lining, walked through the town, and we went through some of the Ripley's Believe It or Not musuems and aquarium. The boys had such an amazing time. So did Brian and I. We were hoping to see a bear while we in the Smoky's as long as it was from a distance and we were either in a building or our car, but the only wild animals we saw were some turkeys. No, not the boys, but actual turkeys with feathers and everything. We also had a baby mouse in the cabin we rented but he was cute and couldn't eat my face off so I was fine with him being so close.
I think the next time we go (there will definitely be a next time) we will probably do the same exact stuff we did this time because it was that much fun!


Thursday, April 5, 2012

The sad truth

"You know your life has changed when...
going to the grocery store by yourself
is a vacation."

-motherhood




Sometimes the truth is sad...

Friday, March 30, 2012

The Crazies

Look at all that crazy packed into one chair.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

My boys

See that little man on the right? He's a pretty smart little cookie. He got all A's on his report card this nine weeks! He was also chosen as the Top Student in his class. That means he worked really hard. I'm pretty proud...if you couldn't tell.
See that other little man? The one on the left. He will be registering for Kindergarten next month. He's very, very excited. He can't wait for recess. I'm not very excited, but lets not go there.
They are both ready for spring break. Nathan is happy he won't have to get up early and Brandon is excited that Nathan is going to be home all day long to torment.
They are doing great and having fun and keeping us on our toes.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Loves


I love it when Brandon holds my hand, looks up at me with those milk chocolate eyes and tells me he loves me. Melts my heart every time.
I love when Nathan wrinkles up his nose and laughs at himself because he finds himself so hilarious.
I love getting hugs from Samson.
I love seeing Brian in his uniform. Hot stuff!
I love that it's almost spring and flowers are starting to bloom. Spring flowers are the best!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Imagination


If you give a boy a glow stick his imagination will soar.

The boys love glow sticks! The become soldiers, jedi masters or laser toting aliens and when all the playing is done they have a pretty cool night light. I love listening to the boys play with them, especially when they are pretending the glow stick is a light saber. They make their own sound effects...it's pretty awesome! They're pretty awesome little boys. Their imagination always amazes me.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Hot lips

The boys love to sing, dance and whistle. Tonight they got a new Kids Bop CD from Nana and Papaw so they are entertaining me with their skills. The picture above is them whistling. Nathan is really good, Brandon is still learning. His lips kinda get in the way.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Oh my goodness


This is what happens when I let my dad "watch" the kids. All I wanted was to look at jewelry with my mom. Just a little quiet time. What I got was a picture sent to me of my oldest modeling a bra.
Look at the smile. He has so much fun with Papaw. Even if they are up to no good.

Monday, January 23, 2012

The big 5


Those eyes melt my heart. His giggle tickles my soul. And when he holds my hand and smiles I become putty in his hands.
He's wild and loud. Rotten to the core and drives me absolutely crazy sometimes.
But I wouldn't change a single thing.
Happy birthday little buddy. I love you so, so much!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Samson

This is Samson.
He loves bananas, the boys, sticks, my mom, kissing and nibbling ears, butt rubs, his bed and chasing after the boys in the back yard.
He doesn't like fireworks, thunder, his toes touched or anyone messing with the boys.
He isn't very brave but makes sure he knows where the boys are at all times.
He has squishy jaws that I love to knead, big brown eyes that melt my heart and heavy paws that step on my toes.
He drools... a lot.
He can't do many tricks but he will moo at you if he feels like you are not giving him the attention he deserves.
Samson is a very important member of our family.
He loves all of us in his own way. Brian is his daddy and Samson is so excited to see him every night when he comes home from work. I am his mommy and if I'm in the room he lays at my feet. Nathan is his big brother and he looks at him in awe. Brandon is his buddy/play mate and they have such a good time together. (Brandon tells Samson all his secrets/accomplishment/dreams)
He is our 100lb puppy that thinks he's a lap dog.
We love our Sam.