The Springs Spot (As Seen by Sam)

Braden, Our Little Clothes Horse...

2011-06-24T14:14:00.000-05:00

After running errands today, the boys begged to go to the mall just to "hang out." It was just after 10, opening time, so I agreed since I knew there wouldn't be many folks there. We stopped at a Crazy 8 sale and Braden picked out this super cool-dude outfit.

"You know, Mom, I'll wear anything, but I really like this one." -Braden

Garrett on the other hand, would not pick out a thing, and so left the store with nothing. He doesn't like anything I choose, so I tried and tried to get him to pick something for himself...nothin' doin'!

"I don't like that, that, that, that, that, or that!" -Garrett

I gently reminded GJ that he would soon inherit the super cool-dude outfit his brother just chose, to which he replied...
"What's 'inherit?" When he finally got it, he assured me that he would never, never, never put it on...not ever! Hey, it's green, his color of choice every time...what more can I do?

Officially Unfinished...

2011-06-22T03:20:00.000-05:00

As Eric and I prepared to leave the hospital with our older two boys, we knew we were bringing them home to cute, prepared, ready-to-go nurseries that had been completed months ahead of time. You'd think, being the planner that I am, that Ethan's nursery situation would be the same...lucky for him, he's little and won't remember the unfinished, completely incomplete nursery that he'll have to come home to!

With what little strength and stamina I have remaining, today I finished unpacking all of the Huggies boxes that contained seven years worth of various-sized clothing. All of it was repackaged into Space Bags...my new BFFs! It's amazing to me that eight diaper boxes and four plastic tubs worth of clothing (which were stashed in three different closets around the house) can now fit into one one small space below a shelf in the nursery closet. Not a pretty picture, but it all fits. Next is to construct some sort of curtain/covering so I don't have to look at all those Space Bags every time I get into the closet for a burpie or bib!

Eric and I (mostly Eric) will be painting the ceiling white on Saturday...it's currently a dirty, light beige of some sort and just really makes the room darker than it needs to be. The unofficial theme of the room is birds, so I have some silver metallic bird art pieces to spray paint this weekend as well. Silver is NOT going to work in a room of browns and blues, so we'll go for a more "hammered" bronze look...Lowe's, here we come! I also have a couple of craft projects lined up. Maybe I can get started on those tomorrow (today, actually, seeing as how it in the AM HOURS AND I'M AWAKE...again).

My sister, Erica, and I have a double baby shower at church on Sunday afternoon. My big plan was to wait until after this shower to see exactly what we still need to properly plan for Ethan's arrival home. Well, Monday at my check-up, the due date was changed to next week! So, I've gone on ahead and ordered a few NECESSITIES from my own registry, praying that they'll arrive before Ethan does! He may have his fresh, new crib bedding ready to go...and he might not. Like I said, it's a good thing he's too young to remember, because this boy's hangout won't be finished until, well...who knows???

It Is Not For Me To Question God's Will (Caution, tear-jerker)...

2011-06-20T13:33:00.000-05:00

I know nothing compared to the Lord's wisdom and the plans he has in store for each of us; however, if I could ask God one thing, I would want to know why Eric's father is not here with us today. On Father's Day, I have wondered that very thing for five consecutive years now...and obviously at other key times as well. I wonder why he's been called to Heaven and has to miss t-ball and soccer games, Grandparent's Day, preschool graduations, school functions of various sorts, etc. I know that he would relish being involved in Braden's Boy Scout activities and that he would put a firm foot down to help stop Garrett's suddenly "smart" mouth...but in only the way a grandparent could. I know that he would sit in the kitchen and dunk Oreos with my boys (and me, too?) and that he would go fishing with them and their daddy. I know that he would cherish Ethan the very same way that he doted on Braden and Garrett...the pictures of him snuggling our babies are now priceless treasures.

Our boys have experienced much loss in the way of fatherly figures and they know all too well the devestation of disease and old age. "Cancer" is a common term for my children, even though they don't fully comprehend what it entails. Braden and Garrett know, even at so young an age, that everyone's Earthly life will end at some point and that we must trust in God's love to bring us all together again in Heaven. They remember Grandpa's passing, but were so young when Curley and Papaw passed...they only "remember" the stories we so willingly share of these great men who loved them, but have since gone on before them. I have some solace in the fact that my grandfathers, at least, lived long productive lives, and were such a huge part of my own upbringing. But, I am heartbroken at this one time each year that my husband has lost his father before his own children could revel in Papa Curley's love, affection, attention, humor, and wisdom. These things can never be replaced by anyone else here on Earth, for nothing can replace the special bond between grandparent and grandchild. I am so sad that our boys will never know that relationship, my own father unable to provide it.

I know that "normal" is a relative term, and to say our boys have a "normal" upbringing is relative as well. Their normal is a life filled with Mom and Dad, their grandmothers and greatgrandmothers, and countless other adults who almost fill the void left by those who are no longer in our lives. Our family has been blessed by so many who have reached out to us, created relationships with us, and -most importantly- somewhat bridged the chasm left by the absence of this key member of our family. There are others in this world who have suffered similar-and worse- loss of family. There are others who have children with no grandparents to speak of. There are others whose tragedy far outweighs what we've gone through, and continue to deal with, in the absence of Eric's dad, in particular. It is not for me to question God's will or to sit around feeling sorry for myself, my husband, or our boys. But sometimes I just wonder why it has to be this way...

What's Up With the Blogs?...

2011-06-18T22:25:00.000-05:00

So, I was going through the list of blogs that I follow and noticed some very strange stuff. Some folks have stopped blogging, some folks have gone private, and some simply seem to have dropped off the face of the earth. My very favorite blog of all time was The Sew Cute Shop, which I ran across a few years ago on Etsy. It's GONE! WHAT?!?!?!?!?! Ugh! I LOVE this woman's work, crafts, ethics, and just plain dig her approach to life...and now she's gone...disappeared...poof...vamoosh! Oh, the pain, the agony...

Blogger pals, so sorry to see you go...
(tear...sniffle...)

Ethan Robert Springs-35 Weeks...

2011-06-18T22:08:00.000-05:00

Personally, I think this child looks like Garrett Jake, but that's just me. Honestly, only time will tell and we only have a few weeks left. He will be born early due to his unusually large size (already nearly eight pounds). He is a cutie patootie already and I can't wait to hold him in my arms, instead of just having him kick me all the time...although the boys really do get tickled watching this gentle giant make waves across my belly! I hope they are as amused when he cries all the time and makes smelly diapers...

Reminiscing on Edwardsville...

2011-06-18T22:00:00.000-05:00

We had a great time visiting with Eric's mom last week. She took this photo of the two of us after we returned from a fabulous dinner at Andrea's Steakhouse...to die for! (the food, not the pic)

We enjoyed taking the kids to the Children's Museum again. They just love it there. Unfortunately, it was that very same evening that Garrett came down with a fever...confirmed the next day strep. He muddled through our trip the the St. Louis Mills mall (fever had gone away with Tylenol...I did not force him to go while running a high temp...I know what you're thinking...). That evening, Braden began to complain...the next day, confirmed as strep. What are the odds???

With both children under quarantine from the rest of the free world, we hunkered down for two days of Monopoly. Garrett beat us every game! He is ruthless! I'm not sure he knows exactly what he's doing or not, but none of us have EVER beat him since we purchased the game last year. Odd...

By the time we headed home on Wednesday, everyone was feeling fine. I am SO LUCKY that I didn't get strep as well, seeing as how I ate after both children at the mall. It's second nature, you know, for a momma to just finish up whatever her children leave behind. Right???? Or maybe it's just because I'm a preggo...oh well...

2:55 AM...

2011-06-18T02:58:00.000-05:00

It's nearly three o'clock in the morning, and here I sit...
Garrett came storming in around 12ish to tell me that he "needed" me. After getting him back to sleep and wedging myself between two large pillows, I discovered that Ethan was awake, too, and rolling around on my rib cage. NO SLEEP! I did take Tylenol PM, but now I'm just groggy and can't sleep. I've been sitting here on the computer for the better part of an hour or so. Ethan is finally sleeping again, so perhaps I can attempt to go back to bed...or maybe not...

Bully Buster...

2011-06-17T10:57:00.000-05:00

So, while at Garrett's CHURCH LEAGUE ballgame last night, Braden and his friend Alex got into some trouble with bullies on the adjacent playground. Specifically, Braden said he accidentally bumped into a boy who had an icee...and dropped it due to the bump...who then told Braden he would kill him for doing that. Then, he proceeded to round up a friend or two to chase Braden around the playground. He finally came to tell me and I escorted him back to the bleachers. He insisted he wasn't scared, but I assured him there was no reason to push it...sit down and wait for the end of the game.

Then there's the photo above. Several older boys, probably 10-11 years old, were charging the smaller kids a quarter just to be able to slide down the slide. Braden said he guessed the password correctly ("banana"), but Alex gave them a quarter to slide. He came to tell his mom and she told him to go get his money back. He was timid, so I offered to go with him. That's Braden in the red T-shirt and Alex beside him in blue. I just asked the one Alex pointed to if he had their money, but he said he hadn't taken anyone's money...but that he'd gladly give Alex a quarter if he wanted it. Mmhmm...several kids then rolled their buddy under the bus and said he had, in fact, taken money on the slide. The kid pulled, like, $2 in quarters out of his pocket and returned Alex's money.

Just to insure that said bully's big momma didn't come lookin' for me, I finished up with a mini-lecture to the whole group about playing nice with each other on the playground. At this point, some preteen lookin' girl piped up and said "I told them that, I told them!" I guess she was supposed to be watching after them or something. Big momma never did come after me, but I stuck close to the dugout until it was time to go...just in case...

Ethan Wants Out...

2011-06-16T16:50:00.000-05:00

I'm having a very difficult time today getting ANYTHING done...Ethan has dropped, head down, and is constantly pressing on my left hip bone! Really, all I want to do is lay down and nap, which will NOT work with two boys in the house. :0) My next appointment in Monday and I can't wait to check his progress, then pick his birthday! It's time, folks...it's definitely time. Ethan wants out and Mamma wants him out...

Late Easter Post...

2011-06-09T19:02:00.000-05:00

Yep, that's right...you counted five boys...and that's with Tyler missing! Larry has two grandsons to add to the herd of nearly all male grandchildren already in our family!

This was our now annual Easter tradition, egg hunting at the Eagles lodge. It's a little strange, having small children hunt for eggs around the dance floor and in full sight of the bar, but it's a good time and always goes off without a hitch, rain or shine. And, since this year's Easter was water-logged, we were all about the indoor hunt!

Garrett's Grace Graduation...

2011-06-08T12:38:00.000-05:00

How's that for an alliterative title??? Back in May, Garrett graduated from Grace Place Preschool...and was voted by his teachers to be most likely to become a track star because he's always running...and running FAST!

Nanny and Nanna came to witness this auspicious occasion...what a treat!

Aren't they the cutest????

Regression????...

2011-06-08T12:10:00.000-05:00

Ummm...can you say regression??? When I took this paci off the diaper cake, Garrett Jake sort of lunged for it and begged me to let him have it. "It's for my animals," he said, but you can see where it ended up. And, the fight was on...Braden wanted something, too. So, he got a baby feeding spoon to feed his animals. The "nunnie," as it's called in this family, is floating around the house somewhere, turning up from time to time in one mouth or another...and promptly snatched by the mamma. Perhaps it will need to be secreted away in the middle of the night, which won't be difficult considering I'm up at all hours of the night anyway!

Memorial Day Fun...

2011-06-08T12:02:00.000-05:00

That Nana...she's one of a kind! And what a good sport. Not only was it her brilliant idea to entertain four little boys with silly string, she let them shoot it at her, too!

Great American Pastime...

2011-06-08T11:33:00.001-05:00

*Before I go on, I just want to make it known that I am baffled by the way Blogger is refusing to turn my photos right-side-up when they are saved that way. UGH!

Anyway, now that that's off my chest, I'm playing catch-up big time. The next few posts are events that have passed, but are still totally important...just not so important that I was willing to give up precious family time at the end of the school year to blog about them. Now that I'm officially off on summer vacay, things should be better...here's hoping! :0)

These photos are from our very first Arkansas Naturals baseball game last Sunday evening in Springdale, AR. We had a blast watching AA ball, but it was HOT! How can it be this hot in early June, I ask? What a trick...no spring, just rain and heat.

Including the nephews, Tyler and Jacob.

Can you say T-R-O-U-B-L-E????

Well, well...what have we here? Oh, double-chin girlie and her hubby. I love doing things like this together...he's such a good daddy and a wonderful helper for me when those ornery boys get a little out of sorts! Fun, fun, fun!

Ethan's Baby Shower...

2011-05-26T22:11:00.000-05:00

Today, my friend Jennifer and I had a double baby shower at school. It was thrown by our friends Hannah and Sara, who are awesome!

Jen and I at the shower...below is a photo of us abour 2 1/2 or so years ago that mysteriously showed up on the shower table. We were suprised in a good way!

I really have no clue as to why the belly photo is turned sideways! It's right side up in my computer file, so I'm baffled. Just the same, 7 1/2 mos. of belly is there...big!

Our Cub Scout...

2011-05-22T20:34:00.000-05:00

Tonight, we attended Braden's Cub Scout end-of-year cookout and graduation ceremony. His new yellow scarf represents his transition from Tiger Cub to Wolf. The weather was very breezy and humid, but we all had a great time. As soon as we got home, they both started asking for food...go figure...we just left a cook-out! :0) (Please disregard my double chin and horrid skin...side effects of Ethan.)

Time Gets Away...

2011-05-14T16:58:00.000-05:00

Braden is shocked by how hard Ethan kicks! (Ignore my double chin and focus on the amazed child!)

I am very dilligent about keeping up with who and what on FaceBook, but not so much with blogging. Time does tend to get away from us, doesn't it???? Just a few pics to (somewhat) bring you up to speed with The Springs'.

My enormous seven-month baby belly...poor Garrett...it's pretty intimidating to have to stand by it!

What more could a mother ask for on Mother's Day? One chocolate-covered kid and one who was forced to smile...that would be Braden. Literally, we had to threaten him. What gives???

If Heaven Weren't So Far Away...

2011-04-13T20:48:00.000-05:00

This song reminds me so much of my own grandfathers, from selling produce on the side of the road (Papaw) to beating around in the old truck (Grandpa). And what I wouldn't give to be able to drive on up to Heaven and introduce my boys to Papa Curley...Ok, so I cried on the way to work the other day when I heard this.

My Guys...

2011-03-27T19:45:00.000-05:00

A single picture is truly worth a thousand words...

March, 2011

Tulsa Zoo

Flat Stanley Rides Again...

2011-03-27T19:41:00.000-05:00

Garrett's preschool class project for March was to photograph Flat Stanley, that lovable book character, in as many interesting places as possible. We sent FS to Grandma Susie in Illinois and to Aunt Stacy in Massachusetts. He's been around, let me tell ya'!

Closer to home, our adventures with Flat Stanley included batting practice with Garrett.

As well as planting our summer garden...he's posing with the onions, although he'll never eat them!

Flat Stanley also accompanied the family to the Tulsa Zoo, where he first pretended to be eaten by a lion (water fountain).

And, as is tradition, we had to have a pose at the front entrance with the bronze tigers.

It was too much for Braden. He just had to get in on the action and both boys were psyched to pose with the "Indians" in the rainforest biome. By the way, Braden was totally ticked that there was no FS project when he was at Grace...and I quote..."What's the deal?" From the mouths of babes...

The Toof Fairy...

2011-03-27T19:31:00.001-05:00

So, the backstory with Braden's teeth, is that they've been ever so loose for ever so long. They were beginning to become discolored because they really were just sort of hanging in there...no longer attached to anything official. While brushing his teeth, I just slid a floss stick in between and popped the first one right out. The other, I just gently tugged with my fingers and it was the same thing. I told Braden he was lucky he didn't swallow them before now!

So, both teeth went in a baggie and under his pillow. Well, I'll just go ahead and admit that Eric and I both forgot...but Braden awakened me the next morning shouting that the tooth fairy had not left any money because his teeth were "stuck to Garrett's face!" Oh my...

The baggie had fallen onto the bottom bunk and Garrett rolled over on it, thereby sticking the plastic to his drooly cheek. Braden told me he snatched them up and put them back under his own pillow, but then realized the sun was up and it was too late. We made a plan to stick them under a different pillow the next night (he's only got, like four) and that surely the tooth fairy would try again.

Try again she did...and left $20!!!!! Holy cow! In the end, all of the tears and worry over changed speech patterns was well worth it. Now, combined, the boys finally have enough money to purchase the coveted Hoth Lego set...they've saved up their Grandma Susie Valentine money and some chore money. The tooth fairy just put them right over the top! The only problem is, now Garrett is plotting just how to go about getting one of his teeth out...

Braden's "Lost" Teeth...

2011-03-25T11:48:00.000-05:00

5 1/2 Months...And Counting...

2011-03-14T19:14:00.000-05:00

I stick out in both directions now, but anyone who's known me for any length of time knows that my "back bump" has been there since birth. I just stick out, period...always have, always will! :0) It's hard to believe that we're past the half-way mark, and the days are just ticking away. Missing out on the first two months of the pregnancy (due to denial on so many levels) really has sped things up. Even my doctor can't seem to stay caught up with what needs to happen and when. She was shocked when she discovered I hadn't been scheduled for an ultrasound...but we couldn't arrange one for two more weeks! Like I said, can't seem to get it all together, but maybe we're on the right track now.

On a similar note, my little sister, Erica, is due to have her baby a few weeks after ours...we found out today that she is having a boy as well! So, that's six boys between us! WHAT ARE THE ODDS?????

Braden and Garrett were disappointed at first that they weren't getting the little girl of their dreams. However, reality is sinking in and they are dreaming up all the fun things they can teach their baby brother...I'm having nightmares about it! What this child won't think of on his own, Darrel and Darrel are bound to put him up to!

As for names, we are tapped...all the really good ones are taken, after all! I have wracked my brain for names that mean something to me (as I did for my other boys), but nothing works. I may have to resort to a baby name list. In the mean time, some suggestions from the boys have been Lightbulb, Count Duku ("Doodoo"), Darth Vader, Luke (Skywalker), and Boba Fet...see a pattern? I have officially declared all Star Wars names off limits! Wonder if George Lucas had any inkling that SW would be so popular with the next generation...

Braden's Big Win...

2011-03-12T16:39:00.000-06:00

This morning, Braden competed in the 2011 Boy Scout Pinewood Derby, racing the Lightning McQueen car that he helped his daddy build...and that Mommy graciously finished painting Thursday evening! It was a great project that they worked on together.

This is Braden finishing up placing his car on the track for the final heat of the Tiger Cub division. On the left is his long-time church friend, JD, and on the right is his long-time preschool/public school friend Alex. It was so great because these three boys took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd!

Braden took the whole affair very seriously, following every direction, staying calm, and not running wild the way he usually does when he gets excited...he made Mamma proud!

Alex, Braden, JD...yes, they are all the same age. My son is a giant!

Braden will now move on to the district competition, which will take place in May. He tripped as we were leaving, mangling the wheels...Daddy's got his work cut out for him...
*Just a side note...those are two good-lookin' boys. Can't wait to add a third future-hottie to the mix! :0)

Boy Scout Banquet...

2011-02-22T20:42:00.001-06:00

Last week, Braden was promoted in the Boy Scout ranks. The banquet was a good time and he LOVED having Nanna and Nanny there to cheer him on!

Braden Riley does love his Nanny. He asks about her all the time, we pray for her at night, and both of the boys were tickled that she decided to join us for a night of BBQ, treats, and family fun!

This is our little family right after Braden attached my mother's pin...it will hold all of his Boy Scout pins.

Ok...this kid is in Heaven! Look at that face!

This is the pinning "ceremony..." the actual pin on the back of my ribbon fell apart, so we had to replace it with another. It was a little cumbersome, but we managed.

Our family placecard...my own design! The whole evening was a fun success and we are so proud of our Boy Scout, Braden Riley!

The England Project...

2011-02-22T20:31:00.000-06:00

Garrett attends a very good preschool (which Braden attended, also), and they do the most grown-up, amazing things with these kids. He had to create a cereal box presentation about the country of his choice. Much of our family, on all sides, are from England, so we chose it for the big day!

So, how does Garrett's (my) box look? He told his class all about the queen, her palace guards ("the fuzzy hat guys"), the crown jewels, the "Union Jack" flag, and the Queen's fav vacation residence...Windsor Castle, built over 900 years ago by William the Conqueror. Garrett was really hung up on the 900 years ago bit...really interesting to him (yeah, he loves history!).

Here, he's showing the class the lovely Brittish countryside...ahhhhhhh...simply pastoral.

He made a superb presentation and Mom made a really nifty box! I'm sort of proud of my work, as if you couldn't tell!

A New Little Friend...

2011-02-18T19:36:00.000-06:00

Because I was going through my own personal tragedy last summer, I failed to meet the new little guy next door...the newborn, not a new boyfriend. After I finally resigned myself to our fate, I grieved for a few months and then, low and behold, we were blessed to discover we were pregnant again. At that point, my world turned upside down because it was so unexpected, unplanned, unforseen...and yet so wonderful! While being wrapped up in my own little soap opera once again, I think I even managed to offend a few folks by failing to send out Christmas cards, reply to Christmas wishes, return phone calls, etc. I was simply in shock...in a good way. My point here is that a handsome little fellow was born last summer to our neighbors, on my birthday no less, and I'd never even seen him in person! Major faux pas, I realize, but it is what it is. On this rare, warm and sunny February afternoon, I met H, and he's a doll! All of a sudden, I could see what's in our family's immediate future and I am really super excited about it! What adventures we're in for! So, H, it was great to meet you (finally), and to your mommy...I apologize for being a bad neighbor. He's precious!

The Strangest Craving...

2011-02-13T09:07:00.000-06:00

I've had the strangest craving for Emmy's restaurant lately. It began early last week and I just couldn't get it out of my head. For those of you not familiar with Emmy's, they serve traditional German fare, and lots of it! I was specifically jonesin' for their deep-fried bratwurst with hot, spicy mustard. Sounds like a terrific case of heartburn wating to happen, right? Not to worry...Emmy's is always covered over anywhere near a holiday of any sort and my craving hit just before Valentine's Day. So, no way were we gettin' anywhere near that place.

While I was still in the shower getting ready for Parent's Night Out last night, Eric announced (with tons of bravado) that he had secured a place in the "bar" area at Emmy's and that we would, in fact, be joinging the hoards of hoity toity folks descending upon this luscious Germanic eatery! Wahoo! So, I ordered the appetizer that had the deep-fried brats and the dinner that came with deep-fried brats! Let me tell you, the little one loved it, the big one (me) loved it, and Eric came out smelling like a rose...and German beer! :0)

My Valenine came though with the best gift ever...just the right food for his preggo Valentine! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Oh, and we followed up Emmy's with two very romantic stops at Sam's Club and Wal-Mart...it wouldn't be PNO w/out the traditional shopping trip, sans kiddos!
*They will be super suprised to find their Valentine Pillow Pets tomorrow morning !

For the Father of my Children...

2011-02-10T14:10:00.000-06:00

A Valentine gift for my hubby...straight from the heart.
I love you, DH!
Sam

For the Father of my Children...

Donuts...

2011-02-06T16:41:00.001-06:00

So, I was addicted to Little Debbie cakes...now I'm moving on to donuts. I should have known this would hapen. I'm not sure why it is that I always get addicted to sugary sweets when I'm pregnant, but I do. Why can't I become obsessed with, like, carrot sticks or something remotely healthy? You know, become a little gree-eatin' rabbit???? NOOOOO...I have to get jacked up on sugar or else I'm goin' stir crazy! Hmmmm...even the 100 calorie sweets won't do. Gotta' have the real thing.
Damn...it's pretty bad when I can be likened in any way to the great Homer (Simpson, that is...not the blind poet guy).

What Were the Odds?...

2011-02-04T15:53:00.000-06:00

Really, what were the chances that EVERY school all around us would cancel in the middle of the day, but not Fort Smith????? I can tell you which one DID cancel...the preschool! And, being the semi-single parent that I am, I'll give you one guess as to who had to go fetch the children. Come on, you got this...

Yep...me! I'm not bitter or angry at Eric, hey, one of us has to do it. It's just frustrating that it always seems to be something. So, FS never did call off, but I had a heck of a time getting home over the "big hill," as the boys call it. I was sliding all over the place trying to get out of the parking lots of all three schools, but NOW????? NOW, my yard/house/etc are COVERED in snow, but the road is CLEAR! What in the world? I guess they'll just have to dock me a 1/2 day, 'cause I couldn't have gotten back to work on a bet...and who would want to with two rowdy boys in tow?

So, again, what were the odds? Pretty good, apparently. (BTW, Garrett's new favorite word is "apparently." Apparently, I use "apparently" a LOT around here.)

Spring, when o when will you arrive? You teased us last Saturday...not fair...

WHAT???????...

2011-02-02T11:59:00.000-06:00

Somehow, in all the pregnancy excitement-most likely, I failed to post anything about Christmas! I was clearing out the card on my camera and realized that nothing from the holidays made it to the blog...not even FaceBook! What in the world???!!! So, in the near future (maybe not today), I will be posting info and photos from Christmas.

Oh, and my belly is really big. Should it be this huge already? I just don't remember everything changing so quickly the last two times. I am now in the clothing phase that I like to refer to as "nothing fits." My regular clothes pinch, pull, and otherwise disfigue my expanding belly, while maternity clothes are baggy, limp, and look rediculous...as if I just WISH I were preggers! I'm certainly a lot more creative with my wardrobe this time around, but it's getting difficult. Funny, I thought I wouldn't need any of my winter maternity clothes...Mother Nature fooled me all the way around!

Braden, the Reader...

2011-02-02T10:34:00.000-06:00

Braden LOVES to read. I feel sort of bad for him, though. His reading level has gone up to 4.8, which is super fantastic...except that it means he has to read (and test on) a TON of books to earn an A in reading. Bless his heart, though. I was entering grades on the computer over the weekend in the office, so he came in and bedded down on the treadmill with his blanket and a couch pillow. He said he just wanted to be in the office with me while he read. After a few minutes, I hoisted myself down there with him and we read Berenstain Bears and the Freaky Funhouse. It was very freaky...and very fun!

100 Days of School...

2011-02-02T10:21:00.000-06:00

Garrett's 100th Day of School was celebrated by presenting his Cheerio project to the class...and partying afterward, of course! As you may have guessed, it was-in fact-his mother who stayed up and glued 100 Cheerios to a posterboard while he snoozed away in his snuggly bed! :0) Kudos to Garrett, though...the project was entirely his idea.

He first told me he wanted to do 100 Fruit Loops, and promptly changed his mind the next day to Cheerios. Now, this just seemed like semantics to the adult half of the project completion board (me), but it turned out to be a major issue to the project engineer (Garrett). After shedding a few necessary tears, he managed to convince me that he had NEVER asked for Fruit Loops (I pretended to be conviced, btw), and we went back to the store for Cheerios. I think it turned out quite nicely, don't you?

Braden Riley's 7th Birthday...

2011-01-30T14:39:00.000-06:00

Well, this post is a little late...well, a lot actually, but better late than never...right? Right? So, Braden's party was the first Saturday in January, the first night of Parent's Night Out for the new year, just like always!

The party was actually able to be held on time this year, not iced out like last year. It's a little odd, since we just had an "un-birthday" party for him in June...but everyone had a great time. He really must be the luckiest kid ever...two parties w/in six months...WOW!

We gathered at The Monkey House for bounce-around fun for the kiddies...and the dads! Thanks Eric and Hector for entertaining all of the small people! It just wouldn't have been the same without the big daddies chasing, throwing, and bouncing the kids...could've easily been a lawsuit, but everything worked out okay! :0)

MMMMM...my favorite...cookie cake! Braden is so sweet. He said he wanted to be sure and have a cookie cake this year because he knows Garrett doesn't eat regular cake. He wanted brother to be sure and get treats at the party, too...very thoughtful!

"Where, Oh Where are You Tonight?"...

2011-01-25T20:13:00.000-06:00

I love my hubby, but this new position at work is killing us both. The boys miss him so much. I'll admit, I even miss the big guy a little, too! Hubs, where oh where, are you tonight? You left me here, here all alone (w/2 boys). Love you! Come home soon! Nothin' like a comedy break to lighten the mood and lift the spirits...one of my favorites (yes, I realize this makes me a total nerd and social outcast.)*Pause the music player on the right side of the screen first...too much of really good things if you don't! :0)

Many Thanks...

2011-01-24T18:16:00.000-06:00

I just want to go on record right now..."Thank you" to those of you who have been so kind with your comments, both personal and electronic, about our newest addition. Everyone has been so amazing! Sometimes it's hard to see what is right in front of your face...Eric and I have numerous friends, all sending their best wishes and congratulations. When you're in the grind of daily life, you tend to lose sight of just how many folks are backing you all the way, through thick and thin. Hopefully, we are in the thick of life now and we so appreciate all of your love and wishes and support and offers to babysit three children at once...oh, I might have made that last part up...maybe...

So, There's Something You Should Know...

2011-01-23T16:07:00.000-06:00

Okay, I'm done pouting and I'm totally over myself. Apparently, there are a grand total of two people who look at this blog from time to time and I'd hate to disappoint. So...

We are pregnant!!!!!

I was a classic case of denial after our ordeal at the end of the summer, so I didn't even find out until Christmas break. By that time, I was almost three months...go figure...you'd think I'd have caught on a little sooner, right? Anyway, we are almost four months now and are VERY excited. Eric and I both wanted to wait a while, so that hopefully we won't have to go through all the drama like the last time.
We should know what we are having at the beginning to middle of March...and we can't wait! Obviously, it matters not to me whether it's a boy or girl. However, I did mention to Eric that if this is not a girl, I may have to invest in a lap dog...I have a serious need to put bows on something!!! :0)

Other than that, Braden is getting ready for his Scout Blue and Gold banquet in a few weeks, where he will advance to the next level. It's very exciting and he's just beside himself over it!

Garrett is in full kindergarten prep mode, although that kid could run academic rings around most kindergarteners. He is reading and the sight words are abounding and his math skills are impeccable...thanks to big bro Braden! I will be filling out paperwork very soon to have him transferred to the FS district and early kindergarten enrollment should be in April. The time...my how it flies!

In future posts, look for updates on my new project (haven't actually started it yet, and won't until I know if we've gotten ourselves a boy or girl). I have decided to sew my own crib set...so be watching, waiting, and praying!

Totally Depressing...

2011-01-15T07:38:00.000-06:00

Hey, I realize I totally fell off the blogging wagon and failed to post for quite some time. BUT, it's hard to motivate myself to post when it appears that I am posting for my own health...and I'm NOT! Who wants to spend all this time away from the joy of life if nobody is even going to comment, editorialize, argue, or just tell me to kiss their patooty!???? It's just like that classic Reba song..."Is there life out there?" Well, is there? Hmph! And I have big news to share, but I guess I'll just keep it to myself. Yes, I'm pouting...deal with it.

Combat In The Corn...

2011-01-10T09:56:00.000-06:00

I follow international, independent reporter Michael Yon on Facebook, and he recently posted this video about combat in Afghanistan from the 6o Minutes television program. It was VERY enlightening. The entire video is approximately 13 minutes. I was heartened, though, by the commentary of a young soldier at the very end. When asked by his daughter why he had to leave again, he replied that his goal is to help as many good people as he can, to take out as many bad people as he can, and to make it home with as many of his fellow troops as he can. So, if you don't have time for the whole thing, check out the final five minutes...it's worth your time.

The All-Boy Crew...

2010-12-19T21:19:00.000-06:00

One beautiful, October afternoon, Larry finally warmed up to this crew of boys...and Tehya! Pulling out fence posts with the tractor was the perfect excuse for the kids to be super excited and hangin' around outside. Brian and Jon had come from OKC and my boys had been at the MacSteel picnic all day. We all came together just in time for some super duper good times!

Dear Santa...

2010-12-19T21:04:00.000-06:00

Remember the trampoline incident over the summer? Well, all I've heard since then is how Santa can just bring a new one...right???? After much deliberation, it has been determined that Santa will, indeed, be delivering a new trampoline on Christmas Eve. If only he could also magically set it up...

Mom and Two of Her Girls...

2010-12-19T21:01:00.000-06:00

Just an afternoon in the back yard, hangin' out...

Halloween Fun...

2010-12-19T20:59:00.002-06:00

Social Faux Pas???...

2010-12-19T20:57:00.000-06:00

Eric and I attended our first ever company management Christmas party last week. I was SO nervous...about what to wear, who I would talk to (we are the youngest couple), remembering my manners, etc. As it turns out, all was well. There were plenty of people there that I knew from my time way back in college, working as a summer student at the plant...before I met Eric. It was so good to see everyone and to get to catch up. I made new friends and reconnected with the old...freinds, not people. The steak was tough, but the company was great and we had a good time!

Thanksgiving Get-Together...

2010-12-19T20:53:00.000-06:00

We had such a fantastic Thanksgiving! It was good to see Stacy and Carol and the boys LOVED having them here. Thanks, Mom, so much for snapping this photo of us...we really appreciate it! :0)

A Message From Garrett...

2010-12-19T20:41:00.000-06:00

hhhhhgfjkgniuhgntuihjtfghbjvgghjghjkfhhhhhhhdrtghrtjhgklrhidgrfhgukigtugryhryiyjuifhiurthguifhjkrkuhrgkjn,rgkjihfjdhnjnmfmfesh,skfjh9451122857459*9**-/*--*kgg;toiyhi527cbdghjgifujiky78969j
g

love,
Garrett

Christmas Card Craze...

2010-11-24T15:25:00.000-06:00

Braden actually took the photo of Eric and I for this year's Christmas card. He did a great job!

He's also a major camera ham! I did a whole photo shoot with him. He himself posed all different kinds of ways and just had a ball! When Garrett started whining, Braden was so frustrated

Garrett Jake was not having any part of that green shirt! I asked him to put it on for a quick shot, but he burst into wailing tears anyway. After threats and promises, Eric finally got him to at least stop crying and sort of make a half-way decent face for the photo! Really, it was the promise of having his Wii taken away for yet another week that did it! :0)

"The Mountain..."

2010-11-14T19:00:00.000-06:00

So, Amy and I are here at Mt. Petit Jean again...good food and good teaching fun. If only I weren't ill. I was at the clinic with two antsy boys at 9:00 this morning, dressed and somewhat ready to teach Kid's Own Worship, but suffering from kidney blight. Ugh...my darn kidneys. Anyway, looking forward to all the cool things I'll learn while I'm here, but not looking forward to missing my boys...all three of them! :9) So, greeting to all from "the mountain..."

Ready For Turkey Day, Anyone?????...

2010-11-11T19:23:00.000-06:00

I am SO ready for a break!!!! Life in the world of junior high has been rough lately and I've pretty much had it. Every morning, Garrett wakes up and cries because he has to go to school and I feel the same way much of the time. One of these days, I may just have to give in and stay home with him.

I'm ready for a vistit from Grandma Susie and Aunt Stacy, I'm ready for three days off, I'm ready for no worries, lots of cooking, snacking, watching cartoons, and just hangin' out! I CAN'T WAIT!

TURKEY DAY...GET HERE QUICK!

"I Want Mario..."

2010-10-27T20:38:00.000-05:00

This is Garrett's entry into the preschool pumpkin decorating contest. He started out wanting a "rock star" pumpkin, but decided at the last minute, literally, to have Mario instead. He got to try on his Halloween costume tonight, Mario, and was smitten. So, the pumpkin HAD to be Mario. Quite frankly, I'm suprised it wasn't his first choice! :0)

Falling for Fall...

2010-10-23T22:00:00.000-05:00

Braden, Tyler, Jacob, and Garrett...humoring their mothers and calmly posing (momentarily) at the fall festival a few weeks ago.

Our Little Tiger Cub Scout...

2010-09-23T19:40:00.000-05:00

Garrett's 5th Birthday Sleepover...

2010-08-28T09:35:00.000-05:00

After all we've been through as a family recently, I am just not up to a "friend" (big, expensive, time-consuming) party this year. So, we invited cousins Tyler and Jacob to Chuck E. Cheese instead. We all had a great time! Braden seriously cleaned up on tickets at the Sponge Bob game! Afterwards, we took the kids to Great American Cookie (silly parents). Four little boys in the noisy, echoing halls of the mall...wow...really LOUD! Tyler came for a sleepover, so the boys ate their cookies before moving into the guest room for an all-night movie marathon (yeah, right).

This is what they really looked like...sugar coma!

This is what they morphed into when I forced them to "smile..."

This is what I found at 6:45 this morning...Tyler was in the playroom scouting for more toys to bring to the top bunk. Somewhere between all of this, I had to search out Garrett's allergy meds for Tyler snort because he was completely clogged up and upset, then Tyler and Garrett abandoned the movie idea and left Braden in the room alone to go play Transformers in the boys' bedroom. Braden came to tattle on them some time around 10:30, so I put the two monkeys in bed and took Braden to my room...he instantly fell asleep. I have no clue when Tyler and Garrett passed out, but at 4 this morning, Garrett came to tell me that he couldn't sleep with Tyler who smelled bad (Garrett thinks everyone and everything smells bad...he's so sensitive). So, I put Garrett on the bottom bunk with Braden (who I moved when Garrett came to complain about Tyler) and tucked all 3 sleepy, cranky boys in...praying for them to sleep late. WHATEVER! Eric got them donuts for breakfast and now everyone is playing happily! I'd call it a success, considering it's the very first sleepover any of them have had! Good times, folks...good times!

Braden's Education...

2010-08-28T09:24:00.000-05:00

I opened Braden's school notebook to check out what cool things he'd been writing about...look what I found! Ahem...let me translate: "I love Lily. Lily is hot, hot, hot. Lily is a princess." WOW! On the other hand, check out the capital letters, correct spelling of most words, noun/verb agreement, and proper punctuation! WOW! AND, Lily has green hair...my favorite color...awesome!

Nanny's Birthday Luncheon...

2010-08-28T09:19:00.001-05:00

Who loves his Nanny???

My future staring right back at me...two beautiful ladies.

Garrett Jake...ever the ham!

Brad and Garrett...an unexpected friendship!

Back To The Old Grind...

2010-08-15T17:40:00.000-05:00

Well, Garrett starts back to Pre-K tomorrow in the pirate classroom...he's very excited...ARGH! The total bill, though, for his school supplies was $54! Good thing they provide a tax deduction sheet...can't say the same for the massive amount of supplies I had to purchase for Braden's public school forray into first grade. FOUR boxes of crayons???? Are you kidding me???? I have a sneeking suspicion that I'm providing someone else's kid with crayons...and who knows what else?

While Braden is babysitter bound until school starts on Thursday, I'll be working to be professionally developed...whoopee. You know, I was just thinking, "I need developing, possibly in my profession, this week. Yep, development is the key." Really, I'd rather just get to it with the students. I am pumped, have lots of good ideas, and can't wait to get started!!!

Still feeling well with the pregnancy...no sickness. Although, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to digest just about everything I eat. It tends to stick with me for HOURS. But, when I do get hungry, I feel like I could eat the rear end out of a rhino...as Eric so eloquently puts it! I am not gaining any weight (perhaps it's too early for that), but I am absolute best pals with my treadmill. Should probably still be doing the Slim in Six workouts, but I can't read while I do that. On the treadmill, I'm going through the books like crazy...and I don't want to stop, even when I'm tired, because I'm always at a really good part...so I just keep walking! :0)

We Are Fam-i-ly...

2010-08-11T18:49:00.000-05:00

Freak Storm Destroys Trampoline...

2010-08-01T17:06:00.000-05:00

A very strange and strong-winded storm just blew over the house at about 4:20 this afternoon. I was standing at the sink preparing a mess of peaches for the deep freeze when I happened to look out and see the pouring rain. After running to close the garage, which was taking on some serious water (and on my new desk, I might add), Eric and I stood by the back door marvelling at this sudden display of weather. That's when we also got an eye full of flying trampoline!

It flew across the backyard, becoming lodged on the neighbor's bridge across the creek. The boys were "napping," so they ran in to see what all of our commotion was about. I just said, "You boys might as well come over and look at this." Poor guys...

We retreived it a bit ago, unfolding it from it's mangled position in the creek. As I headed back up to the house with the boys, Braden said "At least Santa has plenty of time to make another one!" How perfectly eloquent...

Cashews...

2010-08-01T16:31:00.000-05:00

'Nuff said...

Caroline Loves Monkeys...

2010-07-29T20:49:00.000-05:00

My good friend, Jennifer, has the cutest and sweetest little tot, Caroline, who is just about to turn two years old. Caroline LOVES monkeys, so I picked up fabric and notions this afternoon to craft Little Miss her very own monkey tote bag!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAROLINE!

NEW DESK...

2010-07-22T11:49:00.000-05:00

Still have a few small items to attend to, like a new drawer lock and touching up paint, but this is basically it!

Random July 4 Photo...

2010-07-18T14:23:00.000-05:00

That's Jake, and no, it's not lit...

Project Update...

2010-07-18T14:04:00.000-05:00

Well, I stayed up LATE working on the first coat of paint for my desk. That magical mixture of both appropriate temperature and humidity came together around nine. So, Eric set up his spotlight for me, but it had to be kept WAY back since it gets so hot...it could literally ignite the vapors! And, you will all be proud to know that I stayed and fought the good fight with two big, hairy spiders (the big-web ones that I can't stand!). One was RED, and the other was black with a huge white spot...but they're both dead now! I win! The "hammered" finish didn't turn out on some parts of the finish, but I'm going to try a second coat this evening...late. At the very least, it's still a cool silvery/black finish and looks amazing compared to what I started with! I am so excited! Basically, $56 worth of spray paint and I've got a new treasure! Awesome!

I Love a Project...

2010-07-17T20:04:00.000-05:00

So, I need a real desk for my classroom...don't ask...it's a public school thing. Anyway, I thought about purchasing a small kitchen table from WM or Target, or maybe even checking out Goodwill. Then it dawned on me...my mother had the greatest desk when we were kids! Many moons ago, when we moved into the "new" house, the desk stayed in the old house since we had a built-in in our new kitchen. So, it's just been sitting in the abandoned house for, like, 25 years!

I realize that there is a LOT of work to do here, but OMG, it's so gonna' be worth it! The brown spots you see are rust damage and it's pretty severe, but nowhere has it eaten all the way through...so, tons of sanding.

It's also missing one drawer, but my mom came up with a great solution...Eric is going to cut a piece of plywood to fit the space, which I'll paint to match, and I'll just use one of my baskets at school to fill the space! Genious! I spent literally four hours this morning sanding and scraping at the rust damage, but it's cleaned up and ready for the Rustoleum...it better block like it says it does!!!

I'm going to use the "hammered" black finish. I used the hammered antique finish on a desk and lamp for Braden's room long ago and I LOVE it, so I'm sure this will be just as wonderful. I can't wait to post the "after" pics...hopefully soon. However, I'm waiting for less than 90 degrees and less than 85% humidity to be able to begin the spray process...wish me luck! :0)

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2010-07-09T10:32:00.000-05:00

Seriously, I NEED the rain to stop. I NEED the beautiful, sunny days to return so I can let the boys outside or take them to the pool! Cabin fever is setting in and all tempers are running short...and Braden thinks he's grown...

Happy Independence Day!...

2010-07-04T13:43:00.000-05:00

1776...234 years ago is not really all that long in the grand scheme of things. Thanks to those who have made our freedom possible over this short span of time. Happy Independence Day, America!

The Great American Summertime Treat...

2010-07-03T12:21:00.000-05:00

Eric's New Smoker...

2010-07-03T12:19:00.000-05:00

Eric's birthday was the day before Father's Day, so he decided he would like to have an electric meat smoker as a combined gift. I couldn't argue with that, seeing as how I LOVE food and smoked meat would be a treat for us all!

The boys were psyched to pose with the box that was bigger than they were. There was talk of putting them both inside and shipping them to Aunt Stacy...suprise!

After all was said and done, Eric proudly cut his first smoked pork ribs...with the rest of us looking on and drooling! The first try was a complete success!

Easter...Can't Believe I Didn't Post These...

2010-07-03T12:12:00.000-05:00

Well, better late than never, I guess...

Reading...a lot...

2010-07-02T18:54:00.000-05:00

I've been reading quite a bit lately, and I just loved The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I wanted to reread Small Town Girl, but remembered I loaned it to Eric's mom...but a worthy trade it was for her book of scintillating short stories. I finished reading Schooled today, but cannot remember the author's name. It's about a brand new "shiny" teacher fresh from the school of education at Columbia University who lands a dream job teaching jr. high English at a Manhattan prep school. After realizing she'll be broke the rest of her life, she begins "tutoring," really doing kids' homework for them, but for the Manhattan social elite, it amounts to $250 an hour...nice supplement to a teacher's stinky salary. She becomes addicted to shopping at Barney's, anything Chanel, and endless trips to Starbucks. It all comes to a breaking point, but will she give up her world in the lap of luxury? Hmmmmm...

That's mostly what I've been up to the last 4-5 days...reading with a sprinkling of laundry/dishes/dinner! :0)

San Antonio Vacation...

2010-07-02T18:48:00.000-05:00

Sea World and Shamu!

Above the Riverwalk after Daddy's birthday dinner...

Finding fossils at the zoo...

Oogling Jimmy Johnson's Lowe's race car in Sea World.

"Milking" the cow at the San Antonio children's museum.

Boys of all ages love to build things...

Blast From the Past...

2010-06-14T13:56:00.002-05:00

I worked up a photo album for my FaceBook page and I just LOVE this photograph! This is my older sister, Vanessa, myself, and our cousin, Kelly. I'm just guessing that this is some time in 1980 or 81. I don't remember it, obviously, but it looks like we're the Three Musketeers...or trouble walking...either way...

Things I Hate...

2010-06-13T09:13:00.004-05:00

People who comment on this blog in a foreign language...
Spiders-big, hairy ones that jump...
Snotty noses...
Cloudy days...
LONG road trips with whiny boys...
Bugs in the swimming pool...
Public toilets at the swimming pool...
Oversleeping...
Public speaking...
New bosses...
Having boys' toys dropped on my bare toes...again...
Being late (my M.O., by the way)...

I think that's it...for now...

Hmmmm...

2010-06-10T19:30:00.002-05:00

What to write, what to write? So much turmoil going on in my professional life that I wouldn't even know where to begin. Just pray for me because upheaval has run amock and everything is helter skelter. I don't like not knowing what's going on or what's going to happen next...

The boys are almost through with swim lessons for this summer. Braden is swimming like a fish and Garrett is still struggling. We'll just have to work on that during our visits to Eastgate.

The boys fight all the time, like all brothers do, I guess. It's driving me crazy that they can't get along. Now I know how my mom felt all those years ago...definitely paying for my raising here!

Ready for Sea World and the Alamo. This will be our first actual vacation since the boys were born. We are all looking forward to fun, sun, and new experiences!

Grandmothers...

2010-06-06T13:32:00.002-05:00

I've recently been contemplating the importance of grandmothers in general in a child's life. My own grandmothers, Nanny and Grandma, were (and still are) amazing! Having Nanny right next door my entire childhood was awesome. I remember peanut butter and jelly sandwiches after school, BBQ or brown bean impromptu dinners, summer in the garden, melting Hershey Kisses on her wood stove in the winter, and riding in her vehicle listening to the Dolly Parton cassette...thus my love for Dolly. Grandma used to pick me up from 1/2 day kindergarten. I'd go to her house and play for the rest of the afternoon...fun! I remember funny smelling well water (good stuff), Little Debbie snack cakes, frozen Cool Whip, swinging on the fence gate, haunting the barns, and skirting around the pond. What wonderful impacts these women have had on my upbringing. And they are the source of some of my fondest memories.

Now, with my own children, they still play such a huge role. My boys get so excited when they hear we're going to Nanny or Grandma's house, or that perhaps Nanny is coming over for a BBQ...with all of the cousins of course! Because of the unfortunate hand that fate has delt our family, the grandmothers have become that much more important for Braden and Garrett. There are still plenty of Little Debbie cakes and gates to swing on at Grandma's and Nanny still puts up with squirrely kid behavior from two boys.

And then there's Nana...my mom always has a treat and a hug for these boys. They love to attack the toy room at her house and drag out all sorts of baby toys, pretending they still need that sort of entertainment. She has the patience of Job when the boys argue over turns on her computer and she inevitably gets sucked into stacking games, etc. on the Lego website. Unfortunately, Grandma Susie is far, far away. But, the boys do give in from time to time and chew her ear off over the long distance lines. They love to entertain her now and then with the everday nonsense that goes on around here.

It's the little, everyday things that make the difference in the lives of grandkids. I have been deeply impacted by my own grandmothers, as my children are deeply impacted by theirs. So, to our grandmothers, we love you and thank you for your amazing presence in our lives! I'll close with a few quotes, just to show how much we love you.

A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.
-Anonymous
A grandmother is a mother who has a second chance.
-Anonymous
A house needs a grandma in it.
-Louisa May Alcott
Grandma serves kisses, counsel, and cookies daily.
-Anonymous
Perfect love sometimes does not come til the first grandchild.
-Welsh proverb
A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween.
-Erma Bombeck
Grandmas don't just say "that's nice"--they reel back and roll their eyes and throw their heads back and smile. You get your moneys worth out of grandmas!
-Anonymous

Atlanta Presentation Photo...

2010-06-04T17:02:00.003-05:00

I promised photos, but this is the only one I have access to right now. The rest are on my school computer and it's possessed by the devil at the time being...they'll have to wait. I was, and still am, so proud of the focus team for this presentation. I conquered my fear of public speaking, but it was mucho easier with these ladies by my side. They will be presenting essentially the same program at the High Schools That Work conference in KY in July...minus me. They'll do great!

Summer Swim Fun...

2010-06-04T16:28:00.005-05:00

Garrett and my friend's little girl, Caroline, had such a great time at the pool! He is so sweet and gentle with little kids...suprising considering the rest of the time he's like a bull in a china closet! Garrett and Braden both acted like they'd never had a swim lesson in their lives this first time out for the season. I guess it's true what they say...use it or lose it. Garrett looks like he's going under...poor baby...

Braden and Garrett were fascinated with Caroline's ducky float. Braden said later that he wanted one just like it. I kindly reminded him that I'm paying for swim lessons so they won't have to use floaties!

Braden really is just a little fish...could barely keep him out of the water! He also took a hand at designing his own photo this time around. What do ya' think? Not bad for a beginner. He's not proud or anything, what with that crown and all...

Hello, Summer!

2010-06-01T09:47:00.002-05:00

Summer vacation is finally here!!!! AND, we began this morning with me cleaning the shower (fun, right?), Braden gagging on his cough (sick again), and Garrett throwing one heck of a fit. On top of all that righteous fun, I'm sick, too...thanks Braden. If this is any indication of how the rest of the day, much less the summer, is going to go , we're in for a real treat, so to speak...

Later today, we have swim lessons with Coach Bullock and t-ball in the evening. I'll be happy when my new swimsuit arrives in the mail so I can show my face at the public pool. If you've seen me whining on facebook for a pool, I've been told no...and to renew my membership at Eastgate. So be it...

Miranda Lambert is My New Hero...Well, Is Still My Hero...

2010-05-22T23:05:00.005-05:00

Ok, the concert was FANTASTIC!!!!! Any gal who can belt a song the way she does is tops in my book, not to mention she's not just another pretty face...she rocks! Miranda Lambert is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll!

And, it has to be said, that she is a role model for all women of any age. My favorite part of the entire concert was when she told all the ladies to "Drive what your momma gave ya'!" Miranda is no size zero waif, awaiting a brisk breeze to whisk her off stage. She prided herself several times for the fact that she loves potatos and gravy, chicken and biscuits. Girls, we do not have to be tiny to be beautiful, successful, happy people...thanks Miranda!

What's more, she's in love with an Okie...and it just doesn't get any better than that! (I should know...have had thirty years of first hand experience!) I guess there's something to be said for those southern Illinois, Madison county boys as well...

Eric and I had a wonderful time just hanging out, singing along with our favorite Miranda songs, and just basking in one another's kid-free company. Then, during the encore, ML breaks out the classic 80's rock song..."I Love Rock 'N Roll!" AWESOME!

It's Happening Again...

2010-05-18T21:55:00.002-05:00

Wow...Eric's little venture into the bold new world of traveling all the time for work is catching up with us again. We survived April (barely) and the dual parent travel back and forth from one week to the next. June will see a halt to the travel (except for vacation) only to pick up again in July. This time, though, we would have been gone the same four day stretch...but, alas, it just wasn't meant to be. I will have to gracefully bow out of the KJH stellar school reform presentation to be given in Louisville, Kentucky. Like I said, it just wasn't meant to be. That's okay , though, 'cause I got my kids...I got 'em...

I'm the parent, that's my job...I got it...

Grandma Susie Comes For a Visit...

2010-05-15T20:23:00.002-05:00

Hey, guys, can I play, too?

I don't think Grandma Susie knew when this game started that it IS possible to cheat at Candy Land...of course my boys know how. They change the rules as they go...

SUGAR SHACK, BABY...

2010-05-11T17:09:00.003-05:00

Had our maiden voyage to the Sugar Shack for our very first snow cone of the season! Wahoo! What a way to celebrate kids being on "green" with no time-outs! So impressive after getting multiple phone calls from Braden's teacher last week...during my classes!

To the Japanese Character Person...

2010-05-11T17:06:00.002-05:00

I'm totally flattered that you like my page, really...BUT, I don't know who you are, where you are from, how you found me, or why all of your writing leads to "skin." If you like other people's wit and wisdom so darn much, then create a non-skin related account for yourself so other folks (ME) won't be creeped out every time you comment! I mean, really? Seriously...

Things That Bug Me...

2010-05-05T20:17:00.003-05:00

1. If you only "comment" on this blog (in Japanese characters) so that your stupid skin site will eventually show up, STOP IT! Clearly, this is a family site and you are not welcome here!

2. Looking to have my fourth boss in the last nine years...there is seriously something wrong with that. Why doesn't anybody love us as much as we love ourselves? (in a good way) Actually, it reminds me of all those band directors we had in quick succession in high school...

3. Being on antibiotics and needing a good stiff drink at the same time...rats!

4. People who don't do their job...'nuff said.

5. Nashville, the home of my beloved country music, under water.

6. Braden on yellow, orange, or (God forbid) RED again!

7. Not being able to whirl in circles under the canopy of pecan trees...used to always do that as a kid as soon as the leaves all came back on the trees.

8. Insufficient child care...Virginia could have been so much fun for two overworked parentals.

9. Being tired all the time.

10. Whining children, both at home and at school...although none at school have ever hit me...can't say the same for my own.

11. Ladies putting makeup on using the mirror on the back of their car visor while attempting to drive. Hello! Dangerous! Duh!

12. Icing on my lip at the party tonight and the hubby didn't even tell me.

13. My internet order that's taking longer to get here than next Christmas!

14. Failing students who NOW want to know what they can do to pass my class...like it's not just a few weeks until the end of the year. They are the same ones who haven't hit a lick ALL year!

15. My son turning off the computer in the middle of my blog session...just now...

Well, I guess that's about it. Feels good to vent.

Size 13...Incoming...

2010-04-30T18:59:00.002-05:00

Today, I brought home huge pieces of left-over Confectionately Yours cake from our annual National Junior Honor Society induction. Jen had carefully carved and covered them for me, and she even helped carry them to my truck in the rain. We put them in the back floorboard so they wouldn't slide around. When I picked Garrett up, we were so careful to avoid the floor, me lifting all 52 pounds of him straight into the car seat. BUT...

When we pulled in the driveway, I stupidly asked "Who wants to help mom bring in the trash can?" "I do, I do," my little darlings screamed. And that was that. Garrett came out of his seat and planted each foot right smack dab in the middle of both pieces of cake!

At first I was furious. I mean, hello...this is Confectionately Yours we're talkin' about here! Seriously! Then, he looked up at me with those baby blues of his, tears streaming down his pudgy cheeks, and I melted. I picked him up, hugged him close, and just promised him it was okay. The whole time, he continuously assured me it was "just an accident." Poor baby...he doesn't even like cake (I know, weird huh?), but he was so upset. Now, just peeling the foil off and surveying the damage, I just laugh. Look at those big ol' size 13 smoosh prints...

If It Weren't For Rotten Luck...

2010-04-30T17:35:00.005-05:00

Things that have happened to me/us while Eric has been in Spain:
Sports schedule:
t-ball Monday, Thursday, Saturday
soccer Monday, Wednesday
(notice the overlap on Monday...and only one parent...thank goodness for Nana!)

Deep freeze door left ajar by a small person looking for popsicles...hundreds of dollars worth of food spoiled. Had to cook seven pounds of ground beef, package of Polish sausage, and give away LOTS of food to family, which was fine. At least someone could use it.

Kidney infection discovered at soccer field...clinic...'nuff said (again, thanks Nana!)

Braden pulled red card and I received phone call from his teacher during my own class. Very surreal to be on the other side of the "behavior" phone call.

Garrett lost his mind EVERY morning, kicking, screaming, crying, snot flying...and he said he wished I wasn't his mommy...that hurt...

SPICE teacher called after school to let me know Braden had been trading blows with a first grader (hitting one another with backpacks) when the other kid whipped out his lunch box, hitting Braden below his left eye with the zipper pull. Chunk of skin missing, puffy eye developing.

Had to resort to getting the kids' hair cut by Matt (thanks Uncle Matt) and now they lovingly refer to themselves as soldiers...yep, it's that short...

To top it all off, I've lost my mascara AND had to carry out the trash in the rain this morning, thereby causing a horrible hair day all day...ick...

WELCOME HOME, ERIC! WE HAVE MISSED YOU!

Country Boys...

2010-04-25T18:09:00.002-05:00

I just love these little guys so much! They are definitely a hoot to hang out with and you just never know what they'll think of next! Each of them got a John Deere hat at the lawn and garden show a few weeks ago and they adore them! When Braden first saw the hats, he said "Look, it's just like Papaw's!" And he's right...

The boys were getting ready for showers after helping in the yard. They were taking off their filthy clothes in the laundry room when I looked up and saw Braden, first, naked with a John Deere hat and sound-proof earmuffs on! Of course, if Braden did it, Garrett had to, too!

Boys Will Be Boys...

2010-04-24T16:58:00.002-05:00

It all began so simply...a mother and her two sons, out for a leisurely stroll, looking for tadpoles and the elusive turtle...

AND THEN...
This is Braden running full blast through the deep water that has collected in the ditch in front of our house.

Once they were already wet, I just caved and let them play. Look at their faces...could you be angry? I couldn't...no way!

I'm positive the neighbor must have been freaking out when she drove by and saw me kneeling in the ditch in my front yard, snapping pictures of these wild and crazy boys as they went for a swim with the tadpoles.

These are the things they'll remember forever, and so will I...

Garrett's Flashback to the 70's...

2010-04-24T10:16:00.002-05:00

The preschool spring program was last night and Garrett's class only had one performance for only their class (which was disappointing...other classes had at least two), but OH, what a performance this child put on! Above, he was gettin' down to "YMCA!"

Here, he is playing air guitar...and doing quite well, I might add! Garrett's tendency at the programs has been to stand very still, stare out into the crowd (frantically searching for Mom), and simply not participate. Imagine my suprise when he jumped up on stage and began shakin' his booty...literally! He was so cute!

I also noted that he is heads and tails taller than all of his classmates, except Mason. Garrett and Mason both look like they should have been in kindergarten this year! Speaking of kindergarten, it's official. Garrett will be in preschool again next year. Kindergarten registration info. came home in Braden's folder this week and it stated that the child MUST be 5 by August 15...poor baby...15 days. However, he is going to ROCK the preK class next year! He was reading cartoon words on Max and Ruby this morning, so I'm not worried.

As a side note, Atlanta was wonderful and the presentation kicked tail! The Kimmons Jr. High Focus Team was articulate, purposeful, and simply amazing! Hopefully I'll have some pics soon. I refused to take my Nikon and Braden broke my Sony pocket cam two years ago...will have to see if one of my gal pals will hook me up with copies! Anyway, faced two of my all time fears on that trip...flying and public speaking. Just wish it had cured me...

Just a Really Nice Weekend...

2010-04-11T21:59:00.002-05:00

We got up early for Braden's soccer game Saturday morning, which they won, and we were so proud that he scored two goals! Afterward, Eric realized we had to pick up his rental van for the trip by noon, so we sped around town to take care of that little chore. Then, we came home and Eric began spraying weed killer all over our two-and-a-half acre lawn...he wasn't paying attention, crossed a couple of wires, and burned them out...had to go to Atwood's to replace.

By this time, I had cleaned inside and headed out of doors to give a futile attempt at weeding my front landscaping...what a MESS! About the time the boys were ready to leave for PNO, Eric was ready for me to help him drive the Dixie Chopper while he sprayed...but that had to wait for the kiddos to be dropped at church. We finished the yard around 8...big time fun for a Saturday night, right? Well, it was just nice to be outside in the fresh air and enjoy each other's company!

Church this morning, lunch at Outback, homemade pizza for dinner, and bike-riding this evening. All in all, seriously, just a relaxing, but productive, weekend. Now, Arkansas state benchmark testing this week for my students...seriously, say a prayer for both the students and myself. There is NO FUN in walking around someone else's classroom with a room full of students who are not my own, just pacing around the room "monitoring" for four hours a day...ick!

Oh, This Wind...

2010-04-07T21:24:00.002-05:00

Honestly, the weather has GOT to figure itself out...and soon! It was a gorgeous afternoon for Garrett's t-ball practice when, all of a sudden, this nasty, gusty wind came out of nowhere and just would not go away! It was freezing! All of the little preK kiddos were whining and crying...and so were their mommies and daddies! A bunch of us finally huddled inside the dugout, having searched out a safe hiding spot from the wind. Braden looked like a little turtle huddled with arms inside his T-shirt...

Not much to report otherwise...except that I totally fell on my behind at Braden's soccer game Monday! THERE I WAS...

A kid skillfully kicked the ball out of bounds so the other team couldn't get their shot at the goal, and it rolled right to me, bouncing slightly off the toe of my high-heeled sandal. Being the gracious and kind person that I am, I thought I'd just kick it gently back to the coach so he could snatch it up, throw it in, and yell "BALL IN!" But, alas, it was not meant to be. You know those people who just have weird things that happen to them ALL THE TIME? That's ME!!! So, I gingerly lifted my sandaled foot to kick the ball with genteel precision, WHEN...

my foot landed with an unlady-like thud against the ball, throwing me off balance, and finally rolling out from under my foot alltogether, the whole miserable scene's grand finale being me-on the ground-laughing hysterically in order to not cry hysterically!!!! I wasn't hurt in the least. Well, maybe my pride, but I just looked up at my mom (who, by the way, was definitely laughing at me) and begged her to help me up. As for the rest of the crowd, I don't think too many people saw it. They were all too busy staring, mouths agape, at the little Hispanic girl who was scoring goals every other minute, sometimes more. Needless to say, we lost...

Happy Easter from the Springs'...

2010-04-05T21:03:00.002-05:00

We attended FOUR egg hunts over the Easter weekend: One with Garrett's preschool class at the park, one at the Eagles lodge, one at church, and one at my dad's house (which went quite well actually, for those of you familiar with that back story).

This is us gathered at the Eagles lodge egg hunt that my mom and Larry invited us to. It was indoor, which was great since it poured rain on Friday evening. There were tons of treats and eggs to go around and the kids all won Easter buckets full of more prizes!

Here's Mom helping her little guys open all of their treat eggs...

And, well, you know Braden...any chance to show out in front of the camera...and his Nanna...

*Braden's just been gaga over his Nanna ever since she babysat him all day the Friday before spring break. They spent the whole day together, just the two of them, and it's all he ever really talks about now. "Me and Nanna" this, and "Me and Nanna" that...very sweet!

Bubble Fun...

2010-04-03T14:19:00.001-05:00

Really, the photos speak for themselves...

Eric's Knee Surgery...

2010-04-02T14:48:00.002-05:00

So, Eric had his knee scoped on Wednesday. It was all pretty quick and uneventful at the hospital, but I was glad to be there...beats work any day! He was a trooper, said he wasn't nervous or anything, and it was all like clock work. I do have to admit, though, that I was feeling seriously nauseated when the surgeon was explaining the procedures and findings while showing me color photos of the inside of Eric's knee area. Ick! Afterwards, Eric was snarfing saltines and a soda and we made a pit stop at Chik-fil-A on the way home since we were both starving!

I did feel completely useless, until the nurse reminded me that he could not drive while taking pain meds. That being said, I've been the sole chauffeur for the fam going on three days now. I'm not used to doing all the driving! In fact, we were late getting started to the park for Garrett's preK egg hunt this morning and I had planned to put on my makeup on the way. Guess what? I had to drive and so looked like an idiot putting on makeup at the speed of light at every stop light!

At this point, we are waiting out a seriously heavy thunder shower, trying to make a break for Wal-Mart...pantry's gettin' bare on staples!

Spring Break Beginning...

2010-03-31T15:25:00.002-05:00

Just ran across the snow pics from the beginning of our spring break last week. They are so cute I just had to share! The boys were very excited, obviously, and this was definitely the biggest snow of the season...even though it was the first day of spring!

Just look at Garrett...he's had BIG plans for that snowball!

Braden's no better...scheming against his mother. Only the fact that I had my camera in hand saved me from this massive snowball!

Like father, like son...those boys didn't stand a chance! Look at the size of this one! "No mercy for the wicked..."

Eric's facial expression reminds me of the Scottish warriors on Braveheart...just before turning their rumps to the enemy and mooning them! I guess it was a battle of sorts, there in the snowy spring afternoon. Everyone had a marvelous time, but I can only imagine what the neighbors must have thought as our boys sank up to their knees in snow and the parental units encouraged the heaving of snow weapons. It really was all fun and games until Braden snuck up behind me and shoved snow down my pants...

Garrett LUVS Him Some T-Ball...

2010-03-30T22:23:00.004-05:00

Garrett Jake has taken to t-ball in some kind of fantastic way that Braden never did...as they say, "To each his own!" Here's our cutie at his very first practice.

Yep, he's a southpaw...lefty...gets so frustrated that he can't do it just like the other boys!

Garrett is Daddy's boy through and through. Having Eric there to help out makes it so nice for everyone...and it's just so sweet to be there and see father and son together. It makes for a proud Mamma!

The years are flying by and our boys are growing up so quickly! I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband to share these times with. I wouldn't miss this for anything! I wonder if all mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers feel the same way? Do they all treasure life's little wonders as much as I do, or am I just sappy? These are not times to be missed, folks...good times, good times...

Hi, Nanny!...

2010-03-29T22:17:00.002-05:00

Nanny has told me several times that she checks my blog page each evening before going to bed...I'm sure what with my hiatus over spring break it's been dull and disappointing. Sorry!

I stayed up late every night of the break reading novels. I read Dear John by Nicholas Sparks and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Both were WONDERFUL! Redeeming Love is a Biblically based novel, roughly based on the text of Hosea and Song of Solomon...good stuff! I highly recommend both!

So, Nanny, this one's for you. Happy reading, good night, and I love you!

Oh, and Braden picked up a free John Deere hat from the Spider Webb booth at the lawn and garden show over the weekend. As soon as he saw it, he said "It's just like Papaw's!" What a sweet boy...he does remember!

Finally...A Sport Braden Likes...

2010-03-29T22:08:00.004-05:00

After all the drama last spring with Braden and t-ball (tears, snot, the works...), we are so pleased that he has really taken to soccer! Granted, I know nothing about soccer, but Eric used to play and has grand plans for Braden and his lightning-fast feet...too bad Eric's knee surgery Wednesday will hamper the lessons planned. Guess I'll have to step in and take direction from "coach" and pass them on to Braden in the form of at-home practice. This is beginning to sound a little too much like exercise to me, but I'm sure I'll manage somehow.

Braden's very first game was tonight (after only a single practice) and he scored twice! He was very timid at first, most likely because he was clearly the biggest kid on the field and acted like he was going to break the others if he got near them. But, after that first goal, there was no stopping him! Way to go, Braden Riley!

More Gifts for the Babies...

2010-03-21T09:10:00.002-05:00

Two ladies at work are due to have babies very soon...just a day apart! Their shower was last Tuesday, and I had to miss it in order to get to Braden's P/T conference across town. Because I am a born procrastinator, I put off these projects until Monday night...getting home late AND forgetting that I had wisely washed the items first, but had unwisely forgotten to get them in the dryer before leaving for work. SO...I didn't even get to start until around ninish because my dryer is SLOW!

I finished aroun 1:30 am...two broken needles, an issue with the bobbin, countless thread breakage, and I honestly sewed in the final stitches just as the bobbin ran out of thread...whew, close call. I was NOT about to start the bobbin winding process at 1:30 in the morning!

They turned out pretty cute, albeit a simple design...but there's nothing simple about pinning and stitching in the wee hours of the morning!