We're Baaaaaaaack...

It's been a LLLLLLLOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNGGGGG time since The Springs' have made an appearance at their "spot," but we're officially back! (Hey, how 'bout that Epcot pic, huh? Huh? Awesome trip! We had a blast and baby Ethan (4 mos.) was every mommy's dream come true...not a bit of trouble, even on the plane!)

With Ethan's birth and the swirl of whooshing time that I was actually off of work and Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year's Day and all of that now in the past, it's time to pick up where we left off. T-ball season is looming in the very near future for Garrett, and Eric has decided to coach a team for St. Paul again this year. Braden is LOVING Cub Scouts still, and is psyched to try and defend his pinewood derby racecar title again this year. Ethan is HUGE, now 21.5 pounds at seven months, and he is currently sick as a dog, so to speak. Poor dear has double ear infection and is on his third (yes, THIRD) type of antibiotic to kick the ear and respiratory infections in the tail! Let's hope this one works. Add to that the regimen of steroids and bronchial dialator...well...he's all doped up all the time! But, in a good way!

Working for a living stinks, let's just face it. Going back this time was extremely difficult, to say the very least. I really like my students this year, but leaving Ethan and the super cool routine we had going back in the late summer/early fall was terrible! Eric told me last week that I have a way with words and should write a book of vignettes about our life at home with three boys, and maybe throw in some stuff about school. Not sure anyone would go for that, but it was tempting...anything to be able to work from home!

With Ethan not sleeping much at night, time is a precious commodity around here right now, so I'm cuttin' it short for now. I'm super excited, though, to be back into this blogging thingy!
Sam Springs out...PEACE!

Great American Pastime...

*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...

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!

The Toof Fairy...

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...

Braden's Big Win...

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)

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

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!

Freak Storm Destroys Trampoline...

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...

NEW DESK...

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

White Christmas...Everyone Else Posted One, Why Not Me?

Sunrise into our valley on Christmas morning. You can just see the golden rays of sun touching the tips of the treetops midphoto. This was the chilly view from my front porch.

Looking towards the cul-de-sac, the sun finally rises over the brim of the mountain...hill...whatever that is over there...

You can see the outline of the creek running into the edge of our backyard. Don't you think sepia makes it look like a Christmas card?

Uncle Mike made us this light-up Rudy long ago. He's a sturdy one, what with the snow dusting his nose

This is the barn on the farm that is on the other side of the backyard fence. I bet those cows think it's February with all the snow...it NEVER snows here in December!

Christmas Card Preview...

This is your official preview of the Springs family Christmas card, 2009! Many thanks to Michelle, for your patience with all of us, especially Garrett who only wanted to stick out his tongue and cross his eyes! We appreciate your willingness to help!

I Won!...

Look what I won! There was a give away on Sew Cute Shop last week and I WON! I never, ever win anything! These are the little woot woots and they are mine! All of you know that my new (well, now just all time) favorite place is the Sew Cute Shop at Etsy. This is why! And, yes, that's Amy Butler fabric!

My Roses...

Well, the flowers were delivered promptly on Wednesday morning...but I can't tell that there was anything "extra" added to the bouquet. Nonetheless, I was astounded when I saw them! Then I read the card...

"Ten yellow roses for our years of friendship, eight red roses for our years of marriage, and two orange roses for our wonderful boys."

If I weren't such a cold, heartless, shell of a woman, I might have cried...well, there was a bit of a tear that sort of moistened the corner of one eye. Maybe I'm human after all...

Honestly, I was touched and couldn't believe that the man who has always said that flowers are a waste of money actually sent me this amazing arrangement of floral beauty! He really pulled it off this time. Happy anniversary, Eric, and here's hoping that we have many, many more!

My New Love...

BIG news all...I have a new love. NO, not lovER...a new love, passion, hobby. I am totally into sewing! I don't know how all of this is going to work out since I'm mathematically challenged and all, but I am going to give it my best shot.

My new favorite spot for sew cool sewing projects and inspiration is the sewcuteshop! You have to check it out! There is an awesome give away going on over there right now for the most darling Cat in the Hat dress (little girl) or top (big girl). So, head on over to the Sew Cute Shop at www.sewcuteshop.typepad.com. Good luck! :0)

My "Big" Sister is Finally Stateside...

I am the middle child...enough said, right? Anyway, my big Air Force, butt-kickin', tough yet feminine sister just arrived "home" from a LLLLOOONNNNNGGG station in Japan...yearssssss, in fact. She is now stationed at Tinker Air Base in Oklahoma City, much closer than the other side of the dang world!

Last night, on the 4th, the day of our literal and metaphorical independence, most of my extended family joined us at our "estate" (long story) in the booming metropolis of B, Arkansas. We let loose, let the kids have fun on the slippin' slide (another post for another time), and posed for some fun pics. Enjoy...


SEE WHY SHE'S MY "BIG" SISTER? THAT'S HER ON THE LEFT...NO, NO, YOUR LEFT, SILLY! WOW...I LOOK REALLY TALL...

WE MAKES OUR MOMMA PROUD...NUTTIN' FINER IN ALL OF OKLAHOMA. SWEAR, THIS GIVES THE STATE A BAD NAME, BUT WE HAD FUN!

BIG DADDY GETS IN ON THE ACTION...

THIS IS MY BROTHER-IN-LAW, DAVID, WHOM I HAD NEVER MET UNTIL LAST EVENING. HE SAYS HE'S SHY, SO I ASSURED HIM I AM AS WELL. THOSE OF YOU WHO KNOW ME BEST KNOW THAT I AM IN FACT SHY...UNTIL I GET WARMED UP...HONESTLY, IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG TO WARM UP TO DAVID. HE'S A GENUINELY NICE GUY, DOTING FATHER, AND I DID NOTICE THAT HE OFFERED TO GET MY SISTER ANYTHING SHE NEEDED OR HELP IN ANY WAY. LET ME TELL YA'...THAT'S THE SIGN OF A REAL MAN! DAVID, WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!

DID I ZOOM IN ON MATT AND ERICA TOO MUCH? THEY WERE JUST SO CUTE, I WANTED A CLOSE-UP!

You can all thank me later for doctoring all of our photos at picnik.com! They help us look amazing, don't you think?

My Handsome Husband...

Eric in a sport coat and tie...who knew? This IS BIG NEWS!

Last Wednesday, Eric had to leave the t-ball coaching to David & co. while he attended a metal makers guild meeting. For this auspicious occasion, he was required to wear a coat and tie. SSSSSOOOO...Tuesday, we met him at the mall for lunch, scarfed Geno's, and raced to JCPenney in search of something suitable and affordable. NO LUCK! There was nothing there that would fit Eric, my very own poster boy for the "big and tall male." Disillusioned and completely unsatisfied, we powerwalked down to Dillard's men's store and found not only what we were looking for, but a very knowledgeable and friendly salesman...unlike the "child" working at THAT OTHER STORE. Within minutes, we had a very nice sport coat and ultra cool tie in hand. Now, that tie by itself cost more than I've spent on a single pair of shoes in quite some time...but, he'll not have another one in, like, twenty years, so I insisted we get one that I'm not embarrassed to be seen with him wearing! :0)

I was so proud of the dashing image he protrayed dressed in these classy duds, that I just HAD to do a photo shoot! Now, we all know Eric was not game for this; however, he posed like a pro because he loves me. Remember that Valentine's Day post where I whined and complained that he did nothing? Well folks, let me just say that posing for my little whimsical photo shoot spoke volumes...way more than flowers or candy ever could. He looks quite dashing, don't you think?

SO MUCH HAPPENING...

Eric and I closed on the house Friday! We are expecting a phone call this evening to go meet with the FORMER owner and get the DL on how to work the sprinkler and alarm systems, etc.

We ventured out with the boys in the terrible weather yesterday to purchase goods for our new home. We are moving our old skinny kitchen set to the "study" for a computer and work area. We ordered a new custom counter height kitchen set with bar stool seating from WoodCo in VanBuren. We will use most of our old kitchen bar stools at the actual bar area in the kitchen...I'm already planning to custom create cushions and whatnot to decorate their dreary old selves! Also, we finally decided to go with Ashley bedroom and living room furniture...can't really afford much else and it's pretty. Will place order this week. And, to top it all off, we ordered our new stainless dishwasher to replace the highly questionable one that nearly cost us the house in the first place! SSSSSOOOOO...I took the boys to Lowe's Thursday and let them pick paint colors for their room and their bathroom. Red (Cardinal) for the baseball bedroom and blue for their Cars bathroom. I hope it turns out the way I've pictured. If not, paint is relatively cheap and I don't mind the work! :0)

This week, I've been obsessing over a new blog I found called the nester, or something like that. Her motto is that it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful, and I plan to use her decorating style in the new house...hope it works as wonderfully as I picture it!

Back to the old grind tomorrow. I can't stand that I still have two more months at KJH! I want school to be over so I can spend more time crafting, creating, and decorating!

Making an Offer...

Yes, folks, you read correctly...this is it! Eric and I went to see the house for a second time this morning, no children to distract us, and we loved it even more than the first time! There are plenty of little things that need our attention, but nothing major...well, except that pesky little problem of needing to refinish ALL of the cabinetry in the kitchen, baths, and laundry room. Other than that, it's a great place with minor issues! Again, it is a gorgeous 2,700 square foot home on three acres, nestled tidily between two "mountains..." more like hills really, but who's gonna' notice or care? There is a small creek running on the back side of the property and the neighbor on the back side has a small cattle operation...mooing and poo smell...just like when I was a kid! Ahhhhh!

I am a little concerned, however, about the new places I've spotted for spiders to weave their nasty webs of deception. You may wonder what in the world I'm talking about...it's those HUGE spiders that build their webs from the corner of a home's roof all the way down to the ground, sprawling and spreading out like the whole of a person's porch or driveway is theirs for the lounging. Then, unsuspecting children (or not-cautious-enough adults) amble through the spider's newly-claimed territory and BAM! Next thing you know, you're flailing and swinging arms about, clawing at the sticky web now seemingly permanently attached to your face and body, praying that the hairy monster somehow managed to crawl away...or get smashed in the flailing. Oh, well, at least that's how it goes whenever I go outside in the dark of summer evenings. Seriously, I have a standing rule...never go outside after dark in the spring, summer, or fall...spiders. ICK!

I'm thinking that I may have to do some serious investigating about irradicating arachnids because when I looked out across the beautiful property this morning, I was thinking what a splendid view it had, and would love to sit on the porch, sipping cocoa, taking it all in. And that's when the spider thoughts came creeping in...no pun intended. I want to be able to enjoy what's around me...not just hide out inside for fear of God's hateful, awful- though mosquito-eating- creepy, crawly creatures.
A can of Raid and a baseball bat will be a good start, but I may need something more powerful and permanent!

Anyway, wish us luck and continue to pray. We have to negotiate an acceptable price...their asking price just ain't gonna' cut it! We hope to close by the end of March and do some repairs before moving in April...