One last hunting post for this season

Well Grant ended the hunting season one-up on Mac. Mac hunted his little heart out the last few days of the season to no avail. I think the deer get smart toward the end of the season.

Not all of them, though. Oh no. Not the one Grant shot. He was, well... let's just say he was special.

A friend of Chris', Steve, invited Chris to take Grant hunting on his property. He said he had been seeing an 8 point in the field that would be a good deer for Grant. Well Grant didn't get the chance to shoot that deer, but he did bag a 9-point.

Wouldn't you know I cut the deer's head out of this picture.
Oh well, it shows the most important part. 

And not just any 9-point I tell you. This deer was a dwarf. I kid you not. A dwarf deer. Apparently they're very rare. Ya think!?! It only weighed about 110 lbs. It was 5-6 years old. It had short stumpy legs (I'm laughing as I type this), as well as a short face. He was also missing most of his teeth - didn't realize Elmore County produced redneck deer too. HA!

Dwarf or not you couldn't tell it by the horns. Grant was one happy hunter (and Chris was a proud papa), and we can't wait for Granddaddy to work his magic on a mount.

Speaking of mounts, Grant also killed a five-point earlier in the season. Jack the Taxidermist brought the finished product over this past week.

I think we're going to need to turn the play room into a trophy room before too long.

More so than trophies on the wall, what I love about the hunting season is the time Chris and the boys spend together. However, I would be lying if I didn't admit I'm glad it's over for now. It's nice to have my guys home in the afternoons. Not to mention I got my chef back. :)

One more thing so I don't forget it.

Grant has been sick this week. When I picked him up Monday from school the moment I saw him I knew he had fever. He missed school Tuesday. He toughed it out yesterday since he woke up without fever but went to bed early last night.

Back to Tuesday. Reid woke up fine and dandy Tuesday morning but as soon as he found out Grant was staying home from school he tried everything in the book to stay home as well. However, it's tax time so there was no way I could get any work done with two of them at home. He tried it all from my stomach hurts to my head hurts to I don't feel good to I feel like I have fever, etc., etc., etc. None of those worked so in a last ditch effort to tug on the ol' heartstrings he said, "But momma, my heart hurts when I don't stay home with you."

Good try, Turbo. It almost worked.

Hard to resist that :)

The Big Weekend: Part 2

Remember the Part 1 post a couple of months back? Well here is Part 2 of that weekend. Better late than never. 

My boys also had a big day the Saturday of B's birthday weekend. A while back my Uncle Kenneth (a/k/a Uncle Stinky - and no, he doesn't stink) texted me asking if he could take Grant to Auburn's homecoming. Kenneth took me to my first Auburn football game so I thought it would be super special if he could take Grant to his first as well. I knew how much Professor would appreciate it. However, I was a bit torn because I knew Mac wouldn't understand. He bleeds orange and blue. He would be devastated to know Grant was going and he wasn't. I didn't immediately respond and instead called Rachel to seek some advice. In true RaRa fashion Martha said, "I'm taking the girls so I'll just get an extra ticket and take my Baby Love with me."

So it was done. Both Grant and Mac would have their first Auburn football experience with two of the biggest Auburn fans on the planet. Perfect!

Well almost.

What about Reid?

Initially I planned on letting him hang with us girls but not only did I not want to take away from Bethany I also wanted him to have a special day. Meems to the rescue. And let me tell you, he thought he was big stuff having Mimi all to himself to do whatever his heart desired. Leading up to that day, every time Grant and Mac would talk about going to the game Reid would follow with, "YEAH, but I get to stay with Mimi ALL by myself." :)

It was an early kickoff that day which meant they would all be leaving before the chickens even woke up. Being that I was going to be in Decatur until late Friday night, mom and dad kept the boys for me. It worked out perfect because Kenneth and Rachel and the girls were all headed to mom and dad's Friday as well. They would all be under one roof, ready for Saturday.

I knew Bueller would have the time of his life with his RaRa, GaGa and Mags.

FACE PAINT!! I told him for my first game I got tiger paws
painted on my face. He wanted them too. ;)

And of course he did. He received the whole Auburn football experience with some of his favorite people. What more could a little Auburn fan ask for?

What Grant didn't know before he got to Auburn was that cousin Anna had some connections from her time working as a Tigerette. She worked for the Athletic Department in student recruiting. (I hope I got that right, Anna). Boy did she ever hook him up! He received the AU royal treatment and then some.

In the Heisman room with Stinky

Dyer's {now former} locker

Championship ring

Pre-game press conference :)

In awe of Cam's jersey and Heisman trophy

The official Trooper Towel

National Championship Trophy

New hat and jersey

Meeting up with brother
They both got the jerseys they wanted. Of course.
Spoiled much? :)

The lady who made it all happen

You can read Anna's account of the day here. She was very sweet to keep me posted all throughout the day with lots and lots of picture and text messages. Between Anna, Rachel, my mom and Kenneth I'm surprised my phone wasn't smoking. ;)

While Grant and Mac were living it up in Auburn, Reid was having a big time himself - just he and his Mimi. A movie, a visit to the mall, a train ride, and his favorite:

Build-A-Bear!! All things Auburn was the theme for the day, naturally.

Truth be told this post has been sitting in my drafts for quite some time. I didn't know how I wanted to go about bringing this next part up. Although it had to be because it was such a big part of why the day was so special. I won't really get into specifics other than to say that my aunt and uncle have two little boys in heaven. Anna's two brothers, Joshua (who actually had a twin they lost very early in the pregnancy) and Zachary went to be with Jesus after only a few short hours on this earth. Anna (born on Christmas Eve) is their miracle baby. Kenneth made the comment more than once throughout the day with Grant that, “This is what it would have been like.” It was a very emotional day for everyone, especially Kenneth.

And while I don't understand – because they're two of the most good-hearted, God-fearing people I know and I can't think of two people who would be better suited to raise boys - why he never got the chance to have those days on this earth with his own sons, I'm beyond touched and honored that my son was the one with whom he had his “best day ever in Auburn.” I look forward to the day when Grant is older and I can share with him just what this day meant.

And of course there were some funnies along the way too. Kenneth emailed me a few days after the game so I would have a record of the day. I hope he doesn't mind that I'm sharing it so I will always have it.

April, 

I will remember 11/19/2011 for the rest of my life. Memories were created that made me laugh so hard that I think Grant thought I was crazy.  Thinking back on the memories I tend to get a little choked-up, too.  Anyway, the day started with the ride to Auburn and the questions began. Gee-whiz!!! The questions ranged from my GMC pickup to being a college student/athlete.  We get to Auburn. He did not know about going inside Jordan-Hare to visit the locker room, etc.  Anna was the perfect hostess.  He was treated like a recruit by everyone!  I was treated like yesterday's newspaper.  His eyes lit up when Anna asked him if wanted to go on the field.  So, we walked on the turf of Pat Dye Field!!  He kept saying: "This is awesome." Went back into the locker room.  All he wanted was to see Michael Dyer's locker.  Anna found it and he just stared at Dyer's uniform, pads, helmet, shoes, etc.  Again - awesome.  So after some time he decided he was hungry and wanted to go shopping.  We stop by a Starbuck's where he had "The best hot chocolate, ever!" Then the shopping began.  He's a patient shopper.  $40 must be spent....today!!!  He FINALLY found himself a fitted Auburn cap and couple of other things.  Total cost $22.00.  He asked me how much that left I told him $18.00.  He shouted "Only $18.00!"  He just shook his head.  We had breakfast at a local eatery where he had a chocolate chip cookie and a Sprite.  (I quickly realized that Sprite is the beverage of choice)  He did buy an Auburn football and few other things depleting the remaining $18.00.  Mission accomplished, the money was spent.   

The game - Our seats where in the upper deck section 61 row 23 seats 9 and 10.  Why are the sections, rows and sets numbered? A suitable explanation was given.  The word awesome described the view, the Auburn Tigers, the Auburn University Marching Band and the eagle's, Spirit, flight around Jordan-Hare prior to kickoff.  Mid way during the 1st quarter Grant was looking up and behind him.  I asked him what he was looking for and he said the concession stand.  I told him that we had to go down the steps to the concession area.  He was not thrilled.  The steps are kinda steep.  He waited and decided the hunger was too great and would venture down the steep incline.  So, we risked life and limb and travelled down to the concessions for popcorn and Sprite.  We make it back to our seats.  Mid way during the 2nd quarter Grant says:  "Oh, no.  I have to go to bathroom."  Not waiting to travel back down the steps he looks at me and asks:  "Do you have an empty water bottle?"  The gentlemen sitting in front of us doubled over laughing.  I said no so we went back down the steps.  (I think he would have used a water bottle if I had had one)  He enjoyed the halftime show by the AUMB.  Mid way during the 3rd quarter he asked:  "How much longer?"  He wanted to go throw his new football. We stay until the beginning of the 4th quarter.  As we were walking down from the upper deck he said "I have not seen a Dippin' Dot's.  Do they have one here?"  Thus the search began.  As our search is going on I notice the crowd begins to cheer so we run up on the tunnels to see what's going on.  As we're running up the tunnel we're met by a guy that looks like Santa Claus but in regular clothes!!  Long white beard, hair and chubby.  I said "Look Grant it's Santa!"  Grant came to an immediate stop and just gazed at the guy.  The man heard me, winked, and looked at Grant and said: "I guess I'll see you next month."  In a high pitched whisper Grant said "Yes, sir."  I said to Grant "Who knew that Santa was an Auburn fan!"  He said "I guess he was in his regular clothes so he could enjoy the game without being bothered." The people standing around us watching the entire scene unfold and laughed, loudly.  Oh, yes, there is one vendor at Jordan Hare Stadium that sells D-Dots.  A chocolate order was placed.  We found a couple of empty seats and watched  some of the 4th quarter.  I asked him how were the D-Dots.  He said "They're good.....taste like dirt."  He ate 'em.  Goofy kid.  As we're walking back through the campus headed to the truck he says he has to wiz, again.  He looks up says "Bushes, I can go there"  I said "Dude, NO!!  I know of a business we can go to that has a restroom."  Look, I'm a guy too and I know that we think that the world is our urinal but gee.  So, anyway we make it back to truck, get his football and throw it to each other near Toomer's Corner.  Rachel, the rest of the kids, Anna and Brent meet us there, too.  

So many more things I will tell you about that day.  I will say this is the first time that I have been to an Auburn game where the game did not matter.  Spending time with others you love is what's important.  Thanks to you and Chris for letting me spend the day with Grant.  I'll always remember that day. 

Love you more!!!
Kenneth

Kenneth, thank you. I don't think any of us will ever forget that day.

And because after that email I feel the need to clarify, my boys don't make it a regular occurrence to use a water bottle as a urinal. Obviously sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do and my empty Dasani bottles rolling around on my floorboard have come in handy a time or two. That's just one of the advantages of having boys. They do, however, use the outside on a regular basis AT HOME (that's a plus of where we live). We've since had the talk that it's only ok at home. Or the hunting land. Or out back at Mimi and Granddaddy's house. Or at Big Daddy and Grandmama Norton's house. Ok I see where this could get confusing. I'll admit... I'm a bit envious. If only it were that easy for us gals. :)

I think it's safe to say Grant and Mac's first experience with Auburn football was a hit.
And as much fun as Reid had, he will quickly let you know that it's his turn next. ;)

Allow me to brag for a moment

The boys' school takes part in the Accelerated Reader program. When Grant was in Kindergarten (which was also the first year Redland Elementary was in existence) students didn't start AR until first grade. It was not implemented in Kindergarten. However, last year all that changed. I guess they realized Kindergarteners are very capable of reading and testing on AR books.

Grant's teacher requires at least one AR test a day. There are some exceptions (i.e., if they don't have a chance to visit the library for a new book or they're reading a chapter book which obviously takes longer than a day to read). But for the most part it's a book a day to read and test on. That's a lot of books. So Mac has spent many afternoons/evenings sitting with Grant and me while we read. He would comment that he couldn't wait for it to be his turn when he would be the one reading a book to me.

Well that time has come. 

Mac brought home his first AR book the other night. I was blown away with how well he read it. Not only did he know his sight words but he was also able to sound others out. He needed help on a few harder words, but for the most part he read the entire book himself. They have to read a book three times before they can test on it, so we read it three (or maybe four) times until he felt he was ready for the test. I signed him up for a test. Bueller commented in the carpool line the next morning that he was "already shaking" about taking the test. :) I told him to do his best - that I knew he would do great.

Guess what? He did! He made a 100 on his very first AR test. He was ecstatic and couldn't get the car door open quick enough that afternoon to tell me all about it.

Grant got my camera and snapped a few pictures while we were reading.

Apparently to him it looked like a Kodak moment.

This one is hilarious to me. It speaks volumes about my mental state as I listen to a new reader trying to finish a book. It's not so much like that now with Grant because he reads fairly smooth, but oh my nerves for this stage in reading. Sweet? Yes! Very! I love that he's excited about reading. He doesn't get it from me that's for sure. Am I proud? Of course! I teared up as he started reading the first few pages, amazed that since August he has gone from just recognizing his letters and knowing a few sounds to reading a book cover to cover. But I'm not the most patient person. It surely isn't easy on the nerves hearing...

Big lion. [PAUSE............................................................................................................]

Big n-ehh-t NET.

Big t-rrrr-ooo-ow-...trrroh.. [looks at me for help - "trouble," I say] TROUBLE.

Big lion. Big net. Big trouble. [And big smile on his face after reading that page.]

BUT THAT WAS JUST ONE PAGE.

Ok I'm sort of kidding. I have learned through the years to enjoy it and not try to rush through that time with my children. It goes by so fast, and I will miss the days they are excited to sit and read with their momma. But I would be lying if I said it didn't try the ol' nerves a bit. That's just who I am. Don't worry, though. I keep it together. No gnashing of teeth or throwing of books just yet. And it's great comical relief when he doesn't recognize the word "as" and tries to sound it out... "asssss." Hilarious.

I know. I'm terrible.

My hat's off to teachers. It takes a special person.

Now on to Grant. Yesterday was 2nd Grade Honors Day. The Kindergarten class doesn't participate in Honors Day because they don't receive letter grades yet. However, Mac's teacher allowed him to accompany me to Grant's ceremony. Our little Professor received recognition for all A's the first two nine weeks (this nine weeks he had 100s in every subject except one and that was a 99), outstanding conduct, and an AR award for having 50 or more AR points so far this year. Most of their books are worth 0.5 points, so in order for a student to have at least 50 points they would have to read at least 100 books - a job well done!

Receiving his awards for all A's and good conduct

Stopping for a quick pic after walking off stage

Receiving his AR award

A quick pic with little bro

Another with mom

And one more with Ms. T

Too bad there's not a picture of me receiving my award for Mother of the Year. Not only did I forget my camera I also forgot it was awards day. As in I completely forgot all about it until we pulled in the carpool line and I saw all the parents parking and going inside. Grant and Mac both have baseball on Tuesdays and Thursdays so they were dressed in sweatpants and t-shirts to be ready to go to ball after school. I kicked it in high gear, made a flying trip to drop Reid off at preschool then back home to grab Grant a change of clothes. I made it in the nick of time. Who schedules something like this the day after a long holiday weekend anyway??? Don't they know I have CRS disease? hehee Never mind no one else forgot. 

SO very proud of my guys. They're following in their Sissy's footsteps who continues to do very well in school herself.

I can only imagine what next year will be like when they're ALL in school.

Speaking of Sissy...

Unbeknownst to me she checked out of school early Friday. It's a bit scary how good she was able to pull off calling me at 3 p.m. telling me she was just getting on the road. A few minutes later Reid came running in the kitchen saying, "Sissy's here! Sissy's here!" I barely got the words, "No she's not. She just le...," out of my mouth when in she walked. What a sweet surprise! We had a wonderful, lazy weekend full of popcorn, movie watching, eating, coffee drinking and being complete couch potatoes while the guys hunted.

Perfection.

Youth Deer Hunt

Youth hunt was this weekend. Chris had barely gotten the words out of his mouth when Grant jumped up and said, "I WANNA GO!" So Professor and his daddy headed out for their first hunt together this season, the first of many I'm sure. 

Not long after they made it to the hunting land I received this picture from Chris: 

Then he had me going for a minute making me think he was letting Grant sit in a stand by himself. Here are the texts that ensued (excuse C's spelling - he was texting while walking haha):

If you know Chris you can just hear him saying it and laughing. ;) I knew better but I will admit the blood pressure was up a little at first. No worries, though.

I received this picture a few minutes later which I knew meant they were both tucked safely away inside the shooting house - Grant curled up in his chair that he's almost too big to curl up in now. He was getting ready for that good ol' nature snooze he takes until daddy wakes him to see some deer. 

Love these memories my guys are making.

StudentS of the Month

That's right, folks. I said studentS. As in plural, more than one.

I received a text from Mac's teacher yesterday morning that said, "Congrats! Both boys selected for Student of Month in October. Tell Chris the bribes worked."

I'm totally kidding about the bribe part. They both earned and deserve the recognition. Grant's classroom has some really fun centers, Snoopy's Corner being a favorite. Mac was allowed to accompany Grant to lunch as well as spend some time in Grant's classroom where they both enjoyed Snoopy's Corner together. :)

So proud of my two students of the month and so blessed to have our wonderful school!

A LITTLE LUMP IN THE THROAT

Because Kindergarten at Redland uses "staggered start," Mac's first day was Monday with one-third of his class. Another third started Tuesday and another Wednesday. So today was his official first day with his entire class. Chris and I walked he and Grant to their classes Monday. We missed "Meet the Teacher" due to being at the beach. Thankfully we already know Mrs. Schweers, and Grant's teacher was so sweet to let us meet her at the school one morning last week. Not only was it Mac's first day ever at Redland, but they still had all their supplies to take with them, so the walking them in thing was a given. But since Grant is a pro  and Mac didn't go Tuesday or Wednesday, I dropped Grant off in the carpool line and he walked himself in. I assumed that because today was kind of like Mac's first day all over again that he would want me to walk him in. And since I was walking him in, I would also walk Grant to his class. 

So as we're on our way to school this morning I say, "Okay, Mac, I'm going to park today and tomorrow so I can walk you in. And then I'll walk you to your class, Grant. Then next week, Grant, you can start walking Mac to his class. Okay, guys?" 

You see, last year there were many, many discussions between Grant and Mac about Grant walking Mac in. Mac was so excited to start "big school" but was also a bit overwhelmed and needed reassurance that his brother would walk him to his class every morning. So more times than I can count, last year we would be in the carpool line getting ready to drop Grant off and Mac would say, "Grant, you promise you're gonna take me to my class?" Being the sweet big brother that he is, Professor always eased Bueller's fears telling him absolutely, yes he would walk him to class every single morning. 

Assume. Don't you love that word?!? 

Because I 100% assumed Mac would need/want me to walk him in the rest of the week at the very least.

The reaction I got from Mac about that?...

"NOOOOOO, Momma, I just want Grant to walk me in."

That was followed by Grant saying, "Yeah, we don't need you to walk us to class. I know where his class is so I'll just take him."

Gulp.

Swallow extremely large lump which immediately entered my throat.

Ok that stung a little. When I pushed my hurt feelings to the side, though, I felt a sense of pride that they're confident enough to want to do that. I told them I thought it was a great idea and watched as they walked in. Alone. Without their mother. :)

Way to go, Bueller! You're such a big boy now. Professor, he's blessed to have you as his big brother.

And I'm blessed to be their mother.

Although I think I'll ask one more time tomorrow morning. You know, just to be sure.

FIELD DAY FUN & HONORS DAY AT REDLAND

This week was a fun week for Professor. Tuesday was Field Day, and he has been counting down the days. Not only do they get to stay outside most of the day, but it's all about competition. Grant is competitive by nature (gee, wonder where he gets it??? Poor thing... he got popped from both sides on that one), so this day is especially fun in his mind. :) Well, as long as he's winning. See Exhibit "A" below.

EXHIBIT "A"

Go ahead and zoom in so you can see that extraordinarily, freakishly large vein popping out of the side of his neck. That's because someone just pulled his flag and got him out. Ooooh he was pissed. Look at that thing. What is it? That cannot be healthy.

The object of Flag Tag is for a certain number of people to get inside a "box" with a flag in each of their pockets. When the coach says GO you run around trying to snatch people's flags out of their pocket while trying not to let someone else snatch yours. If someone gets your flag, you're out.

Well... someone snatched his. Oh the nerve of that kid! Of course Grant had already snatched quite a few people's flags himself and gotten them out, but how dare one of his friends do it to him. He had to go to the back of the line for that one. Losing with grace is still a work in progress. Again, genes run deep. :) Thanks a lot, Martha. HAHA! Kidding!

Mac and Reid accompanied me to Field Day, and Ms. Vines was so sweet to ask if they wanted to participate. Turbo's answer was a big negative, but she only had to ask Bueller once. He was all in. Naturally when it was his turn in he headed straight for the ladies.

Mac and the ladies...  Heavens to Betsy. His teacher told me this week that periodically he will come up behind her and pop her on her rear end then will stand there smiling with a "yeah, I did it" look. Chris and I talk often about how we think life will be when they boys are teenagers. And it's SCARY! :)

After a stop at the concession stand for a snow cone Grant had cooled off and was good to go. Next was limbo which provided for many, many laughs and a lot of fun.

After each 1st grade class had been to all the stations they met up for a class relay race. Ms. Vines' class won last year, so the pressure was on to win again. And guess what...

They did! Thank goodness. It would've been hard to teach Grant a lesson in losing with grace if he saw his teacher pop a vein. :)

 

HONORS DAY:

Yesterday was 1st Grade Honors Day. Grant loves school. He loves to do well in school and already puts a lot of pressure on himself to make straight A's. Hello... his nickname is PROFESSOR. B's are no good in his book. You may as well give him an F. This takes the "genes run deep" thing to a whole new level. Sound familiar, Sissy? I keep telling him he has a long road ahead of him if he keeps this up. Trust me.

I was proud as a peacock watching him walk across the stage to receive awards for A Honor Roll-2nd Semester, Good Conduct, AR, and a medal for having A Honor Roll all year. It's my blog. I can brag.

A few classmates and fellow recipients

(Ally, Grant, Ashton, Jaice and Christopher)

 If you only knew how hard it was to get this picture - someone is always starving, has to pee, or just plain doesn't want their picture taken. In which case I said, "You will starve unless you take this picture. You can hold it. And you just better get your tail over here and smile." And voila. 
Pictures can be quite deceiving, can't they!?! HA!

So proud of you, my little mini-me!

There are 5 more school days left. Let the countdown begin...

PROFESSOR TURNS 7

Seven years ago today (officially at 5:39 p.m.) William Grant Norton was born.

He wasn't in a hurry to make his entrance into the world, and he's still a lot like that today. He doesn't get in a hurry for much of anything. Grant is intelligent and kind-hearted, a serious thinker who is curious to learn about everything. He asks questions all day and with every answer you give him, another question follows. He loves his Sissy and little brothers and is protective when he needs to be. He is quite a daddy's boy and shares Chris' love of hunting, fishing, and baseball. He shares his mama's love of all things chocolate. :) He could eat his weight in chocolate cake, cupcakes, and chocolate chip cookies. Most of the time he's Mr. Follow-The-Rules. I wonder how long that will last. HA!

He's our first-born son, the first boy on my side of the family. He's our sweet Professor. We're so blessed and thankful for his life. This link will take you to last year's post for some through-the-years pictures.

We decided against a big party this year. Instead we celebrated by going to a Biscuits game last night and will have ice cream and cookie cake with his class at school and then with his baseball team this afternoon. He is very modest but even he thought it was pretty cool hearing "Happy Birthday to Grant Norton" over the loudspeaker and seeing his name on the scoreboard at the Biscuits game.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANT! WE LOVE YOU!!

MUFFINS FOR MOM

Grant's class had "Muffins for Mom" yesterday, a special time to honor all us mommas. We walked in to a classroom filled with sweet treats made just for us.

They have been working really hard, and Professor has been looking forward to today. I think he reminded me of it every day last week. :)

Some of our treats were edible:

Some were really fun to make:

And some required Professor to step out of his comfort zone a bit:
(WARNING: This video is of the entire song purely for my benefit. Each student had a little line to say and/or sing or an awkward combination of both. :) Feel free to skip it. It does get a bit long.)

I think they did a fabulous job. The Backstreet Boys would be proud.  :)

The performers making their best silly faces:

Professor, ever so modestly, even participated in the silliness if you can believe that!

ALL were treats I'll treasure forever but one of my favorites was the book he wrote telling me why he loves me:

I love you mom.

You are the best mom ever.

I love you mom because you care about me.

You'll always be in my heart.

I'll always love you.

Happy Mother's Day!