Birthdays, field trips and travel ball

How do you working moms do it? I mean, the ones who work outside the home. EVERY mom is a working mom. I resent when someone says, "So you don't work?" Really???

Being a SAHM comes with its own set of challenges. I guess if you've never done it that's hard to understand. If you do work outside the home I know time management is tough so... mucho respect.

In yet another attempt to catch up I decided I better combine a few things. Otherwise I will never get caught up.

Grant and Mac both had field trips within a week of each other. I love field trips. The actual field trip itself is usually overrated, but the one-on-one time it provides is worth the chaos that comes with it. I also love that my boys still want me to go on their field trips although Grant is over the whole holding momma's hand thing. He told me the other day as he pulled his hand back that it "felt weird" when I tried to hold his hand. [gulp]

May we pause for a moment of silence while I mourn that loss.

Grant's field trip was to Lanark. They went last year as well which made him all the more excited to go back this year. It's the perfect field trip for Professor. I thoroughly enjoy going myself although this year it rained. The whole time. Not a drenching rain but an annoying, steady, misting rain. Walks through the nature trail were made even more "exciting" by the fact that little boys shook the wet trees as the moms walked under them. ;) We left there with wet clothes and feet and some of us had hair that resembled either the untamed mane of a lion or a chia pet. But we had fun! :)

Lunch break

A lesson in camouflage - this was really neat. I wish I could remember
just how many children are in this picture - it would surprise you

Sweet Professor

One of the highlights of the day was getting to see these teeny babies close up

Mac's field trip was to the zoo. It had to be rescheduled two different times because of weather so by the time we were able to go, not many chaperones could make it. We were able to sweet talk Paige's teacher into letting her go with us.

Since she helps Mrs. Schweers every day the kids know her well, and she knows how to handle them. And Mrs. Schweers sweet talked me into riding the bus. Parents are usually asked to meet there since there isn't a lot of extra room on the bus. It was a very loud ride there and a very quiet ride back. :)

Mac has a weak stomach, especially with smells. The zoo first
thing in the morning was a bit much. haha

Checking things out with Caden

Bueller's group consisted of all ladies... naturally

I have no doubt Mackey was happy I was there.

But I think he would have been just fine without me had he known Paige was going.

She came by our house the other night to sell candles as a fundraiser for cheer leading, and you would have thought the boys were being visited by a celebrity. Needless to say we're quite fond of this sweet girl. I have my eye on her for some summer babysitting.

The month of April is filled with birthdays in our family. Dawnie's is the 18th, mine the 20th, my mom's the 21st, and Maggie's the 22nd.

My parent's friends, The Deavors, were kind enough to let us use their beautiful pond (which is more like a small lake) for Snuggie's big day (she bid adieu to her 20's). We thought we would wear the fish out then head back to The Colleys for a fish fry. Well, weather in Alabama as we well know (especially today being the anniversary of the 4/27 tornadoes) is quite unpredictable. A cold front came in making it a bit cool for the fish to bite. So while the weather and fishing could have been better, the company and time spent together were fantastic!

We did manage to catch a few...

And boy were they monsters!

We also managed to jack up Granddaddy's rods and reels :)

In true Martha fashion, Rachel was in charge of lunch.

And it was grand - thanks, KK!

Of course, Mrs. Amy made the cake - perfect for Snuggs

The two who made it happen - they baited hooks (because I do not
touch crickets) and untangled lines all.day.long.

The sisters

My favorite of the day

With Friday being my birthday, Saturday being mom's, and Sunday being Claire's we decided to celebrate all of ours at mom and dad's Saturday after Grant and Mac's games. We had hamburgers and hotdogs and the best cookie cake you'll ever have. If you've never had a double-layer cookie cake from Sam's you're missing out. I have absolutely no pictures but everyone was there (including my aunt, uncle and Nana). Great day.

The next day Grant and Mac played ball in Auburn. It was a last-minute tournament and was only our second ever. Chris very recently put together a travel ball team. Because we can't interfere with league ball - all our players are currently in league - we have had very few practices as a team. It shows. We're very new to travel ball. No pun intended but it's a whole different ballgame. We've been told it will take some time to get our feet wet. We believe it. It's been ugly getting annihilated our feet wet.

Turbo with cousin Grey
We were excited Uncle Donnie & Aunt Rae could come

Sissy and Meems braved gale force winds (only a slight exaggeration)
 to help cheer on the Wetumpka Rays

The boys have fun, but it does make for a long day.

Those pictures are from our first tournament in Montgomery. :) Once league ball is over we look forward to pressing on with travel ball in hopes of putting league in our rear view mirror. And maybe even start winning some games. We'll get there.

One more thing...

I just have to say I'm so proud of my baby girl. Bethany started her very first job this week working at a local miniature golf place in Decatur - Funland Putt-Putt. A job she sought and secured all on her own. Her first day she worked 11-7 with no break. That's okay. She says her paycheck was totally worth it. :) Welcome to the working world, Boo. We're very proud of you!

In an attempt to catch up...

School. Baseball. School. Baseball. Baseball. Baseball. School. Baseball. Dentist appointments. Field trip. Check-ups for Mac's ears. Doctor's appointment to make sure Grant doesn't have mono (thank goodness he was negative). Another field trip. Birthdays. And somewhere in there is housework, laundry (which is still mountainous) and general duties of being a wife and momma.

There. That catches you up. :)

We have had a fun week and weekend celebrating our many April birthdays. I hope to be back soon with full details. For now I'll leave you with a few snapshots.

That's Grant. Love sleeping babies.

Sweet Reid, hanging tough at the ball field. He's a trooper.

Listening intently to Coach David. If you knew David, you'd be
listening intently too. :) Outlaws are having a great season so far.

Love that Sissy could watch her brothers play lots of baseball this weekend.

B wanted to take the boys to school this morning (her Spring Break is this week) so I was able to enjoy a full cup of coffee (in my new coffee cup - thanks Snuggs!) while posting a little update. She will be back soon and then we're off to enjoy the day together. Not bad for a Monday. :)

Holy Friday

I really thought yesterday's post would be my last for the week. With the boys being out of school today I didn't anticipate I would have time to even sit down much less blog. However, they decided they wanted to play school. Yes, boys play school too. I, however, am not allowed to play school with them. Apparently I'm too much like a real teacher. A killjoy. If they want to write on Sissy's dry-erase board that 2+2=5 or that "kej" is a real word (in Bueller's defense, it IS a nonsense word) they can. Plus, as Grant said, "You know why we like to play school, momma? Because we always get along when we play school."

Cue the Hallelujah chorus.

So I just enjoyed a full cup of coffee while I read my daily devotional.

Repeat chorus.

Pinch me.

Plus I may have said something about dyeing Easter eggs after lunch so long as I didn't have to play referee before then. ;)

I'm always a mix of emotions Easter week. I've had the hymn He Lives stuck in my head all week with the verse that says "the hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find..." really speaking to me.

I've never really understood why Good Friday is called "good." It's the day of Jesus' crucifixion. I personally think Holy Friday would be a better term. I read ahead a day in my devotional (Journey) this morning since I had time. It spoke of Jesus' prayer at the crucifixion saying,

Prior to being nailed to the cross, Jesus was brutally flogged so He was already physically compromised due to the loss of blood and dehydration. Isaiah 52:14 says, "His appearance was so disfigured that He did not look like a man, and His form did not resemble a human being."

After the nails were driven into His wrists and feet, the weight of His body hanging on the cross caused severe muscle spasms. His outstretched arms made it impossible for Jesus to breathe. As he was suffocating Jesus used His limited breath to pray, "Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). Jesus, the perfect, sinless Lamb of God paid our debt of sin on the cross. His last words were of forgiveness - for your sins and my sins, past, present and future.

I hope that hit you like it did me. He suffered. For you and me. He died. For you and me. I'm thankful, grateful, humbled.

I wish I kept the mindset all of my days that I have in the days leading up to Easter. I should be ashamed that I don't.

Christ's death, as awful and horrible and cruel as it was, led to His resurrection on Easter Sunday which brought new life to those who believe. When you think about it that way, "good" is quite fitting to say the least.

My children know and understand why we celebrate Easter. However, I think the boys are a bit too young to hear the gory details of the crucifixion. It's hard for me to hear. So to retell the Easter story, tomorrow evening we will be making Easter Story Cookies (I found this link through Google- you can find many recipes for these if you search; however, this one also contains the scripture that goes along with making these. I printed it all out so I can have everything handy when we're making them). We have done them the past couple of years, and I hope we continue making it a tradition. If you've never made them I encourage you to this year - whether or not you have children. It's one thing to hear the story. It's another to be able to, in a sense, show the story.

I do have a few pictures from Mac's Easter Egg Hunt at school yesterday:

Patiently waiting for Ready.Set.Go

I don't know why but pictures like this crack me up

Mr. Competitive - hunting eggs is serious business :)

With his lady friends :)

Decisions, decisions. They could choose one piece of candy to eat at school

Reid helped me hide the eggs for Mac's class. On the way back to let everyone know we were ready he saw Grant headed to lunch. He tagged along with Grant to lunch then Ms. T was so sweet to let him spend the rest of the afternoon with them. Reid loves Ms. T's centers. Grant loves having Reid in his classroom. It gives me one-on-one time with Mac. It's a win all the way around.

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Outlaws

Grant's team, the Outlaws, had their first game this week.

I have to remember it's not all about the win...

But it sure feels great when you do. We won 10-2. OH YEAH!!!! :) I guarantee you we won't win them all but I think it's going to be a fun season. Nail-biters are the best. ;)

While the game was going on Mac was hanging with the ladies, naturally.

That's Paige. She is a 6th grader who helps Mac's teacher every day. Mac is quite fond of her.

He also was able to meet her little sister, and I think you can tell they hit it off. Paige was so sweet to let Mac hang out with them.

He was thrilled about the picture.

Reid has gotten to know Paige from being at the school with me, so of course he had his time too. But he spent most of the night by my side with too many visits to the concession stand to count. That's what watching your brothers play ball is all about when you're five, right!?!

These are the days...

We're looking forward to a no-school Good Friday as well as celebrating the resurrection of our Savior this weekend.

Happy Easter!

He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said.

Come see the place where He lay.

Matthew 28:6

Spring Break 2012

How has spring break come and gone? Today is business as usual, back to the grind. Grrrr. This momma is ready for summer!

We made a last-minute decision to head to Emerald Coast RV Resort for the boys' spring break. We debated going until the very last minute. At first we said yes, absolutely. Then not only were we not able to stay as long as we would like, but we heard PCB was crazy busy with spring breakers. Both made us question whether or not we should go. Ultimately we decided going even for a few days was better than not going at all and that if it was too crazy we would leave.

I am so very happy we decided to go. The crowd was slim. We couldn't believe it. We never had a wait anywhere we went. We talked to a local who said the last two weeks of March and April are the best - that the first two of each are chaos. So we picked a perfect time to go.

Chris and I were both awake at the crack of dawn the morning we were leaving.

We decided to get on up and head on down. We were pulling out of the driveway by 7:30. I think it's safe to say we were all ready to get there. :)

With very little traffic and only a couple of stops, we made it. We are storing the camper at Emerald Coast. It had been five months since we saw Big Country, so we didn't know what we would find. They had it all set up for us when we got there, and much to our surprise it was in great shape. After a trip to Wal-Mart, a little clean-up and unpacking we were good to go.

We knew we would make it to our favorite restaurants but other than that had nothing on the agenda. So we did whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. The weather was perfect - warm enough to swim during the day with cooler nights. It was a fun, relaxing weekend enjoying time with my guys. I don't have any pictures with my camera, just my phone.

Since we made it in time for lunch, our first stop of course was Dusty's for oysters where we talked Grant into trying his first (and quite possibly his last) oyster. It was baked, not raw, but it may as well have been. Chris told the boys he would give them $20 to eat one. The other two declined. But money was on the line. Professor was all in.

Questioning himself - is it really worth $20?

Heck yeah it is.

Well, maybe. I really, really wish I had a picture of what happened next but I was too busy trying not to fall out of my chair and/or pee myself. Let's just say there was a lot of gagging and some spitting. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

This is the after. Chris joked that he only got half the money since
he spit it out. You can tell he was none too thrilled about it.
Don't worry, he got the full $20. Heck it was worth that just for
the laugh. He was a good sport. Even if his picture says otherwise ;)

Race City is always a given

They were the only two on the track

They aren't supposed to "swap paint" but the guy working that night
let them go at it. It was a race let me tell you. Yet more laughs...
especially when Mac got Grant on the inside and spun him around.

We played our first ever family game of putt-putt
*cough*I won*cough*

Panama Mac haha

Brotherly love

We got plenty of exercise too, walking back and forth to the pool and
walking Lucy around the park. I think Lucy loves it as much as we do.

I'm not ashamed to admit a couple of our mornings started at Waffle House :)

There was plenty of down time too, just hanging out at the camper

And of course more eating. This one cracks me up.

I can only imagine what trips to Hooters will be like when the boys are older. Because heavens to Betsy this one was bad enough.

These two schemed to tell the Hooters girls it was Reid's birthday. I could have stopped it. But I didn't. We said our next trip to the beach would be to celebrate his birthday since we couldn't go in February so it kinda was like we were celebrating his birthday. So over walk about six Hooters girls with their big... smiles (what did you think I was going to say?) and started clapping to sing to Reid. In the meantime this is what's going on under the table:

Y'all. He was pissed. Kicking and screaming mad. Our poor server felt so bad. She stopped the singing but asked him to please come out for a picture.

Um, no.

Needless to say, check please! They all tried to make him feel better but he crawled in my lap and buried his head in my shoulder. She got a good tip anyway. One day he'll probably want to kick himself for this. ha!

All the drama wore him slap out. Later that day while his brothers
swam he crawled in my lap for a snooze. Sweet, sweet lovin'.

Of course there was more eating.

And yet some more...

This one is hands-down my favorite. The trip is not complete without a BLT from Boatyard.

It was refreshing to get away. It did us all good. We weren't ready to leave and are counting down the days until we can go back. The only thing missing was B - her spring break isn't for another few weeks.

Spring baseball's opening ceremonies to officially begin the season are tonight with Grant's first game to follow. It will be a late night but we can't wait! Many ballpark nights are in our future.

How was your weekend?

Ours was great!! How could it not be with this weather!?! All weekend we enjoyed blue, sunny skies and temps in the mid 80's. Perfection!

I picked up Reid from preschool Friday and had a little time to kill before an appointment. Reid wanted to go to the library. When we got there the parking lot was full. What a blessing that turned out to be! We had to drive past the library toward the river and discovered a hidden gem (at least to us) right here in Wetumpka. We've been to this park at night for Christmas on the Coosa, but we've never ventured that way during the day. I'm not sure why - just haven't.

It is absolutely beautiful, and I can assure you there will be many more walks along the Coosa in our future.

After I got my hair cut, as Reid and I were getting back in the car I felt someone "goose" me right in the side. I turned around and there stood my beautiful B. I didn't expect her until later that evening, but she left early and knew where I would be so she came to surprise me. So sweet and I love it when I don't know she's on the road because then I won't worry. :)

Grant had a practice game in Holtville Saturday. Mac had practice in Wetumpka at the same time. Since Grant's practice was a game he really wanted Sissy to see him play. Mimi was so sweet to take Mac to his practice and spend some time with just Mackey so that Sissy, Reid and I could go to Grant's scrimmage.
I have absolutely no pictures from this and it makes me sad. :(

We met back up with Meems to get Mac and headed home for our first swim of this year.

Sissy had had enough of the sun by this time, but she did have one request for the evening:  Chris' salmon for dinner. So Chris headed to Montgomery to fulfill that request. By the time he got back a friend had called to ask him to go to dinner so he left us with strict instructions on how to cook it. I don't know if we're chef material or just good at following directions, but our dinner of salmon and asparagus was absolutely delicious. We ate all of it. Every.single.bit. The boys were tuckered out after a full day of sun, so we tucked them into bed early with a movie and watched a movie of our own until Chris got back. The movie sucked (My Week with Marilyn - just wasn't good to us) but I always love girl time.

Sunday we decided to head to Selma/Marion Junction to Chris' parent's place so the boys could fish. I say boys because Sissy is not into the great outdoors and fishing isn't something she particularly enjoys. However, since it has been a long while since Big Daddy and Grandmama Norton have seen her we decided it would be fun for Chris to go ahead with Grant and Mac, and Sissy and I would follow with Reid later in Sissy's car. That way B could visit with the Nortons for a bit then head to her Grandmommy (yes, she still calls Sandy that and I love it) and Pop's house to visit them as well before heading north.

I don't know how I have no pictures of my girl from this weekend. I guess when she's here I want to soak up every minute with her so it just doesn't occur to me to get my camera. Well, that and I always hear "MOOOOOMMMMMMM" when I do. We'll have to work on that. :)

But since I found some treasures while cleaning out the inside office I thought I lost, here's a sweet one of her I love:

We had a great visit with Grandmama Norton. We toured her sewing room, saw the quilt she's making for the boys, Reid found his stash of toys, and we drank homemade lemonade while catching up. Reid didn't last long. He couldn't stand knowing his brothers were at the pond so he made the trek by himself. Big Daddy came back up to the house for a bit and of course provided many laughs. He's a mess. So is Louise. You put those two together (for almost 41 years now) and it's a riot. Bethany and I joked it was a glimpse into my and Chris' future in about 30 years. :) After Bethany left Grandmama stayed behind to make us cookies and Big Daddy took me down to the pond. Chris and the boys were all out in the boat.

BD and I fished from the bank for a while - we had a little luck. This was our view.

It wasn't too long before the boys (and Chris in the boat with the boys) were ready to call it a day. I guess so. By that time they had caught around 70 or so fish.

I love how they all three ran to me like they hadn't seen me in forty forevers.

We made our way back to the house for cookies. After a little breather Chris wanted to go back out in the boat once more. The boys stayed behind so he and I could go together. Chris caught 6 or 7 more. I caught none. I think he gave me the bunk rod and reel and/or lure while he fished with the good one (because he knows I wouldn't know the difference) just so he could say he caught more. ha! I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I go fishing roughly 2 times a year and consider it a good day when I leave without getting my line caught in a tree. All total we caught 85 fish. They're small, perfect for filleting and eating. We can't wait to go back.

See!?! I told you my weekend was great.

Happy Spring!

Take Two: Ear Tubes

Mac had ear tubes placed three years ago. They worked wonders. The tubes grew out at some point this past summer, and he almost immediately began having problems again. After quite a few nasty ear infections (you know they're bad when the doctor looks in his ear and says, "Wow. Ew. That's a nasty one," I knew a visit with his ENT was in order. His ENT confirmed what I already suspected - that he was keeping fluid behind his ears, there was negative pressure, and he was suffering from some hearing loss. Dr. Cawthon suggested placing another set of tubes, especially since swimming season is almost upon us. I definitely wasn't against it since the first set proved to be advantageous.

Mac is a trooper and has a tolerance for pain like I've never seen before, but he has been very ready to have this done and for his ears to feel good again. However, his first surgery also included a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. The tonsillectomy was pure hell. The pain medicine burned his throat. It was very hard to get him to take it. Since he hurt so bad he didn't want to drink much less eat. He quickly became dehydrated which resulted in a day in the ER for IV fluids. Not fun. He automatically associated tubes with that experience. We assured him this go around would be nothing like that. Thankfully we were able to schedule the surgery quickly so he didn't have too long to worry.

Today was the day. I'm happy to report he made it through with flying colors. His surgery was the first case, so we were in and out of there and headed home by 9:15 a.m. After a stop by McDonald's for hashbrowns and finally being able to drink his morning coffee, he's good to go. He's supposed to take it easy the rest of the day. That may be the toughest part of all. ;)

Of course I had to take some pictures.

First getting into a room - a bit anxious

Nerves turned into a bit of irritability...
I just want my coffee!!

Seriously??? You have to take a picture of me in this dress gown?

Daddy, it's not really a dress. It a gown. And I have to wear it. :)

Sweet loves

After a dose of some medicine to take the edge off.
What nerves? I'm great! haha
And in case you can't tell Chris loves pictures. ;)

Chris doesn't share in my desire to document every.single.detail (plus everything went rather fast), so there isn't a picture of Mac sitting in my lap on the bed as we're being wheeled down to the holding room. But let me tell you, it was fun. He was grinning like a Cheshire cat the entire way. He thought that was pretty cool.

I know this surgery is very simple and routine. It is not, however, routine for us. Naturally any time your child is put under anesthesia it brings about some concern. Many thanks to everyone who prayed for us. All the prayers were deeply felt.

My patient is requesting some Skittles (thanks to a Costco-size bag from Meems). Skittles it is. :)