A Mom's Humor in Raising Three Sons

Christmas!!

2011-12-28T15:29:00.002-07:00

Wow, August was my last post. I really need to get it together to keep this updated. I cannot believe another year is coming to a close and 2012 is on its way. Hopefully this year will bring lots of happiness and good health our way.

In November I had surgery to remove an ovarian tumor. It was benign and I praise God every day for that. It went well and I got the month of November to recover. It was nice to be home but the recovery took a little longer than normal. It wasn't as easy as the dr had told me it would be, that's for sure.

Christmas has come and gone and boy did we have a great one. We were very blessed this year. My parents came on Christmas Eve for our yearly gift exchange. The boys have nicknamed them Papa and Mamaw Clause. They were very spoiled this year. I will admit that Mat and I were equally spoiled. I got a groovy new laptop and now I don't have to tape my plug together anymore. Pretty nice. Mat got a new tool box for the garage. He loved it and the best part he said was it locks so no more tools getting taken outside by the boys. He is very excited about that.

On Christmas I hosted dinner for my parents and Mat's family. The boys were once again equally spoiled. I got a karaoke machine and let me tell you that everyone enjoyed it. I didn't get to let loose since I was a little under the weather and lost my voice. Don't worry though, I will be getting lots of use out of it.

So we are moving onto 2012. I hope it starts lots of new beginnings for all of us.

Shotgun!!!!

2011-08-19T08:53:00.003-06:00

So this morning I was taking Nicholas and Preston to school and Nicholas calls out shotgun so he can sit in the front. The boys get in the car and Preston says why do you say shotgun to sit in the front? Nicholas and Preston start discussing why and this was their conversation (and I don't make these things up, I really couldn't if I tried):

Preston: OH I know why they say shotgun now, because in the old days the person in the passenger seat had to sit with a gun because of all the enemies.

Nicholas: Yeah but I think the person in the passenger seat had an actual shotgun just in case their neighbors were enemies too.

Preston: Well, I guess the person in the front seat Nick would need to protect the driver too so your probably right about the shotgun.

Nicholas: I think so too. I guess back then it was dangerous to sit in the front seat.

Preston: Mom, did you call shotgun to sit in the front seat or did you ever have a shotgun with you in the front seat?

Because we all know that Mom was born in the old days. I love to listen to my boys and their theories of how old they truly think I am.

So at least I got a good laugh while dropping them off this morning. I love those boys so much and the laughter they bring me each and every day. Thanks boys!!

A Start of a New School Year

2011-08-19T08:33:00.002-06:00

Well, another summer has come to a close and school is officially underway. Austin has started his 6th grade year in middle school and loves it. Thank goodness because that really could have gone either way. He loves his classes, teachers, friends, basically everything which is helping me breath easier about the whole transition. Preston and Nicholas started on Monday. Preston is now in third grade and really likes his new class and teacher. Nicholas is in fourth grade and came home after the first couple of days and said I LOVE 4th GRADE!! Thank goodness because Nicholas had a rough go at third grade. He didn't enjoy his class, teacher, etc. last year. So this is a great change for him and us.

Overall I feel that this school year is going to be a very successful one.

Garage Sale Time

2011-07-08T12:05:00.002-06:00

Last night we told the boys we needed to clean out the closets and bedrooms this weekend for a garage sale we are going to have coming up. Since we are remodeling the house it only makes sense to get rid of some of the excess stuff we have lying around the house and make a fresh start of it once all of the remodeling is complete. Well the boys took right to it, at least Preston and Nicholas did. They geared up in their football pads, helmet and all, and got started. They started with Preston's room, which right now isn't really even livable to my standards. Oh well, the summer has finally caught up with us. They were picking out toys and junk left and right and throwing in into baskets. It was funny to listen to them because they would go over each toy, discuss it together and then decide. Nicholas came out at one point and showed me one of his old Power Ranger toys and said this is worth at least $5.oo right Mom. I looked and said nope, sorry, at garage sales you sell things for cheap to be able to get rid of them. Well, he got mad at me and said his toys are worth a lot of memories. I said your memories are all you need and I told him it was worth 50 cents. He still isn't happy but is getting better that he can't overprice everything. We shall see how it goes though. I don't have high hopes that his toys will stay out there for long. Maybe they should go stay with their Uncle for the weekend so I can get away with selling everything. Who knows?

Football Is Coming!!

2011-07-07T10:21:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we had our first official football meeting. Nicholas and Preston decided to play football and I was really lucky to get them on the same team. A team that consists of their Uncle Paul as head coach, their Uncle Kevin as an assistant coach and Dad as another assistant coach. We just like to keep it all in the family. They are so excited. We have the pads, helmet and are ready to go. The meeting went well and they get to start practice on July 25th. The first two weeks they have to go to practice 5 days for 2 hours each day. Then it goes to 4 day a week practices and Saturday games. Even though it sounds like a lot they are really excited. Preston has been waiting for this since he could walk so I have no doubt he will do great. Nicholas decided in February that he wanted to play too. I am sure he will do great too. I love that they get to play on the same team. It makes it easier for me and plus everyone in the family is involved with the both of them. I can't wait either. Football is my favorite sport so of course I will love to be screaming on the sideline.

Car Troubles

2011-07-07T10:17:00.002-06:00

Yesterday my car battery was acting up. I had some trouble starting the car so I had Mat look at it in the morning. I was running late for work and of course didn't want to sit and wait any longer for Mat to keep the car running. He had it started and it had been running for a few minutes. I thought that would be fine. Austin on the other hand had a fit because I wanted to take it to work. He insisted that I take Mat's truck instead. I didn't see the problem and told him No, I had to get to work. He keep saying the car was a piece of poo and I shouldn't take it. He said it wasn't safe for me to take to work and that it would break down on me. I didn't realize how passionate he was. I took the car anyways. Well, long story short I got it started on my lunch hour just to drive it back home to Mat. When I walked in the door, Austin was standing there laughing. All he could say was I told you so Mom. I guess he really did know what he was talking about. Needless to say that today I also have the truck. Sometimes kids do really know best.

A Little Guilt Trip

2011-06-21T22:08:00.002-06:00

I got off of work early to take Austin to a doctor's appointment. On the ride there the boys were really quiet and I did most of the talking. On the way home though the boys had lots to say. Austin started off by asking me why I can't be home with them anymore. I told him I wish I could but it is better for our family now that Mom works. He said "For Who Mom?" That question really got me thinking. Then he teared up a little bit so I tried to change the subject only to be interrupted by Preston who chimed in with Daddy needs you home too. It really makes you think about your priorities.

Big Brother is Watching Over You

2011-06-21T21:52:00.004-06:00

Austin has always been our adventurous soul. He finds mischief where there is none and has gotten into more sticky situations than all three of my boys put together. One thing that he does do even if he doesn't show it all the time is watch over his little brothers. He watches over them, makes sure they are taken care of and thinks Mat and I are a little lax on the parenting when it comes to them playing around our neighborhood. We have always been a little protective of the boys but over the years we have given them more independence. Austin doesn't care for that at all. In fact we have had neighbors tell us what a great kid Austin is and how he cares for all of the kids in the neighborhood.

A little for instance regarding him is this: Preston and a neighbor girl were playing in our backyard one minute and the next they were gone. It was like they disappeared in the blink of an eye. Well, Austin panicked so bad. There were tears and a frantic Austin was racing from neighbor to neighbor trying to find them. We did find them and guess what? They were in the backyard the whole time. We have a half acre and they were in the way back corner playing in the dirt. We didn't even see them back there. It showed us how much Austin cares about his brothers (even though he won't admit to it most of the time).

So tonight my Austin is spending the night at his friends house. I was dozing off in bed and my phone rings. Lo and behold it was Austin and he was checking on his brothers. He was making sure they were ok and in bed. I told him they were and he just told me "Good Mom. I just wanted to make sure they were good. Love you Mom, have a good night." How can I ever get mad at such an awesome, caring kid? He truly loves his brothers even if he doesn't always show it.

Advice from an 11 year old.....

2011-06-21T21:46:00.002-06:00

I haven't been feeling well and we were supposed to be getting ready to go camping for Father's Day. I was trying my hardest to not stress out and just go with the flow but of course, that is NOT my personality. Austin came out of the bathroom and as he was passing me he stopped, looked at me and presented me with some great advice (at least he thought so). Austin said hey Mom I think you need to read page 52 in your magazine. It tells you how to smile even though you are stressed. I said what magazine? He said the one on the side of the bathtub. Then he told me he took a look at it while he was in the bathroom. He said it sounds like something that might help you Mom, just saying. I really think God gave me boys to keep me laughing even in a stressful situation. They keep me on my toes, that's for sure.

This and That

2011-06-16T22:38:00.001-06:00

Here are some more pictures from the past few months.

Disneyland!!!

2011-06-16T22:30:00.002-06:00

Enjoy some pictures from our recent trip to Disneyland.

Summer Has Started

2011-06-16T21:47:00.002-06:00

Well, summer is in full swing and the boys are loving every moment of it. Mat is able to be home with them during the day so the boys are having fun. We already had our big family vacation. We went to Disneyland and we had a blast. Nothing like visiting the House of the Mouse (as one of my friends says). We stayed a week and did the whole Disney thing and took the boys to the beach. Overall we had an awesome vacation.

Onto summer though.....my Austin is heading to middle school in the fall so I am hoping summer crawls by. I am not ready to be a mom of a middle schooler. He is an awesome kid so I know we will have no problems but it is still an end to my little boy and the start of a preteen.

I am going to make a very conscious effort to keep up with my blog this summer and from here on out. So if you check my blog regularly you will actually have something to read.

Seriously Spring!!

2011-03-28T20:59:00.002-06:00

Wow, time sure does fly now that I am back to work. I can't believe April is almost upon us. Spring break was fun around here. I took the week off to be with my boys and we went to the zoo and the pool a couple times and just enjoyed a nice relaxing week of Mom being home. I sure do miss being home with them.

In a few short weeks my boys will be done with yet another year of school and that will bring a whole new set of fun and challenges into our house. Austin will be a middle schooler next year and lord help us now. He already loves the girls in his class, wants to be way too independent and just is becoming a slight mouthy. Ok a LOT MOUTHY!! He still will help but you always know a Why? How Come? Why do I always have to help? is following very closely behind. He is becoming this big kid and I don't like it very much. He plays guitar too and is very good at it. He is also playing baseball again and this weekend is opening weekend. I can't believe it. Holy Cow is time flying!!

Preston and Nicholas are doing good too. They are still having fun and being all boy, all the time. Gotta love the energy these boys carry with them on an everyday basis.

Well, like I said, I can't believe we are almost into April.

Did I mention Austin turned 11 on March 2nd? 11, where did those years go?

Back to Reality

2011-01-07T22:46:00.002-07:00

Well, Christmas break is over and another year has begun. I cannot believe that we are inching closer to the end of another school year too. Wow!! Time is sure flying by and I cannot believe I am going to be the Mom of a middle schooler in the fall. Is it even possible? I remember my little baby boy coming home from the hospital and us starting our lives together as a family. Now he is getting older, more hormonal (another name for moody), and heading off to middle school in the fall. We had such a great talk tonight. I just sat on his bed and he spilled everything out to me. I love it that he still talks to me. He is such an amazing little boy, I mean big boy. He is helpful, does good in school, has lots of friends and is just a great all around kid. I am proud to be his Mom.

Any New Friends Mom?

2010-12-30T21:12:00.002-07:00

Mat and I joined the gym a couple days ago and our first night of going together was tonight. We actually did pretty good but the best part of all of it was when we were eating dinner tonight. Preston is always so cute and innocent when he talks to us about real life issues. So tonight as cute as can be Preston asked us how we liked the gym? We said it was good. Then he proceeds to ask (so cute) "Did you make any new friends Mommy?" I thought it was so adorable. I said yep. He said "What's there names?" I said machine 1 and machine 2. He just looked at me and said "Really, machine one Mommy?" Gosh I just love that little boy and all of the questions he asks. If life were as easy as kids make it it would be a wonderful world.

Holidays Are OVER!!!

2010-12-28T14:38:00.003-07:00

I am not sure if everyone else out there feels the same way but 2010 has gone way too fast. The holidays came upon us so quickly and left in the same fashion. I am hoping for a much slower paced 2011. Then again I have three very active boys so I am not sure if that will actually happen or not. Oh well, 2010 brought many challenges with it but it also brought many good things also. I have all of our Christmas stuff back in the attic and have had a nice 4 day weekend with my family. This weekend will bring 2010 to a close and hopefully 2011 will bring along with it lots of happiness and good health for all of my family and friends. So on that note Happy early New Year and I hope it is one of the best years ever!!

So, so long!!!!

2010-11-08T21:20:00.002-07:00

I am a terrible blogger now that I have returned back to the work force but have decided that that is not an excuse. So, I have returned to blog land to update everyone on our life. So, as of the middle of August Mat has returned to the work force also. He landed a great job and we couldn't be happier. Plus he really got the whole package, benefits, pay, etc. Really, it was God telling him to go there at the exact right moment that helped him to get it. As I said we couldn't be happier. The boys have already finished one semester at school and are all doing great. Austin ran for student council secretary and won. We are so proud of him. Mat said he did an awesome job at his speech and had no problem standing in front of people and speaking. I guess he is more like me than I thought, loves to talk. :0) They are all doing good in class too. In fact at Preston's conference his teacher told me that Preston is one of the kindest kids in her class. It makes me so happy to hear those types of things. It makes me a little more reassured that we are doing a pretty good job. We finished up fall baseball season and now we are onto basketball. Nicholas is playing on the third grade team and Mom is coaching Austin's team. We are two weeks in and I must admit that I am a pretty good coach if I do say so myself. Well, I also have some pretty good kids playing for me which helps a whole lot. So far so good for the basketball season. I can't believe how fast this year has flown. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and then we are onto Christmas. Wow, 2011 will be here before we know it. So there is an update from the family land. I will try my best to keep up with the blog. Signing off for some sleep.

A New School Year

2010-08-27T17:28:00.002-06:00

is upon us. The boys started school last Tuesday and so far so good. Preston got Nicholas' teacher from last year and since we loved her already we know this is going to be a great year. Nicholas got a teacher we aren't very familiar with but so far he really enjoys his class. Austin got the 5th grade teacher we were hoping for and we love her so far. She is very strict but fair. Austin had a little rough patch at first but brought home his first A on his spelling test so not bad. Preston has already brought home two student awards for good behavior. Nicholas hasn't really said much but he is quiet anyways. Before school started we redid the boys' bedrooms. I rearranged and moved all three. Now they are organized and ready for a great year. Hopefully sooner rather than later I will be home again with my boys. Working when I want to be home with them is tough. Oh well, you do what you have to do.

4th of July

2010-07-25T23:07:00.002-06:00

This year we spent the 4th of July with our good friends. We had a blast and the boys had a great time. We had a wonderful evening that involved great food, great drinks, great friends and great conversation. The boys got to swim all evening and even kept going into the wee hours of the morning. I don't think we left until almost 1am and they were still having a blast swimming. I forgot my swimsuit but it didn't stop us adults from jumping in clothes and all. It was a great night and fun to see friends I haven't seen in a while. Definitely shows me that we need to get together way more often. Here are some pictures of the night.

Isotopes Game

2010-07-25T23:01:00.003-06:00

Yes I haven't been diligent about keeping up with my blog but here are a couple posts of stuff the family has been up to. We attended the 3rd of July Isotopes game thanks to my work. We had a blast and the fireworks display at the end was amazing. Overall it was a wonderful night and the boys had a great time. Here are a couple pictures from our fun night together.

Update Pictures!!

2010-06-17T22:29:00.003-06:00

Here are some pictures from the past couple months. A couple of them are from the Isotopes game that Mat took the boys to, Austin's championship game, Preston and Nick's baseball party and of our day trip to Bandelier National Monument.

A Lengthy Update

2010-06-17T21:47:00.002-06:00

Well, with me working full time now I have very little time to keep updated on my blog. I love my blog too so I really want to start getting into a nightly routine of updating it again. Right now we are smack in the middle of summer vacation for the boys and Mat is home with them. He is still looking for a job so it worked out for us that he is home for the boys right now.

I am still working full time and it has become a whole lot of stress. I guess mortgages do that to a person. I knew there was a reason I took an 8 year break from it. Oh well, I am employed right now and very thankful for that at this moment. So enough with the work thing.

Lots of baseball excitement for Austin this past month. His team made it three rounds of playoffs to win the championship game. It was awesome. We were all there to root them on the entire way. So our baseball season ended on a very high note. Nicholas and Preston's team did really well too. All three of them had their end of season parties already so we are finally done with sports for a small moment. It is always fun to watch your kids grow so much during a sport.

All three boys ended school very well and will progress to the next grade in August. I cannot believe that Austin will be a 5th grader. I can't believe in a little over a year I will have a middle schooler. Is that even possible? Am I old enough? :0) lol Nicholas will heading to 3rd grade and Preston will be in 2nd. Wow, time is sure flying for our family.

I will hopefully add some pictures for the past couple of weeks here. First I need to upload them here. Oops!! Hopefully I can keep up a little more than I have been.

A Talent Show

2010-05-05T21:05:00.002-06:00

It has been a very dramatic week for my son Austin. He worked his butt off with my Dad to play guitar and sing a song for the talent show at his school. Mat took him and he did a great job. I wish I could have been there but I wasn't. Mat said he did great until he was interrupted for going too long. That is bull to begin with because they had it timed out perfect. So we will skip to Tuesday when they posted the talent show lists. There are three shows so I didn't think there would be a problem with him making it. Well little did I know that there were lots of kids that were on every list so it made for less spaces. So Austin didn't make it. He called Mat and ended up coming home early. He cried and it was very devastating to him. He said he sucked and didn't want to play guitar anymore. Of course it didn't help that kids at his school made fun of him for not making it. Not that they even tried but when you are that age everything hurts so much. Now I am fuming and so is Mat. In our area middle school and high school sports carry huge rosters for sports teams because they don't want to cut kids and hurt feelings but in elementary school we have cuts for a talent show. There are three shows for goodness sake. They couldn't make sure everyone gets a minute to do their act. How unfair is that policy. Mat and I happened to question his teacher this year and her abilities so we really feel we have made Austin a target. Why a 10 year old would be a target for adults would be beyond me but they made their point loud and clear and my son was the target. Poor kid is shattered so he goes to school today and asks his music teacher why he didn't make it. She tells him he was a key off when he sang. I am sorry but what elementary school kid isn't a key or two or ten off. Lots of little giggly girl groups made it so is she saying they are at a perfect pitch or is she saying she is a perfect b****. Really, to hurt him like that when he was already crushed. I really can't stand my kids school right now. Let's keep every kid who tries out for high school football but cut a kid in a elementary school talent show. What a crock!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!!!!

2010-04-23T20:08:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday to my darling 7 year old!!! Although 7 years ago I was really still in labor with him we will say Happy Birthday a little early. We woke him up this morning singing Happy Birthday to him and this evening he got to celebrate with his Mamaw and Papa. They got him a new bike since his old one was stolen from our front yard. He loves it and was already speeding down the road in it. Of course he tucked it away nicely in the garage cause he doesn't want it gone again. Tomorrow he gets his birthday party. He is so excited. We are having it at Peter Piper pizza. His school friends and our families are coming. It should be lots of fun.

I can't believe my baby is 7. I remember bringing him home and thinking Oh Lord please help me with three little boys 3 and under. Let me tell you that those were some of the best years of my life with them. They were so awesome to be around. The exploring, going on adventures with them and just watching them enjoy life was some of my best moments. He is now growing up and while he still loves to cuddle and tell him Mommy how much he loves me its still not like having a toddler around the house. Don't get me wrong there is nothing better than hearing your child tell you they love you. It's much better than listening to them tell you they hate you (kind of like a certain 10 year old who lives here). Once again though the birthdays come and go and I am left with boys who keep getting bigger and more independent. Well at least when it comes to going to their friends houses or riding their bikes around the block. The independence stops there as they still rely on me to do the little things like getting their clothes ready on any given morning but that's ok. I have made them that way and in some ways I guess I wanted them to always need me just a little more. I love it when they call me and say Mom when are you coming home cause we want you to put us to bed. It makes me melt still.

I love my boys and they love their Mom. Birthdays are just a little extra special than any ordinary day. It shows me that I am doing a pretty ok job and they are growing up to be awesome mini men.

So Preston, Happy Birthday Baby Boy!!! We love you soooo much!!!!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

2010-04-18T20:50:00.002-06:00

Well, officially it was yesterday. I am now 32 and am feeling way beyond it, that's for sure. My parents spoiled me like usual with lots of new clothes and shoes. Love it!!! My boys remembered to wish their Mama a Happy Birthday but my husband, well, let's just say we aren't speaking. It really is just one day of the year that I would like a little recognition but it didn't happen this year. He didn't even remember and it took my oldest son to Happy Birthday before he remembered to even say it. I was beyond hurt especially with the year we have had. Something, even a card, even a homemade card would have been nice but nope. I got the big fat NOTHING. Needless to say we aren't on the best of terms. Hope he doesn't think this is a short term thing either. He really can't make it up to me until next year. Let's just say it is going to be a LONG year.

Multi -Tasking/Role Reversal

2010-04-14T21:31:00.002-06:00

As of Monday I am the working woman in the family and Mat is home with the boys. Talk about a role reversal and boy is it showing. Why is it that a woman can manage to get kiddos to and from school, papers signed, lunched packed, homework done, housework done, laundry done, animals cared for, dinner done, sports carpools taken care of and everything else that fits in during the day? Yet a man (in particular mine) can't do one load of laundry and get homework done on the same night. Really, I mean REALLY? Don't act stupid and then expect me to be grateful cause it ain't happenin' boy!!!! This time around a job needs to appear because he definitely needs something to do during the day cause housework and child rearing isn't his kind of thing. I guess that is why they say it's womans work because it really is a woman's work. I have a feeling that the majority of men do not do the multi tasking thing and hope their wives take care of it. Well, I am off to bed but I am sure by Friday I will be doing some major multi tasking when the house looks turned upside down and laundry is everywhere. It needs to be done by Friday cause I want to spend my birthday doing nothing and I plan on making it happen.

First Day Back in the Working World....

2010-04-12T22:03:00.002-06:00

It was my first day back but it wasn't as stressful as I thought it would be. For one thing Mat is home with the boys so there are no worries right now about their care and well being while I am at work. I do wish that he was employed but I also love that he is home with the boys before and after school and for all sporting events. I guess you can't have the best of both worlds. Oh well, wishful thinking I guess.

Work really was good today. I had orientation in the morning which made the morning go fast. Then I went into train with another woman in the office. I think I was pretty quick at grasping all of the concepts she was teaching me. I even finished the file we were working on by myself. I felt pretty proud of myself since I haven't touched a mortgage file in over 8 years. It was kind of like riding a bicycle. You really don't forget the main points of it.

Overall the day went pretty quickly. I did end up with a killer headache at lunch but took some medicine and it went away. Thank goodness!! It was a good start to a new career. I really do see myself advancing with this company. The people are great and they seem to promote from within quite a bit which made me happy. So good day and now I am exhausted and heading to bed.

Baseball, Baseball and More Baseball

2010-04-10T20:47:00.002-06:00

Today was our first Saturday full of baseball. We started at Nicholas and Preston's game at 10:30 this morning. It was a good game and Preston and Nicholas got good hits. Preston went two for two and Nicholas went one for two. Preston ended up getting the game ball which he was so excited about. It made his day. He was so proud of it and so were we. Then we took a little lunch break at home and off to another round of baseball. Austin's team was playing at 4:00. They were incredible today. They ended up winning by the mercy rule because we were up 10 runs. They were hitting machines and their fielding was great. Overall it was a great day of baseball. Can't wait til our next game on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Yep, another full week of baseball. It is always so fun during baseball season. I love the go, go, go of it. The boys love it too.

Mothers, Moms, and Mommies

2010-04-09T18:03:00.002-06:00

Every one has a Mother, Mom, or Mommy. Whether we are close to them or not is different for everyone. I, for one, am very close with my Mom. I guess you can say I have been bonded to her since birth. Sounds kind of corny but it is true. I was a Mommy's girl growing up (loved my Dad too) and even though we have been through our ups and downs together we are still as close today as we were when I was growing up. I remember going right behind my Mom everywhere she went when I was little. She never cared that I was attached to her hip til I was pretty much in high school. I loved going everywhere with her too. If she was going somewhere I always wanted to be with her and like I said she never cared. I look back and think where was her alone time away from me cause I sure need it away from my boys. As you can see I was always with her. I guess that is why I wanted to stay home with my boys while they were growing up because she was always there for us. I say to myself everyday that I am very lucky for the relationship I have with her. I know a lot of people that are not close with their Moms and some that don't even talk to theirs. I talk to mine everyday and sometimes multiple times a day. She goes through all of my good times with me and sits and listens to me through the bad times too. I wouldn't be the person I am without her. I tend to think I am a very good hearted person and I give her all the credit in the world. I watched her through the years help others, take care of my Dad wonderfully, and be a great Mom. I love that I had such a great influence in my life. Some people in life are very fake. They live lies among themselves and are not true to who they truly are. I was taught in life to be myself. I like to think I am teaching my children the same things my Mom taught me. My Mom was a real, hard working, be yourself kind of person. She never acted like someone she was not. She carried through life true friendships that she still holds onto today.

I will miss spending all of the quality time together since I am heading back to work. I had so much fun throughout these years spending time with her and my Dad. I will always cherish those moments and so will my boys. I am glad for all of the time I have had home. Today was my last weekday home with my family so I enjoyed it with my Mom. She helped me organize my home and all of the boys' rooms. She helped with my laundry, dusting and all around cleaning. I am not sure how many Moms lend a helping hand to their daughters but mine is always just a phone call away. She definitely helped me so much so when I am back at work we are organized.

So thanks Mom for all you do!! You are one of a kind and we appreciate all you do for us.

Meltdowns

2010-04-07T21:49:00.002-06:00

When your child is going through their toddler years you endure many, many tantrums. I know we did with all three of our boys. They were at all hours, places, and occassions. It was always a precious bonding moment between me and my son when it occurred. Usually because they were close enough to me to kick, hit, fling their bodies around and scream in my ear. Well, my ignorance always thought the older they get the less fits and tantrums I have to deal with. I guess ignorance is bliss except when the bliss ends with legs kicking, shrills piercing ear drums and alligator tears running down their faces. All this coming from a 10 year old, yep my 10 year old does this. He actually was a great toddler, very few tantrums, knew his boundaries and we were always complimented on his behavior. He was so sweet and loving. Well I guess the hormones are starting and the nasty attitude, eye rolling, and smart mouth aren't enough. He now kicks his legs, lays on the ground and cries. His brothers just climb over him and laugh which I was hoping would help curb his behavior but it didn't. I hope this is just a phase, a very short phase. At least he hasn't laid on the ground at a store yet. I would have to leave him there and pretend he is not mine if he did. Cute, cuddly toddlers are one thing, but large, loud mouthed preteens are another. :0) I love my oldest son a whole lot. He talks so maturely with me and is usually pretty good but this stage of not controlling himself is starting to wear thin on me. Hopefully my returning to work will make him realize that his time with me should be enjoyable instead of acting like a butthead.

Thinking Back

2010-04-06T21:49:00.002-06:00

The boys love to hear stories of funny stuff they did when they were little. I am so glad I have kept great stories of them over the years because it sure keeps them laughing. At dinner tonight we were talking about when Austin let a UPS man into our home when I was in the shower. Of course it leads Nick to ask me where he was when this happened. I told him he was takig a nap and then Preston asked where he was. I told him he was still in my tummy. So he stands up and says to his brothers, "Yeah, that's right, I was taking a shower in Mommy's tummy and it was COOOZZZZYYYY!!!! Mat and I just started laughing cause it was the way he said it that was so freakin' cute. He just cracks me up all the time anymore.

Do You Really Understand?

2010-04-06T12:43:00.003-06:00

I always seem to put the tv on when I am doing laundry or cleaning the house. I guess it is more for the noise than to actually watch it in the mornings. I have never really gotten into the morning talk shows. This morning I was folding laundry and happened to be watchig a popular morning talk show. During this show I was listening to one of these women say how she understands how people are losing faith in the government and economy but people should really be more understanding and keep faith. Really, no I mean really. Keep faith and hope in what exactly? Doesn't she go home every night to her mansion with her millions in the bank and not really live the reality of the real working man and woman struggling at this time because there are no jobs and no money left to help people in these situations. My husband has no job stability anymore, not even a little. Even when you finally feel like you can breath a little easier something happenes again. Then you are back to square one or like us a little worse off than your previous situation. We found out this morning that while Mat may qualify for unemployment it is substantially less than we got last year. Funny what 3 months makes. What it makes is less money to help people but more money for any number of government run programs that the government wants to have succeed. We have to be humble and ask for help yet the person in front of me in line needs a translator cause they don't speak english so I get shoved to the back of the line. I am sorry but when did this country become one of not helping their own. Mat and I and our family are born and raised here, pay taxes here, and would love to get help when we need it. Have we ever asked for help before, NO, we have not. So why treat us like trash because we have come to a point in our life where help is desperately needed.

So back to the original topic, sorry, I get off topic when I have a rant. Do Hollywood stars have any real clue of what is actually happening in the United States of America at this moment? No, so they really should quit talking about how we should keep our faith in our government and give them a chance to succeed. I am sorry but I am done waiting for something good to come out of this administration and am tired of counting my "Change" that we have been left with because really that is all we have right now. Get over it Hollywood cause the real America is struggling just to put food in our kiddos mouths right now. When your biggest problem is getting out the door and into your limo on time you have no idea what the real world is dealing with.

Maybe this is why I never take the time to listen to all these great morning talk shows.

It Ain't Over!!

2010-04-05T15:03:00.002-06:00

My sons say stuff everyday that just makes me want to give them a big hug and squeeze extra hard. :0) Austin was playing his video game and for some reason was talking to himself. Don't ask me why, maybe they forget they have two extra brothers to carry a conversation on with but oh well they all three talk to themselves. So when he was done with his conversation he shouted pretty loud "It ain't over til the fat lady sings." Then he looks at me and says "Oh don't worry Mom I wasn't talking about you." Gosh, good thing he cleared that up for me. Like I said it just makes me want to give him a huge hug and squeeze really hard. I guess outta the mouth of babes. Although he is getting a bit old to refer this saying to. He still says the most obnoxious stuff sometimes.

Do we really need another dose of reality?

2010-04-04T22:56:00.002-06:00

I have known since Friday that once again reality was slapping us in the face AGAIN. Mat has been up for his raise and benefits for a couple weeks now but he never received the information for them or his review. We thought maybe since the company he works for was getting busy it was just being put off for a little bit. No, not it at all, they had different plans that we never expected in a million years. They terminated his employment as of Friday instead. Isn't that great of them? Yep, right before Easter, before our weekend away, and before we thought we were finally going to get somewhere. Instead we are right back to where we were before but without unemployment. Mat exhausted those benefits last year when he was unemployed. The bad thing is is we never saw this coming. We felt it was coming at his last company. This time he was working his behind off for this place, staying late, getting project after project done, and for what? I am so frustrated for him because he never saw this. When I found my new job so easily we finally felt that this was going to be a great year. Why must we always go back to square one? I feel like screaming, crying and everything else at this moment. I truly hope he can find a job easier than last year but with nothing in the paper it just seems like a never ending battle that can't be won right now.

Funny, funny Preston

2010-04-04T10:29:00.003-06:00

Yesterday Austin was giving us some major smart butt behavior so Preston had had enough. We walked into the room and Austin said something mean to Preston so that was all my poor little 6 year old could handle. So he said "Yeah, well somebody is gonna come in and throw candy at me and Nicholas and push you down Austin." Who that somebody was we weren't sure of but he was so sure of it when he said it. It was very cute and at least he didn't hit him or call him names, like I am sure he really wanted to do.

Easter

2010-04-04T10:23:00.002-06:00

Well, it is Easter and we are in Las Cruces getting ready to leave. It was very cute though waking up this morning with a room full of hidden eggs and a little boys who was very excited. Preston woke up, used the restroom, came out and said the Easter bunny must have used our bathroom. We asked him why and he said cause there are eggs hidden in the bathroom. Then when he came out and looked around he said Mom, our hotel room doesn't have many hiding places for eggs cause it looks like the Easter bunny just rolled a bunch of eggs around. Oh well, he still had fun. Although the Easter bunny made a big mistake and forgot those Easter baskets. Oops for the Easter bunny. Although the bunny did remember all the candy and goodies so at least those were set out last night. And did I mention that the poor Easter bunny didn't get to go to sleep until after 1am because I had a child who decided to stay up and watch me all night. Oh well, I guess I will be getting some good sleep on the road today, oh I mean the Easter bunny will that is.

Cows

2010-04-03T22:55:00.002-06:00

We took the boys to El Paso, TX this weekend but we stayed in a hotel in Las Cruces, NM because Mat had stayed here before. He liked the hotel so decided the twenty minute drive to and from wasn't bad. Well, we were driving to Texas this morning and there were a ton of dairy farms along the freeway. The boys thought they were so cool, except of course for the smell. Well we stayed in Texas for a couple of hours and then ended up driving home. Preston remembered that there were a ton of cows along the freeway so he was waiting for them. When he saw them he got so excited he shouted "Mom look it's the dairy queen cows." I laughed and said the dairy queen cows and he said yep, look at all those dairy queen cows. So I guess to him the dairy cows milk goes to dairy queen to make yummy ice cream.

A New Journey

2010-04-01T15:08:00.002-06:00

Well, I have been a very lucky Mom. I say that because I was able to be a stay at home Mom for many years with my boys. They grew up knowing Mom was right there with them and I loved almost every minute of it. :0) Really certain days were very trying but the boys knew Mom was there for them and their every need they had. I was able to enjoy that time with them. Now the journey ends and a new journey begins. I was the co-owner of The Green Team but it was very part time so the boys still had me home, at their school, on field trips, etc. That was fine but it really is time for me to begin a career and that was not a career. I need to get back to something I enjoy and being around people I enjoy. Although I will always be Mom and I love it. I was offered a full time job with a bank/mortgage company and jumped on it. It was the only interview I have been on in years and I guess when you have got what they want that is all it takes. I like to think of myself as an intelligent person so putting that to use will be great. I start my new journey on April 12th. I have a great friend of mine who is going to be watching the boys before school and on Wednesdays since they get off early. It is awesome for them since Austin is best friends with her son. They are excited too. Mat will be adjusting his schedule to get off for the boys the other days of the week so overall it all worked out for the better. I am sure it will take us all a few weeks to get used to Mom not being around at every minute of every day but they will adjust. I am sure it will take a few weeks just for Mat and I to adjust to it as well. Overall this is big for our family and we have needed it to happen. So I do feel that the job was there when I needed it to be and all things happen for a reason. As chaotic as it feels right now, in a few months we will be much happier.

Farts

2010-03-31T20:14:00.002-06:00

Yep you read the title right. My sons always have the best subjects to talk about. Well Mat and the boys stumbled across a show that is being filmed here in our town. So they drove by it and saw the trailers and actors. They loved it and thought it was so cool. So later after they got home Preston comes in and asks Mat, "Dad, how does the tv stop the adult actors from farting on the tv? I mean they fart don't they, but how come we don't hear it." To him that really was the most important question of the evening too. I love the logical thoughts of a 6 year old boy.

My funeral plot

2010-03-30T22:38:00.002-06:00

I guess the other evening when Mat was driving Austin home from baseball practice he wanted to see a graveyard. Well I guess ever since Austin has been wondering about where you go when you die (besides heaven). So tonight he asked me "Mom, do you have a plot?" My response was "What's a plot?" Austin said "You know Mom, a plot." I of course had no clue what he was talking about so I again said "What plot?" Well then out of the mouth of babes my son said "Your funeral plot. You know you are getting older Mom and I am just concerned." I started laughing and told him "No. I don't have a funeral plot." Well I guess that concerned him even more because we are not prepared in case something happens. He was too funny asking me that. When I told Mat what he asked he just cracked up too. Mat told me that when Austin asked him to take him to a graveyard he asked how you get one of those spaces and Mat told him you buy them. I guess that is where his question came from but it was still funny to hear it from my 10 year old son.

Nicholas' Surgery

2010-03-30T22:33:00.002-06:00

Yesterday Nicholas went in to get his tonsils and andenoids out. He was so brave and all of his nurses and doctor told us how brave he was. He never cried or carried on in any way. We were so proud of him. When they took us back he got dressed in his gown, hair cover, and socks. He was very cute. Then the nurse came back and gave him some medicine to make him calm. Well, it took an adverse reaction for Nicholas and he started talking a mile a minute. He was so hysterical that Mat and I were cracking up at him. Then when the dr and nurse came to get him he showed them how his bedrails were nerf guns and he started pretend shooting the other patients that were waiting to go back. They were cracking up at him too. He was funny. It was a very quick half hour before he was back in recovery. He woke up really well but when he did he was ready to leave immediately. Like I said he was so brave and we were so proud of him. Today was a little rough for him. He had his Mamaw and Papa come by and visit. He even ate lunch with them which was good for him. He ate lots of popsicles and soup but started running a fever so he is now trying to rest for the rest of the night. Overall though it was successful and he is doing great.

One Last Thought from Nicholas

2010-03-28T19:56:00.002-06:00

Oh and before I forget to write this down I needed to come back to post. Nicholas has been telling us for weeks that he isn't scared for his surgery, in fact, he is very excited. I know, excited usually isn't the feeling for a child getting surgery but my son is different. He is so excited to MISS SCHOOL FOR TWO WEEKS. Really, that is all he cares about. He has let us know that for the past week. He told everyone at school, all of our family and friends, and even people we don't know that he gets to miss two weeks from school because he gets his tonsils out. He is hysterical. I love my little Nicky!! He cracks me up on a daily basis.

Pre Surgery

2010-03-28T19:45:00.002-06:00

Well, Nicholas is getting his tonsils and adnoids out tomorrow. So today we took him to buy a new video game for his nintendo ds since he is taking it with us to the hospital. It should keep his mind off of things at least for a little bit. Then we took him out to eat where he wanted since he won't be having anything solid for a couple days. He enjoyed the day. It didn't end there though. Preston and Austin went to their Uncle's house for the night since we have to be at the hospital by 6:30am. It was easier for them to keep their day normal and not worry about things at the hospital and plus Austin has testing he couldn't miss. So we took Nicholas for some fun time at Chuck E Cheese. We played games for a while there and then came home. Now we are waiting to eat pizza with him until around 9pm since he can't eat anything until after his recovery tomorrow. I am sure everything will be fine for him but anytime your child has to have any type of surgical procedure you get a little scared for him. So right now I am sitting her typing and Mat and Nicholas are playing video games together. He did let us know that he would have loved to have been an only child. :0) Gotta love what comes out of kids mouths!! So if you read this tonight say a little prayer for our Nicholas that everything goes smoothly and he is back in his own bed by tomorrow afternoon.

Just Lick It Mom

2010-03-22T20:14:00.003-06:00

We were having dinner tonight and I happened to spill a little on the side of my plate. Austin leaned over and told me "Just lick it up Mom." I told him that was gross and you shouldn't lick things up at the dinner table or anytime for that matter. He just laughed and I said "I know Mom but really I just lick it up. It doesn't really matter what it is. I lick up messes when you aren't looking at the table and at school." It is a wonder he isn't sick more often or maybe licking stuff up has made his immune system so strong. Who knows what he is licking up throughout the day? I gotta love my boys, even if they like to lick stuff.

What's That Mom??

2010-03-17T16:53:00.002-06:00

I knew the question would arise at some point in my life. I just never knew the proper way to answer it so avoiding it has always been the best bet. I am talking about the commercials about tampons. So Austin and I are watching tv and a playtex commercial comes on. Austin asks me "Mom, what are those for?" Of course he sees them in the bathroom too so he knows that I use them and since the commercial is filled with girls he knows it is for a girly issue. So the next question out of his mouth was "What do you plug something up with them?" So, of course I had the Mom response of "Yep, that's exactly what you do with them." Enough said and he walked away with an answer.

An 8 year old and the bank account

2010-03-17T16:42:00.002-06:00

We went to the bank the other day and Nicholas watched a little boy buy a squirt guy. He asked me why the kid was buying the squirt gun with play money. I told him when you start a bank account at our bank they give you bucks that you can purchase toys with. He got all excited about it and told me today that he wants to open a bank account at our bank. When we were in the car I heard Preston and him talking about it and Nicholas said I don't mind giving them my wallet. I explained to him that you don't give your wallet to them, just your money. He got very upset and asked me how are they going to know it is my money with my wallet with my name on it. I told him you have your own bank account number and they know how much you have in your account. Well, that didn't fly with him so now he just wants a piggy bank for his room because he told me he doesn't trust the bank. He is so funny, yet he might be on to something.

I Don't Get It!!

2010-03-15T19:04:00.002-06:00

Austin watched the movie My Girl as couple days ago and during dinner tonight he decided to recite lines from it. So at dinner Austin tells me "Mom, wasn't it funny in My Girl when the Dad said to the girl I don't want them to look like 2 dollar hookers." Before I even got a chance to answer him Preston breaks out laughing and while he is laughing says "That is so funny even though I don't know what it means." We were cracking up at that one. He is so cute and funny.

10 Already!!! Happy Birthday Austin!!!

2010-03-03T23:18:00.002-07:00

I can remember the day my big boy turned 5!! He came running up to me and said "Look Mommy I am one whole hand now". Well yesterday he turned two whole hands and wow did reality set in. In a year and a half I will have a middle schooler on my hands. He woke up yesterday and said "Mom, do you notice something different about me?" I said no and he smiled and said "Well I am 10 now, a preteen." A preteen, wow, never really thought about that either. Austin has always been my outspoken, social, athletic child and now he is entering a different part of his childhood. You can tell he is struggling with his attitude and of course being a know it all now. I should have known because now with him being two hands old and all he knows the world. :0) I am always wrong now with all of his knowledge and all. He does make me smile though, especially with his sly comments he makes just to let me know he is really listening even if I think he isn't. I can't believe my baby boy, my first born, is 10. Every year I say that when one of my boys gets a year older but this year it has really hit me. He really is a preteen and all of that great boy hormones will kick in and any sign of a little boy will start to disappear. He will always be my little Aus, my first born son, my love. I cherish my time with him, probably not enough, but every minute really does count with them. I see him wanting to be with his friends more often, take a bike ride without us, and spend the night at his buddies houses a little more. He really is growing up but in my heart he is Austin, my baby boy. I love you Austin and hope you had a wonderful 10th birthday.

The Joys of Growing Boys!!

2010-02-27T01:22:00.002-07:00

I went shopping tonight and Austin wanted to tag along. While we were at the store he was being very sneaky so I asked him what he was doing. He told me nothing. Well he kept playing in his pocket so of course I thought maybe something had made it into his pocket but he insisted it was just a piece of paper. I believed him and kept shopping. Well we finished up and headed home. We no sooner got into the door and Austin took off to find Preston. I of course had my Mom instinct kick in and followed him. I entered the bathroom to lots of giggly boy voices. Austin was showing Preston a picture. He crumbled it quickly and told me it was nothing. I took it from him and realized what he had taken in the store. It was a tag from a bra with a picture of a woman with large breasts wearing a bra. He found that to be so awesome. When I showed it to Mat he thought it was funny too. Oh the joys of growing boys!!! Lord help me through puberty!!

It's About the Little Things

2010-02-25T00:13:00.002-07:00

As I complain about life and the things that get me down do I ever stop and remember the little things that I am grateful for, nope. I think that most people, especially in these harder times, complain about the big things that we think matter the most in our lives. Today for some reason, maybe the long wait at the doctor, or sitting at church, had me thinking about being grateful for everything, not just money or material things but literally EVERYTHING. Do you ever stop to think when you are griping about cleaning the house that maybe you should be grateful to have a house to clean? Probably not but you should because not everyone has a nice home so today I thought about being grateful for my home even if it was dirty and needed to be cleaned. Onto the laundry.... I am sure we have all sat around staring at it thinking why we do always have so much laundry? But today I am going to be grateful for the laundry because it means everyone in my home has clothes to wear. Onto my boys, which of course I am grateful for. What I mean is when they are talking to you are you grateful that your children can communicate with you? You should be whether they talk or whine too much at times, be grateful for it. Stop complaining about the stuff you should be grateful for. Are you grateful for your partner in life? Sometimes I complain on end about Mat but am I grateful for him, absolutely. He may not be perfect but am I, no, nor will I ever be. So once again stop complaining and try your hardest to be grateful for everything. Can your children give you hugs and kisses and share a book with you, then be grateful. I am so sick of hearing people complain about stuff that should make them proud or happy. I am guilty of it too but I do get it that I should stop and see all of the little things that God has given me. I have three wonderful little boys, a husband who works hard for his family, and parents that love and adore me (which I do about them too). I am so grateful for those wonderful parts of my life but the fact of the matter is when the big things are getting you down maybe focus your thoughts on the little parts that should make you smile. And do just that, smile. From now on I am going to try and focus on being grateful for every part of my life. We only have one life to live so we might as well enjoy every aspect of it.

The Sports Are Upon Us!!!

2010-02-22T22:17:00.002-07:00

Austin's basketball season is coming to a close with the play-offs here this weekend. Then we are onto baseball. Austin already tried out and was drafter to his team yesterday. We have already received the call and he is beyond excited. Nicholas and Preston will be playing on the same team this year since they are both on the rookies part of little league. Nicholas is not so keen on his brother being on his team but I am sure they will keep each other competitive. They do like to play catch with each other so I am sure they will enjoy being on the same team eventually. Austin on the other hand is such an awesome player. He gives it his all and loves every minute. He has so much potential. Now if he would just be as driven with his school work we would never have any problems with him. But I guess you can't ask for everything. So as of March 1st our life becomes that of baseball players 24/7. Trust me though we wouldn't have it any other way. We love sports and we love to watch our boys play them.

Fight Against Cancer

2010-02-20T23:06:00.003-07:00

On February 4th the world celebrates International Fight Against Cancer Day and I did not realize that until facebook reminded me of it today. I have a huge victory to share with the world about a man who fought for his family against cancer and WON!!! My Dad!!! He fought a long hard battle to overcome the odds against Hodgkins Lymphoma but he came out far ahead in the battle. Yes the treatment left him with life long ailments but we have him here with us today. My boys are able to spend time with him in the flesh and the best part is that he was able to be around when we added Preston to our family. I cannot express my gratitude enought to all the doctors and nurses who helped him through but I hope they realize that they helped to save a wonderful husband, father, and Papa. We have had the past 8 years with him because of that effort. Lord knows that a lot of the effort went to him for a long hard fight. He is such a courageous man and we cannot be happier that he is here with us today. So hug those extra special people in your life this month (and always) and send special prayers for of those children and adults who are still in a cancer fight. There will be a cure someday. I am sure of it.

The Pillow Shield

2010-02-16T20:33:00.002-07:00

This post is about exactly what my title says. Nicholas and Preston came up with a huge blanket tied around pillows. They put it around their necks and then fall or jump to the ground and bounce back up. It really is a great invention but scary to watch them throw themselves down. Pretty funny though that they came up with an invention to help themselves not get hurt because they usually have more fun hurting themselves. I guess I will never fully understand the making of a boys personality but they sure are hysterical to watch. But I think so far in their short years here on earth that the pillow shield is their best invention.

A Miracle on our Block......

2010-02-08T19:13:00.002-07:00

So the inevitable always happens when we have a party or get together. Someone in my family gets hurt and of course it is one of the boys. It would actually have been funnier had I gotten hurt while doing the running man during a touchdown for the Colts. But no, Austin decided it would be a good idea to wrestle around with his friend and hurt his foot. At first he said his toe bent back and it was hurt bad. He was crying but since he is always getting hurt we didn't think much of it. We wrapped it up, gave him some tylenol and he went to bed. This morning he came out of his room crawling and crying saying he couldn't walk. So off to the dr we went and the next five hours are a blur. We had to see the dr, then sent off to get x rays, and then back to dr. All the while he is hurt, riding in a wheel chair at the hospital and then hobbling around at the dr. Well, our dr came in and told us their was no fracture or sprain, just a little swelling. The next part is nothing less than a miracle cause all of a sudden my hurt son could walk. As of this moment I truly believe in the power of a dr saying you are healed and then BAM, you are healed. It really was an awesome experience. I hope to repeat it, well never but then again is that a reality, probably not with three boys on my hands.

The Right Time

2010-02-08T17:43:00.003-07:00

Is there ever such a thing? The Right Time.... I used to think that there would come a time in our married lives where it would be the right time. The right time to host a barbeque, the right time to have friends over, the right time to host Christmas at our home, the right time to do just about anything as a family, with our friends or any event for that matter. But I have come to the realization that there is never a right time. You just have to go for it in life and realize the time doesn't stand still for the right time. I love my family and friends and love having them over. I have come to realize though that some have the right time perception in their views inhibiting the events that I want to have. I guess for some the perfect home, the food you serve, and what you have at your events is really all that matters. I love the laughter and sharing my time with people I love and care for and wish the it was the same for everyone. Although I realize that some things will never be The Right Time. Life is too short to sit and hope your home is perfect and you have all the money in the world to provide what you feel is right for everyone. It's not and nor will it ever be. So realize that life is too short to wait around for the RIGHT TIME.

God's Mailbox

2010-02-03T21:26:00.002-07:00

We were leaving Awanas tonight and Preston noticed the mailbox at the front of the church. He asked me if it was God's mailbox and I told him no that it was the church's. He didn't believe me and said it was God's mailbox and no one should check it but him. He was so cute and it all made sense to him. I tried to explain to him that God's mailbox it through prayer but he said that God needs a mailbox at church too. I couldn't argue with him anymore cause he was too darn cute when he was explaining it to me.

The Stench

2010-01-29T19:43:00.002-07:00

Preston moved his room a couple months ago and has still been having a problem sleeping without the hallway light on. So I decided to buy him a nightlight but it was one of those plug in smelly units that happened to have a light attached. I thought the smell of was nice on the package. So we plugged it in and he slept great. The next day Mat took the smelly part out of it and kept the light for Preston because it really was a nasty smell. No wonder I found it on clearance. lol Well, anyways I guess Mat called it the stench smell. So the next night Preston comes running out at bedtime asking me for the stench that goes in his night light. I asked him what he was talking about and he said the stench smell. I asked him why he was calling it the stench and he said because Daddy said it was a stench smell. Evidentally Preston didn't realize that wasn't a good thing. He thought it was the name of the smelly stuff. Oh well, another good laugh from one of my boys.

Working Out with Your Son

2010-01-20T15:16:00.002-07:00

I am really trying to lose weight this year and am doing pretty good at it. I am working out at home and today was the boys early day so I hadn't done my workout yet. I was getting ready and Austin asked if he could workout with me. So I of course let him. To begin with he had to use the bathroom and took FOREVER!!! So I was starting the dvd and then he had to change. So right off the bat it was taking forever to get started. We started and he started off great. The video I picked was an aerobic one so the moves aren't new to me but foreign to him. He kept up great for the first 20 minutes. Then he starts to yell at the girls on the video. He is telling them to stop staring at him. He can't help it if he doesn't know their stupid moves. It was really funny and I wish I had a video tape of him. It got better though. About ten minutes before we were done he told me he couldn't wait to weigh himself afterwards. I told him you don't lose weight that fast. It takes time. Then he told me that was stupid. You should lose the weight right after the workout or whats the point. So we finished and he did the whole 50 minute video with me. I did impress him though. He asked me how I could go so fast on the moves. So overall it was fun and he enjoyed it for the most part. He wants to do my weight lifting video next. I told him he could. Maybe he will start working out more often.

Being a Mother of Boys......

2010-01-17T14:40:00.002-07:00

Being a mother of boys is sometimes a trying experience. I see it on a daily basis. They are loud, sometimes obnoxious, and very active. Would I have it any other way? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! I am a mother bear to my boys and I feel the need to protect them in all ways, not just protecting them from the bad but also from the judgmental idiots you meet. Unfortunately being a mother to all boys means people say stupid things to you and probably don't even realize they are doing it. Or maybe they do. Do I think that a perfect family is a mother, father, daughter, and son. Nope, I sure do not and if everyone's family looked like that it would be pretty boring. What I am sick of though are the comments. Does everyone feel the need to give you theirs, yep most of the time they do. It bugs me too. My boys are caring, loving boys who cried their eyes out when my Dad recently got sick. They love their friends and care about them. They give their Mom and Dad hugs and kisses all the time and tell us they love us all the time. Yes, sometimes they are loud and want to bounce off the walls. And yes, sometimes I do care that they are doing that, but they are kids and should love life. Do I want kids who sit in front of the tv and don't move, who could care less about their family and friends, and have no personality of their own? Nope, I sure don't. I love my boys and wish that everyone around me can see what great kids they are and would love to spend time with them and care about them like I think they should. I have some friends and family that love my kids for all they are worth and I absolutely love that. I just wish everyone could see that they are great kids and deserve the love and attention every child should get whether they are a boy or a girl. If there weren't great little boys born we wouldn't have great men. I have a great husband and Dad and they were little boys once. I wish all people could see the frustrations Moms face when they have multiple little boys running around and somebody can't control their rude and unwarranted comments. Stop and think before you make a judgmental comment about someones family.

Ouch!!

2010-01-08T21:05:00.003-07:00

I was taking the meatloaf out of the stove tonight and somehow my oven mitt got wet. When I reached in the heat radiated through the mitt and I burned my hand. It hurt so bad I practically threw the pan down. The boys started panicking and crying about Mommy getting hurt. It was cute how they cared. Well until they started fighting over who cared more about my burned hand. Then it turned into one fighting with the other and then the other hitting the other with a book. Then I had to be the bad guy and send two of them to their rooms. On their way to their rooms they let me know they didn't like me anymore. Needless to say our dinner was delayed and it wasn't due to me burning my hand. Gotta love my boys!!!

Happy 2010!!!

2010-01-08T20:39:00.003-07:00

Well I cannot believe that we are already into 2010. I am a little late posting about our New Year's Eve but better late than never I guess. We spent our New Year's Eve with our family and had a great time. We went to Mat's sister's home and dressed to impress in our summer clothes. It was freezing outside but inside was nice and toasty and lots of fun. We ate lots of yummy food, drank lots of yummy drinks and enjoyed each others company. We all rang in another year together. So here is to 2010 being a happy and healthy one to all. Here are some pictures of the evening.

A Wonderful Christmas

2009-12-28T01:33:00.002-07:00

I cannot believe that Christmas has already passed. It was a wonderful day that we were able to share with our families. We of course started our morning at the very early hours. The boys actually awoke at 1am to find that Santa had already come. They felt that was a great time to run down the hallway yelling Santa came. We eventually got them to go back to sleep but overall we didn't sleep very soundly. The boys all had a great time opening their gifts. They got just what they wanted from Santa and that made them very happy. Then I started fixing breakfast for Mamaw and Papa's arrival. They arrived and loaded in with their gifts. We ate breakfast and the boys had lots of fun after opening more presents. Austin cried when he opened his psp from them. It was very cute. We had a great time with them and Austin and Papa even got in a little guitar. Then we were onto Mat's family Christmas. We had dinner with them and then more presents. It was a lot of fun. The boys had lots of fun and so did we. Austin played his guitar for the family and he did a great job. I am sure he will want to make that a regular event for our family get togethers which is awesome. Overall another wonderful Christmas has passed and we are onto another year. I cannot believe that 2009 is soon ending. I hope 2010 is a great year for all of us.

My Hands.......

2009-12-25T07:08:00.002-07:00

We are up this early Christmas morning and I had to write this down before I forget. We were all cuddled up in our bed because Austin decided to turn our heat all the way down to nothing. So we are trying to get warm. While we were snuggling Nicholas asked if we can go snowboarding today with his new snowboard. I told him we did not have time today. We have to open our presents under the tree, Mamaw and Papa are coming over for breakfast and to open more presents, and then we will end our day at Aunt Jamies for dinner and more presents. Preston sat up and said in the cutest voice EVER, Man, my hands are going to be tired. It was so cute and finally Mat heard one of Preston's cute little sayings he is always saying. I love the cute little saying my boys are always making. They are so adorable. Well, we are off to brave our cold house and open presents. Merry Christmas to everyone who reads my blog!!!!!

Christmas Coal

2009-12-23T20:38:00.002-07:00

Preston had a wonderful conversation about Santa bringing him coal. He asked me tonight what you are supposed to do with coal that Santa brings. So I told him nothing. He said Ok then I will just throw it away. I asked him if Santa was going to bring him coal and he told me yes. There isn't enough time to be good.

So onto five minutes later. He was running around and jumping off the walls. I told him to settle down and go brush his teeth. He tells me No Ma'am. Do you like how I am trying to be good? I just gave him the evil eye and told him he has to actually listen to be considered good.

So, off to bed. While I am tucking him in he asked me another wonderful question. Mom, before we decorate cookies I should get to know if I am on the naughty list. It's not fair that I make him cookies and he doesn't bring me something fun. I told him to decorate the cookies and leave them for Santa. He said he's not doing a good job.

Good night Preston!! Sweet dreams baby!!! I hope he realizes that to me I love him even when he is naughty or nice!!

Examples

2009-12-11T00:00:00.002-07:00

Last weekend we went to Sam's Club to pick up a few things. Well, the boys love to try all of the samples that they offer on the weekend. As we were driving to Sam's Club, Preston was so excited. He kept repeating over and over again I can't wait to eat some examples Mommy. I asked him what an example was and he said the little food that Sam's Club gives you. I thought that was so cute. I tried to tell him that they were called samples but he kept telling us through the whole store that he wanted some examples. He definitely ate lots of EXAMPLES. :0)

Forgetful

2009-12-01T05:30:00.002-07:00

Yep, I am becoming very forgetful lately. Maybe it is my schedule is just to full or maybe I am just getting older and it comes with age. I had to work today and scheduled this job for a Monday, which we never do. I also am supposed to volunteer on Mondays. So of course I forgot about my volunteering in Preston's classroom and didn't remember until Preston got in the car after school and told me. Mommy you forgot to come to my class. I told him how sorry I was. He told me that's ok Mommy. We all forget stuff sometimes. I asked him what he told his teacher and he told me he told her I had to work. I felt better knowing that he knew I just didn't blow him off. I love to volunteer and would have much rather done that than worked. So I am glad that Preston is big enough to know that Mommy doesn't just forget about her kids. Next Monday it will be locked down in my brain, well hopefully at least. :0) I guess we all make mistakes.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T15:12:00.001-07:00

We had Thanksgiving at our home this year with my parents. It is so much fun to watch the boys and Papa play their guitars and drums and just have an enjoyable day together. We had a great meal and great conversation. We went to Mat's family's home for dessert and the boys had fun playing with their cousins. We ended up bringing them home with us so Mat and I could go shopping on Black Friday. We survived the day and my shopping is almost complete. Overall, we had a great Thanksgiving and can't wait for Christmas to come.

Nicholas' Birthday Party

2009-11-28T15:02:00.002-07:00

We had Nicholas' birthday party last Saturday at Peter Piper Pizza. He had a blast and was excited that his good friend got to come. It was cute to see them running around together. We had a good turn out and he got lots of awesome presents. He is really into science and drawing so everyone accomodated those requests. Overall it was a great day and my alligator cupcake cake was a big hit. I even got compliments for it from other parties. Here are some pictures from his big day.

My First Cupcake Cake

2009-11-22T12:46:00.002-07:00

I let Nicholas pick out a cake and told him that I would try and make it for his birthday party. So, he chose an alligator called Old Swampy for his cupcake cake. It looked very intimidating but after I made it it was actually pretty easy. Nicholas loved it and it was a hit at the party. I even had some people from other parties ask me where I got our cake from. I, of course was proud to tell them that I made it. So, overall it was fun to make the cake and get so many compliments. I even told Austin that I would make him one too. Here are some pictures of my masterpiece.

Happy Birthday Nicholas!!!

2009-11-19T13:58:00.003-07:00

Well, I guess the inevitable happens and that means my babies are growing up. Nicholas turned 8 today and I cannot believe how time is flying by. Instead of reminiscing about the past I am going to tell all that I am thankful for in my middle son. Nicholas is a remarkable little boy. He gives the biggest hugs and smiles for us all the time. He loves us and tells us all the time. He is an artist in every aspect. He loves to draw, sketch, read about drawing, and is incredible at it. He brings laughter into our home. He shares what he is thinking about with us. He loves to read and loves Mommy to read to him. He loves to explore and spends hours researching on his favorite subjects. I love everything about him and has brought our family 8 years of pure enjoyment. We love you Nicholas!!! I can't wait to see you grow up even more than you already are and watch every adventure you go on and hope to go on them with you. Keep reaching for your dreams and we you will achieve each and every one.

Preston's Owie

2009-11-15T19:36:00.002-07:00

Well, after 6 1/2 years Preston succumbed to needing stitches, well not stitches but dermabond. He was playing around on the couches and decided to jump over and splat. When he fell his face hit a spot on the couch where a nail was sticking out and it got him right in the side of the head. He had a gash that needed dermabond and another spot that didn't need anything but a cleaning. He was a very brave boy but really had me laughing on the way to the dr's office. He kept asking me if his brain was going to fall out. I kept reassuring him that his brain wasn't going to fall out. I also had to keep telling him that the couch was in big trouble for hurting him. He got home and showed everyone his treasures because the dr gave him a syringe to play in the bath with and a couple other trinkets. So overall his first experience of stitches wasn't a bad one. Hopefully he won't have another one any time soon.

The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Mommy!!

2009-11-12T22:09:00.002-07:00

Tonight was literacy night at boys' school and they were all doing different themed activities. It was supposed to start in the gym with Preston singing a song and then moving onto Austin reading a poem, and ending in Nicholas' class doing a small reading from Where the Wild Things Are. Well, like I said before it was SUPPOSED to work out like that but of course it didn't. We did watch Preston sing and then quickly ran over to Austin's performance and we got there right when they were DONE. I was so upset and so was Austin because we missed it. As I am quickly apologizing to him we run over to Nicholas' classroom for his reading and as we approach the class I notice everyone leaving. Yes, LEAVING. They ended up doing it a little early so Nicholas missed his reading too. He was so upset he ended up crying and so did I because at that point I felt like the worst Mom in history. He wouldn't forgive me the whole way home and I wouldn't forgive myself because I felt so horribe. What a terrible feeling for a mother. I knew that poor Nicholas worked all week on it and was so excited about it so it made it that much worse. I am still upset about it but Nicholas is over it. I am not. I cannot believe that they would tell us one time and start because some kids got their early. I will not get over this because I know it meant a lot to him. I hope he will decide to perform his part for us because I was really excited to see him do his reading. So I am off to bed to feel bad for myself being the bad Mommy.

Lellow

2009-11-11T17:33:00.002-07:00

Yep, my title is correct. I picked the boys up from school today and they were talking about their days. Then, Preston chimed in and was as serious as can be when he asked me "Mom, do you think when I am 16 I will be able to say lellow right?" Well, as you can guess lellow is actually yellow and he has said lellow since I can remember him first learning their colors. I have always thought it was cute so I never thought it was a concern but evidentally it is a problem for him now. Because he was absolutely serious about being able to say yellow the correct way. So I reassured him that by the time he is 16 he will be able to say yellow correctly. So now he is ok with saying yellow, lellow. He has been practicing saying it all day now. It is very cute that he is concerned about saying his colors the right way.

A Celebration!!

2009-11-09T22:11:00.002-07:00

On Sunday Nicholas and Preston were baptized. It just happened to also be Mat's birthday which they were very excited about. They were so good during the baptism and Nicholas was very cute standing behind his brother while he was baptized. He was waving to everyone down below in the congregation. Mat was down in the pews with his family and I was up with the boys so I got to see them first hand. Afterwards we went to breakfast for Mat's birthday and the boys baptism. It was a wonderful, blessed day for our family. The boys are very proud of themselves and so are we.

Dinner Conversation

2009-11-05T18:04:00.002-07:00

Mat and I always try to engage in conversation with the boys about their days. Usually they are very talkative but tonight I guess Preston was more interested in his roast than talking with us. So, I am going to go over our conversation.

Mommy: So how was your day Preston?

Preston: Good.

Mommy: What did you do today?

Preston: Play.

Mommy: Play what?

Preston: Games.

Mommy: What games?

Preston: Army.

Mommy: What did you do in class?

Preston: Math.

Mommy: What kind of Math?

Preston: Cutting.

Mommy: Cutting what.

Preston: Wild Things.

That's pretty much where we ended our in depth conversation. I guess that is about the best conversation I am going to get with a 6 year old. Usually he just says good but it was hysterical that he kept going with his one word answers. In between the answers he was shoving dinner in his mouth. I guess he was extremely hungry tonight.

Too funny!!

Halloween

2009-11-01T18:43:00.002-07:00

Halloween was a great day and night for the boys and even us adults. We went to the Harvest Festival to begin our evening and then ended at a party thrown by Mat's brother. We had a great time and the boys had a ton of fun trick or treating. The neighborhood where they live is wonderful and very kid friendly. It seems like every house is decorated and every one is in the spirit of Halloween. Mat and I stayed behind to have some adult fun. We played a couple horrow flick games and lost both but Mat came out ahead in the costume contest. He went as Justin Timberlake's character on Saturday Night Live that sings with Adam Sandburg. So I guess you could call his costume Dick In A Box if we are being real. :0) We danced, drank, and had a lot of fun. Overall, Halloween was a ton of fun for the whole family. Here are some pictures of the fun and the boys' costumes.

Pumpkin Carving

2009-11-01T18:27:00.003-07:00

A little late but better than never I guess. The boys ended up carving their pumpkins with just a little help from good old Mom. I am proud of them. They chose their patterns and had at it. Preston needed me to cut out his pattern but it was his design none the less. Preston called his One Eyed Willy, Nicholas called his Evil, and Austin called his Skull Bones. It was very cute. This was the first year that they really took an interest in carving their own pumpkins. So that was a fun time. Here are some pictures of my awesomely creative boys' pumpkins.

Pumpkin Fun!!

2009-10-25T21:25:00.002-06:00

This morning we took the boys to the pumpkin patch here in town. It was a really nice one and the best part it was free. The one we usually go to is up in the mountains and it has been really muddy so we opted out of going this year which really is a bummer. So we tried a new one and it was really neat. They had a corn maze, games, horse rides, and lots of pumpkins. The admission was free and the pumpkins prices went to a local charity organization so that was nice. The boys had a lot of fun riding the horses and playing the games. Preston got scared in the maze because his brothers ran ahead of him and he was left alone. He cried for a little bit but was ok when we took him to ride the horse. The picked out great pumpkins and we came home and cleaned them out. Tomorrow we will finish the faces on them. The boys are getting very excited for Halloween. We are going to a party at my brother in laws home and then the boys will go trick or treating with their cousins. It should be a lot of fun. I have attached a couple pumpkin patch pictures.

Field Trip Mama!!

2009-10-22T20:30:00.002-06:00

Preston had his first field trip today to the children's museum in town. I met them there and had my little group of two boys to tour the museum with. First graders are great to go on field trips with because they still enjoy all of the little things that the museums have to offer. We did probably every exhibit and it was so much fun. The boys had a great time and so did I. I actually like field trips and watching how much fun the kids have is even more fun for me. Preston's teacher even tried out a bike exhibit that goes out on this little wire and the kids were so excited for her. Although a couple of them didn't want her to die. Poor kids!! Overall it was a lot of fun and I even had a huge group of kids want to eat lunch with me. Preston asked them why they wanted to eat with his Mom and they said cause she is fun. He said Nuh Uh!1 Gotta love my boy!!

Family Photo Session

2009-10-18T20:50:00.002-06:00

Every year we try to get our annual family picture done for our Christmas newsletter. Well, this year we decided to head out to the mountains and do it ourselves. Overall it was a nice family day with little stress (well not really true but better than at a photo studio session). So Mat and I each took turns taking pictures of the boys with each other and then decided to set the timer up and actually got a great picture on the FIRST try, yep, FIRST try. It was a miracle but I told the boys to look at the flashing light, smile, and stand still until it snapped the picture. I also added in that we would take a hundred pictures if we had to so do it the first time and they could go and play. I guess it worked because they stood still, smiled, and got to go play. Overall a nice family day with pictures for our Christmas card was accomplished. That is a whole lot for a family of wiggly, talkative, little boys. So, if you are one of the lucky ones to get our newsletter and Christmas card you can see our hard work, but if you don't happen to be on our holiday mailing list then I will share a couple of the pictures here. Hope you enjoy!!

You Should Fire Me!!

2009-10-09T14:34:00.002-06:00

All of my boys have normal day to day chores and yes, they do have trouble getting them done. But Austin is usually pretty good at taking the trash out daily or at least every other day. Well, the other day I was cleaning up the house and walked out to the garage to take some trash out. Low and behold I found about 4 more bags out in the garage that he never took out that morning. I figured he had done it since I heard the garage door open and then close again before school. Well, I guess he got distracted with something else and ended up forgetting. When he got home that evening I told him how many bags of trash I had to take out and how I was not happy with him because he didn't listen that morning. Well his response was plain and simple. Austin told me "You should fire me Mom. Evidentally I am not good at that job. Maybe I could try something else." I told him "No" he could learn to take the trash out a little better. Then he walked away and said it was worth a try. Gotta love those boys!!

We Should Be Ashamed!!

2009-10-09T14:29:00.002-06:00

I haven't been on here for a little while. I need to make a better effort to blog everyday because really, with three boys there is something funny to say everyday. Today was a great example of that. We took the boys to lunch since they are out of school and Mat and I had the afternoon off. The lady at the restaurant came to take our order and after we were done ordering Nicholas said to her "We have five people in our family." And before she responded Austin said, "We should be ashamed of ourselves because we are an odd family instead of an even family." The lady busted out laughing and Mat and I just sat there contemplating where he even came up with that. He keeps me laughing that's for sure. So I guess to my kiddos since we have an odd number of kids we are a weird family and should have another one to make our family even. Ha Ha!!

Mom's Diaper

2009-09-23T21:50:00.002-06:00

Well, as every other Mom out there I have a lovely period every month. It marks my most moody part of the month but today I got the best laugh of all. Nicholas was using my bathroom, which most of the time they only use theirs, so I hadn't put my feminine products away yet. Nicholas comes out of the bathroom holding my pads and asked what are these? Well, Austin had caught word of our conversation and was now heading to my room to see what we were talking about. I told Nicholas that Moms use those sometimes during the month when they need them. Well, Austin followed Nicholas down the hall and this is what I proceeded to hear: Austin told Nicholas "Those are Mom diapers and they use them to protect themselves." "From what." Nicholas said. "Pee, because I have heard Mom say sometimes she laughs so hard she might pee herself. The diapers help her if she pees on herself." By the way that conversation alone did almost make me pee myself. Oh the love of a boys mind never ceases to amaze me.

I Don't Want to be Old

2009-09-20T21:40:00.002-06:00

Nicholas had an ear infection a couple weeks ago so it got the family talking about our ears. When Nicholas was a toddler he had ruptured his eardrum and if it wasn't for the little bit of blood I saw we would have never known it had happened because he never cried about it. So Austin was telling us at the dinner table that he never wants to be old because then he has to wear his eardrum on the outside of his ear. We asked him what he was talking about and he said he sees old people with their eardrums on the outside of their ears. I finally realized he was talking about hearing aides and told him that those were hearing aides, not eardrums. Then I had to explain that hearing aides help people hear and that eardrums stay in your ear even when you get older. He seemed very relieved. The way their minds work never ceases to amaze me.

Hold On Mom!!

2009-09-20T21:36:00.002-06:00

We were leaving baseball the other evening and getting ready to load the boys in the car. Nicholas and Austin were already in the car and Preston was poking around as usual. I was already tired and getting irritated when I asked him to please hurry up. Well, of course Preston had to respond to me what he was doing. "Mom, I can't hurry I am picking my nose." I had to laugh as he finally got into the car. Gotta love those boys.

Fall Ball

2009-09-13T00:17:00.002-06:00

Well, fall baseball is underway and we have all three boys playing. We were not sure how it was going to work but so far so good. They all enjoy playing, especially Nicholas, which surprised us the most. If you have read my previous posts, Nicholas has never been our athletic one, but a few years of growing has sure changed him completely. He loves baseball and is the first one to get ready for his practices and games. He plays catcher and third base and has been on a hitting streak. He got two hits at his game today and got to score twice. He tells us everyday how he wants to play in the spring. Austin is also doing well. He is also playing catcher and sometimes first base. He does really well and we are proud of him. Preston is still in tball but loves to play first base and hit. He does really good too. It is a busy season but a lot of fun to watch.

My Pledge.................Obama's September 8th Speech

2009-09-06T00:37:00.003-06:00

On my quest to find any information on Obama's public school speech I came across these two videos. I could not find any actual videos of the speech he plans on making but nothing is greater than watching Hollywood propaganda at its best. As humorous as they both are it reaffirms the reasoning behind my children not viewing it. Please watch the first video and then continue on with the second. Enjoy them as much as I did!!

The First Week of School

2009-08-23T19:40:00.002-06:00

Well, the first week of school had lots of excitement and a huge disappointment too. I will start with our huge disappointment. Preston lost his teacher after only two days. She resigned and decided to take another offer with another school. To me it was an awful thing to do to a class of 1st graders. They all met her, tested with her and were excited to be in her class and then she leaves them. Preston was sad about it. So instead of us having to wait for another teacher to be found we called the principal at the school to move him to a class with a teacher already with the school. To our amazement the classes are full in the other rooms. Just sounds funny to me that their is no room for children to move that already attend our school but if new students move to our school they will be placed in one of the supposed full classrooms. It was a complete joke and if they do not have a permanent teacher by the end of this week I will park my butt on the chair in the office until Preston has another secure class to go to. Other than that mess Austin and Nicholas are adjusting great to their new classes. Nicholas even did his homework on Thursday without being told which is a huge step from last year. So for those two so far so good. I guess two out of three isn't bad but I wish Preston had had a great start too.

Lots of Firsts

2009-08-20T06:21:00.003-06:00

Well, the first day of school was yesterday for all three boys. It is still nice that they all go to the same elementary school. I guess having them all so close together paid off for this reason. Mat and I dropped them off together and of course Austin had to walk 50 feet ahead of us in case he saw one of his friends. Then we found Preston and Nicholas' lines. Mat then of course went to find Austin and all of his friends came running up to Mat. Since Mat went on all the field trips and such last year he knows most of the kiddos in the class. So Austin didn't get away from his parents that easily. The bell rang and we said good bye to the boys and off they went. I picked them up after school and they all couldn't stop talking about how great their days went. So I took from all their smiles and jibber jabber that the overall first day of school was a great day for all three of them. Onto today which is their first full day of school and we could have a different perspective on things. Hopefully it will be the same reaction but who knows.

We also started baseball last night. All three boys are playing fall ball which is going to make things quite interesting. Preston had practice last night and the other two are having practice tonight. They are all excited so I am hoping the excitement keeps them going because it is going to be a busy couple months in our home.

Meet the Teacher Day

2009-08-12T18:57:00.003-06:00

Well, another school year is upon us and boy am I ready. It is so exciting for Mat and I that the boys are starting another school year. YAHOOO!! The boys all met their teachers for the upcoming year and they were wonderful. We have the best luck with teachers. They were all great and the first impression of how they are going to be as a teacher was awesome. The boys are all excited too, well not as excited as we are but then again that is to be expected. Austin was excited because his buddies are in his class again this year, Nicholas told his teacher he was thirsty and bored that he had to come (what enthusiasm my son has), and Preston hid behind my leg the whole time. But like I said WE, Mat and I are very excited that another school year is upon us. GO SCHOOL YEAR!!! Woohoo!! Can't you tell I am very giddy about this process. It gets a little more exciting each year. So, pictures are coming of the boys' first day of school next Wednesday, August 19th. We will be there with bells on.

Preston's Crying with the Ipod

2009-08-07T22:58:00.003-06:00

So after dinner tonight we were heading home and Preston was listening to his brothers Ipod. About five minutes into it he started listening to a song we sing in church quite frequently and burst into tears. I turned around to see what was wrong with him and he started saying between all his tears that he misses church and we should go more often. I told him we go almost every Sunday and that this Sunday he was moving to his new Sunday school class. It didn't matter because I think to him he thought we should be going everyday. Or maybe he was just remembering how he acted at dinner and needed some forgiveness. :0)

Isotopes Game and End of Season Baseball Party

2009-07-26T22:38:00.003-06:00

Austin had his baseball party this evening at the Isotopes game. We really thought it was going to storm and it looked really dark when we got there. But the clouds opened up and it was a beautifully hot evening at the ball park. We ate before the game with his team and then they got to go down and get their balls signed by Orbit and the team. Austin got his ball, glove, shirt, and hat signed by Orbit and some of the team. It was a really good game and they won, which was even better. The boys all got foam fingers which were so much fun throughout the entire game of them being waved in my face. But of well. we had a lot of fun and there wasn't a single drop of rain until the end when we were walking to the parking lot.

Austin's Conversation at Dinner

2009-07-24T20:43:00.001-06:00

Austin was discussing what step parents were to the boys as his friend has a step dad. This is his conversation with the boys (almost word for word.....between me laughing and occassionally choking on my food I heard it pretty clear). Austin said "Nicholas step parents are, well, um, remember the other day when you were stung by a bee." Nicholas said "Yes, so what?" Austin said "Well it's like the bee stinging you , but he doesn't die, he just moves onto another person to sting, I mean another family to be with." I almost needed the heimlich manuever I was laughing so hard. I told him Wow, that is an awesome description of a step parent. He just said "I know stuff like that Mom."

Gotta love a 9 year olds interpretation of anything.

Day In Santa Fe

2009-07-18T19:56:00.003-06:00

Mat and I follow the show Diners, Dives, and Drive Ins and have been seeing a couple of places from Santa Fe on it. So this morning we decided to go up there for lunch. We went to Bert's Burger Bowl and it was pretty good. A little pricier than a burger place should be but oh well, it's in Santa Fe, enough said there. We decided to take the boys to this really neat park we saw on the way there. They had a lot of fun playing on the ropes and the weird merry go round type rides there. Overall the park was a lot of fun and they weren't ready to go home yet so we saw a sign for the Children's Museum and decided to take them there. It seemed really small when we got there but they had a blast and so did we. They got to rock climb, blow massive bubbles, play on multiple water features, and roam the gardens where there was so much for the kids to do. I took a lot of pictures and it was a really good family day. The boys have asked to go back another day soon. So I guess that means they had a good time.

A Cricket

2009-07-17T15:33:00.002-06:00

Preston decided to catch the cricket that was hopping through our house this afternoon. So he went and got an empty water bottle and ended up capturing it inside the bottle. Mat told him to not screw the lid on so he could breath. So instead Preston grabs up the bottle, turns on the ceiling fan and holds up the cricket for some fresh air. He stood there for awhile until his arm started hurting. Then he gave the cricket a crushed up cracker and set it on my bar. Of course when he wasn't looking we let it go but it was very funny how he took care of the cricket for a whole ten minutes and then was done with it. I guess that is exactly how they all felt about the dog once she wasn't a puppy anymore. Oh well, they all have the attention span of a flea.

Starting the transition back to school

2009-07-15T19:30:00.003-06:00

My boys have been home with Mat so sleeping in for them has become the normal. Well, last night as they lay awake talking their bottoms off until well after midnight Mat and I decided they are getting up at 8am from now on. So Mat and I got up this morning and Austin was already up since he really is our early bird and Preston was laying awake in our bed. Of course Nicholas is fast asleep so I go out to the kitchen to make some breakfast and low and behold Mat comes out of the hallway carrying my sweet Nicholas. Nicholas is moaning and groaning but finally woke up. I will fast forward to dinner tonight which was only at 6pm so not too late. Nicholas can barely keep his head up and tells us how tired he is. I told him he has to start getting used to getting up for school again. He lets me know that I should have at least given him some warning. I told him I did but he didn't want to listen. Then I am told I should have talked louder and that he wants to sleep in tomorrow so he can stay up later at night. So I guess our battle with Nicholas will continue like it always does but at least he is tired tonight and won't be up until midnight.

Why Are Boys So Humored By Them.......

2009-07-15T19:26:00.002-06:00

Farts that is. I know that this is not a subject for the easily queasy but being a mom of three boys has made my stomach hard as a rock. Preston was so cute this afternoon. He came in and gave me a hug and then he went to give me a kiss and none other than a lovely fart comes out of his butt. He proceeds to kiss me and then says "Gross that smells like dirty eggs." Then he of course runs out of the room laughing only to come back a second later to let me know if that fart wasn't enough he has lots more waiting. What a sweet, sweet boy I have!! Oh the joys of boys!!

I Love You Daddy!!!

2009-07-14T21:26:00.000-06:00

Mat and I were watching old home movies of the boys when they were little and all we heard throughout them was I love you Daddy from Austin. He was so cute in them and everytime Mat said I love you to him he would turn for the video camera and say "I Love You Daddy" right back. So Austin came out of his room last night to use the bathroom and we were still watching them so Mat shouted to him "I love you Austin", and what does my now 9 year old son say to his Daddy........"Why?" in a very sarcastic tone. It just wasn't as cute as we had hoped it would be. So to Mat his feelings were hurt but we did have a good laugh about it. As for Austin he is growing up a little too fast for his own good. Hopefully he won't outgrow us saying we love him and he was just in a tired mood.

Children, Ipods, and Your Once Favorite Song.....

2009-07-14T21:13:00.002-06:00

I am not sure who thought that children and ipods should go together but they were WRONG. I love to listen to the quiet in my car when all three are occupied but when the singing begins and the quiet ends heaven help me. What do you get when you have three children listening to three different songs and no one can hear what the other is singing except for me???????? Pure listening enjoyment......NOT!!! All of my once favorite songs are now jumbled with the love of words I have never heard in the songs, nor do I want to hear in the songs that I once loved to listen to. Now I hear Nickelback, Katy Perry, and Pink in a whole new light. I hear Blah, arrrrrr, huhhhh, la, la, la, and then the chorus of the songs which of course they know so they get really loud and then when the chorus is done I get the blahs, la las, and huhhhhhs. Take for instance Nicholas tonight.....He wanted to bless me with some listening pleasure and asked me to listen to him singing Nickelback's Gotta Be Somebody (which by the way is one of my favorite songs). Of course I said yes and wow, what a wonderful decision that was. I loved the Uh huh, blah, blah, blah, cause nobody wants to be the last one there, la, la, la, gotta be somebody for me like that, and you can imagine the rest. Well, I got thru it and then he ran to Dad to bless him with All Star. I absolutely love my children but add ipods to the mix and the pleasure of being around already loud boys increases greatly. So thanks to Apple for making the ipod and plastering the listening fun of it all over tv so they would want nothing but to receive one for their birthdays.

4th of July

2009-07-05T17:53:00.003-06:00

Well, I will start with I can't believe I didn't take any pictures. That is so not like me but I didn't so nothing to post picture wise. Other than that we had a great bbq here with lots of food, friends, family, and fun. After we ate everyone left until the evening when we met our friends and went over to my brother in laws house for fireworks. They had bought a ton of them as had everyone else so we had a great show. The boys all lit some and thought it was so cool. They had larger than life sparklers and the fireworks were amazing so overall a great 4th of July was had by all. Nobody got burned or injured which is also a big plus to the holidays. :0)