Lots of Happenings

OK, time for my weekly catch up time......

I recently read an article about how parent's childhood insecurities come out when their child is on a sports team and I couldn't agree more. A week ago P started T-ball, his first organized team sport. He walked up to the practice, eager to play. To him I'm sure it was a fun time of learning and playing ball with boys his age. For me it was terrifying. I immediately noticed that he wasn't dressed like any of the other boys. He had light up tennis shoes on instead of cleats, jean shorts on instead of lightweight nylon shorts like the rest of the boys. Rob immediately noticed that he struggled with throwing the ball correctly, using his glove for something other than a hat and had no clue as to how to hold a bat. In short, it was mortifying for both of us but for different reasons. I didn't want P to be the kid that got made fun of because I was that kid. Sports has never been my thing so after awhile I just stopped trying. I never fit in in more ways than one and I prayed that wouldn't happen to P. BUT, in one short week he has made remarkable progress!! He now proudly wears a baseball uniform to every practice, knows how to hold a bat (We're still figuring out if he's a left or right handed batter though), can kind of stop a grounder and is no longer the player that needs the most assistance. I think that, with more practice, he'll be able to hold his own once the games begin. It's fun to watch him enjoy baseball, so eager for practices.

 

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Last Sunday we had the privilege of celebrating Jesus' resurrection and oh what a glorious event it was!! My day started at 5:15 am at which time I awoke to get ready for our sunrise service. The choir, which I'm a new member of, sang a beautiful acapella (sp?) song during the service as the sun rose behind the train station. After the service I rushed home to do Easter baskets with the boys before our regular church service. Both boys received fishing rods so they were thrilled. Easton hasn't learned that his is a toy that won't do anything. He proudly takes his rod over to the pond, "casting" his line into the pond. P has yet to catch a fish with his new rod but I also have to remind myself that he's 4 and has a limited attention span.

During our church service we sang a couple more specials, each one powerful in its own way. I felt the Lord's presence in the service, something I haven't felt in awhile. After yet another beautiful service, the kids had an egg hunt. The boys had fun grabbing eggs and Easton was thrilled to discover candy in them! He'd grab an egg, shake it and then toddle over to me as fast as his legs would carry him so I could open his egg for him and show him his treat. As soon as he saw it was candy he'd devour it! It was such a fun, special Easter for me. One of the best I've had in recent years!

 

 

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My parents have tried to get me to enjoy fishing as much as they do for years. They've tried every trick in the book to no avail. I'm not a "sit around" kinda gal so casting a line in the water and sitting there for hours, waiting for a bite, is not my idea of fun. When we moved here, Rob showed me a different way to fish in which you're constantly moving. I'm not the fisherman that Rob is so catching fish doesn't come easily for me. But the other morning P and I decided to go fishing for a few minutes. Rob had just put a new bait/lure/whatever it's called on my line the night before and had told me how to use it. I'm always leery of fishing when Rob isn't home because I'm afraid I might actually catch something. Well, lo and behold, when I casted my line out I felt it hit something. I waited like Rob has instructed me and then jerked hard. I felt a BIG pull and knew I had the little booger. I squealed as I brought it in, eager to see how big it was. When I finally got him up on land  realized I had a problem. First of all I knew that this bass was a "keeper". Second, Rob was not around and I refuse to touch a live fish. That's when I got creative and used child labor to get the fish taken care of. I left the fish on the pole and carried my pole as far as I could before I thought it'd snap in two. Then I called Rob and he told me to grab the pliers so I could take the hook out of the fish's mouth. I told P to step on the fish as hard as he could because I didn't want it flopping around. I struggled with the hook so I told him to step even harder while I repositioned myself and the pliers. I finally got the hook out and then instructed P to throw it in the cooler full of ice. He asked me how to do it and I told him he could do it however he needed to as long as it got in the cooler. He grabbed it like a pro and flung it into the cooler where I promptly closed the lid in fear of the fish getting out. We carried the cooler back to the house and I monitored the ice level all day, until Rob got home, because I wasn't going to have this prize fish go bad on my watch. When Rob got home he said he'd guess the fish to be about 3lbs. I got to eat it for dinner and, in my opinion, it was the best fish I'd ever ate. Rob doctored it up with butter, lemon and garlic and I threw it on the grill~ just the way I like it. I don't know what I'm more proud of.......catching my first big bass or never once having to touch the disgusting thing!!!!

 

***Don't mind my 80s hair. It was a humid morning!***

 

 



 

Fun Week

For the past 7 days the boys and I have had a lot of fun. It started with Easter pictures and the Strawberry Fest last Saturday and a picnic/egg hunt Sunday with Rob's cousin's family. This week P was excited to plant jelly beans and wake up the next morning to find that the "special moon" (aka blood moon) made the jelly beans grow into lollipops. The boys also did an egg hunt with my Bible Study group and yesterday I took them to an animal stationary that's only open to the public a couple times a year. P is an animal whisperer so he had all kinds of fun with the animals. His favorite? The baby kangaroo and the young llama. Easton wasn't too sure of all the animals that surrounded him but he warmed up to a few of them. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the past week's festivities.....

My Life is Chaos (In a Good Way)!!

After not sleeping much since Saturday night, I really need to be in bed but before I go I thought I'd share what my life has consisted of for the past week.....

I know, and have recently been reminded several times, that raising boys is not for the faint at heart. My boys take a lot of energy and I love it. But for the past week they've added more chaos than usual to our every day life. It started last week with a playdate at the park. We got there and I was talking to one of the other moms while watching Easton. I tend to let P have more free reign because he's a rule follower for the most part and has a lot of fears, which helps me not worry about him trying "dare devil" stuff. As I'm talking I hear P start crying and then it immediately turns to screaming. I run over to find that he has got his knee stuck in between 2 bars of the play structure. Problem solving is one of my strong suits and I tend to stay calm in situations. But I had a flashback about doing that as a kid and how frightening it was so, instead of thinking logically, I started pushing his knee, trying unsuccessfully to get it out of the bars. The other mom was a lot calmer and came up with a few suggestions before we were able to wriggle his knee loose. He was no worse for the wear when it was all said and done and he ran off to play with his friends. Awhile later I was watching Easton walking around in the grass. I had just said that I hope he doesn't find ant hills when he let out a brief cry. I ran over to him, knowing immediately that he had found one. I brushed the ants off of him and he, too, went on his merry way. At that point I was already pretty high strung because, an hour earlier, I had been graciously been told by our tax preparer that she thought it would be best to finish our taxes over the phone because the boys were into EVERYTHING in her office.
Fast forward to yesterday when we're at an egg hunt with our neighbors. I had told P on the way to the park that he would probably be one of the oldest kids so I expected him to be a role model, something he usually does quite well with. Easton is my dare devil so I was sticking close to him on the play structure when I noticed P wasn't nearby. I looked around and, lo and behold, I discovered him climbing to the top of the tennis court fence with his little buddy in hot pursuit behind him. Knowing he has a strong fear of heights (or used to it seems), I figured once he got to the top he'd freak out so I ran to help him, leaving Easton on the play structure with other moms around. As I'm helping P and his buddy down from the fence I hear Easton cry his "hurt" cry. A mom scooped him up and proceeded to inform me that he had fallen off the bottom step of the structure and had bumped his head. 5 minutes!! That's all it took from a relaxing time at the park to chaos!
Today was the best to date because it was chaos throughout the day, not just one specific time. This morning, as I was paying for groceries, P started screaming that his finger was stuck. A lady in line behind me came up to see if she could help me wiggle it loose. Luckily I was thinking more logically this time and remembered I had a travel size container of Vaseline in my purse. I pulled it out, rubbed it on his finger and was able to get it free. Of course by this time he was screaming loud enough that everyone in the store knew something had happened so I quickly left. Another "fun" moment happened this afternoon. He LOVES Wild Kratts, an educational show about brothers who wear a special suit to give them animal powers. He has been begging for his own Creature Power suit for weeks so my parents creatively made him one. He was thrilled beyond belief when it arrived in the mail this afternoon. He decided to wear it to the pond while he fished so he could have 'animal power'. I was watching Easton when all of a sudden I heard a splash. Out of the corner of my eye I saw P in the water so I ran over to him, where he was crying hysterically after falling out of the tree and into the pond. (Thankfully it was cold enough that the snakes weren't out!) I asked him why he climbed the tree and he responded, "I wanted to see the world as a fish does." Maybe I wasn't clear enough that this Creature Power suit isn't real and he doesn't really have animal powers. Tonight, I guess Easton figured that his Bubba had had enough fun so he was going to take over. While trying to wash the pond scum off of clothes I let Easton run around naked to help ease his never ending diaper rash. As I'm walking down the hall I see Easton squat down on the carpet and poop. So much for letting him be naked be a good idea. Boys I tell ya will ALWAYS keep you on your toes. It's no wonder why I'm always tired and questioning whether I'm too old to be a parent. The joys of boys!!

Playing Catch Up

It's been hard to do, but I've come to grips with the fact that blogging is just not as much of a priority as it's been in the past. Which is sad, since it's my way of journaling or documenting certain moments in our family's history and recording milestones for the boys. You would think that I would've done in Friday when I was in bed all day with a stomach virus but sleeping was the only thing I could think about. You would think I could get it done at night after the boys are in bed but there's usually more to do or it's my time to relax with Rob and unwind from the day. You would think I would do it during naptime but since P only naps a couple times a week now that idea doesn't work either. So, there you have it. I'll blog when I can and if it's been awhile then it could very well be a long blog and possibly rambling (most likely as today's will be) as I play catch up.
Our social life went from me trying endlessly to find stuff for us to do to keep the boys entertained to now having to say no to people because we are too busy. A problem I'm not complaining about in the least. A neighbor down the road has 3 boys close in age to our boys and a dog that Ruby loves so, when the weather is nice, we get together several times a week to play. Some ladies from church are SAHMs and have kids of various ages so we are starting to get together for play dates and picnics. We still get together with one of Rob's cousin when we can but that has gone from being a weekly event to about a once a month thing. With the weather being nice, we don't lack for things to do...especially with Easter a few days away. We've already done 2 egg hunts and need to find time to fit in a visit to the Easter Bunny.
OK, let me back up a couple weeks to fill you in on Easton. He had been so sick this Winter (as previously blogged about) so I was thrilled when I took him to his 15mo check up to not only find out he'd gained his weight back that he'd lost but also had added another 1.5lbs onto his little body. He's now in the 25th percentile for weight, 35th percentile for height and 50th for head (He's finally growing into his big head). As a mom I always thought I'd never be the kind to compare kids but it's so hard not to. At Easton's dr's apt I realized that P was much more advanced in walking and talking that Easton has been. P already knew quite a few animal sounds and words and parts of his body, where Easton lacks. As his mom, I know what some of his words are even if those around us don't. But, where Easton excels which P has been slower on, is motor skills. Easton already feeds himself with a spoon or fork and can throw a ball quite well. He also enjoys coloring, holding crayons better than his 4 yr old big brother does. Easton likes things organized and in its place, whereas P is fine putting things wherever it's convenient. P is a rule follower and cries when he's reprimanded. Easton is very defiant and will repeatedly do things even after being told no. I absolutely love and embrace their differences, knowing that that's what make them unique. And they compliment each other so well, making them best friends. It's been fun to watch them grow into a strong brotherly love, to watch the way Easton idolizes his big Bubba. I pray that they stay close throughout life, being each other's friend even during the curve balls that are thrown at them.
That's another thing that is about to keep us busy.....P is starting T-ball. His first practice was supposed to be last night but due to the unusually cold weather (WAHOO!) it got cancelled. I'm excited for him to start an organized sport but at the same time it makes me realize how fast he's growing up. He's registered for Kindergarten and will be starting in 4 short months. I can't even begin to imagine what life will be like for me and Easton with our buddy gone for a few hours each day. We're still trying to get him into a part time Kinder program because I adamantly disagree with full day Kinder (Another blog for another time). Him starting school may mean I go back to work part time, but time will tell.
If my photography business would pick up we wouldn't have to worry about me working a "desk job". But, between being a very busy SAHM and Rob's schedule, it's been hard to build up clientele. I'd love to take an editing course and buy a few more things that are much needed in my photography business. But without steady clients I can't justify the expenses at this time. One of these days, I pray that my dream comes true and that I can be the photographer I aspire to be, one that has too many clients to handle. Until that day comes, I will continue to build my knowledge base and soak in all that I can.
OK, here comes the rambling part because I don't really know where to fit this part in. Houses and memories. Each house I've ever lived in has come with memories and every house but 2 have been filled with more good memories than bad. Our first house together up in the Highlands is memorable to me because of its location (both good and bad). I felt like, once we got up the hill, we were in our own private world. I loved looking over the mountains and watching the mustangs roam through our yard. Although I hated our pendants windows during full moons and on the rare occasion I was trying to sleep in, I loved how bright and "airy" the house was. There were many things I loved and really miss about the "Lazy H Ranch"! The house we had in the valley is one of the 2 that has more bad memories than good ones. The 2 good ones is bringing Easton home from the hospital to that house and Christmas Day when we hosted some good friends that weren't driving to CA to spend Christmas with their families either. This house that we currently live in is already filled with fun memories and we've only been here 10 mos. I love that it's in a neighborhood where the neighbors congregate on the front yard and chat while the kids play. I love that we eat fresh fish a lot thanks to the pond across the street. I love Leo, our resident lizard that hangs out on our bathroom window on warm nights. I love the grassy backyard where the boys spend hours playing. So many fun memories at each place!
I'm sure there's more to blog about but at this moment in time I have more pressing things on my To Do list. Hopefully I'll "see" you again soon to fill you in on Easter pics, the Strawberry Fest, egg hunts and magic jelly beans. Until then, take care and enjoy this beautiful Wednesday......

Where There's a Will....

I have a list of blogs I want to write but never get around to it. Since I only have time for one I thought I'd write one to entertain you.
My parents have instilled in me the belief, "Where there's a will, there's a way." This concept often impresses my inlaws and husband, especially when it comes to getting things for cheap (or free). I take great delight in not only getting my way with businesses but saving money. This one is by far my favorite to date.......
Last week Rob asked if I wanted to go to a local Jamey Johnson concert, a musician we've wanted to see in concert for a few years now. I got our babysitter lined up and was excited about our date night...until I found out that the concert was sold out. That's when I went into "creative mode". I, of course, looked on Craigslist and was too late to buy the only tickets that were posted for sale. So Saturday morning I called one of the local country radio stations to see if they had extra tickets lying around. A nice gentleman that I spoke with said that they had had front row tickets that hadn't been picked up...until an hour ago. I was devastated but still wasn't willing to give up hope. Rob asked if I just wanted to go to dinner and a movie since we had the babysitter coming over but at that point I had my heart set on the concert. I told him I wanted to go to the resort where the concert was being held and see if anyone was scalping tickets. When we got there I immediately spotted Jamey's RV and trailer, making it my mission to go ask him personally for tickets if need be. Rob and I walked all over the resort, talking to employees and begging (OK, I begged. He stood back and watched) for tickets that hadn't been picked up at Will Call. We walked out front and I told Rob I was going to head over to the RV to talk to Jamey. Rob looked at me like, "Really? You're seriously going to do that?" but he knows me well enough to know that when I put my mind to something I can be pretty stubborn. As I started walking over there, a security guard was walking our way. I stopped him and asked him about tickets. He said that the band was already on stage, doing a sound check. At this point I thought about giving up but we were so close. To make a long story short, I coerced an older lady into trying to get tickets for us once she was inside. A resort employee saw me standing alone, waiting for the lady to return in hopes of having tickets for us (Rob was downstairs, trying to find people to give up their tickets), looking dejected. When she approached me I told her about how we wanted to see the concert so bad (I added all kinds of detail for sympathy). She started texting someone on her phone and then told me to wait right where I was. I called Rob and told him to come upstairs because I had a feeling this lady was going to make it happen. And sure enough she did!! Not only did she give us complimentary tickets, but THEY WERE 9 ROWS FROM THE FRONT, CENTER STAGE!!! Did I mention they were free?? The show was awesome and to top it all off I got to shake Jamey Johnson's hand at the end of the concert! It officially goes down in the books as one of the best date nights we've ever had and it'll be hard to top it!

Spring Time in the South

It's not a secret that I HATE (Yes, I know that's a strong word but it's true) the Summer weather here in the South. The unbearable humidity making every breath you take difficult. The sweat that forms on your body the second you open the door to go outside. The stickiness that is associated with it all. YUCK!
So, with that being said, I'd like to go on record (before I begin complaining about the heat within the next month) that Spring here in the South isn't too bad. In fact it's beautiful. In fact it's pretty close to perfect! When the weather's nice we're pretty outside from after Easton's morning nap until bedtime (with the exception of afternoon naps and dinner). He knows how to say "outside" so he stands at the back door and yells it until we go outside. I love that there are kids all over the neighborhood so P plays with the younger ones in the morning and the little girl that is his age in the evening. In between we go fishing or for walks or to the park. We are outside constantly, soaking up the perfect weather.
In the future, when I look back at Spring here the memories will include lots of fishing, taking walks, going on bike rides, picnic lunches, making mud pies, BBQing, jumping on the trampoline, parks, neighbors congregating on lawns to chat while the kids play. If I could make the weather like this constantly I'd be a happy camper.