Halftime report...

We're almost half way through our eternal ..did I say eternal..I meant exceptional football season. As the endless..did I say endless...I meant exciting weeks go by, things are actually looking pretty good! Jack is finally figuring out this crazy game and I'm proud to say earned a spot on the starting line up. Last week's game was "away" and who knew we'd be playing at Hogwarts?!



Stadium High School, right by the water ..isn't it gorgeous? My high school looked nothing like this.  The literal stadium consisted of solid concrete bleachers with zero handrails and steep stairs of death. One way in, one way out. The stairs up to the parking garage went on for miles. What was totally awesome was that it started raining a tad bit before halftime and then dumped the entire rest of the game. And the fact that my umbrella was warm and dry sitting in the car 4, 357 stairs straight up was equally awesome.
I had to retrieve the umbrella.
 My top half stayed dry, the bottom half was soaked, that's right, solid concrete bleachers.



The tough guy shot.

Jack made 4 tackles and his confidence is growing with each game. I'm proud of my boy for keeping a good attitude,  trying something new, working hard, and earning a starting position. I'm just proud I went and got my umbrella.

Another year begins....

Well..the first week of school is done...in the bag. It really was a fabulous start. No whining, just happy attitudes and cute faces. The weather was even lovely...who knew? Jack is officially a 4th grader which blows my mind. I remember teaching 4th grade when I was pregnant with him. I love the 9-10 year old age group. They're still young enough to love you (and shower you with gifts such as stolen jewelry from their older sister's jewelry box) and want to help in any way possible. Yet they're old enough to get and give sarcastic banter, learn fractions and state capitals, and write incredibly detailed stories. So I'm thrilled for my very own 4th grader....this will be a fun year. 

My Cole is in 2nd grade and he's.... pumped!! I think if I write that he's pumped maybe my enthusiasm will ooze into his casual little being and spark some Emotion!! He loves school in a calm, cool, and collected kind of way. He's a smarty pants and has already "become a friend with the new kid!" -That's my boy.

Brody Brod has FINALLY entered preschool and all is FINALLY right with the world. I gotta admit, I love the kid and his sassafrass attitude and I was kind of bummed that he was making the move to preschool. However, those 3 hours- twice a week are turning out to be quite enjoyable for both of us. It's a win win.

So that leaves me with my darling buddy Kate all day long. I'm so glad I have her...she's a gem.

 She wasn't too thrilled to see the fellas leave, especially Brody which I found odd since she's usually in a Brody induced head lock 1/2 the day. -Whatever. We're really good at running errands, making/eating smoothies, and painting our nails. It's gonna be a good year....I can feel it!

Little lady...

Words cannot express....

how much I adore this little girl.....

she really is the star of the show around these parts.....

especially when she pulls this face.....

and doesn't mind her crooked piggy tails.....

Camp Awesome...

I have creative and kind children. I really adore and enjoy them, they are just great kids!  For the most part they play really well together, are kind to each other, and are genuine friends. That's priority around here. They're hilarious and silly and can come up with the most clever ideas when faced with tough assignments like- "It's a lovely day, go outside and play." Case in point: Camp Awesome.
The only requirements to join: You must be in the backyard and you must be awesome. We're an equal opportunity family.

They made a flag with all member's names included, held baseball bats as they walked (?), pulled Kate in the wagon, jumped on the trampoline for a solid 18 minutes, played wall ball, borrowed my radio for the porch and rocked out to some groovin tunes and topped it all off by eating popsicles. Now that's good stuff.

The "Camp Awesome" crew...just taking a few laps around the backyard with their fearless and obviously safety conscience leader. Mom: "Jack, why the helmet?"  Jack: "I don't know, just being a dork!" And that about sums it up.

So when Kyle came home from a semi frustrating night at Jack's (FIRST year 3rd week) of football practice and said..." I just wish he'd hit HARDER!" ........

I  reminded  him that the season was still young and that prayers for our child to want to POUND his opponent were probably a tad bit inappropriate...not completely though.  I also reminded him that his son was the regional director/co creator of "Camp Awesome" and the fact that he could juggle 2 grueling and polar opposite careers during these hot summer months was pretty fantastic in itself....pretty AWESOME!



Mr. Fancy football pants.
 Do you think  having a mother who refers to you as "Mr. fancy football pants has anything to do with your lack of desire to POUND your opponent?  Kyle does. I just can't help it.

 

Kate's attitude at Jack's football games.....not so awesome!

Blogworthy: Hannah Montana

Howdy.....been meanin' ta post about our trip waaaaay back in July to grandma and grandpa's ranch but I just never got around to it. Seeins' that it's almost September, the time has come. This is what we done did in Montana:

The puppy was played with....Kate learned to be in the same room as Haddie..as long as she could jump into grandpa's pocket if need be...

4 wheelers were driven everywhere...not by these 2.....but they sure make a cute photo op....if only Brody were actually smiling and waving at me and not the invisible photographer to my left....

Naps were taken....

A giant front tooth was lost.....

Many a ground squirrel and a few rattle snakes were..well, shot. Look at tough cousin Coty taking charge of all things wild and grody....



The bow and arrow was surprisingly mastered by a certain sometimes frail and timid seven year old....good stuff..



Chubby and delicious 2 year old toes were painted....

All the ladies had a pedicure by aunt Cori....

Hilarity ensued with Aunt Lorri and Courtney...

The tire swing swayed back and forth for days.....

Cousins giggled....for hours.....

Jack aka "Dusty Bottoms"..rode Durango along side the other adult amigos for an afternoon of cow herding. He came back as "Sore Bottoms."

Kate captured the "Classy Cowgirl" award...

A rousing game of "Spin the baby" was played hours on end...

Good times in Montana once again. Grandpa and grandma were such wonderful hosts. Thanks again for having our entire crew, we make quite a house full. Until next year!

wants and needs from this week...

My kids really want a bigger pool. I really need to act on that request one of these days.....



Brody needed just a little help before we left for church...I really wanted to laugh but I needed to hold still so I could take a picture before the adjusting session.....




Kate really needed and I really wanted a better naptime performance as of late.



I really  wanted my favorite Emily to stay for weeks on end (instead of  a measly overnighter) and just sit and eat and laugh and  cook and laugh some more....



Now I really need to start cooking dinner. Oh how I want someone else to do that for me ......with a nice little salad with real bleu cheese crumbles for starters....

Little tip # 412.....

Don't leave your cell phone on the toilet seat lid. That in and of itself should be a universal no-no. Looking back I guess I was winning all sorts of universal no no awards because said cell phone was placed on said toilet seat while darling 2 year old was taking a bath. I simply was multitasking....went to change the laundry load.... 47 seconds later....came back and there ya have it.

 I was officially late to the "put your phone in a bowl of rice for 3 days" party so who knows if she'll work tomorrow. It's D day. I'm so not in the market to purchase a NEW phone, see-ins that I'm in the middle of my contract-Fantastic.  I guess I'll enter this century and learn to text. Not cool stupid cell phone.

 On a brighter note....I give you: 2 dollheads with their hands behind their heads!