Putt-Putting Champions.....=)

I actually felt a little bit better today...still coughing...but some better still....Not sure about attempting to attend church in the morning due to this ferocious cough....I am still contemplating that one...

But we decided to go out with our friends....the Hite's(whom we haven't seen in ages it seems)...and we met for dinner at Chili's and then went to play putt-putt....I am not a "great putter"...and almost didn't play...but due to peer pressure, I caved....and played...and had a great time....even though I wheezed while I laughed...and laughed while I wheezed...(that almost sounds like a Dr. Seuss book...ha ha) This was one of the things that had me laughing...James' tan line from his socks...Do you think this means he has been on the baseball field too much? Ha ha....Maybe he needs some self tanner for his feet....Cracks me up.....Anyway, once the game was over and the scores were calculated...the winners were....tied for first place.....Yes, you are right....Cassie and Kevin....I have NEVER won against James in putt putt....So we had to take a photo of this awesome moment in time....Yeah Me!!!
Afterwards we got icee's and came back to our house and watched the kids play while we just sat around and talked....Our kids are hilarious...We laughed ourselves silly at them...Good times...Good times....Hope everyone is finding themselves having a wonderful weekend....I am going to settle in with my inhaler and cough drops...and hit the sack....=) Good night....

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

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I saw this on my friend, Tanja's blog...and a few other blogger friends...and decided to do this one....I love to post about songs...I have done so in quite a few posts in the past...so here we go...I love this one...It is a favorite of Cade and Macey...there is nothing like driving down the road and hearing your children's voices, singing at the top of their lungs..."can't get away, I can't get away...I keep running into you." Priceless........"Can't Get Away" by Rush of Fools....Our God is there for us....waiting for us...looking for us...

Psalm 139:7-12.7 Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths,you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you....

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Much Ado About Nothing....

This week has been non stop....Not only have I felt absolutely horrible...but we have had 3 baseball games, library day, DB basketball camp, 2 sleepovers, still worked 3 night shifts, AND did pictures for Ian's baseball team....there are a few more things I could add to the list...but I will try not to bore you with details :)

First thing I want to address is my most favorite purchase EVER!!! Thanks to my good friend, Lisa....a snow cone machine....I was feeling pretty yucky the other night at work...and what did my good friend, Lisa go and pull out of her car???? A snow cone machine???? Are you kidding me? I am on a diet.....No, it only gets better.....the syrup for the snow cone is sugar free!!! 5 Calories for the BEST dessert I have had since I have been on this diet (the diet is a whole separate post in itself....but I am doing good...have lost 6 pounds the first week!! :) Yeah!) Anyway, Yes...I had to have one...and I found mine at Target...for about 25.00...I have already used it when Ian had his friend spend the night...and we are the coolest parents EVER...who have a snow cone machine in their house...I already have plans for taking it to the beach...I can see it now....I love summer....These icy treats have been good for my horrendous cough too...So there is my little commerical...Free of charge....It is a MUST HAVE....(Just consider it The Beach Hut--Dave Ramsey's way....Ha ha....for those bloggers not from our area...Beach Hut is a snow cone place in our area.....Ha ha ha..)

The next matter I want to post about is the most AWESOME baseball game ever played!!!! Ian's team, The Padres, were undeafeted...and the team we played, the Red's,(Tyler and Tanner's team-Ian's good friends) were also undeafeted....Obviously someone would end up defeated after this game....and I am happy to announce it was not us....YIPPEE!!!! We won 7-2 and it was the best game of the season.....I won't go into all the details of the game....but I wanted to discuss a matter that is highly important to me...and James also....Yes, winning is fun...and it is ultimately the reason for playing a baseball game..or any other game for that matter....(Believe me, when I played Domino's with Tommy and Jayme the other night....I WANTED to win)....but the thing that completely irritated me at our game was the lack of Sportsmanship.....I wouldn't post this, if it was concerning our opponent...but it was on our own team...James has coached many teams over the past few years....and like he has said many times before...."yes, winning is fun...but it isn't everything...Learning lessons, like how to hold your head up high after a loss is important too...." Any how...the point of all this is...there was a (only one...our parents are awesome on our team...but yes, one person can ruin anything) parent on our team...saying things to "shake" the other team up....I tolerated it for most of the game...but near the end of the game....after Tyler and Tanner's mom had commented to me on how it bothered her for someone to "purposely try to shake her kids up".....I couldn't sit still...so I said something to this parent...I want everyone to know that I did say a small prayer before opening my mouth...I asked the Lord to give me the words to say...and I think he did...I told this parent that some of my kids best friends played on the opposing team...and although it is great to cheer on our team...I am 100% for that...I don't think it is neccessary to "attempt to bring down the other team"....He just looked at me...and made the following statement..."hey...that is baseball..." Hmmmmm....Out of all the years, James has coached baseball, football, tball......I don't EVER remember him saying this type of attitude was ok...I know it isn't to me....So, Yes, I opened my mouth once again...."Well, Sir, that isn't baseball to me....and I KNOW it isn't how James wants baseball played on his team...." and that was that....My heart rate was high, but I had made my point...Sportsmanship matters...These are 10 year old kids...and I want them to learn what is right in this world of ours...and bringing down others...whether on the baseball field or not....is not acceptable.....I immediately got up and headed to the opponent's bleachers, where many of our good friends were sitting...I apologized for the things that had been said coming from "our side" of the field...and as I turned around...a group of parents from our team had followed me...to do the same...apologize for the actions of 1 parent....they were very supportive and thanked me for what I had said....The Red's were very appreciative of our parent's and even commented on what a great game we had had.....I am typically not one to confront others...but I did it this time...and it felt good...Our God is Good....Even on the Baseball field.....=)

I did have a few other things to post about...but I think I will just end it here....I didn't plan on typing a book...but once I got started...I had to let it ALL out...Ha ha....I did go to the doctor today...he gave me an inhaler...great...My visit to the doctor is another post all in itself...I may post about it later...Gotta go and get ready for work...James and Ian are at their first All-Star practice..James is so excited about this baseball team....I am sure there will be many posts to come about that team as well....Hope everyone has a great weekend....God Bless....

Flashback Friday

Let's go way back this week...I found this picture of my mom and dad (me and my sister--that is for you, Kristie...love you) many many years ago...Hope you enjoy...I have had a very busy week....Will post later tonight....I am still sick..going to the doctor this afternoon....=)

Good Morning?

Ok...first of all...when I posted last night...I mentioned a "drug-induced sleep?" Well...I had it...cough free...much needed rest....other than the fact that I slept with Cade because of his 104 fever....(he feels much better this morning...who knows what was wrong with him?) But....I guess you could say I slept too well...because at 8:30 am I heard my doorbell ringing....Hmmmm..."What is that sound?" I thought to myself...because I am sure many of you know the feeling that I am speaking of...the feeling of having no idea where you are, what is going on ...or why I was in the bed in my daughter's room (which was where Cade and I sacked out-because no one ever sleeps in there....)or why my doorbell was ringing....then the phone rang...and I jumped up to answer it...with my "froggy" voice (I sound really great because of the sickness) and saw on the caller ID...it was Ian's friend....OMG....All of a sudden my mind was flooded with memories of the phone call last night..."I will pick him up around 8:30...DB basketball camp...water bottle....check for registration...."

Yes..Ian was supposed to be picked up at 8:30 to go to DB Basketball Camp (the high school our kids are going to attend is hosting BBall camp this week) and his friend, Tyler, was picking him up this morning....Needless to say, Ian brushed his teeth, got his clothes on, shoes, water bottle, and was out the door in 3 minutes flat.....only to find that he left the registration check on the counter in the kitchen....So, I called Tyler's mom, and she told me she would tell them I would bring the check in when I pick Ian up....Ok...This whirlwind of a morning....could only get better...right?

Ok...time to get off here...getting the kiddos ready to go and register for the summer reading program at the local public library...going to be fun...Macey and Cade are excited about it... Hope everyone has a great day...I know that mine can only go up hill from this point.....=)

*Update***Ian just brought me the mail....and our church directory picture came...Thought I would share...Not too bad...We haven't had a "traditional" portrait taken probably since the last directory...so I am fairly happy with it(even though it is a little off center)...I made sure we all color coordinated...and that Macey covered up my "fat arms"...ha ha..

Back to the Land of the Living....

I am still here...barely....=)

I have been sick for the past 4 days...yes...it is summer vacation...and my body decided to get sick...Why? I have asked the same question...I have been coughing my head off...literally...
Ask James....I think I am really on his nerves...I do have this annoying cough...James says it sounds like a rottweiler....I tell him, he is going to get what I have...Don't make fun of me...so...Blogging hasn't been at the top of my list...believe me...you know I can't feel very good...if I don't blog...That statement is actually sort of pathetic...don't you think? Yes...I am rambling...Just wanted everyone to know...I am alive...just dragging...and coughing...and coughing some more....

We have had a great kick off to our summer other than me feeling like the scum on top of a pond somewhere...I took the kids for a picnic/playground time on Thursday, we went swimming at my mom's on Friday all day...(which is where we stay during the summer....)

James is coaching the All-Stars Team in the Parks and Rec league that Ian plays in...try-outs were Friday....23 kids came out....Ian rated 1st out of all the kids that tried out...and James didn't score Ian.....The other coaches did...I think this is going to be a really AWESOME All-Stars team...Ian is really excited about it because he is getting to play with some of his "best buds"...Tyler and Tanner...James seems to be excited about coaching this team too...which he does get excited about coaching any team...He IS now coaching 3 teams...counting "helping" with Cade's t-ball team....He is just crazy....=)

Today James and I worked around the house all day...(after working nights all weekend...I know, I just never sleep...probably why I am sick....immune system is just wiped out....) Got lots of things done too...That always feels good to mark things off the "to do" list....yard work...which I love...hoping to put out flowers and mulch tomorrow....Well, I am crossing my eyes trying to type...due to the cough medicine that I took...but I am not coughing right not...thankfully....Say a prayer for Mr. Cade...He is running a fever...We need to kick this sickness...Summer is here...Good night...

The New American Idol 2008

Here is a video of the final song that David sang....Gotta love a man that can cry!! Way to go David Cook!!! America finally got it right this year!!!

By the way...this was my 300th post...Can you believe that? What a great way to "spend my 300th post"....Celebrating..=)

Watch out Middle School...Here we Come!

Well, the dreaded event is over...and believe it or not...I tolerated it well....I only shed a couple of tears....=) I was actually pretty proud of myself....Ian looked so handsome ...They had to wear a shirt and tie...and he didn't even seem to mind at all...He was so excited about graduation...He even told me a few minutes ago...that it felt really good to graduate...and he was looking forward to middle school....

That does a mom's heart good....Life changes, and so do the circumstances that we are in....I still have 2 other children in elementary school...but my oldest, my first born is moving on in his life...It is hard to fathom...hard to believe...I can remember just like it was yesterday that his kindergarten teacher was holding him as he was crying his eyes out because I was leaving him...sucking his thumb...holding his Daddy's ear...and now middle school....There will be many more changes in our lives....high school...driving...girlfriends....jobs...college...moving out....all in the future....but one day I will be facing those things....remembering today...thinking it seems like just yesterday he was graduating from elementary school....So, I plan on enjoying the moment....I have prayed a lot about things I have been dealing with in my life, and the lives of my children...and we have to choose to enjoy the NOW!!! Because we can't get it back....and that is what I plan to do....So, like I titled this post...."Watch out Middle School...Here we come!!!" =)

Of course I couldn't end this post without a few shots of the guy I love so very much.....Mr. Ian...I am so proud of you....Congratulations!!!! (Many of you know that Ian has struggled quite a bit with school this year, we received report cards today....ALL A's and B's!! Great Job Ian!)
Here is a shot of the 5th grade class singing, "You Raise Me Up"...
My Big guy...I made this collage for him...I am going to print one and frame it for him to put in his room...=) I love photoshop....

I added a You Tube video of Jordin Sparks, This is My Now...I was listening to this song the other day....and it really touched me...Kind of made me think...Helped me realize...This is MY now....I love you Ian!!! Congratulations!

Archuletta or Cook?

Well, the show is over, and my fingers are tired of voting.... =) I think it is hard to say...the judges said that Archuletta stole the show...but I am still pulling for Cook....All the way!!!! No matter the outcome...He is still MY American Idol...this season.....We will see tomorrow night....

Say a prayer for me tomorrow...Ian has his 5th grade graduation....so I will be a little emotional...

A little baseball game update...Ian played one awesome game tonight...He pitched the game tonight, and did a great job...not counting the home run that he hit!!! Yes, a HOME RUN!!! It almost hit the fence....I was on my feet cheering..Then he almost hit a second one...He made it to 3rd....Then there was the double play....The batter hit a line drive straight to him while he was pitching...He caught it, and immediately threw it to 3rd and got the 3rd out of the inning....Ian was on top of the world....He came up to me after the game, and said, "Mom, I think this was the best game I have EVER played"...I agreed with him...He was glowing...Me too...I am so proud...The best part of the night....Macey was sitting beside me eating her skittles (because she thinks the concession stand is the only reason we go to the ball field =) when Ian hit his home run...she jumped up and ran to the dugout...(Proud sissy too....)she came back, she said that she told him he did a good job...and gave him a hand full of her Skittles....Wow!! That is big coming from the candy queen!!! ..Well, enough excitement for one night... Before I say Good Night... I will say one last time.....Go David Cook!!! =) Good Night.....

Ian's Baptism

Ian was baptized tonight...James and I are so proud of him...It was such a big decision for him to make....He went forward Easter Sunday, two days after he was saved....He thought he was saved at 5 years old, but realized this year, that he went up for the wrong reason...He now, Knows that he knows that he knows....if Jesus came tonight...he would spend eternity in Heaven....That is the ultimate answered prayer for a mother like me...knowing that my son's eternity will be in heaven....=) Here are a few pictures from tonight....I am glowing with pride....Love you Ian....He was listening intently to the words Pastor Graves was saying..... Buried with Christ in Baptism.....
Risen to walk in newness of life.....
Look at the smile on that face....He said he felt so relieved....He knows that God is smiling up above...for his obedience.....I love you Ian....

Soccer Season has Come to an End

Saturday was our last Soccer games..and I am glad...I really enjoy soccer, especially Macey's games...but doing baseball and soccer is entirely too much....So, I can honestly say that I am glad we are just doing one sport right now....I took some pictures on Saturday...(since I haven't taken any of Macey's games due to rain) and here are a few of her in action...They played a great game....and won again...Macey's team only lost one game all season..They play great together....

Macey's coach got them a cookie cake that said Lavender Ladybugs...Way to go girls!!
And then on to Cade's game....Obviously, Cade doesn't take the game near as serious as Miss Mace....He decided to lounge on the sidelines...while waiting to go in....He is a hoot on the field...I can't even explain how funny he is...It is just too much...

Here he is...in action...check out that face.....
The proud owner of a new soccer trophy..You would have thought he won the lottery....Great game Cade!!!

Awana Awards Night

I wasn't going to post about this...but after I made the cutest scrapbook page ever, I couldn't resist....We had AWANA awards night at church this past Wednesday night..and Cade got his first trophy...He got a medal last year...so he was thrilled to get a trophy...It is very hard as a mother of three...to help everyone with their verses...so many other things tend to get in the way...schoolwork, extracurricular activities....you name it..it makes learning verses hard...but I am very proud of my kids...Cade finished his second year book...He made great improvements from last year...We didn't get the book finished last year...but he did so much better this year...I think ....Macey and Ian are in the more difficult levels of verses...They both did awesome...and finished their books this year...but had already received their ribbons earlier in the year for doing so (the reason for no picture of them...) This is a great program that teaches the importance of hiding God's word in your heart....which is a truly important thing....

The "Weep Fest" Begins....

*Warning* Emotion Overload*

Creative title...Don't you think? I am serious when I make the above statement...It started last night with Cade's End of School Program....I honestly can NOT believe that my little guy is getting ready to go into Kindergarten...Where has the time gone??? His Pre-school this year has been the best thing EVER!! He started off the year very clingy, scared, a "mommy's boy", (not a bad thing), and he has graduated Pre-school...very independent, secure in himself, and very smart...He is reading...I am SO proud of him....Mrs. Fuller is one of the Best teachers my kids have ever had...and all 3 of them have been blessed by having her in the early years of their education...I am just thankful that they each have had such a wonderful, precious lady to help guide them in their preschool, and kindergarten years....I feel a tear coming on again....

The program last night was so good...All of the kids did a phenomenal job...They did the pledge of allegiance, and Cade got to hold the flag....and then they sang a number of songs that they have learned this year....One of the ones that gets me every time...is a song about graduating from Pre-school, and moving on to Kindergarten...and learning "Bigger Numbers, and Bigger Words"...It kills me every time!! Cade loves to be on stage, just like Macey...so he thoroughly enjoyed every minute of stage time....The next thing they did was recite a number of nursery rhymes that they learned and acted them out...TOO CUTE!! Cade was Jack, in Jack and Jill...How convenient...since he loves rolling and falling down hills...The part fit him perfect and everyone laughed when he "performed" his role!! Once they finished the nursery rhymes, Mrs. Fuller handed out carnations to each child, and they came down off the stage and gave one to each of their mothers....Yes....I cried...again....

After the program, Mrs. Fuller presented the class with awards...There were many different awards, best singer, best dancer, block builder, but Cade got the award of "Best Puzzle Worker"....Great Job, Mr. Cade!! He climbed right up on Mrs. Kerns lap for a picture with her...She was Mrs. Fullers aid...and she is a wonderful teacher too....We have been so blessed....We had a great time this year sharing the life of our precious little guy with such a wonderful teacher and friend....Cade is growing up...this is part of life, I realize...It is sad in a way, but so exciting to think of what a wonderful person he is going to become....

This is the words that were printed in the program to one of the songs the kids sang....

Thank you

Thank you , Mommy, for tucking me in bed.

Thank you Daddy, for stories that you've read.

Thank you , Teddy Bear, for always being there.

This is Thank you day.

Thank you, Circus, for every funny clown.

Thank you, Santa, for always coming 'round.

Thank you, Candy Shops, for making lollipops.

This is Thank you Day.

And when I lay me down to sleep,

Every night I know.

Someone has my sould to keep

I want to thank Him so.

Thank you Winter, for every snowy day.

Thank you Summer, for all the time to play.

Thank you Family, for always loving me.

This is Thank You day.

Can you tell it has been a rough week? Well, to top this off--when we got home Ian handed me an invitation...."You are cordially invited to attend the Jefferson Promotion Ceremony"...Are you kidding me? The weeping started all over again......The saga will continue over the next week...so just be prepared...Once Wednesday is over, Look out Summer Here we come!! We are going to make this summer the best one ever....(as I wipe a tear from my cheek)

Flashback Friday

Today's Flashback Friday pictures are from our Family Beach trip in 2004...This was the only time that we have all gotten to get to go on vacation together (Our family, My sister's family, and My parents) We had a great time together....We need to try and do this again sometime soon...Thought I would share a few pictures of how much my little guys have changed....Cade takes after his mommy...He is a beach bum.... Macey hamming it up for the camera....Strange? Huh? ;)
This is the summer that Ian was obsessed with pirates...he wore this doo rag all the time...I couldn't really argue about the matter...because he looked too stinking cute!!! The gang...Cade, me, my mom, Kristie, and my dad... Daddy with Ali, and James....Happy Flashback Friday...Attended Cade's Pre School Program last night...will post later today about it...It was SO good...Worked last night...so Good night....