What do you get when you add........

7 kids + 9 nights + 10 days + the pool + video games + football + darts + movies + cards + a whole lot of food = A Very Messy House and ONE TIRED MAMA!

But a very blessed and happy mama, too. My sister's boys came in last Thursday and we've spent every waking moment together for actually 11 days, but the first day was at my mom's house. Then they all came and stayed with us for the next 10 days. We've packed alot in, and at times it's been a little difficult to make everyone (ages 3 -15) happy, but it was truly fun to get to see them for so long. Living 6 hours away, it's been hard as the kids have gotten older to visit as much as we used to do.

The house was busy with activity all the time.... usually 7:00am til at least midnight...... yes, EVERY NIGHT! And man, those boys can EAT!! We usually went through at least 4 trash bags a day..... 4 dishwasher loads a day..... and every chance I got I was washing, drying and folding clothes. Did I mention the 2 gallons of milk a day? Homemade ice cream and desserts every day, too. Oh well, forget the beach body I guess..... but it was all worth it. The boys really had a good time, and we enjoyed having them so much we're all talking about 2 weeks next summer!

I didn't take that many pictures this week..... I was a little busy and it sort of skipped my mind..... but here are a few.

My three in the back row, and Connor (15), Cooper (9), Jack (10), and Ben (14) in the front

Playing some ball in the yard

And here's one of the four boys

Ben & me.... Ben actually turned out to be quite a good bowler

Ben and Jacob -- my how Jacob LOVED having all those big boys around

Ben, Macy, Connor, Jacob & Cooper watching Jack bowl

Jacob was a trooper..... bowled 2 full games..... albeit a little sllooooooooowwwww. His balls took so long to get to the pins they'd all take a seat and watch it. Didn't really matter though.... Jacob actually beat Connor on the first game.

Connor's turn

Jack, Cooper and me

Macy getting her first ever STRIKE!

Madison posing for her Mama

Macy, Jack, Cooper, Jacob & Maddie

One silly shot before they left to go home

Thanks boys for keeping us entertained this week.... you guys were so good and we really enjoyed having you!

The 4th at the Lake

This 4th of July was a really special one. My sister and her boys came up from Savannah and we all spent the day at the lake boating and intertubing. Well, and jet skiing for all of an hour or so...... that is until my oldest nephew accidentally ran over the ski rope.... it got tangled up in the motor..... and we had to tow it into the shop..... all the way across the lake..... for an ALL DAY repair..... an expensive one! But other than that little fiasco, we had a great day.

Haley and the boys have had quite a year.... lots of changes for their family including a new business for Haley, and she's been extremely busy. So it was so nice to be able to have a little fun and see them longer than the normal 2 day visit. In fact, the boys have decided since Haley has to work every day this week they are just going to stay with us for another week. It will be more than a little crazy.... (I'm starting to feel a little Jon & Kate coming on!).... with 7 kids in the house..... 5 boys and 2 girls..... from ages 15 to 3, but I'm really happy to see them for so long. It's always made me a little sad that they are 6 hours away from us, and the cousins don't really get to spent a lot of time together. This week will be memorable for everyone.... that is if I can just ever get out of the kitchen cooking for all those boys!

Connor & Ben on the intertubes

Jack, Connor, Madison & Macy

Ben and the gang on the boat (notice the towing action in the background)

Macy, Jacob & Cooper enjoying the ride

Jack taking a little break from the tubes

We had quite a packed house on that boat

And a close up view of the tow.... Jonathan just decided to kick back
and relax for the long ride across the lake

Fiasco #2..... just after we towed the jet ski across the lake and we were back on our way to having a little fun..... I decided to take picture of the kids tubing.... climbed up on the back of the boat and propped my foot up over the side (you know, to get the closest possible shot) and what do you know but my shoe flew off into the water. Ooops! I told them not to go back, but they did anyway.... with 2 tubes and all the kids riding them..... sorry guys!

Macy & Cooper

Jacob, Maddie and Jonathan taking a little swim break

Madison, Jonathan and Macy about to take off

Jonathan and Ben

Cooper getting cooled down, too

Haley and mom's friend, Diane

Connor was always making Jacob giggle

Wish me luck this week with all these kiddos! It should be an adventure!

My pretty boy

You know, I catch a little heck about my "boy-girl", Jacob. Some people tell me his hair's too long (including my husband!), but I don't really care. I have only a few short years to enjoy his "prettiness" and then he's gotta go full-fledged boy..... so I keep it long..... and curly..... and dismiss the occasional, "What is her name?" comments. Doesn't bother me a bit. I happen to like his long curly, girly hair.

But I have been feeling really guilty that I haven't taken any pictures of him lately. He'll be four in a month, and to me three and a half is just about the best picture taking age.... so this morning bright and early, before the sun started blazing, we got out in the yard and snapped a few. Jacob can take a beautiful picture, but I can't ever seem to capture his true personality. He's always laughing, always silly..... and his pictures are a more somber version of that sweet, outgoing personality. But I have to say, when it was all said and done, I was pretty happy with the outcome. I've posted a few for you to enjoy..... my, my..... they grow up quick!

The return of the wild ones

The kids are back at home. As much as I needed a little vacation from all things domestic, I sure was excited to go and get them Thursday morning. And just as I suspected, I couldn't stop hugging & kissing them when they drove up. I DID miss them!

We spent the rest of the day eating too much junk and shopping in Montgomery on our way home. Then we had to do the unthinkable...... Long story..... I'll start by explaining that Madison is petrified of dentists. Luckily she had never had a cavity until last year. And even luckier still, it was in a tooth that the dentist said she would lose soon so he chose not to fill it. Whew! Got out of that one.

Then when Jonathan & I took the kids to Decatur..... 4 hours from home.... Madison drops the bomb on me..... "Mom, I haven't shown you this because I was afraid, but look at my tooth.... it has a BIG hole in it."

Uhhhh, yeahh.

HUGE.

And there wasn't a whole lot I could do.... it was late Friday night, Jonathan & I were leaving in the morning, and Madison was staying for 5 days. So I came home, made an appointment for the afternoon she would return, and waited anxiously over the next few days to drop the bomb back on her. "Honey, as soon as you get home we're rushing over to the dentist to have your tooth extracted."

But, all in all, she took the news well.... handled herself much more maturely than she has at the dentist in the past.... I was actually pretty impressed. We tried a new dentist.... one that is VERY kid-friendly and I think that went a long way to helping her be more at ease too.... well, that and the nitric oxide they gave her before they yanked the tooth out. She was so relaxed once they gave her the gas, I thought for a minute that I might just ask that dentist for my own tank at home -- for emergency use only, of course. Wouldn't it be great.... the kids are fighting, being ugly and I say, "Alright, last time. You. Go get the pink nose thingy and have a 10 minute gas time out."

Oh the issues that would solve.

I digress.... anyway, we spent yesterday vegging out at home for a half a day, then we went to the pool with friends. Jonathan's at the beach with his best friends from home, deep-sea fishing and partaking of all the night life in Destin, I'm sure. He sent me a picture yesterday of some of the fish they caught.... you know he's having a good time when he's killing the wild-life.



I do think the recent death of the world's best-known pop-star has put a little damper on his trip though. Yesterday I got this text from him.....

"Missing you, but I don't think we'll be fishing today as me and Nicky are so upset about Michael Jackson. I think we'll just go to the group moonwalk at Basspro."

You gotta love a man with a good sense of humor.

So we're off to the pool again this morning.... birthday party.... should be fun. Hair cuts this afternoon. Life's back to normal, I guess. Catch ya later!

Celebrating with Friends

Happy Birthday Holly! Last night was so much fun, and it was great to have everybody there. Barclay, we're sad you couldn't stay -- please give Jack my best about his dad. Good times with good friends..... what better way to celebrate a birthday!

Amy & Early Bird (that's your new nickname)

Holly & Weatherly

Melissa, Holly (the birthday girl), me, Weatherly & Rebecca

Rebecca, Lauren & Julie pretty in pink

Stacy & Elizabeth (Not a good angle..... I can't even see the casserole hair, Stac!)

The "late nighters" outside after dinner..... it was all of 10:15 and I think everyone but the garbage man had left the restaurant a loooong time before......
they were definitely ready to kick us out

Stacy teaching "Luke the Valet" the Birthday Song....
free choreography lesson included

(Inquiring minds want to know.....
that is Luke's keychain standing at attention in the photo..... NO MORE, NO LESS)

Holly loving and laughing at Stacy's performance

Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear Holly, Happy Birthday to You!

I'm in a rush to pick up the kids so sorry I couldn't post more, Holly. Have a great day -- Love ya!

The 24 hour count down

So today's my last full day before I go pick up the kids tomorrow. It's been a very nice break.... one I must have needed pretty badly. I've talked to them every day, and I know they are doing well and enjoying their time with their grandparents. I'll be perfectly honest though (and for those of you who know me, you know that's the only way I operate!), I was actually feeling a little guilty that I didn't miss them all that much -- that I was really enjoying being alone for a few days.... no whining, no fighting, no back talk. I could wake up late or get up early and exercise without any fear of waking the kiddos. I could run errands when I wanted for as long as I wanted.... never in a rush to pick up a child from camp at a certain time. No stress.

Jonathan and I have had such a blissful, relaxing, peaceful time together. It really does remind me of when we were dating. The first night we were home from Huntsville we made dinner together. It was amazing to both of us how simple that process was.... no fussing about what we were making.... no "but I don't want to eat now.... I want to stay outside playing with my friends...." I told Jonathan when we sat down to eat, "Well, in fifteen more years we can do this every night." He laughed and said, "Fifteen years! Is it really gonna be THAT long???"

Maybe that sounds awful, and I'm sure that if given a few more days I'd probably really start missing them. But you know, it's a real job to be a stay-at-home mom. And one we really never get a break from. Being a stay-at-home mom is 24/7 on-call- all-the-time. Most of the time, I feel blessed to be able to stay at home with my children.... but every once in a while it's great to just be able to be yourself again.... I've been Amanda for the last few days. Just Amanda. What a strangely liberating feeling that has been.

Unless you've been a stay-at-home mom for many, many years I'm not sure my sentiments could be understood. I wouldn't trade this job for anything.... I wanted to be the one raising my children full time all the time, and I know that I am very lucky to be able to do just that. It's just so easy to lose yourself in the process and just focus on the kids. So over the last few days, I've found a little of the old me.... I feel refreshed and energized and almost ready to jump back in the chaos again..... wish me luck!

So on my last day without them home, instead of the normal To-Do list for the day, I thought I'd make a list of...

The 10 things I Won't Be Doing Today....

1. Let's see..... I won't be waking to the familiar sound of Spongebob on TV (goodness how I hate Spongebob!)

2. And I won't be arguing the merits of oatmeal and fruit for breakfast to 3 munchkins who believe with all their hearts that a bowl full of Oreos is the Breakfast of Champions....

3. I won't be telling Macy for the 100th time to brush the knots out of her sunscreen-laden hair (that, of course, she promises she washed the night before!)

4. I won't be interrupted yet again when I'm on the phone by a squirmy child just dying to say.... "But he just touched my lego spaceship, Mom!"

5. I won't be finding Transformers and Spiderman swimming in a gloopy concoction of shampoo, water and shaving cream.... in a bowl in the den I might add....

6. I won't walk into the bathroom to find any more unflushed "surprises"

7. I won't be cooking dinner only to find that all of my mixing bowls are outside by the pond with hundreds of tadpoles swimming in them....

8. I won't be in the laundry room with Goof-Off some Shout and bleach scrubbing diligently on Jacob's brand new polo trying to get the permanent marker stain removed

9. I won't be going into Madison's room finding yet another sports bottle filled with moldy, week-old juice or better yet.... I won't be finding a chewed-up red gummy under the sofa cushions only to hear a child say, "Well, I don't really like the red ones...."

And the very best part of my last day alone....

10. There will be absolutely no fights to break up, no bottoms to wipe, no tantrums to ignore, no mud tracks in the house, no sand in my bathtub, no toys in my shower, no special lego-man head to find, and no carpooling whatsoever!!

But I also won't see their smiling faces and find myself laughing at their silly antics and I surely won't be getting any kisses from them -- now THAT I do really miss! And then tomorrow I will go get them.... and hug them with all my might.... and know that life is back just the way it's supposed to be -- the way it should be -- and I will again feel very blessed to be a stay-at-home mom.

Our weekend in Huntsville

First, let me start by wishing my great friend Holly a very, very happy 32nd birthday!! Wow, you're finally "in your 30's," girl!! Too bad I'm almost in my 40's! Can't wait to help you celebrate Wednesday night.

Now on to our "adult's only" weekend....

Jonathan and I couldn't wait to spend a little time all alone together this weekend. When we found out the kids would be in Decatur for a few days, we opted to try something a little new. Instead of the normal Birmingham or Atlanta, we decided to give Huntsville a try. It's only about 40 minutes from Decatur and I've been reading alot recently about the Bridgestreet shopping center there. It was fantastic..... great restaurants..... great Westin hotel.... lots and lots of shopping. It was sooooo nice to do what we wanted when we wanted. And Saturday night we met Jonathan's sister Donna and her fiancee Pierre for dinner -- they had just flown in from New York and happened to be in Huntsville at the same time. We had a wonderful meal and had a chance to finally celebrate their recent engagement.

Here's Bridgestreet..... a very nice, high-end shopping complex where I bought these next little babies....

Loving me some new dancing shoes..... ahhhhh, the joys of being a girl....

Here's where we spent Saturday afternoon..... the Westin pool

Jonathan and Donna, his sister at Dolce eating dinner Saturday night

The four of us hanging out at Dolce..... fabulous restaurant.... the food was to die for and the atmosphere amazing...... it was so great to be out with grown ups!

So now we have a few more days to enjoy all alone in our house together with no kids...... can't wait!

Home from Camp...

I'm happy to report this continued to be a very good week. Not a whole lot of fighting from Macy & Jacob..... Madison was off having fun at camp not being "annoyed" by her little sister & brother.... I got some projects done..... closets cleaned out..... drawers cleaned out..... kids' rooms mostly clean.... I stuck with my lifting weights and the elliptical every day (and it's a good thing too because I ate like crazy this weekend!).... and best of all, I actually had time to really listen to my new Dave Matthews CD.

I cannot tell you how much pleasure that brought to my week. REAL MUSIC. It's been far too long. I sort of looked like a teenager walking around with my ipod all week...... I played it on the stereo too, but my family would usually protest and I'd resort to the ipod again. So eclectic & soulful & funky.... it just makes you want to get your groove on..... or better yet.... run your fanny off! So to all of you reading this that are trying diligently to lose a few lbs for those bikinis -- go buy it! You won't be disappointed.

Alright, back to the post.... so we went as a family Friday morning, bright and early, to Columbiana to pick Madison up from camp. We all couldn't wait to see her and hear all about her week. When we got there, the campus was just beautiful and they were about to do a presentation with all the campers in the chapel. When we were finally able to give her a big hug, she seemed so tired but happy nonetheless. She said she had a great time but was completely worn out.

After we picked Maddie up, we all headed to Birmingham for some lunch and shopping..... Cheesecake Factory won out this time. Yeaaaa for Mommy! After Birmingham we headed for Decatur to visit Jonathan's parents and drop the kids off for the next 5 days....YES! 5 whole days.... maybe that's another reason I had such a good week. It's been a very long time since JP and I have had the house to ourselves for a few days, or maybe I should say... we've NEVER had the house to ourselves for that long! I love my kids just like we all do, but there is something really exciting about a few days alone.... just to be a grown up.... it's like we are dating again.

Jacob & Macy waiting at camp to go hug their sissy for the first time

The Chapel at camp

Seeing Daddy for the first time

Emily, Madison & Macy at the presentation before we left camp

Lindsay & Madison -- her favorite camp counselor

Yum! Yum! Cheesecake Factory.... just my Adam's Peanut Butter Fudge Ripple Cheesecake had 1367 calories..... then you add up my appetizer and meal and well.... I guess it's a good thing I've been pumping iron lately.... sho was good going down though!

They must have gone up to the window 12 times before
they decided on which kind of cheesecake to order!

In Decatur.... Happy Father's Day Papa Scott

And we're off! 5 days alone...... YIPPEE!!!

Mama's having a good week.....

Wow, this has been a great week so far! I now hate to admit why.....

My oldest went off to camp yesterday and my middle one is at Bible school every morning this week.....

WAIT!! Before you think I'm horrible, please let me explain......

I have this theory that my kids are at their best when one of them is out of the house.... if Madison is spending the night with a friend, life is pretty peaceful around here...... if Macy is away at camp, Madison is super sweet and helpful..... even when Jacob is spending the night with my mom, things are much more enjoyable. Why is that? I know they really DO love each other...... I think it's just the change..... Jonathan and I both like change..... maybe our kids' inherited that gene we both share, I don't know. But whatever it is, it SURE has been nice! It's just so easy to take off and go to the pool when Macy gets home from Bible school, or to run a few errands with just 2 kids. I told Jonathan last night, things went so smoothly yesterday it almost felt like I didn't have any kids!

But I do miss Madison, and of course I am wondering every second how camp is going..... is she meeting and making new friends.... did she get to the top of the rock wall.... how's the food..... any cute boys (YES! It's a co-ed camp)..... how are her roommates..... all those questions I want to know but can't find out right now. I know this experience will be just what she needs. I think she come home even more grown up and independent..... full of new experiences and knowing that she was able to conquer a few challenges all by herself without Mom & Dad. I hope so..... but as her mama I still worry if she's able to sleep at night without all of the warm comforts of home..... if she's wearing her sunscreen and drinking her water..... it's 100 degrees out there, you know! I guess that's what it's all about..... for both of us...... letting go a little. So I will, and I will trust that she can handle herself without me -- heck, she may handle herself BETTER without me!!

Here's a photo of her before she left yesterday...... all packed up and filled with anticipation about her week ahead

Isn't she cute???

(I guess for those of you who haven't been in my house, you're probably wondering if your eyes are playing tricks on you...... No, they're not. That IS a bear in the background. Fred's his name.... and he's got two brothers in Jonathan's hunting closet, too. Strange..... I know.... what can I say? I married an obsessed hunter.....)

Rod's FUN 40th!

My friend, Molly, threw a fantastic surprise party for her husband Rod on Saturday night for his 40th birthday. She rented a room at a local downtown restaurant.... had an open bar..... very cute decorations...... great food...... live music. She went all out, and rightfully so, because it was a GREAT party! You go girl! We all had so much fun. Happy Birthday Rod!

SURRRR-PRRIZZZZEE!!!!
And he really was surprised -- amazing that she pulled it off

Molly, Julee, me and Amy enjoying a little socializing

Holly & Walt cutting a rug

Holly & Amy laughing it up

The Birthday Boy, AKA "Rod the Bod,"(see photo below) & Molly, his pretty wife

Guess you understand the nick-name now.....
and Molly... I right-clicked this one from your blog.... I don't really have photos lying around of Rod at the beach -- promise!

Joe, immersed in deep conversation with David & Rona,
(he really was having a good time despite that look on his face)

Julee, me & Holly -- we're out! Without 10 kids! WOW!

Everyone singing Happy Birthday to Rod before he blew the candles out

Rod's awesome cake from Gourmet Tiger

Hanging out with friends

Joe & Julee

The "Who's arm is that anyway????" picture I can't quit laughing at

My honey & Julee being silly

Me, JP, Walt & Holly

The late-night gang at In Italy after the party

Amy & Jennifer watching Holly booty dance --
you know if there's music, Holly will be booty-dancing!

Jonathan worn out from all the picture taking -- with me and Julee around you KNOW there's gonna be alot of flash photography...

SO MUCH FUN, MOLLY!!!
Thanks for a great night and a very memorable birthday for Rod.
You are a great wife!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROD!

Macy's Music Theater Performance

I am so glad to report that Music Theater Camp actually turned out to be alot of fun for Macy. She really enjoyed it and couldn't wait to go every day. I think she may have just conquered her fear of doing something without knowing anyone there -- YIPPEEEEEE! Macy is such a sweet child and usually gets along with all kinds of people, yet she's been a little shy in the last few years and never seems to want to try anything new..... especially when she doesn't have a friend with her. But not this week..... she walked right in there and said to the little girl sitting next to her, "Hi, my name is Macy. What's yours?" And from there she made a few new friends....... I just can't believe she finally took my advice! I've been telling her for so long...... it's just THAT easy..... just say, "Hi!"

And I'm also glad to report that once they got rid of the 89-year-old woman singing in the background, the kids sounded pretty good and the music was much more enjoyable than that CD we've been practicing to all week. Macy may never be a soloist, but she learned so much this week about working together as a team and most of all she had FUN -- lots and lots of fun. She now says she wants to sign up for theater in the fall. I can't tell you how happy I am to see my girls finally liking some activities they try. Here are a few pictures..... I didn't take alot because just before the performance, the director said NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY and I couldn't get my flash to turn off.

Macy performing "Consider Yourself" from Oliver

The kids taking their bows

They sure do love each other

The gang after the show

JP and me watching our little baby sing her heart out

And of course he's got to throw one of these in!

My high school hottie

Don't you just love to look back at old photos....... that is, as long as you aren't in them! No, it's fun...... thinking back to the "good ole days" or reminding yourself how life just flies right by..... and I love to look at old pictures of Jonathan. He always says Jacob looks just like him, and then I pull out our baby pictures...... ME..... he looks like ME!!

So lately I've been working on a project taking all of our old video tapes and burning DVD's of them.... there are like 75 of them so it's quite a project. But it's been so heartwarming and fun to watch the kids when they were little, and I even found a tape of a trip Jonathan & I took together in 1996 before we were married..... so young! That DVD project got me thinking I needed to update my blog a little so I put a few more photos down the right side of the page. That's when I came across this little baby.......


Wasn't he a cutie? This is his senior football picture...... And I know all of you who know him now are probably wondering..... Football???.... He doesn't even like to watch it on TV very much....... Well, it turns out that was just a ploy to get the girls in high school...... he hated to play, but the girls seemed to like the boys who did, so what do you know? He played anyway...... A-M-A-Z-I-N-G what a teenage boy will do to hook up with girls! Yikes -- and I have two of them!!

Show Tunes & Baby Wipes

Whew, what a day.

It started with Macy, full of excitement about her first day of Music Theater Camp. After a little part in a school play last year, she decided theater might be something she'd like to try again so when we found out about this camp, she was more than eager to try it out.

And then I picked her up her from that first day of camp..... with a folder full of words to songs from famous plays..... Oliver, Rogers and Hammerstein stuff, and even 4 songs from Wicked. Turns out it's heavy on the "music" and well, the "theater" part is virtually non-existent. OK. We can deal with this, I thought. And then she gave me the CD of the music we were supposed to start practicing...... that is, for her performance THIS SATURDAY. Nine pages of single-spaced-typed lyrics to songs..... well, not really like 'songs' as she knows them........ SHOW TUNES. She was a little disappointed.

So I put the CD in.... listen for a minute or two.... and could barely hold in my laughter. It sounded like a 89 year old woman singing in waaaaaay too high a pitch.... carrying the end of every phrase with a shrill series of vowels.... waaaaaay too many vowels...... each one about an octave higher than the last. And then Macy demonstrates, sounding eerily similar to the woman on the CD, and proceeds to tell me that's exactly how they've told her to sing. Yikes.

And then I find out we've got to learn the whole song.... T-O-D-A-Y..... so she can come home tomorrow with a whole other shrill, 19th century sounding, old-timey song to learn. And we do that over & over again all week.

Can't tell you how excited I am about that. I actually can't stop laughing. It's awful..... really awful. And I can't let her quit because, ONE, I paid $130 for this wonderful experience of music theatre, and TWO..... I won't let my children quit what they start. So there mama..... guess you're gonna have to live with the rules you set up (and therefore listen to a whole lot of music you don't want to listen to!)

We spent the rest of our day..... music folder in hand...... CD player whenever we could find one near...... running errands, buying birthday gifts, groceries, etc. -- all while singing show tunes. Jacob even asked Macy, "Why are you singing like a grandma?" I started cracking up. We spent the night singing, too. Show tunes.... lots & lots of repeated show tunes..... I have a feeling we'll be doing a lot of that this week. Like I said......... I can't quit laughing.....

And then I take Madison to the doctor this afternoon for a check-up for camp and my friend Holly volunteers to take Jacob for me for a while. I call her on my way home and she can't stop laughing either....... not about the show tunes....... No, it was about what her twins and Jacob did while she was on the phone this afternoon.

Those boys took ALL the baby wipes out of the container, got a garbage bag, went to the outside faucet and filled that garbage bag full of water, and then dumped it in a cooler where they proceeded to get in that cooler...... all together I might add...... dump all the wipes in the water and then throw them at the house. Yep..... she said she got off the phone, went and checked on them, and found them with their shirts off, soaking wet, singing in the "baby pool" cooler with baby wipes stuck to the sides and windows of the house.

Here they are...... the pictures don't do it justice because I only had my zoom lens on my camera and couldn't get a good wide shot......... Oh, those boys..... I think their preschool director is right...... FRAT BOYS IN TRAINING........

The boys in action

Good shot, Walton!

There's always a time-out to make faces at each other

Jacob dancing in his "baby pool"

Walton & Baylor in the cooler --Jacob had just been in there, too,
but jumped out when it got a little too close for comfort

Jacob filling the garbage bag with water to fill up their pool

Jacob slapping Baylor on the booty with
the wet wipe before he pelted the house again

And then, once they're good & wet, they decide it's time to go jump in the sand!

You just gotta love being a mama sometimes! And if any of you reading this might be my neighbors..... please don't worry if you hear horrible, ear-piercing, glass-breaking howls from my house this week -- don't call the police....... we're fine..... we're just singing show tunes.

Mama needs the boo-boo bunny

Ouuuuccchh!

A couple of days ago, after being at the grocery store and running very late to pick up my girls from art camp, I decided to go ahead and unload groceries quickly. I was carrying way too many bags at the same time, dropped one, and a glass jar exploded inside the bag. Then later, while making the kids' lunch, I picked up the garbage bag I had thrown all the glass in and well, what do you know but the broken glass tore right through my leg.

I knew it was bad as soon as I did it, but I really didn't want to wait in a doctor's office all afternoon. So I called all my friends, who all seemed to be out having fun & not answering. I needed one of my nurse neighbors (I don't have a doctor neighbor), but Joe, my next door neighbor was the only person home. Lawyer..... doctor..... heck, when you're bleeding it doesn't really matter I guess..... you just really want a second opinion, especially before you torture yourself waiting at the doctor's office with 3 kids! Lawyer Joe thought I needed to go, and well, I guess I did too so I packed some snacks, some kids, some games and drove on over.

7 shots and 8 stitches later here's what it looked like.......... needless to say, I've learned my lesson about putting glass in the trash........ 10 days, no pool for mama and a nasty little scar ........ great way to start the summer. At least it was me and not one of the kids, and it's funny but now it doesn't hurt at all. The worst part was the tetanus shot they gave me before which made my arm sore all week. And sweet little Macy, remembering her own experience having stitches and getting a Power Rangers suit (YES, that was during her "boy phase"), asked me what kind of prize I wanted to buy after I was brave and got my stitches....... hmmmm............ chocolate cake...... some Rock & Republics....... dinner at Warehouse Bistro....... a week in Italy......... a girl can dream, right?

Softball Party -- It's Over!

So softball is finally done..... loved it while it was here, but I think we are ALL ready for a little R & R on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday nights. It's been a busy, somewhat chaotic 3 months but Jonathan & I are both so happy that the girls found something they really enjoy doing. Madison had her end of season party & awards the other day at one of the girl's houses. The girls swam and played for 3 hours! Maddie was a little sad that it was all over..... she had great coaches -- full of praise and encouragement -- and I know that she'll miss them this summer. Here she is with her new trophy.......

All the girls and the coaches got to sign everyone's trophy

Madison made some really good friends this season, too

And here they are getting the bright idea to throw Coach Adams in the pool...
GOING......

GOING......

GONE!!!

Anna Lynn and Madison -- BBFF

Maddie saying thank you and goodbye to her coach

What a great season...... what a growing and learning experience for Maddie -- Mommy & Daddy are REALLY proud of you, baby!

Cow-tippin', uhhhhhhhh, I mean Fishing this Weekend

You ever been fishing on a farm? Of course, you say! Well, me too.

Next question.... you ever been fishing on a cattle farm? Well, NOW I can say I have.

Jonathan's client told us to come fishing on his farm this weekend after our day at DeSoto Caverns. This farm has been in his family for over 100 years, and he was a very kind, older man and wanted us to come enjoy it. Jonathan forgot to give me one tiny little detail....... it was a cattle farm.

So we follow the man in his truck out to the pond and as soon as we got to the gate..... what do you know? Cattle EVERYWHERE! Including a 1,600 lb bull! So what do you think happens when we park our car next to the pond? I'll tell you what happens.... those curious cows surrounded our car. I sat there for a second and thought, "I don't think I can do this." And then I said it out loud. Jonathan started laughing at me...... waaaayyy to much of a city girl, I guess. And I wasn't the only one..... the kids were a little worried, too -- at least I wasn't a complete whiny baby.

I did get out. And yes, I was a little freaked for the first few minutes...... the cows were inching closer and closer until they were nudging right against us. Mainly I was just worried about turning my back on that big ole bull, or worse, him coming up behind my 3 year old while he was fishing. But the curiosity soon wore out, and they were off grazing again....... well, that is until later when they decided to come have a drink and then proceeded to "loosen their load" a little in the pond. I looked at Jonathan and we both started cracking up....... then he said, "Aren't ya glad we're aren't taking these catfish home for dinner?"

Yuck!

And then all the donkeys decided to join us. Lots and lots of donkeys....... It was so much fun, and we caught 10 catfish in a little over an hour. So, I can honestly now say I'm over my fear of 1,000 lb cows surrounding me (not that I ever even knew that was a fear of mine!)

Here they are. I took this picture from my car window.......
with no zoom I might add..... they surrounded our car!

Here's little May-May trying her hardest to catch one,
meanwhile her sister caught four!

Madison with her first catch

Mama caught one, too

Panning for gold and gems at DeSoto

Getting dizzy

Yes, those are bathtubs we're racing in! Macy thought that was so much fun.

And worse, Jonathan and Madison were racing on toilet seats!

The kids especially loved these little paddle boats. They thought it was even better that the boats would get filled with water and they would be completely soaked!

And my personal favorite, spinning round and round like a hamster

The giant, blow-up slip and slide

That's a shot worthy of framing

We played a little putt-putt, too

Here we are watching the laser show in the cave

Macy feeling the drip-drip of water that created the caverns

The kids were fascinated with all the stalactites

It was a really great day -- you should go sometime and try it out.

An Answered Prayer

I have never been so proud of my daughter.

It's amazing that first time you see your child smile with their precious, pudgy baby face.... and even more amazing when you cheer them on for their very first wobbly little steps. You cry when they stand on the big stage and graduate from preschool...... and you're so very proud when they walk down that 1st grade hall to go into their first "big-kid" classroom.

But, I swear, none of that comes close to how proud I was of Madison Wednesday night.

Madison, (like her mama) is a complex creature. Most would say she's pretty tough, sure of herself..... confident even. But if you get close..... if you really get to know her, you start to see that maybe that's not really the case. Madison has had a rough couple of years that began with a situation with a teacher in 2nd grade, and then these topsy-turvy pre-teen years started. There are cliques at school...... boys to like...... boys who don't like you back..... zits to get rid of..... kids who seem smarter..... the list goes on and on. It's easy to become a little insecure.

As her mom, it kills me. That child has so much potential....... that is, if she would just believe in herself. So this Spring, after watching her hitting baseballs in the yard with her dad, I decided to sign her up for softball. I knew she would protest (and protest she did!), but I put my foot down and said you HAVE to...... you must do this for yourself. Jonathan and I felt that a team sport was just what she needed........ however, I had NO IDEA how competitive softball is at her age. I will admit I was sweating bullets through the first few practices and games. Most of the girls had been playing 3-4 years already...... Madison was a first-timer.

Madison's my child who gives up after the first try if she's not the best at something, so I was pretty nervous this would be a REALLY LONG season. But you know what? She surprised me. She wasn't the best on the team...... she was facing a huge learning curve..... but she did it with grace and a great attitude. She never seemed to get too down on herself if she made a mistake, instead, she'd get right back up there and try it again. She listened to her coaches, learned alot and made some really sweet friends. I have been utterly AMAZED that she hasn't complained about anything through 3 months of 3 nights a week practices and games. That has never happened before.

So on to why I'm so proud........ Wednesday night Madison's team had a game against the best team (by far!) in the league. Their pitcher is nothing short of phenomenal. She looks like she should be playing in high school or college even though this is the 9-10 year old league. Those balls come so fast at the batters, sometimes you'll even hear the crowd gasp a little. We've been lucky that a few of our games against this team have been rained out, so Madison has only had to face this pitcher once the entire season. Poor thing, she flinched and jumped back every time the ball came at her. Like I told her later..... "honey, I would have done the same thing..... mama's just proud of you for getting up there and trying."

So I was a little worried when it was Madison's time to bat on Wednesday....... I kept thinking, "Just get up there and hold your own. It'll be over soon." And what do you know, but Madison hit the first ball that came at her........ she fouled and eventually struck out, but she hit it! NO ONE, even the best hitters on her team, have been able to do that. So the next time she went up to bat, it was the end of the game, 9-0 (we were losing) and there were 2 outs. The ball came flying and to mine and everyone else's amazement, Madison hit the ball...... HIGH and it rocketed to the outfield!!! I started screaming and jumping and cheering like a crazy person!! I have never seen her so proud of herself when she turned around at first base and looked at me with this amazingly huge grin.

Pure joy.

The game was soon over, but afterward everyone was hugging Madison and her coaches were so happy for her, too. One of them even came and gave her the game ball and all her teammates started signing it telling her what an awesome hit she had. That night, Madison kept saying, "Mama, my coach said nobody can hit against her, and I did. I did it."

There are tears in my eyes right now as I write about it. I don't care if she tries and fails, I just want her to try....... to believe that she can do anything. I know the Lord was watching out for her..... I know He answered my prayers. I am so grateful.

I missed taking a picture of the actual hit, but I did snap a few right before she hit the ball and a few right after........

Here she is just before she hit the ball into the outfield

Here she is on first...... proudest moment of her life!

This is taken a few minutes later when the batter after her struck out and the game ended.
Look at that grin....

Coach Buck talking to her about what a great job she did

Madison with the game ball

Jonathan was working and missed the game, and even though Madison was supposed to go to a friend's to spend the night, she asked me to take her home first so that she could tell her daddy all about her big night and he could see that game ball with all her friends' praises first hand.

Wish you all could have been there to see it!

Jacob singing 3 Doors Down

The morning after we all got in from Heather's birthday at the 3 Doors Down show, my kids all came running in my bathroom..... (while I was on the potty, OF COURSE -- I am a mom after all!)....... anyway, they came barging in, smiles everywhere, begging to know how it was. They wanted so badly to go themselves, but I felt like the lateness, not to mention alcohol being there, wasn't all that appropriate for an 8 and 10 year old. So I told them all about it while they fired a hundred interrupted questions at me.... "what did they sing? How close did you get? Was it cool? Did they sing 'It's Not My Time?' What about 'Let Me Be Myself?' How late did you stay out??????"

Uhhhh, I didn't really want to tell them the truth about that one......

So next thing I knew they were running to the den to blast 3 Doors Down on the stereo at 8:30 in the morning. I took this little video of Jacob once the girls had tired out and left the "stage." Oh..... about him being in his underwear..... I'd make the excuse that it was early in the morning, that we hadn't gotten ready for the day yet........ but really, honestly, Jacob seems to look this way just about every time I turn around! That boy doesn't seem to mind showing off his booty...

(Turn off the ipod to the right before you play the video)



Watch out Brad Arnold..... It looks like Jacob wants your job. My favorite part is the end where he seems to walk "off stage" at just the right time.... As Heather would say, "Bless his little pea-pickin' heart!" He's gonna kill me for this one day!

Macy's Softball Party

Both Macy and Madison decided to try softball this Spring season. We have had so much fun as a family watching them both learn and grow over the last few months. Macy was lucky enough to get one of her best friends on her team and even luckier that the little girl's dad was one of her coaches. She's done really well, but most of all, she's enjoyed it. It's been kind of crazy with both of them having to be at two different places, 3 nights a week for the past few months. And especially with Jonathan out of town for most of the games. But somehow we've managed, and I honestly can't wait to do it all over again this fall.

Macy's second to last game was tonight, and afterward we all headed to Shakey's for her team party and awards. I don't think I've ever seen that child as excited as she was when she received her trophy. We're really proud of her!!

Here she is walking up to the plate to bat

My little lefty swinging with all of her might

And she scores!!!

Jacob & Baylor playing at the ballpark. I think Jacob's enjoyed this softball season even more than his sister's..... staying out late, getting ring pops and Powerade, and of course, playing on the playground every night....

And all of our friends are there, too.... Madison & Kate before Kate's game

Macy & her best friend, Morgan -- how fun to be on the same team!

And here they are at Shakey's celebrating the big season with a little pizza & games

Macy was really DIGGING that trophy with the spinning softball

And the team stops for a photo opp with Coach Brent

It's been a great season!! Thanks so much to Coach Hammonds, Coach Arnold & Amber!
The girls have all learned so much from you.

Heather's 40th at 3 Doors Down

One of my very best friends, Heather, is turning 40 tomorrow. Heather has been such a blessing to me.... such a great friend, so empathic and understanding, honest and genuine, non-judgmental, so talented and creative, but most of all, Heather is hilarious. Crazy. Dry humor. She always has a way of making us all laugh. I love to be around her.

Of course, being her 40th, we all wanted to make this birthday a little less painful and a whole lot more fun so we decided to take a little road trip, go to Jubilee in Montgomery and see a few bands. Lucky me.... what do you know but 3 Doors Down was playing! Love them!

So we got Heather a gift, I made a few party hats to liven up the night, and we headed over to Heather's unannounced. We surprised her at the door with her very own one-of-a-kind party hat and a very fitting boa..... the perfect look for the birthday girl! After a visit with her mom and stepdad, her husband and kids, we were off on our adventure. Too bad it was POOOOUUUURRING!! Ponchos in hand, we thought we'd go ahead a brave the weather..... what's a little rain when you're having fun?

We showed up to Heather's unexpectedly with a silly hat,
a boa, and an invitation for a night out on the town

Here we are with our party hats on telling Heather about our plans for her

The Queen of the night! Didn't she look great??

Heather with her girls, Stuart and Sulli ....
they seemed very happy that Mommy's friends surprised her for her birthday

Our celebratory dinner at Bonefish

Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday Dear Heather! Happy Birthday to You!

Here we are leaving Bonefish, trying to figure out a way to get Heather's
big ole birthday hat in the car.... great thing we had a sunroof

Our shuttle bus ride to Jubilee.... Holly was a little bit nervous

Me removing the "4-0" proof from Heather's birthday hat
before we walked through the crowds

Here we are with "Solja Boy".... hands down the funniest moment of the night..... he was a big blow up soldier standing next to a Hummer blasting rap music.... Heather walked up to him to take a picture
and all of a sudden he grabbed hold of her with his arms....
she went running & screaming for her life! We all were dying out laughing!

Darius Rucker, AKA, Hootie performing on another stage before 3 Doors Down started

Brad Arnold, lead singer of 3 Doors Down, entertaining the crowd

And now for the REAL entertainment....

Heather called her friend Todd to join us.... he lives downtown and she knew Todd & I were friends in high school. Todd told her a while back that I was the reason he went to the "other side." It seems he had a little high school crush on me but when I wouldn't reciprocate, he says he found the boys to be a little more enticing. That boy is CRAZY!! And he made the night that much more fun.
Thanks Todd for joining us.

So here we are.... Todd & me.... first time I've seen him in 21 years!! He looked just the same..... and better yet, ACTED just the same!! CRAZY! (BTW - The strings on my party hat were making my hoops go sideways....I know, I look like Dumbo)

Not long after we got there, Todd noticed our little "Boy George" friend.... we all broke out in a uh, well I guess memorable version of Karma Chameleon

Here's a shot of the band.... we were really lucky with the crowds
and were able to get pretty close to the stage

The girls out celebrating Heather's BIG 4-0!!!

Elizabeth, CRAZY Todd and Heather.... Todd was a wee bit tipsy by this point

Heather, Todd & me singing "It's Not My Time".... somehow the video we took of our performance didn't take.... That's probably a REALLY good thing!


However, I was able to capture this little baby!!! Just turn off my blog ipod at the top right-hand of this page first. Sorry about the shaky-ness....... there were people behind me bumping into me.


And this one may even be a little more embarrassing!

Todd, Elizabeth, Holly & Heather.... that boy loves the camera!

Holly & Heather with their baseball caps....
pretty smart considering there was about a 100% chance of rain

Everyone, even some randoms, wanted to join in our fun

Here we are after the show..... Walking the loooooooooong walk to Neverland.....
or maybe it was The Land of Todd.......
Anyway, Todd told us there was no need for a shuttle.... he would take us back to our car

See me in my bare feet walking blocks & blocks & blocks through downtown Montgomery??
My shoes wouldn't stay on in the rain.... I've still got gravel burn!

Stopping for one of 100 photos opps on the way to Todd's.... he wouldn't stop taking pictures

Elizabeth & me soaking wet

Loving those ponchos.... it's a good look for us

FINALLY!! After the seemingly never-ending walk through downtown to Todd's house, yes, after midnight in places I'm usually scared to DRIVE through during the day, we ended up at Todd's beautiful Victorian house. Full of art and antiques and amazing style.... in fact, his house was just featured in the March of 2009 Montgomery Living magazine.

After a tour of the house, we were off to our car, then a trip to What-a-burger. Did you know they give you beepers while you wait for your food? Nothing like waiting 15 minutes at 1:30am with a beeper in hand for your little what-a-burger! And then we were heading down I-85 for the trip home.

We've all commented that we felt a little like we were in college again. Staying out late, listening to live bands..... what a great way to celebrate a milestone birthday. Heather, we all hope you have a great one tomorrow! I know we'll be talking about this night for years to come.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GIRL!

The Wonderful World of Disney

Disney is a little like childbirth....

It sounds so magical.... you can't wait for the day to finally come.... then it does and you can't believe how much pain is involved..... and when it's all over, just like in childbirth, you soon forget all the bad and cherish only the really good parts....

I love Disney. Love it. We couldn't have asked for a better week with the weather, and BEST OF ALL.... Jacob was amazing!! He rode everything. I mean EVERYTHING!! Thank goodness he's just over the 40" height requirement for almost every big ride, so he was a trooper and rode right along side all of us. That made the week so much more fun.... no waiting with Jacob while the parents do the ride trade-off.

And except for a few fights with one another, the girls did really well, too. They've grown up alot since we were there 1 1/2 years ago. Madison, normally my scaredy-cat, rode just about everything, too. We couldn't have packed in any more fun..... full days at all the parks, then dinner and more fun at Downtown Disney at night. The Lego Imagination Center and Disney Quest, a 5 story arcade with all the latest technology, were the kids' favorites. And they loved the water parks, too.

I took over 350 pictures, so I posted quite a few.... enjoy our trip with us if you will.....

The kids' posing in a great white shark jaw at Typhoon Lagoon

Jacob taking a rafting ride by himself at Typhoon Lagoon

Madison snorkeling with sharks, stingrays and lots of fish at Typhoon Lagoon

Jonathan and Macy snorkeling in the shark tank, too

Maddie and me at Animal Kingdom by the Tree of Life

Macy & Maddie stopping to pose with the gorilla carving at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom Parade

Daddy & Jacob watching the parade

Jacob & Macy snacking as usual...

Taking the safari ride at Animal Kingdom

Playing the bongos....

Strolling through the park

The kids riding Aladdin at Magic Kingdom

Jacob's been waiting 1 1/2 years to ride this one again!
It's the race cars at Magic Kingdom -- he loves to drive ALL BY HIMSELF

Madison & Macy take a break from walking for a while

The kids in front of the castle at dusk....
Jacob was not in the mood for a photo opp

Daddy & Maddie on the race cars

Outside of Buzz Lightyear.... Jacob wears that ride out!

The family castle shot

Loving the 3-D amazing Pirates of the Caribbean arcade game at Disney Quest

Another family shot at Epcot

Eating, eating and eating again!!!

Yikes!! More sharks!

Jacob keeping everyone laughing on the bus....

Maddie in front of Epcot with all the beautiful topiaries

Trolling through Epcot

The kids in Italy with their new puppets....

More topiaries at Epcot.... they were amazing!

Jacob's "Lego Land" as he kept calling it.... yes, that's a lego robot!

And more huge lego displays

And every kind of Lego piece you could imagine!

More Lego robots

And one of our favorites, lunch with Tigger,
Pooh, Eeyore & Piglet at the Crystal Palace

Me & Madison pigging out with Piglet

Macy sliding at our hotel pool

Jonathan and the kids playing in the pool at our hotel

Pooh laughing about how much he and Daddy look alike...

Outside of Lego Land making their own lego masterpieces

You've gotta go to this place at Downtown Disney!!

And the coolest of all, our dinner at the new T-Rex Cafe. We were lucky enough to be seated in the ice cave.... an absolutely unbelieveable replica of a prehistoric ice cave with dinosaur fossils and lots of sound and lighting effects.

The ice cave where we ate

Every few minutes the cave would change colors like this...

Maddie & Macy drinking their bone drinks at T-Rex

More T-Rex Cafe... the animatronics were mind boggling

One of many dinosaurs in the restaurant, and they moved and roared loudly too!

The Ocean Room at T-Rex Cafe

More rides at Disney Quest

Macy racing the motorcycles

Macy & Daddy at Crystal Palace

Posing with Tigger

Macy couldn't wait to take a picture with her favorite characters, Chip & Dale

The kids with their new tattoos at Hollywood Studios

And Jacob's other favorite, the stunt show at Hollywood Studios

It was rare to get a picture of Jacob smiling.... he was too busy having fun to stop for the camera

Jacob pretending he's saving the universe at Hollywood Studios

And another favorite, dinner at Chef Mickey's with all the characters

Finally, a shot with Mickey

And another smiling shot of Jacob with Minnie

Jonathan and I had such a great time spending a whole week together with the kids. He was very sweet to give up his birthday trip to take us to Disney. Love ya, babe!

Happy Mother's Day

We cooked Mother's Day lunch for my mom on Saturday before we left for Disney.
The kid's really enjoyed seeing her and showing her their new pond.
She even took them to Petco to buy fish for it. Thanks, Mom!

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

Remember those days before you had kids when you knew exactly what kind of mother you would be? You'd watch your friends who had children and think, "I want to make cupcakes with them just like she does".... or "I won't ever lose my patience with them like that" ............. or "I would never let a baby cry himself to sleep." You knew you would read all the books, study the best ways to raise them and take all the advice from everyone so you too could be the perfect mom.

And then you actually have that first baby. Whooaaaa, how that changes everything. You just can't believe how much you love them from the very start. You can't believe how perfect they are, and you soon realize how imperfect you are. All the things you thought you would do suddenly change when the advice doesn't work and the sleepless nights make you feel more like a zombie, not a mommy.

They cry....... you cry. They scream......... you scream at your husband. All that preconceived perfection begins to disappear right before your very eyes. But then, something you do works.... you hold them tightly in your arms and the crying stops. Wow, you realize..... I can do this....... I am what this little baby needs.... she just needs me to love her and hold her tight. And somehow, no matter how old they get.... no matter what their latest struggle is, that's still all they really need.

There aren't a whole lot of pats on the back for mommies, but the rewards are enormous. What else could you ever do in your life that would mean more than raising a happy, thoughtful, well-adjusted child? We will all make our mistakes, but ultimately, if our children know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are loved and cherished.... that we are always there to support them..... that we believe in them.... well, in the end, that's really all any of us need.

So to all of us mommies, Happy Mother's Day! May we all remember what an important job we are doing each and every day, and mostly, may we all be there for each other, supporting each other, and maybe even giving each other a few of those pats on the backs that we all deserve.