Cameron started football this week and let me tell you, this has caused me GREAT stress. I confess, I became a creeper this week. I stalked the football fields during practice. In my defense, it was very near where I was already driving and they were outside for practice. How could I not drive by? I worried that he would be hungry during practice because he couldn't eat breakfast before. I worried that he'd be famished by lunchtime if he didn't get something in his belly after practice. What if he was hot or thirsty? Or injured? What if he forgot part of his wardrobe for school and didn't realize it until after practice? Why must the boys shower in one community shower? And why on earth are practice uniforms called "grays"? Does my baby have to wear stinky grays all week? When do I wash them? And is it necessary to play when it is pouring down rain?
Before you think I've completely lost my mind and before you warn the school of the woman in the minivan driving by the practice field in a continuous circle, I managed to NOT sneak a peek on Friday. I cried tears like a baby this week in constant worry. I sometimes drove by twice in one day (don't judge!). But today, I am proud to announce I didn't drive by even once. I can neither say I didn't want to drive by nor can I say I tried to map a route to allow me time to pass by. Somehow though, I managed to stay away for the day.
And yes, my son knows I stalk him. He laughs at me and thanks me for not bringing a lawn chair and watching practice. Ha ha. True story... and you thought I was crazy?!
I am going to be the worst football Mom ever. I'm already planning on how I can miss the games. Jason tells me I have to go. I remind him I don't have to keep my eyes open. This sport stresses me out!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Happy 12th Birthday Cameron!
Where has the time gone? My baby turned 12! I love this kid. If you have ever tried to keep a group of boys entertained, you know that you just have to let them form their own game plan. They have their own agenda and it's guaranteed to include running and mischievous behavior. As I sat and watched the boys do this, I just knew one of them was going to land wrong on that bar. I warned them too! But alas, they all made it home safely without injury.
Back to School
I love my kiddos' back to school pictures, but truthfully, I'm lucky to get even ONE picture on this morning. My kids are good for one picture with smiles then they're over me. I messed this up big time! My first picture had everyone together but Courtnie was crying because she was being rushed (it's not my fault we don't operate on Courtnie-time). My second picture had everyone posed and smiling but it was blurry. This is my third picture - everyone there, not really posed and half smiles. It'll have to do!
We started the new school year at our new school by our new home. Lots of anxiety - more for me than the kids. Colton walked into his Kindergarten classroom like a champ! Not too fond of my camera in his classroom, but you can see his smile! Courtnie left me in the hall as she made her way into 4th grade. Cameron left me at the front door of middle school as an excited 7th grader and I promise I did not even think of taking pictures!

Do you understand what this means? for me? I have NO babies at home anymore. I have been at home with my children for 12 years now. Today, I'm sitting at home catching up on my blog and they are all at school. I'm sad they are all at school now, this is definitely the beginning of the newest stage of parenting. I'm sad that they are growing up so fast and so big. But I'm so happy they will spend their day with a teacher who adores them and wants to see them learn and grow. I'm happy they will make new friends, some of which will be in their lives for a lifetime. Some friends will break their hearts but they will use this time to grow as well and better themselves. They'll spend their days sharing laughter and conversations with classmates, time on the playground being a carefree child. Each day I pick them up and see their smiles on their faces and listen to the stories they share about their day. I love them and I love every phase in life they walk us through. These children have been such a blessing to us!
Do you understand what this means? for me? I have NO babies at home anymore. I have been at home with my children for 12 years now. Today, I'm sitting at home catching up on my blog and they are all at school. I'm sad they are all at school now, this is definitely the beginning of the newest stage of parenting. I'm sad that they are growing up so fast and so big. But I'm so happy they will spend their day with a teacher who adores them and wants to see them learn and grow. I'm happy they will make new friends, some of which will be in their lives for a lifetime. Some friends will break their hearts but they will use this time to grow as well and better themselves. They'll spend their days sharing laughter and conversations with classmates, time on the playground being a carefree child. Each day I pick them up and see their smiles on their faces and listen to the stories they share about their day. I love them and I love every phase in life they walk us through. These children have been such a blessing to us!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Chocolate Factory
Last week we took a tour to the Mary Puddin Hill Chocolate Factory in Greenville, TX. It was definitely worth the drive! You can see by our attempt at a group shot the various age groups (minus my oldest dodging the camera and a few toddlers who also refused to take part in the group pic). Each child enjoyed the tour in their own way.

Cameron reminds me of the neighbor on Home Improvement, Wilson, that never shows his face. I attempt a pic of me and my kiddos and Cameron is half-missing.
We had various items to choose to put in our chocolate bars.
Here is a pic of the chocolate being made. It smelled, and looked, sooo yummy!
The bars were made and we poured our toppings on top.
Here is Colton waiting for his chocolate bar to cool off in the big machine.
Here they are!
Now to take our tour of the factory while they fancy up our chocolate bars in special packaging.
Who doesn't love "I Love Lucy"?!
And of course they would have a chocolate "Forrest Gump"!

If you are looking for a field trip for a school or your playgroup, I definitely recommend this place! I didn't get a picture of all our bars because they were eaten before I knew it! We also managed to walk out with chocolate covered peanut butter balls, chocolate covered cherries and chocolate covered Oreos. Now THAT'S a playgroup for Mommies!!
If you are looking for a field trip for a school or your playgroup, I definitely recommend this place! I didn't get a picture of all our bars because they were eaten before I knew it! We also managed to walk out with chocolate covered peanut butter balls, chocolate covered cherries and chocolate covered Oreos. Now THAT'S a playgroup for Mommies!!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Treasure Hunt
Friday, August 13, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Six Flags
The best way to afford Six Flags... free tickets from Read to Succeed! Because of this wonderful program, we were all able to get in free. We did how ever spend our entire life savings on food though. Price gauging on food should be illegal, but that could be an entire new blog. We did pick a incredible day to go. This was the last week of the high 90s, as the very next week it hit the 100s and the temps haven't improved since. The temps were decent, we had somewhat of a breeze, the crowd was low, all this combined made it a great day!
And because my children had an exceptional day, I will note that they were WONDERFUL! They did not ONCE bicker about who sat with who, we all took turns riding alone, no one complained about not riding a ride so another could ride a certain ride, we shared our one big water bottle, they didn't complain about walking or the heat, being hungry or tired, or not being able to ride a ride if they were the only person who wanted to ride it. They did fabulous!!






We started our morning out in the kiddie area. As you can see, it was alot of fun! Because we all enjoyed the kids area, we moved on over to a "small" roller coaster - Judge Roy Scream. I have no idea when this ride went from small, smooth and acceptable to terrifyingly rough and jerky. My bad. Probably not the BEST choice in Colton's first big roller coaster. As you can see, we went from happy and excited to terrified to pissed at Mom.


I had to have a chat with him promising not to make him get on a roller coaster that would be scary or hurt him (all the while rubbing my neck and back from the effects of the roller coaster). And yes, I do MAKE my kids get on roller coaster. There is absolutely no sense in going to Six Flags to walk around all day. If you go, you toughen up and ride the rides (within reason of course). Besides, the looks on their faces on some of the rides are priceless! It's just part of being a parent - you torture me with whining and bickering, I torture you making you ride the rides with me.
The rest of the day went smoothly, we all had a good time and are so thankful we were able to clear an entire day out of our schedule to all spend the day together.


And because my children had an exceptional day, I will note that they were WONDERFUL! They did not ONCE bicker about who sat with who, we all took turns riding alone, no one complained about not riding a ride so another could ride a certain ride, we shared our one big water bottle, they didn't complain about walking or the heat, being hungry or tired, or not being able to ride a ride if they were the only person who wanted to ride it. They did fabulous!!
The rest of the day went smoothly, we all had a good time and are so thankful we were able to clear an entire day out of our schedule to all spend the day together.
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