Party (March 20-21, 2014)

I was cold - very cold - from working on the playground. It was the first day of spring, but I was standing in the face of winter and decided to wear capris, a short sleeved shirt and no socks, but it very cold still. So when I got home from work, I kept my coat on, turn the heat up, turn the electric heater on and pointed it towards me, and laid on the couch under a blanket. Apparently I fell asleep because I was awoken by Jacob handing me my phone and telling me that I might be getting some calls back. What do you mean? Well, he called a bunch of friends and asked them to come over and play basketball. Then my phone lit up - calls, texts, you name it. Since we didn't have school on Friday, we turned it into an overnight party. Jacob ended up somewhere between 7-8 boys over, and Grace and Jadyn each had a friend over. There was no less that 11 kids in my house the whole time. And I loved it!!!!!We went through 8 hot-n-ready pizzas, 8 2 liters of pop, 3 dozen donuts, and gallons of chocolate milk. It was crazy, my house was a mess and stank like sweaty boy, but we had so much fun! This kids are only young once, and this is all we get, so we are going to try and make the best out of every moment. Praise God for the opportunity to do these kinds of things. I am also very thankful to God for good friends in my kids lives. I pray that it continues this way. I even made a cool video of the day(s)! Here is the link:

 http://animoto.com/play/8ldKXH6YmLeMNUJF8HYcAg

Letters from My Kids

Basketball Final Tourney

While at the final tournament of Jacob's basketball season, Grant noticed a 4 or 5 year old who kept coming out with bigger boys during timeouts and halftime. They would all shoot around while time was called. Grant turns to me and says, "That midget sure can shoot." That midget? Is that what you think? I had to remind Grant that this young boy was right about his age. That, he too, would then be considered a midget.

Also during this final tournament, we had, yet another, run in (if you will) with Jacob's coach. He was doing the typical garbage that he always does, and kept Jacob out an entire game (except the 2 minutes he played). When we asked to talk to him, he blew up and tried to hide behind the "24 hour rule", knowing full well that in 24 hours this would all be over. He owed Jacob an explanation, but was not going to be man enough to give it. So sad. Nevertheless, after blowing up in front of the team, he agreed to talk to Jacob. Which then (miraculously) led to a "conversation" with us. The conversation was one of him posturing, yelling and even bumping his chest into Greg. Basically a bully. Definitely not a coach. His "talking" was so loud that it funneled up the tunnel we were in and up to all who wanted to hear upstairs. My hope is that people will now admit to what they already know. This is not a role model for our children. This fact was solidified when we learned that he told a player "to fake it" in a later game, where the he was already given a technical. This "faking it" led to the coach be ejected from the next 2 games - which I might add were coached very well and won! Jacob even had 12 of 28 points in the first game. It was fun to watch. All this to say, it was a very difficult year for all of us. But we definitely learned what we DO NOT want to be.

Mom of the Century

This morning I have been labeled AWESOME, A GENIUS and TIMELESS - all for making paper airplanes that fly straight, far and fast. I also just received a kiss, hug and the label of "being so good." My bucket is definitely being filled today!!! Who knew 3 paper airplanes could make Jadyn, Grant and Garrett so happy?

Some Notes on Jacob

1. Jacob recently had a new experience. While leaving basketball practice, one of his friend's parents car had died. We asked if they needed help and they needed a jump. I thought I had jumper cables, but ended up not having them. Then the dad suggested we push start the car. So we did. Jacob, myself, and 2 of his friends pushed the car while the dad started it. Ahhhh.....brought back high school memories.

2. A few years back Jacob made me a sculpture. According to him, it was a guy sitting in a chair, playing xbox. This sculpture has been on our mantle since that day - through 2 separate moves. A few days ago, it finally dawned on Jacob exactly what the thing really looks like - an erect penis! He was so mortified and laughed hysterically at himself. It was such a sight to behold. I loved that he could laugh at himself. I don;t think it helped to have 2 of Grace's friends in the room.

3. Jacob is an amazing basketball player! Yes, I'm his mom and have to say this, but it is the truth. Granted, he can handle the ball and drive and shoot, and when given the chance can really play hard, but beyond that he is a REAL leader. I have watched him, multiple times, give up a chance to be a glory hog and take the ball to the hoop himself, and pass the ball off to a teammate that was better positioned than himself. He is smart and has his eyes open. Yes - he is sometimes wild and LOVES to swat instead of go up straight, but he is physically, mentally and emotionally a strong leader. I love that he recently stood up for what he believed in and spoke up for himself, even when it was the exact opposite of what everyone else was doing. I am very proud of the fine young man that he is and am looking forward to seeing the man he grows into.

A Day in the Life

Lots of exciting, scary, nerve-wracking, crazy, sad things happen in our lives. But sometimes, we have just another day. Yesterday was one of those days. Just taking care of some business.

Mother's Day - EARLY

Check out this video I made. I sure love my Kids!!!!!

http://animoto.com/play/nXkS2XRiU5L2BUXc5fVWOg

Winter Just Keeps on Coming

On the topic of teachers and their new babies....

......we went to see Grant's teacher (Mrs. Howe)'s new baby, Chase. I guess it is too bad I didn't get a picture of Grant with Chase, but here is the sweet new addition.Actually, my kids were very busy playing with Chase's dog, Trax. I never really wanted to let him go.

Who's Been Sleeping in MY Bed???

I had a party. So, that meant that Greg had to take the kids and go somewhere. Specifically to gymnastics and then to our small group, but that is a different story. One of the people invited to my part, THAT CAME, was Jadyn's 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Carpenter (and her new baby, Joshua). Baby Joshua was dressed in an outfit that matched Jadyn and Grace's becroom perfectly, so I asked if I could take a picture of him in Jadyn's bed? (Wouldn't that be a fun thing to brag about? Your teacher's baby in your bed?) So I took the pictures. Then as she was about to leave, a light bulb went off in my head. Why not get a picture of HER TEACHER in her bed? Wouldn't that be even better? Heck yeah, it would!!! So here are the pictures: