Soccer Fun

Soccer for a 2 1/2 year old.  Interesting.  DAILY, the Lord teaches me about my life with the kids.  DAILY.  Soccer has become my lesson on Thursdays.  The first two weeks were agonizing.  Sanders cried and wanted to be held the whole time. Really?  The child who runs into the Y nursery.  The one who is excited about Sunday school?  The one who plays well at the park, ignoring mom the whole time because he's having fun with his friends?  I was in shock the first two weeks because of his crying and wanting mommy.  I learned- He's young, he won't be young forever. I'll look back one day and long for him to be running into my arms, crying for me.  For a 2 1/2 year old, I needed to lower my expecations.   Since then, I decided if he stayed on the field, in the white lines, I didn't care what he did.  And that's what has happened.  He's stayed on the field for the past two weeks.  Don't doubt, he's picked grass, corrupted another little boy to play ring around the rosey over and over, pretended the goal was his house, picked up cones, walked around and around the  white outline of the field, and acted like a dying bug on the ground- arms and legs flailing in the air.  It's really humorous to watch! He's touched the ball three times...once to kick and the other times to pick up and run around.  But...he's having fun.  And that's all that matters.  I've learned to sit back, relax, and enjoy myself watching he and his personality blooming!

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My child isn't the only one picking up the cones...the blur is the coaches daughter

Daddy giving an encouraging word

Cooler Days

Fall has ARRIVED! I am loving the weather these days, and the kiddos are on the same page! The pics below are some that were taken in September of the twins playing outside in the yard.  They love to be outside!

Sawyer bug...athlete?

Shephard...big blue eyes!

Still loving the jeep

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme. Need I say more?  Good thing it's a 30 minute drive down to Foley, or I'd be there every morning for a doughnut.  : )  On Memorial day we loaded up the car and went to swim at the Foley Y...it was closed, so we had it all to ourselves.  While the kiddos napped, Matt stayed at the Y so Mom, Britt and I could go to the outlets for a deal or two.  On our way home, we went through the Krispy Kreme drive thru...and we downed a dozen HOT doughnuts in less than five minutes.  Pretty sure I had to run a little longer the next day for that!

Sawyer bug

Shephard...he loves his food...don't even act as if you are going to take it away while he's eating

Park with Friends

I know I've said it before, but here I say it again.  I am soooo blessed to be involved at the YMCA down here.  Taking two hours a day to run and workout allows my brain to function.  Over the past month or two, I have had the opportunity to get to know some young moms while working out.  We decided to get together on Fridays after our workouts to take the kids to the park.  I love each of theses women and their BOYS...yes...we all have boys! It's so fun to see all of their personalities running around laughing and playing.  Again- I am so blessed!

Fourteen years from now...

We are in trouble...especially adding Sanders to the mix!!

Picnic

On Tuesday of this week I was already tired of cleaning the kitchen, so I decided to have a picnic outside to make for easier clean-up.  We were eating spaghetti, so outside was a must!  The boys stopped from devouring their food for a few brief moments...I say devouring because it is only Thursday morning and we have already gone through 12 bananas and 3 gallons of milk...goodness gracious!!!! Donations accepted to my mailing address : )

We had a photo shoot

In the middle of August, I decided it was time to get some pictures taken for the boys birthday invites.  Amanda helped me get the hoodlums ready and distracted during the attempt...below are the results:

Attack!

Escape!

Sawyer and Shephard

Sawyer and Shephard...this is actually their 11 month picture.  Shephard cracks me up with his grin!

Sawyer and Shephard

Sawyer

New Shoes

Matt and I decided to see how Sanders would do with soccer, so we went and bought him some cleats and a ball.  His first "game" isn't until the end of September and Im sure there will be more day dreaming and picking grass than actual kicking of the ball.  

I can't believe this "big brother" is old enough to play now!  

On a different note,  I can't believe Sanders is old enough to communicate verbally with me.  I tell him daily that I don't want him to grow up...and he tells me "I have to grow up mommy."   Even at times when I tell him not to do something, he will say "don't say that to me mommy, please." The fact that he asks me politely not to say something makes me want to laugh then and there, but I have to hold my composure and tell him that he's being disrespectful.  I could squeeze and hug and play and rough house and so many more things... I wish I could bottle up this time forever!

So much fun!

Random pics of the boys during July

We had a visitor

Shephard, Stacie, Sawyer, Max and Sanders

One of my college roomates, Stacie, came into town a couple of weeks ago.  I got to see her in April when Britt and I went up for the half marathon in Nashville...and it was such a treat getting to see her again so soon!
Stacie and I met while going through Rush at Auburn.  We ended up both pledging Alpha Chi and roomed together for our sophomore and junior years.  We have some FUN memories from college!!!!  Stacie loves Jesus and it truly is displayed in her life.  She's full of Joy...and always seeking to know truth and what the Lord wants her to do in her life.  I love her and am thankful God crossed our paths!!! I am quite jealous that she has a picture made with all of my children...I don't have one of those!

The picture says it all...

Sanders used to love getting in the dryer when he was little (isn't he still little?!?) So mom and I wanted to see what Sawyer and Shephard thought about the dryer...y'all tell me. Which one will love going on thrill rides at Disney and which one will be content to sit them out?

Sawyer

Shephard

***DHR Disclaimer- No child was hurt during this photo shoot.  Please do not feel the need to call DHR- Sawyer and Shephard live in a warm and loving environment.

10 months

Sawyer and Shephard

Shephard and Sawyer turned ten months last Thursday...I only was able to get one picture because my camera battery died.  Oh well- at least I got one!

* Both have seven teeth. Sawyers bottom right broke through about two days before Shephards bottom left.
* The 4PM bottle is gone! Only down to morning and night.  In place- yogurt and a sippie cup.  They both do really well drinking out of straw sippie cups. So now its bottle and oatmeal for breakfast; Veggie and fruit for lunch; Yogurt for afternoon snack; and veggie for dinner with bottle before bed.
* Both crawl everywhere...including up the stairs.  About three weeks ago it got really quiet...so I went to the stairs and there Sawyer was- opening the gate and scooting on up.  We've learned to actually get the intended use out of a gate, it needs to be actually closed
* Sawyer loves to play peek-a-boo. Shephard loves to play...anything...he's easygoing!

They are growing and getting big so fast...pretty soon they will be turning one!!! Augh!!!!

Independance Day

    For the fourth we decided to pack up the cars and head up to Lake Martin.  On Thursday Matt, me and the kiddos headed up and visited Grandma and Grandpa in Wetumpka.  We had a good time visiting and letting them love and play with the children.  On Friday we ventured to the lake and that's when the fun began!  The Creels and Lawsons joined in on the fun.  Six adults + eight hoodlums + Balderdash + Toy Story + Chimney Rock + Fireworks + Noodling + Flat Tire + Water Slide + Boat + Tubing + Yummy Food (Ryan hoarding over the desserts) + the witching hour + lots more = non-stop fun!
    Let's talk about Chimney Rock.  I've gone to the lake for about ten years now and I've always said "nope...not going to do it...people who do are crazy morons." I guess I fit into that category now.  I don't know what got into me.  Ryan Creel went and when he finished I thought maybe I could do it.  When it was time for me to go, Lee and I jumped off the boat.  Little did we know that Ryan was laughing at us saying it was the scariest thing he had ever done.  When I got up to the top I just stared at the water...thinking Jesus and I were about to meet.  I finally jumped and after I did I vowed to never do it again.  I was alive, but OH.MY.SOUL!!!!
    The weekend was a lot of fun and full of memories that will last a long time!  I'm so thankful that we were able to go and have friends to take along with us!

Sanders and Knox watching Toy Story

Sawyer and Greer

Knox and Sanders in the tub

Ryan and Teal

Chimney Rock

Lee the lifeguard

Foxie Knox

Murphy and Sanders on the boat

Captain Shephard

Ryan jumping

Yummy PBJ

Jumping Ninja Style

Lee about to jump

Teal, Regan and me noodling

Teal and Regan surveying the scene

Regan jumping

Matt reading to Trotter and Sanders