The Big K

And I don't mean K-Mart. Kindergarten! WOW! Can't believe it is here. For a while there I thought that I was more excited about it than Jacob. But last night I could tell that he was about to explode. This morning he was very impatient with the traffic, even wanted to know why the cars in front of us wouldn't just go ahead and turn so he could get to school. He lead us in the school, walking about 10 feet in front of us, turning around only to let us know that he could see his class room. He walked in the room like the big kindergartener that he is and sat down at his table and started going through his things.

Before we got out of the car I asked him what was going to be the funniest part of kindergarten and he said picking out my lunch and punching in my lunch number. We will see if that has changed this afternoon. Have a great day Jake!

Where would you put it?

During the summer months our church doesn't have a children's church program, which means that all of the little kiddies get to go to big church. Besides trying to keep them quietly entertained, I am also trying to get them involved in the whole big experience in some little ways they can hopefully understand. Like letting them put money in the collection plate and explaining to them that they are giving their money to God. I have been giving them each a dollar to hold on to and at the right time, put in the plate. Now Jacob would prefer that I give him coins over dollars any day, don't know why but for some reason he thinks the change is better. But coins would bring on a whole new set of problems, so I stick with the paper. Anyway, a couple of Sundays ago at the beginning of church I give Jacob and Madison their money. Jacob folds up his dollar and tucks it into his pocket. Madison, wanting to do exactly what her big brother does, takes her money and rolls it up in this half crooked fold and begins to search frantically for her pocket. When she doesn't find one, she does what any good southern young lady would do, she stuffs it in the front of her dress and then goes about her coloring. While I am doing the church snicker, I flash back to Sunday mornings as a kid with my grandmother when she would stuff her tithe in the front her dress, along with her house keys. Who knew you could put so much stuff up there with out it looking awkward? Guess Madison gets that from Mama Pearl.

May the Force Be With You

A couple of weekends ago, a friend of ours scored us some sweet tickets to the Barons game. We usually go to a couple games each year but this time was a little unusual. Michael told me earlier in the week that there was going to be some type of Star Wars thing going on that night at the stadium and all I could picture in my head was the time that we went to Atlanta and stayed in the same hotel as the Star Trek convention. Everyone was dressed up as their favorite character. It was a little odd to say the least. So I immediately think that folks will be dressed up as Yoda and Darth Vader. Well not everyone, just my sweet, Star Wars obsessed 5 year old. He wanted to wear the whole costume but it was five hundred degrees outside so I talked him into only wearing the mask and cape. He was a little Star struck (pun intended) when he saw the real DV. He wouldn't even get his picture made with him. I was able to get a picture of him and a Storm Trooper but only because the ST let Jacob see his gun.

It was a lot of fun. They did some really cool Star Wars themed things with the lineup on the jumbotron. DV even threw out the first pitch. We had a great time. Michael even caught a foul ball.

We are the Champions

So if I knew how to put music on this thing, that would be the song I'd be playing today. Cause that's what the Nationals are...State Champions! So, close your eyes and pretend Freddie Mercury is belting out those famous lyrics, my friends.

The game was in a word AWESOME! We came out of the gate and scored 6 runs and shut out Gardendale in the first inning. In the second, we put an additional 7 runs on the board and then there was no turning back. The final score was 25-10 in 5 innings. It was a great ending to a very happy birthday for me. Thanks to everyone who came out to lend their support and thanks to those who didn't show up because they had been banned from the park. I won't mention any names, but her initials are Tesney D. The only game we lost in the post season Tesney was in attendance so we barred her from any more games. Tes, I am sorry that you missed this, though.

My only regret from the tournament - not getting a picture of the redneck megaphone one of the opposing teams moms was using to cheer on her team. It was a what appeared to be the inside cardboard of a rather large roll of wrapping paper. It was about four foot long and had a crook on the end. She would cheer on her team and then turn around to the stands to lead them in an organized cheer all the while being very careful not to warp someone in the head. Obviously she was reliving some fantasy of being head cheerleader for her high school football team. It was a sight.

Maddie - The Preschooler

With all of the baseball that has been going on over the last month I almost forgot to document Madison's first day of preschool. Here's a picture of the big girl and her big brother getting ready to leave the house.

I knew she would love being there with other kids her age. I knew she would love playing and going on the play ground. I knew she would love playing dress-up and watching Holly, the parakeet. I wasn't expecting her to tell me that she wasn't ready to leave when I went to pick her up. Guess that's how you know they really enjoy it! She is having a blast.

I am not sure if this picture says "OK, enough with the camera already" or "This getting up early for preschool is rough" or "Hey, I am a monkey". Either way it made me laugh.

On a baseball note, we play for the 5 year old State Championship tonight. So excited, can't wait! Of course if it is anything like it was yesterday, I might need a room at Bryce! Wish us luck!

Northport Nationals

We had our first All Star Tournament this past weekend. Things didn't start out very good. But we came back and tied the game up in the bottom of the sixth inning. The next inning Walker County scored two runs to beat us 17-15. The Nationals played two games Saturday and won both games. Then Sunday we had to play Walker County twice in order to win the whole thing. Big Blue came out strong in the first game to win 25-11. And the second game of the doubleheader was even better. Something just clicked and we played like we have been playing ball together all year. The final score was 22-0 in four innings! There were double plays, fly balls caught, good base running and the bats were as hot as the weather. It was a great ending to a wonderful Father's Day. The guys (and girl) were so excited about getting their trophies and playing in the tent sprinklers. Here are the pictures from the tournament. Click on the album to get a better view and then click on the right if you want to download any of them.

Look what's on our front door

About a month ago a momma bird made her home in the flower arrangement on our front door. We have enjoyed watching the nest as these four ugly, naked, alien-like creatures have grown up to become full feathered, beautiful little birds. Now we can no longer use our front door for fear that we will have them learn to fly in our living room. It's a small price to pay to have my kids witness one of God's many miracles.

Going back to Cali...Cali...Cali

Nah, I don't think so. We've just gotten over the last Cali trip. It's one of those places that make you appreciate where your from. I mean they don't have ANY sweet tea or county music!!! The lyrics to that Hank song "If Heaven ain't a lot like Dixie" come to mind. I really don't know how I survived. I LIVE on sweeeeet tea and their idea of sweet tea was this raspberry flavored tea-like water. I told the waiter that what he had brought me was raspberry tea and not sweet tea, and he looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language! From then on I stuck with Dr. Pepper (when available) or Coke. You can never go wrong with Coke.

But seriously, we had a great trip. The wedding was beautiful. The kids had loads of fun. Madison and Cassandra (the grooms niece) had so much fun being flower girls that they decided going down the aisle once wasn't enough, so when they got to the front they turned around and went back to do it all over AGAIN! Too funny! Besides the couple of hours in the ER for Madison's dislocated elbow everything thing was great. The first thing Jacob said when we landed in Birmingham was that he missed Aunt Jo Jo.

Here are some pictures I took during the festivities.

More Bees and Graduation

Here are some pictures from Saturday's playoff game against the Blue Claws. The Bees won and will play the Volcanoes Thursday night at 6:30. Both albums are from the same game, somehow they got separated into two different albums. Enjoy!






Jacob's preschool graduation was last Sunday night. It was sad, funny, cute, and exciting all rolled into one! We have really enjoyed his years at preschool . The program was very cute and the things they have learned are just amazing. I took a TON of pictures of Jacob, because, well, he is my baby and he was graduating. But there are some random ones in there of other kids , too. Just click the download button to the right to download those to your computer. If you have any problems, let me know.

Birthdays and Ballgames

Madison had her 2nd Birthday Party on April 5th. Me, being the planner that I am, thought that I had everything under control and all planned out for a smooth and stress free party. You see Jacob was supposed to have a baseball game at 1:00. Maddie's party was at 3:30. Which in my mind gave me plenty of time to watch Jacob's game, pick-up the birthday cake, and get home WAY before anyone showed up for the festivities. Well...think again! It had rained that morning and it was still drizzling at about 11 when Kelly called and said that they would be able to come to the party after all. And then she asked the dreaded question..."what time has Jacob's game been moved to?" I had NO CLUE that the games had been moved back two hours. Which meant that our once 1:00 game and suddenly became a 3:00 game! I wasn't upset that Michael and Jacob were going to miss the party, I was distraught that I was going to miss the game. Oh well, Michael linced me after what seemed like every play and kept me up-to-speed on the game. It wasn't the same as being there, but it was a close second (well, not really, but I am still trying to be optimistic about the whole thing). The party was fun even though we had to move everything indoors. And our baseball crew arrived just as Maddie was finishing up her gifts. Here are a few pictures from the party.

Now on to Baseball...Yes, Bert, this one's for you.

The Bees are holding their own this season. We are 9-1-1. Not bad, huh? Jacob started out at pitcher but has since moved to first base. Here are some pictures from the season so far.

This is one of may favorite pictures.

Andrew making a great catch!


And Connie the Cow with the team.

Hannah ALABAMA?

Madison's 2nd birthday was Sunday. We had a little family party Saturday night which netted her several fun gifts including this cool Hannah Montana headset.

If you know Madison, you know that she LOVES music, especially if it is associated with a TV show/movie. She had so much fun singing along with Hannah. Here are some pictures of our little "Rockstar".




The real birthday party is Saturday. I will post more pictures next week.

Spit really does get out blood stains...

That's my Martha Stewart tip of the day. So just in case the next time your child has to have a q-tip that is a mile long shoved up his nose so far that it bleeds for a flu test, you'll know. Just have him (and it cannot be your spit or the spit of your husband) spit on the blood and let it sit. You don't even have to rub it. It just magically disappears! And yes, by the way, the flu test was positive! So now we have Tamiflu-o-plenty at our house.

The Tooth Fairy Cometh

Before...

During...

After...

As you can see, the tooth fairy has been very busy at our house this week. Jacob pulled one tooth on Tuesday night. I thought it was going to be a struggle because it was barely hanging on and he didn't want to touch it, but bribery works wonders when "pop-pops" are involved. Then last night Jacob was laying on the couch, minding his own business, when Madison decided that Jacob wasn't paying her enough attention. So she grabbed his face and in the process she grabbed his tooth too. Maybe she will be a dentist...who knows! I am just so glad that I got some really good pictures of his smile before all of this took place.

Been a while...

WOW! It has been a while. A lot has happened since I last posted. I won't try to post every detail, I'll just hit the "high" spots. Christmas was lots of fun. Of course with kids every day is fun. We all got lots of stuff, we are truly blessed not only with material things but with the things that count... family, both blood and church, friends, and so many other things!

Jacob is playing Upwards basketball. At first he was very excited. Now, not so much. What is sad is that he has the ability to be a good player but I think he lacks the enthusiasm. It's just not his LOVE, not like baseball. Either way, I still enjoy going to his games and practicing taking pictures. Here's one that I took recently.


I love how everyone is blurry except Jacob. Which is what I was trying to do. I took a photography class at church this past fall and this is one of the techniques that we learned. I took him a couple of weeks ago to a park here in town to get some pictures before he loses any more teeth. It was just me and him and I got some really good pictures, so much so that I had American Shutterbug print a 16x20 of this


And it was just in time. He lost another tooth Tuesday.

Madison is getting so big. She has tee-teed in the potty several times and sometimes she will volunteer to go on her own. Which means that she is running thru the house pulling her clothes off yelling "I tee-tee in potty" then followed by "I want candy!". She has started talking more in sentences now. One of my favorites is "I hab it" (translation: "I have it" or "Let me have it"). She still loves Jacob and plays just as rough with him as he does her. I wanted to take a picture of Jacob the other night after he lost his tooth and she had to have her picture taken, too.

As you can see, I am working on the look of the blog. That was one of the reasons that I haven't posted in a while. I know it sounds crazy but everytime I thought about posting all I could think of was how I didn't like it's looks and then I would get distracted. So I figured if I could design a Christmas card then I could design a banner, too. So here it is. I am still trying to figure out how to get the picture to not look so pixelly( if that's a word). I think I have a program that will help but until then this is what I will stick with. Maybe later I can try to design my whole page. I have it in my head but just don't have the know-how to produce it.