Frogs, Snails & Puppy Dog Tails



Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Shark Tooth Creek

The first grade class took a field trip on Monday to Shark Tooth Creek. We had never been and it was so much fun. The ride was definitely a little long but when we got there, they really enjoyed themselves. Levi and Isaac rode the bus there and then rode home with us. Houston and Noah also got to go and they enjoyed it so much. We were the last van in the caravan, bringing up the caboose of about 6 cars or so. We had to drive like maniacs to keep up with that bus. I didn't know a bus could travel at such a fast speed!
Well, since we were last, we drove up to see little kiddos running all over the field. They had been cooped up on a bus for and hour and a half and they were ready to run. However, I then noticed a line of about 4-5 boys with their backs to us and I thought they had found a shark tooth already and were checking it out. But that wasn't the case. You see, Mr. Owens, our guide, is somewhat on the "country crazy" side and the boys had to go pee and he told them to "just line up by the firewood and go". And of course, our "country crazy" boys did just that! 2 classes of children, 2 teachers and about 20 adults all around but they pulled it out and went anyway! I knew from the start,the day should be interesting.

SO, Mr.Owens gives you the history lesson and loads us all up in a cattle trailer and HE then drives like a maniac, to get us to the creek. Just let remind you, we have had ALOT of rain. Dirt roads, cattle trailer FULL of people and now dirt roads turn into mud roads, so you know what happens next, we got STUCK! Oh yeah,thank goodness there just happened to be a tractor in "Shark Tooth Jungle" and it had to pull the truck, while the truck pulled the trailer. It was very interesting to say the least.

We then make it to the creek, where the real fun begins. It was so exciting and the kids had a blast! Me and the boys love to be outside so this was right up our "creek"(sorry). The boys found several teeth and though the rules were to "Try and stay out of the water as much as possible.", come on, a creek, boys, mud, are you kidding me? In the water is where most of them stayed, especially Houston. I would bend down to help Levi find teeth and the next thing I knew, Houston was back in the water! He had the best time, he also had the lowest weight of shark teeth at weigh-in, so that might give you a little idea of how much actual "shark tooth hunting" he participated in.

SO, then we load back up in the "Shark Tooth Express" and head for the flight home. Once again, very adventurous and I'm just so glad MeMaw or Nana were not present. They would have had a fit. Granny(Tammie Darty), my boys call her Granny too, was a nervous wreck and did ALOT of praying. When we finally landed, we weighed our teeth and everyone chose their 15 favorite teeth. Mr.Owen then did a contest for the biggest, most unique looking tooth and chose 4-5 children. Levi had one of those and won a T-Shirt. All Houston had on his mind was lunchtime. We then headed up the hill for lunch and the kiddos played in "Playworld". While we were eating lunch, of course some of the kiddos have to use the bathroom. Good ole' Mr. Owens gives them the go ahead to "just go behind the shed". You gotta love him. We then loaded back up for the long trip home.
We all made it back safely and definitely got our $15 worth. If you're ever around Aliceville, you and the family should look this place up. You can fish, canoe, go hunting for shark teeth, picnic, etc. but just meeting Mr.Owens and taking a trip on the "Shark Tooth Express" will be worth your trip. (P.S. if you have bladder problems, you may want to bring a change of underclothes, 'cause you will laugh, cry and pee on yourself at some point, just thought I give you that little tip.ha)


"O.K Buddy, here's our bag, and somebody spelled your name wrong."

Making the climb down into the creek.

Houston fits right in. He looks as big as some the 1st Graders anyway.
Oh, what fun!
"Check this out, Mom!"



Sweet smile, but sneaky!
Granny even got in on the action.

Mr.Owens with the children.
Levi lining up for his T-Shirt, the prize for one of the biggest teeth.

He swallowed this hot dog in about 4 bites, no joke.
How cute are these shark teeth hunters?
Houston and Noah gave it up pretty quick. A Scooby-Doo movie usually works every time.
Notice the smile, not sweet dreams, it's called playing possum.

Red Sox vs Blue Jays

Well, you guessed it. We lost again 10-5. We had 3 out sick, which changed our fielders around and boy was it rough. They managed to come out hitting and at the end of the 1st inning, it was 4-4. I thought, ok maybe this won't be so bad, but it went downhill from there. Not making excuses, but I know they were tired!! We had been gone all day on Levi's field trip and I know he had to be worn out. However, he went 2 for 2, with a double and a single. Had a few good defensive plays, but also had 1 not so good play that scored a run, but he can't be perfect all the time. I have to remind Josh, "He JUST turned 7!!!" Anyway, it's all good....not the record, but the memories.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Happy Anniversary, Honey!

Today is our 11th Anniversary. I cannot believe it has already been 11 years. Each year gets better and better. I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband. He's such an awesome Dad and hard worker. He provides us with everything we need and so much more. I couldn't do any better~I definitely have the best! He's as good as they come. I love you honey!!

Field Day '09

Wow, was it hot!! We had a great time but it was so hot! Levi competed in several things and did really well. He had fun and that's what really matters. I laughed so much watching them. The piggyback race, 3 legged race, balloon toss, egg toss, 50 yd and 100 yd dash were his events. Houston even won a ribbon with Coach Tucker in the balloon toss. They had a really great time. I worked the snow cone machine for a little while and boy was that a hit. Poor kiddos were so hot. I think my boys probably had 5 a piece. Another Field Day in the history books.
Me and my boys!

Levi is in the green sack. He won 1st place in this event.

Cheese puff break.

Pickle juice, he loves them!
I'll smile but I'm really hot!
The 50 yd dash ribbon.
This 1st grader needed a partner and Houston gave her a leg.
The top ones are Levi's and the bottom one is Houston's from the balloon toss.

"Muffins with Mom"

BES had their first "Muffins with Mom" this past Monday AM. I really enjoyed spending some 1 on 1 time with Levi. We usually do everything as a family or at least me and the boys, but it was just Levi and me. We had a sweet conversation and I got to enjoy a muffin. He ate at home. He's like an old man already. He likes strawberry milk and a bowl of plain oatmeal every AM before school. When he gets a wild hair, he goes all out with a bowl of Life cereal. He cracks me up about his breakfast but he eats it ALL so I'll not complain. He did however, talk me into fixing ME a cup of coffee that HE could drink. He's such a mess but also such a thoughtful little boy. I love him so much.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Red Sox vs Braves

Oh so close again!! We were ahead of the best team in the league and in the last inning threw the ball away 2x and they won 6-5. Josh was so proud of the boys. They really played hard!! Levi went 2 for 2 and had some great stops. He loves this game and I love to watch him play it.




Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Red Sox vs Diamondbacks

We did it! 2-1! The boys were so excited to get a win. Levi had a good game, going 2 for 2, with a double and a single. He's such a joy to watch. Thanks to David, Susan and Justin for coming to watch him. Also, MawMaw Bozeman came to watch. Loved having her there. She has 2 Red Sox to watch, a grandson(Ethan) AND a great grandson(Levi ). What a blessing.

Monday, May 11, 2009

What A Wonderful Day!!

I had a great Mother's Day! The boys had hugs, kisses, and a card first thing this AM. Josh cooked breakfast and off to church. We had lunch at Nana's and didn't get to spend anytime, other than at church, with MeMaw, she was not feeling well. We then headed home and ALL crashed! I couldn't tell you the last time that we all took naps on a Sunday afternoon. What better way to drift off to sleep than to the sounds of 3 guys snoring and a lifetime movie in the background. A slobbery sleep, even! Yes, that's a great Mother's Day gift. I then got up and fixed a couple of things for fellowship. We then had church and fellowship afterwards, to honor our graduates. All back home, bowls of cereal, then prayers, and laughs, giggles, and snorts when the boys and I laid down. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my life!!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

To all of you beautiful Moms!! I'm so blessed to have my precious Mother and a great Mother-n-Law. My Grandmothers are definitely grand and I couldn't be more blessed! Thanks for all the sacrifices you made. Thanks for all time, life lessons and love that you instilled in us growing up. Thanks for all that you still continue to do for us. I am so grateful that my boys have the opportunity to know their grandmothers and great-grandmothers. What a blessing!


As for me, being a Mommy is all I could have ever hoped or dreamed! How thankful I am for 2 precious, healthy boys who always light up my world. I hope to leave them a heart full of joyous, loving memories. I hope they will know, without a shadow of doubt, that no matter what comes their way, God's love will ALWAYS fill their hearts, if they will just believe. "Mommy", the most precious word my ears have ever heard!!


"I never knew how much love my heart could hold, until someone called me, Mommy!"

These are 2 of my favorite "Mommy~Son Pics".

Levi had just fallen and who to better kiss his boo-boo than Mommy!! Just look at those chunky, little kissable toes!!

Houston was shy and a little uneasy. Who better to calm him than, Mommy! Look at those kissable rollie-pollie arms!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Red Sox vs Padres

So close...but not close enough. We were down 6-1 in the last inning and came back to make it 7-6. Of course, they got last bat and they were at the top of their line-up. The boys never gave up and held their heads high. They came back to beat us 8-7. Levi went 2 for 2, with some GREAT defensive plays. We're improving every game. I love to watch their intense facial expressions and hear their comments in the dug out. I keep the book so I sit right by the dug out. I try to leave Levi alone and let him have his "guy time" but I can't help but eavesdrop. The comment a few weeks ago from "one of the guys" was "Man, we really stink!". Hilarious, I just ignored it and acted like I didn't hear it. However, this game I heard the comment,"Come on guys we're doing better and better, keep it up". So, not only is the game play improving but so is the confidence. Too cute, love making these memories!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Houston, once again, gets his "words mixed up"....

This morning's conversation was hilarious.
H: "Momma, you know that place, we go to sometimes. It has those stairs I don't like(escalators), those elevators that has all them windows. You know that place that has the carousel?
H: "You know that place, I think it's "The Diarrhea".
M: Of course, I correct him with "The Galleria, son? Up in Birmingham?"
H: He just starts cackling along with me, and says "Yeah, Momma that's it, I'm ready to go there one day."
Needless to say, we got so tickled. When I told Josh and Levi this evening, they were beside themselves. Don't you just love the sweet little things they say?

Houston Plants A Garden

While Levi and I were at Alabama Adventure on Friday, Houston and Pop were busy planting a garden. Houston LOVES doing anything with Pop and Nana said he made every step Poppy made. They planted corn, squash, set out pepper plants, tomato plants, etc. You name it and they probably planted it. Pop really enjoys spending time with his boys and the feeling is mutual.

"Two of a Kind", right here.

Oh, to have heard this conversation.

"I've been a workin' man all day."
But all 4 year old workin' men need a nap, right? Nothing puts 'em to sleep like a tractor ride.

Red Sox vs White Sox

Well, last time these 2 faced off we were beat 12-5. Tonight, we at least improved with a score of 4-4. It might help if ALL our players knew the difference of offense and defense. Yes, we had one ask after us cheering them to play good defense, look up and ask a coach "What's defense?" You gotta love them. Levi went 1 for 2, a triple and got threw out at first after a line drive to the 2nd baseman.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Alabma Adventure

Levi was given the "Caught Ya Being Good Award" in his classroom and was rewarded with a trip to Alabama Adventure. We took 2 buses, 55 children and 7 chaperons. The weather was great and my group was awesome! We really enjoyed it. Thanks to our faculty and staff for rewarding positive behavior. It really encourages the children to try their best. We left around 7:45-8:00, and arrived back at 4:00. Thanks to the Good Lord for his safety! We saw 3 wrecks on the way back! I'm proud of my little man.

Levi wanted so bad to "Bungi Jump". Actually, this was a trampoline and they were strapped into this contraption with big rubber bands on the sides. Being sure he's getting hooked up safely.

Checking to see if the rubber bands are still attached.

Oh yeah, their attached and I'm loving it!

My group on the "Mini-Roller Coaster."


My group after the "Big Wooden Roller Coaster~The Rampage". My girls were little dare devils!

Lunch Dates

Houston and I had a couple of "lunch dates" this week with my most favorite ladies. We met MK and the kiddos, her grandmother, MeMaw, MawMaw BJ, MawMaw Bozeman, KirKir and Tucker on Tuesday for lunch. Then on Thursday, we had all the above, except for MK, and throw in KK, Teresa, Peyton and Lily Grace. Needless to say, things got a little loud with all these ladies present. We had such a wonderful time! We just don't do this enough girls! I tried pics Tuesday, but not very successful. On Thursday, I just forgot to try. Oh well, that's what happens when you have so much to gossip, I mean talk about. I Love you all!

See what I mean. I really tried.