"Promoted to 2nd Grade"

It's official. My little man is on his way to 2nd grade. All A's on the report card with an absolutely precious scrapbook from his teacher. I have cried and cried. It's like, when their in K and 1st they still seem little. But when I think about 2nd Grade, it seems like thier just really growing up! He got Mrs. Davis and Isaac did too. SO, they will still have each other at least. I've heard she's pretty tough, but I know they'll do just fine. Ethan and Tyner Beth had her this year and they both seemed to have done fine. With that out of the way, let's enjoy the summer! Remember when you were young how long the summer seemed? Not when you're all grown up, huh? Two months pass in no time! And a cute little quote I like, since I've been reflecting on the past year, "Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened."

"Swimming Already"

We had Zac over last night after Graduation. The boys have had a great time! He lives in Jasper and we usually only see him on Sundays and Wednesdays with the occasional weeknight. So, in the summer the boys love to get together. He is also out of school and wanted to spend the night with us. They went to bed late and woke up early. Oh yeah, the first day to sleep late and it didn't even happen, but that's OK, they'll be many more in the future. At 8:00 AM they were hollering "swimming already" and I finally put them off until around 10:30. We swam until around 1:15 or so, ordered a pizza and then chilled for a little while. They played baseball, rode four-wheelers, played X-Box and tried to watch a movie. They just could not be still. I think they were afraid IF they got still, they would probably doze off. They have laughed, wrestled, burped and yes, pooted all day. Funny to them and just another day in the life with boys to me. I'm not complaining. One day they'll be gone and I'm sure I'll be longing for all the noise, but not sure about the odors.(heehee)

Even "Spidey" dropped in for a swim.
Zac and Levi, "just chillin'".
"Momma, Momma take a picture of me jumping!"
"Momma, Momma, watch me go under and get the shark!"

"I got it!"
"Zac and Houston, "just chillin'".

Awards Day 2009

I cannot believe 1st Grade is over! I honestly don't know where it went. After the Christmas holidays, the year truly got away from us. With church activities, and basketball and baseball taking up our spare time, school really flew by.

Well, he's so ready for summer, but I know in just a few short days, the words "I'm so borrrred" WILL be spoken. He bores really fast and has to be "occupied". Houston on the other hand could watch Disney all day or play in the playroom and never say a word. Love their different personalities, but different they are.

He and Isaac have already been planning their summer. They will definitely go through withdrawals from each other. We get report cards on Thurs which will let us know who they got for next year. I hope they are still together and don't get separated. If they do, well, I'll just cross that bridge IF it gets here.

Anyway, today was Awards Day and I was proud of our little guy. He got his 1st Grade completion award, ALL A Honor Roll Award, and Highest Academic Achievement in Math. Mrs. McCaleb said Levi, Isaac and Zoie were all neck and neck in their subjects and it worked out that when she rounded to the tenth, they all received an award. Levi for Math, Isaac for Reading and Zoie for Lang Arts. I hope 2nd Grade will be another great year, we will see. I have just put it in the Lord's hands and am praying for the best. So, with that said, "It's Summertime"!!! Days at the pool, splash pad, fishing and camping, we can't wait! Sweet Summertime.

He was so proud of his Awards. BIG smiles.

She said this was her 1st Great Grandson and the 1st great grandchild she got to see on Awards Day. I LOVE this woman!!
And Levi LOVES this woman. We will miss her so much.
And I LOVE these boys!
And this boy.
And all 4 of these little boys!
And this sweet chic. Can you feel the love?!

(Thanks Kimberly for the pic, we love you, too!)
They are always side by side. True Friends! And if there was an Award for that~they would definitely get it.

Memorial Day 2009

We slept until 9:00 this AM! Even on weekends the boys are usually up before then and Josh had to wake them up then! We messed around the house for a little while and then headed to Pop and Nana's. The boys swore the water wasn't cold but it was 77 degrees and that is way too cold for me. They'll be fine, just let them swim. I told Josh he was just asking for $25 co-pays. Needless to say, the boys swam.

Levi was like a little fish last year but Houston was barely tall enough to keep his head out of water. Not this year, the child has truly grown! They never missed a beat. After about 10 min. they were jumping off the side and diving board with no problems. We then grilled hamburgers, YUMMO! Poppy fixed a real "Pit" for grilling with hickory. They were juicy and delicious. The boys did not leave a crumb on their plates. Nothing like swimming to make you hungry and sleepy. We also made smores and headed home after watching a movie. I forgot my camera and Nana was charging her battery, so I didn't get any swimming pics. Hope you and your family enjoyed this special holiday.

One of my favorite "Patriotic" photos from the past of Levi.

Like I said, swimming WILL make you sleepy.
Under the pillow, was this precious sleeping angel.

Why do they do the things they do?

Little sweet Houston, loves to have cheese toast for breakfast. I usually fix them, put them on a plate, fix a glass of milk, and yes, I leave him unattended. I mean he's "4 1/2" and I think he knows how to feed himself. Well, I went upstairs to make beds, straighten up, the usual AM stuff. A little later, Houston came upstairs. He just had a pair of shorts on and said so non-shaluntly(is that a word), "Oh, My tummy is full, look at my big tummy Momma." I looked and said "Good Job! You keep eating like that and you will be as big as Daddy." I then quickly glanced back. The belly button, well it looked a little odd. Now, I've heard of kids sticking peas up their nose or things in their ears, but never this. My child had rolled up cheese toast and stuffed his belly button! GROSS!! Just let me tell you by this time, the bread had started drying out and would just flake off. I thought I would never get the cheese toast removed. I have changed many a dirty diapers, cleaned spit up and all that good stuff, but I thought I was going to get so sick while performing this minor surgery. And just to think, if he had not brought attention to his tummy, that could have stayed in their for days!! It blended in so well. The bread, well it was almost skin tone. Oh my goodness, why do they do some of the things they do?! Of course, Houston just giggled the whole time I was gagging. And then so innocently he said, "Momma I didn't know I could get my belly button infected." Yes, I told him that and much more to scare him from ever sticking, peas OR cheese toast in anything but his mouth. He was sure to tell his Bubba all about it when he got home. He's such a mess.

Red Sox vs White Sox

We did it! Finally got another win! As a matter of fact, scored the most points we have scored all year. 16-10 was the final score. Levi actually got to bat 3 times and he was loving it! The boys continue to improve but we only have 2 regular season games left. It has flown by so fast! I love baseball season and next year we will be very busy with 2 playing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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!