Pecs and Pogo Sticks

We recently had the privilege of meeting one of Josh's fellow Chevron colleagues over supper. He was a super nice guy and Josh really enjoys working with him. So, we were honored to meet "one of Daddy's work friends". Josh had a meeting run late so we ran about 15 mins. behind. So we call and he already has the table and I thought surely he'll understand. Of course he did and with 2 young, rambunctious boys, we are rarely ever late!ha Anyway, with my boys, you are never a stranger for long. They open up really fast and they have no filter between their brain and their sweet little mouth!

"Daddy's work friend" has 2 girls so this was quite a different meal than he was use to. Talks of baseball, karate, hunting, fishing, pogo sticks, and pecs. That's right I said pecs, like your pectoral muscles. Levi has learned this new trick(thanks Adam & Isaac,LOL). He loves to move his "pecs". You know as well as I do that nothing is off limits with kids, if they think it, it comes out. They had shared all kinds of stories and jokes and then this conversation.

"Hey Mr.Steve. You know what? I can move my pecs. You wanna see?!" At this point, I'm just hoping he doesn't pull up his shirt and really do it. Much to my surprise, he left his shirt down and said "Look, I'm moving them through my shirt. Did you see? Ain't that cool?!" Mr. Steve is shaking his head, dying laughing and just thought it was hilarious. I'm shaking my head, dying laughing and just thinking, OMG, my boy is a hoot!

THEN...."Hey, Mr. Steve, you oughta see my Momma move HER pecs. When they move they go, wommmm,wommmm, wommmm, with hand gestures moving up and down! I thought I would crawl under the table and spit salad everywhere! Mr. Steve once again shook his head, died laughing and turned about 20 shades of red and still thought it was hilarious. Levi never thought twice and just laughed. I thought we would be asked to leave. We were laughing so loud and hard. Remember my husband's infamous laugh, once he starts he can't stop and he has no "inside voice laugh" either. So needless to say, their was no "ice that needed to broken" after that. And it wasn't too long that Houston shared his story about "hurting his weiner on the pogo stick at church". What will I do with these boys?! Maybe duct tape? Do you think that might work?!!

Oh, and for the record. I have moved my pecs one time. I was drying my hair when they asked. I didn't think anything about it and I just needed to finish drying my hair before it dried on its own, Momma's do you feel my pain?! Laughter rang out all over the bathroom and I've never done it again, pinky promise. Some things just stay in their little minds and it seems to be the things you hope they forget!

Basketball Camp Awards

My babies made it through and so did I. They really enjoyed themselves. We had Tucker today so he got to see them get their awards and I think that would have been enough "award" for both of them. They love the little rascal and I have to say I do too!! Levi said he thought we needed another little boy in our family. I told him Tucker was within driving distance any time we needed him!ha

Josh was able to come see the boys and MawMaw BJ, Aunt Debbie and Nana were also there. Mom and Dad had Ben and Beth and they were there too. Skyler has been "coaching" at camp all week. Isaac and Isaiah have also attended camp, you know they are our "extended family". I love that we love family.

Being at camp has been a great "getaway" for the boys. Houston has never been away from me much and Levi rarely is away other than what the law requires. Who made up that "school rule" anyway? He often asks to be home-schooled but I don't think I could do him justice with that. I have often thought about it, though. Only 5 weeks until school starts back. Summer has been way too short!!

Levi received 1st in both "Dribbling" and "Free Throw" competitions. Houston received 2nd in "Dribbling" and 1st in "Free Throw". They were really tickled about their ribbons. They also received a T-Shirt, basketball and certificate for participating. They are growing up way too fast!!!

Awaiting the ceremony

How cute are they?

The Creek

The boys have had such a busy week. With camp everyday until 12:30, by the time we have lunch and do all our other "stuff", it has been late and way past bedtime before you know it! Tuesday after camp, we had lunch and came home for me to work outside. The boys had rode bikes and were playing in the water hose. Trevor had asked earlier if they could come and play at his Nana's. Gary and Juanita live just "right across the holler" so she came and got them. They were gone for about 2 hours and when they returned, boy did they have some stories to tell.
Mr. Gary had taken them to the creek. Houston had a crawdad in a cool whip bowl and Levi had 5 tiny frogs in a McDonald's cup and enough mud on them to probably have used a bottle of stain remover, but I didn't bother. They had SO much fun!! They have not stopped talking about it. However, the little frogs did not make it but the crawdad is going strong. Oh, the stories they told. They saw a dead snake on the railroad track "who didn't look both ways before he crossed the tracks, did he Momma?" My boy, he's just so clever, too cute. They saw frogs, bugs, crawdads, got all wet and muddy, got to be all manly and got to pee in the great outdoors. I wanted to take pics but they took their clothes off so fast, I didn't get one.
Don't you just love to relive your childhood memories through their eyes?! This made me reflect back to my creek days in Flatwoods. I always thought it was ridiculous to live so "far from town". Had I known then, what I know now. I would have kept all 40 acres and had a yard full of "little explorers". Life is just too short. By the time you get a straight head on your shoulders and realize the "Real Things" in life, your almost too old to change anything. I think summer days should be filled with memories of friends, family, swimming, BBQ'S, vacation, and definitely trips to "The Creek", whether in your back yard or your neighbors.

Happy Birthday Kir Kir!!

Debbie always goes all out for whatever she does. No different than this event. Kirsten's 20th Birthday! She threw her a luau and it was so much fun. She also threw Peyton a 20th party and she never lets one of them down. We had a really good time and enjoyed all the wonderful food and the wonderful company.

We had such wonderful food! The cake was so precious! Marty had Hawaiian music playing. Tiki torches were lit and laughter and fun were everywhere. We even had the limbo. Too old and too round for that one, though. Thanks Peyton for the pic!!

Grandaddy's Garden

My sweet Grandaddy has done it again! At the ripe age of 76 years young. He has yet planted another huge garden. He wanted the boys to come and see his watermelons today. I just love the boys being able to see his handiwork. I also love to see the smile on his face when he sees their faces. Life is good!(and so are his watermelons!!!)

People drive from miles around to get some of this farmer's food! I believe it's so good because he puts his whole heart into it. He loves every sweat dripping minute of it.
Why??? do those things grow in the garden too? Would that be some kind of new root? No that would be a pair of turkey feet with "huge" spurs. One of the perks of a Great-Grandaddy to spoil you rotten. They always leave with antlers, tackle, sling-shots or in this case, today's item to add to the collection....turkey feet. We had just left basketball camp. Doesn't this look like the perfect basketball player pose?
The old faithful "Thump Test".
Oh the memories made. "Momma, take one of this. Ain't it so purrty?" Country boys, definitely! While we were at the beach, Houston kept calling the palm trees....pine trees.heehee You can take the boy out of the country but you can't take the country out of the boy!!

Oh my, my, my!! These came from his peach trees. Can't you just taste the fuzz?!! Delicious!!

Hi-Ho,Hi-Ho, It's off to camp we go.....

Basketball camp that is! I dropped BOTH of my boys off this AM for basketball camp. I cannot believe my baby is old enough to be away from his Momma for 3.5 hrs a day for 4 days. I know it's only 5 mins away and he's in great hands but he's still suppose to be little. I'm very attached and overprotective of the boys, but Houston acted like he could've cared less! Levi was ready to get out of the house and was such a good "Big Brother" to Houston. I'm so proud of them!

Houston's birthday is the end of August and we have decided not to send him to Kindergarten. After this AM, I'm so glad. I really felt like my heart might stop beating. I really need to grow up don't I? But I just think that they are growing up so fast and I miss growing out of every stage. But I'm so thankful we are able to enjoy new things for the first time with Houston as well as with Levi. I'm really glad he is comfortable with being away from me though. No tears or insecurities, yet. 1 day down, 3 to go. I have a lot of things I'd like to get done but not if I hang out to 10:15 every day, huh? I'll do better tomorrow, I promise.

Are they getting big or what?!

Beach Pics

We took the usual family beach pics. I'm usually very organized and pack clothes just for pics. However, this year it totally slipped my mind. It just so happened I had these clothes and so I went for the red, white and blue theme. Worked out pretty good, especially with the 4th and Labor Day around the corner.
As you can see, the boys hair is growing back!! I'm so glad!! I love them bald, stringy headed, whatever, but I like my little men to look like little men. Houston's hair has grown back twice as fast as Levi's. At first, they just looked so different and like they had mischief oozing out of their ears. Anyway, our little chia heads will be chias again before we know it. Here are a few of my fave pics!

These are the "Best of Friends".

Do you recognize any of these precious people?! What a clan!! Do you think we like plaid shorts?!

WARNING~ LOTS of Beach Pics

Most of these will explain themselves. Just fun in the sun!! Well, I take that back. There are a few that will need a little explaining. If you choose not to view them all, I completely understand.ha I did actually narrow these down from some 300 pics. Sorry, I just couldn't do without them! I do the blog for my fam and friends to enjoy but also for my memories. Once again, I apologize.

Well, the explaining starts here. We went to Angelo's Steakhouse. There was "Big Gus" which the boys had to run to and climb on.

Notice, 2 boys are in the main pic. 2 boys in the background.

Now all 4 boys are "intrigued".

The 2 youngest are really intrigued. "Look Momma, Big Gus even has a pee-pee hole." So observant for my little 4.5 year old. OK, I'll leave this subject and move on. You can just imagine the comments and giggles.

For some reason, I just LOVE this pic!

And these next two, three, 50.

Are they hot or what?!

I just wonder what he was thinking about. Maybe...I just love my Mommy so much. She is so sweet and beautiful and there is no one like her in the whole world. Not a chance!

And I KNOW exactly what this one was thinking. My Daddy's nap in the sun is fixing to be rudely interrupted with a huge surprise SPLASH!!

They were all trying to tackle my man. I think they got him. He's fixing to be pulled down by, No maybe he's falling from the weight of the 32 necklaces he has around his neck. New fashion statement.

I think someone just got a "Hole in One"!! Who's happier Houston or Daddy?!

And a "Hole in One" for this one.

And sorry about the quality of the pic, but as you can almost see, "Hole in One" for him too! Isaac didn't have one in this game but did in another night of putt-putt.

Happy 4th Weekend

We wish you and your family a safe and fun filled July 4th! We have a busy weekend ahead and hope all of you enjoy every minute you have with your loved ones.

God Bless the USA!!

"If my people, which are called by name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

That's a promise, folks. Let's claim it!!

Josh is home!!

Josh has been out of town again for work. We got home from the beach Sat night and he flew out Sunday AM for New Orleans. Remember in an earlier post, I blogged about him having to do survival training in Houston, TX? It was for this trip. He went out to a drill ship some 150 miles off shore and returned home around lunch today. He had to take a 1.5 hr helicopter ride out to the ship and flew home this AM. He said it was amazing and he slept like a baby on the ship. I'm just so glad he's home to sleep with us. We did however, get in a night at PePaw and MeMaw's and a night with KK. We had fun ya'll.
We met Josh in Tuscaloosa for lunch and then took the boys to see Ice Age. They liked it but not as well as "Up". I can't believe in a just over a month my Levi will be back in school. I'm missing him already.
Levi is learning way too much too fast. When we met Josh, they ran over and hugged and kissed him. They love their Daddy so much!! Then I came up and Levi covered his eyes and said "OK ya'll, don't "make-up" in front of us." OMG, he meant "make-out"! He was just giggling and so embarrassed. Does he really think Josh and I do that?!(heehee)

PCB 2009

We had the best vacation! It just passed by too fast. We left on Saturday-6/20 and returned on Saturday 6/27. The weather was gorgeous! We stayed at The Shores of Panama on Thomas Drive and it was beautiful. We had absolutely NO schedule other than Josh's scheduled tee-times which did not affect the boys and me at all. The ocean was a little nasty and the seaweed reeked havoc on Levi's sensitive skin. We only went to the beach 2 of the 7 days. However, the pools were so nice and kid friendly that we spent most our day there.

We did the usual beach activities. Swim, eat, shop, eat, play putt-putt, eat, take pics, eat. I'm sure I gained a few to add to my additional 20 I've packed on lately. I just always tried to lay by someone a little "healthier" than me and I didn't feel so bad, especially eating nachos and drinking na pina-coladas poolside. So bad, I know. I did find out the fitness room was located on the 3rd floor though.heehee

Christy, Adam, Isaac, Noah, Tammie and Danny were also down and the boys had so much fun! I don't believe we ever had to break up one fight. They really love each other's company. I love Christy's company too. We have been friends for years. From the days of laying out in the sun on our roofs with no sunscreen to laying out with 50+ slathered all over my boys, every 80 mins. We've come a long way, baby!

The biggest upset of the trip.......I LOST MY CAMERA, not really, but kinda for the week. I had packed it and kept telling them I knew I packed it. I never found it!! It never turned up until we got home and I was unpacking. I had put it in Josh's laptop case and never looked in it while there. SO, it was in the room the whole time. Once again, my sweet little friend bailed me out. I had to rely on her to catch those moments that I just had to have on camera. She did it without even a grimace. Thank you, Christy!! Love you bunches!! We did however, have to get a massage to relieve her from all the tension knots from photographing 10 people. Sounded like a good excuse to us.

So, when I get the memory cards from Christy I will later post pics. I just thought I better write before I forgot stuff. I can't remember to well these days. I think I need some ginka balboa or something. Maybe I need another vacation??

Father's Day

This is definitely late but we have been so busy. We were actually at the beach on Father's Day so we surprised Josh a little early on Friday. He has wanted a golf cart for so long. It's used, but it runs and it was a lot cheaper than a new one! He loved it! So did the boys. Thanks Josh for all you do! You are such a keeper!! We love you.

Happy Father's Day to my Dad as well! I love you so much. Also to my Grandaddy and Poppy! My boys are blessed with such great examples!!

Houston and Michael Jackson

I know you've probably already heard enough of it, but other than hearing his songs on radio, the boys had never really seen Michael Jackson. They are exposed to all kinds of music, and I must confess their Daddy is a HUGE fan! Anyway, we were watching all the videos, listening to radio stations playing tributes on the way home, etc. The boys really enjoyed it all. I then realized Houston was really soaking it all in. He loved it! Even practicing some of the dance moves, which bless his heart, he is so white!
Anyway, I let them know, "Guys, now he was a great singer but he definitely made some bad choices in his life, he was really weird and I don't want you to think that this is somebody to look up to." Not trying to judge, but just painting like I see it. I mean you never know. One day, they may pull out the old "You remember that night he died and we all sit around watching and listening to his videos and....." See where I'm going with this. Of course, they wanted to know why he wore make-up, "What happened to his nose?!",etc. Then Houston with all his 4 yr old knowledge said this. "Well, I hope he got saved and bapatized, don't you Momma? Then we can see him Heaven. And Bubba, we just need to say this. He was a good singer, a good dancer and he had a good smile and that's all, ok Bubba?" Sums it pretty well, maybe they understand more than you think they do, sometimes. I just worry about what little seeds may get planted in their minds. I'm not a anti-Michael Jackson fan or anything. I love the old songs, even if I had to sneak a radio under my pillow at night when everyone went to bed and listen. You see, my Daddy he was an anti-Michael Jackson fan. He meant well but I just love "Billie Jean" and "Man in the Mirror" and "PYT", enough already.

We're Home!!

We have just gotten home good and trying to unpack. I'll have pics up soon. We had a great time and not 1 drop of rain in 7 beautiful days! Am I really home, do I have to catch up on this laundry? Can I please be on vacation until Monday?! I think I just talked myself into it.

Another Busy Week

We continued to have many activities to keep us busy over the past week. I had a lot to do before we left for vacation. The excitement was building and the boys were growing impatient. Can you imagine that?! Beach trip ahead, less than a week away, ages 7 and 4.5 AND of the male gender! Oh yes, how many more days, how many more hours, what would I have to count to to count up to 24 hours?! On and on. However, they were occupied some which was my only few moments of non-impatience, if that's a word.

We did have a swim day with Nana's sisters and cousins, FUN!! We hadn't got together in a while and needless to say, there was a lot said and some of it may not have been the truth or half the truth, but it was fun!ha The boys also took their first motorcycle ride on Aunt Charlotte's bike. A little nerve racking but they absolutely loved it!

Also, another first on their list....Skinny Dipping in North River! Oh yeah, PePaw of all people let them do it. I had to go to town to get last minute sunscreen, snacks, etc for beach and they begged to stay with MeMaw and PePaw and of course their wish was granted. I was in Old Navy when the phone rang and it was Levi. "Hey, Momma. Guess what we're doing? PePaw brought us swimming at North River AND we are skinny-dipping!" Laughter and giggles could be heard all over Old Navy. They thought it was hilarious. I of course, thought, "OMG, what about snakes, bugs and even turtles that could bite their, well you know what I mean! But not PePaw. "Just lettin' them be boys." OK Glad I wasn't there or my Mother either, she would have had a fit. Anyway, they then had a swim party for Ethan's birthday and a day of golfing with Dad on Friday before we left. Busy week and we managed to get packed by Friday night. I'm so ready for vacation!!