The blogging portion of my brain feels cluttered. So many pictures to post. So many events have come and gone without even a sentence granted on the blog. When I get this far behind in my writing, I feel overwhelmed and simply want to give up. But then I remember that I don't scrapbook for my family, nor do I simply print our photos, so if I don't blog, what do we have to show for our lives?
In an effort to declutter my foggy blog brain, here's a post of random photos.
Garrett finished out his t-ball career by being chosen as one of four from his team to advance to the All Star tournament.His kindergarten teacher came to his final All Star game.
Mrs. Whitsell is one of a kind, and Garrett was sure to show off some of his best baseball skills in front of her. This is where I should rattle off all of his amazing defensive stats, but I simply can't remember one. Suffice it to say, he played well, very well. And he's more than ready to move on to coach pitch in the fall.
Meanwhile, Liam's Dirtbags were winning a semi-finals game the same night, and they advanced to the Championship. Garrett and I were able to make it to the final game, where the Dirtbags defeated the Giants. This win was a huge victory, because the Giants had only lost something like 3 games in two years!Trophies all around for the Dirtbags!
On a non-baseball note, (Imagine that...something in our lives that doesn't relate to baseball!) Jackson and Garrett graduated from Kindergarten. I would love to show you some fantastic photos of my babies' graduation, but a certain someone, who will remain nameless, deleted many, and I mean MANY, pictures from my camera. So we're left with mediocrity, such as a blurred picture of Jackson receiving his congratulatory hug from his teacher, Mrs. Woods.
He blew her off like he'd blow a spider off his arm.
But Garrett paused for a sweet moment with his girlfriend, I mean teacher.Yes, I must admit I teared up when I saw my babies walk across the stage. Not because they're graduating from kindergarten, but because I couldn't help but flash forward to twelfth grade in my mind. Be still my heart, what will I do when my kids all finish high school?!
After the 50,000,000 kindergarteners walked across the stage, they sang songs such as "New York, New York". How does Frank Sinatra's famous song qualify as a graduation song, you ask? The words were changed to something like this:
Start spreading the news
I'm leaving today
I'm gonna be apart of it
first grade, first gradeIt was cute, and, of course, hand signals had to be incorporated.
I'm not sure who was most excited about the last day of school, the boys or me. But let me tell you, when the dismissal bell rang, we hightailed it outta there without a glance back. Woohoo, summer!
One of our first summer days was spent riding horses. I have wanted to introduce my boys to horseback riding for quite some time, and a perfect situation came up. A good friend of ours recently inherited two horses from his dad, and he invited us to meet him at the corral.
This is where I'd love to post pictures of my boys riding their first horse, but that nameless person deleted about 100 pictures of our horseback riding experience. About all I have to show you is Liam brushing Alley.Alley happens to be the horse that also bucked Liam off. The horse decided he didn't want to be ridden and threw my boy off within two minutes. Thankfully, Liam didn't have any serious injuries, but he was sore for a few days. But he was brave and got onto another horse with me within a few minutes of his fall.
Liam tried out and made it onto the summer All Star team again. They've gone to championship level all but one tournament thus far, placing second twice and even first place recently. Summer baseball is hotter than hades, but when the boys win, it's worth the sweat. Another big event of our summer has been Garrett pulling his own tooth.
He was so proud of himself for pulling it on his own. And I cried, because I'm simply not ready for my baby to grow up.
In other news, Marshall had his manhood and dewclaws removed a few days ago. He came home looking pretty pitiful.Yes, we've had a grand ol' time trying to keep him from chewing his bandages. A neighbor asked why Marshall has casts on his paws. Garrett said, "We had his claws removed so he won't run away and make babies." He kind of got my explanation confused.
Now that summer is in full swing, we're enjoying a relaxed schedule. Staying up late, sleeping in until 7, no homework, play dates, swimming, etc.
We're also hitting the batting cages frequently.Just call them the Bad Bat Boys.
And on that note, these bad boys are ready to go burn off some energy, so I better run before something gets broken.
I can't promise when I'll be back, but I hope it's before summer's end.
Decluttering
Posted by
Ami
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011
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Mug Shots
Back in December 2008, we created face ornaments. I had hoped to repeat this activity every year, but we never got around to it last year. I have no idea why, because we enjoy this art project immensely.
Here is the The Toothless Wonder (a.k.a. Jackson) with his two ornaments. His 2008 creation (on the left) was pretty much a blob, but this year's face actually looks like a face.
He added a mohawk, as he begs for a real one with every haircut. We let him have one for about 5 minutes at the beginning of every shave.
Garrett's old version had all of the appropriate facial features, but they weren't necessarily placed where they belonged. But this year's face really looks like him.Curls and all.
Liam would probably create a new face every day. He loves being creative.
This year's face includes the addition of glasses and a baseball cap, of course.
And really BIG lips.
I dare you to try it with your kids and send me pictures! It's really fun and easy. (Click here for directions.)
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Ami
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010
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Big Church
In July, our pastor encouraged parents to begin bringing their children into the worship service around the age of 5. Since our boys are 5 and 7, we heeded his advice. If we're going to teach our boys to obey, then we must also obey our elders.
We began teaching the boys note-taking skills from the get-go. In the beginning, they made tally marks next to words that we had them listen for. Then, we encouraged them to write down any words that they recognized. They have really come a long way in just a few months.
Liam's notes from last week:He used the front and back of his paper. That's about 175 words, and he's only 7. Yes, I'm bragging.
What did Liam find important? Here are some highlights:
1. Jesus died for the good of those who believe Him.
2. It's the death of Jesus that satisfied the wrath ("raft") of Him.
3. God saves people.
4. Believers go to heaven. "Not believers" go to "hail".
Garrett's notes:Garrett is still in the early stages of reading and writing, so I can't decipher a lot of his notes. But he listens very intently, and he wants to know more about the Word. He spells cross as "kros" and wrath as "raf".
Jack's notes:According to Jack, cross is "cros", wrath is "rath", and death is "deth". Why are his notes so short? Well, I had to take away his pencil, after he tried to make his pencil and paper a helicopter. Why is the paper folded? That is because I had to take his gum away, after he blew a bubble during the sermon. Ahem.
I am so grateful to attend a God-fearing church, and I pray that my boys gain Biblical wisdom as they learn to sit in "big church".
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Ami
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Tuesday, October 26, 2010
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Brotherly Advice
Rick leaves the boys notes at the breakfast table from time to time. It's usually fatherly advice such as, "Obey your Mommy." Or, "Don't pick your nose."
Liam wrote notes for his little brothers this weekend."Good morning Garrett. Have a good time on Monday. I love you very much. Be good and do not do bad things. Love, Liam" (Capitalization and punctuation added by me. Liam doesn't have time for such details.)
"Good morning Jackson. Be good on Monday. Be nice and do not get your folder sinde. Love from Liam"
Sage advice from a (mostly) sweet older brother.
Posted by
Ami
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Monday, October 25, 2010
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Sizing Up
Garrett is 21 months younger than Liam, but his hands are just as big! How BIG will my youngest be, I wonder?
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Ami
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Thursday, October 21, 2010
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Growing Up
I recently pulled out some of Liam's old clothes to pass down to his brothers. Hand-me downs are a bittersweet reminder of how quickly they grow up.
Garrett today:
May 2008:Why do they have to grow up?
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Ami
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Wednesday, October 20, 2010
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Labels: kids
Conviction on Perfection
I am very much convicted this morning by one of my favorite bloggers, JMom, who is raising triplets just a little bit older than my "twins". Please take a couple minutes to read this post.
Posted by
Ami
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
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2x4
I was hit by the proverbial two by four the other day, when my boys brought home their professional school photos.
My boyS brought home school pictures. All three of my little men are in school now. No more babies. They're all grown up.
It's taken me seven weeks, but...
SMACK!
Right in the forehead.
And the heart.
Posted by
Ami
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Monday, October 11, 2010
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The Three Musketeers
Occasionally, the boys will dress alike by their own choosing, and it makes me smile.Goodness, I love those three musketeers!
With the cooler weather, we tried riding our bikes to school earlier this week. The boys were thrilled.I'll let you in on a little secret. Those smiles didn't last the entire ride. There was some complaining on the way, but after a come to Jesus meeting, we persevered and made it to school on time. And their smiles were restored.
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Ami
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Friday, October 08, 2010
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Answers
The answers to "Guess Who?":
1. Garrett was limping because of a fall on the playground. He told me he couldn't walk correctly because he "fell and twisted it". He proceeded to model the twisting action in the afflicted ankle. I knew it wasn't serious, and that was confirmed when he was running after Liam two minutes later.
2. Liam was running late. In fact, he was probably the last student to exit the building that afternoon. To his credit, his classroom is located in the busiest hall of the school. If his teacher doesn't dismiss them a minute early, then they get stuck behind a million kids.
3. Liam and Jack's shoes were untied. Of course. They can tie their own shoes, but who has time for such a daunting task? If I didn't make them tie their shoes first thing in the morning, they probably wouldn't bother even then.
4. Who was holding hands with a girl? Jackson, Jackson, Jackson. When I asked him why he was holding hands with a girl, he said, "I don't know. She told me to." Aye aye aye! I didn't make a big deal out of it, but I know that Jack will struggle in the area of peer pressure, so I gave him a little chat. He's his father's child. What else can I say?
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Ami
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Tuesday, September 21, 2010
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Guess Who?
This is how I found my boys after school this afternoon:
- One child was limping.
- One child was running late.
- Two children were walking around with untied shoes.
- One child was holding a girl's hands.
Posted by
Ami
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Monday, September 20, 2010
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Personalities in a Box
As I was changing the boys' sheets, I stubbed my toes on various forgotten objects that have taken up residence under their beds.
Note to self: Remind the boys that cleaning up does not mean stuffing items under beds.
The one item that does belong under each of their beds is their special box. Each boy has a plastic shoe box with their name. They are able to put "special items" inside their box, and they do not have to share any of these important objects with anyone.
My only rules for these boxes are:
1. The boxes need to be under their beds, unless the boys are playing with them.
2. The boxes cannot overflow.
3. The boys may not raid their brothers' boxes.
As I stubbed my toes, I took a peek under each bed and giggled. I didn't find humor in the extra toys under their beds, but I did have a good chuckle at the sight of the special boxes. Each box gave a good picture of my boys' personalities.
Jack's box:His bos is not at all full, because he probably forgot about that box two minutes after I gave it to him a year ago.
The contents:Daddy's driver's license from 1987 and old photos from Daddy's life as a college boy, because Jack loves his Daddy to the core of his being. A broken Star Wars toy, because he loves Star Wars almost as much as he loves his father, but he's a bit rough on toys.
Garrett's box: It's not full, because my Mini Me and I, we don't like to keep much of anything. If we don't truly need it, we throw it away.
The contents:A Cars diary with some scribblings inside, because Type A persons typically journal, even before we can read and write. Aggie football trading cards and magazine clippings, because hello!, anything Aggie-related is worth keeping. A bag of small shells that his biggest brother gave him. Don't forget the maroon rock next to the Aggie cards, because hello!, G bleeds maroon.
Liam's box:It's overflowing, because this child collects everything, and he's not the least bit concerned about cleanliness, bless his heart.
When I ask him where the box's lid is, he'll say, "What lid?" Mark my words!
The contents:There's too much junk to list each item individually, but I do see his watch on top. He loves that watch, but he probably has no idea where it is, because hello!, it's a pig sty in there. He loves Garfield, and it's quite natural to see one of his books in this stash. There might be 200 baseball cards thrown in here for good measure.
Oh, my boys...I love them so. They are each so different, and it's funny how these plastic boxes mirror their little personalities.
Posted by
Ami
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Thursday, September 16, 2010
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Hey, Mom, This Post Is For You
My parents have been out of town for over two weeks, and mom recently nagged me on Facebook to update my blog "or else!" Clearly, she doesn't understand how busy I've been over the past 8 days. She thinks that I have all of this spare time with my children in school, but she isn't taking into account how I need time for important things such as floating in the pool, picking my toe nails, and plucking gray hairs out of my head.
Two of those three activities have truly taken place in the past week, but I'll let you decide which ones. Although all three deeds would be time well spent.
In all honesty, I am surprised at how quickly the school days go by. As a homeschooling mom, I used to roll my eyes every time I heard a non-homeschooling mom talk about how her days run at the speed of light. To all of my homeschooling friends, please don't hate me, but the days do go by at lightning speed.
But back to fulfilling my mom's request. Not only did she ask me to blog, but my post must include pictures. Sheesh, the nerve of this lady!
Mom, I haven't taken many pictures lately, so this first one won't be new to you. But to the other two readers, it's background information.
On Saturday, the boys were playing upstairs. It was yet another hotter-than-hades day, so we were forced to play indoors, which naturally meant the boys were rough-housing. I was laboring over a good book and Rick was pounding on the piano, when we heard a thud and then a blood-curdling scream coming from our baby.
I've heard that horrible cry come from Garrett one other time, and it meant a trip to the ER when he was 15 months old for a broken arm. Hearing that cry again this weekend caused me to jump up and head for the ruckus.
When I met him on the stairs, he was holding his head and wailing. I had to rely on his brothers to give me the skinny on what happened. Apparently, G was playing on the floor and turned around to find the corner of his bed frame in the center of his forehead.Is that a sad face or what? Poor baby.
Thankfully, there was no need to rush to the ER. I sent that picture to our parents within a few minutes of it happening, and my father-in-law (the doctor) immediately called to ask the pertinent medical questions. No nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or headache, so we were in the clear. Ice, ibuprofen, and TLC were enough. (Yes, it's really nice to have a doctor in the family!)
By Sunday morning, Garrett felt 100%, even though he had a nice bruised knot across his forehead.
On Monday afternoon, he pulled out paper and markers to satisfy his creative side. He draws regularly and is always quick to bring his latest creation to me. This particular drawing had me laughing out loud.A self portrait. And a mighty good one, I might add. Glasses, curly hair, A&M shirt, and a bruised forehead...that's my G!
Posted by
Ami
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Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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Yesteryear: They're Just So Darn Cute
The photo quality isn't great, but my boys are irresistible.
Posted by
Ami
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Saturday, August 21, 2010
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Labels: kids
Liam's Teen Years
My boys are pretty fascinated with teenagers. I supposed most young children feel the same way. In their eyes, those teens must have it all.
I, on the other hand, am very, very afraid of my boys becoming teenagers. Do they really need to grow up? Do they have to become hormonal and independent?
Liam asked me a funny question the other day regarding his teenage years. "Mommy, when I'm a teenager, will I be able to chew gum anytime I want without asking you first?"
I responded with, "Probably."
He pumped his fist and squealed, "Yes!"
If that's the only independence he needs at the age of 13, we'll be alright.
Posted by
Ami
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010
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On Raising Boys
There's something about boys I'll never understand.
The need to wrestle, burp, and fart.
And sometimes simultaneously.
Posted by
Ami
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Friday, August 06, 2010
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Labels: kids
Bike Racers
I need to play catch-up on the blawg. In my absence, we have been busy with end-of-school this and end-of-school that and a baseball game or twenty. Throw in a few hundred meals, a few thousand loads of laundry, and you've got life with three boys, and we're living it to the fullest.
Over Memorial day weekend, we stayed in town due to, what else?, BASEBALL! (I like to complain, but really, I LOVE the fact that my boys love the game.)
Between games, we were able to join our friends for a bike race in Fort Worth. It was some sort of professional road race.... I was going to try to bluff my way through a legitimate description of the race, but let's just say that lots and lots of men and women road their bikes really fast for 90 minutes in the Texas heat, and I just think that's plain crazy.
While the race was going on, the parents visited, and the boys ran around like their typical wild selves. We did stop them for a group photo. Introducing the 6 CupRunnethOver and the CupRunnethOverFriends...Left to right: Cab (7), Liam (7), Jack (5), Caden (almost 6), Solomon (10 weeks), Garrett (5)
(Garrett, I'm sorry your Daddy cut your left arm off in this picture.)
Between adult competitions, the boys participated in a kids' race. Here are our little racers in front of the beautiful Fort Worth skyline. Beautiful might be a stretch of the imagination.Jackson came in 6th for his age group.
Liam and Cab raced together, and I have no idea how they did. Let's just say that Liam won't be giving up baseball for bike riding.
The finishers....
If you're looking for Garrett in the race pictures, you can stop squinting. He didn't race, because he is refusing to ride his bike these days. He and I are at a standstill regarding his bicycle. A standstill is what you get when you join a strong-willed child and a strong-willed parent. Ahem.
Garrett's training wheels broke two months ago, and I told him we wouldn't buy him any new ones, since it's high time he learn to ride his bike like a big boy. He's athletic and strong enough to learn, but he's also strong-willed enough to need to decide he's ready for it on his own timetable. He's now saying that he never needs to learn to ride a bike, because he'll just get a scooter and never need another bike. But I refuse to buy him a scooter, so what we have here is a standstill.
Anyway, what I think we also have here is another Memorial day tradition...bike races with our friends.
Posted by
Ami
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Saturday, June 05, 2010
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Field Day
Liam had field day last Friday, so the little boys and I went to tag along. He was thrilled to have us. Gosh, I love that boy! He is just so darn happy all the time.
All of his classmates had a yellow tie-dyed shirt in order to help corral the busy first graders.
Field day was always my favorite day of the year in elementary school. But the games have certainly changed since my school days. Gone are the days of three-legged relay, potato sack race, and egg-on-the-spoon race.
What do they do now? They have the flying chicken, to name one.The kids were in groups of 3. Two kids throw a rubber chicken, and the third child runs around trying to get the chicken fall through a hula hoop.
Interesting.
There were some 20 games, but Liam's favorite was the water passing game.That grin is saying, "Should I throw this bucket of water in my friend's face?"
He chose to play the game correctly.
Liam would definitely agree with my love of field day, as he later told me, "Field day was the best day of first grade ever!"
I followed that statement with, "Have you ever had a bad day of school?"
"NO!"
I'm so grateful that he loves school!
Posted by
Ami
on
Thursday, May 27, 2010
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Baby Names by Garrett
Our close friends adopted another baby several weeks ago, and we have come to love, love, love Mr. Solomon! He's delicious!Garrett is especially taken with him and asks to help feed him whenever we have babysitting duty.
Incidentally, Garrett has said that he thinks he knows some great baby names. "Maura" for a girl and "Oscar" for a boy.
I said, "Oscar? Seriously?!"
"Yes!"
"Where did you get that idea?" I asked.
"It's in a movie," he said.
"But it's also our neighbor's dog's name, and there's another one on Sesame Street," I reminded him.
"I know! But I like the name," he declared.
"I don't think 'Oscar' will make the cut, G."
"Well, what about 'Maura'?" he asked.
"That's not too bad. We'll think about that one."
And he smiled.
If you're trying to name your next child, give us a shout. We'll ask G for suggestions.
Posted by
Ami
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Thursday, May 13, 2010
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Labels: kids