Boys Say The Darndest Things

One of the many things I don't want to forget when my boys get older is our car conversations. Yesterday, I was talking to the boys about going on a date with Chris. Side note: They are both at a stage where they are always asking each other if they have a girlfriend. They both freak out if the other one says they have a girlfriend. They both claim they don't like girls AT ALL. Let's keep it that way!

As I continue to talk to the boys about the big date Friday night, my Mason says, 

"So mom, are you going to get all fancy for him?" It made my heart happy to know my boys know I get fancy for their dad. I said, "Of course I am." As I looked back at Mason through the rear view mirror I see his little blonde curls look over at Brady. He says,"See Bray, I knew it. She always tries to be all fancy." 

Within two minutes the conversation goes from getting fancy to this - "Hey Bray look at that lady with no top." Brady's eyes get huge and he says Mason you mean she only has her boob covering on?" Side note: What in the crap is a boob covering? I tried to hold in the laughter but I was cracking up. Clearly we have some explaining to do but for now boob covering will have to do. The best part about this whole conversation is that Mason was talking about a girl who had her convertible top down! We all couldn't stop laughing.  Oh those boys bring me so much joy. 

So, as I looked in the mirror and snapped a quick picture of that moment I am thankful that these boys are my boys. I get to love on them, talk about boob covering with them, laugh with them and do this crazy life with these boys, my boys!

Happy Thursday, Friends!   

InstaFriday

I have a slight obsession with Instagram.  I find myself taking pictures and seeing what pictures other people have taken all the time.  It lets you in on the silly, simple, most memorable times throughout your day. If your like me, I don't always have time to grab the camera  but I do usually have my cell phone very close by. Not sure what that says about me but lets just leave it at that. 

So, here I am linking up with Jeannett from Life Rearranged for her InstaFriday. I was giddy when I first saw this. Such a fun idea. Here is my week in instagram. Show me some grace I am learning as I go. Picture quality not so good! :)

The boys got to watch my mommas dog. I had NO idea they would 
love it so much. Guess who has asked almost everyday for a dog?!

While watching the Olympics this week I decided to revamp our mantel. 

Clear of the clutter. NEW MOTTO: Simple is better. 

The boys love playing downstairs but my sweet Cole bear can play a mean game of 

air hockey. He brings me to tears with how excited he gets. 

Just when you think you know what to expect from this boy...

He wakes up begging to put his shark costume on. Yes, it was 90+ degrees out.

I guess Mason was inspired by the shark costume. 

The next day he wanted to put on his Fighter Pilot outfit before Chris came home. 

He said, "Do you think Dad will think I look cool as a fighter pilot?" 

Yesterday I took the boys to the park. We packed up bikes and scooters and off we went. Notice the circa 1990 tennis racquets? They are Chris' from when he was a kid. The boys loved them and played for 2 hours. 

This boy. Be still my heart. Last night I laced up my shoes and headed out for a run. Before I left the house he was holding this mustache in one hand and a fiber one bar in the other. This boy makes my heart happy.

Today, I took the boys to get haircuts and then off to the grocery we went. 

This was all of our treat for making it through!

Happy Friday, Friends! 

I would love to follow YOU on in instagram.  

Wedding Day {7/21/2012}

Friends, I have so missed writing and filling

 you in on all of life's craziness.

I have so much to say and to let all of you know but for know I have to write about a day that was just perfect in every way! This past Saturday my mom got married to an amazing man. To say that my heart was overwhelmed with joy for her would be an understatement. To say that she looked stunning would be an understatement. To say that I believe with all my heart that this is the beginning of her happy ever after would be an understatement. 

When my dad passed away I always hoped and prayed that my mom would find someone who would love her and take care of her all the days of her life. I prayed and cried many nights that Jesus would bring someone in her life who would be there for her in the good times and bad. Who would love her, encourage her in her walk with the Lord, laugh with her and who would love on our family like we so needed. I am so thankful that the Lord brought Eric and my mom together. 

We had so much fun being together as a family.

 I hope he is ready for all of us!

The three of us have been through a lot together.  Much laughter and at times tears but we have always made it through together. Today, I am so very thankful that we were all together again celebrating this beautiful marriage!

A Vacation To Remember {Part 1}

One of my favorite things about the summer is family vacation.  

One of my favorite things about vacation is having family pictures on the beach.  

There is just something special about capturing that time together.  

The last time we had our feet in the sand was two years ago.  

I am amazed at the difference in my boys.  It makes my heart a little sad to see how fast they are growing. 

At the same time, I feel like I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Do you know what I mean?  Chris and I were walking on the beach one of the days while the boys were asleep.  We were talking about how different our lives will look in a few years. 

 How different our vacations will look.

  I have such mixed emotions about it all.  

For now, we are soaking in these sweet family moments.

  Moments that for us will be etched in or minds forever.  

I thought I would share some of those moments will all of you!

{This picture captures my boys to perfection. This is so much all there personalities. 

Brady- hands in pocket {serious}

Mason- always smiling

Cole- hilarious. always trying to make everyone laugh.

{Clearly, they were over taking family pictures}

 Thankful for this time I have with my boys.   

Loving on them.

Laughing with them.

Getting our feet sandy.

Jumping in the waves.

Collecting shells. 

Running on the beach.

Watching the waves come crashing in and 

realizing just how small we all are compared to how big God is. 

Being together as a family.

Vacation, Vacaciones, 'En Vacances'

I buy new shoes for it,  I can't sleep the night before,  

I surprise my crew with lots of goodies wrapped up  for the long road trip ahead and I actually enjoy it.  However, getting everything ready for it royally STRESSES a girl out.  Do you get stressed out preparing for your getaway?  I make a million lists but then I make lists of the lists I need to make.

Seriously?

Who does this and where did I learn such crazy behavior?  It has to be someones fault other than mine, right?  Speaking of cray cray... Yesterday while I was running a few of my million errands I saw these two spots on my windshield.  I somehow hit something and of course for the first time ever I have to call and have a guy come out and fix our windshield.

Keep in mind I am packing loads of crap  fun beach stuff and who knows what else. I really don't have time for this.  So, I stress to the sweet lady at the glass shop that I need the guy out first thing in the morning. 

I should of known this was going to be quite the day.  I am in the shower and hear my phone ring.  I know it's my guy so I jump out,  slip and pretty much pull a butt muscle.  How is that even possible?  The good news is I did get to my phone.  Of course, I answer and act very calm and collective.  He informs me he is 10 minutes away.  Awesome. 

{side note: yes, I did get ready in 10 minutes-- impressive, I know}

I watch him pull up and go out and inspect my windshield.  He knocks on my door and asks me to come out and show him where the cracks are.  My first thought is, " Hello, isn't this your job" but I go over and point out the two cracks. 

He tells me to stay right where I am at. He goes over to his truck grabs a razor blade and some windex. Yes, you read it correctly- WINDEX! Within about 10 seconds the "cracks" were gone. There was no cracks or scratches or anything. 

My windshield was dirty. 

{Ahem}

Who does that?  Of course, I start laughing and apologize for being such a moron.  He chuckled and said, "Oh people do this all the time." He was clearly lieing to try and help my ego.  Nice guy but I am sure he was looking forward to telling everyone about the crazy lady with a dirty windshield!

I guess it's a good thing my toes will be in the sand in a few short days.  I clearly need something!   So, do you have any stories like this?

 Probably not BUT if you do I would love to hear them and we clearly need to be friends. :)

The Things Kids Say... {Part 1}

Just when I think that I have heard it all. 

This kid proves me oh so very wrong.

As we are getting ready for his first day of basketball camp here is our conversation... 

{Side note: How great is that shirt?! He is the littlest guy on the court but he is so darn cute and intense. I could just eat him up! } 

Me: {Leaning over him}... Mason let me help you with that...

Mason: Mom, could you get your balls out of my face?!

Me: {Trying not to fling myself on the floor in laughter}

 Mason what did you just say?

Mason: Please get your balls out of my face. There all in my face. 

I slowly leave the room holding my laughter until I reach the next room. Clearly, we need to have a talk about anatomy! :) 

A Year Of Joy

My sweet boy. You did it.

We prayed for a place, a school where we could call home for you, 

while your away from home.

I am so thankful that when you walked in the doors this year

you learned, you laughed, you were loved on day in and day out.

I have seen you come into your own. You have made me so proud my sweet boy. I always believed that when you left our little castle that you would be great but I never expected you to be such an incredible little man. 

Your character.

The respect you show to others.

The way you always try and do your best.

Your conviction to do the right thing.

Your laugh.

So much has happened this year. 

You made so many great friendships.

Mrs. Miller was your biggest fan. 

You placed first at field day.

Your lost your first tooth.

You read and read and read some more.

You had your first nights of homework and school projects.

You did so much this year for the first time on your own. 

You are growing so fast my sweet boy and changing so quickly. You went from needed my help on so many things to really doing so much on your own. 

I don't want to forget these moments with you. 

As I walked you into school this morning on your last day... you grabbed my hand and just squeezed it. I can't believe after today you are going to be a second grader. I can remember sitting in your nursery, rocking you as a baby and you would squeeze my finger just the way you squeezed my hand this morning. Nana was so right when she said that this time is so short. I am so proud of you. I am so thankful for this school year. Can you believe you were the only First Grader with perfect attendance this year? The look on your face at the awards ceremony when Mrs. Miller announced it was priceless. 

It made my heart smile! You make me smile. 

You bring joy to so many and I am so thankful to be your mom.