Where does the time go?

Wow! It is hard to believe that it has been almost a month since my last update. Time just seems to fly by these days. Today was the 1st annual Warrior Walk for Indian Lake Elem. Jackson was so pumped. He told everyone that he was going to complete 100 laps. They had 50 minutes to run/walk an 8th of a mile track. Jackson, Ian, and Mason were competing to get the most laps of course. Jackson came in 3rd with 34 laps! Way to go Jackson. After the run, they had a popsicle break before resuming class. This is the conversation between the 3 boys. Ian says, "Mason is the fastest runner (with 38 laps), and I am the second fastest runner (with 34 laps), and Jackson is the third fastest runner in the class!" Jackson says, "No, I am the fastest runner in the class. I just chose to walk some of my laps. That is why I don't have as many." So competitive. It was really fun though, and I think it is great that ALL the money goes to the school. What a great idea.

Labor Day Weekend
We all recieved a little surprise on Friday. My mom and Julie were coming in town for Jackson's last Saturday game. They stayed until Sunday. Jackson had an awesome game scoring not one, but two touchdowns. The Steelers won again, and Jackson was excited that so many people were there to see it. We all had lunch after the game, and then some had a quick nap before we went to the park. We took the Jackson and Jagger (Jordan had a birthday party at Circus World) to Kids Kingdom because Jackson had brought home a flyer about a free family event there. My boys love this park anyway because the playground is like a castle. The event was a foam fountain and then a movie. I had no idea what a foam fountain was, but let me tell you it is the coolest thing I have ever seen. The boys had a blast. The firetruck turned on its water. The water went through this mesh net filled with something like dish soap. Out came the BUBBLES!! Tons and tons of bubbles. Literally a foam fountain. It was awsome! The boys were totally soaked, but loving it. Until it came time for the movie. They were having technical difficulties so at 8pm when the movie still had not started, we took our little popsicles home. They were freezing. Note to self: Bring them a change of clothes next time. At least the beach bag was still in the truck with nice warm towels.
Bert's brother, Dean, Kelly and the boys were in town to see Thomas the train. His sister,Mandy and Brian were here for the day. (Bert and the boys saw her, but I didn't because I told her to come on over, and then I forgot about her and left to go to the zoo! Sorry again Mandy!) Bert's dad, Johnny and his new wife June (yes Johnny and June to cute) were also in town. Very busy weekend, but it was great. We had a great afternoon Sunday at the zoo. Mom and Julie stayed for awhile and then headed back to Memphis. Dean, Kelly, Bert, all the boys, and I hung out there until it closed. Then we all went downtown for icecream. It was great watching the cousins hang out with each other. I miss that for our boys. I grew up seeing ALL of my cousins for EVERY holiday, birthday, or during hunting season of course! So it is really special when my boys get to have that even for a little while. It was a great weekend. Long and exhausting, but fun just the same.

The Thursday before Labor Day was the night of the Saints game. Bert and the boys had a great time. I enjoyed a little peace and quiet! All Jagger could talk about is the food. He had a hotdog and a sprite. Then he and dad shared some fries. He is a MESS!

It has been a really long two weeks, and I am looking forward to getting a little break. Before I know it, fall break will be here, and we will be running around again. I will try to post pictures soon. I guess I need to go. The AC guys are here to put in a new unit so we can have it nice and cold again....right before we turn it off and turn on the fire place!Have a great week!

Thinking of you today and everyday.

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free!
Miss me a little – But not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love we once shared
Miss me – But let me go!

For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan
A step on the road to home
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me – But let me go!

-Anonymous-
I love you Grandma.

She does exist!!

When church was over and we were going up the stairs to find Jordan, I hear "Mommy, that's Jagger, that's Jagger!" So I look at my 4 year old and with the biggest smile across his face, he says "Yep, that's Sarah." She is a very sweet little girl with long dirty blonde hair and a cute pink dress. (Exactly how my daughter would look if I had one!) He was so excited to tell me at lunch all about Sunday School class, and what he and Sarah played. He asked Sarah if she wanted to come to his pool party, and she said not today which is good because we really don't have a pool, and I am really not planning a party. I am just very happy that Sarah was there, that she does attend that church, and that maybe next Sunday we will not go through the hang to my leg for dear life routine because Sarah might be there! So yes, she does exist...and she seems to be as smitten with my little boy as he is with her! To bad he, like Jordan, has an arranged marriage already planned by his mother:)

New Look

I will never admit to how long I have been working on this new look for our blog, but I love it. I hope you do too because it is probably going to be this way forever!!
I thought this week would never end. I was excited school started, but 6am comes way too early for me. I couldn't wait for Saturday so I could sleep in. Then my alarm goes off at 6am!! Yes, I forgot to turn it off so I laid in bed until 7. So much for sleeping in. School seems to be going well for the boys. Jordan is liking 7th grade. (I still can not believe he is in the 7th grade!) Jackson really loves 2nd grade. He is still mad at me though for making him wear his glasses everyday. I am glad that he is only slightly near sighted, but it sure would be easier if he actually needed his glasses to see all the time. Then maybe he wouldn't fight me so hard about wearing them. Jagger loves, loves preschool. I have to say I am really impressed with the school already myself. His teacher, Mrs. Brandy, is too sweet, and she is so good with the kids. God has blessed her with the teaching talent for sure. He had so much fun his first day and was a little disappointed on Thursday when he learned that he didn't have to go back until Monday! He doesn't even mind taking naps and wearing tennis shoes as long as he gets to go back.
I finally pulled out all the stuff for the consignment sale. That is it...I have just pulled it out. Nothing else. If I sale all this stuff, someone better do something about making "no more babies" permanent. Or it better be a girl. Well I need to get to consigning so I can guarantee that I will get pregnant and it will be a boy because that is how life works...right?

Beech Bend

What a day we had. Who would have ever thought we would make it 8 hours at an amusement/water park. The funny thing is...the entire day seemed to fly by!! We picked up Amy, Ryan, Casey, and Evan that morning and arrived around 10AM. We rode most of the amusement park rides first so we could cool off in the water after lunch. Our friend, Melody and her two boys, Collin and Cade, happen to run into us that morning too. I bet we were a sight. Three women with 8 boys trying to run in 5 different directions. We had so much fun though. We had a picnic lunch, lounged in the lazy river, fought the waves, and rode more rides. Jagger rode a roller coaster! The Wild Mouse, which became his favorite ride. Jordan liked the round and round rides. I realized from the start that I can no longer do those rides...I can't even watch them! Jackson said every ride was his favorite. I think the Kentucky Rumbler roller coaster was my favorite. The best part was the last ride of the day. Everyone picked their favorites and rode them one last time. Amy, Melody, and I chose the Rumbler. Amy kept joking with Jackson about her being a screamer all day. Before that last ride Jackson asked Melody if he could ride with her because Amy and I screamed too much. So Amy and I sat side by side and screamed together....We had a blast!

FAREWELL FLIPPERS
On a sadder note, we lost our beloved Flippers yesterday. He was a sweet little turtle. Jordan was very close to him and is taking it the hardest. He will be missed terribly, but we will NOT be replacing him. Bert took him back today to be buried on his home ground (the dealership where he was found). I am very thankful for my husband taking care of this very difficult task for me. When I put him in the cup this morning he just looked like he was sleeping. So sweet. Farewell our turtle friend.

School starts tomorrow, and I am so excited. Now my children will have something to do and somewhere to go everyday of the week. They will no longer have to whine about not being out and about every minute of everyday because they are so bored. I am also excited to get back into some sort of routine again...hopefully. I think Aunt Mallory is coming next weekend for a quick shopping visit. Uncle Dean and Aunt Kelly, Kenny Dean and Vance Parker are coming for a visit too around Labor Day! We look forward to having company because we don't have it often. Then there is the consignment sale, and preschool for Jagger. Busy but fun times ahead. Good luck to you all on your first days of school!

Summer, football, school, turtles, and girlfriends!

Yes, I know, once again it has been too long. Summer has flown by. The boys went to Memphis a few days before I did. Bert and I had a really great time just the two of us. We went downtown, listen to music, and I got new boots! Yes, me. Cowboy boots. Hard to picture, huh. Well you will have to wait until winter to see them because it is too hot to be wearing boots right now. (Spoken like a true none cowboy boot wearing girl huh!) I went to Memphis at the end of June for Hannah's 5th birthday (so hard to believe!) It was great to see everyone. I spent a lot of time with my sister and my dad. We went hiking through the woods at midnight the first night I was there. We went down to the land that we grew up on. No one has lived there in many years so it is completely overgrown. I think I only went to prove that I am no longer a scaredy cat. Guess what? I'm not. Well I won't fill you in on all the details, but I will tell you that it was really fun. Just me, my dad, and my sister. The only thing that freaked me out was the two ticks I found crawling on me later!
Anyway, it was a fun trip. I enjoyed all of it. Hannah came home with us for a few days. I miss that beautiful little girl so much. She is starting Kindergarten in a few days. Wish I could be there to see her off.
So here we are a month after that. I have been sick with some weird rash which Jagger got too. Jackson got sick last week with sore throat, earaches, fever. So now that we are all better, school is about to start. We have been busy getting ready. Our turtle, Flippers, is doing well. Thriving in his little habitat outside. Bert put him out while we were in Memphis because his water was staying too cold in the house. He loves it out there, and he is getting so big. Not sure what we are going to do when it starts getting colder. Speaking of weather...geez it is hot!! Really hot. I always thought summer was my favorite season. I am now sure that it is spring and fall!
Yesterday Jackson had his first flag football game. He was so pumped. He pulled the first flag of the game, which was a big deal. The really great part was the end though. 2 seconds left in the 4th quarter with 20 yards to go. The ball is passed to Jackson, and he takes it all the way for a TOUCHDOWN! Final score 28-0. Go Steelers! He is still on cloud nine. It was awesome, and I got it all on video which scored me a few brownie points!
Jagger is starting preschool in two weeks, and he is not excited for two reasons. #1 He doesn't want to take naps at school, and was not pleased with the nap mat I bought. #2 He can't wear flip flops (which is all the kid wears). He doesn't want to wear tennis shoes. Fun times ahead. On a brighter note, he met a little girl at VBS named Sarah, and he can't seem to quit talking about her. Just one story, but he tells me everyday. Sarah thinks he is silly. He told her he had a pool at his house and she said "You're so silly Jagger." It is the way he says it though. Too cute. He is a mess. Getting too big too fast.
Jordan, well not too much to report with him. He thinks he is grown. I was talking to mom the other day about him. She says he is so much like me. I told her she should have smacked me in my mouth more! It is crazy all the times I have needed to call my mom to apologize. Really, it does come back 10 fold. So much for thinking I was a perfect little angel. One thing I know for sure. I was sweeter than my sister so Lord help her now!!! She is in BIG trouble.
So I guess for now that is it. This is going to be a busy month. School starts on Wed. so I told the boys we would go to Beech Bend one day. I signed up to consign for Little Angels Attic so I have less than 5 weeks to get all that together. Bert got tickets to take the boys to a pre-season game at the Titans stadium when they play the Saints. And me, well, I am going to try to get my head straightened out. Like blogging and scrapbooking and going to the gym and cleaning the house. All the things that I seem to have slowly stopped taking interest in, I want to get the passion for those things back. Because I have a great life with some really amazing boys and a super handsome, loving husband. I have been blessed, and I know this. I just need to start showing it!

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:1-2

Finished reading Beth Moore's Get Out of that Pit. Really good book.

Just in from Jagger "Is one toe suppose to be bigger than the other toe?"
Me "Yes it is"
Jagger "Well that is good because I have two really big toes on both of my feet."

Smith Family Update

I am so sorry that once again it has been months. My spirits seem to be lifting. The weather is nicer...well not today with all the rain and tornado warnings, but it has been nice. We seem to be settling well here in Hendersonville. Jackson and Jagger are playing soccer and loving it. Jackson is definitly our sports player. I have to tell you this because he makes me tell everyone. Last Monday night at practice the coach put 5 on 1. And the one WON! He is good. I would say that even if he wasn't mine! Jagger has moved on from his dragon. We don't hear much about him anymore. At least Lion Warrior is here to keep him company. And just today Dr. Claiborne came by to play with him and Evan. Jordan is doing very well. Just coming off a 4 week grounding for having 4 C's (a couple to close to D range). His progress reports all grades but one has improved. Wish I could say the same about his attitude. Why does he think he is grown? Better yet, why does he think he knows more than we do? URGGG! On a different note, we have added another member to our family! He is a red eared slider turtle. I feel so smart. I had to look that up by pictures. He is so tiny. Bert found him at the dealership when he was leaving last night. He won't eat right now, but all we had was lettuce. Maybe he doesn't like lettuce. Now we have to make him a home...I am pretty sure he can not live forever in the extra large ziplock container bowl he is in now. I guess a turtle is better than a lizard or snake or even a dog right now. So that about wraps it up. See...nothing really happens around here, so you haven't missed much. I won't even promise to do better this time. When I finally take the time to read the manual to my new camara, I will try to post some new pics. Until then, take care and know that I do miss you all and think about you often. Now on to more pressing things like laundry and dinner...YAY!!

Resolutions....yeah right!

OK. My birthday resolution was to get up this morning and blog. It is now 9:19 PM so I will make this short and sweet (because I have been up since 6!) Today was a great day. I watched the sun rise...almost. But it was awesome. My friend Amy came to see me today. What did I call you...patiently persistent?!? You are great and I thank God for you each day. I had a great time eating and shopping and hanging out...and holding baby Trevor too! Then we went to BR for an ice cream cake that we just finished eating...AWESOME. We also went to the Mexican restaurant for dinner where my family sang Happy Birthday which was too sweet and conjured "Happy Birthday Mom" from other patrons as well. I had a Margarita or three which were delicious. Then we came home and played games which the boys now have Monopoly set up to play, but unfortunately I am done for the night. So that sums up today. I know I have a lot of catching up to do, but I wanted to put something out there to complete my birthday resolutions so there...I am done...Good night and Happy Birthday to ME!!
P.S. Mom and Jessica and Hannah Jo come tomorrow. So excited!!!

In Loving Memory of Mary Louise Averill April 13, 1929 to August 20, 2009 Jagger, Jackson, Jordan, Hannah and Great Grandma

Life

Funny how you can't wait to grow up, then once you do, you wish you had not done it so quickly. The past two days have brought on much reflection in my life. All the things I wish I had done, but never did. All the things I wish I had said, but didn't. Then I started to remember all the good times that I have had. How thankful I am that Great Grandma was around to see her 8 great grandkids. Some people never get that chance. I know that she loved us all dearly. I know that she knew we loved her, even though we could never tell her enough. I really miss her so much already...and I haven't been home yet to feel the full effect of our loss. I know the little things can really set me off. For example, tonight at the appreciation cookout that the office had; both Jordan and Jackson sat down with a Diet Coke. Since when did they chose DC over all the other options...never...but knowing they did was very tough. So will I ever look at DC again without thinking of her...no. Just like I will never play dominoes or see the ocean or a jelly fish or a chihuahua or hear Tom T. Hall or Amazing Grace or red lipstick or an afghan among many other things again without remembering her. I am so thankful that her life was so long and so full. But I still miss her, and wish I could have just a little more time. I know that no one is ready to let a loved one go. I do have faith that I will see her again, and that gives me hope. She is in a place now with no pain and no tears and she is with grandpa. Lord help me to appreciate this. To not be selfish by wanting her here. It just hurts. We are all hurting. I wish the ache would just go away, but then if it did would we still remember?

Wow. Time flies. And where does it go I would like to know. I know we have been busy, but still. School was finally out...weeks ago! Jackson was the most excited. The last day he left with Grandpa Dan to go to Memphis. Four days later he was ready to come home. Yesterday I talked to him for probably a total of 2 hours. Nonnie has taught him how to speed dial me. He thinks he is something. It is so weird not having Jackson here...and so quiet. We can't wait for him to come home. Even his brothers miss him terribly. Jordan has been spending a lot of time with his friends. Jagger, I know I say this every time, but he is the same old Jagger. His imagination blows me away sometimes. He got married the other day to Mary. They were going out to dinner, pizza. He was getting sausage and she was having cheese. Then they were coming home to pay bills. Mary is a fictional character by the way. We do not know any Mary's other than Great Grandma, and I don't think he even knows her name is Mary. I have been in a lull here lately. Are we moving? Where are we moving? When are we moving? Not to mention, my friend Amy moved, my husband is gone during the week, and I have no motivation to do anything from exercise to scrapbooking. Am I a little depressed? Possibly. Things will get better soon. God has great plans for us. Plans for hope and a future. How can you get depressed knowing that? I miss my friends back home and in Hattiesburg. I am ready to be somewhere and call it home for at least 3 years. A house too. Where my hubby can come home every night. Where our lives can have a little consistancy. Where life can be normal for a little while...if there is such a thing!

What a day.....Already!!

So it is not quite 9AM, and I am so proud of myself for what I have done already this morning. I was really on a roll with cleaning. You know-all that stuff that does not get done often. Well, as I am cleaning, the radio and vacuum going, I realize that I haven't seen my most delightful 3 year old in a long while. Remember-he hasn't been spending any time out from under me in awhile so this is definitely something to worry about. Be scared of is more like it....I turn the vacuum off, and that is when I hear it. The dreaded "Mommy, I need you to come up here." Never good when they say "need". WARNING: Weak stomachs should not continue. I have seen pictures of things like this. I have heard the horror stories. But I don't recall ever experiencing this myself. My child, stands at the bathroom door waiting for me. The first thing I notice is the 50 baby wipes piled on the floor. Then I see it. Poop---EVERYWHERE! All over the floor where he apparently tried to clean it up. All over the toilet, the tub, the counter. On closer inspection of the pile of wipes, turns out they were actually just to hide the actual poop itself. So I get the bathroom cleaned, and put him in the tub because it is literally from stomach to toes. I go into his room to get his clothes, and guess what? THERE IS MORE!! You know, Jagger doesn't poop ofter, but when he does, there is A LOT! Well, at least he didn't poop in his pants, right?

An update....

Well, well. Once again it has been awhile. So much has happened in the past month. Two weeks ago we went to Memphis for Spring Break. It didn't turn out to be much of a break for me. I was very disappointed about not being able to go to Hattiesburg. I was really looking forward to seeing all of my friends there. Unfortunately, the city of Southaven has decided to dig a mote completely around my rental house. This action of course has led to me losing my renters of almost 3 years. After staying a little longer and speaking to several different attorneys, the verdict is that there is not a thing I can do....except pray that the construction company "accidentally" knocks the house down!! Anyway-on to more important things. My little Savana is soooo big and such a mommy's girl. But after a few days she started to warm up to me. I didn't see them much because of the house, but I do love to stay at Lisa's. Kinda like being at home (except for the 5:30 feedings!) I just couldn't believe how fast she is growing, and how much I am missing. She did wave bye bye to ME for the FIRST time ever. That was pretty awesome. And she waited until I left to cut her very first tooth! She loves me so much. I also got to see Lacy and the kiddos for a brief moment too. It was great to see them after almost a year. I don't think Laiken remembered me which is really sad, but Jack is so big. Lacy has her hands full! Why do they all have to grow up so fast. My mom was so happy to have all of us at church on Easter morning. And my grandma turned 80 years old that following Monday. It was great to be there for that as well. I really miss them. I stayed at Jessica's a few nights too. That always means too many late nights and too many margaritas! My family and my friends are awesome! They helped me so much with cleaning and painting the house. My dad, Jessica, and Chris are still working while I am here to finish painting so we can try to rent it out again. Hope the new renters have a boat!! To all my friends that I did not get to see: I am sorry. It was such a busy week. I did consider asking you all to a painting party, but that would have been a little rude considering I haven't seen some of you in years. I will see you on the next visit though. Well, I need to go get my boys ready for bed. Take care.

Today is a great day!

I just finished a scrapbook. I am so excited that it is finally done. Now I can finally start working on 2007 family album. Don't laugh. I know I am way behind, but it feels great to have accomplished one finally!! Jordan is at his friend, Bo's house. He has been grounded for 2 weeks so he was inching to get out of the house. Jackson just left to spend the night with his friend, Jack. Jagger is napping so it is almost like having the house to myself!! We still have been very busy. It has rained a little, but it has been pretty too. Jackson came home sick on Thursday. But he hasn't been sick since I picked him up that morning. Go figure. I am so ready for spring break. One more week. We are going to Hattiesburg for a few days, and I am super excited about that. We are spending the rest of the week in Memphis with Lisa. I am ready to see how much Savana has grown. I know she won't remember me, but I am praying she at least likes me enough to let me hold her and change her and bathe her and play with her and feed her and everything else! I am ready to see my grandma and Hannah too. They just got back from Texas with my mom. My grandma sounded so good on the phone. Not worn out or anything. That makes me happy. Well, I am going to go get started on my next scrapbook while Jagger is still napping. Who knows...maybe I will finish the next one too. Today is such a great day!!!

Wow!!

Wow! A whole month has past. I guess that is what I get for bragging about blogging once a week. This month has really flown by. I am sick every other week due to all this crazy Kentucky weather. 80 degrees one day, 3 inches of snow the next. The past week though has been really beautiful. We played at the park and outside everyday. The boys were out of school Thursday and Friday (they should have used these days to make up snow days if you ask me!) so everyone enjoyed it. We went on a hike today. We planned on ending up at the river, but we never made it. I need to tell Ashley that when she suggest things like this, she should give more details like you go way past Kroger. I don't think Bert was very happy about it, but lesson learned-we will drive to the river next time. At least we can say we have hiked through the cemetery to Kroger if anyone ever ask! We read a book tonight from my sweet friend, Tracie. She sent the boys these books at Christmas. I'm not sure why we are just now reading it, but is was wonderful. "In a Mississippi winter" is the name of the book. The author signed it to Jackson and there was a picture of Tracie's boys, Cody and Clay, with the author taped in the front. All of this should have been a clue, but we all know I am not very quick sometimes! Anyway, I am reading this book, and the whole time I am thinking "wow, really reminds me of Hattiesburg!" This is probably because the authors live in Hattiesburg. It made me miss Hattiesburg so much. I ask Jackson if he missed it too. He said no. Jordan does though. I don't think Jagger really remembers. Well, that is about it for now. All is good. I am kinda wishing for rain just so we can spend a day at home. I know-crazy!

I survived!!

Interesting night. We ordered pizza, and they played games the entire time. It was not near as bad as I expected it to be. Jackson and Jagger went to bed around 11 p.m. Bert went about midnight. I gave in around 2:30 a.m. They said they went to sleep around 4 a.m. I told the parents to pick them up around lunch. I thought everyone would sleep in, then I would make pancakes, and by then it would be time to go home. Boy was I wrong. I finally got up at 8 a.m., but they had already been up for a long time before that!! I made breakfast, but I couldn't go back to bed because everyone was so wound up--must have been the syrup! The last one left about 1 p.m. I went to my meeting, and when I came home, Bert literally put me to bed with Jagger. He said we were both whiney, and needed a nap. Guess he was right because I slept for 3 hours. They all had a really good time though. I'm just glad we survived. Happy 11th Birthday Jordan!!

Let the games begin!

And we are off to a rather crazy start....It is snowing. Funny thing is each mom that dropped off her child acted like it is no big deal. I, on the other hand, haven't seen much snow in my adult life. Therefore; I don't want to take any chances being stranded at CiCi's pizza with not only my three boys, but also three extra ones. Not that this decision had any impact on those 6 boys. They are all content in taking over my living room and tv at this very moment. Well, Jackson complained, but all he ever wants to do is eat out! I thought that this decision might help my WW diet. Unfortunately; I have no will power and ordered my all time favorite---pineapple, jalapenos, and (the worst) ham! Hey-at least I ordered it on thin crust. That has to count for something. I wonder how well my will power will fail me when it comes to all those cupcakes downstairs? I seriously wish sugar made me deathly ill. At least I still have most of my weekly points, which is exactly why my will power will surely fail me the rest of the evening. Well, I need to go write the check for all this pizza, and it is eerily quite downstairs. Too quite for there to be 6 boys down there. Oh, by the way, really pray for Bert. I am not sure we ever really discussed this so he may be coming home to a really big surprise! Maybe you should pray for me--HaHa!

A Week's Worth of Updates!

I did just noticed that for the month of January, I blogged 4 times. That is at least once a week so I am doing pretty good so far. Last Saturday, we had basketball all morning as usual. Jordan's team tied 12-12. It was a really good game. It was not a good time to send out that mass text for Valentine's Day. At half time my phone beeped 17 times for each return text I got back. So during the entire testimonial, my phone beeped. I am pretty sure only those sitting really close heard it, but I was so embarrassed anyway. We missed practice for Jackson's game (which he obviously doesn't need!) They play six minute intervals with equal playing time for everyone. When we arrived, they were already 2 minutes into the first quarter. (Is it a quarter in basketball?) Jackson was allowed to play the remaining quarters, and without being partial; he was on fire. He scored 5 times. I caught one on video. The video is with my camera so it isn't the greatest, and it is over 3 minutes long. But it is so good! The last few minutes left in the game, he tripped over another player. All you could here was the back of his head slamming to the concrete. He chose to sit out the rest of the game. He held ice to his head for maybe 3 minutes, then he was good to go. So tough. Jordan turns 11 on Sunday!! I still can't believe it. We are having 3 friends for a sleep over. I think this is becoming a tradition. Let's just say that this apartment is going to feel very, very small very, very quick. Pray for me now! Pray for Bert too. He is going to need it more than me. One more thing before I beat my rowdy, crazy, mean, screaming, aggravating, tattle-telling, loud, rambunctious boys. The Hulk came to our house today! Yes--We colored both hands, but I drew the line when he wanted to color up his arms and both his feet!!

Busy, Busy!

Sorry that I haven't been blogging much. I should do it every couple of days, but that is never going to happen. My computer has been acting crazy again too. I just got my Kodak to let me into my pics--Thank goodness! So I have some for you. We have been so busy lately with something everyday. Bert is still working in Nashville so we don't really get to see him much. He gets home so late. The boys are into their 5th week of basketball. They play at two different churches, but it has worked out. Jackson is such an athlete. I swear he is good at any sport he tries. He most definitely did not get that from me. It is so funny to watch him play. Just like soccer in the spring, the coaches have to talk him into giving the other players a chance. He scores at least 4 times per game. Jordan, unfortunately, did get his non-athletic gene from me. Bless his heart. He tries really hard, but after each game he wonders out loud why no one will pass the ball to him. I don't have the heart to tell him because they know he can't score. On a positive note, he is a good defender though. Let me add that the child also has no rhythm. Yesterday, he came home practicing the electric slide. Now I know what I looked like trying that dance 15 years ago. Sad, sad! He says that he is better when the music is playing. I have come to accept the fact that I can not dance. Maybe he will accept it one day too! They are practicing for the Valentine's social on Thursday. It is so weird to have a son old enough to go to dances! I can not believe that in just 11 short days we will have a pre-teen. I am not old enough for that!! Bert is though-HaHa!! Jagger is the same old Jagger. I always thought that it could not get any funnier than Jackson. He was always our comedian. I was wrong. Jagger will start answering a question you asked, but he doesn't stop. Before you know it, he has talked for 10 minutes without taking a breath about absolutely nonsense. It is crazy. When he is finished and he sees the dumb-founded looks on our faces, he just starts laughing like that was the point. He is also going through a scared phase. At least I hope it is a phase. He will not sit anywhere by himself. If I am running up stairs for 2 seconds, he has to come with me. This started about a month ago. One night, he realized he was alone downstairs. He started running and screaming up the stairs. When I asked him what was wrong, he said "someone poked him in his back" and then tried to get him coming up the stairs. There was no one else downstairs. For those who know me well, this royally freaked me out. Now he does it all the time. He will not sleep in his bed. He will not play alone. If I am in Jordan's room on the computer, he will bring toys in there to play with. Same thing downstairs. It is starting to drive me crazy. He used to play so well by himself. I don't know what happened. Bert seems to think it is his brothers scaring him so I have threatened each one within an inch of their lives, but I think the damage has been done. Well, I guess I better go. Bert just called because he is on his way home. Good think we skipped playgroup today so we could clean house. Oh, by the way, I finally joined Weight Watchers ( I know I have talked about it for a long time now.) After one week I lost 5.2 pounds. HOORAY!!! I was sooooo excited. I am also helping to facilitate the Newcomer's class that I took in the fall. I am excited to get to go through the class again. I know there was a lot that I missed last time. I am also looking into getting a job. Well, Bert thinks I am looking into jobs. There have been a few listed in the paper for dentists and orthodontists so maybe. That is a little exciting and a little scary. I haven't worked in almost 4 years! We'll see how it goes. One more thing before I close. While we were at my sister's house the week after Christmas, my mom gave Hannah and Jagger rain boots. They were trying on their rain boots and posing for pictures when Hannah announces to all that Jagger is stinky right when I took the pic. Jagger started to hold his nose too. It was hilarious. I didn't remember this until I went through the pictures that my Kodak software has been holding hostage. Well, here it is. Enjoy!

Will this week ever end????

Well it iced here Monday night and Tuesday so the boys stayed home from school. Then it snowed on Wednesday so school was closed again. Then nothing else happened, but school was closed today...and it is closed tomorrow too!!!! Will we survive or who will survive is more like it! Bert was home Tuesday and Wednesday, but today they were just crazy. They loved playing in the snow although it only lasted about 20 minutes. It took more time getting them dressed and then undressed! They never asked to go back out in it either. It was sooo cold. Anyway, enjoy the pics. Oh-in case you were wondering, everyone survived. Even through the weekend!