That Time Of Year

Baseball season.

The back of the van is no longer an empty place for the groceries, but instead, carries lawn chairs, blankets, and baseball gear. And dirt.

Buying Gatorade in bulk.

Home Runs.

Bubble gum and sunflower seeds.

High fives and lots of "Atta Boy!"

Farmer tans.

Baseball games under the lights. 

Sandwiches for dinner.

The old, familiar lesson that it's not always about winning.

And a whole lot of OxiClean.

The Spoon

So, here's the story...

When our son, Sam, was in 2nd grade, he had a teacher that hoped for snow days more than the students. When snow was in the forecast, the teacher would send them home reminding them to wear their pajamas inside out, open the freezer door and dance. The most important thing to do though was to put a spoon under their pillows.

This little ritual has been going on now for several years (my boys are now in the 6th and 7th grade) anytime there is a possibility for snow.

Last week, our first snowstorm of the season was well on its way. It's always especially exciting when the snow is predicted to come during the night because most certainly school will be cancelled if a significant amount falls. My boys were going to do their part, however, in contributing to school being cancelled. Their jammies were turned inside out, plenty of dancing took place in front of the freezer and spoons were laid under the pillows.

After about 6 inches of snow, we had our first official snow day of the season.

As I was making Ben's bed this morning (now over a week later), I pulled back his sheets and set his pillows aside. There, under his pillow, I found this...

Even though we haven't had snow for over a week and certainly no expected snowstorms in the extended forecast, I can't blame him for trying.

The Perfect Spot...

Of all the places to sit, why is is that when a laundry basket is left out, Sam makes himself all comfy...

Maybe it goes back to the days of when he was little and I would tie a rope on the handle and pull him through the house.

I guess Sam forgot to call "seat check" because look who's in it now. Or maybe Ben wishes he was like Anabelle, the dog, who also likes to curl up in baskets.

I don't know what I love more - the fact that even though they are growing up they do these things like they were little again, or the fact that Ben loves wearing my Dad's sailor hat around the house.

Settling In...

Well, it is the 3rd day of school and let me just say that it has been very quiet here in our home with the boys being gone during the day. Funny how boys can make so much noise no matter what they are doing. I've caught myself noticing the quiet throughout the day and I have to say that there is definitely part of me that misses the noise.

Sam, being the routine oriented kind of guy he is, has been very happy to get back into the school schedule again. I've heard him say how excited he is about this year and to hear Sam say that he is excited about something other than anything military or history related is a pretty big deal. I think it just might be due to the fact that three of his teachers are men and they have the reputation of being "cool and fun".

I think that Ben is still kind of trying to figure things out with it being his first year at the middle school. I have found him going over his schedule and map and wanting to talk everything through about what he needs to do. When should he go to his locker? What books should he bring with him, and what if I am late to class? He also informed me this morning that school is boring. Yes, these first few days are kind of boring with going over classroom rules and practicing fire and tornado drills but I know that fun is just around the corner.

I am trying to get settled into my routine once again here at home as well. It's time to be doing all those "domestic" duties on a regular basis again now that the days of summer are over. Having a day set aside to do my grocery shopping instead of all the quick runs I've made here and there throughout the summer. Getting the laundry started in the morning instead of at 9:00 at night. I can also get into cleaning the house on a weekly basis again instead of doing it before we are expecting company. I am spilling all my secrets now aren't I?

I've really struggled this summer with having time alone with God. There are times when I just really need peace and quiet and that just didn't happen too much this summer. I'm looking forward to some quiet days where I can just sit and rest awhile in His presence.

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

Sam, my American hero...

Our son, Sam has been working very hard this last month on a project for the Biography Fair at school. All of the students in the 6th grade participated in this project and yesterday my husband and I were able to go and see the final projects.

The assignment the students were given was to read a biography, make a display board with information about the person, and they could even dress in character. We saw everyone from Tom Cruise to Princess Diana and from Charles Dickens to Muhammad Ali. There was no question or hesitation as to whom Sam would choose. It had to be someone in the military because that is what Sam loves.
After much searching, we found a biography about Scott O'Grady. He is the pilot who was shot down over Bosnia and evaded capture by the Serbians in 1995. Sam is one who, for the most part, really enjoys projects because he thrives on attention to detail. Over and over again we heard him tell us that this has been his favorite project.

One reason this was his favorite is because since Sam was 4 years old, he has had the dream to be a fighter pilot. Sam has this incredible love for his country and a desire to serve. He lives and breathes all things military related and has since he was very young. Knowing that he could dress in character, we quickly got into contact with some very special friends of ours. Our friend, Mike, is Sam's real-life American hero. Mike has served our country as a fighter pilot in the Air Force and even defended our country in the Persian Gulf War. Sam was able to borrow Mike's pilot suit, jacket, and even his boots and let me just say that I don't think I have ever seen Sam look more proud. There is something in the heart of every boy to be a hero, and I know in Sam's mind he was a fighter pilot yesterday.

We had the best time being with Sam yesterday and sharing this time with him. Sam, you make us so very proud and we know that there is a reason, purpose, and plan as to why God has placed these passions in your heart.

All It Takes...

Since my children were very young we have read to them and have always kept their bookshelves full. While we may not always spend our money on the latest toy, my children know that Mom will always buy a book.

When they were little part of their bedtime routine was to read a book or two. When Jessica was asked to grab a book and cuddle up in bed it wasn't uncommon for her to come with a stack of them anxiously expecting each and everyone to be read. I can remember the afternoons that were spent as Jessica and I read our way through The American Girl books and the evenings where my husband and I would sit on the floor of the boys bedroom and read to them The Chronicles of Narnia. I hope that they remember those hours they way I do.

I have had more of a struggle getting our boys to read now that they are older. Perhaps once all the book reports were assigned and books not of their choosing had to be read, it was no longer fun. Sam is 12 1/2 years old and wrapping up his last days of his first year of middle school. In his reading class this year, each student was required to keep a reading log. Any kind of book can be read and the students are graded for the amount of time they read each month. Extra credit is even given to those that go above and beyond the required amount of time. As the children have gone through elementary school, they have always had some kind of reading log and up until this year, the reading log has been far from fun and certainly wasn't "encouraging" my boys to read. Last year, our son, Ben filled his reading logs with "Peanuts" and "Calvin and Hobbs" because they were the only books we could get him to read. Thankfully, the teacher agreed that this was okay because he was reading after all. For whatever reason though, the reading bug has gotten a hold of Sam lately...

All it has taken is for Sam to find some books that he has truly enjoyed reading and I also think that once he found some that he liked and actually finished, there was a sense of accomplishment for him. A couple of years ago, I found this book at our local Christian bookstore called Isle of Swords. It has sat on the bookshelf far too long- untouched and unread. Last week Sam pulled it from the shelf thinking that perhaps he should just give it a try.

He really hasn't put it down since.

As I sit here this morning finishing up this post, Sam has just come downstairs telling me that he finished his book last night when he went to bed. Guess what he is sitting on the sofa doing now... reading another book.

Everybody Has A Job...

A very wise man that I know (my brother-in-law, Mike) lives by the belief that everybody has a job to do. I agree with him because I think it's an important lesson for my children even at this age to take ownership, accept responsibility, and have the feeling of accomplishing something no matter how big or small the job may be.

My children are on Spring Break this week and up until yesterday, the weather has been anything but Spring-like. When I saw the forecast the night before telling us that the temperature was finally going to be in the upper 50's and sunny, I was one happy Mama. Between having my two boys chasing each other through the house and wrestling on the floor for way too long, I knew it was time to give them a job. I knew just the perfect one that would keep them busy and doing something a little more productive for awhile. Not that I don't love to watch my boys play, I do because everything about their play is reality to them. On any given day, I will have an FBI agent, Navy Seal, Civil War soldier, Indiana Jones or Macgyver residing in our home. After awhile it got pretty loud and I found myself repeating an all too favorite quote of all mothers, "Stop before someone gets hurt!" more than once. I think boredom was starting to kick in because when boys get bored, they stop thinking. When Sam came to me with his hands tied (way too tightly) up with a belt, it was time for this Mom to take some action. I have learned with having boys to 1) Always keep them busy and 2) They will rise to the occasion when there is a job to be done. Especially when it is outside.

Our backyard has been almost completely covered in sweet gum balls. I don't know when they got there. I suppose last Fall and then with the snow covering the ground, I just didn't pay much attention. Well, these little prickly suckers are on our last nerve. Our little dogs go out and have to tiptoe their way through like it's a land mine.

So, the boys were assigned the task of picking up and raking up the sweet gum balls because as Uncle Mike says, "Everybody has a job to do."

This is only one pile of many and just look how happy and proud they were at themselves. Okay, not really. At this point they were so done with this job and the fact that Mom was taking a picture to put it on her blog made it even worse.

So, while the boys were outside with their job, I had a job as well... making this Lemon Yogurt Cake. (Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa At Home cookbook) It is SO good! Yes, I cheated on my diet to have a little bite but I needed to be able to tell you all how good it is. Perfect little treat to go with a glass of iced tea. Incredibly moist and oh so lemony...

The weather is supposed to be warm again today so we are headed off to have a picnic and go for a hike at a State Park nearby. I suppose our job for today is to have FUN!

Homework...

Homework is no fun....

So, let's play music instead!

The Boys...

So, I thought I would share with you a little of what my boys have been up to lately.

Sam is now in band at school. He has been looking forward to this since last year when he was able to choose between band or study hall. It really wasn't a hard decision for him because he wanted to follow in the footsteps of other trumpet players in the family. His Papa and his Dad. His Papa even handed down his trumpet for Sam to play.

This week, Sam officially played his very first song ("Rolling Along" a.k.a. "Mary Had A Little Lamb) all the way through...

It gets pretty loud, but it really is a lot of fun to listen and watch him play...

Ben has recently found a new sport that he loves. Golfing. A few months ago, Steve took both of the boys out for a day of golfing. This was the real deal. 18 holes. Golf cart. Lunch at the 9th hole. Sam said he never wanted to do it again, but Ben could hardly wait until the next time. I've learned to never ask about bogies. I got the glare from Ben. Instead, I am to ask about birdies. I thought I knew what I was talking about. Obviously not.

Ben and Steve try to go play a round of golf every other week. There is a golf course that actually gives pastors a discount so they get to play really cheap. It's a good thing. Ben likes to stay up on his game, so he will go and hit a bucket of balls...

When they left here, Steve said they got in the car and Ben said, "Golf is really addicting." He has now added a set of golf clubs on his Christmas list.

Then There Is Sam...

Thank you for all your sweet comments that were made to Ben yesterday. He read each and everyone of them and totally enjoyed it!

As a mom, you know that I can't talk about one of my children without talking about the other two. So, for today let me introduce you to Sam, our second born. Sam has recently just turned 12 and will be starting 6th grade next Tuesday. Words that best describe Sam are disciplined, serious, balanced, dedicated, and compassionate. We often refer to him as "Steady Sam". Life with Sam is simple, predictable, and organized.  It's not uncommon that when someone in the family has misplaced something that Sam knows exactly where it is. Sam is an early to bed, early to rise kind of guy. 

Sam wanted me to do the commenting for now. That's Sam. Quiet and reserved. 

Here is a glimpse of more of who he is...

If there is any place Sam loves to be it is outside. He truly is my "outside boy" in every sense of the word....

Whether it's the in the snow...

Or the sand... 

When it's time for play, Sam spends hours (literally) building with Legos...

Or with G.I. Joes...

One of Sam's biggest passions is his love for history. When he was 4 years old he wanted to be a fighter pilot so that he could serve our country. This love of history has developed into a knowledge that is really quite amazing for someone so young. He devours books about military history, American history, and his all-time favorite Civil War history. Normally, Sam is a pretty quite boy but get him talking about this stuff and he'll talk for hours. 

Some of Sam's most treasured possessions are his grandfather's dog tags, and uniform from when he served in the Navy, pictures of his great-grandfather serving in the second World War, and metal soldiers that his grandfather played with as a young boy. Last year, through family records we found out that Sam is the 19th cousin to our 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. What God does with this deep love and loyalty of his country will be neat to see.

It wouldn't surprise you then when I tell you that Sam's favorite vacation (besides Sunset Beach) was when we went to Washington D.C. and to Gettysburg....

Sam is now taking over the commenting. I told you when he sees or hears about history he's got something to say...

Here I am on Little Round Top where Joshua Chamberlain led his regiment in one of the most successful battles of Gettysburg. I've learned so much about the Civil War because of my all time favorite movies Gettysburg and Gods and Generals and reading. My favorite people from the war are Joshua Chamberlain, and his brother Thomas Chamberlain. From the south, Jeb Stuart and James Longstreet.

One of my favorite sports is doing swim team. I'm on the Greene Valley Gators. My favorite strokes are all the strokes. The picture below is me swimming the butterfly, my least favorite but it's o.k. I like swimming because it gives you a chance to show how fast you can swim. Over the past two summers I have about twenty five 1st and 2nd place ribbons. My swimming idol is Michael Phelps.

I don't play football right now on a team but when I did I played for Beavercreek. My number was 47. I played almost every game as linebacker. One of the reasons I don't play is because you get banged up really bad!! 

The only thing I liked about baseball is that my dad was one of the coaches.

Something else my mom forgot to mention is my love of geography. When I was about five I could say my states and capitals because of Leap Pad if you know what that is.

So now you've officially met Sam. We love you Sam and God has blessed us by having a son like you.

Me and the boys...

Sons are a heritage from the LORD,

children a reward from him. ~ Psalm 127:3

Today It's All About Ben...

Prior to my blogging days my children would RUN when I would get my camera out. If they weren't able to get away fast enough I would hear grumbling and complaining about why I take SO many pictures. They funny thing is how much they love to look at the pictures. I remind them that this is my way of making and keeping memories and that one day they WILL appreciate the boxes and albums of pictures we have. 

Since I've been blogging, I'm on the look out for anything else I can take a picture of. I hear, "Why are you always taking pictures of food and stuff in the house?" Or the famous question, "Is that going on your blog?"

My most favorite subjects are my children, they always will be. As a result of a conversation I had with Ben and about what I'm NOT showing many pictures of (that would be him), I promised I would do a post in honor of him.

So, this is all about Ben...

Ben is 10 1/2 years old and our youngest child. This year he will be in the 5th grade. Ben is an encourager, and has a great sense of humor. He is smart, creative, serious about his passions, sensitive, witty, and knows how to make you laugh. He is dependable and a hard worker, well, as long as there is fun involved. Ben is ALL about the fun.  Ben loves to stay up late and doesn't like mornings at all!  

Here are some pictures of Ben. By the way, I'm letting Ben come up with the comments for these pictures.

I swam for the swim team of the pool we belong too. I never got anything lower than 2nd place. I swam 25 meters backstroke, 25 m freestyle, and the 50 m freestyle and I loved it and I'm going to do it for a long time.

When we were at Sunset Beach, Sam and I got fake tats that lasted a very, very long time. They looked real. The store we went to get the tattoos was in Myrtle Beach.  I look fly in barbwire. FYI... fly means cool.

I love corvettes. They are my favorite car. When I grow up I want a '67 Stingray Corvette that is white with blue racing stripes. 

My mom just HAD to put this picture on.  I got Big Bird when I was one and he looks very well loved. My Uncle Mike calls him a chicken because he sort of looks like one. 

I snuck these Snyder's Hot Buffalo Wing pretzels into the shopping cart when I was with my mom. I ate these in two days. They are delish! I love spicy foods. These aren't on the top of my list though. The #1 hottest thing I've ever had is my Paw Paw's Rattlesnake Bite Hot Sauce. It has habanero peppers in it.

This is Charlie, my Aunt Say Say's dog. You can go to her blog Nesting In Pleasant View.  I love him very, very much. When I was there I played with him all the time. Charlie just got a haircut so that's why he looks like this. FYI... he looks way better furry. I call him "Chuck".

At Sunset Beach, I bought a skim board. You throw it in like the 1" deep water, then you run and catch up to it, jump on, and just go. I can to a 360 turn without falling, unlike some people in my family (dad). My Dad hurt his wrist from falling off and it still hurts him today.

My Uncle Mike is a Cubbies fan so I am too!

A couple of things I love to do are...

Draw...

And play the guitar.

We are proud of you Ben and love you very much. Thank you for the blessing you are to our family!

Fast Cars, Miniature Golf & Ice Cream...

Tonight we went out for some family fun. It was a perfect night to go to one of our favorite places. We live about twenty minutes from a place called Young's Jersey. It is a restaurant and dairy farm and one of those places you always take out-of-town guests to. Young's is known for their homemade ice cream, pumpkin picking and hayrides in the fall, and cutting your own Christmas trees in the winter. It's especially fun during the warmer months because you can feed the goats, see the cows and pigs, and even sit on some real tractors. My boys still enjoy this. We have taken the children there since they were very small so it's always fun to think of how little they used to be on those big tractors. Sam could have spent hours pretending he was out plowing the fields.

Our night began with...

Ben finding this in the parking lot...

Then it was time for a game of miniature golf...

9th hole and who do you think is taking the lead?

Congratulations to Steve! It was a game well played.

The night would not be complete however, without Lemon Custard ice cream...

And the all-time kid favorite...Bubblegum!