Sunday, July 6, 2014

An end of an era

Taylor's team had their final end of the season party last night and in preparation I decided to create a video of the last four years.  I'm not a videographer but fortunately iMovie makes it pretty easy!

It was a blast interviewing the boys and having them be part of this.  The coaches loved it, the moms cried and the boys laughed.  That made the time it took to get it together worth it!

Enjoy!





Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Progression

I'm a little, okay a lot, behind in blogging.  I will get some posts up as soon as I get out of my editing abyss..which, don't get me wrong, I am grateful for.  

But I had to put this set of pictures up from Taylor's game last night.  He is on his last week of USSSA baseball.  It has been a great 5 years.  I am honored to say we have stayed with the same team and coaches and most of the kids have been together the whole time.  It's a great group of boys and parents.

Here he is on the mound last night...judge what I am going to say if you want, but his mechanics are dang near flawless.  Pretty proud Momma.  Ah well.

If he can work on his strength I really look forward to watching him play high school ball.  








Monday, May 19, 2014

4!

Happy Birthday Hinckley!

Today this little guys turns 4.  I can't believe how big he is getting.  No longer does he have squishy fat toddler feet and hands, or need my help every step of the way.  

He was an unexpected addition to our house and I can't imagine life without him.

He made quite an entrance into this world (hello prolapsed cord and emergency c-section!) and then spent some time in the NICU, but he has always been strong.

He has the greatest laugh.  He has the cutest smile and most beautiful curly blond hair.  His brown eyes always have a light in them and he can melt you with his kisses.  He still wants to hold my hand and loves to be with me all of the time.  He is my little buddy.  

His favorites are:

*Sleeping in Grants room
*Anything having to do with any of the Avengers
*Star Wars
*Puzzles
*Legos
*His car
*Chicken, Fries and Macaroni and Cheese
*Starbucks Hot Chocolate

Last night he had a little party with his buddies.  We had cake and ice cream, opened presents and played outside.  He was so excited to open presents that he was shaking!  Gotta love this age!






Sunday, May 4, 2014

Catch up...

I tried to warn you that busy season was approaching.  I wish I had a better excuse for not posting, but I don't.  We have just been busy.  Baseball, Traveling, Photography, everything!

McKay and I headed to Utah and Idaho at the end of March to go to her friend Kate's baptism.  Kate moved from Iowa almost two years ago and we have anxiously been awaiting her 8th birthday because I promised McKay we would go visit her.  She and Kate acted like they just saw each other yesterday.  They had so much fun!  We also got to see a few other friends and family in Utah during our trip...and of course a visit or two to Sweet Tooth Fairy.


I was lucky to head to DC again this year and was able to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival.  But honestly, the magnolia blooms stole the show.  Also, a trip wouldn't be complete without some insanely good food.  I can now say I have been to 7 of the top 10 restaurants in DC.  


Here are my favorite pictures from the trip...


Baseball...baseball...and more baseball.  It is spring though, so you shouldn't be surprised.  A new twist this year...Taylor is old enough to umpire!  And he is making bank!  The kid makes $40 a game.  SERIOUSLY!!  He wants to go to Bangkok (kind of interested in how he came up with that one) so that is what he says he is saving money for.  I can't wait...Bangkok is on my haven't been to yet list!  This is also Taylor's last year of USSSA and then next year is high school ball...WHAT??  

Yeah, I'm THAT old.

This week I head out to Chicago for the North Central CrossFit Regionals.  I was fortunate enough to be contracted to do photography!  I am really excited and honored!  I am going with another few ladies from the gym and am looking forward to watching the amazing athletes and competition.  And of course, it wouldn't be a trip without some good food!

My friend and athlete Krista!





Sunday, March 16, 2014

Happy Birthday Grant!

Happy 13th Birthday!

Grant turned 13 on the 13th.

He is now officially a teenager.  

He started the day with donuts for breakfast.  He came home to an ice cream cake, balloons and gifts. And then he chose to go to Mi Mexico for dinner.

His party will be at a later date because his birthday always hits right when Spring Break is starting.

Grant has a heart of gold.  This is the boy that still kisses me goodnight and hugs me before he leaves for school each day.  

He is a great big brother to Hinckley, so much so that he lets Hinckley sleep in his room each night.  

He helps when he is asked.  He tries to do good in school.  He is a loyal friend.  

He wants to follow the teachings of the Savior and tries to choose the right, and when he doesn't he is quick to know and repent for his wrong doings.  

Even though he is quick to anger, he usually only gets this way because he feels he has been wronged.  He doesn't tolerate being put down or made fun of so he tries to not do that to other people.  

He loves animals and outdoors.  

He also wants to be a professional skateboarder so he practices as much as he can.  

That's what is great about him.  When he puts his mind to something he usually can do it.

Our home wouldn't be complete without him.  And each day I am grateful that our Father in heaven entrusted me with his care.

We love you to the moon and back Granty!


Thursday, February 6, 2014

Pet Peeves

So it occurred to me as I was thinking about my gratitude post over on 365 that I haven't posted my annual pet peeves list!  Ironic isn't it?

I know you ALL look forward to it..and this year there are a few that I've added and changed up a bit. 

Exciting stuff here people.

*People who turn the corner going 5 miles an hour.  You aren't going to tip.  And yes, it is possible to stay in your own freakin lane.  Idiots. (Still on the list.)

*Women who chew their gum like a cow chewing cud. (Ditto.)

*Companies who have terrible customer service.  This year I opted to do without the traditional Christmas card and send out a New Year's card.  Haven't gotten it?  Neither have I.  And now I am getting no response from the company despite repeated emails from this already paid for item.  Don't use Zazzle.

*I totally get personal correspondence works on priority.  But when you are a business, you should have the courtesy to at least respond with SOMETHING.  I have had that happen with a couple of local gyms that I am asking to bring samples of Organically Paleo Bakery items into.  That's fine if you don't want me to, but have the freakin courtesy to respond. Because now I WILL NOT enroll my kid in your youth program.  

*Flight costs.  You know you can fly to Paris from Rome for $51.  To Vienna for $121.  But in this country you fly to another state and it's going to be at least $250-$300 and that is on the cheaper end.  You can fly to another freakin country in Europe for 1/4 of the price.  WTF?

*Bullying.  Wow.  I mean, I thought I had in bad in school.  Kids these days are awful.  And mine included.  They say some things that I am appalled at.  Things they DON'T learn in our home.  Now if they say friggin or SOB I am totally accountable.  But the others, not at all.  And they think its fine to talk to other kids like that because that's the way "it is".  Parents, you better start taking some accountability.  You NEED to.

*Dating before young adults ready.  No it isn't "cute" that your 5th grader has a "boyfriend or girlfriend".  Not one little bit.  My daughter is down right gorgeous but I am giving fair warning now.  If your little boy comes after her before she is 16 (and even at 16 she will only be allowed to go on group dates) it will not be pretty.  AT ALL.  Be afraid.  No friggin joke.

*City plowing.  Don't even need to say more.  I appreciate it, I do.  But there should be a more effective way to do it.  Especially after they see the driveway being done and drive by putting another two feet at the end of it.

*Late starts.  Don't even get me started.  -29 below in the town I grew up.  Guess what.  They went to school.

*School Nutrition.  This deserves a post all on its own.  The amount of food waste.  The type of food.  Kids not getting to eat (at all) once they are in 8th grade and a parent forgets to put money in their account.  How many kids go hungry?

*People who profess to be an expert in something they are clearly not.  Or try to tell you how to do something.  Unless you are their boss or mentor, you don't have the right how to tell someone to do it.  This applies to EVERYTHING.

*Selfies.  A few times a year is okay.  Heck, even once a month is fine.  Weekly?  More than once a week?  Really?  Get over yourself. 





Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Random Happenings...

Playing with Daddy

Tried to get a picture of them all but Hinckley wanted pictures of his Avengers puzzle pieces...

Intense session of Avengers play.

Captain American in my bed again.  Dbj.

I just puked in my mouth. Beard was fine.  Mustache equals instant creepy factor.

A lot of picture taking!

New haircut.