The color yellow

Not so Bright

I love the color yellow. It makes me physically and mentally happy. So two days ago, when I was having a not-so-happy day, I decided to paint my nails yellow.

Brilliant you say.

Sounds fun!

What a great idea!

Seeing yellow on my nails will brighten my day and they look super cute on Addy and Sadie's nails.

How could this idea go wrong when it feels so right. . .

Fact: Yellow nails on a grown woman are neither attractive nor happy inducing.

In fact, I looked like I was gangster or had some major medical issue. Happy was not the result. Conversation starter - yes.

Wait. Let me be more specific.

Conversation starter by those with concern in their eyes, confusion on their faces, bewilderment in their minds and a tilt to their head - yes.

To the joy of all who had to witness my yellow nails, they are no longer yellow. . .

Now they are BLUE! It's a much more mature look.

I don't think hand model is in my future.

Give me an Ear!

Some may list ice cream or watermelon as their favorite summer time treat, but for me and my family it's CORN! I love corn. Fresh corn is my favorite. I don't know why I felt the need to share this with you. I get this love from my mother and have successfully passed it down to all of my children. Corn is wonderful.

Your life is now complete knowing I love corn.

Did you say Goat?

I want a goat. I think I've addressed this before. Yes, I have their names picked out already. Yesterday in a meeting at work, a co-worker announced her neighbor had a goat in their yard. We paused. Not because this has nothing to do with work (that's not unusual) but the fact that she lives within city limits AND a neighborhood and her neighbor has a goat.

A goat.

A real goat.

Here Billy! Come Billy!

Goat.

I love people like her neighbor. I want to be in their head. I would have loved to listen to the thought process when they aquired said goat and then loaded said goat for transportation then drove down the road into the nighborhood with said goat and unloaded said goat in their backyard.

At any point do you think it crossed their minds that this is not okay.

Do you think their little voices inside their head yelled at any time "You don't live on a farm!" "You have less than an acrea of land and your house takes up most of the land you do have!" or do you think they shouted "Yippie! A built in lawn mower!" "Bet your neighbors don't have one of these! We'll be the first on the block!"

I love people who own goats in neighborhoods in city limits.

Now that makes me happy!

Family Night with Friends

Sunday evening we took the kids to the Ingles parking lot to eat pizza, crazy bread and cookies while we waited for the balloons to go up.

But what's a good balloon watching without some friends?

Before long, we had a truck bed full!

Papa and Grandma even showed up on Papa's Bike.

What do you do when Papa shows up on his bike?

You jump on!

Sadie took this picture.

Have fun with the kids!

We made it back in time to see the balloons. 

Addy, Brooks and Sadie counted them. 

They couldn't figure out if they were counting the same ones or new ones.

It was confusing.

I know you're thinking Nice picture of power lines. 

Thank you. I tried to capture them all. 

Great place to see all of the balloons go up, not so great place to take pictures.

I like this picture of Addy and Brooks.

The boys cared for all of two balloons. . .then back to Pokemon cards.

In case you don't know what trouble looks like, see above picture.

Sorry for all the over lighted pictures, it was really bright outside. 

My idea of a great night is spending time with family, kids, and friends in the sunshine.

Kids! I love kids! They were everywhere! 

Here are the two biggest ones with the littlest one!

Until we went for Ice Cream. . .

Then Mr. Colin showed up with his mommy and daddy. 

What a great way to kick off summer. . hot air balloons and ice cream with friends!

Life is good. 

P.S. Sorry for all the dirty faces and clothes of my kids. I promise we make them take baths. 

P.S.S. I'm watching Dirty Dancing again.

Happy Memorial Day and my sincerest appreciation for all those who gave their lives protecting our freedom and liberties. 

My Squirrel Mind

Toilet Paper

My mom bought us some toilet paper a while back and we are in the process of using it right now. It's so much softer than the cheap stuff. Our tushes thank you!

Dirty Dancing

The movie Dirty Dancing is only on Netflix until June 1st. My emotions are everywhere upon learning this news. I just don't understand. Why? Why would they take away something so wonderful? Do they just enjoy toying with me?!?!?

I asked Brooks to learn the dance they do at the end of the movie (including lift). He said no. I will persist.

Racing Stripes

Kinesio taping is an interesting movement in the sports medicine field. I don't fully understand it and was very skeptical, but now I'm a believer. Each time my arms fall off a dear sweet trainer friend of mine tapes my shoulder and poof . . .the pain eases. It helps hold everything in place and allows the inflammation to go down. It's WONDERFUL. Thank you to the man who invented it.

I will admit, it's not a fix. It doesn't remove all the pain, but it makes it bearable by allowing me to heal with just a little bit of superficial support.  

Start them young!

Addy came to work with me the other day for a few hours. I asked her if she wanted to help me with a data entry project I had and of course she jumped at the chance.

Forty-five mins later, she didn't think it was as much fun. I on the other hand, kicked back in another chair and "supervised" the work. She is a great worker bee!

Up

I love hot air balloons and that is one of the reasons I love this time of year. Where we live we have a balloon festival and our house is on the flight paths for most of the days.

Friday morning on my way to drop Sadie off at school we spotted the first of many! 

The Battle has arrived

Like any all american boy, Brody goes through phases of near obsession with a type of object or subject.

When he was very young, our lives revolved around trains. Thomas the Train to be exact. We have listen to countless hours of Thomas the Train. Note please, I said listen as I can not, in any state of mind, actually watch Thomas. 

We had the train table along with miles of train track, all the trains for the Thomas series in addition to many other trains (dare I say 100s) and pieces, Thomas costume and Halloween bucket which was used for SEVERAL years in addition to being doubled as an Easter basket. We finally, about a year ago, moved from trains to Space.

I know very little about space. In fact, I assure you my child knows a great deal more. (I apologize to my high school astronomy teacher.) He has planets in his room and his Chief downloaded a special app for his IPad which tells you at any given time where each of the stars/constellations and planets are in relation to you. It's pretty neat. 

Thankfully, that phase ended much quicker than Thomas. Again, not my area of expertise. I hate having to Google answers to my kids questions. 

Well now, we have moved on to the MILITARY!

He wears his army camo every opportunity we will allow in addition to checking out several books from the library. I know a little about the army, and truly respect and appreciate those who serve, so I am enjoying this new found obsession.

Brooks showed him videos of sniper training school and other special forces testing/schools.

He still has a lot to learn, but the other day in a store everyone was protected which was exhibited by Brody was army crawling across the floor looking for anyone who might attack. He has a mean army crawl.

He has often in the past months explained to us he wants to be a Navy Seal without the going into the water part, but after further research and videos, he believes he could handle the water now.

He tells us daily he is going into the army when he is old enough, and I am proud to say, I would stand behind him 100% if that is his choice of career.

Here is a shot of the "Battle" in my living room the other day. I have to admit, he placed his men very strategically. I wouldn't want to go into battle against him!

Cream colored Army versus

Green Army

Watch out bad guys -- Here comes Brody!

Surprise attack!

**No toys were permanently injured in the making of this blog.

Nature, History and Solitude

It was such a nice afternoon today (and I was feeling a little on the jiggly side) so I decided to take the kids to a park or playground to play where I could walk. What we ended up with was so much more.

I didn't want to go to one of the parks near our house, because I knew they would all be crowded. So, I decided to try a new park and heard there was another one in the next small town over (or next zip code, however you want to look at it). So I googled parks and off we went.

Fifteen mins later we were at a new park and found a hidden gem!

When we got out of the car we quickly spotted the play ground area, open field, and one walking track. But. . there was another one to the left. The path less taken!!

To our surprise it headed into the woods! 

I asked the kids (trying to be educational) what lives in the forest. 

Here's the conversation which followed:

Brody with great joy and excitement: BEARS!
Me: I don't think there are bears in these woods. Addy, what do you think? 
Addy: Trees.
Me: That's not an animal. Sadie, what animals live in the woods?
Sadie: Bears!
Me: Anyone know of ANY other animals which might live in the woods?
Brody: Bears and Foxes.
Addy: Snakes!
Sadie: Bears!
Me: Let's move on to plants. 

We kept walking and the kids couldn't believe their ears! It was water! We heard rushing water. They began to jump with excitement! I did too! Where's the water?!?!

Oh, we found it!

And then. . .We had a long talk (I talked, they pretended to listen) about how if they got in the water they were not coming home with me. 

And that's what I call parenting!

It was amazing! We had all this to ourselves. 

Now on to the history!

This dam helped serve a mill back in 1752. 

As Brody explained, back when everything was black and white. 

Don't worry, I let him know they had color. 

He still thinks everything was in black in white.

Prior to the mill being constructed, the Cherokee Indians used the land for hunting and fishing. 

Did I mention this park is 90 PLUS acres!!!!!!

My heart is overjoyed!

It's in our backyard!

See you soon new found park!!

You are so much more!

Thank you for the adventure!

Mother's Day Dinner. . .a week late

We celebrated mother's day with my family this past Sunday and the weather couldn't have been better.

It's been awhile since we have all been able to get together, and this was the first mother's day for my sister-in-law who is expecting her first child this fall.

She's pretty awesome!

The food wasn't too bad either!

After filling our bellies, we stepped out back for a friendly game of backyard baseball. 

Look! 

Brooks is running and we caught it on camera!

The cheerleaders!

Mama got in on the action.

It was pretty ugly. I didn't want to swing -- you know the whole arms fall off thing. 

But this girl on the other hand (he he I just made a funny with arms and hands!) has a mean swing! Look at those muscles.

Sadie ON third base. Disregard the fact she ran there first. 

This is where Daddy's ball goes. 

Do you see it? I think it's to the left. No, the right.

This is what happens after you hit the ball out of the yard -- intentional walk. 

It's hard to field with a child on your leg. Well, that's my excuse. 

Uncle Will and Sadie. 

Sadie, she doesn't stop smiling or wear shoes.

Hit it to me!!

Good times!

One of the best moments of the night, other than strawberry shortcake, was when Sadie was at bat and hit the ball. She then dropped the bat and started clapping. Bless her. She then ran straight to 2nd base.

Blessed.

Brodyisms

My sister said to me years ago, I should start a journal of things Brody says which we dubbed Brodyisms. I thought it was a great idea, but never did it. . .until now.

Dinner time conversation.
Brody: Do all branches of the military have snipers?
Brooks: Brody, Do you know what a sniper is?
Brody: Yeah, it's a gun that shoots knives.


A conversation with Chief, Memaw, Brooks, Erin, Brody, Addyson and Sadie about eating after people, sharing food.
Brooks: Brody you would probably eat after anyone. Everyone nods in agreement, including Brody.
Brooks: You would probably eat after Lucky and Harley (both dogs).
Brody: No, I wouldn't. I don't like dog food.


On the morning of Brooks starting summer school classes.
Brody: Is Dad starting school tonight?
Me: Yes.
Brody: Is he in summer school?
Me: Yes.
Brody: Did he not pass his grade?


Discussing how to remember the four directions.
Brody: I know my directions: Never Eat Shredded. . .??
Me: Never Eat Shredded Wheat
Brody: Why can't I eat shredded wheat?


In a game of backyard baseball, upon being tagged out:
Me: Brody you're out.
Brody: It doesn't count if it hurts.

Busted and More Screaming

So have you ever had that moment where your child yells from the top of the stairs with the sweetest most excited voice after you put your children to bed saying

"Are you making cookies?"

Busted.

I kindly replied, "I'm not." This was not a lie. I, myself, had not made cookies. Brooks did.

Buyers Remorse

Each of the kids received a gift card for saying verses and completing their books in Awanas this year, so we took them shopping. Addyson has been waiting with over-joyous excitement to buy shoes for weeks. So, after trying on every pair of shoes Target has in her size, she settled on a beautiful pair of sandals.

In the mean time, Brooks took Brody and Sadie to pick out a toy (the shoe trying on was taking a while to say the least). Did I mention she tried on every shoe in her size. Every one. Some twice. Once Addy had her shoes we headed over to the toy section to meet up with everyone.

Sadie chose a doll and Brody a thingy that goes on his arm (Brooks and I still can't figure out what it does).

The trouble started when Addyson saw the toy section. Suddenly, facing rows of toys and pink, she wanted a toy. So, she picked out a toy as Brooks and I both explained over and over how she had wanted shoes for many weeks and she would be out of money if she bought the toy.

We walked around the store a bit more, still holding on to the shoes, just in case Addy changed her mind back. But no deal. Toy it was.

The kids played with their toys the rest of the afternoon and went to bed with them in tow.

And then there was WAILING!

Without warning the WAILING began.

Did I say WAAAIIIILLLINGGGG?

I don't think that does justice. Addyson began screaming and crying to the point of hyperventilation. Think back to the post about Addyson not getting the score she wanted on vault. Now multiple by 3.

It took 15 mins to understand enough words to put together she should have bought the shoes.

Gee, I could have told her that. Oh wait I did.

Sadie yelled downstairs that Addy was being too loud. . .I agreed.

I put her in my room and hoped for the best since all other calming tactics had failed. Besides, your first episode of buyers remorse is the worst.

AN HOUR AND FIFTEEN MINS LATER!!!! She passed out from exhaustion and lack of oxygen.

and so did I.

Who needs practice??? Where's the food?

How much practice does it take to make a wedding happen?

Well, we spent an evening trying to answer just that question.

Rarely do you get to see pictures of the rehearsal  but we are blessed enough (thanks mom) to have some. I love the calm of the night. The ease in which everyone practices, jokes, and enjoys the moment. Saturday was beautiful, but Friday held it's own beauty.

This is where you have to say "I do."

The Bride's mother and me. I love this woman. Smiling now. . but about to give away her only girl. 

Who's adorable children are these?

I'm not touching them!

Last chance to run!

This is Misty, she is in charge of everything. According to my kids, she was the lady in the polka dot dress. She looked fantastic and has done an awesome job with this wedding.

My mom took these pictures, this is one of my favorites! 

Look at all the smiling faces!

Hey, there's Chief!

Can you walk? Check.

You can feel the love in this picture. 

The supporting ladies.

Clemson fan. YEAH!

Who's that handsome couple??

Hey, there's a bunny in your pocket.

LOVE THESE TWO PICTURES!

Way to go mom!

Sadie was so happy she got to drink out of a Mason Jar at the rehearsal dinner.

Brody took home his bandanna napkin.

I may have possibly taken home a mason jar or five.

Dawn and her mom less than 24 hours to go!