Open House, Nerd Moments, and Baby #1

I love Ford’s new school.  I am not big on change.  Change gives me anxiety, reasons to worry, and fear of the unknown.  But this school year has proved to be the best yet.  I can be a hard critic when it comes to the educational process since that is my major.  I want my kids to be busy, challenged, and loved, and I know that he is getting that this year. 

Last night was open house at his school.  I was like a little kid at Christmas all day.  I was so excited to go and see all he had been working on that I could hardly stand it.  I got the boys bathed and ready and grabbed my camera.  Yep, I took my big camera and embarrassed the husband.  He asked me several times to put it away, but I couldn't miss a bloagable moment!!!!

Ford said this was his “football player”.  (We found him in the hall).

Yes, my 4 year old is in 3K.  In case you missed that blog, we held Ford back and I am so glad we did.  Yes, he’s super smart, but that has nothing to do with it.  He will be a whole year older when he graduates from high school which gives me a sense of peace about his decision making process at college!!!

 They study units each week at school.  One week we were asked to send pictures for their “Family” unit.  I was so pleased with the family tree that Ford made.  We got to bring it home.  I just might hang it up in my house!!!

 Peek-A-Boo…. There’s Bitty!!!!

 Ford is the “flag holder” this week!!!!

 We love Mrs. Laura and Mrs. Kristy.

So open house was all I hoped it would be and more!!!! 

I get “ideas” in my head that I think I “need” to do, and by golly I do them.  Monday I decided I needed to sew.  If you will please remember I CAN’T sew, but I THINK I can.  I like a good deal.  I like a bargain, and when I see one it’s hard for me to turn down.  Last year I found a lot of fleece blankets on sale at Wal-Mart and I bought several.  I found them while I was cleaning a closet, and thought Ford and John Brantley needed an initial quilt for the farm.  Therefore, I got busy.  

 I used regular white copy paper and traced bubble letters.  I cut the bubble letters out and pinned them on the blue fabric.  I cut out the letters in the blue fabric.  I sewed that on the lime green fabric, cut it out, and sewed it on the blanket.  Yes, it looks like a blind woman sewed them, but I am pleased!!!!

 Oh yes, and Ford was mad that he didn't get a “big” F.  Go figure!!!! 

 Ford did a little painting yesterday too.  I have a future Picasso on my hands!

I have nerd moments throughout the day.  This afternoon Ford and I counted all of his “paper money” in his wallet and piggy bank.  While doing so he decided that we needed to go smash some pennies on the railroad tracks.  I agreed that it was a fine idea so we gathered our supplies.  While gathering I decided that “dimes” would be a better idea since he is studying the letter “D” at school.  And then another light bulb went off…. We would smash enough “dimes” for everyone in his class.  He agreed that it was a fabulous idea to go along with the letter D, so we set out….  

 It was only 95 degrees today…. No Biggie.  Even though we live right by the RR tracks I couldn't fathom the thought of carrying John Brantley so we took the wagon.   

 You must always look for trains before you begin a project as serious and intense as this.     

 Duct Tape…. I do love that stuff!!!!     

 These are my sweet babies that I held a little tighter today.  This was my due date 5 years ago with Baby #1.  That baby was only in my belly for a short time, but Trey and I loved that baby.  I was fortunate enough to hear the heart beat and see him/her on an ultra sound.  God had other plans for our first child and for that reason I have peace that my baby is in Heaven.  Thankfully, I was able to have two healthy children and for that I am eternally grateful.  Losing a baby is a difficult battle to go through.  I know several of my blog readers have lost a baby too.  Only if you have experienced a loss like that would you understand.  Happy 5^th Birthday to my Baby #1!!!!

Delta for Show and Tell

It has been so bloody hot here.  If we don’t play outside before 9:00 AM then a heat stroke might occur. 

If I see a blade of grass sticking up in my yard I start telling Trey it’s time to cut it.  Ford loves yard mowing days, as does Bitty.

 The boys have to take turns riding with Daddy.  It’s precious!  I know one day they won’t get excited about that or when they actually have to mow the yard as a chore!!

 John Brantley is constantly sticking that index finger out.

 Bitty L.O.V.E.S. the water hose!!!  He isn't big into sharing either.

 He often chokes…

 Every time we play outside Ford picks me some flowers from our bushes.  He sneaks off and comes back with his hand behind his back.  I think it’s precious.  You can see the flower he picked me behind him in this picture.

 I have to wash a load of the boys’ clothes every night.  I usually load them up in the laundry basket and leave it outside the bathroom until the baths are complete.  John Brantley takes this as an opportunity to push my basket around the house.  Here he is multitasking… he is brushing his teeth and pushing the basket!

 He found these slippers the other night and he has been sporting them like they are going out of style!

 They like to ride together!

 Helping to mow the yard.  He had been playing in the sprinkler and his shorts were saggy!

 Since we get as much rain as Arizona, I have been forced to water my yard a lot.  Ford thoroughly enjoyed riding his bike and making tracks in the wet grass.

 They both have bobby pins in their hair.  I think they make cute girls! (John Brantley gets called one all the time anyway).   

 Ford’s class studies different units each week.  This week was “Pet Week”.  The teacher sent a note home saying you could bring your pet to school.  I thought it would be fun to take Big D (Delta) for show and tell.  Delta only gets put on a leash about once a year so that was a challenge in itself.  She didn't like being controlled of one bit. Those little ankle biters (the kids) were squeezing and grabbing her.  I think it made her a bit nervous.  Low and behold the dog threw up in my car on the way home.  Poor Delta!!!

 More mowing…

 Last night Ford and John Brantley spent the night with Puddin and Pops so Trey and I could go to a couple’s baby shower in Oxford.  It was Bitty’s first time to stay over there and he passed the test with flying colors.  Puddin isn't a morning person, but she took one for the team and had Ford at his soccer practice at 8:00 AM.  I slept until 8:30 and then got ready to take Ford to a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese.  He loves that place and his buddy, Cade.

After soccer practice and Chuck E Cheese we headed in the opposite direction, to Oxford.  I decided that we would brave the sweltering 95 degree heat to hang out.  We drank a lot of beverages and still couldn't stay cool.  

He had to have an outfit change after about 30 minutes because he dumped his drink all over himself.       

 There’s that index finger again…. He is thinking of what he should get into next.  I refer to him as “The Terrorist” a lot.

 Brotherly love

 John Brantley is in one of his “I’m not eating anything” moods again.  Well, Puddin sat a cake down in front of him and he dug right in. 

 He makes the best faces. 

Trey stayed for the game and the boys and I came on home.  When we got here Ford stripped down to his Superman underwear and proudly announces, “Look!!  I have a little pocket on the side of my underwear like I could carry something!”  He was referring to the opening in the front of boys’ underwear!!!     

A Very rare moment

 Something Trey looks forward to all year long is something I dread.  It’s a strong passion of his: hunting.  Why do I dread it?  Well, selfishly, it takes time away from us and gives me more responsibility with the boys on the weekends.  Dove season opened up this past Sunday at 2:00.  Trey has been going to the same hunt ever since we have lived here and it’s become kind of a big party so the kids and I went too.

In order to attend such a function you must dress the part.  I had my boys in their camo, however, I didn't wear any.  It was too hot for the camouflage that I own.  

The host himself, Mr. McKellar!!!  He secretly loves Ford even though Ford wears him out with all of his talking!  

 We are professional birthday party goers.  Ford had a party on Saturday morning.  It was complete with a bouncy house and a balloon lady!!!  The balloon lady was a BIG hit!!!

 He asked for a green shark.  It turned out more like an alligator.   

 Grabbing the piñata candy....  Of course my selective child only got sweet- tarts because they are his favorite.     

 Usually when we are riding in the car Bitty is making some sort of squealing noise, Ford is talking about whatever his little mind is thinking about (planets, Mickey Mouse, tractors, plows, how much gas we have in the car. Etc), and Trey is trying to talk to me out worldly affairs.  I have actually threatened to jump out of the car and walk home before because I feel like it’s a competition as to who can get my attention.  Sometimes it’s nice just to ride in peace and look at the trees.  Saturday on the way home from Olive Branch this happened…. A VERY RARE moment…..      

 John Brantley is wild.  I often times refer to him as a little terrorist.  Even though he gets into everything and you have to keep your eyes on him 24/7 he is super sweet.  He LOVES Ford.  He hugs him constantly.  It makes me so happy to see this brotherly love that I am sure will end sooner than later.

 More dove hunting on Monday…..

 Ford and Trey actually sat out there for an hour.  John Brantley and I only went by for a photo shoot.

 We love to go to the new farm and ride the gator.

 Wal-Mart is one of my downfalls in life.  I actually hate the store because it’s usually crowded with slow people who have no business taking up an entire aisle and abandoning their cart.  And the Wal-Mart in Mayberry is famous for being out of whatever I am looking for.  But I did hit the jackpot on these matching Batman pajamas for $6.00.  I think it’s adorable to dress my boys alike.  I know it won’t last long so I must enjoy it while I can.  Gran and Puddin size 5t and 18 months if you see any more matching pajamas.  Thanks in advance!!!!