Kayla's 6th Grade Photos

Thought I'd share Kayla's 6th grade school photos. It's funny how expensive they are. I've decided next year I'm going to Walmart to get her photos done. I can get more poses and it's cheaper. But these turned out nice. They give you the ability to save the color, black and white, and sepia photos. Which is your favorite?


The Color?


The Black and White?



Or the Sepia?

It's Officially Fall

Okay it's officially Fall but it's not because the leaves are falling or because the temperatures have really cooled off. The daytime highs here are still around 80 but at night it's cooled off. Nope it's officially Fall because we got the boys Halloween costumes (which they love wearing every chance they get) and because I made my first Apple Crisp. Who doesn't love some home made Apple Crisp hot out of the oven with some nice cool ice cream on top? I wonder if that makes a good breakfast treat?

Cubs vs. Rangers

I just realized I didn't blog about the most recent tball game for Alex and Phil last weekend (Logan didn't have any games). The Cubs played against the Rangers and I think that the Cubs won. Of course I'm sure I'm biased. We had several players hitting the ball off the pitch and one of those was Alex! Way to go Alex! Alex had some great plays in the infield throwing to first. This week Alex got the game ball! Yay Alex!

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

Thought I'd put a photo of my brother up as my favorite photo for the week. This photo always makes me laugh - it really shows how much fun my brother really is. I remember when he got ready for this event. He and his friend Robert were Bridesmaids (or Maid of Honors I forget which) for their friend Marcie's wedding. The night of the rehearsal dinner he and Rob dressed up as ladies. I laughed all night. This is the photo taken at the rehearsal dinner. Doesn't he make a cute, albeit hairy, girl?


For more photos visit Candid Carrie.

Phil As A Pancake

Tonight Phil had all the kids with him at Alex's tball practice. This ended up not being a fun night for him. Although I had a little fun because I was home making pancakes for everyone. While adding some chocolate to them I made them look like faces. I think this is what Phil would look like as a pancake. What do you think?

Some Wednesday Fun

Most people that know me realize that there are very few photos of me (at least as an adult) because I don't like my picture being taken and I'm usually the one behind the camera. My friend Teri, who must be extremely bored right now, prepared these photos of me. So enjoy!

Logan's First Friend Phone Call

Okay this might not be a big deal to most but I thought it was cute so I had to write about it. Today Logan got a phone call from his first school friend. Jacob and Logan talked for a good 1/2 hour (hmm - just like girls - will I lose all use of my phone?) and now he's waiting for him to call back. They've been spending the time talking about their animals and sharing funny jokes and making Phil make chicken noises.

Gas Shortages

Here in the ATL we're experiencing some gas shortages. Yesterday I had to drive around (I was on E and legitimately needed some gas) for a little while to find gas. The only place I could get gas at had a limit of 10 gallons per customer. I'm not complaining but I am hoping that the supplies increase by Thursday morning when I'll need gas to get to work. I'm thankful that I'm not in an area that was hit by the recent hurricanes and pray for those that are still in the recovery process.

I wonder how much the media's emphasis on the fact that there could be a gas shortage as a result of Hurricane Ike has played on the problem. I definitely think people are filling up earlier than they used to because they fear we'll be out of gas. Sure would be nice to have a job that allowed telecommuting than gas wouldn't be a problem.

Of course the upside - a vacation day to clean my house and clean out all the extra clothes I don't wear. Maybe I don't want any gas on Thursday.

The Sisterhood of the Fuzzy Slippers

This was the September BFF Gang's first annual girls weekend getaway. We affectionately call it the Sisterhood of the Fuzzy Slippers. The weekend started Friday night at about 9 p.m. as we headed off to a cabin in Elijay (courtesy of Amy's family's time share - thanks to Peggy and Shannon for allowing us to use their time) and upon our arrival Gin gave each of us matching white fuzzy slippers (which we wore except when we left the cabin) while we enjoyed some delicious cookie birthday cake from Shannon.



It was a husband and kid free weekend with just the girls. I'd love to share the stories of all the fun we had but I believe our motto is what happens in the sisterhood of the fuzzy slippers stays in the sisterhood of the fuzzy slippers. I hope that we'll be able to make this an annual trip to celebrate our September birthdays. Happy Birthday to Us.

Cubs at the Yankees

The Cubs played the Yankees Saturday morning. The team did a great job! Everyone was on fire. Even the one player that last week didn't want to play - he ended up getting the game ball. Way to go Cubs!

Twins at the Royals

On Saturday the Twins played the Royals but lost despite a great effort by the team! Logan had a triple off the pitch at his first at bat with another line drive to third. He watched the balls when they were hit and didn't get tagged out. He forced an out at first and the best part was he got the game ball for all his efforts!

Twins vs. Yankees

Friday night the Twins had their first win of the season against the Yankees. It was a great night for Logan. His first at bat he hit a line drive off the pitch into the outfield along the third base line. He ended up getting a home run! His second at bat he had a double as well as his third at bat. He ended up throwing an out at first as he played circle. He did a great job as did the rest of the team!

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

This is one of my favorite photos. This was Alex on Logan's birthday barely awake and not sure that he wants to be up to watch Logan open his gifts. For more Friday Foto Finishes check out Candid Carrie's site.

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

Ahoy Mateys! It's International Talk like a pirate day! For you land lubbers it's a day to have some fun! So what would Long John Silver's Parrot do? He'd find a way to pirate speak all day. If you need some help translating your words mates this website will help. For fun sign off with your Pirate Name - today I'm Mad Ethel Vane.

Germs

While at Logan's party the other day Alex and I were sharing a bottled water. This prompted the following out of nowhere statement:

Alex: Mom if you take a drink and I take a drink then we're spreading germs.

I did tell him it was okay if he and I shared a drink but he shouldn't share drinks with friends at school.

It's Raining Candy

On Sunday Logan had his friend birthday party. Despite the wait (11 days post birthday) he had a great time. Rather than rent someplace expensive we just had it at the local park. The equipment is brand new and lots of fun. The kids played for a while and we gathered everyone up to have some pizza and drinks. Then we did the pinata. Of course it was a pull string one that after we pulled out all the strings it didn't break open. Good thing we brought the bat to take some swings at it. Once it broke open Phil showered all the kids with candy.


This is Logan as he contemplates his wishes. Of course little does he know that the candles on his cake are trick candles that won't blow out.

Why It's A Good Idea to Charge Your Cell Phone

I've somehow misplaced my cell phone. I know it's in the kitchen somewhere because I could hear it beeping Sunday night as it screamed plug me in and charge me. When I went to get it Monday morning from the place I thought I left it (the kitchen table) it was no where to be found. Of course had I charged it while it was beeping I would have at least been able to call it and trace the ring until I found out. Instead I've been hopelessly looking for it each night. Keep your fingers crossed I find it tonight (No it's not in the dirty clothes being washed - we already checked there).

UPDATE: Well it turns out the phone wasn't in the kitchen or at least not anymore. The phone was in my purse the whole time. Of course I did look in my purse. Apparently that means I need to desperately clean out my purse.

Game Three Twins at Red Sox

Today was Game Three for the Twins vs. the Red Sox. Logan was once again playing circle! He did a great job but still needs to work on not kicking the dirt. He's making his coach and the rest of us a bit nervous.

The Twins were hitting just that the Red Sox's short stop and first baseman were on fire! So no matter how well we hit we were getting thrown out. Logan got a new bat and hit it off the pitch on his first at bat. :) It was fun to watch.

The kids may not have won a game but they're having lots of fun!

Game Two - Cubs at Astros

Today was Game Two for Alex's team - the Cubs. We saw a totally different team today. 100% better than last week! The kids (although some were gang pilers :)) went after the ball and didn't just wait for it to come to them. We had kids hitting off the pitch! Pretty good for only being game two! Alex hit it off the tee down the first base line and ran super fast around the bases!

I'd like to say that the Cubs won - just a little. :) But I'm biased.

Doing the Happy Dance

This may not seem like a big deal to most but when you drive 38 miles one way to work every day it's a huge deal. I've been driving through an area of construction for about two years (carpooling most of the time). It's supposed to be complete in December and lucky for us that live north of Atlanta they opened a portion of it last year way ahead of schedule.

One of the things they are doing is extending out where the HOV (high occupancy vehicle - i.e. 2 or more) begins and ends. Much to my suprise this morning they reopened the HOV lane at the new starting location! I had to do a small, yet carefully executed, happy dance with my co-rider this morning. This change is going to save us even more time!

Happy Day!

Game Two - Twins vs. Cubs

Tonight was the second game of the season for the Twins Tball team. Despite the young age of the team they did quite well tonight. Little Josh in the outfield made some great throws into circle to Logan. Way to go Josh - you deserved the game ball! Logan had a hit off the pitch tonight and had some great throws from circle to first base. He was so excited to play circle for the entire game! He did a great job - now only if the Coach can convice them all to stop playing in the dirt.

The score? Well the Twins lost 17-16 but that's okay - the kids listened and had a great time playing. Get some rest Twins - the next game is Saturday!

Recommended Reading

So often I write about the comings and goings of everyone else in the house but I thought today I'd share a recommended book. There's several that I've really enjoyed but this one is definitely up at the top of my list. Yesterday I received from my best friend Jenny a book in the mail for my birthday. The book? "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch.

I know a lot of people have read it already and it's been on my list to read for quite some time. I didn't realize how good it would be until I started reading it. It's full of wonderful advice and ways to really live life to the fullest. I've gotten some great quotes from there that I've put up as inspiration on my black board at work. They include:

1. You can always change you plan, but only if you have one.
2. Complaining does not work as a strategy.
3. Not everything needs to be fixed.
4. I don't believe in the no-win scenario.

There's so many more. I can't wait to go back and start from the beginning again of course after I read the last 30 pages! So if you're looking for a good book - I recommend this one.

Monday Fun Photo

I had to share this photo with everyone. I think I could become rich if I just designed baseball pants that fit the kids. If you order a size small the length isn't so bad but even the skinniest kid can't breathe. Logan had to order a youth medium. They look a little big, huh? Good thing he has a belt.

Game One Twins vs. Rays

Logan's first tball game was today too at 5 p.m. They didn't win but it was still exciting for us because Logan played the majority of the game in the infield!! He was excited. His first two innings he played circle (i.e. pitcher) and was able to stop balls and get them to first base. He even threw some out at first. He played the third inning in the outfield (a little bit boring for him since no one on the other team hit that far). In the fourth inning he got to play 3rd base.

At every bat he got a hit. He did have one out since one hit was straight up the first base line. He did a great job and so did the team! We have quite a few new players at this level. Way to go Twins!

Game One Cubs vs. Braves

It's that time of year again - baseball game updates. Today was the Cubs first game. It was a tie as both teams (full of 3 and 4 year olds) did well for their first game. We did have one player that chased down his own ball after he hit and another that ran to the third after hitting his ball. All in all it was good. Alex did a great job fielding the ball at 1st and at 3rd today.

Way to go Cubs! Grr!

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

I wasn't going to do a favorite photo Friday today but my brother sent me this photo and I really like it. It's my grandpa next to a plane. He truly loved planes and flying. This to me really captures that. For other fun photos visit Candid Carrie's.

Happy Birthday to Me

Since I right (I mean write) all the entries to the blog I thought I'd just say Happy Birthday to Me. :)

Happy 6th Birthday Logan!

Yesterday Logan comes home and says "I can't believe tomorrow is my birthday." I too can't believe that Logan is now 6! (Well at 12:49 p.m. he will be.) It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital and heading off to watch Kayla cheer at highschool football game.

Logan you're growing so fast and you are wise for your 6 years. We always think of how at times you're an old soul in a young body. We love you.

Today we started the day off with presents because we won't be home until after 7 tonight. (Kids get up really fast when you mention gifts.) Tonight both boys have ball practice and then we'll let Logan decide what he wants for his birthday dinner. We'll return home for cake and ice cream and then it will be time for bed.

Happy Birthday Logan!

Kayla - The Blue Belt

Last Saturday was belt testing at Tomekichi Martial Arts. Watching them test makes me tired and I'm just sitting there. The endurance rounds are a killer and almost always makes Kayla sick to her stomach. The hard work paid off. Last night at class Kayla was awarded her blue belt.

Alex's Look

Alex didn't get his hair cut this past weekend but he wanted to sport a different look. We were able to get this look to stay until he went to bed. Is he really a candidate for a mohawk?

Looking Forward to the Games

I'm looking forward to this season of Tball. For the first time Logan will be playing in the infield. :) He's excited we're all excited. We're not sure which position that he'll play - either third, first or shortstop. Yesterday at practice (I wish I would have seen this - I have to retell Phil's version) Logan had his Coach cracking up.

Logan was playing first and when he ran was huffing and puffing making some funny noises. The coach was laughing so hard that he had to turn his back to Logan. Logan threw the ball to the coach and hit him in the back.

I'll get to see him practice on Wednesday so maybe I'll get to witness it.