We have a Teenager in the House

Justin's is now a teenager....13.  How did that happen? When people tell you time fly's and enjoy every minute...I now know what all that means!  They grow up so fast, right before your eyes. This birthday for me was teary...I cant believe when I stand next to my son who by the way is 5'7 and wears a 10 1/2 men's shoe and looks me straight in the eyes that my sweet boy is growing up.  I still see that same sweet look in his eyes (well most of the time). He heads into 8th grade, yes last year of middle school the coming school year.

We celebrated his 13th birthday on Tuesday.  I started off the morning in our tradition of pancakes and bacon, of course spelling out his name.

Justin, Ryan and I went to the movies and saw Heaven is for Real.  We read that book together years ago so it was great that we got to see the movie together. Some junk food and soda and we were set, smuggled in of course in my big purse. Afterwards Ryan had a track meet at the high school until 730p, so we went watched, cheered and congratulated Ryan and headed out for dinner with my mom.

 

A new Italian restaurant opened up by our house, I was surprised by the 15 minute wait on a Tuesday night at 730p.  We were seated and ordered right away however some issues in the kitchen and an hour later still no food.  The waitress comped our entire meal! And the boys were good as gold waiting, we did have lots of bread and olive oil tho!  Food was really good when it came. Justin's favorite is Boston cream pie, which I made for him. First attempt, I have made boston cream cupcakes before but not a whole cake.  Turned out really good!

And last but not least for this 13 year old, a smartphone, an iphone to be exact!  Life is good for this 13 year old!

Home on Leave!

Nick was home, Nick was home!  Nick had leave from the Army and was back in NC.  He is stationed in Colorado Spring, CO, the weather here was a nice change, no snow.  He was in Afghanistan for about 7-10 days on a mission. We got to spend 2 days with him. We had to pack a lot into those days.  We celebrated Nick's 19th birthday.

We had a friendly game or two of bowling and played in the arcade.

Had some fun messing around....

 

Went out to dinner and met my mom and Terry for some southern BBQ and just had a great visit!! And snapped a whole bunch of family pictures!

Celebrating Mom's Birthday

Mom has the last birthday in May of the family.  Terry cooked dinner for all of us on her birthday. A few gifts, cards and to top off the evening cake of course. It was a school night so we had to leave early so we wouldn't miss bedtime! Birthdays are always better when shared with family. Boys lite the candles and helped blow them out!

Field Day at Sandy Ridge

Field day at Sandy Ridge!  This is the first time in 6-7 years I didn't volunteer for field day.  I decided to volunteer for Earth Day in April, it was more low-key and I didn't get hit with a wet sponge or errand ball! And had just as much fun! But I did have to stop by and see Ryan.  It is one of the days the kids look forward to all year long! He and his buddy James love messing around.

 After all is said and done, slushies from the icee truck!  What could be better!

Another Birthday

May is a month full of birthdays, mother's day, and lots of activities.  Another year has come and gone.  I'm on the downward side of 50....eeekkkks!  But spending my birthday with family is always special.  My day started out with the picture below from my loves! A beautiful orchid, a sign and cards from Don and the boys and this was at 615 in the morning. Justin got up extra early to make me pancakes for breakfast, it was a school day!

I worked some in the morning and then met my mom for lunch.  It has been our traditional for the last few years to have lunch together on my birthday.

Dinner with the family and then of course cake!

I dont know why I am looking up? We have 2 friends that also have birthdays 2 days before me, so we decide to triple the celebration that weekend.  However Gregg got strep throat that day and missed his own bday celebration but we were lucky to have Jodi, his wife stand in for him. Rachel as always was the perfect hostess.

Happy birthday to me, Nick and Gregg!

The meaning of Mother's Day (to me!)

As I sit here and type this blog, I realize how much I love being a mother!  How much it has changed my life for the good.  It is not an easy job and one that takes work every single day, but the joys that come from it are endless! I don't know what I did with all my time before being a mom and I dont want to think about all the time I will have after they are gone! Justin and Ryan are my sunshine.  That was Justin's favorite song when he was little. Got to spend Mother's Day with my mom too!  

Had a great time with my boys and Don, drawing on the driveway, which we haven't done in years and blowing bubbles, again something we haven't done forever. Don cooked and cleaned up from an awesome dinner! Life is good!!

Let Me Run!

Let Me Run is a national running program through the elementary school for boys and I think middle schools as well.  It is not only a running program but inspires boys to be themselves, to be active and to build healthy relationships.  This is Ryan's second session with the program this year. He and a few of his buddies all participated, especially his best bud, Alex. They run 2 days a week after school and talk about subjects from bullying to friendships.  One of the days Josh McCown from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came by to talk to them and run with them and even play a game of touch football.  His sons go to the elementary school and are in the program. Ryan said it was cool!

After about 8-9 weeks the program ends with a 5k with all of the local schools in the area.  This year there were about 30-40 schools.  Before the race, they have a bounce house, bubble blowing machines, tables set up for tattoos for the kids, you can make signs for your runner, color your hair green.  It was a great morning.

And afterwards they have protein drinks, bananas, yogurts and of course the icee truck! Each runner gets a medal when they cross the finish line.

We now have a new lawn BOY!!

Justin is finally at the age that he can start mowing the lawn!  Last week was his second go around with it.  I have to say that the second time was better than the first.  He didn't complain as much and his lines were somewhat straighter or should I say a little straighter!  Next time it will be even better! Don is thrilled, we only have him mow the back and the side.  He isn't quite ready for the front yet. :)

 I love the shades, he tells me that the grass blows in his face so he needs the sunglasses!