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!

I Believe....

The 7th grade class had to write an essay based off of the NPR program called 'I Believe'.  Each student had to start their essay with 'I Believe...' and discuss their core beliefs that guide their lives.  Justin wrote about the golden rule.  So proud of his essay and what he wrote and believes.  The school had a presentation for all of the parents in their classroom and each student read their essay aloud. All of their essays were displayed in 'the pit' which is the center gathering area of the middle school.

For the Love of Basketball

Justin has been playing basketball for years and years.  He just loves the sport, he plays it and loves watching it on TV.  He loves to shoot hoops after dinner and sometimes you will catch me out there with him but mostly Don plays with him. His favorite league is called Yes I Can Basketball.  The main coach is coach Steven, he is loud and opinionated and great with the kids and Justin really likes him.

The last 2 seasons/sessions his dad has been the side-line coach for Justin's team and I think that has made it more special.  The winter session they were undefeated going in to the last game.  This session they were 4-2. 

Strawberry Season has come....

One of my favorite times of the year....when strawberries are in season.  This year we went to a different field in SC. The strawberries were smaller but they were delicious!

As the tradition goes after a hard, sweaty day of picking, ok maybe not a day, but at least 45 -1 hr we treat ourselves to homemade strawberry ice cream from the farm stand!  It is so creamy and delicious! I think we have enough time this week for one more trip out to the farm to pick before the season is gone until next year!

Family....love when they visit!

My sister-in-law Rebecca called and said that she would be flying in from Denver.  Craig and she moved there last year.  So of course we had to have a family dinner at my house!  Drew was in Asheville on business, so he drove to Charlotte so we could spend a fun-filled evening together.We even facetime'd with Craig after dinner so it was just like he was here!

After dinner and convo, we snapped some pictures.  Grandma and Justin even took a 'selfie'!

Rebecca could only stay the night but we were glad to have her.  We miss Craig and Rebecca but will be seeing them in June when we take our vacation out there!

Spring Break Beach style!

Decided to take a long weekend at Surfside Beach in NC for spring break.  Weather couldn't have been better.  Ocean temps were cold at about 64 degrees but that didn't deter Justin and Ryan from getting in, Don and I NO WAY!  But I did however enjoy sitting, and walking on the beach.

It was the perfect getaway...kids didn't really complain or argue (much), weather was perfect.  It was totally relaxing.  Sat on the beach, played some mini-golf, got ice cream and even went to an all you can eat seafood buffet....not my things but Don and the boys loved it!

Even saw a mini turtle in the pond at the min-golf place!  Ryan won mini-golf, he bet Justin before the game that he would win, and I thought to myself, ummmm.  Justin had to do Ryan's chores for a day.  Way to go Ryan!!

Friends...that stand the test of time!

A few weekends ago a friend of mine from high school came to visit, yes high school, that was 30 years ago.  We have been friends on and off since 198x-something.  At times we lost touch, not completely but you know how life gets busy but we never really completely lost our way. I have always enjoyed his company and admired his opinions. So having him come to visit my family in NC was a special treat!  The boys loved hanging out with him too! 

Decided to take him to the big city of downtown Charlotte!  haha!!  Had a great day, hit the french coffee shop/bakery, then went to one of the only museums in Charlotte, the Bechtler and then lunch.