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!

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!