Mitey Mite Football Game

Here are the photos from our football game this morning. Steven didn't get hurt, and that's really what matters most to me. LOL. George had a really bad dream the other night that he got badly hurt, and it's bothered him most of the week. Steven did have a couple of hard hits put on him today, but it was only because he was out there getting at the other teams quarterback. He was so proud of himself when he sacked him. He came up bobbing his head up and down like "YEA-YEH".  I almost came out of my own skin yelling and cheering for him. I L-O-V-E football, and to see Steven out there having so much fun and making plays makes the old cheerleader in me come out! On the way home, he said to me "Mom, I think you are my biggest fan....you are a great cheerleader, I heard you all the way out on the field!" I just laughed and told him I was sorry if I embarrassed him. He said "Oh no, I like it!"
We had two proud Uncles join us today, both Grandmothers, and Popa.
Our team lost 35-0, but Steven played his heart out, and did a great job at his position. We just need to tighten up our offensive line. Go Bulldogs!

 The Coach chose Steven as one of our team captains. #27

        Here's the cheering section from today's game.

                   Steven and his teammate Brandon

First Day of School 2011

Out the door at 7:30, off to the 2nd and 4th grades. I got a little teary as I pulled away from the school. I wonder if that will ever go away? I mean, once they are in like high school, will I still want to cry on their first day? I can't wait to pick them up to see how it went.

I drove straight to LOWE'S. I have to keep myself busy so that the quiet house doesn't drive me insane. I have 6 weeks til I go back to work. That gives me plenty of time to get done all those projects around the house. I seem to have a million ideas of things I'd like to do. I am a domestic girl at heart. I love to take care of and decorate my home. Today, I gave my front porch a good freshening. Spiders and bugs had all sorts of messes made in the corners of our entry. As I sprayed them down with the hose I was thinking of how they would make lovely Halloween decor, but then I checked myself thinking "nice try girl, don't be lazy."
I bleached my planters, doors, and doormats of all the mildew. Then I planted the mums and coleus I purchased at Lowe's in the window boxes.
I love Mums...they always make me feel like FALL. So, since I had the fall feeling, I went ahead and broke out the fall wreaths for the front doors. Next, I'm going to put on a pot of mulling spices, then get started on a deep clean of the kids activity room. Maybe now it will stay clean since they are out of the house!

Next up....the dining room to piano room transformation!

Steven's 1st Football Game!

What an exciting day! The day started with me waking to an all too early alarm. Saturdays are usually sleep-in days around here, but as I walked out of my bedroom door, I came upon a site I'll never forget. George was sitting on the coffee table, Steven in the club chair in his uniform. They were facing each other, George had him by both hands, their heads both bowed. George was praying out loud, a prayer for protection over our son.(I tear up to type it.) It was a precious, tender moment between Father and Son, that I was lucky to stumble upon on my way to the coffee pot. They were out the door a few moments later, while Amanda Lily and I were left to dress ourselves in our Bulldog gear, and meet them at the field in 30 mins. Nana and Popa came as well, and we met up with Heather and Mia at the field.

Today's game was a scrimmage, the equivalent to a preseason game in NFL. It didn't count in the record books, and thank goodness because despite the excellent effort made by our team, we lost. And once again, we find ourselves learning some of life's toughest lessons.

1. Just because you worked extra hard, there is always someone who is better than you.
2. Good sportsmanship includes knowing how to lose gracefully.
3. Teamwork is key, you win together, you lose together.
4.Those who love you will still love you even if you lose, and be there to lift your spirits when you need it most.

Another key lesson Steven learned is how to work for something you want. You see, as a "rookie", Steven was told he was second string, and would have limited playing time on the field. He was devastated and called himself a "bench warmer." Well, within the last 3 weeks of practice, he has really worked hard at his position as an Offensive Split End. He worked so hard in fact, that he won the starting position, and also got a starting position on Defense as a Defensive Tackle. Because he had to work for it, now it's even sweeter. *Oh, and a quick disclaimer. Even though George is a coach, it is not a democracy. The head coach makes all decisions on which kid gets the starting position. The other coaches have no input, because all 3 of them have sons on the team. One thing I've learned is that these Lake County people are SERIOUS about their football. The coach makes his best effort to do what it takes for our team to win, so there is no playing favorites.

We all had SO MUCH FUN out there. We were melting in the heat the whole time, but we still cheered and supported our boy. Honestly, I haven't been very happy with how football has encompassed our lives, and taken away from our "family time." Today made it all worth it. He is so happy out there. As a Mom, seeing that smile makes it worth the time, effort, extra praying, and sweat running down my back at practices and games. And besides, we are still having family time, just on a football field. Hey, at least we are all together, cause that's just how we roll.

Prepare for picture overload....I went a little crazy because it was his first ever game. He's #27 if you can pick him out amongst all the players.

              NANA AND POPA ARRIVE FOR THE GAME

                    ALL SMILES BEFORE THE GAME

    STEVEN'S BIGGEST FANS. LOVE THAT SHIRT MIA!      

                    NERVOUS MOM......PROUD DAD

                       AMANDA LILY'S HAIR BOW

                       JUST BEFORE FIRST SNAP

           STEVEN IS CROUCHED DOWN IN HIS STANCE

                    DEFENSIVE STANCE UP CLOSE

                               ACTION SHOT

      DAD (COACH) GIVING AN ENCOURAGING HEAD TAP

                                GO BULLDOGS!!!!

Meet the Teacher 2011

Today, we met the children's Teachers. Steven is starting 4th grade, and is in Mrs Roberts class. Mrs Roberts is in her 3rd year of teaching, and full of fresh ideas. She runs her classroom in stark contrast of Amanda Lily's 2nd grade Teacher, Ms Bierlin, who is starting her 25th year of teaching. Both teachers are VERY loving with the children in their classes. I couldn't be happier, as I feel like they are just what each of my children need at this stage of academic development. We are full of hope and excitement for a fresh new school year.
As a gift, we gave each Teacher a set of notes, and this cute little sharpened pencil holder, for their desks. If you follow my blog, you know I am currently OBSESSED with mason jars. So, of course I had to use them for these gifts. You can find the free printable sticker here http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-2-school-printables.html. (I'm not sure how to create a link, so you will have to type it into your browser.)

                 HAPPY BACK TO SCHOOL TO ALL!!!!

Update!

Steven earned his yellow belt....YEA!

Martial Artist in the house

With all the trouble and heartache he had becoming the "new kid" at school last year, George and I decided it might be a good idea if Steven took martial arts. He started about 4 months ago, and has continued this summer. He has really enjoyed learning self defense, self confidence, and self discipline. Last Friday, he tested for his yellow belt. Today is Sunday, and tomorrow he will find out if he earned that yellow belt or not. I wanted to get this photo blogged of him as a white belt. I snapped it on Friday just after he finished his test. Hopefully, I'll have an update of him in his yellow belt next time I post!

The Nine Promise

Steven has begged me for the past 5 years to play tackle football. My answer has always been "i promise I'll let you when you are 9" I guess 9 was the number because my brother played tackle football as a 9 year old boy.
I tried my very best to get Steven to be interested in any other sport. We've tried soccer, basketball, baseball, and tennis. None of them were his sport. Anyhow, this year he turned 9 and immediately said he was most excited that he could finally play football. I told him that the only way I was making good on the nine promise was if he could convince his Dad to coach. I somehow feel better about Steven being out there with George. It has been a fun adventure for both of them, and I've seen a shift in their relationship. I don't know if it happens to all boys around this age, but Steven is really starting to look up to his Dad, and looks to him for advice in a deeper way. It's almost as if he is moving closer to George, and further away from me. Kind of like he is becoming more of a man. I don't have the right words here, but hopefully you all get what I mean. He's still my sweet and loving boy, but he's no longer the "mama's boy" he has always been. George and I just the other day said a prayer together that God would give George the right words to say to Steven, as his Dad. He is learning "life lessons" everyday, and we feel like it's a crucial time in his life. A time he will most likely look back on as a man and remember just what his Dad said. Situations are coming up weekly. Stuff he needs to learn how to handle, and how to act appropriately.
He is happier than ever playing football. It is a HUGE commitment for our entire family. Practices this past two weeks have been every evening, for 2 hours! It is HOT out there, and the league is being very careful with the kids. He is loving all aspects of the sport. One of his closest friends and our next door neighbor, Josh is also playing. They are both "rookies" and are excited about the season. I'll keep you all posted on how the season goes. The first game is in a couple of weeks! GO BULLDOGS!

PS...for all you former cheerleaders, Amanda Lily was signed up to cheer, but unfortunately, cheer practice is the same 2 nights a week as ballet. When given the option of the two, she chose ballet hands down. She is super committed to her ballet, so maybe in a few years she can do both!

Mason Jar Oatmeal

Since back to school is quickly approaching, I feel the need to find ways to make mornings easy. Try this quick and simple recipe. Get your kids involved in measuring out the ingredients, and in the morning they will be more likely to try it. Mine both thought the tangy taste of the Greek yogurt overpowered the other flavors, so I've changed the recipe here to half the original yogurt called for. If you enjoy the extra "bite", do 1/2 cup Greek yogurt. This has tons of possibilities as far as mix ins, so have fun with it....we plan to. Next time I plan to use my sauteed peaches recipe, and add them into the oatmeal the next morning. Thanks to my girl, Heather for the recipe. :)

MASON JAR OATMEAL
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup milk (we use almond milk)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
(we call ours cinnamon rolls in a jar)

Add all ingredients into a mason jar. Shake gently, until all is combined. Put in fridge overnight. Enjoy in the morning with any fresh fruit, cut up banana, honey, agave nectar, or granola.

                                 shakin' it up

                     

Care for Kids Back to School

Many years ago, my Dad started a non for profit he named CARE FOR KIDS. The goal over the years has always been to provide kids who don't have a lot with Christmas gifts, clothes, food, etc. It has been a huge success.
Well, this year our little organization was approached by some of our local churches who were doing a "Back to School Bash" They wanted to know if we could help in any way. We all pulled together and were able to provide backpacks and school supplies to over 250 kids. Mom and I decided they all needed a treat to go along with their backpacks and supplies, so we spent Friday making 300 CUPCAKES! Aunt Suzie spent the day in the kitchen with us, and the three of us had a blast. Over the hours, the kids floated in and out of the kitchen helping here and there. Aunt Vera showed up to help keep us company, and do a little sprinkling. It was a fun day in one of my favorite places on earth, and for a good cause. My prayer is that the kids who enjoy them are blessed in this upcoming school year. Just check out all those cupcakes......

Charleston South Carolina

Mom and I took my two kids and my nephew on a trip to Patriots Point for the weekend. We visited the aircraft carrier Yorktown, and a retired Submarine! It was incredible how we just walked right on and did a self guided tour. We spent the entire day checking out all the memerobilia, airplanes, helicopters, and even hung out in "the situation room." Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to the day in the heat, but I was seriously impressed. Steven's favorite part of the day was seeing an F14 Tomcat. My favorite part was that they had a mock US Vietnam War Base with barracks and all. The kids imagined how my Dad must have felt living in those kinds of places. We all left that day feeling a bit more patriotic, as you just can't help getting the feeling of National pride and patriotism.

We also took a trip into downtown Charleston. It is my kind of place. The real shopping is found in the Historic District, and it had "girls trip" written ALL over it. The old buildings were beautiful, and the fact that they housed some of my favorite shops....GASP! It took all I had not to stop and take photos of them all. There will be another trip in my future, sans children .Maybe like November, when the leaves are changing.

We did drag the kids through an open air market on the way to a doll shop. The doll shop was really the only thing Amanda Lily looked forward to. We let her take her time while there. She chose some adorable outfits and dress up clothes for her American Girl doll.

Next post will be from our trip to Savannah, Georgia. Summer is winding down, so we've been trying our best to take advantage of our time.