Addie's Song

Addie loves to sing and makes up songs regularly or sings songs from movies or her CDs. She sang a very special, original song tonight. I will share it with you. "I love you, Toilet Paper. I love you, Toilet Paper. When I pee or poop I wipe my butt with TOI......LET.......PA.......PER!!!!!!!" You're Welcome.

Soccer

Jackson is LOVING soccer! He first expressed an interest in playing soccer a few months ago. Before that, he was all about playing baseball. When it was time to sign him up for a Spring sport I was sure he would pick baseball, but he proved me wrong. He wanted to play soccer. I was hesitant at first, but we signed him up. I was afraid he would go to a couple of practices and discover just how much running is involved in playing soccer and want to quit. Well, let me just say (again!) that he LOVES it! He is pretty good at it, too. Most of the kids on his team have played before, but he fits right in with them. In fact, he is one of the better players (If I do say so myself!). He is fast, persistent, attentive, quick and aggressive. He has scored in each of the games he has played so far. One of his coaches is surprised that he hasn't played before. He loves being good at something (Don't we all?!) and looks forward to practice and games each week. He has told us that he wants to play baseball again this Summer, but right now he is LOVING soccer. I am enjoying watching him play and learning all the rules and intricacies of the game. Who would have thought we would be a soccer family? Not I and especially not Drew! He wasn't looking forward to soccer games, but I think he really likes them, too.

He just LOOKS like a soccer player!

This is his coach that is VERY encouraging to him. He always has something nice to say to Jackson.

This is Jackson's first grade teacher. She was sweet to come watch him play yesterday. He loves her as much as he loves soccer!

Spring Break in Pictures (and some words)

The kids looking for things in the mud. They found some water bugs, frogs, crawdads and a salamander.

Bryson loves to search for creatures.

Addie searching with her net!

It got warm on Saturday, so Jackson and Addie took off their shirts. Jack didn't really want me to take his picture, but I did anyway!

Addison getting her feet wet in the pond.

Jackson climbing the side of the road.

Cousins~ Jackson, Bryson, Addison, Charlie, Grace and Kaelyn

Our trusty hike guide!

The boys on the hike. We made them walk at the end because of all the sticks they were swinging around.

Grace~ She had fun playing outside with the kids. She was a very good sport this week.

The kids at the creek. This is the spot we swim in during the summer. We LOVE to swim in the creek!

Addison on the hike.

Another picture taken during our hike. I can't believe that Bryson is almost as big as I am!

There are trails at my grandparents' house. Each trail is named after one of the great-grandchildren. My grandmother has painted signs that were hung at the beginning and end of each trail. Our goal on our hike was to take a picture of all the kids by their sign. We walked about 1.5-2 miles trying to make it to all the signs. I am proud to say the kids made it without much complaint. They were "rescued" right after we took the last picture when Amanda, Charles and Uncle Terry showed up with the four-wheelers. Drew and I got to finish the last mile or so by ourselves in total silence! That was the BEST part of the hike! :0)

Addie had a good time fishing. We were using a salamander lurer. We never even got a bite. Each time she reeled it in she would say, "Hey, I keep getting the same thing." Then she said, "We should name him." I think we settled on Sam the Salamander. Sam never did catch us a fish!

Wednesday we roasted hot dogs by the fire. Drew set us up so we wouldn't have to stand there and hold the sticks. If you know Drew, you know how he likes to makes things as easy as possible!

Amanda and Charles. We had a good time hanging out with them. We don't get to see them very often.

Addie!

Grandmother and Granddad relaxing out by the fire.

Friday evening we loaded up and headed up to my favorite place~ The Pond. I just love being up there. I have been going there since I was a little girl. It just feels like home and my kids love it, too. Drew would live up there if he could.

We just do whatever we want when we are there. We sleep as late as possible. Eat whenever we want. Stay outside as much as we can. I enjoy running up there, also. I ran three days while we were gone. I love running on the country roads. The runs are always challenging because of all the hills and the dirt roads that lead to the paved roads, but I just feel such peace when I run there.

Amanda and her family got there on Sunday evening. They also brought Grace, Amanda and Charles' niece, with them. Their son, Charlie, is the same age and Jackson and their daughter, Kaelyn, is about a year and a half older than Addison. Grace is a year younger than Bryson. The kids had so much fun playing outside together.

Monday it was cold and rainy, but the other days were just beautiful. We stayed outside most of the day and even got a little color from the sun!

We just spent five days playing outside and relaxing as much as possible. We hiked, fished, played cards, ate, road four-wheelers and talked. You can't have a better Spring Break than that!

We came home today and hope to get a few things done around the house before we have to go back to work on Monday. We have 10 more Mondays left before school is out for SUMMER! I love my job, but I also love getting to spend the summer with my family. Only 73 more days until Summer 2011!!!

Short post and not very exciting!

So, I have been just a little busy and haven't taken the time to post anything new. We are just living life and trying to muddle through until Spring Break. Which starts today at 3:45!!!

Bryson finished up his basketball season last night and Jackson is in full swing with his soccer. I always looked forward to the day my kids were involved in sports, so I am loving this! It gets a little hectic at times, but it really is a lot of fun. I love watching them play and interact with other boys. It warms my heart to see them offer a hand to someone who has fallen down and to shake hands with the opposing team before and after the game. I have always been a little competitive myself, so I love the feel of competition. It does make me want to get out there and play something, though. I would love to play basketball again, but I just don't have the time. Maybe one day!

My next event is in April. I am doing the Warrior Dash. I have never done anything like that so I don't really know what to expect. I am going into it with no expectations other than to just have fun.

I am still hoping to one day learn to love running. I still do it at least 3 times a week, but I have yet to experience a feeling LOVE for it. Hopefully, one day I can say that I love it.

Drew is doing well. I am really proud of him and he will probably be mad at me for posting this, but he has lost 20 pounds recently! We are trying really hard to eat well and set a good example for our kids. We do okay, but there is always room for improvement. Way to go, Drew, and don't be too mad at me! I just want to celebrate your successes with you!

That is all I have time for right now. I will post some Spring Break pictures in a week or so! Happy Spring Break! Only 10 more weeks of school until Summer 2011!!!