Being Silly

For whatever reason Riley decided to get dressed up like a nerd. As soon as Bailey saw him she followed suit. I tried to get a picture of Riley, but I was too slow. As soon as he saw the camera he started to rip off the clothes. Then says "now that you have that blog I can't do stupid things". Notice that I did catch him before he could get to the socks. While Bailey was changing Riley hid in the entryway but as he snuck up he couldn't get the quick pic. She didn't mind at all and as you can see gave us a big, cheesy grin.

He's growing up too fast!

Sometimes in moments like these you realize how quickly your kids have grown up. Riley and his friend Casey are out fixing his bike. He didn't need nor did he have to ask for any help. I just looked out the kitchen window and there they were tools and all. In ways it's really exciting to see how much he's learned and matured, but sometimes it's just kinda' sad. My little boy is not so little after all. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was not only taking him to school, but walking him all the way to the classroom door just to make sure he got there safely. Now with a quick goodbye he's off to ride with his friends.

Thunderstorms

Ever since I can remember Bailey has been afraid of loud noises. We don't even do the fireworks on the Fourth of July. So last night around 7:00 when it began to rain Bailey began scheming trying to figure out who she could sleep with. Luckily for her I have BSF on Friday mornings and need to go to sleep early, so I let her come to bed with me. This seemed to solve two problems because now she wouldn't be woken up by the sound of thunder and she was allowed to sleep in my room which she's been trying to do for a couple of weeks. Two weeks ago when Jeremy was at school late I let her fall asleep in my room. Well, that didn't please her because she wanted me to go to sleep at the same time so that we could talk and cuddle. How could I refuse? We stayed up talking for approximately 30 minutes about all sorts of things: "her dog" Shiloh (I don't think she's going to let that die!), friends, church, etc...

Operation

Tonight while the boys were away Bailey wanted to "do something special" with me. After dinner and a bath we decided on Operation. I really don't remember this game being so hard. We've had it since Christmas, but I haven't made a lot of progress. The game went pretty quickly until it was time for the horse. After many tries Bailey was finally able to free him, but I still won. And of course since we were playing games she needed game food - she can think of any excuse to eat.

The Latte Factor

It was a beautiful, sunny day so we decided to hang out at Starbuck's with a frappuccino. Definitely something that will remain in the budget. I can give up a lot, but coffee not so much. Instead of asking someone to take our picture Jeremy decided to take care of that himself.

We also made it to Bear Creek for Riley's football game. There were at least 20 kids on the field. It was kind of crazy and not at all organized. Riley's team won - as usual. He was a little disappointed that he didn't score though, because he usually ends up with at least one touchdown per game.

Lunch with Daddy

Jeremy and Bailey enjoying pizza and nachos. Because Jeremy works so far from home the kids don't get to have lunch with him often, so it's always a special treat. Jeremy really knows how to charm the lunch ladies and always scores some extra food.

For My BSF Viewers

On Monday nights the kids help me set up the chairs to prepare for discussion group. Part of the prep is setting up an empty chair for Gail (our teaching leader) so that she can stop by and observe each group. That chair is always the chair closest to the door so she can slip in and out easily. Bailey always puts the Reserved for Gail sign up so the ladies don't accidentally take her seat. So, last night as we were walking them to their individual classes we happened to pass by Gail. Bailey says "Mom, is that the Gail! As in the Reserved for Gail!" Who knows maybe I can get her an autograph. It was so cute.

Grandma Mamie and Uncle Jerry

Last night the kids got an unexpected visit from Grandma Mamie (Jeremy's mom) and Uncle Jerry (her brother). They happened to be passing through on their way back to Cason, Texas. Uncle Jerry gave each of the kids $5.00!! Gotta love inflation. I think Uncle Jerry's trying to make up with Riley over "the fork incident". If you can't tell Jeremy got his height from his mother ;-) She stands at about 5'3"! Seriously - his dad is short.

Riley's Turn

Today Jeremy and I got to have lunch with Riley. I tried to take a picture of all three of us at lunch, but Riley wouldn't allow it. I guess we're getting to "that" age! Oh well, I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later. It's always interesting to have lunch with eight 7th grade boys. You'd be surprised how much fun can be had with mashed potatoes and a milk carton. We planned on staying to watch the football game at recess, but it got rained out.





This is the Bear Creek Intermediate mascot. At BCI all of the children are asked to only pass him on the right and to "respect" the bear. In Riley's words he "won't worship their idol."

Win or Go Home!!

On Saturday Jeremy and I played in a whiffle ball tournament with our church. Our team, Stamps Blue, won three games to reach the finals. After three long extra innings: Stamps Blue is down by 1 run in the bottom of the sixth, there are two outs and I'm up to bat with only 1 pitch left...dramatic pause...I get a double then Debbie Stamps hits an RBI allowing me the glory of scoring the winning run! However, I am sorry to say that Jeremy walked away with some injuries after sliding into 2nd base.

Congrats to Bailey

In Texas all third graders are required to take and pass the reading TAKS test. Bailey has been a little nervous and even wondered if she would pass at all. Well, today we got her results and she received a commended performance - which means not only did she pass, but she only got one question wrong. So, Jeremy and I decided to take her out to dinner at Fresco's and celebrate. While we were there I learned how good she is at giving a massage. She's got pretty strong hands for an 8 year old. I wanted her to keep going, but she said it would cost me!

Best Job in the World

Just a snapshot of how my day starts off. I get asked a lot what I do all day. Well, today I was able to get up and cook breakfast for my kids before they run off to school. While eating we did our daily Bible study. Later I spent time with Bailey over lunch - pizza and a Sonic cherry coke. Very yummy! I got to hear all about her day: how the boys at her table are in trouble again for talking too much; that her reading group had to take two turns today and take a quiz (she's expecting a very high grade); how she and another little girl are at odds and that she playfully calls Bailey and her friend Megan "the evil ones", I learned that Bailey does not want Mr. Turner in 4th grade but that she does want a Jack Russell Terrier she can name Shiloh; she wants Megan (her current best friend) to come over after school and play; her favorite subjects are recess and lunch, etc... And that was all in 30 minutes. The time I get to spend investing in the lives of my children can never be replaced by a paycheck. No amount of square footage, fancy car, expensive gadgets or even hundreds of shoes can replace raising and being with my children. I know that I will never look back and wish that when Bailey was 5 or 10 or whatever I had more of those monetary items. I don't think there is any job more satisfying and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

It's Official!

Over spring break Riley and I had a chance to play a lot of one on one and he can now officially beat me. Kinda sad huh! I knew it would happen sooner or later, but I don't know that I was actually ready for it. I'm sure he'll be taller than me soon too! So, since he basically beats me every time now we had to change it up a little. We decided to play a best of five tournament - Me and Riley vs. Dad and Bailey. So far it's tied 2-2.

Inspired

Thanks Becky Stamps! I was browsing your blog and it inspired me to start my own. What a great way for those who are not "scrapbookers" to capture day to day moments and record them. I think it will be a unique opportunity to share precious moments and thoughts with my kids and family.