Three Football Boys and a Girl

2009-10-05T16:07:00.001-04:00

There are updates on the new site. Come on over if you haven't already!

New posts!

2009-09-14T17:37:00.002-04:00

There are LOTS of new posts on my new blog site. Please follow us over!

Click HERE

send me your email address so you can get access! KPERRYFSCO@GMAIL.COM

New Home

2009-09-10T17:26:00.003-04:00

The link to our new blog home is HERE. Please email me at kperryfsco@gmail.com or comment to this post with your email so that I can set up your access (don't worry, I won't post your email - it will remain hidden because I won't publish it).

See you on the other side!

We're moving!

2009-09-09T22:54:00.002-04:00

Our blog is moving. It's time for a fresh start! I hope to have the link up tomorrow. Please follow us to our new home!

When Life gives you Lemons...

2009-09-09T13:50:00.005-04:00

I can't stand it when people act like their life is perfect and nothing bad ever happens. Well, let me be honest - I'm having a bad day. More like a bad week. I certainly can't explain why on this website but I wish life would settle down some. My nerves are shot. I'm upset. I'm disappointed. I'm confused and at my wits end.

So, there. Things aren't perfect here. If you're having a bad day, too, I'm sorry. I hope things turn around soon.

More positive posts coming, promise. But this is how I'm feeling today. Beat down, defeated, deflated.

People say when life gives you lemons, try to make lemonade. Well guess what? Forget the lemonade. I feel like throwing the lemons in the garbage can.

photo courtesy of flickr

Nolan won!

2009-09-09T13:36:00.001-04:00

I picked up Nolan yesterday and found out he won Musical Chairs for the first time ever! He was so excited, too. He got a sticker as his prize and he showed it to me so proudly.

I'm so proud of my sweet little Nolan! Great job!

Building a bridge

2009-09-04T23:06:00.003-04:00

We built a bridge in the living room the other day.

Nolan prefers to run around almost naked.
Peyton prefers clothes.

Nolan prefers bulldozers.

Peyton prefers four wheelers.

But they BOTH love a blanket bridge!

Roll Tide!

2009-09-04T22:34:00.001-04:00

Alabama plays Virginia Tech tomorrow.

ROLL TIDE!

Byrnes Rebels

2009-09-04T22:26:00.005-04:00

As of 10:30pm, there are 7 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter but Byrnes in leading Myrtle Beach 65-7. Another win for the Rebels!
Next week: Greer
A win for Byrnes would be a nice birthday gift for my dad so let's make it happen!

(Byrnes fans - I know this isn't the latest logo - it's missing a star...haven't found the newest one yet. Forgive me!)

Go Tigers!

2009-09-04T22:25:00.001-04:00

Swansea 18
North 6

GREAT JOB TIGERS!

Do I get one?

2009-08-30T13:32:00.003-04:00

So do 6 posts in one weekend make up for the lack of posts over the past several weeks? Don't I deserve some sort of medal? :-)

Having a ball

2009-08-30T13:11:00.005-04:00

The basketball playing yesterday led Nolan to be pretty creative and to discover that you can hide a basketball up your shirt. Sure these look like maternity pictures but that wasn't their intention at all. They just liked the fact that they had balls up their shirts. But I thought it was too cute not to document. They were having a "ball!" (no pun intended...hee hee)

Peyton & Nolan - ready to pop!

Big smiles from Pate

See Nolan's shirt? It says, "I still live with my parents." I just love it!

After they settled down for a while, I caught Peyton doing this:

and Nolan doing this:

Kicking some tail

2009-08-30T12:59:00.004-04:00

Byrnes kicked some tail last night!

BYRNES 43

North Central Gwinnett 7

Rebel Rouser

2009-08-29T15:52:00.004-04:00

Today at 5:05pm, the Byrnes Rebels will take the field to play Central Gwinnett in Atlanta, Ga. I've been doing the Rebel Rouser (circa mid 90's) in my head all day. I wish I could be there! Mom and Dad have gone with some friends and she promises to call me with the score. But until then,

GO REBELS!

Swansea vs. Pelion

2009-08-29T15:12:00.005-04:00

Well, we made it to the game! I realized it's an accomplishment just to even do that - especially since we were already having meltdowns ON THE WAY.

We got there about 7:15. Kickoff was at 7:30. We hurried in but missed the boys running through the banner. BUT on the way in the line was crazy long. I was so thankful to have my High School league pass. It lets me go straight to the gate and walk on in (one of the perks of being a coach's wife).

The other day Trey took the boys to the Dollar Tree. When they came home they both had animal shaped hats. Well, they INSISTED on wearing these hats to the game. So as you see below, they had on their animals hats with their bookbags. They each had their bookbag which housed one monster truck, a bag of sweet snacks, capri suns and popcorn. They were thrilled to have their bookbags to take. When we finally got there and were walking in, everyone was staring and laughing at the hats (I'm sure they thought it was cute). I just walked on by like nothing was out of the ordinary. I mean, really it wasn't.

The first quarter was great. The kids behaved. The second quarter was the beginning of the end. The boys had eaten their food and were getting bored. We barely made it to the end of the 2nd quarter and when it was over we left. I couldn't take any more fighting and crying.

I hated to leave. The score was 13-7, Swansea. But they ended up losing. The offensive coordinator, who thinks he has college-level players, CREATED NEW PLAYS AT HALFTIME for the boys. Can you say IDIOT? Why would you even run new plays when a game is that close? Maybe I need to be the offensive coordinator. Someone get me the number for Swansea.

Anyways, here are the pictures as promised.

Nolan looking up to his big brother.

Ready to go! Animal hats and bookbags - check!

Happy Peyton - first quarter

Daddy on the field

Peyton getting in the way of my shot...too funny not to share.

Swansea on Offense

I don't know this kid but how adorable is that huge jersey on him? I imagine it won't be long before this is Peyton or Nolan.

A happy Nolan - during the first quarter

Next week they play at North. I have no intentions of going to an away game. Maybe I'll do something fun with the kids and take pictures. Time will tell!

Slam Dunk!

2009-08-29T14:23:00.003-04:00

The boys played some hoops this morning. Here are some of the highlights-

More before/after

2009-08-27T15:44:00.001-04:00

Before

After

Photo Editing

2009-08-26T23:33:00.003-04:00

Everyone has Photoshop. Except me. And I want it! I posted something about it on Facebook and a friend mentioned this website. Holy photo editing batman! This website is awesome! I have no intentions of buying Photoshop now. This certainly does the basic things I need!

In about five minutes, I went from this photo:

to this! Much better-Check it out!

Is this thing on?

2009-08-26T01:02:00.002-04:00

*hello?* *hello?* tapping on microphone *IS ANYBODY THERE?*

I probably have no readers left. I don't blame you. I haven't posted in forever. Sad thing is, I think about this blog daily. But honestly, nothing has been going on in our house. Well, besides it being football season. I'm up to my eyeballs in child/house care. I'm not doing so well at it either. There is a mound of clean laundry in the hallway. The dishes are a mile high in the sink (even though I just did a load yesterday). My office is a wreck. My living room is a wreck. My bathrooms need a deep cleaning. The yard needs to be mowed, etc. etc. etc. Picking up the boys, coming home to feed them then play with them then bathe them and get them in bed is a lot to do alone. My heart goes out to those single mothers out there. I have no idea how you do it.

But amidst the chaos, I had a *moment* tonight. I had just pulled the kids out of the tub - Peyton was crying and thankfully Nolan was being good - and I thought to myself how tired I was. How dependent the boys were on me. How I wish football was already over (when the first game isn't even until Friday). How I wish Trey were home to help me. How I wish Trey were home with me just to hang out and talk (cause that never happens during football, sadly). How I wish the boys could play with their daddy cause they ask about him every day when I pick them up. How I wish someone could help me finish my daily to-do list. How I wish the boys were both potty trained. How I wish they could both dress themselves. I could go on forever. BUT, I also thought how this phase in my life won't last very long. I yearn for easier days - for times when I can get a "break" from being so responsible for these precious boys of mine. But one day not too far away, they won't *need* me to dress them. They won't *need* me to TAKE CARE OF THEM. I need to stop complaining. I need to stop wishing away this time that we have. I kiss my boys daily - too many times to count - all followed with a hug and an "I love you mommy" (from Peyton) and "I yuh you" (from Nolan). I know it won't be long until they don't want to do that at all anymore. I can't imagine getting through the day without these two blonde hair, blue eyed boys. I love getting to spend so much time with them (fighting and all) - so football season has its ups and downs. I'm trying to enjoy the "ups."

I often make the comment that "I'm already tired of football season." If you talk to me or know me, you know this isn't uncommon for me to say. One girl at dance yesterday nearly gasped for air when those words came out of my mouth. She is a die-hard football enthusiast. I told her (politely) that I, too, loved football but that my husband was a coach and that takes things to a whole new level. I guess that was my polite way of saying, "be quiet you fool. you have no idea what my life is like." Of course I just smiled and moved on.

But I do find that most people have no idea how intense football can be. To most, the season lasts from August - November (early December) - and I'm talking high school here. What they don't realize is that football never really ends. The "off season" lasts longer than the regular season. I typically feel like we get a break a few months a year but the rest of it is "football season." Weight lifting, spring practice, meetings, etc. keep football going when games are not happening. When I say "I'm already tired of football season" - it isn't because it JUST started. It's BEEN going on for well over a month already (and I mean daily football - not intermittent like the summer/spring). Most people also do not realize that football is 6 days a week. The only day the guys get off is Saturday. They meet all day on Sunday watching game film and then having the players come in to meet. So I become the single mom six days a week. Trey gets home each night around 9. The boys are already in bed. I'm beat from taking care of everything after getting home from work so usually we just crash. The sun comes up and we do it all again. So, there - I'm tired of football. BUT - I'm so excited about the game this week. Swansea plays Pelion - the biggest rivalry game of the year. Trey says they're going to beat them - I'm crossing my fingers.

If you're still reading you deserve a medal. This is such a random post. But it's kind of how things have been latley. I'm trying to stay above water, enjoy my kids, take care of my responsibilities, and be thankful for football season.

Pictures from Friday's game to come. And if we aren't too exhausted on Saturday, we're taking the kids to the zoo. It's highly likely that we will be too tired but if we do go, I'll take pictures and post them. Eventually. I'm not making ANY promises!

I'll be back soon.

Save the Date

2009-08-16T12:46:00.002-04:00

Date: November 20
Location: any nearby theater
What: The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock

I'm a sucker for movies based on true stories. And Sandra Bullock is one of my two favorite actresses (Reese Witherspoon being the other). I went to see the Time Traveler's Wife the other day and saw the preview for The Blind Side. I cried during the preview. It is a must see. It combines football and family - what more could I want.

Please go to the website and see the preview. And take your tissues in November. It's gonna be a tear jerker.

Preview movie here

2009-08-15T12:12:00.001-04:00

Peyton dressed himself this morning! :-)

UNC

2009-08-14T11:35:00.008-04:00

FINALLY...

Pictures from our trip to UNC!

THE STADIUM

Not a huge fan of the baby blue painted rails...

Walking in to the stadium...

...and what an amazing view!

Just LOOK at that grass!

Home of the Tar Pit

The tunnel

Walking in to the tunnel

Door into the locker room

The sign is on the ceiling as you leave the locker room onto the field.

Athletes training in the stadium

And who do you think gets the best parking spot available? Well, of course the head coach. It's the first spot outside of the stadium.

And if the stadium isn't enough to make you fall in love, check out the campus and the buildings!

The library

This actually houses the first water source at the college

I *think* I may be a Tarheel fan now! What a fabulous campus!

I know, I know...

2009-08-06T12:37:00.007-04:00

*picture from flickr*

So, I got fussed at yesterday because I haven't updated my blog. I'M SORRY! Our modem crashed and right when it did, I had to go out of town for a sales meeting. Once I got back I had to play catch up (cause you know how things are when mommy is gone for 3 days) and then I finally got around to working on it and turns out, it wasn't an easy fix. I've spent countless hours trying to get the desktop, laptop and wireless printer all in harmony again - I'm about 70% there. Still having a few issues. But for now we're operating in a semi-normal way.

My running has come to a screeching halt. I've been having major back problems which have landed me routinely at the chiropractor so I'm doing low impact for now - no running. So, the dam run is certainly in limbo. Guess we'll see. I've been out of commission for probably 2+ weeks now. Probably right after I made the post about running. I supposed I jinxed myself. Go figure.

Football has started back. If you know me, you know what this means. For those of you lurkers, it means I will not be around much. Caring for a three year old and four year old while traveling full time for work to SC, NC and GA takes up a lot of my time. Weekends are basically pointless since Trey gets home in the wee hours on Friday, Saturday he spends "recovering" (as do I), and then Sunday is all day meetings at the school while Mommy is back on full time duty with the kids. I dread this time of year every year. I also look forward to it. I love football. I really do. I just hate the amount of things that I have to juggle during this time of the year. Oh well. I've survived. I'll make it through this year, too. I'm just hoping they win some games this year. It seems a lot longer and much more painful when you lose every week. I'm just sayin'.

I still owe you all a post on UNC. It will come soon. Maybe tonight or tomorrow. It all depends on the kids. But it's coming. I promise.

Duke

2009-07-21T00:59:00.004-04:00

Trey and I were in Durham to see a neurologist for Trey's feet. We knew we couldn't leave the town without visiting the campus. So we ventured over from the doctor's office and headed first to the cathedral. If you have never been in a cathedral of this caliber, please RUN to one and do it quickly - you are missing out. The first cathedral I ever visited was this March in NYC - St. Patrick's Cathedral. St. Patrick's was OUT OF THIS WORLD amazing - the Duke Cathedral was equally impressive but on a tad smaller scale. Trey was just overly impressed with it all - as was I - but it was hard not to compare it to St. Patrick's (which is so unfair to compare). I was so thankful to see such beauty. I would have taken tons of more pictures but I still don't know proper etiquette for picture taking in a cathedral. I try to be as respectful as possible and just turn my flash off and take a handful of pictures (which is pretty rare for me seeing how Trey usually refers to me as the "paparazzi").

Anyways, here's our trip in a nutshell.

The Duke on the lawn in front of the Cathedral-

Cathedral Shot - it was so tall! I would have liked to taken more pictures but orientation was going on and I felt like an old dork. So I took a few quick snaps and headed into the cathedral.

A few exterior shots...

This is the ceiling of the cathedral. Absolutely gorgeous!

I loved the stained glass and the old chandelier

The organ pipes....oh my the organ pipes. It was one of the last things I saw as I was leaving. They're as grand as can be - I would give just about anything to hear them play!!!

There is a great courtyard outside of the Cathedral.

We actually saw more buildings - and they were all amazing - but I was a little camera shy and there was no where to really park so I missed a bunch of good shots. We have to go back in October so I plan to go back and take the pictures I should have when we were here. Lesson learned.

But one thing that we got to see that might be more difficult in the fall, THE FOOTBALL STADIUM. Ok, we all know Duke isn't in the big league with football but seeing the stadium was still a thrill. And guess what? That sucker was WIDE OPEN. It wasn't locked at all! I parked right outside of the bleachers! Totally awesome!

Wallace Wade Stadium - never knew the name before! Learn something new every day.

The grass was looking mighty fine!

Notice the track? There were actually people out running on it. It was so nice to see this stadium being used in the off season. Why does Carolina lock up their stadium like Fort Knox? So ridiculous. Take note USC!

And check out where the tunnel they run through! Pretty fancy doors, huh? But it totally fits the architecture of the school so this is TWO THUMBS UP from me!

Duke rocked. I even got a sweatshirt. I couldn't have been any happier!

NC State

2009-07-20T08:59:00.003-04:00

NC State was the last stop on our trip before heading home and we didn't have much time (which turned out to be ok b/c it wasn't nearly as architecturally impressive as Duke or UNC).

I always love the flags on the sidewalks, regardless where we are. NC State didn't fail here.

One of the agriculture buildings

This is a building that we found when we were a bit lost (trying to find the bookstore). It was the prettiest building which isn't saying much. And let me add - there was NO ONE on campus. It was the weirdest thing. Both Duke and UNC were having orientation (and turns out NC State was, too) but until we got to the Bookstore, there wasn't hardly a soul in sight. And trust me, that's a weird feeling when you're on a college campus.

I think I was turned off by the college because of all the brick. Brick buildings were everywhere. Nothing was spectacular or amazing - just plain and simple. It's hard to live up to Duke and then the stadium at UNC. Speaking of the stadium, we didn't get to see NC State's because it was off campus. Probably another reason why I felt so let down.

My favorite part of the college - this brick tower. How can you NOT love this? It was great!

After this we hit the bookstore and then made our way back to Spartanburg to pick up the kids and then an hour and a half later we were home in Columbia. We started our day at 6am and drove about 8 hours total, went to see a Duke doctor, visited the campuses of Duke, UNC, NC State and had meals at Chick Fil A, Nosh (Durham), and Waffle House. When we picked up the kids, I even caught fireflies with them for a while. It was a long day but it was a great day. Pictures of Duke and UNC to come!

Coming soon...

2009-07-14T01:18:00.001-04:00

Pictures of Duke, UNC and NC State.

We're seeing this nation one college at a time, folks!

Training

2009-07-14T00:06:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I finished my first 5K. It was fine, not pretty. I had more fun people watching than I did actually running the race. Don't get me wrong, the adrenaline you get from everyone running around you is pretty awesome. But that wears off after about the first 1K. then you still have 4K left to run. The last 400 yds. are okay, too, because the people are cheering you on to finish. But the people are fun to watch. Some are dressed hilariously. Some take it way too serious. Others confuse you as to why they are even there. it's endless. And it kept me entertained the entire hour and half I had to wait until the race started.

Maybe I made a mistake by not letting anyone come to my first 5K to support me but I was scared. Scared I wouldn't finish. Scared I wouldn't do good. Whatever, whatever. I regretted it after I finished.

I started running in April. I have gained quite a bit of weight over the years and physically I'm not in the best shape for running. But I wasn't going to let that stop me. In the beginning I would run 2 mins and walk one minute. I would do this for about 1.5 miles. Then I started going about 2.5 miles. Eventually I started running more and more. And I even took quite a bit of time off because I was in so much pain. I thought something was wrong with me but turns out, it was just sore muscles. But when I say sore - I mean painful to walk sore.

My first 5K was June 20. I didn't do too much training the week of. Probably not a good idea. And did I mention that my training was inside on a treadmill? That's not quite the same as running outside. And believe me, I certainly paid the price on the night of my run.

I wanted to run the entire 5K. I felt like I could do it. But it was SO HOT. It was SMOTHERING hot. It was UNABLE TO BREATHE hot. I was looking for water stations. Sadly, there were only two. I got water at both. After about 2K, I had to walk some. I was disappointed but then realized that I had to get over that. Other people were doing it, too. My goal was to finish. I walked a little while and ran again. I did this until about the last 1K. I didn't finish as fast as I would have liked but I FINISHED. Wasn't that the goal? And I shed a few tears of happiness when I crossed the finish line. I had done what I set out to do. And for that, I was proud.

So some time has passed since my first 5K. I've entertained the idea of doing another that is next month but they're not cheap and let's face it - we're in a recession. So, I've set my eyes on the next big thing - the Dam Run to Irmo. It's Sept. 26. It's a 10K.

FOLKS, I'M RUNNING A 10K. (a 10K is 6.2 miles)

Call me nuts. Call me insane. I am both.

Saturday I ran 10.5 miles. I've never run that far in my life. It was an easy run. I enjoyed it. I was in the Cinema room at the gym. I don't even remember what movie was playing. I don't really take in the whole cinema thing while I'm in there - I actually put in my headphones and listen to music. I try to figure out what's going on in the movie without listening to it. It keeps me distracted and I like it.

I went to the gym today. I ran 6.5 miles. It was painful. I was sore today. Every step hurt. I'm taking a break tomorrow. I don't think my body can handle any more.

Right now I average 20-25 miles a week. Pretty cool to think that I'm doing that now considering I started out about 8-10 miles a week with a walk/run combo.

So, here we go again. But this time, I'm going to be prepared for running outside. But for now while it's about 100 degrees, I'm hitting the treadmill. I just need to use an incline.

I'll post my progress. this is nuts people. But what is life without a little bit of insanity?!?!?!

Cheraw, SC

2009-07-07T18:25:00.006-04:00

Cheraw, SC is the birthplace of Dizzy Gillespie. We stopped on the way home from Pinehurst to see the home site of where Gillespie was born. They have a really pretty park type place as pictured below. We also stopped to see the statue of him.

Entrance to the home site park

Check out the fence - I thought it was pretty with the muscial notes

Large statue inside the home site park

Statue of Dizzy

*************************************************************
Random buildings in Cheraw that I liked:

Big Day!

2009-07-06T00:12:00.002-04:00

Today was a big day for the boys...they both took a big boy SHOWER! The last time either of them were in the shower, it was an accident and it scared them half to death! But they enjoyed it today and Peyton asked to do it again tomorrow (Nolan still isn't so sure).

Monopoly Deal

2009-07-05T23:57:00.005-04:00

Trey and I were playing Monopoly Deal at Mamaws and the boys got upset because they wanted to play with cards. I bought them their own set of cards the next day but these are pictures of them hounding us during out game - begging for their own!

The cookie at least distracted Nolan!

Pouting Peyton

"Daddy you have a weak hand!"

********************************************************************

By the way, Monopoly Deal is the BEST game! David and Stephanie introduced it to me and Trey and I love it! Trey's not even a big game player and he likes it! It's about $5 and I've seen it at Walmart and Target. A game lasts about 10-15 mins. so it's not nearly as lengthy as monopoly! If you like card games, I highly recommend this one!

"The Rock" - Rockingham, SC

2009-07-05T19:43:00.005-04:00

We made many stops on our way home from Pinehurst this weekend and the Rockingham Speedway was one of them (others to come). This racetrack is known as "The Rock." They don't have any major races here anymore but we have passed this raceway countless times on the way to visit mamaw and papoo and we have never stopped. But as we passed by this weekend, they were gearing up for a 4th of July race and we saw a car out front so we stopped. Peyton has really been into racing lately so we thought this would be really cool (by the way - we are NOT race fans AT ALL. Nothing against the sport, but we are more of the football type fans.....however, we are trying to get into it since Peyton is so much in love with it). I think I enjoyed checking out the car more than anyone (do you notice a pattern with me?!?!?) - I have never seen a race car up close so this was pretty cool. I was most interested in seeing the drivers seat and all of the dials and steering equipment on the inside. It was pretty much what I had imagined but I still enjoyed checking it out.

Trey pointed out to Peyton that this car's headlights were just like Lightning McQueens - just stickers! Thought that was pretty neat...I never would have noticed that.

Checking it out up close

This is a statue outside the entrance that is engraved with the race winner's names. I saw some names I was familiar with and others I had never heard of. But what a really cool tradition to have your name carved into "The rock" after you win.

If anyone doesn't know who Dale Earnhardt is, well then you should probably go and hide under a rock.

Peyton checking out "The Rock"

(P.S. - Nolan WAS with us...he was asleep in the car which which was right beside us during this exploration)

What a year it's been...

2009-07-05T19:34:00.003-04:00

Happy Belated first birthday to our always adorable and not at all annoying English bulldog, General!

I scream, you scream

2009-07-05T19:20:00.003-04:00

On the way home from Mamaw's, we stopped at McLeod's (not the big store...a little one on the side of the road) and got ice cream. Nolan didn't want any (which was surprising b/c he usually never turns down anything chocolate) but we all enjoyed our treat!

First time Fishing!!!

2009-07-05T14:12:00.008-04:00

While we were at Mamaw and Papoo's, we took the boys fishing. Papoo and Trey made the boys cane poles while me and Peyton went and bought hooks, bobbers, and fishing line. Peyton picked out a Cars tackle box which he loved. We went fishing at the creek that runs behind the hot dog stand that is about a block from mamaw and papoo's house.

Nolan and I were a team and Peyton and Trey were a team.

Team Totals:
Peyton & Trey - 1
Nolan & Kelly -7

We caught 7 brim and one small catfish. We are catch and release kind of folks so that's what we did. I think I had more fun than anyone else....but why wouldn't I? I caught the most fish! (cause lets be honest...Nolan wasn't working too hard to catch them!)

This is one of my favorite activities to do with the boys. I can't wait to go fishing again!

Peyton's Lightning McQueen tackle box

Pole and Tackle box

Nolan with his fishing pole

Our fishing spot

Getting some bites

Peyton caught his first fish ever!

Peyton's fish!

He even held it

Nolan's first fish ever! (he refused to be pictured with it)

Finished and going back to mamaw and papoo's

It's hard to resist a slip n slide...

2009-07-05T13:54:00.004-04:00

It's hard to resist a slip n slide when the kids make it look like so much fun. And that's why this happened...

And this is what happens when a 30 year old man goes down a slip n slide!

McLeod Farms - McBee, SC

2009-07-05T13:09:00.005-04:00

We went to visit Mamaw and Papoo this week and on the way home we stopped in McBee at McLeod's farm. Not only do they have a great produce store, they have a tractor museum. We got lots of fruit and vegetables as well as a few pictures on some old school tractors! Trey even got an ugly trucker style hat that says McLeod Farms....now THAT was a great $10 purchase! (insert sarcasm here)

Perry Patriotic Party!

2009-07-05T12:19:00.007-04:00

We had some friends over last night for a first annual Perry Patriotic Party! We had a great time and the boys enjoyed the fireworks! Can't wait to do this again next year!

Nolan is saying, "What a mess!"

Our "mess" from the party poppers

You can't tell in this picture but the headlights on the Gator aren't real so Trey taped two flashlights above the faux headlights so the boys could drive around the yard even though it was dark!

And after a long night of playing and having fun, Nolan went to sleep in my large basket. Seems like he has a thing for baskets!

To you...

2009-07-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July!!!

2009-07-02T23:58:00.001-04:00

Today I went fishing with the boys and then put on my brave face and headed down the Spongebob Slip n Slide! Whooooaaaa Nelly! Pics to come!

Guess what this means...

2009-06-29T13:09:00.003-04:00

If you guessed the number of blog posts I've made, then you would be the winner!

(photo courtesy of flickr)

Happy 3rd Birthday Nolan!

2009-06-29T12:33:00.003-04:00

These pictures are late, I apologize. Things have been nuts here lately!

We celebrated Nolan's birthday at mom and dad's. We had his birthday party in May so the actual day of his birthday was pretty low key. Peyton picked out this awesomely fantastic cookie cake for Nolan and they each got a monster truck (in order to eliminate any fighting or crying fits, we give both of the boys a gift on the other's birthday...just seems fair to us since their birthdays are so close together and they are too young to really understand why only one of them is getting a gift, etc). After cake and presents, the boys went outside to play. Grandpa gave Peyton a ride around the yard in a trailer attached to the lawn mower while Nolan blew bubbles with Grandma (he REFUSED to ride the lawn mower).

Happy Birthday Nolan!

Cooking with kids

2009-06-29T11:16:00.006-04:00

The other night we let the boys cook in the kitchen. They had a blast! Nolan is a big fan of cinnamon toast so that's what he made. Peyton is my fruit boy so he made fruit salad. They were both very proud of their accomplishments (and thoroughly enjoyed the products of their hard work!)

Putting butter on the bread

Shaking cinnamon sugar!

"MMMMMMM... it's nummy!"Putting it in the oven to cook!

Turning on the oven

Finished product

Cooking with kids: pictures continued

2009-06-29T10:50:00.001-04:00

Here's Peyton making his fruit salad!

Peeling the banana

Cutting the banana

Cutting watermelon

Plucking grapes

Mixing it up!

"Fruit salad! Yummy, yummy!"

Spending their allowance

2009-06-29T10:36:00.003-04:00

We have decided to start giving the boys an allowance - $5/week. It's about time they start learning responsibility! They asked to go to Frankie's and we agreed. Peyton wanted to ride the race cars. Nolan wanted to "mash buttons" (his explanation for playing games in the arcade - most specifically the "claw" game when you try to win stuffed animals.) We had a great time. Peyton showed off his great racing skills while Nolan watched from a distance. Peyton roughed it up with a few of the other drivers and as Trey put it, "traded paint." It was funny to see him out there. He was even flirting with a cute girl who was always driving a car. That nearly caused a wreck! We had a great time, though!

Nolan's first allowance ever!

$5 for Peyton!

Getting in the race car

"Gentlemen. Start your engines!"

Giving daddy big hugs for letting him race!

Fathers Day and Frogs

2009-06-29T10:04:00.004-04:00

The boys each found their own frog

Nolan's frog, "Mine"

Looking for frogs: Peyton, Luke, Nolan, Daddy

Peyton and his frog

Nolan loves the water sprinkler

Peyton's frog, "Brown"

Man's best friend

2009-06-26T22:18:00.003-04:00

What's better than spending a Friday night at home with your kids and dog playing in the front yard with a Gator and a sprinkler?

Nothing!

General was perplexed by the sprinkler (but enjoyed trying to drink the water from it)

You never know what you're going to find...

2009-06-24T22:40:00.005-04:00

...it could be your son sleeping in a hamper with his blanket next to his bed.

Cupcake Party with Nolan's class

2009-06-23T12:41:00.003-04:00

Nolan's girlfriend, Gabriella.

Candlelight Run

2009-06-20T23:45:00.002-04:00

Update from Greenville: FINISHED THE RACE!

Oh My!

2009-06-19T14:43:00.002-04:00

I have a LOT of catching up to do!

Nolan had his first xray EVER on Monday. You can only imagine the story coming with that one! He's fine. Just a bruised foot.

Trey and I went to the beach for a one night vacation. Can you even call it a vacation when it's just one night? We ran into a bratty child. Story to come.

Peyton has been at Grandpa and Grandma's all week for Vacation Bible school. He may never come home. He's having the best time ever!

Nolan THIRD birthday is TOMORROW!

My FIRST 5K is TOMORROW!

It may be next week before I get to blog but know that some good stuff is coming! Happy Friday everyone!

2009-06-13T20:08:00.001-04:00

Conversation with Peyton:

"Mommy I need more kepsi. My belly is getting angry."

Birthday Party!

2009-06-08T15:33:00.007-04:00

This Saturday we went to Spartanburg for my nephew's birthday party. It was outside with sprinklers, water guns and a slip n slide. Nolan was in a foul mood until he decided to ride his Gator. Peyton jumped in on the action as soon as he had on his swim trunks.

Nolan was excited about going on the slip and slide...

but then changed his mind.

This was towards the end of the party - Peyton decided to join Nolan on the ride.

Nolan driving through the sprinklers

The gator got stuck so Nolan was pushing it along.

His 'evil' laugh as he made it through the mud

Enjoying himself but not crazy about getting wet

Here's Nolan driving through the mud. After his lap, he would cackle and then hop off and then give Grandpa high five. It was adorable!

Driving around the yard

NO MORE PICTURES, MOM!

Could he be any happier?

FINALLY showing a smile!

Grandpa even got in on the water action!

Here are the kids - all about to attack grandpa!

This was Nolan's opinion of the beginning of the party!

Peyton is getting tortured by Danny

Getting water on his 'booty'

...and now on his head!

Peyton & Leroy at the slip n slide

Getting up to do it again

Sliding towards to water

Cheese!

My little boy looks so grown up here!

Peyton pushing Luke down the slide

Going down on his backside!

Congratulations on your new Gator. Now take this trash to the road!

2009-06-05T22:32:00.003-04:00

Trey found quite a creative way to get Peyton to take the trash to the road - by loading it in the gator and letting him drive it to the road (supervised, of course). We loaded up the Gator, let Peyton drive to the road and he got out - unloaded and then headed back for more. He was so thrilled to help and we were equally thrilled to HAVE help.

We're starting them young, folks. Personally I'm tired of cutting the grass. :-)

(P.S. - we don't usually have this much trash but we accumulated A LOT of trash as a result of the huge birthday party from last week)

Loaded up and headed to the road

Parked and unloading

Getting out the big trash

Putting it where it belongs

Heading back for more

The Wrecking Crew

2009-06-05T22:16:00.002-04:00

This was the FIRST time Nolan would get on this Gator since we gave it to them for their birthday last week. The boys had an amazing time tonight. We were out until almost 9pm!

"The Wrecking Crew"

Smashing into the bushes (Nolan isn't the most accurate driver)

We were so proud of Nolan!!!

Confessions from a mother after a 4 yr. old checkup

2009-06-04T18:37:00.004-04:00

Today was Peyton's 4 year checkup with Dr. Cope. It did not start out too well.

Last night I told Peyton all about our trip. I even talked to him about shots. He didn't seem bothered. I taught him how to say, "Hi Dr. Cope!" and promised a prize if he did it at the visit. I thought all was well until I got him out of the car at the dr. office.

We were within feet of the door, he nearly froze in place. He tried to get me to carry him. I couldn't believe it. I got down on his level and told him that he was "big strong" and he could go inside like a big boy. He reluctantly followed me in.

We signed in and went into the waiting room. Toy Story was on. Peyton was content. We were only in there a couple of minutes when they called us back. I hopped up and told him to come along. He followed me. Attached to my backside.

We got back to the weigh area and she decided to try to do the vision/hearing test first. That was a mistake. We went into this closet (which wasn't very inviting looking). He was clinging to me like sticky to a sucker. I asked her if he could sit in my lap. She said that was fine. The first step was to get him to look at the cards and identify the animals that were on it so that he would know what he was looking at when he looked into the eye machine. Peyton REFUSED to even look at these cards. I tried to bribe him. Didn't work. I started asking him to show ME where the bird was. He refused. The nurse tried. He refused. I threatened to leave him there alone. he refused. The nurse was getting frustrated. (Which seriously - he's four. I'm sure he's not the first to act like this). But come on, you know how you feel when your kid is acting like this in public! You feel like you have "THAT CHILD" and everyone is going to talk about you when you leave.

I tried to compose myself. And of course you can't raise your voice or really threaten your kid in the doctor office (not that I would do EITHER of those...cough cough), but I was getting frustrated. She asked if he had just turned four. I told her he did last week. She seemed to realize that this wasn't going to happen so she suggested we try to just move on to something else. I agreed.

So the next step was to pee in a cup. I thought this couldn't be too bad. I took the cup with Peyton in tow and we went into the bathroom. We had a TALK while we were in there. I asked him what was wrong and he said, "I'm scared." So then I felt like a total jack for trying to make him do something that scared him. We focused on trying to pee in the cup. he tried three times but just couldn't go. Of course he had just used the potty at home so I told him we'd try again after we finished everything else. We left the bathroom and I explained to the nurse what had happened, she seemed irritated again, but agreed we would do the next thing.

So she figured we would get his weight and height. Simple enough, right? NOT QUITE. Peyton has ALWAYS been afraid of the scale. And let me remind you, he is still clinging to me like gum in a child's hair. We walked over. I tried to pick him up to put him on the scale. he wrapped both of his legs around me and held on for dear life. I try to reason with him. We tried again. DISASTER. We tried again. DISASTER. We tried many times again, each ending with disaster. The nurse suggested putting him on the seated scale. I thought that sounded fabulous. But guess what? That weight limit was 35lbs. I knew Peyton was over 35lbs. The nurse was getting frustrated again. She suggested I hold him and then we could subtract my weight. I refused. The nurse was irritated again. (Turns out I'm terrified of the scale, too). She told me she was going to go and get help. I didn't know what that meant. She came back with another nurse. This nurse was super nice (and I wished had been our nurse from the moment we got there). She pried Peyton off of me and they both got on the scale. Peyton was screaming with fear but it didn't take long and she handed him back over. He weighed 42 lbs. Easy enough, huh?

So then they tried to get him under the height stick to see how tall he was. Guess what? He refused to stand there. So before we wasted any time trying to make him do something we all knew he wasn't going to do, we all headed to an empty room to measure him laying down. I put him on the table, he was SCREAMING, and two of us held him down while the other marked at his head and feet. It was pretty funny because one nurse told the other nurse that they would need two yardsticks because he's, "really tall!" I was beaming with pride (even though my child was being totally defiant). After measuring the lines, we determined his height to be 44".

Next up - finger prick. I figured this would top them all. They had me sit on the table with him in my lap. The second nurse was there for backup while the first nurse was planning to prick his finger. Surprisingly, he sat there unbothered. Only a small flinch from him when it happened. No tears, no fighting, no nothing.

Isn't this the part that you should have kids fighting against? What is wrong with my child?

We FINALLY made it into our room. Peyton was still clinging to me but he was definitely much happier. Dr. Cope got in pretty quickly and gave Peyton a good look over. He told me Peyton was 90% for weight and OFF THE CHART for height! Why does this make me so darn proud? It's not like we have any control over it but it makes me happy, nonetheless. Peyton gave him a high five. Things seemed to be okay. We talked briefly and he left. I started getting Peyton dressed.

The first nurse came in. It dawned on me that he might be getting shots. I asked her if he was getting shots. She told me he was getting three. THOSE WERE DREADED WORDS. How was he going to act?

I talked to Peyton about the shots. I told him that they were going to make him "super fast" and "super strong." He seemed to accept it. It took a while for the nurse to come in. This was the third nurse. She was really nice. Kind of quiet. I wasn't sure how he was going to act.

I laid him on the table and told him that he was going to get his "super fast" shots. I held down his arms. Shot one. He flinched but no tears. She followed quickly with the second shot. He wanted to cry. he was holding his breath. The last one was going in his shoulder. So she had him sit up and look at his spider man band aids. I told him he was already more super fast and super strong but he had one more. He seemed ok. I held his torso still while she gave him the third and final shot. He flinched and looked a bit scared but he got his band aid and seemed ok. After she left we put on his shoes and I told him how proud I was of him.

I opened the door and asked the nurse if we could try to pee in the cup again because Peyton said he wanted to. I took him in there and he did his job! We had to wait on the results and while we were waiting the first nurse came in with a huge tub of toys and let him pick out a prize (after she had already threatened that he would not get a prize for not doing the things at the beginning). he picked a yoyo. He was happy as a lark.

As we were leaving the nurse was in the hallway. I made Peyton apologize for being unruly at the beginning of the visit. He quietly said, "I'm sorry."

But, I'm sure we were the subject of discussion at the lunch table today. Surely I"m not the only one with a scared four year old. Thank goodness we don't have to do this again until he's five and he doesn't get shots again until he's 6. But sadly, we have to go back for the vision and hearing test in about three months.

I'm sending Trey.

A Monday morning surprise

2009-06-02T00:07:00.004-04:00

This is what I saw looking at me while driving down the road this morning!

*He survived the 50mph speeds. I stopped and let him jump off. The lizard made it away from the car unharmed.*

"I'm cool!"

2009-06-02T00:04:00.001-04:00

We picked up the boys from school today and Peyton had on these sunglasses and lai. Trey said, "Peyton, you're a silly banana!" Peyton replied, "I'm not a silly banana. I'm COOL!"

Oh. My.

He's only four. *gulp*

Saluda Shoals Water Park

2009-06-01T23:06:00.008-04:00

We took the boys to the water park at Saluda Shoals on Sunday. Neither one of them had ever been so we were all in for something new. It was VERY hot and sunny but we wanted to get the kids out of the house for a little while. Peyton was super excited. Nolan fell asleep in the car. We got there and unloaded the car. We got settled in our seats and told the boys to run on! Peyton ran about five feet and stopped. "Come on mommy!" He refused to go alone. Nolan refused to go AT ALL! Trey took Peyton and Nolan and went through the sprinklers. We moved our chairs closer to the water sprinklers and eventually Peyton worked up his courage and faced the sprinklers alone. Nolan, however, decided the water wasn't for him. He decided the playground was his place to be. So, Trey and I split up. I headed to the playground with Nolan and Peyton and Trey stayed at the water park. (They're like 50 feet from each other).

Nolan and I headed back to see what was going on and turns out Peyton had just had a collision with a much bigger kid. His chest and side were scraped pretty bad. We decided to pack it up and head home with fear that the public water (and goodness knows how dirty it is) would infect his open scratches. The boys weren't happy to leave but we felt it was in everyone's interest to head home (we all were getting a bit too much sun).

All in all, a fantastic Sunday afternoon. I'm planning to take Peyton back but may leave Trey and Nolan at home to spend some time together.

Enough rambling, here are the pictures!

Total joy from Peyton!

All smiles from Nolan!

Look at that grin, folks!

Giving mommy a few photo ops!

Now THAT'S a happy boy!

Sliding!

Bumpy slide

Nolan was growling at me through these bars

The smooth slide

Nolan on the slide

On your mark, get set, GO!

Super fast running!

Catching his breath

Getting water on his back

Nolan and Peyton were hesitant to do anything alone so what does Trey do? He goes through the sprinkler with the boys (in his street clothes). Now that's a good daddy!

Getting a hand from daddy - he was scared until he got used to it!

Having the best time

High five from daddy

Par-Tee pictures

2009-06-01T21:43:00.007-04:00

Ok, so I didn't get to pictures yesterday...sorry! I felt like I had been run over by a truck- throwing a party for two toddlers is not an easy task. So here they are...enjoy!

Putt Putt at Lake Murray Golf Center

Blowing out Candles

Blowing out candles, Part 2

Gavyn & his mom

Robert on the course

Couple of tables

Food table

Cake and cupcakes (cake is cracked...long and bumpy ride to party...I was in a hurry. Surprise Surprise)

Party favor table

Birthday boy

Some of the gifts

Thomas

Everyone eating hot dogs!

Peyton & Logan

Ethan

Gifts!

More gifts!

And MORE gifts!

Zanna TRYING to give Nolan a hug

Dave and Madeline

Smiles from Nolan

Peyton and Hayden

They REALLY enjoyed the Gator

This was Nolan after we got home. He was EXHAUSTED!

Welcome June!

2009-06-01T21:25:00.002-04:00

Today after we all got home, the boys played in the front yard. They had a great time and I just watched in amazement at how much they've grown since last summer. I can't believe it's already June.

Peyton says, "I'm 4!"

Introducing...

2009-05-30T22:30:00.003-04:00

Tyson Reed Cavin

born May 17, 2009

Son to the VERY proud parents, David and Stephanie Cavin.

Little brother to big sister Madison.

God is faithful.

Congrats!!!

Par-Tee!

2009-05-30T22:14:00.003-04:00

Today was Peyton & Nolan's birthday party! It's been a LONG and exhausting day. So long and exhausting that I haven't even downloaded the pictures from my camera. I promise to post tomorrow. We had a blast! Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate their birthdays!

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-26T19:11:00.004-04:00

Yesterday we went and celebrated MEMORIAL DAY with The Driggers! Peyton & Logan are classmates so we got the families together (minus Trey since he had to work) and had hamburgers and hot dogs! The boys had a fabulous time until Nolan had a massive melt down (he refused to nap yesterday). The first picture is of the boys right before we left (and it's incredible that they both wanted to wear their hats) and the second picture is of Nolan who fell asleep on our bed right after we got home (we had to leave due to the meltdown).

Thanks for having us over! We had a great time!

My little monkey

2009-05-25T13:08:00.002-04:00

Cutting the grass with daddy

2009-05-25T12:44:00.003-04:00

Yesterday Trey cut the back yard. It needs MAJOR work but at least he's cutting the grass. Peyton got his lawn mower out, Nolan too. But Nolan was terrified when the real lawn mower started so he stayed on the deck. Peyton ran in front of Trey while he was doing the dirty work.Peyton leading daddy

Nolan watching from a distance!

Saluda Shoals

2009-05-25T12:05:00.003-04:00

Peyton's class took an end of the year trip to Saluda Shoals last Friday. Here are just a few pictures.

More pictures from Birthday Extravaganza

2009-05-21T22:20:00.003-04:00

Here are the last of the pictures from Peyton's birthday. Aren't you glad I spread them out so you'd have several days of posts instead of just one? I'm so thoughtful, I know. :-)
Look closely. Peyton is beside Trey. You can barely see him but he's there. And he was having a blast!

Getting a high five from daddy after they won the race!

Nolan DID NOT like the race cars. :-)

But they BOTH enjoyed the arcade games!

Peyton getting a small birthday gift. And Nolan getting a present, too, just to help keep the fighting down!

Silly Bananas

2009-05-20T17:10:00.005-04:00

I tried to get some pictures of the boys. It's been a while since they were photographed and dressed nicely. But you see we had this one small problem - they were being captivated by a caterpillar. We did everything to try and get them to look at the camera and smile. Eventually we caved in and just put the caterpillar into a bucket for them to see. These were the pictures...

Hello Racetrack!

2009-05-18T22:12:00.003-04:00

Peyton took his first (and only) lap around the racetrack today!!! Last week I did a little research on the racetracks at Frankie's and turns out they have a rookie track that you can ride at age 4! We've been talking it up to Peyton since last week and he was so excited to go and drive his race car today! He was super excited until it was time to actually get in the car. He wanted Trey to go out there with him but the worker guy wouldn't let Trey. We managed to get Peyton to go to the car. He got in, was buckled and then set free to go. You could see the fear in his eyes! He actually did go and made it 3/4 of the way around the lap when his car stalled. The worker went and started it back but by that point, he was done. He made his final round and rammed into the cars around him and wanted out. We told the guy to just let him out. We praised him and congratulated him and once he got back to us, he wanted to go again. We decided to head over to the double cars this time just to make sure he had some good riding experience in. The first time we went, Peyton rode with Trey. Nolan was in my car. At the end of lap one, Nolan was screaming. At the end of that lap we pulled in and waited for daddy and Peyton. Later after we played some games, and then went back to the track. This time, Peyton rode with me. We had a blast. Nolan refused to ride this time so he and daddy went back into "mash buttons." We came home and gave the boys a gift each. Yes, it was Peyton's birthday but when you have two boys and one gets a gift, it doesn't work so well for the other. So, to alleviate a headache we got a small gift for Nolan and something a little nicer for Peyton. Of course, he is getting his real gift in two weeks at the party. But a Lightning McQueen car today was just perfect!

School Party pictures

2009-05-18T16:06:00.003-04:00

Here are the pictures from Peyton's school party. He absolutely LOVED his monster truck cupcakes and after we got home he said, "Mommy, I'm so proud of you." I asked him why and he said, "You made my monster truck cupcakes!" The couple of hours I spent making the cupcakes was TOTALLY worthwhile!

Before singing

After I had lit "the fire"

Blowing out his candle!

The boy table

The girl table

Birthday cupcakes

2009-05-18T15:46:00.003-04:00

Here are the cupcakes from the school party. They were a hit!

From Daddy

2009-05-18T08:53:00.000-04:00

Pudge, Pudgie, Peyt, Peyton,
Today is your 4th Birthday and I can't believe it. The names above are all nicknames I've tried to make stick on you but it's been hard. However you do answer to Pudge sometimes. I'm a big fan of nicknames (It's a Mooney Player thing, I'll explain more when you're older). Your favorite two things right now are Monster Trucks and Race Cars and Mommy is right it's my fault. A few months ago you and I went to Monster Jam and you loved it, you really liked Monster Mutt and just a couple of weeks ago me, you and Grandpa went to a race in Greenville. It was awesome, you weren't scared at all. You even made us sit on the very front row. I loved watching you wave your checkered flag. I plan on taking you back this summer. This afternoon you get to drive your first go-cart at Frankie's Fun Park toddler race track. I can't wait to watch you rough drive that go-cart and win your first race.
Mommy is right about your gentle spirit, you are very much a Moma's boy and I wouldn't change that for the world. I was a Moma's boy too and I think it is sweet that you love Mommy so much. I know for a fact that Mommy loves that about you too. When you were born the first thing Mommy said to you was "I have waited for you so long" and then you nestled into her arms. Then a few minutes later you were being passed around like a Florida football because you were the first grandchild on Daddy's side of the family and you were Grandma and Grandpa's first grandchild from their daughter. It was a very special day because you really took the scenic route to get here. Mommy and Daddy had to wait 2 whole years before we got the good news that Mommy was having a baby then an idiotic Doctor tried to tell us that you were not going to make it. So remember this life lesson, when you have an important question seek out the best and the brightest people to answer your question. Daddy didn't give anyone an option and took Mommy to a special group of baby doctors in Greenville who graduated from Duke, not the University of South Carolina Medical School. The good doctors from Duke found you on the ultra-sound and you were about the size of this dot ( . ) and they printed out a picture of you which we put on the fridge. Pudge I know this is rambling but that's what Daddy does best. I love watching you grow up and I can't wait until you and your brother NoNo play football for me. Happy Birthday, I can't wait to get home and "take a kiss and a giant, giant hug". I love you Peyton.
Love,
Daddy

Just for giggles...

2009-05-18T00:02:00.002-04:00

This is a very upset Peyton on Saturday when we told him he had to wait until after presents before he could go back to the arcade!!! (at Zuri's party)

Happy 4th Birthday!

2009-05-17T23:18:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th Birthday Peyton & Emily!

(Emily is the daughter of my twin, Danny, and his wife Stephanie. Peyton and Emily were born on the same day! This picture was from yesterday at her birthday party)

Dear Peyton,

You're asleep on the couch. Daddy let you sleep there since tomorrow is your big day. Nolan is in there, too. You're watching Madagascar. You're as happy as can be. I couldn't ask for more.

You are a sweet boy. You have a sensitive heart. You're caring. You're already four. I can't believe how fast you're growing.

Your hair is nearly white. Your skin tans like your daddy's. You're definitely not pale like mommy. But just to keep me satisfied, you love fruit just as much as I do.

Your favorite thing right now is monster trucks. It's your daddy's fault. He took you to your very first Monster Jam show at the Colonial center a few months ago and ever since then you've been hooked. Just recently you spent a night at the Greenville raceway with daddy and Grandpa watching all of the super fast cars on the race track. You even made them sit on the front row. You were in heaven.

I don't always go to the loud truck shows since I'm keeping Nolan, but we have had many date nights at the Edventure Museum. We go every month on family night. Usually we start at a dinner place of your choice and then we go to the museum. You love the bridge most and you also like the boat with the fish. Even though you are afraid of heights, you have recently become brave enough to go up the staircase to the second floor on your own. I have not had to carry you. This makes me so excited when you do new things but it also makes me sad. My baby boy is growing up. But I am always proud of your accomplishments. I know this time I have to teach you all of the new and exciting things won't last forever. So we do everything we can in the meantime. Just last week you put on the fireman coat and shoes at the museum. You're coming out of your shell. You even sat in the front of the fire truck and pretended to drive. I was bursting with pride. Sometimes I don't know where to put all of this happiness you give me.

You're a very tall boy. Handsome, too. Many people warn me that I will need a bat to keep the girls away. I have to agree. Those big blue eyes and that blonde hair would melt anyone's heart. And that sweet spirit of yours (that you got from your daddy) will certainly win them over.

You've recently shown your interest in dancing. And I don't mean real dancing, I mean jumping around to music. You and Nolan love to show off your skills. It leaves me laughing hysterically. It's precious and it melts my heart. Just like everything you do.

You are a great big brother to Nolan. You take care of him and nurture him. You help lead him. I am thankful. Mommy needs extra hands sometimes. It's nice to see you two playing together. Sure you have your moments, everyone does, but God certainly knew what He was doing when He brought you two together.

Peyton, your birthday is a special day. It's a time to celebrate your life. It's a time for us to thank God for who you are and who you will become.

I am more proud of you than you will ever know. I'm more blessed than I can ever imagine. Being your mommy brings me more smiles and laughs than I ever knew existed.

Thank you for being my sweet Peyton. Thank you for all the back rubs. You truly are an amazing gift to this world.

I love you. Happy Birthday sweet boy.

Mommy

Back soon with pictures

2009-05-16T11:17:00.002-04:00

The AC adapter to my laptop finally bit the dust. I'm sure General chewing it up a couple of months ago wasn't the cause. (grrrr)

BUT, we have lots of events coming up and that means lots of pictures to post! I've ordered the replacement adapter and hope to have it in the next few days so I promise to post pictures. Here's what's happening in the next few days:

Zuri's Birthday Party
Emily's Birthday Party
Peyton's Birthday!!! (Monday)
Peyton's birthday bash at school
Peyton riding his first racecar EVER at Frankie's on Monday!!! (b/c you have to be 4!)

Tuesday is our anniversary and it is always overlooked since I'm focused so much on Peyton's birthday (and I guess we're never going to get to take an actual anniversary vacation until we're much older since we can't miss his birthday) but maybe I'll snag a pic of me and Trey and post that, too. A lot has changed in the last 8 years. And I believe THAT is an understatement!

Back soon...

PSA

2009-05-14T20:02:00.002-04:00

If you are a mother of children, please do your book shopping at a thrift store. I promise you will leave more than satisfied and be surprised at what you will find. For $2, I bought 11 books today. Five of them were hardback.

I found:
3 Dr. Seuss hardback books
2 Thomas Train books (1 hardback)
1 large hardback book
3 Scooby Doo books
1 paperback book
1 Tigger and Pooh book

I just recently spent $4 on a book for Peyton at the bookstore. When he saw this batch of 11 books today, he and Nolan went nuts! They were so excited. And I was excited to have all of them for the small price of $2.

We're in a recessions, folks. Buy your books at the thrift store!

Wordless (???) Wednesday!

2009-05-06T17:59:00.001-04:00

Guess what time it is?

2009-05-05T23:32:00.002-04:00

Football spring practice starts next week. You guys know the drill. My blogging may be intermittent but I will do the best I can.

I can't believe football is here. Didn't it JUST end!?!?!?!

But in a different view - this is Trey's 10th year of coaching. We've endured this for a decade together. We've been to a lot of schools, seen a lot of good and bad talent, won some games, lost many more, moved to a new city and back, learned what we like/dislike from other coaches, and the journey continues.

I love football but the season makes me bonkers! Hang on, my friends!

He did WHAT??!?!?!?!?!

2009-05-05T23:26:00.001-04:00

I went to pick up the kids from school today. Ms. Ann, Nolan's teacher, jumped up when I walked in. She had something to tell me. She walked towards me, closed her eye and said, "do you see what Nolan did?" I didn't get it. I was like, "huh?" She said, "look at my eye!"

OH. MY. DAD.

Her eye was BLACK!!!!

MY SON GAVE HIS TEACHER A BLACK EYE.

YES. HE. DID.

Turns out it was an accident. He was playing, she was leaning over him, he stood up and there was a collision. Oh my gosh - I felt horrible! It actually happened yesterday and she didn't realize it would turn black! She said it hurt and was swollen but figured it would be fine this morning.

So, Nolan has flowers to take to Ms. Ann tomorrow morning with a nice card apologizing for giving her a black eye.

Never in my life did I think my child would give an adult a black eye! I know this is only the beginning. And that's why I'm FRIGHTENED!

A weekend in NC

2009-05-04T22:39:00.006-04:00

We went to NC this weekend to visit Mamaw and Peyton. We have a crazy May planned and Peyton was dying to go so we decided to go. They had a blast! It will be June before we get back but here are some pictures from our latest trip.

Just playing in the yard

The boys had balloons that they played with all weekend at Mamaws. Here is Nolan protecting one of his!

Throwing rocks into the fish pond

A picture at home - not a big smile from Peyton but I thought he looked cute anyway.

There was a pretty bad storm on Saturday night so we got flashlights out in case the power went out. The boys LOVE flashlights!

Nolan checking out his flashlight.

This is what a long day of playing does to Nolan.

Trey made the boys fishing rods out of bamboo that was in the backyard. They are fishing in the goldfish pond in the yard. They didn't have hooks or any way to catch the 3 goldfish in the pond but they didn't know that!

Waiting for a bite.

Hoping to catch a fish!

Criss crossing their lines

Peyton as happy as he can be!

The dessert I got from the Bakehouse which is a bakery that Trey and I walked to down the street and had a nice, relaxing afternoon lunch (without kids)!

This wasn't at Mamaw's - it was the night before we left. Peyton lined up some of his cars and slept on top of his comforter in his sleeping bag. He is on the bed although very hard to see!

Me and my boys

2009-05-04T22:30:00.003-04:00

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-04-29T19:38:00.001-04:00

I can do it!

2009-04-29T19:21:00.002-04:00

Today was a good running day. I started with a 1/2 mile warmup and then ran 3.5 miles without stopping! I've only been running for about 3 weeks so this is great for me! I continued to do a walk/run with a total distance of 5 miles. But the best part? I definitely know I can finish my 5K in June (hopefully running the entire thing) since I was able to do it today - a 5K is about 3 miles. I still have about 6 weeks to train so things are looking good!

Young love

2009-04-27T22:53:00.002-04:00

Nolan has a girlfriend. His teacher told me. Her name is Gabriella. I've been told they do everything together.

I didn't realize love started at such a young age!

I wish I could be a fly on the wall. Miss Lora says they are precious!

Birthday Boys

2009-04-27T22:45:00.003-04:00

My boys are almost three and four. Wow, that is painful to write. I can't believe how fast time has flown by.

Peyton and Nolan are having a putt putt party this year. We have referred to it as the "golf party" so Peyton asks OFTEN, "Is my golf party today?" I've learned my lesson not to talk about parties until they are almost here. We've had this planned since January. Peyton has been asking me about his party since then.

Peyton went to a classmate's party a while back and Logan had this great John Deere vehicle. Peyton loved it so much he has asked for one over and over. So Trey and I decided to get the boys a joint birthday gift this year. Since it's a two seater that will be good. And I'm not sure Nolan is ready for driving so he can be the passenger until he's ready. It does have a dump truck bed of sorts so they can put stuff it in and drive it around. I think they're going to like it. I hope so. It isn't cheap! Gifts were much less expensive last year when they didn't really ask for anything. Oh well. It was good while it lasted! I can't wait to give them their Gator!

Random pictures

2009-04-27T19:22:00.004-04:00

We went to visit my mom and dad this weekend. We all had a great time! Here are pictures from the weekend (minus two that were totally random at home).

Heading off to find something else to play on at the park!

Nolan leaving the big slide.

Peyton sleeping with his monster trucks

SOMEONE had powder sugar donuts!

Climbing at the new Duncan park

Sliding!

Playing at Grandma and Grandpa's After church

Swinging

Nolan carrying his sheep

"Sit, sheep. Sit!"

He spotted me.

An unorthodox way of sliding

Discussing how they are going to send the sheep down the slide

Peyton with his airplane he made at church

You can't keep me away...

2009-04-27T19:01:00.003-04:00

I'm going back!

Can't wait to help Alicia celebrate her 30th birthday with Kelly & Arlyn.
It's gonna be great!

We're going in September. YES, that is football season. But we will work it out. At least that's what Trey said! (He's the best!)

Things they say...

2009-04-25T00:05:00.004-04:00

Peyton and I were in Walgreens. He had on his windbreaker jacket. He was trying to put something in his pocket.

I said, "What are you doing, Peyton?"

He said, "Putting boogers in my pocket."

I chuckled, grabbed his hand and we went to the battery aisle to get batteries for the race car I had just bought him.

I love the innocence. No worries. Just trying to keep his boogers safe!!!

Spare Key

2009-04-24T23:48:00.002-04:00

Yesterday during our most recent heat wave, I went for my 4 mile jog. Trey was getting the kids and then coming to the house to pick up their bag and then going to drop them off at his mom's. He asked me to pack the bag and set it on the porch and he would just grab it and go. No problem! So, I did that and then decided to go ahead and get my jog over with so I could come home and paint the bathroom before the kids got back. I gathered my ipod and left the house - door unlocked. Trey passed me while I was running when he came to get the bag and then he passed me again on the way to his mom's. We had not finished discussing what he was planning to do. He had mentioned seeing Gran Torino or going to play Par 3. So I wasn't sure where he was headed but I was about halfway through my run so I figured I'd text him when I got back home.

Well, I finished my run. He wasn't back by the time I got there and I got scared. I thought, "what if he locked the door?" I didn't think much else about it. Got up to the front door. It was locked. Yep. And guess what? We keep the back door locked with the deadbolt and all of our windows are locked, too. There's no way in unless you break a window. Surprisingly I wasn't upset. I know he didn't mean to lock me out. My cell phone was inside and so were my car keys. I wasn't going anywhere. Thankfully my car was unlocked and I had two warm bottles of water that I could drink which was great since I was dying of thirst after running in the ridiculous heat.

I'm a busy body. If you know me, you know that's true. I sat on the front porch trying to relax and listen to my ipod but I just couldn't do it anymore. I had no idea how long Trey would be gone. I figured if he was at the movies or playing par 3, it could be a couple of hours. After about five minutes I was trying to think of what I could do to get back in my house. I went over to the neighbors' to use the phone but no one was home. Go figure. Then I just decided to walk to my brother's house. He lives about a mile and a half away. So as tired as I was after my 4 mile workout, I headed back out again. I walked about half a mile and decided that I would just go to Publix and ask if I could use the phone. I mean, I'm in there almost every day. I didn't figure they would mind. And the people at Publix are nice. Nicer than anywhere else. And by that point I realized that it was Thursday night and my brother was probably out drinking somewhere anyway so my chances of getting him at home were slim.

So, I made it to Publix - 1.25 miles of walking. Went in to customer service. Briefly told the guy what happened and asked if I could use the phone. He looked at me like I was homeless. I was a bit peeved. But he let me use the phone. Long story short, Trey was at Zaxby's and would come home and let me in. I decided to jog back home since it was mostly downhill and I could always use the extra burned calories anyway. So,add another 1.25 miles to my 4 (which was actually almost 4.5 since I went over my 4 mile goal). Trey strolls up in his jeep right near the house and says, "You had locked the door." Wrong. VERY WRONG. "no, I left it unlocked. I didn't have my keys or anything. I always leave it unlocked when I go running." We didn't discuss it anymore. I wasn't angry. He agreed he didn't remember it being locked. I just wanted to eat. and use the bathroom. I had been out for over 2 hours in the scorching heat.

It was a long day. My legs were killing me this morning. I downloaded my runs onto Nike+ last night. I went nearly 7 miles in both workouts combined. That's a lot of mileage on these already sore legs of mine.

So, the moral of the story? Make sure you have a spare key somewhere. I wished I would have had one yesterday and we used to have one but I have no idea where it has gone off to. After I recovered enough to run to the store last night, I went straight to Lowe's and had a key made. Better safe than sorry - next time!

Potty training time!

2009-04-18T21:35:00.000-04:00

(On Wed. I wrote:)
Nolan is wearing big boy underwe@r at school today. Could be interesting!

Update: Nolan had an accident at school but it was only his 2nd time ever wearing his 'wear so not too shabby! He's been wearing them at school but has had an accident each day. He's doing a great job and I know we're getting close! I can't believe my 'baby' is almost 3 and potty trained! Oh my!

Candlelight Charity 5K Run

2009-04-18T21:13:00.004-04:00

2008 Candlelight Run

Well, I have decided to run a 5K. I'm trying to get my body back in shape and I saw a thing on the weight watchers site encouraging people to train for a 5K and it gave you the workout program to follow. I thought, "Why not?" The closest 5K run to me is June 20 in Greenville - the Candlelight Charity 5K. Since the run is at night they light over 2000 candles to light the route which sounds pretty cool.

I'm running with my Nike+ which tracks all of my runs and you can see this very cool widget to the right which will share my running info with you. Hopefully this, along with my registration with the Candlelight run, will keep me accountable.

If anybody wants to join me on this run, go ahead and register. We can do it together! It's only $20 - you get a tshirt and money is donated to charity so it's a win-win!

Click HERE to go to their website! Wish me luck!

Funny morning

2009-04-17T11:29:00.002-04:00

I sent an email a few weeks ago to Trey regarding my morning experience with Peyton & Nolan. He forwarded it again to me today b/c he said he reads it when he needs a laugh. I thought I better post it. I still remember it vividly...

So this morning- Nolan was up at 6:15. He came into our room and said to me, "Wake up." He then proceeded to tell me he wanted to color. I crawled out of bed, went to the kitchen and got his crayons and coloring book. Got that set up for him on the couch and asked if he wanted to watch Dora. He said Yes. Went back to bed (because the clonipan KICKED MY TAIL) and he was moaning and whining that he didn't want to watch Dora. He wanted to watch "the lion". I was guessing he meant the movie The Wild. I turned it on, fast forwarded to the lion and asked if that's what he wanted. He said, "yes." I went and laid down for about twenty more minutes. He came back asking for milk. I had to get up AGAIN and go to the kitchen. I gave him his milk and went to lay back down. I only had about 8 minutes left to sleep at this point. So I just got out of bed and took a shower. I'm taking a shower and minding my own business when the curtain pulls back and Nolan says, "What are you doing?" I said, "Mommy is taking a shower. Can you please go and color me a picture?" He agrees and leaves. I get dressed, blow dry my hair. By this point it is 8:15. Peyton stumbles into the hallway asking for cake. I manage to refocus him to something else. He's looking for his "rocket" that has gone missing at this point. I get him dressed (and somewhere in the earlier madness I got Nolan dressed.) We are all about ready to go. Nolan shouts, "Potty!" So I take him to the bathroom. Pull his pants down. Turds fall out. Thankfully they mostly fall into the toilet. I had to clean the other up. He flushes. I figured he was done and started getting him put back together. He shouts, "Potty!" I asked, "do you need to potty again?" He said, "Yes." I put him back up there and sure enough he pees. I get him dressed AGAIN - everyone has on their shoes - now it's time for jackets. I put Peyton's jacket on. I asked Nolan if he wanted his jacket and he said, "no." But then he changed his mind and said, "yes." I put on his jacket. Then he insists on milk and peyton asks for kepsi water - BLUE kepsi water. I get their drinks. I take them outside, load them in the car. Go back inside to get my coffee and toast and work bag and out the door I go. I get the boys to school and haul tail downtown to my 9:00 appt. I think I was only a few minutes late. So how is YOUR day going?!?!?!

Our Housewarming party in NC!

2009-04-14T22:24:00.007-04:00

Last week we all went to NC to visit Mamaw and Papoo and to see their new house! We had such an amazing time! Neither of the boys wanted to leave but we promised to go back again real soon!

Nolan FINALLY got on the train! (This is a stationary caboose in Pinehurst that you can visit...we didn't ride the train to NC)

Smiling on the caboose

Nolan on the tracks

"Cheese!"

Peyton was acting like a fool at the Mexican restaurant. He is under the table in this picture.

Nolan was trying to keep a straight face and act irritated but Peyton was getting a bit of a smile from him!

Nolan was picking flowers for Mamaw

Peyton posing for a picture

Peyton is giving Nolan a big fat kiss (and Nolan isn't really enjoying it much)!

Peyton & Papoo walking to the hot dog stand

Two thumbs up for lunch!

Playing with Mamaw and so happy to be visiting her and Papoo in NC!

Checking out the BIG back yard! Plenty of room for running and playing!

Peyton likes the new house!

Nolan taking a break to smile for the camera (which is so rare for him!)

Big belly laughs from Nolan!

Easter!!!

2009-04-13T19:26:00.009-04:00

We had a last minute change in plans for Easter due to being overscheduled! We had planned to go to my mom and dad's and spend the night there like we usually do but after the Easter Egg hunt in Winnsboro, we were just too tired! So we stayed at home that night and the Easter Bunny came to visit us in Irmo! We got up, checked out the goods and then left for Spartanburg. We went to church with mom and dad and then went back home for lunch and the big Easter Egg hunt with all of the cousins! It was fantastic! Peyton & Nolan racked up about $10 in the eggs that they found so we promised them a trip to the toy store. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for such an amazing Easter! We all had a blast.

Peyton's Easter Basket

Nolan's Easter Basket

Their baskets and new race track!

Excited Peyton!

Checking out the rocket bubbles!

Checking out the goods

All dressed up for church

Check out Nolan - he posed like that himself!

Grandpa trying to get Nolan to rub the decorative yard rabbit

Peyton is the king of swinging

Talking with Grandpa

Wonder what they're talking about?

Some of the eggs

Peyton finding eggs

Nolan chasing down the eggs

Found one!

...and another one!

Another for Peyton

...and another!

A whole bucket full!

Big smiles after the egg hunt

Making sure not to drop his eggs

Peyton found "coins" in his eggs!

Nolan found money and candy!

Crackin' it open!

Keeping all of his goods together!

On the hunt..

A Peyton Manning - in training?!?!?!
(No sunshine at all! Great job Peyton)

Wow that's a big chocolate bunny!

Nolan playing with his race car

Easter Egg Hunt at Bethel

2009-04-13T12:57:00.006-04:00

After Kendall's party we went to Winnsboro to attend the Bethel Easter Egg Hunt. There was a great turn out - 20 kids I think! The boys had an absolute ball! There were lots of games, eggs with candy and balloons!

Holding hands...isn't that sweet?

All of the kids released balloons that had note cards attached to the end with an Easter message on it. Peyton was so excited to release his green balloon!

Here they all are going towards the sky!

Going down the slide.

Nolan on the playground

Peyton looking at the lizard

This lizard created a lot of fun for Peyton & the other kids

Sliding fun!

Nolan about to head down the slide

Peyton standing with the big kids (which is huge for his shy self)

Cracking open the eggs to see what he won

A boy and his bucket

Getting help from daddy with the egg

"I found one!"

Taking the candy out

On your mark, get set, GO!

They played duck duck goose. It's blurry but you can see Peyton in the striped shirt.

He actually ran around twice - he had never played duck duck goose and had no idea what he was doing! But he loves running so it's all good!

Kendall's Birthday Party

2009-04-13T12:23:00.005-04:00

Saturday afternoon we took Peyton to Kendall's birthday party (they are classmates). We took Nolan, too, since we had to go to an Easter Egg hunt afterwards. The boys had a blast playing on the playground!

Peyton's hot dog was DELICOUS!

Nolan worked up a thirst!

Nolan wasn't so sure about this one

Climbing

Their favorite ride - this thing spins around and they loved it!

Peyton & Nolan having a ball

Kendall, Peyton, Logan & Nolan (bringing up the rear)

School Field Trip - Fox Tree Farm

2009-04-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Peyton & Nolan's classes went to Fox Tree Farm last week for a hayride, Easter egg hunt and to see the animals. The boys had a fantastic time!

Class picture

Peyton hunting eggs

Peyton and the Easter bunny (Nolan refused to have his picture with the bunny)

Nolan hunting eggs

Peyton was saying, "Look! His neck is long!"

Nolan's not too sure about this all...

Peyton petting the sheep

Peyton had just fed an animal and he really liked it!

Nolan sitting on the horse (which he LOVED). Peyton refused to sit on him.

Nolan feeding the donkey

Nolan touching the bunny rabbit

Peyton touching the bunny rabbit

Peyton touching the bird

Nolan watching the birds fly in their cage

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T16:43:00.004-04:00

It's 4:30pm and we're home from all of our Easter festivities! I'm beat and am probably going to take a nap but here is a picture of the boys from this morning. More to come!

Coming up

2009-04-12T01:14:00.003-04:00

Pictures from Fox Tree Farm - Field trip with Peyton & Nolan's Class
Family trip to visit Mamaw and Papoo at their new house in Pinehurst
Peyton's friend, Kendall, and his birthday party
Easter Egg Hunt in Winnsboro at Bethel Church
Easter morning pictures - their baskets are awesome!
Easter Egg Hunt/lunch at mom and dad's in Spartanburg

It may take the rest of next week but lots of pictures coming soon!

Here comes Peter cottontail...

2009-04-06T13:57:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year again! And Peyton could not WAIT to "color eggs!"