Today is a Good Day!

Saturdays... such a wonderful day. Typically, we are busy watching some sporting event for the girls. But today, Craig went out to the softball diamond to mow. Lauren went to the Cross Country meet with a friend, (only after being dumped at 7:30am, her freshman boyfriend sent her a text message with the news.) Carly, Hallie and myself were at home relaxing.

The morning was spent watching the Ryder Cup and cleaning. I mean, Really cleaning. We cleaned out all three of the girls rooms, their dresser drawers and closets. What a MESS!! But now at 4pm, the rooms are momentarily spotless. (realizing these will only last a few rare minutes.) I just sat down to focus all my attention on the football game.

There is nothing like University of Tennessee Football!!! Go VOLS!! It's funny, we have been Vols fans for many years. I guess we can blame Kevin Wiley for this, but several years ago, Kevin and Craig were talking sports and Kevin's love for the Vols. It became contagious. The first time you are in Knoxville on game day, you are Hooked! The entire city wears orange. I mean Everyone!!! If you get the chance, go! Even if you don't attend the game, being downtown on the strip on game day is absolutely breath taking! We walked up and down the street in our orange with everyone else. Awesome!! However, today we are playing Florida, and currently they are kicking our ass... hoping for more offense, soon! Go vols!!

In about an hour, I will start prepping for Gumbo. Craig and I were eating lunch a little cafe here in town a few years ago, we both had the Gumbo and loved it. I came home to find a recipe. After looking online I did what most people do, I combined all the ingredients that I like and created my own Gumbo recipe. It is without a doubt, the one meal that Craig and both love!! We typically have company on Gumbo night, frankly due to the fact that its not really that great the next day. Soon, I will get the soup on, I love to let it simmer for hours, the scent is wonderful! Tonight friends are coming over to watch the IU football game and eat gumbo. I am hoping it will be cool enough to build a fire outside. Who knows...

All I can say, is its a good day!! My house is clean, we are watching the Ryder Cup and the Vols, soon we will have the scent of gumbo, hear the pop of Landshark Lager, and good friends to share all of it with.

Life is good... enjoy it!

My new job!

Ya know, often I found myself wanting a new job. One that doesn't travel all over southern Indiana, one that puts me home when the girls get off the bus, one that (craig's favorite) secures a paycheck every two weeks is a job that I need. Two weeks into school, I received a phone call asking if I were interested in a job here in town at the local school district.

I was hired as a curriculum coach for five elementary schools. A Coach works in each of the elementary schools as a resource to help meet the needs of all the different types of learners. My job will provide teachers with resources and strategies to use in the classrooms.

I am excited about my job!! I am anxious to get back into the classroom to occasionally work with students and watch them 'learn'. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a child grow over time and reveal a concept or skill to them. Seeing them, "get it" makes the job all worth while.

Teachers touch lives!

Seriously mom?

For any of you who read this blog and never comment (which is almost EVERYONE), I wanted to bring your attention to my last post. "My baby is in Kindergarten"

My mother decided it was time for her to 'chime' in on her opinion of why my girls are the way they are. If you get a chance, click on the 1 comment below. If you know my mom, thank her for me!

Who knows, maybe this will encourage some of you others to post a comment!

My baby is in Kindergarten!

*sighs*

Well, last week my baby went to school. On her 6th birthday, I packed her up and took her to her first day of Kindergarten. She was so excited. She had her cute pink and green 'Justice' backpack, A new pink and black outfit, and several cookies to share. I had mixed emotions. At times, I was proud, sad, anxious, and old.

Looking at the moms coming into Kindergarten, I realized Hallie, being my last child, I am probably the oldest mom in her class. ugh!

After a week of school, she loves it! Her only question was if she had to go to school everyday? She really doesn't like getting up in the morning.

Just as I am getting Hallie in the elementary school. I dropped Lauren off at the Middle School. It breaks my heart to know that she is old enough to go! Ugh... She of course LOVES it because there is more freedom and she loves to socialize. *not sure where she gets that?*

anyway,

Life is short!

Life in Knox County!

Wrapping up our last weekend of softball with the girls. This weekend is the Slammin' Outta Summer tournament, hosted by our league. This means that Craig and I will log approximately 10 hours a day on Saturday and Sunday to run the tournament. It's gonna be hot!

Carly and Lauren are both playing this weekend. It is our sixth weekend in a row for all-star softball. Carly's team is made up of all 9 yr old girls. They play in a U10 division and really struggle to win; however, they are building their team for next year. (Yep, that is how we do it, once you sign on, its a two year committement.) Next year, they will all be 10 and ready to take on the world! Carly is having a GREAT time on her team. She loves to hit and drive in runs, but playing the field doesn't interest her as much. She often volunteers to sit so others can play. She tends to be the loudest voice in the dugout and leads most of the cheers. *** for those of you who have never been to a youth softball game, it isn't like a little league baseball game, it is centered around the loudest, singing, cheers. Both teams lead loud songs and chants throughout the entire game. It is really something!****

Lauren has played on an all-star team for 5 years now. Our travel teams are called Sting Teams. Lauren typically plays 3rd base. However, the older they get the more important the outfield needs a good arm. She is now playing left field. She really likes it. Her greatest accomplishment of course is the grand slam over the fence that I wrote about earlier. Lauren isn't the biggest cheerleader, but she is typically the one with the most assessories. Must haves: eyeliner and mascara (UGH), big sunglasses, matching headband and gum. She occasionally is spotted with a huge bubble. (drives me crazy!)

Finally, poor little Hallie has been dragged to more games than she can stand. Luckily, the concession stand is open! She can start at the crack of dawn and last till she can barely stand at 10pm. She is a real trooper! She is now starting to decide that she wants to be a pitcher. Lord, help us all. I don't know if I can handle the pressure of a pitcher's mother.

Anyway, I took these photos today. I thought the extremely tall corn would be a nice backdrop. Nothing like living on the edge of town, just a few miles from town yet a tall corn field across the street. Best of both worlds.

Am I really old enough to have a teenager?

Seriously, I am feeling old, dumb and ofcourse 'Uncool'.

Lauren is 13 today.

Ugh!

Proud Mom!!!!

Today was one of those days that parent's dream of!! Lauren was playing in a tournament with her all star team. She has been struggling all season with her hitting. After much discussion and practice, she is finally coming around. Today, during her first game, bases were loaded and she was up, no outs! She got the sign: Swing Away! The FIRST pitch she rares back and rips one out to right center, it flew OVER the FENCE!!!!!! A grand slam home run!!! She was so excited, I was screaming and couldn't possibly remember to take pictures. She smiled as big as possible! I swelled with pride.

At the end of the game, (we won!!) the umpires walked over to our crowd and asked, "Whose daughter hit the grand slam?" Craig and I both answered. One of the tossed me the ball she hit out!

After the girls said their "good games". The opposing team gathered at home plate to award Lauren with the MVP t-shirt.

A day we will never forget!! It's moments like this that really make parenting so special. Seeing her confidence rise, a huge smile on her face, and satisfaction at doing something she truly loves. Nothing compares.