Daddy Frank

Don't cry because it's over...

Smile because it happened.

~Dr. Seuss

Yesterday, Richard and I attended his grandfather's funeral. Frank was one of the most influential people in Richard's life. It is so sad to know that he's gone, but we know he's in a better place. He was 91, and had lived a good life. He stood faithfully by Richard's grandmother until she passed away exactly 1 year ago. We know he is by her side, exactly where he wants to be. We are so thankful to have examples in our life like this wonderful man. He was truly a gift to us.


Bryce had an assignment to write a name poem. When I read what he wrote, I was extremely touched. Here it is:

Bryce
It means strong, smart, fast,
It is 48,
It is like a cloudless sky,
It is going swimming at Gulf Shores,
It is in memory of Daddy Frank,
Who taught me about the B-17 bomber,
When he worked hard in World War II,
My name is Bryce,
It means do what you believe in.

(In case you don't know, Bryce is a huge Nascar fan. His favorite driver is Jimmie Johnson, #48)

I think that is a great tribute to a wonderful man. He lives on in my children.

Dirty, Stinky Boys ~ Gotta Love 'em

Saturday was a very rainy day. Cade had two baseball games, one of which was played in the rain. As soon as we got home, Braden, Cade and a little friend went right outside to continue their rainy baseball. After a while, they must have gotten bored with the baseball and decided to play in the empty lot next door. If you can't beat them, grab your camera.

The pictures aren't that great because I was zooming in from my garage. I wasn't about to stand out in the rain!

What do you think happened right after I snapped this picture?

Pretty soon, the company we had invited over drove up and, of course, their boys had to join in the fun. I'm sure their parents were thrilled! lol...

We made them eat outside (wouldn't you?), but they were freezing and the mosquitos would not stop swarming them, so I let them come in and eat on the floor. As soon as they were done, they were all off to the showers. Dropping mud the whole way! Oh well, you're only young once. What good is being a little boy if you don't get to play in the mud every once in a while?

If you're wondering where Bryce is, he was nice and dry upstairs. Either he didn't know what they were doing or he decided he was "too old" for that.

What Does It Want?!?

This bird has been pecking my big kitchen window for three days straight. At first, it was actually cute, but we have moved past that stage! I am about to lose my mind. I thought she was trying to get to the ceramic rooster I had on the bar, so we moved it, but that wasn't the problem. I googled "cardinal pecking window", and was amazed at how many sites came up. Evidently, these brilliant birds see their reflection and fight it for territory. Brilliant. This morning was the last straw. When a bird wakes me up at daylight to fight itself in my window, I am no longer amused. The sites said the only thing you can do to make them stop is to cover the window for a week or so. Yea, right.

I now know where the phrase "bird brain" comes from.

Bryce Came Through!

Bryce finally had a baseball breakthrough last night! He has been struggling to hit the ball all season. Until last night, he had only struck out or walked. He has such a hard swing and hit against some really tough pitchers last year, so we knew he could do it.

Last night, we were down two runs going into the bottom of the last inning. Our kids were mostly walking to get on base, so by the time Bryce got up to bat, the bases were loaded. He had 2 balls and 1 strike on him, and then he did it!! He hit a line drive between the short stop and third baseman. The winning run scored, and the game was over!! Whoo Hooo!!! We knew he could do it, but the Lord blessed him with the perfect time to come through!

Needless to say, he is on cloud nine. This was definitely a timely boost to his self confidence. The coach gave him the game ball, and everyone was thrilled.

Happy April To Me!!!

Look what I found in my mailbox yesterday!!

My secret pal must know that I am a true bow-head, at heart. Thank you so much secret pal, this box was so much fun to recieve in the mail! I love, love, love them!!

The website she sent these from has tons and tons of bows. You should check it out.

Baseball-filled Weekend

We had a great baseball weekend. The weather was absolutely perfect, and we enjoyed every minute of it. Braden and Bryce each had a game on Saturday. I, of course, brought my camera and got some really cute shots.

Here's one of my little catcher:

Here is Richard coaching 3rd and Braden on base:

Here's Bryce at bat. We think he'll hit one out of the park this year!

And, of course, I had to have one of the weekend spectator. No worries, next Sat. Cade has two games.

After the games, the boys and some friends took a swim. The water is still pretty cold, but they don't care.

Bryce and a friend.
I think this might be my favorite picture of the weekend. I am now trying to put some weight on this cutie. He is SO skinny! I can't believe he can throw a baseball like he can with arms that little!
Hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Can You Stand the Cuteness?

I just had to visit this new little boutique in town today. They donated three of the most adorable children's baskets to our auction, so I just had to check them out. Can you believe how cute this is? It is 18mo. That's the biggest size they had, but I'm so hoping my little cutie bug will be able to wear it. If not, I am sure I can find a special friend to bless with it!!

Hope you're having a great week. It has turned COLD here! Well, maybe not cold for all of you, but sitting through a baseball game when it's 50 degrees and windy is not my idea of Spring fun!! And I get to do it all over again tonight! I have a sitter coming for Braden and Cade, though. We didn't get in bed until 10:00 last night! That is so late for us. My cuties are in bed at 8:00 on school nights! The little boys were about 30 minutes late for school today, but that's ok, they never miss school.

Have a great day!!!