Boy Day

I got a hankering to take a little road trip last night. So, this morning Cindy let me take the boys for a drive. They picked out their "traveling" clothes which for Jake was basketball shorts, a t-shirt, and a cowboy hat. Brady chose a Buzz Lightyear basketball uniform...and a cowboy hat. Woo Hoo!

We hit the road with no particular destination. 80 miles later we were at Montezuma Castle. For those who are saying, "Monte-who-ma?", it's well...click here. We used to stop there all the time when I was kid, on our way to the high country. It's still an amazing sight. Jake and Brady couldn't get over how high it was on the cliff and how the little kids managed to climb that high. They found a few rocks and twigs to take home and add to their collection. See boys...history is fun.

We stopped at Sonic to get some nuggets before we headed back down the mountain to try and track down a piece of pie I promised them. However, the pie joint I was looking for must have gone out of business, so we ended up going back to our local Village Inn for a slice. The waitress was super nice and cut them extra huge slices to go with their cup of milk. Jake had pumpkin pie (big surprise) and Brady had cherry pie. Mmmmmm...late afternoon sugar.

What a day. Thank you Mommy for letting me have a day just with the dudes. I loved every minute of it.

Danners

We went to our first swim meet a few days ago. My cousin Danielle is quite the swimmer so we finally got our lazy bones to the pool to watch her compete. However, we didn't really get to see a competition because her team just blew everyone away. I know somewhere between little and nothing about swimming, but from what I could tell, Danners is super-duper fast in the pool. Her team took two first places in the races we watched. Awesome. The boys enjoyed the constant snacking and silly conversations with their Uncle Vaughn.

Great job D. Keep this up and we'll be watching you on TV one day.

Old School

Brady is bringing back a hitting technique not seen since the late 1800's. The spread-grip. It's awkward and reduces bat speed for most people, but Brady is not most people. He doesn't mind not being able to hit most pitches, he goes for quality, not quantity. Swing away my man.

Trickery

Jake is actually throwing this ball not catching it. The kid has skills, what can I say?

Adam's Grand Slam

Mikey catches one in the.....

Mommy's Men

This is one of my favorite pictures of my three guys...Halloween 2003.

No words unspoken

Jake is at the age where I can sit and have long conversations with him, without him getting bored and drifting off. We can talk about anything and everything and we usually do. Last night, we sat outside and talked about Jesus, baseball, and dirt. In that order. He seems to know just what I need to hear at the right moment, and Jesus, baseball, and dirt were the perfect topics to get my mind in the right place.

Earlier, both boys were playing ball, and Jake got angry that he couldn't play it his way. I told him he had to follow the rules and he wasn't having it. He threw himself on the ground and pouted. I yelled at him. I sent him inside. I was wrong. I shouldn't have yelled, I should have explained why it is important to follow the rules and take turns, even though I have told him that before. He was looking to me for guidance, seeing how far he could push me, and I took the bait. I was wrong.

I felt like such a failure. A while later, Brady was off chasing his shadow around the bases. Through the sliding glass door I could see Jake sitting on the couch. He was sad. So was I. I opened the door and asked if he would like to come back outside. He gave me a little grin and walked over and held my hand as we went outside. Brady had his fill of playing and went inside. So, it was just me and Jake. I went and got us a few cups of lemonade and we sat down in the big chairs. We stared out at the field and talked.

I don't remember all the words we said to each other. The only words that stick out are the ones we said first, the ones that meant the most. I leaned over to him, held his hand and said, "I'm sorry son." He looked back at me, and with that classic Jake grin said, "I'm sorry too Daddy."

And then it was Jesus, baseball, and dirt...

More Old Brady Photos

More Old Jake Photos

Lookin out my backdoor...

Up until a month ago, if you stood where I was standing, you would not have seen the field in all it's morning glory. You would have seen curtains. Nice but cheap IKEA curtains. Nice but cheap IKEA curtains, designed by some Swedish citizen with hopes that American citizens would buy them. Well, we did. I hung them up and it was all great. No afternoon sun. Heck, no sun at all. They worked great.

And along came Jake...

I remember loving to play in curtains when I was a kid. It's fun. I don't blame them. However, after the umpteenth time of being reprimanded..something had to give. It was the screws in the drywall that finally "gave". No problem, a little patch, a little paint, and all was better. The curtains were good as new and I learned how to do small repairs on drywall. Cool.

I swear to God not two weeks later...

Brady. Sweet little Brady. Sweet innocent hurricane Brady. The curtains, the rod, the screws, the anchors, the drywall...hit the floor. OK. I fixed the wall. Not to the point where I feel comfortable putting screws back into it, but cosmetically, I fixed it. Patched it. Painted it. Now what?

Hmmm. Look at that view...

I mean, there is a baseball field back there. The view we get is basically like box seats. Cindy and I both agreed that maybe we didn't need curtains after all. Maybe a little tint would be nice, but it's good double-pane glass and doesn't really heat up. And the view, dang. Really wakes you up in the morning. Plus it motivates me to get out there and mow the grass every three days.

Soooo...sorry I yelled at you.

While it would have been flippin', flappin' awesome if you guys would have listened to me, I'm pretty glad you didn't. Thank you for breaking stuff. That is the last time I will ever do that so enjoy it. I love you boys.

1st Haircuts

Ok, I have to admit that I stole this post idea from my good friend's blog. She posted the cutest picture of her son's 1st haircut, and it got me to thinking about the boys' 1st haircuts. Mauri has always cut the boys' hair, and he does a great job. I hear a lot of stories from other parents about how much their children hate getting a haircut, and my kids have never minded having it done at all. No special kids' barber shop with fun chairs and video games needed for these two. They just hop up on the counter and let Daddy do his thing with the clippers. Here are the pictures from their first haircuts. I just love the look on Jake's face as he sees the clippers coming at him for the first time!

On Mommy's Mind

I have been thinking a lot lately about when my boys were small. They are growing up so fast and I am amazed everyday at all the things they are learning and doing. Just thought I'd post a few old pics. Forgive the quality of the photos...we don't have our scanner anymore, so I took a picture of a picture! Mommy loves you Jake and Brady!!

Silly is contagious

Are they saying;

A) "Smell my foot."

B) "There's an animal in my trousers."

C) "Welcome to the smackhouse."

Smoochin with B

Adam

You shaggy-haired goofball. Like your big bro, you played your heart out. Yeah you lost, but who cares? You made some great plays, especially that steal you made. You chased the dude the length of the court and snagged it out of his hands. Awesome.

For Miguel

Mike...my man. I was never a basketball player. Let me tell you this though, I lost a LOT of baseball games in my time. It stunk. Every time. Losing is just well...junk. I watched every second of your game tonight and you guys didn't lose from lack of effort. In fact you guys almost won. And man...you are the king of hustle. You were always the first one back on defense always the first to your spot. So, don't get too down on yourself pal. You have another game tomorrow. We'll be there cheering you on, win or lose. Love you buddy.

Believe

Ethan's Big Day

Happy Father's Day Mauri!

It is hard to believe that you've been an incredible Daddy to these boys for 4 years already. I can remember both days the boys were born, and that proud look you had as you held them for the first time. I see that look every day you share with them. I can remember sitting up late one night before Jake was born, and you telling me all of the things you hoped to be for your children, as their Daddy. I want you to know that not only have you achieved all of those things, but so much more.

I love watching the boys in awe of you. No matter what you do, you do it like "Superman" to them. When I think about all of the things the boys love about you (too many to name), the one thing that sticks out is your story telling. Now anyone who reads your blog knows what a great way you have with words, but I swear the characters in your stories for the boys just come to life for them. In fact, last night as we had a "sleepover" in our room and it was already waaayyyy past their bedtime, we turned out the lights, said our "I love you's" and "goodnights," and the room was silent for a few minutes until Jake said, "You know what would make me sleep really good, Daddy?....a story!" And it makes me so happy to know how much you love telling those stories to them. You are making such wonderful memories for our boys with all that you do and all you experience with them. There is nothing in this world more important than trust, and no matter what life brings, I know our boys will always know they can trust their Daddy and come to you for anything. Thank you for being a Daddy who encourages them, shows them the positive in all they do, and forgives them for their "mistakes." Thank you for loving them with all of your heart, and showing them everyday that you do. The boys are so lucky to have you as their Daddy, and I know they are going to grow up to be great men from your example.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there, and especially to my wonderful husband. You are doing a great job at the Daddy thing....never forget that! I love you!

Pre-Father's Day Baseball

Since today is going to be a little busy, we had a little ballgame last night. All of Poppy's grand kids showed up to play. This was the first time they had all played at the same time, so it was pretty dang cool. It feels like the field was officially broken in. Here's a rundown of all the kids;

Michael - The team captain...led the team in OBP and assists. Lights-out pitching. Hit 3 dingers in a row.

Adam - Sweetest swing in the game. Led the team in grand slams. Tough. Injured 3 times and kept playing.

Oscar - Most likely to hurt someone with a hit ball. Hits with power...and more power. Passion for the game is unmatched.

Jake - Temperamental slugger with aggressive swing and passive base running skills. Always looking to go yard.

Rachel - Led the team in enthusiasm. Hits for average over power. Very creative on the base path.

Max - Plays by his own rules. A superior contact hitter with great speed around the bases.

Brady - Short swing, big results. Drives in runs at will. A speed demon who attacks the bags.

Makayla - Roams the outfield with grace and ease. A clubhouse favorite.

I see you

They can't see me, but I can see them. Right then I saw Jake taking a drink of water from the water table. Since that was neither sanitary or humorous (at the time) I gave him the ol' pound on the window, voice of God treatment. He stopped what he was doing and spit the water out. However, this makes me wonder how many times I didn't see him take a sip. Ohhh, boy.

Bubble Boy

Yesterday I spent most of my day cleaning Jake and Brady's rooms and washing all of their bedding, as it didn't get done over the weekend while we took our mini-vacation. Now, when I say 'cleaning,' I mean a lot of dusting, washing, deoderizing, sanitizing, vaccuuming, and then more of the same, especially in Brady's room. For those of you who know Brady well, you know this sweet little boy has his issues. Since birth, Brady has dealt with eczema (so severe as an infant, they gave it some fancy name), asthma (he is a pro with his inhaler), severe congestion, and allergies (both the typical pollen type and food allergies...which is why Mommy carries an Epi-pen in her purse). In order to help the little guy out, we have to make sure his room is free of anything that might irritate any of these conditions, even keeping all stuffed animals out (although one seems to creep in every once in a while). It is my pleasure to keep this up, in fact I even feel happy while I do it, knowing why it is so important that it be done.

Tonight, as the boys were sleeping, I was downstairs working on something for their rooms that I am finally updating (I know...we've been here since October)! The house was pretty quiet, and I could hear Brady's deep congested breathing coming from his room. I started to think about all of the babies and little boys and girls out there who suffer each and every day with severe health problems, and I thanked God right then and there for letting this be the most of our worries with the boys. I am so grateful to have two happy and healthy little guys who can truly enjoy life for all it has to give. God has blessed us with the best two gifts in the entire world. Sure, I worry about Brady, especially when he is going through a tough time, and it is hard to keep telling him that there might be just one more thing he can't eat like his big brother, but my heart is happy knowing these are things he can live with and I will be able to watch him grow and live a healthy life. The best part, is that Brady is such a tough little guy. He deals with all of these little things like they are nothing!

We should find out more in the beginning of July, when we visit his pediatric allergist, and we should be able to help Brady out a little more. I am thankful for his wonderful pediatrician and his allergist for all they can do. I pray for all of the families who are going through medical problems with their children. I am truly the luckiest woman in the world.

p.s. The picture is Brady in the NICU when he was born. He was a little too "yellow" but came home nice and healthy after a couple of days. That boy can deal with anything!

This...is...SPARTA!

Napoleon

This is Jake's impression of Napoleon Dynamite. Yes, he dressed himself.

"Sharing" a cookie

From the looks of it, Brady is sharing a bite of cookie with Jake. What you don't know, and Jake doesn't know, is that when Jake wasn't looking Brady swiped a piece of Jake's cookie, took a bite of it, and "shared" the rest of the stolen bite. I could have said something to Brady about it, but I decided to let the moment stand rather than risk retaliation by big bro. Sometimes it's better to just shut your mouth and take a picture.