Caldwell Zoo

2009-12-22T21:24:00.003-05:00

A Stone Mountain Christmas

We went to Stone Mountain, Georgia on Saturday. It was worth the two hour drive. There was so much to do and we didn't even see all of the shows. We started with a fried chicken lunch. It is the south. We watched the Polar Express 4D experience. Tyler and Ethan loved it. It spit water out at you and it smelled like hot chocolate at the right moments. We rode the cable lift to the top of the mountain. We only spent a few minutes at the top. It was so cold!

We visited Hilda the Christmas Goat. He was a cartoon character that interacted with the kids. He talked to Tyler and called him by name. Tyler just thought that was amazing. We rode the train and played mini golf. My favorite part was the unlimited hot chocolate. We ended the evening with the laser light show. It was a great way to celebrate the holidays.

2009-12-08T20:46:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving

I know it has been a few weeks since Thanksgiving, but I'm just now getting around to posting pictures. My mom and dad came down from Ohio and my sister, Jessica, came over from Nashville. It was an amazing weekend. We spent Thanksgiving at my brother's house. His wife, Jennifer, did a great job organizing everything and opening up her home. My sister made the great centerpieces and the table was beautiful.

After lunch, we spent the afternoon outside. Our friend from Nashville, Wild Bill, brought the kids scooters. They rode up and down the street all afternoon. Chris even took a turn on Bill's remote controlled skateboard. Thank you to my family for such a great weekend. I love you all.

2009-12-08T14:53:00.002-05:00

My Amazing Husband

Yesterday, December 7th, was our 13th anniversary. I wanted to take this opportunity to brag on my husband. Chris is an amazing father. He constantly spends time with our boys throwing baseball or rough housing in the yard. He took them to a movie on Sunday so I could have the house for my monthly book club. He even missed the games on TV that day. What a man!

Chris is an amazing husband. He does all of the laundry and it magically appears in my drawer folded. He cleaned the house on Saturday for my book club friends, including the bathrooms. (You know this is a huge undertaking if you have little boys.)

On Sunday, Pastor Seals gave the husbands helpful hints on how to be a blessing to their wives. Chris nailed everyone on the list. He makes the coffee in the morning and gets the kids ready for school. He even takes the kids to school in the morning.

I know by now you are asking, "What does Amber do?" Honestly, not much. Chris is a true servant and leads our family by showing sacrificial love. I am truly blessed to be married to such an incredible man.

Chris: I can't wait to spend the next 13 years with you! I love you!

2009-11-14T20:23:00.003-05:00

Turkey Shoot

(No turkeys were harmed during the making of this memory.)

Our church held a turkey shoot for the children today. Chris took Ethan so he could learn about gun safety. After a brief training session, they allowed the kids to shoot at a target three times for a practice round. After that, they held the turkey shoot competition. First place was a frozen turkey, second place was turkey bacon, and third place was a package of turkey hot dogs. Ethan won third place for his age division. I told Ethan that his Papa in Ohio would be so proud of him. I may have to drive him up to Ohio in a few years to have Papa teach him how to hunt. I would love to have freezer full of deer meat.

2009-11-02T07:52:00.006-05:00

HalloweenTinker Bell & Peter Pan

(Tyler had a Tinker Bell on his shoulder too)

Our church had a harvest party this year. It was supposed to be a trunk or treat but it was moved inside due to rain. I was so proud of our church. Pastor Chris arranged a great evening and did a wonderful job. There were blow up bouncy toys in the gym and games. Everyone got candy just for participating. (My kind of party.) There was a band performing in another room. Tyler was called on stage to perform with them. In typical Tyler style, he stole the show. He sang and danced his heart out and the band gave him a cd.

Tyler on stage

Wendy, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, the Crocodile

There was a parade of costumes and lots of candy. (I love candy!) Our good friends, the Mann's, joined us for the evening. It was a blast! There was a costume contest and our family won! I was shocked. We won a Wii from the church. It was a great night. I told the boys that we will use the Wii to help buy a PS3. I think my husband is more excited about this then the boys. It would be unbearable if we had to watch the new Star Trek on anything but blue ray.

We ended the evening at my brother's house. Thank you Douglass' for opening up your doors and scaring us. Chris, my brother, set up a leaf blower with a garbage bag tied to it to scare the trick or treaters. Tyler loved it!

If you are local and looking for Halloween fun next year, consider North Cleveland Church of God. It was great and I am so thankful that our church provided a fun, family activity.

2009-10-29T21:14:00.003-05:00

A Mother's Heart

My mom's birthday is this weekend. I won't list her age here, for fear of retaliation. My mom is not the one in the limelight. She normally stands in the background allowing others around her to shine. I didn't appreciate this about her until I was an adult. I realize that it takes a special person to nurture and love and allow others to reap the adoration and accolades. Thank you mom for doing this for me.

I was reminded tonight how difficult it is to be a mother and have to carry the burden that is a mother's heart. Ethan had his final football game. His team made it to the Superbowl. Ethan started the season rough. He was one of the smallest kids and a little tentative at times. Half way through the season, he was as tough as they come. He could block kids twice his size and always stayed in his position. He didn't take the bait and leave his side of the field unmanned. He is a smart player. He was so excited about the Superbowl.

When the game started, Ethan was playing. He played the entire first quarter and his team scored two touchdowns and the other team did not score at all. After the first quarter, Ethan was pulled from the game and sat on the sidelines. Ethan is used to having to sit out a quarter because the rules say that everyone has to play one quarter. The problem was that the coach never put Ethan back in the game. The other team ended up scoring three touchdowns. (Two of them were on Ethan's side of the field where he normally blocks.) Chris and I were both very upset. Chris spoke with one of the assistant coach's after the game and he spoke about all the kids having to play a quarter. I was upset but held it together until I went to get Ethan after the game. When I walked up with my camera to take his picture with the runner up trophy, my heart broke. Ethan's eyes were red from crying the entire second half because he was forced to stand on the sidelines. He came up and gave me a hug and whispered, "I only got to play eight minutes tonight." That's when my tears started right there on the field in front of everyone. I was so angry and resisted the urge to talk to the coach and felt some justice that Ethan's team had lost without him. (I know this is petty.)

That's when I knew I have a mother's heart. I would have paid any amount of money, sat out of the game myself, or yelled at the coach to protect my son tonight. I know Ethan learned a valuable lesson tonight, but it hurt my heart. It made me wonder how many times has my mother had to bite her tongue and sit back and watch me get hurt. Thank you mom for sticking up for me just enough to let me know you care but not so much that I didn't learn the truth about life. I may not have gotten the role for Annie in third grade, but I definitely remember you waiting in line with me. I may not have earned the role in the commercial, but thank you for taking me to the auditions. I may not have been crowned Jr. Miss, but thank you for insisting that I was robbed and supporting me. The injustice and failures growing up are so many, but the support and love through it all made it bearable for me even though I know if often broke your heart. It is difficult being a mother. Sometimes the love I feel for my boys makes me ache. Thank you, Mom. It's a tough role and you continue to fill it well. I love you!

2009-10-25T20:21:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Dad

My father turns 61 on Monday, October 26th. (Sorry I posted that on my blog, Dad.) I thought a long time about what to get him for his birthday and I came up with a book that I've wanted to read and I think he will enjoy. (You will get it in the mail soon.) The problem with buying my parents gifts is that the gifts always seem to fall short. It normally involves pictures of my kids. This year I wanted to honor my Father with a testimony of his great legacy. Four years ago Chris lost his job and I was devastated. I was not working at the time and wasn't sure how we were going to make it. My Father gave me this boat. It sits on my bookshelf in my family room as an altar. It makes me remember the faith of my earthly Father and the faithfulness of my heavenly Father. God provided in ways that I would not have imagined and even though it took me far from my parents, it took me deeper in my walk with God. I learned to trust God. My dad had two heart attacks before we left Ohio and I set a fleece out for God. I told God that if He wanted us to move then I needed the house sold in a week. It sold in two days. I have never worried about my dad's health since then. I know that he is in the hand of God. Thank you dad for your faith and love. I hope you realize and know the legacy of truth that you have started and that will continue for generations, God willing. Thank you for leading us in the paths of righteousness so we can lead our children. Happy birthday! God is faithful!

2009-10-17T21:48:00.002-05:00

Make New Friends But Keep the Old...

When I was in girl scouts we used to sing a song that said, "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other's gold." I now know that is true. While I was in Ohio my playgroup friends were so gracious to take time out of their busy schedules to visit with me and the boys. I always thought our children would grow up together. The boys played great with their first friends. It was great to catch up with the girls. I really miss you both! Thank you for taking the time and hopefully we can have more time the next chance I have to visit Marysville. You know you are always welcome down south. Love ya!

2009-10-17T21:37:00.003-05:00

The Number One Zoo

We went to the Columbus Zoo while we were in Columbus. It was cold, but that meant the zoo was nearly empty. The man at the front entrance informed me that the Columbus Zoo is the number one zoo in the country but I have a feeling they all say that. It was really nice. I was happy to have so many buildings that were warm. The best part of the zoo was spending time with my Dad. My father is the County Director for Senior Citizens and Transportation and it happened to be his annual trip to the zoo so we met him there. It was like being with a super star. Every Senior Citizen knew him and twice random people walked up and said hi and introduced themselves. The final straw was when a random woman came up and started taking pictures of us. I found out later that it was one of my father's employees and that she was taking pictures for the County website. I found it all very humorous. Tyler thought that Papa worked for the zoo. He kept saying, "Go ahead Papa, you work here."

2009-10-15T19:15:00.003-05:00

Tyler's 5!
Aiden and Tyler with Chuck E. Cheese

Tyler turned 5 years old while we were in Ohio. My wonderful father scheduled a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's with all of the cousins. (Thanks, Dad!) Tyler had the best time. When we arrived there was a giant balloon with Tyler written on it and a blow-up crown filled with gold tokens. My dad ordered a special GI Joe cake for Tyler. I love to watch Ethan and Tyler playing with their four cousins in Ohio. I wish we could see them more often. I just hope they grow up to be close to each other.

Tyler blowing out his candles

Aiden and Tyler

Tyler and Riley

Riley and Tyler

2009-10-15T18:52:00.005-05:00

Fall Break

The boys and I went to Ohio for fall break. It was cold! Who knew that people broke out Ugg boots in October. I don't even think about it until December. It was nice to do fall activities with the weather a little chilly. We went to Leed's Pumpkin Farm on Sunday. The boys loved the mini zip line and Tyler loved the banana train. I think Ethan was a little old for it, but he rode it for his brother. We picked out mini pumpkins and watched kettle corn being made. It was delicious!

On Monday, my parents took us to Old Man's Cave. I can't believe I lived in Ohio and never visited before. W hiked most of the afternoon. I always thought that Ohio was flat. My brother-in-law always says that you can watch your dog run away for three days in Ohio. Who knew that Southern Ohio had mountains and caves and amazing rock formations. We even found a letterbox at Ash cave. I think my father was just as excited and amazed as the kids at finding the 'secret hidden treasure box.'

2009-10-08T11:55:00.003-05:00

Touchdown Dance

Tyler's football season ended this week. He loved it and was very good at it. He did get in trouble for trash talking the other team while he was on the line. He told one of the kids that he was going to "kick his butt!" I just shook my head and cringed. That's Tyler. I don't know how he managed to score so many touchdowns because he is not that fast. He always managed to stay one or two steps ahead of his opponents.

2009-09-28T20:15:00.002-05:00

Monday Night Football

We had two football games tonight. Tyler played at 6:00 and Ethan played at 7:15. Tyler's game was fun and relaxing and Ethan's game was tense. Tyler started the evening off with a bang. He refuses to wear his mouth guard and chews on his flag instead. (It is flag football.) I know, swine flu and all, but if the kid hasn't got sick yet, the football flag probably won't either. He scored a touchdown but refused to do his touchdown dance. I guess he is over that. He also scored an extra point. He is definitly one of the most exciting kids on the field to watch.

Ethan's game was close and his team won by one touchdown. The other team ran out of time on the eight yard line. Ethan played his heart out. He walked off the field with a swollen hand (hope there are no broken bones) and more bruises than we can count. He tackeled the other quarterback in their endzone for a safety. I was so happy. I told him at half time that he scored two points for his team by doing that and his response was "Really?, Cool." I think football has finally clicked and he loves it now.

2009-09-19T14:20:00.003-05:00

My Boys

2009-09-17T16:07:00.003-05:00

Touchdown Dance

Tyler had his first football game last Saturday. I warned his coach that Tyler likes to talk and for the coach to feel free to ask Tyler to be quiet if necessary. The rest of the kids looked a little overwhelmed, but not Tyler. In their first huddle I heard him say, "Do you want to see my touchdown dance?" to the coach. The coach said sure with some hesitation. Tyler proceeded to clap his hands and dance back and forth. I hid my head and laughed. Tyler begged to carry the ball. On his first attempt someone grabbed his flag. This resulted in tears. On the second attempt, he ran the ball the length of the field for a touchdown. He lost a shoe in the process, but that didn't slow him down. He played good defense and grabbed a couple of flags and even managed to tackle a kid even though that is not allowed. Tyler is never one to follow the rules. I have to say that watching 3-5 year olds play football is even funnier than watching them play baseball. I wish it could stay this fun.

2009-09-07T14:35:00.003-05:00

Amazing Labor Day Weekend

We decided to go to Atlanta on Sunday to watch the Braves play the Cincinnati Reds. The Braves lost in extra innings. It was hot and miserable in the sun. I took Tyler to Tooner Town and we spent a lot of the game in the shade. The best part of the day was the concert after the game. Matthew West sang after the game and several Braves players spoke and gave their testimonies. Ethan says that Matthew West is his favorite singer and Tyler can't stop singing "Going Through the Motions." We had amazing seats and despite the fact that it was loud, Tyler fell asleep during the second song. I guess it was too long of a day for him.

Tyler hitting a homerun at Tooner Field

Matt Diaz, player for the Braves. His testimony was amazing.Matthew West

Tyler, the only boy I know who can sleep through a concert.

2009-09-04T16:20:00.004-05:00

Another Way to Shine

Ethan is #21

Ethan had his first football game Thursday night. He plays for the Clemson Tigers. The game had two overtimes and ended with no score. The boys played great. Ethan was called for a holding penalty and still denies grabbing the other kid's jersey. Oh well. Ethan is a decent blocker, but he is small. He had to block a kid at least a foot taller than him with a good 30 pounds on him. I guess I got so use to seeing Ethan as the stellar ball player and it is difficult to watch him sit on the bench at times due to his size. The highlight of the game for me was the end. The coach spoke with the team and then asked for a volunteer to close in prayer. Ethan shot his hand up to volunteer. He prayed a wonderful prayer and I have to say as his mom, I was moved. Ethan shines, even if it's not on the field.

Ethan praying.

2009-09-04T16:29:00.003-05:00

Good Job Pujols...

Tyler was with Chris watching the All Star game this summer and Albert Pujols (pronounced Poo-holes) made a bad play. Chris said, "Good job, Pujols!" Now Tyler says it all the time in his most sarcastic voice. I have to admit it is pretty funny even though it sounds so bad.

I told my students at school this story to help them understand Tyler (even I don't understand Tyler). They thought it was hilarious and decided it should become the next popular saying. Now everytime one of us makes a mistake someone in the class says "Good job, Pujols!" We all laugh. I can't wait til I get a call from another teacher about this or even a parent.

I told Tyler yesterday that his new phrase was the cool thing at Walker Valley. He admited that his phrase was kinda funny. I then explained it was funny but we had to be careful where we said it because not everyone would understand it. Tyler said, "I can't say it at my school because it is a Jesus school." I did my best not to laugh. Will Tyler still be this funny when he is 16?

2009-08-21T16:14:00.003-05:00

Ethan turned 8

Ethan celebrated his 8th birthday on August 1st. Since he had a big party last year, we celebrated as a family (not to mention that I was already back to school at this time). We went to Gatlinburg for the day and visited the upside down WonderWorks. It reminded me a lot of COSI in Columbus. The boys had a blast but it was very crowded. We stood in line for 30 minutes so the boys could pitch to a computer image of Barry Bonds. During our entire time in line, not a single person struck out Barry Bonds. It was funny to watch these hard core dads get up there and wind up like a real pitcher. Chris finally got up to bat after the boys and let it go. He actually struck out Barry Bonds. (Ok, the computer Barry Bonds.) The people standing in line started applauding him. I had to laugh. Seriously people, it is an oversized video game. Chris seemed pretty pleased with himself.

We came home and ate cake and played the Wii. Ethan asked for two new baseball games and he got both of them. (Thanks grandma and grandpa.) He just had to have the Biggs 2 because it has the updated rosters and his old Biggs 1 is not as good. Oh well!

I am still amazed that I have an 8 year old. He started 3rd grade. It's all going too fast.

2009-08-12T18:04:00.002-05:00

Is My Head Still Attached?

I have been in school since July 30th. The students started back on August 5th. Where did the summer go? I got a promotion this year (feels like a demotion right now) to head of the math department or department chair. I came back to a set of new teaching standards and a shortage of textbooks for the entire math department. This is definitely not easy. I am forced to make decisions, so it is teaching me a great skill.

I have wonderful students so far. (Chris reminds me it has only been a week.) I have an honors class and I bask in the glow that is created by the desire to learn that emanates from each student. I hope I can stay on top of things and keep them challenged.

My own kids, Ethan and Tyler, love school so far. (Once again, only a week in...) Ethan is in third grade at N.Lee and loves his new teacher. He is playing football this fall and is super excited to start tackling next week. Tyler attends a new school this year. He is in PreK at First Baptist and loves that he has a real cafeteria and gym. He is also playing football but his involves flags and no tackling.

I promise to update pictures of Ethan's birthday and the end of summer once my school year falls into a routine and I get caught up with all the work. (Yeah right!)

2009-07-30T14:39:00.003-05:00

Spirit Wars

Our church had a kid's crusade this week. The theme was Spirit Wars and modeled after Star Wars. Tyler was so excited. The boys got to bring their life savers to church each night. The last night the children's pastor allowed them to pose with the characters. Ethan was too excited to play at the carnival outside so he passed on the photos. Tyler was in awe of Darth Vader (who our pastor called Darkend Vader and Yoda was No-da.) Our church did a nice job and the boys loved it!

2009-07-28T15:25:00.005-05:00

Family

We had the opportunity to spend time with Chris' family in South Carolina. The boys love going to their papa's and mama's house with the horses. The boys rode horses, 4 wheelers, and the motorcycle. Papa took turns taking them on the cool Harley. Tyler could only ride around the house, so he was crushed when Ethan got to take several longer trips. It stinks being the youngest!

Chris' mom organized a family shoot. This was no small task with 8 grandchildren. Tyler had a meltdown half way through the photo shoot and I'm embarrassed to admit that I lost my cool. Note to others: Yelling at your kids to smile does not make them smile, nor does it make them stop crying. You would think after two children I would know this. If you are interested in seeing some of the great photos of the Caldwell group, check out the photographer's blog: http://lchaimphoto.blogspot.com/2009/07/caldwell-family.html. There is an extra cute picture of Tyler's meltdown.

We had a great time with all of the cousins. Thanks Caldwell's for a great time! We love you!

2009-07-27T13:40:00.003-05:00

The Beach

We spent our last full day of vacation at the Isle of Palms Beach. It is in Charleston. I loved it! It was not busy and not a tourist trap. When we first arrived, Chris attempted to dig a hole and set up our umbrella. After a strong wind knocked it over, we realized it wasn't deep enough. He tried to force it in the ground and it snapped in two. He insisted I could tough it out without the umbrella, but I refused. Thankfully, they rented umbrellas for $10 and came and dug the hole for us. The lifeguard also said they would have dug the hole for our umbrella if we had only asked her. Oh well!

Ethan loved the big waves. He would stand in the water and taunt them shouting "Bring it on!" (He is kind of a dork, but so cute!) Tyler loved the water but wanted to be with daddy the whole time. I spent my afternoon reading under the umbrella. It was fantastic! There was a great breeze.

We spent five hours on the beach and left with sunburns. Chris' shoulders were so red and blistered the next day. He forgot to put on sunscreen! Tyler's face burned in spite of the sunscreen and his red nose is now peeling. The boys are already asking to go back to the beach. I think Florida would be nice next time!

2009-07-25T19:08:00.003-05:00

Charleston and Fort Sumter

On day two of our vacation we took a ferry out to Fort Sumter. Chris was in history heaven. He read every plaque! The boys loved the cannons and we had to stop at every gun and sword to admire it. We spent some time at swinging on the wharf and watching the large ships go by. My favorite part of downtown Charleston was hunting down two letterboxes hidden in the city. (Thanks Julie for the idea.) Letterboxes are hidden all over the country. There are hints posted online to find them. We found two of them and stamped the enclosed books and used their stamps to mark our own letterbox album. The boys were so excited that they actually existed. It was like a treasure hunt.

We stayed all day downtown and went on a Ghost Tour of the dungeon at night. The boys loved hearing the ghost stories and walking by the graveyards. Ethan even captured a picture of a ghost in the dungeon. (The guide told him they appear as orbs on your picture. I'm sure I have hundred pictures of ghosts in my pictures, I just thought it was bad lighting!) I had to take a picture of the sign below that we found in one of the graveyards.

We ended our day at the Pirates restaurant. The boys were exhausted, but we had the beach to look forward to the next day!

2009-07-25T18:22:00.004-05:00

Vacation in the Swamp
(Do you hear banjo music?)

We went to Charleston, South Carolina for our summer vacation. Our first official vacation day was spent at Cyprus Gardens. This is where the swamp scene for the movie The Patriot was filmed. We took a canoe out into the swamp with the boys. Ethan was terrified at first. I have to admit I was a little nervous when a large alligator swam along side the canoe about ten yards from us. We saw two large alligators and a baby sunning itself on a log. It was beautiful! The water was black and the weather was not as hot or as humid as I expected it to be there.

After spending the afternoon at Cypress Gardens, we drove into to Charleston to our Cabin. It was rustic but perfect for the boys. We stayed on an intercoastal waterway about fifteen feet from the bank. The water would rise with the tides. It was amazing. The boys watched the fiddler crabs play on the banks during the low tied and caught a couple large crabs during high tides. We also took a canoe out and let the boys fish. I was not too happy with all the bugs around, but the boys were happy. The boys also loved the old, iron bathtub. (There was a shower also or I would have gone crazy!)