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!

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!

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."

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

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.'

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.

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.

My Boys

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.

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.