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.

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?

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.

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.

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!)