Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Final Countdown(s)....

Whew. I think I've caught my breath but that's only thanks in part to the coffee sitting at my fingertips, tasting like a creamy macadamia nut with every sip that slides down. I'm not even sure where to begin so I'll start where we left off. I believe we were in the countdown phase leading up to all the highlighted impending events that were splashed across our calendar. Most have come and gone and although a few do remain, I'll try to "pick up the pieces" in photo form as to our comings and goings and in-betweenings.

Mother's Day
Normally, I would probably give you an eye-full of reading as I delve into my rambling thoughts and sentiments of all that being a mother means to me and just motherhood in general. Maybe next year. Short and sweet: I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a mom to my three little gents; we have our 'moments' but the blessings far outweigh the breakdowns. Mother's day was celebrated simply this year, just how we like it--a little brunch with family in our backyard. 
Mother's Day 2013
the boys :)
Brunch time!
The moms :)
Playing a little ball with pappy!
One cool PJ :)





















The Outdoors
Moments captured with my boys enjoying the sun and warmth, eyes glazed over at yet another breathtaking NV sunset, and in awe of God's Promise spread across the sky.
Carson lovin' the cool water
CJ and Mason
my mini-man Mason
Austin
Here he comes!!!


Love these boys!
Austin helping daddy pour another cement curb!
Bubbles!!!!

Carson's infectious giggle :)
NV sunset--love this view from our window!

The rainbow we saw stretch all the way across--it was gorgeous!!!
 Carson's Kindergarten Graduation!!!
A much anticipated event in this 6 year old's life...his kindergarten graduation!! :) And Grandma was here for it!!!! We enjoyed having her around for a few days before heading off to the Gallatin wedding in Spokane (that post will come later). Carson had a pretty great first year of school--I admit I was nervous because of the hearing issues we've faced with our CJ but God has been gracious and our little man shocked us in a variety of ways this year. Good ways. ;) Pretty proud of our Carson Jeffrey! 
Gma reading/laughing with Mason
Time to read with Carson!
Love having Grams around the dinner table!
little gift for the grad!
awwwww :)
Graduation day for my handsome Carson Jeffrey!!
love my boy :)
Doing some singing for us!
Congrats Carson!!!
Carson and Mr. T
One proud Grandma....
and one proud mama and brothers
Last Day of School
We did it! We survived another school year and it really does feel like just yesterday when I bid my boys goodbye that first day and could barely pry myself away from the Kindergarten door leaving Carson to figure out this whole schooling business. I am so thankful that my boys are not only brothers, but best of buds. All year long the playground became a meeting ground for the two of them--at award ceremonies there were the proud glances exchanged between the two of them followed by hoops and hollers as his brother's name was called--they would "pick up" one another every so often at each others classroom door at the end of the school day--so much to be thanking the Lord for after a pretty great 2012-2013 school year! Another countdown crossed off...
my now 3rd grader and 1st grader!!! :)

Friday, May 10, 2013

Countdown Craze!!

It's that time of year again kids. Countdown central has commenced. And in keeping with 'tradition' it is not a singular event. In years past we have counted down the last days of school, a birthday, the days leading up to our MN trek which has included a wedding or two....and this year leaves no room for error. The countdown to Carson's Kindergarten graduation is up and running and fast-approaching, there is the upcoming wedding of Jon and Ang (not in MN however.....) which also includes the short-stay of mi madre, the countdown to the brightly highlighted day marked "Last Day of School!!!", the birthday of our eldest, and yes....that anticipated MN summer getaway which comes a little later in our countdown calendar this year. 
watering a few flowers
Mason swinging away!!!!
Mason: "I'm hunting for deers"
I'm not rushing any of these events as there is much to do between now and all the then's, but the to-do lists are starting to form and life's hiccups still interrupt periodically. Our May calendar has writing scribbled across each day, with arrows drawn and lines slashed horizontally crashing with the vertical ones to add more pizzazz to the confusion. We may need a 'calendar' for our calendar! Ok, so I may be exaggerating a little bit, but you get the picture. (and no, I'm not taking one of our calendar)

Mason chatting with Auntie Karla
daddy's new wheels--I think Carson approves. :)

Austin ready to take a little ride (down the driveway) with daddy!
think he was inspired at all?! :)
The yard work and other 'projects' are well underway, flowers planted and blooming, garden beds ready, baseball games played with only a few more to go, AWANA completed, and even with the countdowns and the keeping track of what activity each day contains, there are still those moments when we can just 'be', enjoying the laughter and familiarity of being the five of us. My boys are good at that. They help us keep things chaotically simple.
Austin and daddy
working hard!
getting ready to pour the cement
Austin scoping out the cement mixer
Gravel pile!!!!
Mason helping out...
...nice job bubba!!! :)
AWANA award night:
Carson's first book award!
Austin's Sparky Award! (book #3)

SO proud of my Sparky boys!!

















A few baseball highlights thus far--it's been fun having daddy help coach this year!
Opening Ceremonies!
The Giants!!
Austin up to bat...
...and heading to first base!
oh my game face!! ;)
Carson up to bat...
...and he made it to first base! :)
outfielders!
Carson & Austin with their Great-Granddad!
my baseball boys!
Spring has finally made it's grand appearance, breathing new life into all that's brown and hidden beneath the layers of dirt. The fresh air, chirping birds (even if they do begin their chirping at the first hint of daylight), lawn mowers echoing throughout the neighborhood at all hours of the day....another fresh new season upon us and another day about to be crossed off our countdown calendar. But first, I'm thinkin' a little afternoon iced coffee while looking at an "I Spy" book with my bubba on the porch sounds perfect right about now. 

Give 'em Tools

Ever since Andy and I signed that purchase agreement making us the owners of our very first home on Brookview Drive in Burnsville, Minnesota...