Family & Summer Fun

Fourth of July weekend was Hotttt - very hot. We spent the long weekend at O'Bannon Woods and of course we went swimming both days. My cousin Chris brought his son, Christopher Jr. a.ka. "Bub". He's a couple of years older than Drew but they play well together. Its always nice to spend time with my family.

These times with my kids and cousins remind me of my childhood. There are times that I wish I could make my boys truly understand how important it is to cherish these very precious moments. Growing up, my friends were my cousins. We spent many days at my grandparents house just being together. If we weren't at my grandparents house, we were driving around to thousands of yard sales on a Saturday morning. I pee'd the bed until what seemed to be the ninth grade and the only place that I would spend the night would be with my aunt Judy. My sister and I spend many weekends with my cousins Amy and Allison in the country - we didn't always get along but we always went back because we loved eachother.

My memories of my childhood are for the most part happy and I want my kids to remember their childhood to be the same. Having a life filled with family is by far more important than any material possession as you cannot put a price tag on love.

We get caught up in the day to day and often times forget how important people are to us. My goal is to always be there - to always show up to that family event but life happens. It seems like I have to really put an effort to see my family. My boys love their family and I hope that I am doing the best that I can do in modeling family values.

My mamaw never had the opportunity to meet Sam. He came nine months after she died - I like to tell myself that he was a gift from her. Sam resembles her side of the family most and is definitely stubborn. Its moments like this that I wish that she were still here with us. I can almost hear her voice or see a specific look that she would get on her face. These memories are so vivid because my sister and I were permanent fixtures in her home. We spent many years with her and I am so thankful for that time because the regrets that I have are few.

I hope that she is proud of all of us. We try very hard to keep her family strong and together.

Happy Mothers Day

This year, I am so thankful for my wonderful mother. Its hard to understand the sacrifices that a mother makes for her family until you walk in her shoes. I must say, I had a great mom. My mom had a great mom. I can only try to be as good as them.

I have been blessed with these two little boys and I try to show them that I truly "love them to the moon and back".

Happy Mothers Day!!!!

Myrtle Beach 2011

Yes - this trip was a month ago. We had so much fun as a family. We went to the aquarium, had all the fried food that one family could handle, played golf and came home with about 30 pounds of shells. I'm still planning to take a Saturday and paint sea shells with the boys - they had a blast collecting them!

A Day for Us

We got up this morning and decided that we would drive to Hoosier National Forrest to spend some time with the boys. I am so glad that we did - they were so sweet to each other today. I really enjoyed our walk around the park.

Our boys are just that - boys... enough said; right? They fight constantly but not today. They are really beginning to rely on each other and I love that about their relationship.

Drew turns FIVE on Tuesday. I am so proud of the young man that he is. Drew is so mature for his age. He really appreciates our family time. Brandon referred to him as his "little apprentice" earlier. Its so true. He hangs on Brandon's every word. I could not ask for a better husband or father to my children.

As I looked back thought the photos that I shot today, I cried a little. Time truly flies when you're having fun. I love our boys. I love that they love each other.

They aren't always this affectionate... When they are, its noticed.

This little guy had fun too. He's growing too fast for me. My baby is no longer a baby.

Happy Spring! Hopefully you'll see more of us this year!

Yes... We're still here!

As a family, we have had such a fun filled summer! To be honest, I haven't had much time to blog but I am so thankful for my camera! My kids are growing faster than I care to accept.

Here are some photo "highlights" of our summer thus far.


Grandma and Samuel at the Bat's game. Sam was passed around for most of the game. He really didn't like sitting in one place.

Here's papaw and Drew at the pool. That was such a fun day! Sam came home with his first shiner but other than that - we made so many memories!

I cannot get a good pic of my boys and I to save my life. No one ever wants to look at the camera. Now don't get me wrong, I am all about the "candid" shots but I really would like at least one where both of my sons look like they are happy!

This ones not too bad... Sammy's shiner is starting to go away! I had a death grip on him. Notice how our cheeks are squeezed together.

Drew likes me here... Really, he just wanted to go swimming.

This is a rarity. Sam and Preston usually act as if the other doesn't even exist. Its not that they don't like each other - they just merely don't acknowledge one another. I was so happy to see the two of them sharing a chair.

Wait... We weren't looking at each other...

Now these two - peas and carrots. They love each other so much. Drew sometimes calls Lizzie his "sister". She mothers him and he takes advantage of all of the attention.

I'm so glad that they have each other. They are truly best friends.

Lastly, Brandon and my baby.

Even though its not over yet - we have made so many wonderful memories this summer. It has been so hot that we are all welcoming fall with open arms.

Things will start to slow down so hopefully, I will be able to blog on a regular basis!

Thanks for reading!

Houston... We Have a Problem... Potentially.

For Christmas this year, my boys were so lucky to receive a whole McDonald's set... Drive Thru headset and all... I really hope that this is not Sam's life goal - to become a McDonald's drive thru worker...

Notice that he has the headset on backwards...

*note - nothing against those who work for McDonalds... Sam's own mother ran a drive thru at Kentucky Fried Chicken for six years... Yes - six years.

Homeboy's Crazy

Check out Drew in his throwback "Rays Jewelers" jersey... That thing belonged to Brandon when he was a kid and it is Drew's most prized possession when it comes to his wardrobe anyway.

He wears that number "6" with such pride... He's a true badass! Check him out!

Mother's lock up your daughters... The toothless legend is on the prowl.