This past Saturday Cross Point sponsored a carnival for some underprivileged children… and what’s a good carnival without pony rides?

This was the first time Brewer had been on a pony and Gage has only ridden once before.  That fact kinda breaks my heart since I grew up in tiny-town and spent most of the summer riding my equine companion, Missy.  However, even with their limited experience they acted like old pros.

They mounted those ponies and rode them without one ounce of fear.

In fact, I think they quite enjoyed it.

Honestly, it pains me a little that they don’t already know how to saddle a horse… but we get little pieces of Kentucky and my country childhood for them to hold onto.

This weekend for example we’re going to see Mamaw and Pappy.  Pappy just bought some chickens and I have no doubt those chickens will get a run for their money the next few days with my guys trying to catch them.  Who knows… maybe we’ll get to gather some eggs!

Anything you did as a child you hate your kids to miss out on?

I’ve always been a creature of habit… I’m comfortable in routine.  My parenting style carries with it a healthy level of routine.  Through the years there are been routines I’ve implemented that haven’t worked… and that’s okay because for me routine is all about making life a little smoother.  A few months back we initiated a more structured morning routine.  Each boy has this sign hanging by their bed.

The most important part of the sign for me is the big red 7:00.  I’m not a morning person, so if I can be up and ready and have a few minutes before the boys meander down… life is good.

Getting dressed is also a huge help in managing the hustle and bustle of our mornings.  All of my boys can dress themselves and our rule of who picks out clothing depends on what our day includes.  If we’re running errands and hanging around the house, they pick.  If we’re heading to school or church, I help them choose.

The making of the bed has made me realize that I’ve abandon some of my Type A qualities.  Making the bed for my boys just usually means straightening the top blanket.  And that works for me.  Walking into their room and seeing some sense of order is much better than no order at all!

After all… Jett has chosen to decorate his headboard with a style that can only be called “Star Wars and Baseball Collide.”

What’s your most successful routine?

Today my husband celebrates his 35th birthday. Entering our mid-thirties seems very surreal… and very comfortable.

After 16 years of loving this man I have one thing to say… he’s only gotten better with time.

A few weeks ago Heather visited and whipped up this amazing meal… in MY kitchen.  She made pasole and it was delicious, some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever eaten.

The best part was girl just took charge and I quickly became her sous chef… which was just fine with me.  I mean how often does someone come to you house and cook a fabulous meal and you just sit back and enjoy?

I knew Heather was a great cook, however seeing her in action was so fun.  When Heather’s cooking she’s in her element.  She’s comfortable, in charge, and smiling.

Just wondering, in what situation are you in your “element”?

I think I’ve mentioned several times how my home functions on an overflow of testosterone.  This video is proof that the abundance of testosterone begins at the top with my husband.  And before you watch please know we did have a happy and safe 4th!

Recently I’ve been spending a lot of free time with these…

I’m sorting my boys’ artwork and school memborilia.  I love having these keepsakes… but for some reason I’m horrible at organizing and storing it.

Part of the reason is because I have a difficult time deciding on the day it’s brought home whether or not it’s a “keeper.”  Of course certain special projects (like mother’s day artwork) are definite keepers.  But the daily stuff that’s cute and shows their individual talent and personality, that stuff is hard to part with.

I usually make a big pile and every few months sort through it.  When the stack is 8 inches it’s easier for me to part with some of their treasures. To be honest I haven’t sorted since November… but in a dyer attempt to turn my laundry from a catch-all, storage room I decided it’s time to sort!

And I do think a perfect solution would be photographing them and making them into a book… but to be honest I like keep the original… to hold something tangible.

For now I’m back to sorting, but I’d love to hear any storage/organization solutions you have for your childrens’ artwork.

On Monday evening we had to opportunity to catch up with some dear friends.  Since both of these friends are so much a part of our history we always reminiscence together… and there is one story that is told over and over.  I wrote about this story last summer… but hearing Pete and Kevin share gives a whole new perspective.

Enjoy!

We had a wonderful week together last week hanging out in Florida.  As usual my husband snapped a lot of photos, in fact I downloaded over 400 last night!!!  I’d have to say one of my favorite photos from our trip is this one…

The boys together in harmony… even if it is sometimes short lived.  After this sweet, innocent, “we love each other” shot they decided they wanted to pose like the Jonas Brothers.  They’re too cool, don’t you think?

Then they’re too cool signs started to go a little awry!!!!

Next thing we know sweet Gage is innocently sporting this…. OOPS!

Have a great Monday everyone!

This exact conversation occurred over breakfast last week…

Pete – Just think boys, in about 15 years on a day like this we’ll be out on the golf course together playing 18 holes.

Jett – Where will mom be?  You left her out. (So glad he recognized I had been left out)

Pete – She’ll be shopping or something with your girlfriends getting the real scoop of what’s going on in your life.

Jett – In 15 years I hope to be married.  My wife will be hot, have blonde hair, and no buck teeth.

(Little snicker from mom and dad)

Pete – Jett, you’re gonna be spending the rest of your life with this girl… there’s a lot more to consider than just wanting her to be hot.

Jett – Exactly Dad, if I’m gonna spend the rest of my life with her she BETTER be hot!

And with that comment we let the conversation slowly dissapate… sometimes I think our kid is smarter than we are.

Three is one of my favorite stages…

I love the personalities that three-year-olds possess.  They’re potty-trained… transitioning from toddler to child… and they move into a position where they become more of a buddy or partner in crime.  I’ve loved three in each of my boys, they can communicate, they can make choices, they can bargain, and they can comprehend.

Honestly, I think I would freeze Brewer in this stage if I could. He’s the last baby and for this momma there are few things sweeter than a three-year-old.

What’s one of your favorite kid ages?