the parents, our boys, two dogs, and some toys

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T06:32:00.003-05:00

Truckin'

2012-02-12T17:24:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Grandma Cathy took Andrew to karate while Jon and I did this flat, fun 5K.

I pushed Ethan. Here he is, clearly concerned before the start.

Here we are 5 minutes pre-race!

And Friday night, we took in our first ever monster truck rally.

Check out the name of this truck! Obviously, we rooted for this guy.

But, he just wasn't as fast as Wolverine. Oh, well.

African at MY SCHOOL

2012-02-10T14:50:00.002-05:00

Here's Jon and his students on my school's stage today!

Andrew saw them a couple of weeks ago. Today it was MY turn to see this amazing (yes, I am biased) African drumming and dancing ensemble perform for our 600 elementary students. We had it set up to culminate a month-long Black History unit. Their performance was energetic and fun, and so many teachers and students have commented about it all day long that I have lost count.

One of my favorite 1st grade boys was so moved that he said he wanted to grow up and be African.

I love my husband and good world music performances and kids and Fridays. Have a good one, friends!

The Inspiration of The Winter That Never Was

2012-02-06T04:36:00.000-05:00

Last winter, we had snow 'round these parts.

Lots of it.

There was snow at Christmas.

There was a snowstorm that got us out of school for a week in January.

Not this winter. IF you can call it that. Winter. Ha!

Not only are we apparently not having a winter this winter, but the weather has been unseasonably warm in a major way. We are loving it. Yesterday, I ran in shorts and a tank top. I pushed Ethan in the stroller and we were both burning up by the end. I am definitely not complaining about this. It has been nice. I'm certain we will get snow next year and that will also be nice.

Also yesterday, the summerish weather inspired Jon to put up our hammock.

Everybody wants a turn with the drill.

Love these brudders.

Definite scheming.

Although it didn't bother the brudders, Jon and I decided the hammock's angle is too severe, and we're moving it between two trees that are farther apart. That will happen another warm day. Probably tomorrow.

Another weather-inspired moment: Hound baths. Here's a wet Dora asking me WHY?!?

Charleston 2012

2012-02-05T09:03:00.000-05:00

Friday after school, I drove down to Charleston to meet Jon, who was already there for the SC Music Educators' Conference. Grandma Cathy stayed back in Columbia with the boys.

We ate at Hank's Seafood that night. Amazing.

And Saturday morning we dined at T-Bonz for a little "hair of the dog that bit ya." The weather was so beautiful and amazing that this window was wide open to Meeting Street. Best seat in the house!

At the harbor we joked that this was our ride for the afternoon. Someday. [sigh]

This ride would have been cool, too.

And we would have enjoyed this one, as well.

Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired

I liked this guy's attitude.

I'm sitting at the top of the steps of the custom house looking across the street to the harbor. Slaves would be taken directly off the cargo ships, marched across the street and up the steps, and walked straight down the hall to be auctioned on the other side.

Sweetgrass baskets

Goodbye, Charleston. You're only a hop, skip, and a jump away, so hopefully we'll get back to you again before February 2013.

Superheroes on Parade

2012-02-02T04:37:00.000-05:00

Our street has never been safer since these guys hit the scene.

Red Nose Run!

2012-01-29T08:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Jon had winter band camp, Grandma Cathy took Andrew to karate, and Ethan and I did this 5K:

Here's a pre-race shot taken by a fellow runner. It's terrible, mainly because I was wigged out about my lack of preparation for this one. [sigh]

But, it was okay, and fun, through some beautiful sections of downtown Columbia. The only nasty parts were two hills right at the beginning. And my time: worst ever. [again, sigh]

As I was limping my way up the hills, I developed a list of race pet peeves.
(1) People wearing really obnoxious cologne TO A RACE. Said people were always just a little faster than me, too... not fast enough to pull way ahead; just speedy enough to be a few yards in front of me the whole time. Ick.
(2) Really fast people with "See Ya" printed on the back of their shirts.
(3) Really slow people who stay to the left. Giant 2-year-old in a stroller coming through, folks!!
(4) People who run with their dogs. Dogs are not meant to be long-distance runners! 3.1 miles is WAY too much for these little guys. They are only running the whole time to please their owners. My only hope is that the dog people walked part of the time and I just didn't see that.

Enough complaining. I still love racing. Here's a list of great things about racing:
(1) I need the race date as a goal and training motivator.
(2) Spending the morning with really fit and inspiring people.
(3) Post-race endorphins.
(4) The majority of the race fees go to help local charities. Yesterday's was for the local Ronald McDonald House.
(5) Goody bags with good coupons and cool samples.

After yesterday's race, we enjoyed watching more runners cross the finish line. And eating Fruit Loops, of course.

Jon and I are doing another one in two weeks. And I WILL be prepared for this one.

Daddy's Performance

2012-01-25T06:36:00.000-05:00

Jon's high school African drum and dance ensemble performed for Andrew's school last Friday. I understand that the show was loved by all! Here are some photos the preschool teacher snapped.

typical long, lazy weekend

2012-01-18T21:03:00.003-05:00

This past 3-day weekend was fun and relaxing.

On one of the days, Andrew got me up at the crack of dawn, which I was not happy about at first, but it meant an early trip to Starbucks and thus accidentally stumbling upon this amazing sunrise across from our home.

Then, considering Andrew's recent interest in all things Star Wars, I decided it was time to pull out my figures from the 70's. They are basically in mint condition, so I am still pretty protective of them. Jon, who had never seen the inside of the Darth Vader case, was more excited than Andrew!

And of course, Maddie was as beautiful and photogenic as always.

Sunday.

Here's sleepy, beautiful Dora hound, who really just wished I would either throw the tennis ball or go away.

Ever watchful and hopeful, that hound.

Being back to the grind again yesterday wasn't easy, but we are back in the groove again. Still, we are looking forward to mid-winter break!

Goodbye, curls.

2012-01-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

It was time. Ethan received his 3rd ever haircut today. His curls were gorgeous in humid weather and anytime he sweats, but when the air is dry, the poor kid's hair was just plain scraggly. I put it in a ponytail today right before the venture to Sport Clips.

Here both guys are right before facing the scissors.

Ethan was a champ, as usual.

Andrew was, too. They were both tickled by the clippers, though!

It's so sad to see them looking so grown-up. Since I can't change that, then here's to some clean-cut boys. And the curls WILL return, just in time for warm weather, too.

i heart my new camera...

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

...and charismatic subjects and mild weather and beautiful sunsets.

Free Wheelin' (aka Pedestrians Beware!)

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

in the backyard with sticks and such

2012-01-12T17:59:00.000-05:00

I don't think we are going to have a winter around here. But that's okay. We have been thoroughly enjoying the backyard and the new camera!

carry you? (as this daddy's boy says)

2012-01-12T05:42:00.001-05:00

First Photo Contest

2012-01-10T00:31:00.000-05:00

our eldest opted for a quiet moment recently at a local pizza joint.

This photo was submitted to the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

spaghetti.... a photo story

2012-01-09T21:49:00.005-05:00

Wrapping Up 2011

2012-01-04T01:09:00.001-05:00

The last couple of days of 2011 were busy and fun. Santa ended up saving the boys' big gifts until the 27th due to a rainy Christmas and our being out of town on the 26th. Ethan scored a fire engine and Andrew's take was a Cars 2 bike.

Later that week, it was off to the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens.

And finally, the night before Auntie and Grandma Diana left town, we played a lot of Setback and got into a massive Jenga game.

We ended up stacking the tower as high as possible (with some levels consisting of two blocks, rather than one, or else we could have built the thing even higher). This was a first for Jon and me. Grandma Cathy ended up volunteering to knock the thing down when there were no more moves to be had.

So now, of course, it's back to school for all of us. The holidays sure were fun, though, and full of great memories.

Andrew's First Karate Belt Advancement!

2012-01-03T23:34:00.000-05:00

The biggest deal in our household these days is Andrew's first ever belt test, which was last Friday. He advanced to the next level, which is a white belt with a black stripe. I am learning as I go in regard to all the levels and their history, but nonetheless, we are very proud of his focus in this activity. He really enjoys his time there.

Here are some photos from the big event, which was extra wonderful because both of his parents, both grandmas, his brother, and Auntie Christina were all in attendance!!

camera love

2011-12-30T15:04:00.000-05:00

experimented with the new canon at the mellow mushroom in this afternoon's perfect light

a post on friendship, trust, and the melding of the digital world and the "real" world...

2011-12-29T18:40:00.003-05:00

This is a very special envelope.

Here's why.

I have a special blog friend. I have not met this person, but we have been following each other's blogs for over three years now. I wish I could remember how or why I stumbled across her blog (or did she stumble upon mine first?) but I suppose the history is unimportant here; we have enjoyed each other's "company" and the triumphs and challenges each other's families have faced. Our interest in blogging alone has made us friends.

My blog friend lives in the opposite part of the country. She is an amazing woman who always puts family first but still manages to weave in many wonderful charitable opportunities. She is generous and selfless and kind. She is very wisely guarded about her name and names of her family members. I wish to respect that and avoid blowing her cover.

That is all the more reason that I find this envelope really interesting.

A year or so ago, she found me on facebook and suggested we open that level of trust by becoming fb friends. I then learned her real name, and many other interesting things about her and her family.

Then, a month or so ago, a situation arose where she needed to mail me something. So, I sent along our snail mail address. The item she sent actually arrived from a secondary source and that was that.

THEN, the other day, much to my excitement and surprise, I received a Christmas card, in the actual mailbox, from my blog friend! It was really neat seeing her handwriting and return address for the very first time, as well as hold a photo card in my hand, rather than viewing her family photo on my computer, as I had done for so many years.

I love that we are friends, and I know we will meet in person someday. But for now, I will say how happy I am that we have agreed to trust each other on a new level and merge the digital world with the real, meaningful, fun world of written correspondence. Thank you, friend.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-27T21:06:00.000-05:00

Happy holidays to all the readers out there! My mom and Jon's sis are in town. And as you know, Grandma Cathy has been here since May. So, our winter break has been filled with friends, family, and FUN.

Loot! (Many of these photos have been taken by my very own Canon Rebel T3 EOS 1100D.
Best Christmas EVER, thanks to the hubby!)

Antics

Love

"LEON" (this one's for you, Aunt Phyl) :)

Comedy

Very unique gifts

Yummy Christmas eve meal

Jon's favorite game: Catch Phrase

And just like last year, we took the family to the Great Wolf Lodge the day after Christmas. It was really, really fun for all. Andrew LOVED all the slides.

Here's one little EJ in one big water park.

Here's a video of the kids checking out their loot first thing Christmas morning:

Hope your holidays are/were wonderful and I look forward to us blogging together in 2012! :)

Christmas Card History

2011-12-21T05:59:00.006-05:00

I love good, old-fashioned written correspondence. Have since I was a little kid in the pen pal stage. So, by nature, Christmas cards are my thing. They are too pricey or time-consuming or 1950s for some folks, especially with our internet age, but I enjoy them still. I love sending and receiving them.

So, last night I took a trip down memory lane. Since I have a long-standing relationship with the amazing company that is Shutterfly, it was easy to locate all the cards we have sent over the years. Looking at them all brought back many, many happy memories.

We were all about...

...our marriage in 2003...

...traveling in 2004...

... a new South Texas life in 2005...

... our first children (two puppy dogs) in 2006...

... our first baby in 2007...

... a move to South Carolina in 2008...

... our second son in 2009...

... settling in to SC life and my new teaching position in 2010...

... enjoying the wonderful world and all its blessings in 2011.

As you reflect upon 2011 and years past, may those thoughts bring you much happiness, as well.

Warmth

2011-12-17T13:19:00.000-05:00

There is warmth all around.

First, even though it's corny, I'll state the obvious reason: the season. I love sharing in the warm, fuzzy feelings most of us get during this holiday season (once I can relax that the winter concert has been successful). It's my second-favorite season to fall.

Second, it is because of the unseasonably warm temperatures. Yesterday it reached 77° around these parts, and I took this photo in the late afternoon.

Today, I was extremely warm because I took the boys for a gorgeous run at Clemson Extension, which is some "wilderness" right smack-dab in the center of our city.

Another warm moment occurred because of how daggone funny Andrew is. He had a bathroom emergency situation right after the run, so we found the nearest tree and made it happen. Right afterwards, he said, "I think the tree is going to be mad at us."

Ethan got very sleepy, as usual, on the run. I am warmed by his innocence and sweetness and his ability to go with the flow.

And of course, the warmest thought of all is that today marks the first of 16 STRAIGHT DAYS of NO SCHOOL FOR ANYONE. YIPPEE!

More Beautiful Karen Johnson Images

2011-12-16T18:09:00.006-05:00

Karen Johnson took more beautiful photos of the boys on October 15. Ethan was in the better mood that day, so that's why there are more of him. Karen is amazing! She can be found at kkjimages.com.

Home Project #5: Re-covered Dining Chairs

2011-12-14T23:00:00.002-05:00

I found the perfect material and have done one of six chairs.
Here is BEFORE... the drab, cream upholstery that caught every single possible stain.

And here's the same chair after.

I will post a final pic when all six are done. (Wonder when that will be?!?)