Mickey Mania Has Hit!

YEAH! I am sooo excited! We are going to Disney World - not until November - but, we are in full planning mode right now. I have to admit that I am totally overwhelmed! I keep reading on all these websites and am just trying to figure things out. I scheduled breakfast with Chef Mickey since I heard that was the best character experience. And, I scheduled a lunch with the princesses (I know a little girl who is going to flip!). I am trying to make the most of our time there without overscheduling ourselves. If anyone has any advice in planning a trip to Disney with a 5 year old and 2 year old, PLEASE share. Park hopper tickets or not? Animal Kingdom or not? Universal or not? I would love to hear from you....thanks, friends!!!

What a Week!

This has been a crazy and awesome week! We have been going, going, going all week long. It is 1:30 am before Friday morning arrives...I have finished my alotted sewing jobs for the day and wanted to share a few pictures from the week before I hit the hay....wind down time. Anyway, here are the recaps:

Cade had his Star Wars 5th birthday party with his best buddies.

We had the four best grandparents come in town for Cade's party and his last soccer game...and a little tickling of his little sister...hee hee. What a great Saturday!

Welcome to Moe's! Almost every Monday night, we head to Moe's for "kids eat free" night. Sydney had a ball with Ellison and Kendall while the parents talked. They marched around the restaurant giggling....yes, there were other patrons. But, we figure you are asking for it when you come on "kids eat free" night.

On Wed-nesday, the sillys were in full force at Krispy Kreme for Cade's birthday breakfast. Of course, what do I expect when I feed the kiddos chocolate covered donuts w/sprinkles at 9am?

Priceless....Sydney is also now dressing herself...well, not the actual process. But, she picked out her dress, her shoes, her necklace, her chocolate covered face....luckily, we left the tiara and rings in the car with her baby and purse....there is only so much a mom can handle....

And, we had Parent Orientation at the kids' new school, daddy went on a day trip and had a basketball game, Cade turned 5 and we celebrated all day long, and Cade had his doctor's appointment where he bravely took 4 shots and the flu mist. WHEW!! 2 am now....it is Friday and time to get ready for the loooong weekend ahead....can you see me smiling???? I love holiday weekends!!! Night, night time now...

Happy Birthday, CadeMan!

He was 3 weeks old yesterday, right? I thought he was the most beautiful baby when he was sleeping like that...Even at one year old, he was the most inquisitive and observant child. He was always looking inside and under things to see how they worked.... Well, it is official that my son was five years old yesterday. He is sooo big - starting kindergarten next week (I am not talking about it yet - just can't). He is a mess most of the time. And, his birthday was no exception...he was "full" of himself all day. We started the day off at Krispy Kreme with Sydney and Andrew, our neighbor. He went back to Andrew's for a playdate. Then, we ate at Chickfila for lunch (or Chickolay, if you are with Syd). Anyway, he informed me after we dropped Miss Priss off to nap at Andrew's that he liked birthdays...he could do what he wanted...because, you know, the day was all about him. (Yes, he is soooo five years old.) His day's treat was that his dad was taking the afternoon off to do whatever he wanted. The decision was to visit the McWane Center (Bham's children's science center). We spent the WHOLE afternoon building towers with blocks, testing our magnets and electrical currents, and just playing. The day was our last "hoorah" before school starts. We headed home to some of Cade's favorites, fried okra and chicken tenders, and a game of Legos Star Wars with dad. All in all, the birthday was excellent. I know I had a great time watching my guys play hard and enjoy each other. It is just so hard to believe that God blessed us with Cade five years ago - it seems like no time ago...then, it also seems like he has always been with us. Happy Birthday, buddy!

Party Time!

Cade had his 5th birthday party this past Saturday. And, with his 4 best buddies here, he had a blast! He has become a Star Wars fanatic since he and his dad play Legos Star Wars on XBox. It is their thing that they enjoy about 1-2 nights per week. Cade is Star Wars crazy these days! So, a Star Wars party was all he could think of having...we made light sabers, had Jedi training with an obstacle course, and saved Princess Leia. We had the grands and his cousins, Jordan and Hardy Beth, here - which was GREAT! (Thanks, Jo and Gran, for all your help!! You are definitely my party throwing assistants!) Anyway, the day was wet from start to finish with rain from Hurricane Fay, but we made do in the basement (just thankful we had one to party in) and had a wonderful time. I just can't believe my baby boy is almost 5...but that story is for another day.

Cade has such sweet friends. They were so excited for him with each gift he opened. They all play so well with each other too. Each one tried so hard for the Jedi training...too cute to watch them jump around with their sabers (or pool noodles if you are wondering what those things are in the picture below). Cade was pumped about the games we planned. For those ever needing party ideas, the best website ever on this topic is http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/ - it is awesome!!! Like giving the kids their Jedi names (Cade - was Edac for Cade spelled backwards) or cutting pool noodles in half for sabers - I would have never thought of that, and they LOVED it! Soooo fun!!

Soccer Season is over!

Our Upwards Soccer season ended this past Saturday with a great showing (but a loss) by the Mighty Green team. Cade and his dad/coach had a great time over the past 4 weeks...but, next Saturday's sleeping in is already exciting us all...hee hee. Cade had a good time playing with his friends again this week, but the highlight was that Gran and Pop, Mimi and Papaw, and Hardy Beth and Jordan came in from Mississippi to watch Cade play and then stay for his birthday party. I was so happy that our family made it for one of his games. It sure meant a lot to have them there.

Of course, when you add 4 year old boys and 5 minutes of break time, you get lime green jerseys over sweaty little heads...gotta love boys.

My dad with his two grandaughters....oh, how they love their Pop!!





Cade was proud of his soccer medal - especially with all the Olympics watching we have been doing lately. His dad was pretty proud of him also...they had a good time this season together.

A Dance to Remember

Today, we had cleaning day - Cade and I were dusting, cleaning bathrooms, wiping down chairs, moving toys. We had our praise music up loud, and we were working hard. Sydney had been playing with Cade's Little People farm for over half an hour when she walked into the den looking for me. I knew she had a purpose on her little mind when she walked in the door. Cade had moved to another room to work, so I knew she was looking just for me. With a little grin, she reached her arms up and said, "dance, Mommy, dance." Well, for those who know me really well, you know I love to dance with the kiddos in the kitchen at dinnertime usually. I even had a radio installed in there. So, today, even though I was covered in grime and Lysol, I danced with the sweetest little Cinderella I know. She held on tight as we turned. She smiled at me every time I dipped her, little curls flying. Some moments hold me....this one seemed to last for a while. I cherish these moments when God stops the busyness around us to grab us...it was like He was telling me to wait, to stop everything else, to just enjoy this little blessing He has given me. So, we just danced....an unforgettable, special dance....
Thanks, Sydney! Mommy
loves our dances...
you are a sweet-
heart.



This reminds me of the Chapman family. His song about dancing with Cinderella is resonating through my heart as I type this. If you missed his family's interview on Larry King, here is the link. It was a touching interview....their strength and focus and the Lord's faithfulness are amazing!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u8T3dL8KYo

Missing Dad

Tonight, we had a night without Daddy. He had another trip.....so, we had a night needing some entertainment. What is a good "rainy night when dad is gone" activity? When Sydney awoke from her nap around 5:00, we baked cookies - the add vanilla, measure the oats, break the egg kind. Yep, no kidding - no slice n bake. Anyway, we had a blast and didn't even get covered in brown sugar. The kiddos took turns trying to stir the stiff batter...then, we rolled the balls for each cookie...looks like fun, huh.
Well, as we baked, I explained we were having "backwards night" (an idea I borrowed from a fellow blogging friend). We walked around backwards, which didn't last long...they couldn't get around as fast and kept forgetting. We ate our cookies for dinner and our chicken/veggies for dessert. Cade was a little concerned about our eating our cookies before our "good" food. I reassured him that this was only for "backwards night." Then, we watched a short movie while we snuggled on the couch. After 30 minutes of that, we headed to the basement to jump on the trampolene. I couldn't think of anymore "backwards" things to do. I wanted to put their pjs on backwards and sleep upside down in their beds...but, they said no. My kids are so literal...where do they get that from? Oh, well, it was fun...they loved dessert for dinner. But, we still missed our daddy....

Go, Cade!

Saturday was Cade's second soccer game. The team definitely had the hang of it a little more this time around. But, they were still so cute and so funny - gotta love 4-5 year old soccer! Cade had his game face on...

Go, Cade, Go!!!!

And, of course, soccer games for Sydney mean socializing, snacks, and taking care of her baby doll. She is a true fan, huh...

A Fun Friday

We had a Sunday school class party this past Friday night at our CLC. We had a great time! The night was very laid back - a basketball game for some of the dads, run around like crazy time for the 40 something children, and ping pong/Wii too. We had dinner and just hung out for a while. What a fun Friday night!

Sydney had a ball! She ran and played all night. I finally caught up to her for a quick picture, then she was off for more running with her friends.
Ms. Amber was Cade's Sunday school teacher this past year. Stuart (her son) and Hayden were also in her class and are Cade's best buddies. Ms. Amber had her hands full with these three.

Great neighbors

We are truly blessed with wonderful neighbors. I can think of four houses of people right now that would be here in a moment's notice if I needed them.....now that is a blessing for a mom of two who stays home, has a husband that travels a little, and has no family near by. Neighbors like these are a God-send. I am so thankful...

One family that is in this category lives right behind us, goes to our church, and has 7 year old twins and a 4 year old son - my 4 and 2 year old think they are awesome. So, Wednesday, it was time to have a playdate and picnic before school started for the twins. As usual, the kids had a blast - slip n slide, pool, picnic...a cooler day...so fun!!

Emma & Cade sat in the sun to warm up - they talked and talked. He has such sweet friends.

Julie, Emma, & Abby are some of Syd's favorite people.

Looking deeper

Sometimes, I am amazed at how truly loving and genuine children are...to look through their little eyes at the world around them...to see the beauty of green grass, not the chore of mowing it...to get excited about seeing a ballgame, not dread the heat of sitting at one... to see a person, not a handicap...No wonder Jesus said to come to Him like the little children.

Last night, we had an outing with Eric's work. We were to go to the Baron's baseball game at the Met. The kids were pumped. All the way there, Eric and I talked about how hot it would be and how we hoped to be in an air conditioned area for our dinner. The kids, on the other hand, were singing (their favorite) "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" over and over. Upon walking up to the field, Sydney saw a group of men. She began jumping up and down. She was yelling, "Jesus, Jesus... Mommy, it is Jesus." Of course, knowing she had to be mistaken, I bent down and had her show me where - all I saw was a group from a home for mentally and physically handicapped men. She was emphatically still yelling and pointing and smiling. Her excitement brought tears to my eyes...she was thrilled to see Jesus. When I finally figured out what she saw, I couldn't help but smile. There was a man in the middle of the group who had arm braces on to help him walk, a sweet smile, a beard, a mustache, and a head full of dark brown hair. To my sweet daughter, he was a dead ringer for the man in her Bible books that we talk about and sing about. She didn't even notice the braces or his drawn limbs. Her love for him and excitement to see him was pure and precious.

She saw Jesus...in someone I merely looked past. They saw an exciting night at a ballgame...when I saw a hot night at a work function. I think I need to adjust my vision and my heart to be a little more "childlike....."

Bring on the Purell

Some decisions that I make leave me feeling rather foolish. Tonight, for instance, was a perfect example. Eric is out of town for work. I decided to go to Moe's for "kids eat free night" to meet some friends. My theory for my "single mom" nights are KEEP BUSY to preserve sanity. Anyway, we needed 10-15 things from the store, so I figured why not. Walmart wouldn't be that bad after Moe's. The kids would be full and not too tired yet. Hee Hee.

For those with children under 5, you can surely see what was ahead. Mexican food and 2 glasses of lemonade per child lead to what? Let's say it together....potty trips. Yes, the Walmart potty. Are you cringing with me? Becoming a mom has definately made me more of a germaphobe. I hate to admit it, but it is true. I buy hand gel as a staple like I buy toilet paper. Thank goodness for automatic potties - thank you Walmart for realizing that we mommies need a little help.

Anyway, back to my story, after our Moe's dinner, we barely made it a mile before the potty requests began. I am still optimistic about the night - it is only 7:45 - late, but we are ok. We entered, and I was able to pick up a few items on our way to the family potty in the back. That was trip #1 for both kids. Back to the toiletries, then to the toys to peruse for Cade's upcoming bday, potty trip #2 for Cade, baby section, oj, milk, crescent rolls, potty trip #3 -which ended up being a bad accident in her pullup since I was determined to grab the yogurt before we went. Yuk - clean up time. Back for some chips, grab the cereal, pick up the fruit. I am getting hopeful that we might be almost finished, when I see it - the "holding it" dance of my two year old. I ask. She says no. We get in line - one of the only 3 that are open at 9:00. We wait. She NOW has to go. Leave the buggy and make trip #4 - false alarm. We get back in line - four customers back from where we were. We get to the counter. And, yes, you guessed it. Trip #5 - a successful one - whoo hoo! Back to line. Pay way too much money. Outside, load car..........Cade says "Mommy, I really have to go potty".....by this point, 9:30, I don't care. I am not scared of a little tee tee. This ride is heading home. At 10:00, when we walked in the door and put down our bags, do you know what we did? - all three of us - we went to the potty. Yep. At least we didn't have to open the door or flush the potty with our feet. Home. We made it. Sometimes, my foolishness overwhelms me.

Take my word for it....mexican food, lemonade, and Walmart do not make for an enjoyable evening two hours after bedtime. Next time - Walmart comes mid-morning - no food or drink for at least 2 hours before. New rule!!

Go Big Green!

Well, soccer season at SMBC has hit with a vengeance. With Eric as coach and Cade as a player on the Mighty Green team (my personal slang for our 8 little Beckhams), our August's Saturdays are filled with some awfully good times. We had our first game this past weekend. Cade did great! He had the game face on and had a really good time....he even asked to go back in after being pushed down and having his head stepped on. Oh yeah, 4/5 year old soccer is rough stuff - believe it. Well, not really. It is actually pretty comical. Of course, not the getting your head stomped part. After he sobbed a few minutes, he was right back in. His dad was so proud of him. This year, he actually even got the whole "our goal-your goal" part of soccer.

I'll have pictures next time, promise.