Day at the Dentist

Wednesday morning both boys had their teeth cleaned at the dentist. Dental hygiene is not our favorite subject around here so I was a little anxious on how things would turn out. We were cavity free, but when Mrs. Lynn asked Zachary how often he brushes his teeth, he proudly told her, "I NEVER brush my teeth!" Bless his heart for his honesty!

Jillian, these pics are for you!



Since getting scolded by Mrs. Lynn and Dr. Kinny we have been 100% on teeth brushing since our visit. Zachary has a chart and is working toward a skateboard! Here is our conversation regarding the consistency this week:

Me: "Zachary, I cannot even tell you how proud I am that you have done so well brushing your teeth since Wednesday."
Z: "Oh Mama, please just tell me."
Me: "I am so proud I cannot even put it into words. That's what it means when I say I cannot even tell you."
Z: "Just say it, Mama. Just say I am so so so proud of you for brushing your teeth."
Me: "Ok. I am so so so proud of you for brushing your teeth and for reminding me even when I don't think of it."
Z: "Thanks, Mama. And I am so so so proud of you, too."

And while we are talking good health, here is what Zachary told me this week regarding taking care of yourself:
"You have to keep your body safe. Don't let your teeth rot. Keep your bones from breaking and keep them together. This is how you live a long time."

Easy enough!

We love our Grandmothers!

Trent had his turn at honoring his grandparents this week. Because the reception was in the middle of the day, only Grandmother and KK were able to make it. He was really confused as to why they were there to pick him up from his class and why I was there serving. He made some handprint artwork for them, but refused to give it up. He kept saying "home" every time my mom would try to touch it--as in, I'm taking it HOME! Anyway, here are the few pictures I got from the afternoon:

Cancer Crusade

Several months ago I was given the opportunity to help organize the 1st Cancer Crusade for our city. Amanda, a girl I grew up with, has been battling cancer for the past four years and came up with the idea. My best bud Nancy and I were excited to jump on her bandwagon. After much planning, praying and sweat, I am proud to say we pulled it off.

On Saturday morning we held a 5K race and then afterwards, a trike-a-thon for the kids. I think everyone had a good time. There was music, food, bounce houses and prizes... The community really came through for us and I am so excited to report that we raised $14,500! The proceeds will be split between the Patty & Bo Pilgrim Cancer Center and St. Jude Children's Hospital. For our first year, I would say that is AWESOME!! Can't wait until next year!

Here are some pictures from the day:

Nancy, Amanda, and me The race is on...

My favorite "triker"

My favorite spectator Trace and Zachary (they each rode more than 4 miles!!) More trikers. My niece, Katie, is in the blue shirt High school buddies showing their support Trace and Zachary showing off all the stickers they earned It's over! We survived!

Happy Grandparent's Day

Today is Grandparent's Day for those of you who didn't know it. I fell into that category myself until my Granny called to let me know!!! Anyway, Zachary's school had a brunch on Thursday to honor their grandparents. He was home sick all week from school, but went to the breakfast for a little while. Since I wasn't invited, I don't have any pictures of the actual event, but here he is with Grana and Pawpaw when they picked him up to take him that morning:

Grandmother took the middle shift so I don't have any pictures of her with Z.

KK was the last grandparent to go and brought my little guy home from the brunch:

My boys are so blessed to have three wonderful sets of grandparents. Hope you all have a nice day, Pawpaw, Grana, Pawpaw Mark, Grandmother, Jackpaw and KK.

AND, to my grandparents, Granny, Grandmother and Grandadddy, Happy Grandparents Day!

A weekend away

Brandon and I celebrated our EIGHTH anniversary over Labor Day weekend. We went to Dallas for the long weekend and really enjoyed our time as a couple.

Here's a breakdown of our time together:
-enjoyed conversation without ever being interrupted
-ate at restaurants that didn't even have children's menus
-went to a movie that was not produced by Disney
-relaxed by the pool without ever being splashed, climbed on or blowing up a floatie (I even turned my back to the pool to lay out!)
-stayed up late and slept in a King size bed ALL BY OURSELVES
-watched whatever we wanted on t.v.
-shopped without a stroller
-attended a hilarious comedy performance where no kids were allowed
-experienced a car ride without a single DVD change out, potty break, or "are we there yet?"
-never wrestled, changed a diaper, looked for a pacifier, wiped a mouth, fixed a sippy cup, fastened a carseat or corrected a child

And you know what?! We missed those boys like crazy! We couldn't wait to get home to them and left on Monday morning at 7 a.m. to get back. It was a great break, but we were reminded of how much joy our kids add to our lives.

Thanks, Mom and Mark, for babysitting. I know you were both worn out when they left.

And, Brandon, eight years later...I'm still glad you're mine!:)

[Sorry no pictures...we took a vacation from the camera, too!]

Happy 30th Michelle!

Brandon and I attended Michelle's (not so) surprise party recently. We were happy to usher one of our last friends to turn 30 into old age! Michelle and her husband, Russell, were also high school sweethearts so they are one of our oldest couple friends.

I gave Michelle a "change your life" bag for her big day. I will let you know once I hear how life altering it has been for her!
Michelle, Russell and precious baby, Mollie

Their two boys, Colby and Will, were also there, but too busy to pose for a picture.

Wondering where I am???

It has been a wild week with this AND a sick child. I will be back soon with lots to post about!

Hope you've had a great week!