Lake Day

Last minute on Sunday we decided to head to the lake.

Easton had a good nap and the sun was shining.

This was THE.FIRST.LAKE.DAY with Easton.

I've been very nervous about the lake and have avoided it at all costs.

But, such as most things I stress over, it was for nothing.

Other than the boat being low on oil and having to go to 2 different gas stations on the lake, it went off without a glitch. 

Thankful for some pictures with my boy.

Easton wasn't too sure about the 'yake'

He kept saying 'I wanna go back to 'partment'.

He's a bit of a nervous nelly at new things.

I can't imagine where he gets that from.

We skied!

Christ won the on the tricks!

This was his last trick of the afternoon.

Lance busted out some moves too.

Me?  Well.  I got up the first try.

And ate it pretty good after that first run, but got back up and did it again.

Up again on the second try and let go {fell, sank?} like you're supposed to. 

I'm still sore.  That worked muscles I haven't worked in a long time. 

We finished the night with LaHacienda.

Anytime I can be outside with my boys, water & sunshine I consider it a great day! 

And to top it off with Mexican, makes it pretty much ideal.

Happy Thursday Friends!

The time we went to the DMV

My license has been expired since I turned 30.  May 4th.  Almost 3 months now.  Our house was for sale at the time and I didn't want to renew when the address would need to be changed eventually, so I waitied.

Now, we're moved and settled, so I bit the bullet and decided to have it changed. 

Not only did we move, but we moved counties so I needed to find the local DMV for our county.  Turns out they've relocated from where I went when I was 16 to get my drivers license. 

I called ahead of time to make sure what I needed and where they were located.  We were all set to go Friday afternoon.

Some days the stars align and everything works in my favor.  And this my friends was one of those days.

We head into the DMV with no less than 50 people in the waiting room.  A guy by the door informs me that it's going to take a while, to get in line.  He'd been there since noon.  It was 4:15.  They close at 5. 

I get in line.  The kinder than normal DMV lady instructs me to go to a kiosk, change my address and renew and pay online and it would send her a ticket to take my picture and give me a new license. 

Easton is at my feet, attached to my leg, being very obedient, yet 2.  Busy. 

We head over to the kiosk.  I'm not sure what they fed him at school for snack, but it must have consisted of a snickers and a Mountain Dew.  This child was beyond excited. 

The kiosk was a nice little cubby that I could hide him in.  I told him it was a fort.  It worked.  He hid in there and played while I completed the forms. 

There was a man outside the kiosk that had on black tennis shoes.  Easton was convinced he was going to 'play baseball with Daddy'.  I couldn't tell him otherwise.  Either way, the man with the baseball shoes and the fort kept him entertained while I took care of business. 

We head back over to the line, where she calls my name for my picture to be made.  Mind you, this is in front of the 50 people in the waiting room.  Why do you put a picture booth up front for all to watch you get your picture taken? 

How in the world am I going to get my picture made with a 2 year old performing circus tricks around my legs? The thought of trapping him betweem my legs actually crossed my mind.  Holding him and letting him be in the picture didn't seem half bad either. 

I decide to wing it.  He can't go far.  I hand him my purse and sit down, prepared for the count of 2 to smile.  He stands there for all of .233453 second and he's off.  My purse on the ground.  He's spotted the water fountain. 

I feel the crowd snickering. In a good way.  We were all quite entertained by the shenanigans.  A little sunshine we've brought to their afternoon. 

She starts counting.  One.  Two.  SMILE!  Done.  ' It's really quite good, considering...' she says. 

I wrangle The Boy, go in the bathroom for paper towels that are non existent because we're now 'green' at the Wilson County DMV, opt for toilet paper and clean up the watery mess that is below the water fountain that he couldn't quite operate. 

Once the floor is cleaned up, I stop by the counter for my new license and we're on our way.  Approching the door with no less than an applause from those waiting, I exclaim 'there will be a small charge for your entertainment this afternoon.' They are all laughing (at us, with us, who cares) by the time we get out the door. 

It's in those moments, once you finally take a breath, that you realize, 'a little ounce of patience and a good sense of humor will get you far in this gig called parenting.' 

It's these crazy moments I want to remember forever.  Now, for the next 10 years, when I take out my license, I'll remember that 2 year old who made the entire DMV smile.  He has that effect on many.

Boogity Boogity Boogity Boys...

I grew up watching 'the race' with my dad.  It was a Sunday afternoon thing.  Him in his recliner, the girls scattered through the living room & kitchen.  It never failed we'd all end up asleep.  Perhaps thats what I enjoyed most.  Sunday afternoon naps. 

When Lance told me Bob got a suite on Saturday night for the local fairgrounds race, I was a smidge excited.  This is his first year as a sponsor at the fairgrounds and he's enjoying every minute of it.  There's nothing wrong with some good redneck fun.  Plus time with family and something different?  It's a win in my book.   

I was concerned with the noise, but it wasn't an issue at all in the suite.  Someone had fun putting in ear plugs anyways.  

Someone bought Easton some cotton candy.  He loved it. 

And when the Farrar's get together, you can be sure there will be gambling going on.  I'll leave it a mystery as to who's hands those are.

 By far the highlight of my night was getting to meet THE Sterling Marlin!  Sadly, he didn't win.  Some sort of mechanical failure causing oil to leak put him out of the race. I'm certain he would have won. 

 And someone stayed up way past his bedtime but was a trooper, as always, through all the hoopla. 



Thanks for the race, Grandaddy {and for the racecar, Honey}!  We had a great time! 

You're gonna miss this

This morning was a rat race.  Who am I kidding?  Most mornings are a rat race.  But most mornings, my mind set is ready for the chaos and we get through.  This morning?  It really wasn't the case.

I couldn't go to bed.  Thank you Milo's sweet tea at dinner.  Kirby had been unsettled all night.  We're dealing with what we think are the side effects of a tick bite and somethings just not quite right with her.  My alarm went off at 5:45am just like every other weekday morning.  And just like every other day I hit the snooze button one too many times. 

So, I'm getting up, already behind in the race.  It's like getting on the treadmill thinking you have 30 minutes to get in 3 miles, but realize you've only got 10 minutes.  So.  It's go time. 

Ready.  Set. RUN.

Shower.  Fix hair.  Get Easton up.  He wakes up smiling.  It's short lived.  Fix his breakfast.  Ornry begins.  He doesn't want to sit still.  He wants his ra-ra.  He wants to shut the closet door.  Basically, anything other than what I want him to do, which is to sit beside me and finish this oatmeal and milk.  I know.  Putting him in the high chair would be a lot better, but you see...we eat breakfast in the bathroom.  It's where we all are in the morning.  It's easier.  If I'd get up when that alarm goes off we might partake in breakfast in the kitchen like normal folk.  But that ain't happ'nin anytime soon. 

He finally eats most of his oatmeal.  I finish getting me ready.  Lance gets Easton ready.  He wants to take his mini bat in the truck.  Lance agrees.  I think to myself, that's not a great idea, but it's not worth the fight.  They take Kirby out.  I gather our bags.  We're finally out the door.  Late. 

He hit the window accidentally with aforementioned bat.  I asked him to be careful.  He hit it again.  Accidentally.  I calmly, for the second time, look at him and remind him that we have to be careful with the bat in the car, that we don't want to hit the window.  At which point, he looks up at me, with those twinkling eyes that can turn to mischevious in a milisecond, and taps the bat on the window.  Not on accident.  Mind you, we have barely gotten out of the apartment parking.  We've got about 47 more minutes until we arrive at our destination.  This isn't looking good. 

Now, my blood pressure rises.  I can take most things. Deliberate disobedince is not one of them. 

I turned around.  Gave him The Eye.  Demanded the bat.  He refuses.  I spank his leg (lightly).  And I take the bat.  Commence crying.  Lord help me.  We are not even on the interstate yet. 

Tears continue.  I drive quietly.  Trying not to cry myself.  He continues.  He then request Charlie and Ra-Ra.  If I'm going to get an appology, I can barter.  I tell him he must ask nicely.  He says 'pwease'.  I tell him it hurts my heart when he's ugly.  He needs to say he's sorry.  'I sowwy for bein ugy' he says.  Charlie and Ra-Ra are all his.  The crying stops.

We ride.  We talk.  We both calm down.  We smile.  We go on about our merry way.  Another melt down in the books.  All be it, minor and short, it still does a number on your nerves.

But then.  The song came on.  Trace Adkins.  You're Gonna Miss This.


You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast

Then.  I cried.  He's growing up so fast.  He talks my ear off all the way to and from school.  He needs so many things on that car ride.  Baseball book.  'Yittle' books.  Stickers.  Charlie.  Baseball.  Ra-Ra.  It's like a 3 ring circus most days.  My nerves are frazzled by the time I drop him off and by the time we finally make it home in the afternoon. 

But.  One day I'm going to miss those things. I'll be riding all alone one day and I'll wish he was back there.

So, I looked back at him through misty eyes and smiled.  He was loving on Charlie and he smiled back.  He smiles with his eyes too.  Even behind that ra-ra, I could see that little face light up.  I reached back there and rubbed his tiny little leg with his cute little grey cargo shorts on.  He asked me to hold his hand.  So, we did. 

And at that moment, I smiled.  My previous frustrations and stresses erased.  He's mine.  I GET to have these moments with him.  It's an honor and priveledge to be his momma.  Even if I am flabbergasted some days.  I am human afterall.  I love that boy with all that I have.  He is an absolute joy and keeps us laughing. 

Take me out to the ballgame...

Sunday Lance suggested we go to the Sounds game.  They had a double-header that started at 5.  It was perfect timing for after nap/before bedtime and a wonderful outdoor activity to do with The Boy. 

My boys are always down for some baseball.  And me? I'm down for it too.  I love a good baseball game.  If it makes them happy, it makes me happy. 

Easton wakes up looking for his ball, bat and glove and goes to bed making sure of where they are.  His daddy's dream I tell ya.  When Lance told him to get ready, this is what he came up with.  Two of a kind, these boys. 

 The weather was cooperative considering the rain we'd had all week. 

It was on the warm side, but I can't complain. 

I had fresh air, sunshine and my 2 sweeties. 

And ball park food. 

It doesn't get much better than that.

 And look who got his picture made with 'Champ'! 

Walked right up and said 'CHEEEEEESE' for me while I took his picture. 

 We had pretzels, icees, pizza, nachos and dippin dots.  It's safe to say the icee was his favorite. 

 or...maybe it was the chocolate Dippin' Dots!

Either way we had a fun night at the ball park!

Friday Night Swimming

After raining for 4 days, we were all feeling a little cooped up.  And running out of things to do inside. There's plenty to do for a 2 year old in an apartment.  You know, like play baseball, bounce a ball, wreck cars on the kitchen floor, drive a 4 wheeler inside, run, jump, stomp.  Noisy things that I'm certain our neighbors hear. There was finally a break in the clouds tonight so we decided to spend our night at the pool. 

One good thing about the apartment, is how convenient the pool is.  We're trying not to over-do it so we don't get burnt out, but it sure is fun!

You can stomp, jump, hollar & yell all you want too and your neighbors don't care!!!  {not that our's have said anything but we are super cautious about our noise level in the apartment}. 

After supper, we headed down to the pool for a little late afternoon/night swim.  The boys said the water was cold.  I opted out.  Someone's got to take the pictures you know, for memory's sake. 

Lance works with Easton a lot at the pool, getting him to go under and works on kicking his legs and using his arms.  He's definitely not a fan of going under, but he keeps on jumping in time after time, only with a brief request to 'no go under Daddy.'  He asks to go in the 'deep end' a million times.  We take turns going back and forth with him and letting him jump and swim to the 'yadder'. 

I fully expect a little swimmer by the end of summer.

And, for those of you who think I don't let my child indulge in the 'good things' in life...here's proof.  A big melted marshmallow mess.  Before bed even. 

Note to self:  Don't leave marshmallows in your pool bag.  They melt. 

Happy swimming friends!

Always. Always. Always.

Since Easton was a little lovey, I've told him that I will 'always, always, always come back and get him.'

It started when he was probably around a year old. He was going through that seperation anxiety deal, not wanting me to leave. We'd have a talk in the car before we got to school and I'd tell him 'always, always, always.'

Time passed. Things got easier. Some days he goes in on his merry way, kissing me and walking me to the door. Others, he needs a little reasurrance.

Yesterday was one of those reassuring days. Though, not near as dramatic as it used to be but he needed my comfort nevertheless.

We were pulling in school. He was talking about playing outside with his friends. And he asked,  'Mommy come back?' I said 'Easton???' He looked back up at me with those melt my soul twinkling eyes and said those 3 words of comfort I've said to him for so long. 'Always, always, always.'

I had to catch it on video yesterday afternoon...so I could remember how sweet he sounds when he says it. He threw in a little extra love too.

God bless this child. I really never dreamed I could love someone so much. I could explode.

  

Apartment Living

We've been in the apartment a little over a week now.  And, really, it's actually quite nice.  Not 'home' for sure, but it'll work for now. 

There are so many great things about apartment living.  For starters, you really can live on a lot less.  A ton of our stuff is in storage right now and really, I haven't missed any of it.  Yes, most of it is seasonal stuff or garage stuff...but it's amazing how much you really don't 'need'. 

At the apartment we have a pool, a playground, tennis courts, a dog park, a pool 'house' with gas grills, granite counters and a big screen tv.  It's like we're on vacation for weeks on end.

Yes, an aparment means a smaller space, the inconvenience of having to be quiet and not stomp {i never realized just how loud my child is- walking, talking, etc} so you don't wake your neighbors, having to take Kirby up and down a zillion steps to go to the potty a zillion times a day, having to fight...ahem...I mean convince The Boy it really is more fun for mommy to carry him up and down the steps then for him to 'do it myself'.

It's hard to craft and sew and takes a little more pre-planning to attack those Pinterest tutorials, but it can be done.  Maybe not there, but I will still craft while living at this apartment. It's my sanity.  I'm trying to find a place for a small table for my sewing machine.  I miss sewing. 

We now have no yard work.  Not that we'd have to mow the grass anyways, what with the scorching temperatures we're having.  We have no 'honey do list', no 'clean up! they're showing our house!' moments. If something goes wrong, we just call maintenance. It's really quite nice. 

Quite possibly my favorite part of the apartment might be the fact that it backs up to woods. Every apartment I've ever lived in (I've lived in 2) overlooked the parking lot and that can be a bit noisy. So, far, it's been fairly quiet.  And.  It's contained.  Both Easton & Kirby can go out there for some fresh air and I don't have to worry.  And...it's big enough for our little table.  In fact, we had supper out there last night...and Easton got a hair cut.  Just like home. 

rain???  yeah...this pic was from 2 weeks ago.  Quite possibly the last time it's rained...

It was hard going 'home' this weekend to drop off a few more things to the buyer and see my crepe myrtle's blooming, see her stuff in there, her car in the garage, but just as with everything, time lessens the intensity. 

I won't lie though, those crepe myrtles did make my nose tingle slightly. 

But.  New chapter.  New memories.  New day.