The biggest trophy ever!

Bradley had a GREAT season playing coach-pitch baseball with Nick as one of his coaches. He was so adorable on the field and is quite a good little hitter! Finally, after a very long season, he received his much anticipated TROPHY!! And, not only was it awesome, it was BIG and even bigger than his trophy last year or  Rachel's trophy this year!! He was so excited by all of this! He LOVES trophies and has his proudly diplayed on his shelf above his bed. 'Till next year...bye, bye ball season!

Blessed beyond Measure

I am truly blessed beyond measure. I certainly don't deserve these precious children but I am so thankful for each of them. Nick and the kids made Mother's Day so special with a homemade french toast breakfast and a new gardening hat and pair of gloves (which I had been really wanting!). The kids, as always, make everything so sweet with their enthusiasm and desire to make something special. They are so proud of themselves when they make breakfast or buy a present or whatever. I'm so glad that I get to be part of so many of these precious moments. I love that I know each of them inside and out and get to help them through each day. I love that I get to homeschool them. I am thankful that I have a beautiful, sweet, caring, responsible daughter, and two precious, sweet, kind, loving sons. My heart is full and I am blessed beyond measure.

Happy Birthday Daddy and Gege!

May was a crazy month in 2012! Between ball season, work trips and all the birthdays that make up May, we kinda had to celebrate 2 very important people's birthdays a little late. Gege turned 58 on the 2nd but we didn't celebrate until later because of Rachel's birthday and other crazy things. Nick turned 34 on the 15th and was in Tulsa, OK for a work trip, so we had to semi-celebrate them both on the weekend before he left. I admit, it wasn't the same having him away on his birthday. We weren't able to do all the special birthDAY things we would have liked. We missed him terribly while he was gone and are thankful that he returned home safe and sound! We ate steaks, salad and potatoes for their combined birthday dinner and then had their dessert of choice. Gege made Nick his favorite: lemon pie (which is one of my faves too!) and Deb requested warm brownies with ice cream. It was a little anti-climatic, but we hope they realize just how much we love and appreciate them both!!
Happy Birthday to my wonderful mother-in-law!

AND, Happy Birthday to my kind-hearted, awesome, extremely handsome, loving husband, Nick! LOVE YOU!!

Celebrating Rachel's 8th...

yummy icing-filled cupcakes from Publix



Happy Birthday to Rachel!!



Rach got  a new sparkly Bible

Ready to go meet daddy for lunch

Rach showing off her new (tiny) DS game that Brad gave her

Rach's new friend: Kate Rose Milligan (but she goes by Lovie)

Ella, Rach and Juj with their new friends

Birthday muffins...but still a little sleepy :)

For the first time in 8 years, we did NOT have a birthday party for Rachel. However, we did celebrate her in many ways and with special things. She woke up on her birthday and got to open her presents from her sweet brothers. She was thrilled with the presents they gave her! Then, we had birthday muffins (chocolate chip for Rach) and got ready to meet daddy at work for a special lunch. For the past year, all Rachel wanted to do for her birthday was go to Build A Bear with Juj and her friend, Ella, from Learning Grove. She also wanted Juj to spend the night. So, just the girls (plus mom and dad; the boys stayed with Gege and Papa) went to Build A Bear to create an awesome new stuffed animal. We all had a really good time! Then, Juj got to spend the night for the first time and the girls had a BLAST! Finally, on the Sunday after Rachel's birthday, her precious grandparents came over to give her presents and Gege made a special-requested pound cake with cherries. Rach got lots of great things and had a great time celebrating even without a party full of friends! We love our sweet girl! Happy 8th Birthday!

Like father like daughter?!

Rach really wanted to try catching this year. So, at her last game, her coach put her in to catch. I thought she did a great job! She may not have caught every ball, but she blocked them all! She was by far the cutest catcher!!

Easter Outtakes- 2012

 I'm blind!

 It's a little bright out here!

 Hello down there!

(shots from this angle are always super flattering!!!)

As much as we like our neighbor and appreciate him taking the time to come take Easter pics for us, I couldn't help but laugh at these! Hardy-har-har!! :)

The Garden

We planted our garden a few weeks ago. Nick did most of it, but Trent was a huge help! He loves being outside working and helping in any way. He also still loves driving his jeep and checking things out all over the yard. This year, we planted: tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, zucchini, squash, beans, corn and watermelon. I can't wait for some fresh veggies!!