Learning...

Since the boys turned 2 years old, their pediatrician has been recommending that they do swimming lessons. It is part of his shpeel every time we go for check up, but he truly means it and always says that Florida Southern and the Y have really great programs. This summer I decided that no matter what, the boys needed to learn to swim, so that is what we did. I found a great teacher who lives three minutes from our home who works with kids for 8 sessions in groups no bigger that 4 at a time. Riley and Conner were in a class with one other boy and the three of them began their swimming journey together. Each of them were at different levels of proficiency. Riley and Conner had been fortunate enough to be in a pool many times throughout the years and a momma who insisted on them not being afraid of getting wet! They were amazing on that first night, each of them swimming at least 10 feet without any help. By the 8th session, all three boys could swimm 30 feet without help using the proper technique only taking about 4 breaths! Conner was the youngest in the group and he kept right up with Riley and Dennis. My boys are swimmers now. Of course they still need some help when they get tired, but they now have the confidence and the skills to keep from drowning, they can float, swim underwater, and hold their breaths. I am so proud of them and am looking forward to all the other things they will be learning as they continue to grown and try new things:)

The three boys in the class!

Riley swimming across the pool.

Conner swimming across the pool.

Me the the kids in our little backyard easy-set pool...Kenna loves it too!

4th of July!!!!

I love summer time! The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays, next to Christmas of course. Watermelon, fireworks, summer showers, and fun outside just because it is warm enough, hot dogs, and swimming make up the things I love the most about this holiday and time of year. Every year since I can remember we have gone out to the city fireworks display. I don't think I have missed one year since I was about 6 years old. As a mom I am trying to instill in our family some traditions and one of those is celebrating our nation's birthday by watching the fireworks and enjoying time with family and friends while we eat dinner "tailgate" style! This year's fireworkds display was called "Deuling Fireworks" and there were two sets going off at the same time. Although it rained most of the day, the kids enjoyed themselves out at the stadium.

By the time the fireworks went off, we were all huddled up in the back of my van to stay dry.

Riley and Conner have never liked the loud booming sound of the show, but they do enjoy watching the beautiful display.

Happy Fourth to all!

Anniversary

Today would have been my grandparents' 51st wedding anniversary. Earl and Shelvery Howard were married on June 22, 1959 and had a happy life. Not many marriages last as long as theirs did and they were very much in love. They had a beautiful marriage full of laughter, some tears, three children, three grandchildren, and now three great-grand children. I know my Mama misses my Papa deeply and she has had a rough week. He would be so proud of her for staying strong and continuing to live, even though he can't be here with her. Happy Anniversary Mama and Papa! We miss you lots Papa, but are taking care of Shelby just for you!

Mama, Papa, and Riley at his 70th birthday party, his last one.

Growing up...

Tonight we attended Riley's pre-school "graduation" ceremony. It was really very cute. There were only 7 children who are at the ripe-ole-age of 5 who will be beginning Kindergarten this fall, so the ceremony was very intimate and personal for these kids. Riley, my big man, looked so very handsome in his little shirt and tie and, of course, his yellow cap and gown. We have been talking for months now about going to "big school" and graduation at pre-school. He has been very excited and promised that he would sing loud and strut his stuff when the time came. However, when the big moment arrived, my bubbly little boy became very shy. He doesn't like the attention to be on him all at once, he would rather show you in his time and on his terms what he can and will do. He complied like the good boy that he is, but he did not "perform" in the least little bit. He sang the songs, quietly, where I think only I could hear him because I was listening specifically for his beautiful little voice, he sort of smiled, and he did say thank you when he received his "Bachelor of Rhymes" diploma. Overall it was a fun day and one I am glad to have in my memory bank. I can't believe it has been 5 years since this precious boy came into our lives. So much as happened since then and we are looking forward to many more memories with him as he begins his journey in school!

Summer has Begun!!!!

So, I have a long list of blogs to come that I have not had time so far this year to do . For now, this will suffice. Summer has officially started here for me. The kids are out of school and my kid is finishing pre-school and getting ready for kindergarten at the start of next school year. We have been a very busy family in 2010. Both boys played baseball, Makenna turned 1, Riley turned 5, and Conner turned 4. Michael is in his last semester of college and will graduate, God willing, in August. Our home is in a constant state of movement. The kids are never still and therefore, we do not have time to be still either. The boys are so energetic and are going from the time their feet hit the floor right up until their heads his the pillow. Riley broke his elbow a couple of weeks ago, right at the beginning of swimming season and my car broke down for about a week. I am excited about starting this next stage with the kids. Everybody and walk, talk, and 2/3 can potty on their own. More entries to come! For now, couple of photos from the last few months

Valentines Day goodies:)

The playset the boys got for their birthdays!

Riley's broken elbow

My big boys

The three kiddos....this is the only recent picture I have because Makenna won't be still:)

My baby is ONE!

My third and final child has celebrated her first birthday! It was a bittersweet day for me. I am so happy that she is getting to be such a big girl with a great personality, but I am also a little sad because she is no longer a baby baby. She is moving into toddlerhood. Her big brother goes to kindergarten next year and I will officially be a mommy of a school-aged child. Don't get me wrong here, Michael and I are completely at ease with our decision not to have any more children, but it is like our parents and grandparents have said....time flies. I can't believe it has been a year since my little girl graced us with her presence, after much prodding and pleading. She is beautiful and a wonderful additon to our family. Her brothers love her and she adores both of them. I cannot remember what it was like without her! Happy Birthday Kenna girl!

Christmas 2009

Christmas this year was so fun! Three babies to enjoy, three times the presents, three times the garbage, three times the fun! We all had a great day. Riley and Conner enjoyed all of their presents, especiall the rock star stuff...they are so cool. Makenna liked everything her brothers got more than what she got. It was good to buy some pink and purple presents this year.

Michael and I celebrated our 6th anniversary this year on December 27th. We went to dinner and an early movie and had a good time together. It is hard to believe how much we have done in the past six years, what we have accomplished, what we have created, and the love we share.