flashback

Having a hard time concentrating today and not daydreaming about what I was doing this time last year. Although, by this point I was nearly hysterical because I had not been able to speak to or get an update from Chase. The time difference and general difficulty of making an international phone call made it almost impossible to speak to my child. On this day last year, I had a mini breakdown and was partly ready to come home.

A year ago...

I was not a blogger, but Chris and I had the opportunity to go to Germany for his company. This was by far the greatest trip I have ever been on so indulge my memories of this time last year.


Here we are greeted by Murphy the owl at the Frankfurt Airport. Murhy is the company mascot.

Just a random building on the top of a hill.

This day last year we dined in a 500+ year old wine cellar by candlelight.

7 years, 9 months, and 1 tooth

I took the boys in for their respective check-ups on Wednesday. They are both very healthy I am blessed to report. Noel weighed in at 23 pounds and 3 ounces. I am confident he is heavier than that but he was coming off that scale, so it is hard to say. He is 27 and three quarter inches long (I think, the sheet is not here in front of me so I will update if wrong.) The doctor asked if he had any teeth during his check up and I told her I firmly believed the bottom ones would poke through at any time. When she stuck her finger in to feel, low and behold one had pushed through. He is very protective of it and all my efforts to photograph said tooth have failed. The pictures of my trying are pretty funny so I will post those ASAP.
Chase is a 50 pounder and is 47 inches tall. He was relieved to find he didn't have to have any shots at this check-up. He had been so nervous about that all week. I honestly couldn't remember if he was due any or not, so he kept trying to get me to call the office and find out. Have I mentioned he is not big on surprises or the unknown? As we left, she said she would see Noel at 12 months and Chase at 8 years. My heart kind of skipped a beat when she said that because 8 years old is a really big kid! I guess I am not really big on my kids growing up at warp speed which is neither surprising nor an unknown .

College Game Day

I love College Football. I was lucky enough to spend two wonderful years while getting my Master's degree at one of the places that embodies that tradition and spirit of the game, Clemson University. I made up my mind last year that this fall I was taking Chase to his first game. As it turns out, one of his classmates and best buddies is a Clemson fan too, so to celebrate his birthday we headed up to Tiger town.

We had a great time. Chase was a little concerned about sitting so high in the stands and asked what would happen if they fell. Once we got in he forgot his concerns. He was fascinated by watching , in real life, the players rub the rock and run down the hill because he has seen it on television so many times. And I am such a dork that even though we were baking in the sun, I got chills when the fight song played and the tigerts took the field. Of course, I always do.

When the mini fans weren't yelling "Go Clemson Tigers" or "giving them a tiger roar" (at Chase's insistence) into their megaphones, the commentary was hillarious. At one point the birthday boy said he couldn't wait to be Clemson football player, the girl in the crowd said she would be a cheerleader, and Chase said "I want to be the mascot." You've gotta have dreams. Go Tigers!

What started out as a Wordless Wednesday...

has become somewhat of a statement. I am very much Pro-Life. I am especially blessed because God has allowed me to live that conviction through the adoption of my sweet, amazing Noel. Sometimes if I allow my brain to think what might have been I nearly have a panic attack. I take my role as a livng witness very seriously, and I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to invite you to view this website http://www.bornalivetruth.org/ I was so inspired by watching Gianna's interview available to view on this link. I think you will be too. Choose Life!

Our new favorite sport

SOCCER!

Yes, I am officially a soccer mom. I know 2 whole things about our newest athletic endeavor, but these two things are enough to make it my new favorite. One, the kids have to run like maniacs thus expending all that extra 7 year old energy. Two, it is a heck of a lot more exciting to watch than T-ball.

Thankfully, Chris knows a good bit more than me and has stepped up to help coach the mighty Tigers team. Here they are at team pictures. No surprise which two are making the most obnoxious faces

Meanwhile, Noely and I do what we do best...he gets into everything and I try to keep him out of it.

Wordless Wednesday (give or take a few)

Oh, hi mom. I wasn't doing anything. I promise.

Chase is 7

Chase celebrated his 7th birthday with a roller skating party. This is the first time we haven't celebrated his birthday at our house by the pool, and I have to say...I loved it! It was so nice to not have to clean my house for hours both before and after the party. It did tug on my hearstrings a little that he wouldn't hold my hand when he was trying to master skating (and was falling more than staying upright). He eventually switched from skates to roller blades and by the end of the afternoon he was even attempting some tricks. All the kids had a good time and there were no major injuries so all in all it was a great day!

So as not to OMIT anything

After tucking Chase in for the night, I was summoned back to his room for the 3rd time. This better be good I thought as the last time I went back I was asked where we were going on our next vacation. Here is the conversation:

Chase-Mom, did we omit anything?

Me- What do you mean?

Chase-I mean, did we omit anything? (said with frustration)

Me-Did we leave anything out?

Chase- Well, that is what omit means. Didn't you know that?

Me- Yes, I did actually know that. No, I don't think we omitted anything, do you?

Chase- No. Good night.

Me- Good night.