Beck's Blog

You know it's a good birthday when...

2012-02-06T07:44:00.001-05:00

Brooke had such a great birthday this year that she didn't even notice when we forgot to give her her presents! Wow, what a horrible mistake to make as a mom... The friends came over, then the grandparents, we had decorations and games and a movie... I'm just glad that, when I realized my error and reported this to her in shock this morning, her reaction was a HUGE smile. I guess she has something to look forward to today, and that's a good think, right? unbelievable...!!!

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2011-11-07T14:48:00.000-05:00

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Brooke Knows the Truth About Santa

2011-05-25T09:10:00.002-05:00

She knew the truth before she asked me this question the other night as we pulled into the grocery store parking lot. “Mom, is Santa real or do you fill our stockings and put presents out on Christmas morning?” How do you answer that question when you know by the way she asked it that she knows the truth? I had to tell her the truth. 1) Santa makes it fun. 2) Jesus makes it real. 3) Don’t tell your brother.

Teeth, Fish, and Baseball

2011-05-23T12:41:00.002-05:00

It happened. Brooke lost her first tooth May 2nd, 2011. She felt something hard when chewing a bite of fresh strawberry at preschool and then realized it was her tooth! She got off the bus to greet me with the biggest grin ever, not opening her mouth, but she could not withhold that smile for more than a few seconds. Poor Brady, yet to lose his first tooth, is handling it like a real trooper – despite the fact that Brooke is already sporting another loose tooth. Hang in there, Brady!

I took Brady to the Fishing Derby at Robin Hood Park last Saturday. He could not muster up the courage to hook his own worm or even touch any fish, but I managed somehow to do the dirty work so he could throw the line. That boy can cast! He needed almost no instruction at all. He was disappointed to catch only two Pumpkin Seeds, but we learned enough to go back next year armed and dangerous. Next year we’ll collect worms the day before, be there when the sun rises to get the best spot and the first fish, and we will have lures and poles set and ready to cast the night before. Watch out Trout!

Brady also received the Bible Memory award for 1st and 2nd grade at DCA this year. I am so proud of him.

Dallas is a blessing. God has made it so clear that he has plans for Dallas. He is so sweet to Brooke, willing to talk things out with me, and very helpful at home. He is maturing overnight. OK – He is getting demerits for long hair and Brady is driving him absolutely nuts. But he agreed to a hair cut (finally) and Brady is just being a normal 6-year-old boy. Dallas forgets that he was exactly the same! I guess he won’t understand that until he has a boy of his own.

It’s baseball season again. Brady is a natural (who wouldn’t be with Dallas for a coach?). Dallas has always been an excellent ball player –but his physical maturity is really making a big difference this year. His pitching at age 14 is turning heads, and he’s still running like a bullet. It is sooooo much fun to watch.

Brooke blessed us by dressing herself for school one day last week. She came down with a flowered skirt, bright lime green knee socks with a hot pink stripe around the top, and a two-toned pink and purple shirt. WOW. I think I actually chuckled out loud. It immediately erased any hurry-up-and-get-everything-ready-for-school-and-work-so-you-don’t-miss-the-bus stress and lifted our spirits. I didn’t have the heart to ask her to change anything since her heart was in the right place. She did it both to help mama out and to show her fashion sense. So… I sent her to school and quickly emailed her teachers to let them know that I didn’t dress her like that! LOL – that was definitely one of those unforgettable moments that still lifts my spirits and always will. Wish I had a picture. Thanks, Brooke!

Brooke's 2009 Christmas Prayer of Salvation

2011-01-03T13:08:00.001-05:00

I have been remiss in making this post, but not a day goes by that I do not fondly remember this moment. We had a wonderful Christmas day December 25, 2009. I woke up with the sunrise and stood out on the deck admiring God's creation. Dallas started the day by reading from the Bible for us (without being asked to do so). We had a wonderful breakfast and exchanged gifts with Nana's loving company. Early in the evening we decided to join Lainey and Poppa for some Chinese food at their home with aunts, uncles and cousins having just arrived for the next morning's Christmas celebration. Late enough for the children to have trouble keeping their eyes open, we decided to return home to feed the dogs and get some sleep. As we all start to nod off on the ride home, a little voice piped up in the back seat. Brooke asked, "Mommy, can I open my heart to Jesus now?". Newly rejuvenated, I replied, "of course you can, Honey". I told her we could read from the Bible and talk about salvation in Jesus to see if she sincerely understood what that is and why it is so special. Despite the late hour, she and I read from the book of Romans and talked about believing in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and why it took place. She clearly understood, and so sweetly believed. On Christams, 2009, my little Brooke Aleece accepted the gift of salvation. The greatest gift of all! That is a day I will never ever forget. I love you, darlin.

Another Christmas Flies By

2011-01-03T12:42:00.002-05:00

We started playing Christmas music at home and in the car back in October this season. We just love this time of year so much - why let it come and go in just a week?! Dallas played a rendition of "What is This" at church on the piano last night. It was so beautiful. All he says when we compliment him on the performance is, "I messed up". I guess that's a normal teenager response. Don't give up on the piano, Dal! Well, ok, I won't let you give it up despite your pleas - but I am sure one day you will thank me! You play so beautifully, bud. Dal's big Christmas present to me this year was another amazing report card. All of his report cards have been good, but the teacher comments and fewer A's on the last report made it clear that he was starting to become somewhat complacent. What made this last one special is the teacher comments showing improvement in his attitude, and A's or A+'s in all but one class. You think I am hard on you right now, Dal, but I hope you understand how proud I am of you. I encourage and push sometimes because I love you, Snugglebug.

Just before hopping in the bath tub the other night, Brady also delivered a very special Christmas gift. Out of nowhere he stated, "Mom, when I grow up I want to marry someone as beautiful as you are". WHOA! That comment was so sincere, and so needed. Brady, you are my sunshine, Punkin Pie. I also remember coming home from work SOOOO TIRED one day last week. With my patience completely gone, I started sputtering about not having a chance to even sit down at home or even get my coat off before having to clean up the kitchen, find everyone something to eat, manage the multiple requests for this and that, etc... When everyone else carefully slipped out of earshot, Brady walked right up behind me, put his arms around me and gave me the biggest squeeze and an "I love you, Mom". You are such a special kiddo, Brady. Thanks for keeping me grounded.

Now Brooke, who is going through one of those "phases" (a simple term used to describe the act of driving parents absolutely nuts while testing their parenting skills over something that sounds like it would be easy to address, but really takes months of patience and persistence), had gifts to share this season as well. She begs me to read her the Laura Ingalls Wilder books (we're on "Little House on the Prairie" right now) as if it's a chore for me to do it - yet I enjoy reading this series to Brooke and Brady so much. Sometimes I even read ahead after they fall asleep listening to the story. I watch her care for her baby dolls and am awed by her natural mothering talent. Yes, it's just a doll, but it's clear her heart is in the right place. Sometimes I get carried away singing along with the tunes in the kitchen. Last week, Brooke said to me, "Mom, I want to sing pretty like you and Mrs. Teresa". Whether or not I could ever carry a tune, the fact that Brooke thinks I can just melted me on the spot. Thanks, Brookie. I love you always and forever, no matter what, I promise Sweet Pea. (...and she always responds to this statement with "I love you a hundred googles, a hundred finities, and a hundred heavens and back.")

JOY!

Zucchini vs. Good Heart

2010-07-20T13:32:00.002-05:00

Brooke, my sweet pea, yesterday you helped Brady pick some ripe tomatoes from the garden for me to slice up and use in BLT's for dinner. You were quite proud to find one tomato that Brady missed. A few minutes after delivering this special little tomato, you returned to the kitchen with the biggest, most beautiful smile ever, held out your hands, and proudly reported that you found other vegetables in the garden and did me the favor of picking them. When I saw that they were the only zucchinis in the garden and weeks away from maturity (only three-or-four inches in length), I tried SO HARD to hide my oh-please-say-you-didn't-pick-my-only-zucchinis-before-they're-ripe countenance, but alas, you immediately picked up on my disappointment despite my efforts to restrain it. You traded your halo for tears. I felt AWFUL! Thankfully, when I explained that you picked the toddler zuc's out of the goodness of your heart and would still be rewarded with a chip for your chip jar, you perked up a little. I will never forget the look on your face when you walked in with the prize zucchini's, nor the look on your face when my speechless face revealed your mistake. You are so special, baby girl. You could never disappoint me. I love you always and forever no matter what I promise!

Can I take my own advice?

2010-05-27T08:29:00.001-05:00

We struggle through our day-to-day

Never expected it to be this way

Afraid to let it all go

For fear of what we don't know

We call ourselves believers

we believe we believe

But believing means faith

And faith means no fear

Plant your feet in the Word

He will set your direction

Keep your fears at bay

He will light the way

When this world gets you down

Remember your maker

So happy to welcome you home

Ignoring your past

Why accept the status quo

When you can have Heaven

Open your heart to your father

For a reward like no other

Website Refresh

2010-04-27T05:26:00.001-05:00

FROM FEBRUARY 2010
Dallas and Brady are doing so well at Dublin Christian Academy. I cannot express just how wonderful it is to have peace-of-mind about their schooling situation. They are happily engaged in wonderful music and fine arts programs, chapel services, athletics, and academic programs, and they seem to really enjoy the overall environment. We have learned that they will offer a preschool program next year, which will give us the opportunity to have all three of our children in one place every day! This is a big deal for us and, I hope, will give them some comfort knowing that their siblings are always nearby. Family time is so important in children's lives, and this is a big help.

I am falling behind in updating our online photo albums. I'll bring everything up to speed soon. Below, Brooke is transformed into a fairy at Anna's birthday party, Dallas and his classmates wrap up a day at their annual academic and fine arts contest, and Brady skates for the first time.

Easter 2010

2010-04-06T07:41:00.003-05:00

Another Easter come and gone. Dallas sang in the Church choir with me on Sunday. That was a treat! The past two weeks have been event-filled, to say the least. Brooke and Brady rode a horse for the first time (Foxwood), Brady was kicked by a donkey (big ouch, no injury), Brady was drafted by the Marlins for his first year of baseball, Dallas became the Easter Bunny (because I cannot stay awake later than he can anymore - it was time!), Dallas started singing in the choir, and Brooke had an interesting emergency room visit to remove a tick from her scalp. This is life in full swing.

Kids Say the Funniest Things

2009-06-12T05:37:00.004-05:00

Brooke pointed to the divit between my collar bones the other day and asked, "what's that called?" I have no idea what that's called, so I told her it's the space between my two collar bones, to which she corrected me by saying, "No, mom. It's from Connecticut and it's a hole in your brain." Where in the world did she come up with that?!

Brady had his first Gymnastics meet May 30th after which he was rewarded with his first ever trophy - much to his pleasure. He slept with his tropy three nights in a row before I convinced him to let me put it up on a shelf for all to see. The day after the meet Brooke got a boo-boo while I was in the shower. Since I was unable to comfort her, Brady reported to me that he let her hold his tropy to make her feel better. What a sweetie!

website archive 2009-06-12

2009-06-12T05:32:00.004-05:00

Dallas is playing baseball again. He prefers to play pitcher and center fielder, but fills in anywhere when needed. Please come to a game or two if you can - he loves it when family and friends come to support his team. Dal is soon to complete grade 6. We are so proud of him and all of his straight-A report cards! Both Dallas and Brady are registered to attend Dublin Christian Academy next school year. Brady is THRILLED simply because he will be riding a bus every day - what more could a kid want? It's hard to believe he'll be 5 soon. He's counting the days to his birthday. Dallas has taught him how to pitch a whiffle ball - and boy can he hurl that thing! Watch out, t-ball. (He will be old enough to play in the t-ball league next summer.) Brady is also preparing for his first gymnastics meet to take place May 30th. Brooke takes gymnastics with Brady and insists on doing everything he does - no matter what. She is growing like crazy despite the fact that she typically wants only fruits and vegetables. She loves her new bike and is enjoying learning to cook with mama. She helped me plant some pumpkins, squash, and zucchini yesterday (5/2), and especially enjoyed watering them with the hose. She still bosses the dogs around, and they seem to enjoy it!

Website Revision - 2009 Early Spring

2009-05-03T14:20:00.006-05:00

Dallas enj0yed attending the Dublin Christian Academy Bible Conference in February after receiving another straight-A's report card. He is interested in leaving the middle school in Keene to attend the DCA, and we are trying to make that happen for him next year. Dallas has apparently outgrown his snow shoes (that did not take long at all!), but has enjoyed doing so. We love all the snow we've received this winter - but spring is most welcome, too.

Brady is preparing to go to Kindergarten at Franklin school next school year. He is reading by himself now - we are so proud of our Punkin Pie! He also has a newly found passion for coloring. One day he woke up and just started coloring with a real artistic flare. I'm not sure what sparked it, but we are enjoying the artwork thoroughly.

Brooke has turned three years old. Where did my baby go? She is an absolute joy. She is never far behind Brady, always in his footsteps. She and Brady are both enjoying Saturday gymnastics (she's the only girl in her group, believe it or not). When they are not playing nicely together they are bickering and arguing like the best of siblings do. She still wants to be held all the time, and we do not mind one bit.

Take care - and keep in touch!

Brooke's Prayer

2009-04-29T15:25:00.000-05:00

At the dinner table last week Brooke decided she wanted to say a prayer with us before dinner. This was impressive, since she has been bashful about praying openly in the past, so we encouraged her. She proceeded to say, "Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that Brady will not pick his nose every time he uses a tissue and that I will be a good mom when I have hundreds of children. Amen." Amen, indeed. (Neither prayer has been answered to date.)

Brady is saved!

2009-04-29T15:23:00.001-05:00

April 8, 2009 Brady is born into God's family as he accepts Jesus as his Saviour. What a special day for Brady. He had been asking about this for quite some time. We read from the book of Romans together and he prayed for salvation. We are so happy for you, buddy. Brooke witnessed this happy occasion and immediately wanted to do the same, but only because she just has to do everything Brady does. In due time, honey, when you're ready!

Catching Up

2009-03-26T11:28:00.013-05:00

Winter has passed and it's time to get to the wasps' nests before they wake up, rake the rocks out of the yard before the new grass interferes, and finish building the garden beds before the black flies arrive. Thankfully, the kids love to be outside as much as I do! Here are some winter memories to always remember.

1. Brooke turns 3 years old (are you serious???).
2. Snowshoe excursions with Dallas to the barren Otter Brook swamps, brook, and pond.
3. Memphis burying his snout in the snow and coming up with a big smile.
4. Brady and Brooke loving gymnastics at the YMCA.
5. Brady swimming at the YMCA with about 12 floats - but no help from anyone! Attaboy.
6. Learning to knit (my wrist hurts...).
7. POWER OUTAGE!!!

May this blog help me preserve these memories beyond the point when my brain cleans out the archives (next week).

Uppie, Mama, UPPIEEEEEEE

2008-11-03T14:25:00.001-05:00

Sweet Pea, aka Brooke, is going through the whiney phase. She clearly believes that the way to ask for something is to whine. So... we're trying to gently break her of this habit. We will give here ideas of words she can use in place of the whining, which usually works pretty well, although the whining is still her first attempt. I think I've been pretty patient, but there are times when her whining has become so excessive that my ears really start to hurt! Well, last night, after three days of whining and constant "uppie, mama, uppie" when I so much as turned around and thought about leaving her presence for a distance of more than 2 feet, I turned back around and said sternly, "Brooke, why do you insist on coming uppie ALL THE TIME?", to which she promptly and resolutely responded, "I jus lub you so much, Mama, and I need to be with you". Yep. I was toast. I picked her up and snuggled. Didn't help the whining or the constant "uppie" following me wherever I go, but how could I say no to that?

Arms and Dillows

2008-09-11T16:51:00.001-05:00

So... Dallas and I were looking for interesting magazine clippings for a homework project when we came across a fantastic picture of an armadillo. I was quite sure that Brady and Brooke had never seen an armadillo before. Dallas and I said, "Brooke - we found an armadillo", to which she confidently responded, "YEP. Arms and dillows." Dallas and I cracked up! It was so cute. Brady looked at the picture, saw the armadillo, and asked, "where's the armadillo?". I guess it's just not something you see every day.

Brady: Deep Thinker

2008-09-02T15:43:00.002-05:00

Sometimes children suprise us with deep questions out of the blue, like Brady's question last night when casually brushing his teeth, "Mama, why did the Philistines put Jesus on the cross?" His level of understading is simply astounding! So I tried to explain it to him in his terms. What will he ask tonight???

On the lighter side, during a routine trip to the town dump last weekend Brooke and Brady peered in awe over the back seat at a mountain of recycleable cardboard. Brooke, the instigator, started poking Brady to get a reaction out of him, to which he quickly responded, "Brooke! The bible says NO POKING!!" Gotta love it!

Brooke's Prayer

2008-08-12T12:47:00.000-05:00

Brooke volunteered to say a prayer at dinner Sunday night. She prayed, "Dear God. Thank you for food. Thank you for Brady. AAAAAAAY-MEN." Delicious.

GRASS!

2008-07-21T15:18:00.003-05:00

It has been some time since my last post. On my last post - "to build or not..." - I can now say what the answer should have been. In summary, the building project was a disaster. The good news is that we are in our house and it is serving our needs. We are fortunate to have such a nice spot. There is a fox nearby who travels through our property regularly. I think she may have a young litter, but I am yet to spot any little ones. She is gorgeous with markings unlike any fox I've seen before. She is mostly a gray-brown color with a black stripe from the base of her tail to the tip, a white bib and a red face. I do hope she sticks around.

Brooke has decided to test authority. She will disobey with a smile, and then run away with a giggle. Cute - yes, but we can't let her know that! She is very interested in babies and showing signs that she will be a loving mother one day.

Brady is into asking "Why did God...?" ... make ice cream? ... make coffee? ... make rain? ... make baseballs? Adorable.

Dallas swings from super sweet to super sour. Life is a box of chocolates... My snugglebug.

And the word of the day is GRASS. We finally have some! Let's hope it creates a good barrier between the dirt underneath and the dogs very BIG paws, for the sake of our floors, walls, doors, appliances, etc.!

build or buy... or not

2006-11-10T22:56:00.000-05:00

So do we build a tiny house for big bucks or buy a good size house for a little less? So hard to know what's best for the kids. Each option has its pro's and con's. Taxes, schools, room to run, pets, finances, near water, etc. No real obvious choice. Have prayed for guidance - to at least know when we stumble upon the best solution for our family. Lots of people out there who need His help for far more important reasons, though. And no matter what decision we make, we'll be happy as long as we've got each other. Guess I should stop stressing. Just wish the answer was clear!

8 Minutes, Fiddy Fader, 10 Years

2006-09-19T20:11:00.000-05:00

So Brooke, Brady and I stopped at Pizza Pie one night last week before heading out to the football field to meet Daddy at Dal's practice. I had called in an order so that it would be ready for us to just pick it up and go. When we arrived, they informed me that they had mistakenly put the wrong toppings on the pizza I ordered (and Brady would never eat pepperoni). They kindly said that it would only take about 8 minutes to finish baking the "redo" pizza. "EIGHT MINUTES?!?!", I thought. How could this be? "I don't have eight minutes... what will I do?" (thankfully still just thoughts and not expressions). "I have a Council meeting to get to later, and I only have a brief time with my children tonight, and my husband is expecting me, and my children haven't eaten since snack time, and" ... And then, I came back to earth. Could it be that 8 minutes of time not planned, not counted on, not included in the rushing from point A to point B to C D E and F... was really a bad thing? If 8 minutes could not be spared, then life had become far too ridiculous. Of course I can sit and wait with my babies for a few minutes. Thank you, Pizza Pie, for making me sit down and enjoy 8 minutes of impromptu chatting and fun with my babies. REALITY CHECK PLEASE.

Latest Brady-ism: Fiddy Fader. Any guesses? Yep, it's the fridge. Brady says, "I want some milk. It's in the fiddy fader. I can open it for ooo!".

I stopped dead in my tracks at the office yesterday. It was mid morning and, two days late, it had "hit" me that my first child has hit double-digits. Yes indeed. Dallas is TEN years old. How can that be? I don't know if I'm doing everything as well as I could, but know that I'm trying, Dal, I'm trying. You're a great person, and you deserve the best. I'll keep trying to give you the best, I promise. Hard to do when time is flying, though. There are so many things I want to tell you. So many things I want to show you. So much time I want to spend with you. I can't do half of the things I want to, for some reason. 8 minutes here and 8 minutes there, right? We'll get there. I love you.

Dallas has scored 2 touchdowns in his first 3 football games - pretty darn good! He ran one in in the first game and threw a pass for a TD this past weekend. He also made some great kicks and even made an impressive tackle (as the kicker) in the last game. Keep up the good work, Dal, and have some fun while you're at it.

So much to say, so little time.

2006-09-07T21:21:00.000-05:00

Dallas - first touchdown in first game - nice job! I loved watching you play, kiddo. I love you more and more, even when I'm stuffing cherry tomatoes in your mouth as punishment for your snide, attitudinal remarks. I really do. I wouldn't do it if I didn't love you!
Brady - whine whine whine - it's ok, we'll get through the whiney stage, and we love you more every day, punkin. We would be so happy if you'd eat food, perhaps one food? You can't live on milk darlin'.
Brooke - You are amazing. You're waving, you sing, "La, la, la, la, la...", you bite when you nurse (please stop), you speed-crawl, you LOVE eating dried up old leaves, you smile SO much, you melt people in their tracks with your dimples and sparkly eyes, you're eating like a big girl (pancakes, french toast, eggs, yogurt, peas, beans, grapes). I love you so much!
I'm the luckiest mama in the world.

Wireless... or not?

2006-09-03T13:48:00.000-05:00

Cool. I am sitting at the coffee table in our livingroom typing this blog entry with a wireless keyboard and viewing on our tv. Granted, our TV is not good for this type of viewing - but I can make out just enough of the letters to know what I'm typing. I love this wireless stuff. Coimputing from the couch is the greatest. The funny thing about wireless (now Internet, keyboard, mouse for us) is that there are about 152 wires behind the computer and TV. Hmmmm..... Wish I could be the smarty pants who figures out how to get rid of ALL of the wires. There's a child out there somewhere who is going to be very very rich when she figures that out!

Now I have to find that "submit" button. Oh, there it is! That fuzzy orange thing.

Vacation, teeth, kiss & hug, mouth, and football.

2006-08-24T11:33:00.000-05:00

We've just returned from this year's Cape escape. Brookie's toes have been lapped by the waters of the Atlantic (and her eyes blanketed with the sands of Skaket beach...), Brady has mini-golfed the famous (for us) courses of vacation-land, and Dallas has touched the floor in the deep end of the pool. Vacation complete. Brooke returns with her first two teeth, which popped through Monday and Wednesday. She is crawling, gumming Cheerios, pulling herself to her feet, and saying, "Hi", which she does so cheerfully it sounds like, "Haiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeee!". She said it to Nana so clearly last week. She also says, "Mumummmm" when she sees food being prepared for her. She is very sweet... and a major drama queen.

When planning this year's excursion I was disappointed that we would have to cut it short in order to deliver Dallas to enough football practices to earn him some playing time in his team's first game this weekend. Oddly enough, however, I was anxious to leave when Wednesday arrived. Dallas and Brady argued constantly, Dallas' mouth (NO!, I don't care, I hate you, I hate the Cape, I stink at mini-golf, etc.), and Brooke's low tolerance for frequent car trips had me longing for our comfy couch, a simple casserole dinner, and normal bedtimes! Scott has returned to work for a couple of days, and I am binging on quality time with the kiddos while I have the chance. Brooke and Brady joined us in bed this a.m., which is my favorite part of the day. We've since been to the town library to get Dallas volumes 8 and 9 of "The Series Of Unfortunate Events" and some Curious George favorites for Brady. Both Brady and Brooke have fallen asleep - allowing me a few minutes to bring this blog up to date.

Dallas and I talked about his mouth. I have to keep reminding myself that this is normal 9-year-old behavior and not a nightmare titled, "My poor parenting skills come back to haunt me". I informed him that a friend of mine advised a spoonful of liquid soap from time to time would clean things up nicely. Dallas is not in agreement. Dal and I took a moment to recall some recent situations in which we have crossed paths with my friend's son (now a teenager), and we agree that the soap approach failed miserably (!), so we will not go down that road. Perhaps one day he will understand that I just want him to be happy (and, until he gets there, I'd like to keep my teeth from cracking right out of my head as I clench my jaw in an effort to keep my cool when he gets mouthy!).

Brady has a new thing. A few times each day he will walk up to me (or Scott) and ask, "Can I give you a kiss and hug?". How sweet is that? We don't hold and snuggle him as much as we did before Brookie came, so this may be his way of getting the attention he needs. He has certainly accepted Brooke's takeover of the baby crown without a single complaint. What a cutie he is.

So... The starting quarterback assignment threw me for a loop. You'll never believe this... When I picked Dal up from practice last night he quite casually informed me that he also will kick extra points, field goals, kick-offs and punts... AND he is the lead kick-returner. So my question is, are any other kids going to touch the ball? And are all the other parents going to curse us? HOLY SMOKES. No wonder he has a mouth. How am I supposed to keep him real? Football isn't everything, the important things in life do not involve sports or money or fame, he's heard it all from me. GEEZ LOUEEEEZE. Of course, in response, I gave him a big grin and a "that's excellent, honey!".

Let the parenting continue... Ready or not.

Big Boy Bed & Starting QB

2006-08-13T21:54:00.000-05:00

We finally put a twin size mattress in Dal's room to accomodate Brady (who is much too big for his crib). Brady did not resist one bit, though he did get up and walk into our bedroom about 5 times in the middle of the night.... He still is quite gung-ho about the "big boy bed". I think he likes the freedom to get up and do what he pleases! That's a bit scary for us, but he seems to come directly to our room when he wakes up.

I was going to ask Dallas to consider giving up football. He's only 2 weeks into his first year ever playing, and the nightly practices make it impossible for us to spend any time together as a family during the week (especially because we live so far out of town that to come home between dropoff and pickup would be silly). Well... I asked him Friday how practice went, and he asked, "Guess what? They assigned our positions today. Guess what position they have given me?". After a few guesses I gave up, and he casually stated, "starting quarterback". I guess this is more serious than I thought. We'll have to see the season through and have a serious discussion next year to make sure it's worth it.

This weekend has been a laundry marathon for us. We must have broken a record for the number of loads of laundry that can be washed in a single machine in two days! Scott did each and every load this time. What fun! (The washer and drier are still running as I type.)

Off to snooze.

Cute Brady-ism's

2006-08-10T21:11:00.000-05:00

"Rest me... rest me... REST ME, MOMMY!... rest me." (aka - I'm tired and I want you to comfort me to sleep.)

"You're squishing my blanket!" (aka - don't touch my blanket!)

"I want some something else." (aka - I'm hungry.)

You're so cute, Mr. Bradykins!

Begin Blog

2006-08-09T21:30:00.000-05:00

Sarah has inspired me to blog. So here it begins. Sweet dreams Dal Brady Brooke. And, for tonight, here it ends.