Newbie's First Football Game

Last night when the Hubs got home from work, we hitched 'em up and headed 'em out to the Hubs' old high school for Newbie's first football game.  There are lots of memories swirling around that field from our dating years for me, and tons more for the Hubs since he played football throughout high school.  It was really fun to go back and watch the game with our little man in tow.

The place was a throwback to Friday night football games when I was 17...there were enthusiastic highschoolers in the stands and middle schoolers congregating in groups throughout the stadium. There were wanderers and banders and flag twisters and football players and parents and die-hard alumni, all out there to get a taste of some Friday night football. Speaking of the taste of football, I don't miss much from my adolescent days, but I do miss a good walking taco or caramel apple sucker on a Friday night.  Yum.

[We interrupt this broadcast for the following public service announcement: After taking a look at the student section while finding a spot to watch the game, I noted that in the same way leggings are not pants, body paint is not clothing.  Ladies, for crying out loud, put some clothes on.  We appreciate the team spirit, but would like to pass on seeing 99.9% of your bare skin smothered in team-colored paint. Let's leave that to the middle aged men in the NFL stands.  If you wouldn't wear it to the grocery store, don't wear it to the game.  And that's coming from a woman who's been caught in her pajamas in the refrigerated section.  Pleaseandthankyou.]

Annnnnd back to the game.

Newbie did a lot better than we thought he would.  We knew he would like the football (he did) but we thought he'd cash out by halftime (he didn't).  Instead, he lasted all the way into the fourth quarter. 

He loved watching the boys on the field and cheering with the crowd.  The band had him intrigued for a while, but his favorite part by far was yelling and clapping any time the crowd did, and sometimes even when the crowd didn't. 

(TOUCHDOWN!!!)

He gets his general drama and enthusiasm from his momma, but when it comes to football, his daddy is in on the game too. =)

(Another fumble?! Oh no!)

Newbie did great for the entire game, and we were really tickled by how much he was really into the hoopla.  I think he could have made it all the way through, but when there was about 8 minutes left in the fourth quarter, we looked over to see him snuggling his blankie, and we decided to hit the road. 

When we left the game the score was something like 18 to 34, with the rivals ahead, and somehow by the time it all ended, the score was 40 to 46.  I sure wish we had asked Newbie to stick around longer because even though we lost, I have a feeling that was one mean fight to the finish.

I love a good football game every once in a while when it doesn't mean there is a man sitting on my couch for 12 hours on a Saturday.  Football in moderation, even in heavy moderation, can be a really good time.  Leaving the game last night left me looking forward to corn bread and chili and sweaters and scarves and apple cider and more football.  I can't wait to go back.

As for today, it was coffee and cartoons with my boys in the pajama clad AM, then a trip to the Farmer's Market and a driveway car wash in the PM. After washing the car, the Hubs and Newbie went to the gym to play in the raquetball court.  Newbie always brings the little basketball Uncle Chad gave him, and he loves going to the gym with his daddy. Daddy loves Newbie and the gym, and it gave me a nice quiet break around the house.  Win win win. It was a full, fun day!

Happy Weekending!

Once Upon a 26th Birthday

Once upon a time, the Hubs and I went camping.

We ate the Taco Bell 12 taco party pack. Yes. We. Did.

We forgot the tent.Yes. We. Did.

We went home and got the tent.

I ate some chocolate.

I realized I forgot half the food for the weekend.

We set up camp.

We ate birthday cake by the campfire.

We laughed at stories about our baby boy and smiled for our baby girl.

We ate cheese balls. (At least I remembered the cake and cheese balls.  It's all about priorities.)

We jumped each time a crab apple fell from the tree on our site.

We found a minimum of 20 earwigs on our picnic table (I wanted to cry a little).

We went to bed under the stars.

We made coffee and breakfast tacos on a propane stove.

We drank our coffee from tin mugs. It just tastes better that way.

We talked about our hopes and dreams and our anticipation of the coming football pumpkin cream cheese donut season.

We talked about how next time we were going to really rough it and vowed to never again camp in an RV park because of things like loud generators and bachelors.

  (Blowing out my "candle"....hahaha aren't we funny?!)

And then, we went kayaking.

On a river.

...in the rain.

...in the cold.

...in the wet.

Did I mention the rain?

And the cold?

It started out pretty and fun.  The weather wasn't warm or sunny, but it was a pleasant 70 something degrees with slight cloud cover.  We were geeked to have escaped the bomb-dropping crab apple tree on our campsite and were excited to embark on a river adventure.  We had chicken Caesar wraps and a cooler full of drinks and a fishing pole.  It was gonna be good.

Then it started to sprinkle...

We kept paddling through the drizzle, but two hours into what we thought would be a three hour kayak trip, the heavens opened and it down. poured.  We had to pull ashore and camp out under the trees for a while. We huddled under our life jackets while the rain pelted our waterlogged selves.  And it wasn't a summer rain.  It was a fall rain.  A cold, hard, fall rain. We were so cold and wet, that were purple and shivering.  It was not my favorite.

 

I debated posting this goofy video for a variety of reasons including  the close-up on my lack of makeup, but I really feel like it encompasses the overall horror of the experience, so against my better judgment...

(*Don't forget to mute or pause the music at the bottom of the screen if you want to hear the commentary.)


I was ready to call it quits, but the Hubs is a Survivorman, so instead of starting a small fire and sending up smoke signals for some SOS like I wanted to do, we pressed on.

When the rain slowed, we hopped back in the boats, grateful that we only had an  hour left to go.  Except, we had FOUR hours left to go.  I'm not kidding you when I tell you it was the bean dip and my husband's impeccable sense of humor that got me through.  If it wasn't for the Fritos and my man, I'm not sure I would have made it.  That was one long, cold ride, baby.

 

(Water logged Fritos and Bean Dip. Yum.)

Around each bend we thought we'd see our landing site, but NO.  The Hubs put forth valiant effort to keep our spirits up, but by the time we actually saw the landing, we were all but sprinting for the finish line.  We hit dry ground and took off running through puddles to find a tent full of water, wet clothes, and wet blankets.  Win win win Lose lose lose.

After calling my parents to get a weather update and finding out that there was only more rain to come, we packed 'er up and hauled 'er out.  We stopped at a Big Boy on the way home for a hot cup of coffee and a warm dinner, and I'll tell you what, bad coffee and chicken strips have never tasted so good.

The weekend would have been a flop if not for my stud of a man.  He kept his chin up the whole time, regardless of the adversity (often including his soaked and cranky wife).  He faced it all with a smile and inexplicable enthusiasm for memories and the Great Outdoors. He didn't let any of it get to him- the forgotten tent, the missing food, the rain-soaked kayak trip- not even the Taco Bell gut bomb could take that man down.  There's nobody I'd rather river rat my way through the country with than that guy.  A big thanks to the Hubs for a fun (albeit wet) trip! He made this chick one happy camper...which is really saying something given the rain and the bugs. =)

Cheers!

What I See...

I miss my girl today.

I sat in church this morning missing Eden with an ache that has become a good friend of mine this summer.  My throat was tight as the service began, my chest heavy with the ache of missing the daughter I never got to meet. As the service began, my heart was so blessed because during worship we sang a song that encompasses everything I'm feeling through this season.  I love the way the gift of music can sometimes capture the thoughts of the heart in a way nothing else can.  As we sang, I was thinking, "was this writer sitting in my living room all summer long?!?"

I wanted to share this song by Matt Redman with y'all today because it reflects so much of my experience, and I thought it was a good excuse to share some of the images our beloved Trudy Holtz captured of my family a couple weeks ago.  =)

My little family and I have certainly carried "scars and struggles on the way", but we are so grateful that our hearts can speak with joy.  When I look at these photographs, I see my family's story- the one that encompasses Eden's story and everything else the Lord has done for us.  I see the beauty in what He has done for us in the midst of unspeakable loss- not only in the gift we have in my sweet boy, but in the incredible blessing of experiencing His faithfulness so fully and knowing we were never alone. I hope this song blesses you as much as it blessed me today!

*For optimum viewing: Step 1-scroll to the bottom of the blog and mute or pause the music.  Step 2- press play on the YouTube video below.  Step 3- check out the fabulous photographs.  ...Someday I'll figure out how to set a slideshow to music for y'all! =)

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19

When I look at what God has done along the road through this season of loss, the eyes of my heart see through the pain, the tears, the ache, and I see that God is faithful.  He has been faithful through the pain, the tears, the ache; never once has He left me to walk this road alone.

 (All images in this post and the above slideshow created by http://www.trudyholtzphotography.com)

Friends, we are all walking a road.  What do you see?

Gonna Party Like Its My Birthday

...cuz it totally is.

Today I'm the big 2-6. 

Its a little surreal because we've stretched out the birthday celebration for the past week or so, trying to get to see everybody.  I've gotten some really sweet cards in the mail, and I'm just feeling loved this morning.

It feels good to feel loved. =)

This afternoon I have a Fancy Nancy tea party with my favorite two little girls and their fantastic momma, and I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't totally geeked about a little girl time on my b-day.  Can't wait.  I think I might even break out some heals and pink lipstick for the event.

Later this afternoon, the Hubs is treating me to the best b-day ever.  More on that Monday. I'll bring my camera, promise.

This morning I was praying and thanking God for letting me see my 26th birthday, and then I thanked Him for each of those 26 years because they have been wonderful.  26 joyful, challenging, goofy, bumpy, blessed, dorky, sparkly, mercy-drenched, Oreo Blizzard covered, beautifully wonderful years. Then I thanked Him for all the people He's brought into my life over the past 26 years because I know some amazing people.  You're one of them. =)

I'm a happy 26 year old today.  Thankful for grace and family and friends and a roof over my head and flaky biscuits for breakfast and a showing on our house Sunday and chocolate cake. Just to name a few.

I'm so blessed to spend this b-day with a few of my favorite things...

(I swiped this beautiful pic by Trudy at http://www.trudyholtzphotography.com  from my Facebook page because I love it so, so much and had to share it with you all.)

Wishing you all a blessed Friday and some happy weekending!

Summer Weekending Up North

This afternoon I have an Arnold Palmer in my hand, sand on my feet, and the smell of sunscreen on my skin.  Summer, how I love thee.

Newbie and I just returned from a trip to our favorite local beach and now he's napping while I catch up on the computer.  Monday, you done good. It was the perfect kickoff to the week after a fabulous weekend.  Baby, let the good times roll.

Road Trip

Friday night we dropped Opie off at our vet's to board him for the weekend, and made a run for it. Pedal to the medal, we headed straight north until we hit the most beautiful part of the country where the channels connect lake after lake and the wind blows sweet and the people bob on boats peppering the water, and the reeds dance with the breeze and the locals relax under the umbrellas of their favorite restaurants.  A little too over the rainbow?  Maybe.  But, my friends, it's all true. And that's why its an absolute MUST every summer for the Hubs and me: sun, sand, boats, docks, fish, tiki huts. Because it is just that good.

It was Newbie's second trip Up North, and while he pitched a fit on the ride up, all grumping ceased as soon as we reached the Bay and he ran through the grass to see the boats with his daddy.  Love.

"Camping"
We always say we're going camping when we head Up North, but the truth is, we live a life of luxury up there.  My MIL and FIL treat us to all kinds of good eats, and they spare no expense when it comes to fun and comfort.  An air mattress on every pull-out bed, my favorite cotton blankets, and lots of loving hospitality.  We experienced "luxury camping" even more so this year since my MIL and FIL built a state-of-the-art cottage in place of their previous trailer.  This joint is THE BOMB DIGGITY.  We loved it.  My MIL has a fabulous eye for decor, and she has the place decked out in the most adorable seaside/lake cottage vibe. It was just gorgeous, and we enjoyed every bit of our time indoors.  There was a fully loaded box of toys to keep Newbie happy, and a full fridge and pantry to keep the Hubs and me happy too. =) 

Following our now seven year tradition (11 years for the Hubs and his parents), we spent lots of our time walking the park and visiting the docks, viewing the lake.  It is just so beautiful up there! This trip was spiced up a bit Saturday morning when Grandma took us to watch the Daddy-O and Grandpa play Pickle Ball.  I know, super weird name, and it is not, in fact, at all pickley, but it was a lot of fun to watch!  It's like a combo of tennis and ping pong and wiffle ball...or something like that.  Newbie had a blast playing on the courts and cheering on Daddy-O.

Carting
Something I thought was weird when I first started camping with the Hubs at this park was that everybody and their brother drives around on golf carts up there.  Yes, while camping. Coming from a family tradition of tent camping out in the boonies each summer, golf carts seemed super crazy weird to me several years ago.  Now, they are just a part of the Up North experience for us, and check out what Grandma and Grandpa got for Newbie this summer: his very own golf carty quad for the park!  His grandpa is going to love that I called it a "golf carty quad."  =)  Now Newbie can cruise around in his own little motorized vehicle just like his Grandma.  He was not the biggest fan at first, but he warmed up a bit after he realized his life was not in jeopardy.

Boating
Boating + camping was as foreign a concept to me as golf carts + camping when I first met the Hubs, (the closest we got to boating while camping when I was a little girl was flipping the Barbie picnic table upside down and letting Skipper float on a puddle of water near the tent.  I'm telling you, we roughed it, baby.) but now I am just itching to get out on that boat as soon as we unload the suitcases.  My MIL and FIL have a wonderful pontoon boat that I would seriously live on all summer if I could.  Me + beverage + pontoon boat + good book + sand bar = good to go all summer long. This was Newbie's first boating experience, and he did really well.  He zonked out as soon as we started cruising out of the dock, and then woke up once we anchored at the sandbar after lunch.  He was a big fan of the boat, not a big fan of the lake.  While his Daddy-O and Grandpa enjoyed the water, Newbie hung out with Grandma and me on the boat.  He was really into the steering wheel and the bulldog face-ha!

Recovery
I have a post-boating recovery ritual that involves a steaming hot shower and chocolate chip cookies and a book or a nap.  I always feel like I'm hanging out in the wave pool for about five hours after I get off the boat, so it makes the post-boat napping seriously divine.  Newbie got in on the fun this year and after we cleaned him up in the shower (hello, nasty swim diaper..how did you get to be four hours old without a change?!) he took a nap then snuggled with me while I introduced him to the joy of the post-boating nap chocolate chip cookie.  He is his mama's boy!

Bonfire
You can't go camping without a bonfire.  Nor can you go "camping" without a bonfirejh. =)  Campfires are my favorite part of camping, and though Newbie didn't last long, we really enjoyed hanging out with the fam around the fire before bedtime.

(They lit this with a blow torch. Yes, I am serious.  Like I said...."camping".  No flint and sticks here, baby. Somewhere on a desert island, Survivor contestants are weeping.)

(He is playing a flute app on his iPhone while my sister plays the ukelele with that crazy look in her eye.  My family is nothing if not feverishly talented around a campfire.)

(Campfire baby feet sticking out of pj's = tastier than marshmallows.)

Day Two: Enter Fishtown
It's funny how cyclical our trips Up North are these days- we have a list of must-do's while we are up there, and each year we manage to squeeze them all in.  One of the must-do's is Fishtown.  Love the name.  Love the place.  Love the marina and the shops and the sights.  Don't love the smell, but it's a hit we're willing to take each summer.  I have similar pictures of Newbie in the same places at Fishtown last year when he was only three months old.  It's so fun to visit the same favorite spots from year to year.  Newbie liked the big boats at the marina, and screeched when he saw the big fish the fisherman brought in.  We managed to walk the docks just in time to see the catch of the day!

(After this picture was taken, I got a lecture from my photog brother the likes of which have never been heard before.  A verbal beating is what it was, and the lesson that followed regarding photograph exposure has changed my life.  I cannot wait to play with my camera this week!  Thanks, Uncle J, for the tough love and free photo tips.  You da bomb.)

(While these "camping" trips aren't really camping, my hair always manages to scream "I haven't been washed in three days and I've been living in a tent without a hair dryer!!!" despite the world class amenities at the cottage.  Camping hair for the duration of a "camping" vacation...It's a gift, really.)

(I'm not real clear on why anyone lets us out of the house...)

Fisher's
After some sight-seeing and shopping, we hit up Fishers', a local restaurant, for lunch.  Note to self: the perch was delicious- definitely to that again.  We had a lot of fun yucking it up with the fam, and Newbie was a happy boy through the whole meal, no doubt a result of his grandpa's funny faces!

(Me and the bro sporting a very enthusiastic thumbs up for summer vacation.)

(Newbie loves him some Grandma and Grandpa post-lunch photo shoots.)

Everything northern and summery and wonderful must come to an end, and so after lunch, we took off for home just in time for Newbie's nap. 

We were sorry to wave goodbye, but we were desperate for a smooth road trip home.  Our timing worked out wonderfully, and Newbie began to stir just as we were pulling back into town.  We're hoping to make it back Up North again soon because Mama needs some more sandbar time, and Newbie is ready to give that golf-carty quad another try!

We're soaking in the sun here at home in the meantime, and hoping you all are enjoying your summer as well!  I've got chicken thawing and summer squash and zuccinni ready to grill up for dinner, with some big plans of pulling out the water table this afternoon after naptime.  Hooray for sunshine and summertime!