Ouch!

Quentin, my nephew, had his 7th birthday party sat. at the Icearium in Farragut, TN. Initially when we found out about his party my sister asked if we were looking forward to playing a football game with the kiddies. I quickly replied that I would not be joining in on that game, "I don't play football and never have." Well, I got drafted into the game. It was just going to be a harmless game of flag football with 6 & 7 year olds, how hard could that be? The thing about 6 & 7 year olds is they really know nothing about the American sport we call football, which left the 8 adults (well Tiffany, my sister, left after the first play!) carrying the game. Our team ended up with 4 adults which the other, of 3 adults, was fine with that cause they thought I would be more of a hindrance for my team. I, for the first time in my life caught a pretty long pass and made 1 or 2 touchdowns (we didn't really keep score). It was pretty boosting when I began to hear the other team yell, "block Megan, just block Megan!" Ryan, who repeatedly took the game to seriously as he threw himself into the end zone and tackled a few little ones (hey Ryan it's flag football), scored 2 or 3 touchdowns. Well we had a great time and we were all winded and sweaty by the end, but felt pretty good about the whole thing, until.... The next morning Ryan and I awoke feeling as if we had been through a car wreck. And as the day progressed we noticed muscles we didn't know we had, ouch! It was all worth it though; we had such a great time and we are already wanting to do it again, so we must not be in enough pain. Lessons learned: Never underestimate a girl. Never play football when your out of shape. Don't tackle little kids, it's just mean! Go out for the big pass, you might just catch it. Hopefully there will be pics. to follow.

Thomas' words

As the younger of the two, Thomas sure has a lot to say. In the past we listened to his mumbles and babbles all day long, but never really heard much in the way of vocabulary. However, times they are a changin'. He'll be babbling along and the funniest comments come out of him as if he understands how to deliver a really clever line. Like tonight at dinner when asked if he wanted a cucumber, he answered back in his little Thomas voice, "No...cause I don't like it." We kind of did a double take as that seemed to be a pretty long and complex sentence for such a little guy. Joseph is just now learning words that Thomas is picking up on as quickly as Joseph is. Thomas always has a look about him that he is just thinking of the next thing ahead. I am encouraged as his words grow that he is learning to use please and thank-you without being prompted. He always enjoys sharing kisses/hugs. He is right there to hold the door open and never does it grudgingly. I hope his older brother can learn a thing or two from Thomas about manners and thoughtfulness. Whereas, Thomas, we hope will learn from Joseph a thing or two about not destroying our house with all his wild ways. This just goes to show you that you can't choose whether boys are easier than girls, because really every child is so uniquely different. With an emphasis on unique.

Living with a giant in the making

I sometimes wonder about Joseph. 1) Will he ever slow down growing? 2) Does his body know he's only 3? Seriously, I think he's becoming a giant! LOL The hardest part about it all, is that he gets weird looks from people wondering why he acts like a 3 year old and looks like a 5 year old. And I have to admit, I forget that he's only 3 and expect way too much out of him. The boys are only 1 1/2 years apart and although they really look like 2 1/2 years apart I am starting to realize how really close in age they are. Joseph has regressed behaviorally and picks up on Thomas' 2 year old antics. And Thomas is easily encouraged to do ANYTHING his brother tells him to do. We've seen more than our fair share of permanent marker murals, toys in the tub/toilet, food smashed in the carpet, and toys spread through the house like confetti. For those who happen to stumble upon this please pray for me and Ryan, but especially me as the child rearer. I struggle with anger, impatience, discontentment, pride, you name it. I really need the Lord's help as I raise up not only the "giant in the making" but the child lovingly compared to "Animal" from the Muppet's.

Enjoying the Lord's Day

We were just leaving church this past Sunday and knowing we were between pay periods and we had already over spent our budget, we decided a picnic was a great plan. We came home and changed out of our Sunday best and loaded up the food and drinks. One of our favorite parks is in Farragut, TN kind of tucked into the little town, although people seem to find it okay when the weather is as beautiful as it was Sunday. The boys quickly bee-lined for the playground as we hurried to remind them that they had to replenish their energy filled bodies. We found a quant little spot and enjoyed our meal just after we thanked the Lord for his abundant faithfullness. As we were eating we spotted some geese at the bank of the lake and noticed further, 4 geeslings fuzzy and small. Thomas and I went over for a peek and to share our bread. Well, momma goose and daddy goose didn't care for us or our food as they proceeded to "hiss" at us. Yes, they were geese not cats (I'm pretty sure I know the difference). So we left them behind and went on to the playground and had a great time playing. Here are the pictures:

Protective mommy goose. Her babies we just down the bank, playing in the water.

Joseph, Come on dowwwwn!

Thomas can't let his big brother outdo him!

Although Thomas is our busybee, he always seems to have time to pause for a photo op. That's why we always get more pictures of him than Joseph, not to mention he takes the cutest pictures!