Wrestle Mania....

seems to be Trey's winter months motto!

A little while ago he started his first season of wrestling. He eagerly attended his first practice and hasn't looked back since. I think it goes without saying that this hobby is going to stick around a little longer than some of the others. (like Tae-Kwan-Do, which involves a yellow belt we've paid for and never seen!!! Ha!)

Gotta love this pose!!!

We started off pretty simple. Hitting the wrestling room a bunch of other kids, some who had been wrestling for years and others for minutes. Listening and learning, blurry photos and all...

After a couple weeks of this, Jason signed Trey up for his first meet...which was dedicated to sole purpose of getting his feet wet and seeing what the sport is really about. Full of nerves and a little knowledge of some basic moves, Trey hit the mats. The result...three matches, three losses. Fourth place in his bracket & a jammed finger (which did bring a few tears to his eyes. The jammed part, not the losing part.) Overall, Trey rocked at defense, avoiding getting pinned. But, he didn't really get any opportunity to score any points from his back offensively, so he congratulated each of his opponents after watching them get their arms raised in victory. He had achieved what he set out to do & we were really proud of the effort and sportsmanship he showed....

Trey & his Daddy talked through some moves, strategies, and learning points and hit the mats for a couple more weeks. Trey quickly found himself in another meet. Another four-man round robin bracket. The morning of the meet, Trey was as excited as ever. After a quick weigh-in, he listened to some pump-up music...eagerly awaiting another shot at the mat. This meet ended with Trey on top (YES! He won his bracket), going 3-0 and getting his first PIN in his last match of the meet. He improved tremendously on offense and followed through on what he learned in practice. His smile was huge and, bottom line, he felt good about what he did and the hard work and focus he put in. 

Everyone waiting for the awards ceremony!! So patient!

There are a few more upcoming meets and Trey's still pumped. This next one should be challenging as the competition is also improving. He's set on doing his best, having fun, learning more about the rules, and enjoying the experience, which is really what it's all about!

Here's to building discipline, drive, motivation, and character!!! Way to go, Trey Man!!!

This Blog has to be feeling....

NEGLECTED!!!

Oh my!!! To think that it's been over a month since I've done any type of post what-so-ever makes my heart sad.

Yes, we've been busy, but that's never an excuse!!!

I'm thinking blogging is a lot like doing the laundry...if you don't do a little bit here and there it gets piled up and overwhelming. Then it's not fun, because you're swimming in a time suck. It usually results in having to dedicate a whole day to catching up & ain't nobody got time for that!

With the year off to a fresh start, I thought it would be a perfect time to get my blogging habits back in working order!!! I'm set on doing a little bit more often so I don't end up months & months behind. This whole blogging thing has always been about creating (& maintaining) a space to jot down memories for the kiddos to have to look back on after I'm long gone...and, that's how I intend on keeping it!!

So, without wasting any more time....here goes!!! (And, I'm going to do my best to keep in order...starting back from where I left off.....

We're BACK!!!!

Giving Thanks...

Is something that I try to do way more often than not. 

But, with that being said, it's definitely easy to get caught up in all the, "Ooooh! I wish I had thats!" and the, "Her life seems so much better & perfects!" that   seem to be the focus of our society today. Everyone's guilty of it in some way, shape, or form. 

I know I'm always working at being the best me I can be, and am way better at it some days compared to others. I genuinely realize I do have a tremendous amount to be thankful for!!! 

I, without a doubt, have an amazing family, a beyond supportive husband, three wonderful children, a satisfying career, and some great friends. I plan on counting my blessings more than ever as 2014 gets closer and closer to making its debut. 

Happy Thanksgiving 2013!!! Hope you took the opportunity to reflect on all you have been blessed with....

Our little trip to St. Louis proved to be the perfect visit and everyone had a ball....

Perfect.

Holiday Hoopla....

Has arrived and slacking on the blog has been a BIG problem lately....

The plan is to do a whole lotta catchin' up after I get back from pickin' out a new Christmas tree from Michael's tonight....can't pass up an extra 25% off 50%, now can I??? 

I can't believe Turkey Day is almost here & 2014 is right around the corner! Life sure is flying by!!!

Here are a few random pics to do the trick until I make it to the laptop later on tonight....

A little baking action....hey, box mixes aren't our fave, but they do make projects a little quicker....

Looking yumm-o, Miss Ty!

Enjoying the latest trend...who actually uses the loom part of the Rainbow Loom?!?

Ta-da!

Finally, a little sneak peak into some Saturday afternoon decorating!!!

Hope you all are finding a way to make this time of year a time to remember....

More to come....LOTS more! Saying I'm ten posts behind just might be the understatement of the year!!!

Celebrate, Good Times!

Yes...I've been busy!

Work is busier than EVER and the kiddos and I are having more FUN than ever...

Until I get a chance to update, because there are LOTS of updates to be shared....

ENJOY this FIVE YEAR OLD cutie.....

Because she growing up WAAAAY too quickly!!!

A fact which I cannot believe....

Love you, Miss Ty! 

Your family adores you more than you'll ever know!!!

And, thinks being silly with you is the BEST!!!

We hope you had a FABULOUS day, Big Girl!!! You sure are one amazing little lady, full of nothing but laughter, giggles, love, and spunk. You are enjoying your last year of preschool and are still the world's best sister! Tay looks up to you like no other and Trey Man has the best time wrestling around with you. And, we won't tell him, but you've got some awesome John Cena moves...he may or may not tap out every time! You love making hearts, so that was the theme for the year. You made out in the birthday gift department and sure have a lot of people, near and far, that love you to the moon and back. Always know that you are beautiful and that there's no one out there quite like you. You are definitely the sunshine in this family. LOTS of love and BUNCHES & BUNCHES of hugs and kisses....

XOXOXOX

~Mommy

FIVE!

Checkin' our you loot...

Tay was SO excited to give you the present she picked out!!! Lots of mermaids in the bathtub for you two. Great pick, Miss Tay!

Trey was the BEST helper...reading all the cards to you!

Don't worry...you got them all out with one gust of wind....

What a SPECIAL day for a SPECIAL little lady!!!

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY!!!