Give Me Five...

Give Me Five things you have been busy with in the last 2 weeks since the last GM5!

Click on the picture above to head over to BeccA's Buzz if you'd like to participate. We'd love to read "your five"!

Like Becca, these past two weeks have been very busy for our family (luckily though, we did get our taxes completed and mailed on time)! Here in no particular order are just five of the things we've been busy with - this list could go on and on...

1. Dance - Mikayla had a competition 2 Saturdays ago and one this past Saturday. To prepare, Miss Andrea had scheduled some extra practices, sometimes 2 hours a day 4 or more days a week. Mikayla and mommy are worn out (happy, but worn out)!

2. Baseball - Drew has had 3 games in the past two weeks (he was supposed to have four but one was rained out and will have to be rescheduled). We haven't had any practices because the coach didn't want to wear them down too much. They have had lots of fun and so has Mikayla, mommy, daddy, Poppi, Jonathan, Jennie, and Jessica! I'm surprised my voice has held up through it all!!

3. Teacher of the Year Banquet - This past Friday night, I along with all other SC District Teachers of the Year were honored at a banquet in Columbia. It was an evening I'll never forget, but I spent 2 nights this week shopping to prepare.

4. School Stuff - As we get closer to the end of the year (23 days, but who's counting), our work get a little more hectic (especially for those teachers testing). Each year I look forward to summer vacation, but I also get sad as the group I have moves up in the fall!

5. Cooking/Cleaning/Etc. - This last one is more time consuming than I'd like it to be. If only I could get a system down...I do real well for about 1 week (2 tops) and then it all piles up on me again. It is much too tempting to pick something up for dinner on the way home, but I am trying to be a better mom for my kids. We eat healthier when we eat at home, so that is one of my goals. I can be very stubborn when I have to be!! :)

Those are some of the things I have been busy with these past two weeks. What about you?

Drew's Fourth Game!

Drew's team played their fourth game on Saturday. Mikayla and I did not get to attend because we were awaiting awards at her competition. Mimi, Poppi, and Daddy were there cheering Drew on. I wish I had been there to get some pictures from this game, but my mom was able to get some so maybe I can get those on here soon. Our Gophers lost again 9 - 5, but I am happy to report that several of our guys (and gal) got hits today!! Drew batted 3 for 3 at this game with 1 home run, 1 double, and 1 single scoring 3 RBIs. That brings his total to 10 for 12 on the season with 6 home runs!! I reminded him before he left the auditorium to just get hits. This seems to help Drew as he doesn't get up to bat swinging for home runs, so it helps him calm down. Craig said he also played very well at first base today - stopping several balls to tag the runner out at first. He and Taylor also connected many times to get outs. Our little guy that plays the circle, Cameron, also got his first home run in this game!! Peyton and Lane also got hits!! I wish I had been there to see all these things!!

After the game, the coach for the other team came up to Craig and asked "is that number 13 yours?" When Craig answered "yes" the coach said "he sure is a heck of a baseball player"! Then the other coach called "number 13" and when he got to Drew he patted his head and squatted down next to Drew and said "you can come play first base on my team any time you want to". Please know I write these things not to brag (even though I am a proud mama), but because I want to remember them so that I can share them with Drew when he is older! We are very proud of Drew and all of the players on our team. We have practice tomorrow night and Wednesday, and I can't wait until our next game on Monday! You can do it Gophers!! Can you tell I LOVE baseball season??

Another Dance Competition!

Saturday morning, April 26th, Mikayla and I had to be at the Memorial Auditorium for her second dance competition of the season! She, Jadyn, Abbi, Annabeth, and Olivia were to perform their tap routine to "The Monkeys" at 9:51. Daddy, Drew, Mimi, and Poppi arrived in time to see her dance and congratulate her on a job well done before heading to the baseball field for Drew's fourth game to start at 11. Mikayla and I stayed at the auditorium for awards to start at 11:30. That's the hardest thing about having two active kids - I can't be at two places at once.

Here come our monkeys: Abbi, Annabeth, Olivia, Jadyn, and Mikayla! Aren't their outfits adorable??
Look at that sweet smile!! Go Girl!!
Our girls scored Gold and placed first in their 6 and under tap division! We are so proud of them!!

Mikayla shows off the trophy and her gold ribbon!! We couldn't be more proud of our "Dancing Queen"!!

State Teacher of the Year Banquet

Friday, I took a personal day so I could get things ready for the banquet. Craig and I had to be in Columbia at 6 for the reception and the banquet was to begin at 7, so we were to leave here at 4. I had already bought my outfit, and had gotten a pair of heels to wear (I NEVER wear heels). My sister, Jennie, and I had an appointment for a spa pedicure and then we went to lunch. I picked Drew and Mikayla up from school and got everyone ready (Mikayla had dance and pictures, but my mom was to take her and my dad picked her up). Drew and Mikayla were excited to be staying with Poppi while daddy and I went to the banquet (they ended up spending the night because we didn't get home until after 12). The banquet was beautiful, and it was nice to have Craig with me! Each district Teacher of the Year was escorted in by a member of an Elementary School chorus. Then we enjoyed a keynote address by the president of Wofford College. Our state superintendent, Jim Rex, also addressed us and then we enjoyed dinner. We were also addressed by current State Teacher of the Year, Ann Marie Taylor. At the end of the night, Janna Hallman from Anderson was announced as our new State Teacher of the Year! This has been an extraordinary year - one that I will never forget.

Drew's Third Game!

Drew hits his second home run of the night!! This was the only picture I took at this game - the rest of the time I was sitting on the edge of my seat!!

Today was Drew's third game of the season! Our Gophers played extremely well against a tough team in our division! At one point we were even leading in points. At the end, the other team won 13 - 7, but we are so proud of our team!! Craig and I were talking on the way home about how our team lost but we were still just as excited as ever! That has to do with how well our Gophers did! All that being said, what kind of mom would I be if I didn't brag on my son? Drew batted 3 for 3 in this game with 2 home runs and a single scoring 6 RBIs!!! WOW! On Drew's second and third bats the other teams' coaches were having their guys back up. Craig (who coaches first base when our team bats), even heard one of the coaches tell his boys to back up and pay attention because "this is their power hitter". Mommy was yelling so much, she surely didn't hear him!!
On defense, Drew also played well today! He got several outs at first base with the help of his teammates. Taylor connected with Drew to get a couple of outs tonight and Cameron connected with Drew several times to get runners out. One of the most exciting plays of the game tonight was when Cameron and Drew worked together to get our teams' first ever DOUBLE PLAY!! Cameron caught a pop fly and then threw the ball to Drew to get a runner out at first! We were all screaming for our Gophers - it was exciting for sure!! Way to go Gophers - keep playing hard like you did tonight!!

Drew's Second Game!

My handsome little first baseman!!
Drew gets ready to bat! Gooooo Drew!

Drew had his second game tonight and it went very well!! Drew's team didn't win, but they all played their hearts out!! Drew got another home run his first bat (that went to the fence), so I was screaming my head off as usual!! He struck out his second time at bat, but he still tried very hard!! His second bat, there were two runners on and I think he got overly excited. I reminded him to slow down, take his time, there is no hurry. I also reminded him that even the pros strike out sometimes!! I think he got a little embarrassed. I reassured him he had nothing to be ashamed of - as of right now he's 4 for 6 with three home runs and a single. Not bad, if I do say so myself! He also got a couple outs at first base today. The team we played had some good little players that could hit well! 2 of the children on the other team are in my class this year and one was a brother to a little girl I had 3 years ago so I was really cheering for them all! Of course, it wasn't hard to tell which one was mine either! I just hope I don't offend anyone at the games with my cheering because I am LOUD!! At school, I'm all teacher! On the ball field or at the dance competition, I'm all Mommy!! Go Golden Gophers - keep up the hard work!! You will get it!!

Happy Birthday Craig!!

Craig helps Drew and Mikayla count money from their Easter Eggs at Grandma's!!

Today is Craig's 36th birthday - boy he's getting OLD!! It's so good to be seven (and a half) years younger than him!! It is so much fun when HIS birthday comes around, and I love giving him a hard time! Don't worry, I realize my time's coming (sooner than I'd like to think), but for now I am having lots of fun with it! Craig knows I love him no matter what his age, but it sure is fun giving him a hard time about it. Those who know Craig know that he's always making people laugh, so this doesn't bother him much! What did bother him was he got a letter in the mail today that said "Dear Senior Citizen", to which he replied "I ain't no dern senior citizen". That might have been a little much!! It also doesn't help that Mikayla walked in and told everybody at daycare that her daddy was turning 60!! LOLOL That's my girl!! Nana Gale, the owner said "I hope not because if he is that means I'm really old since I used to change your daddy's diapers." She owned another daycare that Craig and his brothers went to when they were children. Mikayla couldn't believe this and replied "ewwwww".

Well, baby, you know we love you and Drew, Mikayla, and I wish you a very happy birthday and hope you have many more!!

You Win Some, You Lose Some!

What a day!! Mikayla and I were at the Memorial Auditorium this morning at 9:40 for her first competition of the year. She was scheduled to dance at 11:05 and Miss Andrea wanted us there an hour early just in case they were ahead of schedule. No so luck - it was after 12:30 before Mikayla's group danced. After she danced we grabbed a sandwich and some popcorn (Mikayla's request) in the lobby. We didn't get to finish when Miss Andrea came out and said the last group was dancing and it was time for awards. They started announcing how each grouped scored first (silver, gold, high gold, and platinum). Since Mikayla and the other girls in her group were the youngest at the competition, we weren't sure how they would place. Mikayla's group scored a high gold award, and when the top three groups in the 12 and under division were announced we were surprised and excited when Mikayla's group was announced first place WINNERS!! They won a trophy and $100 for the studio!! We couldn't believe the youngest competitors there scored highest in the petite division!! Miss Andrea's other group that competed today were 7 and 8 year olds that clogged, and they placed 3rd in the petite division. Here are some pictures of Mikayla and her group. We are so proud of our Dancing Queen!!

Mikayla, her group, Miss Andrea, and Ms. Nicole join dancers from other dance companies on stage to do the "Cha Cha Slide"! Our little ones were so cute!!

The girls start their ballet dance with Mikayla and Jadyn going under the "bridge".

Abbi and Mikayla show off their partner work.

This shows how well our girls were together during the dance. Mikayla smiles at the judges! You go girl!!The girls on stage waiting for the results!
Annabeth, Abbi, Olivia, Jadyn, Mikayla, and Brooke pose with their prizes! They each received a black ribbon for their High Gold score. They each received a blue ribbon for their first place finish. They also won a trophy and a medal for the studio and $100 was presented to their director Miss Andrea!! Way to go girls!! We are so proud of you!!

As I mentioned in another post, Drew had his first baseball game today (not counting the Jamboree) at the same time of Mikayla's dance. I was very surprised that his game was not cancelled due to weather, but Craig said it was just postponed a little. I don't have pictures from this game as I was not there, but I can tell you that Drew's team lost (hence the title of this post). They played the same team that they played at the Jamboree but the results were much different. Craig said that Drew struck out his first time at bat and got a single his second bat. I had talked to Drew before though and reminded him that he wasn't going to get a home run every time - even pros don't do that. He still made several outs at first base Craig said, and Drew still seems to really enjoy playing that position! When Craig asked Drew what happened when he was batting, Drew replied "my legs were cold, and I couldn't move them". He is too funny! We are soooo proud of Drew and his team for playing hard today! You will get them next time! Drew is our Home Run King!

Friday Feast!

Well, the chef is taking a week off at Friday's Feast. But, I decided this would be the week I got back to my memes so I decided to go back and pick up one I missed. Enjoy!

Appetizer: What does the color dark green make you think of?

Craig's old bedroom
Soup: How many cousins do you have?

Are we talking first cousins, second cousins, all of them - whoa I might be counting awhile! 38 (I hope I'm not forgetting anybody)
Salad: On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how honest are you?

9 - I'd love to say 10 here, and all in all I am very honest. There are times though when little white lies are necessary.
Main Course: Name something that is truly free.

An afternoon at the park
Dessert: Using the letters in the word SPRING, write a sentence.

See Polly run in new grass.

Friday Fun

Well, last Friday, daddy called after he got off work to see what we were doing for supper. When I told him we were thinking about the fish camp, I asked if he wanted to go. He say "nahh I'll get a five dollar pizza and let Drew and Mikayla come spend the night with me". My daddy is sooooo sweet!!! He is such an awesome Poppi, and he does everything he can for my kiddos!! I didn't tell the kids and instead let him tell them. Drew was listening on one phone and Mikayla was on the other. Even though I didn't have a phone to my ear, I knew the exact moment daddy asked them about spending the night with him. Drew started screaming "yeaaaahhhhh!!" "we are goin' to spend the night with Poppi, we are going to spend the night with Poppi!!". Afterwards, he told Poppi he had to go so he could pack his bags. Mikayla started screaming too. She said "I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm going to spend the night with my Poppi!!". So, after getting their bags packed, Craig and I took them over there and he and I went to Outback for dinner. We had a nice time enjoying dinner without the babies, but honestly we wouldn't know what to do without them. They are with us always - if they can't go we usually don't go!!

Drew pulled his seventh tooth Friday night at Mimi and Poppi's house. We weren't sure if the Tooth Fairy would visit over there but she did. He received five more dollars from the Fairy and he couldn't wait to tell us all about it!! I can't believe he's already lost 7 teeth. Pretty soon, he won't have any baby teeth left!

This Friday, has been no less busy as we are preparing for our day tomorrow. Mikayla had a two hour dance class to practice for her first competition of the year tomorrow. Drew's first baseball game is also tomorrow. Unfortunately they are at the same time so I won't be able to see Drew's game. I'm heartbroken about this, but I know he will tell me all about it. Also, Poppi is going to watch him play so I'm sure I'll get the play by play!

Good Luck Drew and Mikayla - We know you will both do well tomorrow! Mommy is proud of you no matter what!!! Look for updates soon!

Limo Ridin'

Drew and Mikayla take a picture with the other students before they load into the limo.

Our school's spring fundraiser was selling World's Finest Chocolate bars. Our PTA always does a wonderful job offering huge incentives for children who sale. The incentives for this fundraiser were no different. The incentive I was trying to get for Drew and Mikayla was four boxes of chocolate so they could each go on a limo ride in a Hummer limo. Drew has ridden in a limo (car) before after another fundraiser at our school when he was four. I really wanted Mikayla to be able to experience this. Today, she got the chance. Both Drew and Mikayla were able to ride in a Hummer limo along with many other students from our school to Beef O' Brady's for lunch. Mikayla was a little unsure of this at first asking me "will it go fast", "does it have belts (seat belts)". I assured her she would be okay as many of our PTA volunteers were chaperoning this trip and our principal followed along in his car. I told her it would be just like riding in our car, only better. They both had a wonderful time and wanted to tell me all about it after school. Drew said he had to cover Mikayla's ears at first because the music was loud inside, but then she got used to it. So sweet of that big brother. Everyone at school always comments about what a great big brother Drew is. He truly is, and for that I'm grateful. I wish they didn't like to aggravate each other so much at home though. Oh well, it's hard to be good all the time!

This picture isn't that great of the kids, but I was trying to get all of the vehicle in the photo.

First Drew climbs in, and then below Mikayla gets ready to sit beside him. Look at the roof of this thing. I wish I had gotten to go!!

I tried to talk Mikayla into staying and watching my class, and letting me go (after she got used to the idea of going), and she replied "I can't, I'm not a teacher". I'm so glad both of our children were able to experience this!

Awards Day!

Today was awards day at our school for the 3rd nine weeks. Drew made Honor Roll this nine weeks with one B in reading and the rest A's. The B was a high B (91), so even though Drew did not make straight A's as he has the rest of the year we are still very proud of him! We just told him to take his time and concentrate more when taking his reading tests. He still can get straight A's on his yearly average if he gets an A in reading the 4th nine weeks and Drew is extremely capable of that. Way to go Drew!!! I can't believe my baby boy is almost a second grader - where does the time go?

Drew receives his certificate from Mrs. Garner, one of our Assistant Principals.

Drew sits in his Mimi's lap after receiving his award!

Drew smiles from the stage!

Fun at the Park!!

The weather over our spring break wasn't all that great - most days were rainy and/or cold. I can't complain all that much though because we were able to get our house clean! However, this week the weather has been absolutely gorgeous so we have been spending all the time we can outside. I took Drew and Mikayla to the park on Sunday afternoon, and then came home and played outside more while Craig and I washed my van. The great thing about the park closest to our house is that not only is there a playground but there are also open fields, a creek, and many sidewalks. Drew and Mikayla played on the playground for awhile and then we went over to one of the fields to hit some baseballs. We had so much fun, I took them to the park again after school on Monday. We weren't able to go to the park yesterday because Mikayla had dance class to practice for her ballet competition this Saturday. However, Craig and Drew did go to hit some baseballs while we were at dance. Today, I left school on time and Drew, Mikayla, and I went back to the park - this time the one at the lake landing.

Sweet brother and sister!!

Drew loves climbing this thing!
So sweet, but I wish I could see her smile!
There's my boy!
Look at my girl go!!

Movies!

Drew, Mikayla, and Cole after watching Horton Hears a Who.

Cole's mom, Erin, and I decided to get the kids together over spring break. We took them to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch first (see post below), and then headed to the theater. This movie was very cute, even Erin and myself laughed several times. Mikayla just adores Cole and Ms. Erin so she couldn't have been happier. Drew asked if we could get that movie on DVD, so I would say it was a hit with them. We are going to have to get them together again soon - maybe the park next time. Thank you Erin and Cole for spending the day with us - we had a lot of fun!!

Give Me Five Monday # 21 (I'm Bacccckkk)

The 'Give Me Five' Monday meme is designed to share fun information with each other in a simple short list! Here's how it works. Each week, BeccA will put out a random topic from her list of topics and you share 5 answers of your choice on the given topic and link back to BeccA's Buzz! You can add photos, links or stories or just a simple list of your own of 5 things that relate to the topic as it pertains to you and your life experiences. It doesn't have to be in any order of importance unless otherwise specified.

Well folks, it has definitely been awhile since I've participated in any of my favorite memes, but I hope to be back starting this week! I've always enjoyed these, but Becca couldn't have picked a better topic for me this week!! This week's topic is Top Five Candies and I'm in!!!

1. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - My number one matches Becca's!! I have loved these my whole entire life! There is just something about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.

2. Peanut Butter Eggs, Hearts, Pumpkins, Ect. - This is an extension of my number one really, but at different holidays throughout the year they introduce these, and the peanut butter seems creamier. Makes them all the better to me!!

3. Snickers Candy Bar - Noticing a pattern here are you? Yep, you guessed it - more chocolate with peanuts this time!

4. Peanut M&M's/Peanut Butter M&M's - Keeping with the theme - well at least I'm consistent! My favorite thing with Peanut M&M's is trying to bite off the chocolate covering while keeping the peanut whole. I know I'm strange!

5. Nerds - I don't eat these often, but I do love them. I love how all that fruity, crunchy, flavor is packed into that little "nerd"!

Great topic this week Becca, and boy does it feel good to be back!! Wooohooooo

Chuck E. Cheese!!

Mikayla plays the basketball game! She's a pretty good shot too!
Drew feeds his tickets into the counter.
Sweet Siblings!

The weather for our spring break wasn't wonderful, but that didn't stop us from having fun! We got up on Wednesday and met Erin and Cole at Chuck E. Cheese for lunch where the kids had a ball playing together. Drew used all of his tokens first, while Mikayla didn't want to leave my side because she was so afraid Chuck E was going to come out. I'm not sure what the deal was because she danced all around with him at her birthday party there when she was 3. She finally got up her courage and went to play some games with Cole and Drew. They had a ball, and we left Chuck E. Cheese to make it to the theater in time to see Horton Hears a Who!

Molly!!! Finally...

I was so excited when, as we were heading out the door to Chuck E. Cheese (see above post) on Wednesday morning, Molly sat between Drew and Mikayla and even stayed there for a picture. You may remember from an earlier post that Molly is camera shy. In this picture, you can still tell it's more like camera scared. I'm not sure if it's the flash that scares her or what, but I sure am glad I was able to get this picture.

Molly has made a wonderful adjustment into our family. She is a beautiful dog, and she is so sweet with my children. They absolutely adore her, and she seems pretty stuck on them as well! She's our pretty little puppy!!

Easter Egg Hunt!!

While at Grandma's house Easter Sunday, Drew and Mikayla hunted for Easter eggs. Poppi had hid these for them while we were at church - smart Poppi! He knew they would try to peek if they were there while he hid. So after they got the burgers and hot dogs on the grill, Poppi said Drew and Mikayla could begin to hunt. It ended up pretty neatly with both Drew and Mikayla finding $7. 50 in their eggs. That couldn't have ended better if we planned it. Poppi had put money in some of the eggs (change in some, dollars in others), and they both ended with the same amount of money. It was hard for everyone to believe!! Poppi ended up giving them both more money so they would have 10 dollars in bills and they also got to keep their change. They don't get spoilt much do they?!?

Poppi points Mikayla in the direction of the many eggs she missed. She would spot one egg across the yard, and run/walk past 15 others to get to the egg she had spotted! It was very cute to watch!

Drew spots one I believe!

Mikayla adds one to her bag as she runs for another one!

Drew adds another one to his bag!

Boy they sure had fun looking for these Easter eggs! Thank you Poppi for doing this for our babies!!