Taking Andy shopping

It's amazing to me how quickly Andy-man outgrows his clothes these days!  I know I just bought him new jeans, how can he possibly only have one pair that fits!?  At least this is what I was saying this morning.  So, off to Old Navy we went today.

I found ONE, yes one, pair of jeans in the entire store that fit him.  We left with that one pair of jeans and yet another Vanderbilt T-shirt.  (He only has 3 or 4!)  He was happy and immediately asked if we could go to Game Stop.  Shopping just wouldn't be complete if we didn't stop by there, right?  Since I'm a softie, I caved and we went.  He's been saving his money for a new game and finally had enough to buy it today.  Of course, he informed me that he was out of "Live" time so I ended up buying him three more months.  Shopping with a pre-teen boy. . .QUICK and EASY!

Spring Break? Yes, please!

What happened to the snow!?  I mean, I don't want to sound like a spoiled brat or anything, but just a few snow days would've been nice! :)  Since we can't have snow days, I'll settle for Spring Break.


You all know that I LOVE my job, but it is definitively time for a break.  All of my kiddo's are so exhausted, which leaves me exhausted at the end of the day!  They have worked so hard in preparation for the school play.  I can't tell you how proud I was of all of them last night. One of my sweet boys came to me halfway through the play and said, "Ms. Hall - I'm done.  I don't want to go back up there!" I panicked and,  let's just say I, well. . . I bribed him to go back on!!  :~)  It worked!

Today, we were introduced to "Jump for Heart".  It's a fundraiser that our jump rope team will be doing after break to raise money for the American Heart Association.  The jump rope coach wanted Caroline to speak to the classes about her heart surgery.  She did a GREAT job, but I, however, stood in the back of the room and sobbed!  A flood of memories overcame me as I thought about our Little Bit in the hospital with all of those tubes in her tiny body.

So, what am I saying?  I'm a softie anyway, but right now, I'm so extremely exhausted that I can't control my emotions!  Yes, please gimme Spring Break!!

Beta Club

Tonight, Andy was inducted into the Beta Club.  I couldn't be more proud of him for all of his hard work and dedication!  Maybe, just maybe, I'm doing something right!!

Andy is lighting his candle.

I wish I knew what he was thinking!

Come on, look up!!

Finally, I caught a grin!

All of the new members.

Andy and his good buddy, Caleb.

Andy and his dad.

I know, he is almost as tall as I am! :(

 

We survived our first basketball season!

When Andy decided that he wanted to play basketball for Dayspring this year, I was so excited for him.  I think it is important for our kiddo's to play some sort of organized sport.  I always ecnourage my students at school to play something - anything!!  It's funny, because after the first week of a new school year, I can ALWAYS tell you which kids play sports or attend some sort of musical lessons on a regular basis!  Their focus, motivation, and alertness (maybe not the best word choice - but hey, I'm tired) is much greater than other students in the class.  Additionaly, they are much better "team players" in class.  Alright, I'll get off the teacher kick! Like I was saying. . .  I was happy for him.  He had never played basketball, so I knew it was going to be a huge learning experience for both of us. 

He did, in fact, learn a lot!  He may not be the best on the team, but he gave it all he had and that's the most important thing.  I've learned a lot this year, too!  For example, I know that on game nights, an extra snack or two should be packed in the lunchbox.  I've learned to not always trust that clean socks will be in his gym bag!  I've learned that "just down the road" may mean something like ~ Smyrna!! ;)  But, most importantly, I've learned that being the mother of a pre-teen boy is, well. . . an experience! 

Walking with friends!

After three weeks of training for the marathon, my body is screaming. . ."You are OLD!  Give up! "  But, I'm NOT giving up!  I plan on finishing what I've started (Lord willing)!

Sunday I walked 6 miles.  Well, actually, 6.5 miles.  I walked a little extra to cool down before I stopped for the day.  I found my groove during the 2nd mile, and it was all good after that.  I felt great when I was done, but a few hours later. . .well, let's just say my body was screaming!  I think my two little toes may be a different shape by the time this is all over. ;)

The beautiful thing about all of this is that I'm getting to spend some time with people that I wouldn't have had otherwise.  Kellye is walking with me  one or two times a week, but come on. . .she has to - she's my sister, right?!  No, seriously, I'm so thankful for the time I get to spend with her, walking or not!  Sandy B. is walking with me a couple of times a week also.  She is just great!  On Sundays, Jami N. and Tina S. are walking with me.  They are so supportive of my "self-challenge" to complete the marathon.  It is truly a blessing to be able to spend time with such amazing people!  If any of you ladies are reading this - I love you!  Thanks for doing this with me.  Oh, and Jennifer H., I know that you are with me in spirit.  I'll walk with you soon!

I may be getting older, and my body may be screaming at me for this, but I AM BLESSED!

I think I can. . .

I think I can, I think I can. . .  I've decided (with a whole lot of help from Jen and Kellye) to walk the Country Music 1/2 marathon this year!  Now folks, I can hardly breathe after a 3 mile walk right now, so this is going to be a huge challenge for me.  My body is already sore and the training has only just begun.

There are a million reasons not to do this, but . . .well, sometimes you just have to do things that simply don't make sense! (Right, Jen?!)  Andy has basketball  that extends into February and guitar lessons after school once a week.  But, this could work in my favor if I walk while he is at practice.  This portion of the school year is always hectic, not to mention that I'm finishing up my graduate work.  This is going to call for some clever scheduling, but I THINK I CAN!!!

Go, Shires!

I am so proud of the kiddo's for having so much school pride!  Andy and Gracie are playing basketball this year, and Caroline is jumping her heart out on the school's jump rope team, Dayspring Unwound.  Even Anna Kate has school spirit!

Anna Kate laughing

This is the forth year for the school to  have the jump rope team, and the kids LOVE it!  When the team began, we were happy to just have them jump the rope.  Now, they are doing all kinds of cool tricks!  It's awesome to watch.

Just a few of the Unwound teammates waiting for half time!

Little Bit showing us what she can do

Go, Little Bit!!!!

Go, Gracie!

Gracie is showing everybody just how tuff she is!  She is the youngest player on the team, but she plays like she is a PRO!!  She gets in there and gives it all she has.  (She plays ball like her Daddy! )

Andy, Gracie, and our mascot



Andy and Gracie are getting so BIG!  I can't believe they are old enough to be playing on the middle school teams. 

Mary and Gracie

Andy

Andy has learned so much this season.  Coach Rob is doing a fabulous job of teaching these boys how to play basketball!  They are a young team. . .watch out for them in a couple of years!

The team and our mascot

If you could only hear the music! :)

Go, Shires!!