Small moments

We had a jammed packed family weekend on Easter.  Played raquetball, went to the Knights baseball game, went to see the movie Hop-- and of all the things we did-- look at what Carter wrote about in his class on Monday--

Playing Tball with daddy-- and yes that is Payten and I walking around the fence we at least made the picture. We were picking honeysuckle along the trail by the fence-- (which by the way I couldn't remember how to taste them, guess I'll have to google that too. :))

Best I could do

This is the best I could do for an Easter Picture this year-- Carter was screaming before the pic because his sister accidentally squished his hand in the door as he was putting on his flip flops-- and after this picture we realized they were both being attacked by ants--- so we had to strip them down quick clear them of ants before we could go to Church.  

Makes for a good story one day-- but not so good for pictures.

Oh well.... Happy Easter everyone!

Taking note of my commitment

Cigna has a Shape up Challenge-- and because I am taking the physical exercise challenge-- I was able to get a personal health coach-- so this was my commitment to Tiffany (my PHC) during our first meeting today --- she says if I write/type it out I will be more likely to stick to it--so this one's for Tiffany (and of course me)

Since I have been drinking more sweet tea lately-- she didn't ask me to completely get rid of it (thanks Tiffany) however she did ask me to drop the sugar a notch- from a cup per gallon to 3/4 of a cup per gallon-- (just when Joe started liking Sweet tea- my PHC makes me drop the sweet) we will see how that goes-- I think I will be good-- but Joe may need his own special sweet tea.

Exercise 3 times per week--  30-35 mins-- got to start quick this week-- tomorrow is Wednesday and I am at 0 times for 0-0 mins-- still time to make up right?

Use my portion plate, at as many sittings as I can-- this came in my Shape up Kit-- My portion plate says I have to fill half my plate with Veggies and fruits at least (sheesh-- gotta get those fruits and veggies to fill it with first)-- I can't quite remember the rest-- but I can't mess up too bad considering it is right on the handy dandy portion plate.

So at least I have done step one-- writing down my commitment--

now the hard part comes-- sticking to it--

maybe since she will be calling me every 2 weeks it will help with accountability!!

We will see-- wish me luck!!

Poor Mr. Squirrel

Carter had his 3rd official sleep over at his friend Noah's house a couple of weekends ago.  Because of his dog allergies he has been limited to where he can stay but thanks to Dr. Lupuente at Carolina Asthma and Allergy-- now my little boy can be around dogs with little problem-- sorry for the sidetrack just good news--now back to the story

So needless to say-- because he is so new to the whole sleepover thing-- he gets REALLY EXCITED-- or as he says " I'M SO CITED" to go.  Then you add that he is with his two best buds-- and it just gets more interesting.  So as you can imagine there were some pretty funny and some embarrassing stories that came from the adventure.  But the Squirrel story is my favorite.

So here is the "Squirwle" story:

Noah's dogs had been bringing up Squirrels from the back yard-- no fun if you are a squirrel in their back yard-- your life expectancy is low if you know what I mean.

While the boys were at their sleepover--- the dog brought up another squirrel.  So Noah's dad and the boys go outside to look at the squirrel, and as they gathered around the squirrel Carter says

"We need to Pway for the Squirwle" (Carter's recount of the story).

So the three of them and Noah's dad gather around the squirrel, and almost immediately, and simultaneously the 3 boys put their hand over their heart and say:

"I pwedge allegience to the Squirwle"

Not sure it is as funny when it is in writing and the way it is written was how Carter retold the story-- which makes it funny to hear out loud -- but it is one of those stories that I just needed to get in writing for memory sake.

A Special Visit

From a Special Mimi-- Thank you Mimi for making the trip to Charlotte all alone for Carter's program, shopping, lunch at school,  lunch with me, and for staying for the spring festival!! Some things never get old--mom/mimi time is always perfect!!  We love you bunches!!  Come back soon and you can bring Poppi next time :)

A Little Recognition

Guess who got the

at their second T-ball Game?

Yayy-- Coach said he backed up first base and supported his teammates really well!!

Another Playing Catch Up Fave

At Christmas time Payten and I were invited by two of our MOST FAVORITE people to their house to make Gingerbread houses.

This is not something Payten and I had done together before so here is what I learned:

Go to the Ballantyne Hotel Gingerbread house Contest show for inspiration:

Eat an apple while you are there-- just cause it is free-- and it is not a good idea to build Gingerbread houses on an empty stomach

Stock Pile a ton of fun candy of all sorts (it is best if you keep it for a long time so you are not tempted to eat it while you are touching it) and buy those squirty things for the icing glue-- cause they work awesomely (if that is a word)

Watch Professional Mommy and Daughter in action

Think outside the box (or should I say outside the house?)

Wheat thins make a good roof

Shredded Wheat makes a good roof

And Bubblegum definitely makes a good roof

Take lots of pictures of your progress so you can remember your great ideas

 Take pictures of the memories and the wonderful ladies that made it happen

Make it a yearly tradition for your little girl who was so very proud of her finished product