Weekend Update

We had a BUSY weekend! So busy (and so picture filled), that I am having to split this post into two because it would be WAY too long otherwise.

Friday night, there was the Habitat for Humanity Fashion Show that I got to walk in.  Y'all- it was so much fun.  I loved my dress and had a blast getting my hair and makeup all done up.  This was fun:

...but it was so great having the boys in it too....! They wore clothing from Glee Kids and this was a picture the store posted to their instagram page.... I mean.... so stinking cute. 

 I have 800 pictures from the night that all my sweet friends sent me, so I am going to go through those and edit it wayyyyy down and will do a post on the show tomorrow (if I can get my act together). 

So, Friday night was a big night.  Saturday morning came around and hit me. Hard.  My head wasn't feeling too great.  Eddie left at 5:30 for the beach and I never fell back asleep after he left.  Cal came in and got in my bed with me and was playing with my phone then said "smile!" and took this.  Thisis death warmed over with a head ache. 

But it was a beautiful day, and we don't have time for headaches and hangovers in this house.  Andy had a soccer game at 10 and he was pumped!

I grabbed this picture with Lee during a water break- love their goofy selves.  

Soon after Andy's game, it was Cal's turn! It was seriously such a gorgeous day- bright blue sky!

 Cal had a great game-- his team is so much fun to watch.  They are all really "clicking" and passing to each other and communicating well while playing.  Sounds cheesy, but they really are getting it. 

After the game I got a picture of these cuties-- love them so much!

 Andy had to get in the picture too-- heaven forbid he miss a camera opportunity. 

We all walked back to the cars together and caught this moment... Sally and I are lucky ladies.  

Saturday was UNC's spring football game.  We decided to go (I forgot to mention Eddie took Bruce with him to the beach-- I wouldn't have been able to do all of this stuff if I had Bruce at home!).  We ran home after lunch and I told the boys to put on Carolina gear.  Cal came out in a UNC tshirt, a football jersey on top and a basketball jersey on top of that.  I pointed out that he didn't have to wear ALL of the UNC stuff that he owned (and that he might be hot...) so he removed the top jersey.
Then Andy came out.

Homie loves his basketball shorts.  And jersey.  And insisted on bringing the helmet.  I tried talking him out of it.  But then I thought, "what do I care what this child wears?!?! If it makes him happy, WHO CARES???" so we left.  

We walked right in and found some seats-- several people complimented Andy on his shorts right off the bat.  He walked around like he owned the place while Cal watched the game.  

Andy spotted these guys and made a bee line for them.  He was hugging him before I could get near for a picture.  

Then Cal went in for a little hug...

Go Tarheels!

And as we were taking a picture, we spotted Brad-- so I quickly threw him in the picture too, despite the line that was forming up the aisle.... love these little tarheels!

They had music playing the entire time.  And everyone was enjoying it.  Especially Andy.  

Then the music just really moved him.  (I am praying this video loads onto this darn blog so I can always have it....it makes me laugh so hard).  As my friend Katherine put it: "he is sooo your child...." #canigetanamen??

 Sweet Jane wore the helmet with her cheerleading outfit and I am not sure there's ever been a cuter sight.

My cute momma with the boys.  We are so glad she came with us...or we went with her...? Either way, we were glad to be together!

Such a gorgeous day for some outside fun!

And then the most amazing thing happened.  My mom took the boys home after the football game and I had the whole house to myself.  I didn't know what to do.  Actually, I did.  I cranked up pandora, thong song station and ROCKED OUT while getting showered and dressed.  I was singing and dancing and totally enjoying myself.  Hank was passed out on the floor next to me and I think he was thrilled to have no one biting his ear or attempting to ride him.

I went to a friend's housewarming and then went downtown for another friends birthday dinners.  I was home by 10:30-- to my empty, quiet house.... and then..... I SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT. And it was glorious.  I was snoozing hard when Eddie called me at 7:40.  Should have moved my phone...or turned it off.  Or given it away.

It was seriously lovely though.  I got up and went to pick up the boys, but decided a trip to dunkin was necessary first.  Hank wanted to ride along, so he hung out in the backseat and was beyond thrilled when he got a munchkin.  

I went to pick up the boys and my dad asked me if I would like his apple watch..... (!!!!!).  He wasn't a fan and decided it wasn't something he wanted... and I was just saying I would love one....! So I got me a new watch! Can't wait to wear it for a few days and see how I like it.  So far, it is good! I am anxious to wear it to a popup class to see how accurate the calorie burn is.  My polar has the heart rate monitor around my chest, so that feels more accurate to me... we will see!

When we got home, the chores started.  I had a long list of stuff to do!

Andy helped me change my tail light. Such a big helper.  

 And I cleaned out my car-- big time.  Vacuumed it all out, scrubbed dirt, the whole she-bang.  The boys got in it to "play" and both kept saying they couldn't believe how clean it was and they wanted to play in there for a while.  Whatever floats your boats, kiddos!

It was way too pretty of a day, so I got my 12th load of laundry going and we set out for a bike ride/Hank walk around the hood.  We were stopped in this picture, that's why Andy's helmet is off (just in case Dr. K reads this....and hi, Dr. K!). 

We played outside some more, I cleaned out the garage and did a little reorganizing...which will last about 5 minutes, and then Cal had some homework to finish. 

We went to dinner at firehouse (of course we did) where Cal ate a kids meal and a big bag of chips and declared that he was still hungry.  So he ate another whole sub.  Next time we won't order a kids meal... I think it's time he gets the full one.  And, wow.

Bed time for Andy couldn't come soon enough Sunday night.  He needed to go to bed around 6.  Because OHMYWORD he was being hard.  wow. wow. wow.  But, hey! Tomorrow is a new day!

The amount of pictures I took from Friday morning through Sunday is in sane.  I might have a problem.  Oh well. 

Happy Monday!


 

InstaFunnies

Bring on the ALMOST weekend!

 

Life Lately

Happy Hump Day!

Here's a look at life lately...!

Last week, I went to pick up Andy at school and Hank was at the door crying.  He used to go with me all the time to pick up the boys.  I let him ride along and I opened the back hatch so some kids could love on him.  And he was swarmed! He loved all the attention-- he is the sweetest dog, I swear.  After about 10 minutes of this, he passed out-- all the attention just wore him out!

Wednesday night we celebrated Eddie's birthday! Homie loves him some kanki Japanese steak house, so we met my parents there to eat way too much and love on the birthday boy: 

 Andy sat next to my mom.  He was skeptical.  Of course he was.  The chef learned Andy's name quickly and talked to him the entire time.  Andy stared at him like this for most of the show. 

Wait for it.....

Whhhaaaaa???

 That picture makes me laugh every single time I see it. hahaha He used to sob when we went to this restaurant- it scared him to death. 

On Thursday of last week, Andy went on a field trip to the wildlife center.  I was unable to go because I work T/Th, but thankfully a friend sent me this picture-- he got to hold a bird and he thought it was awesome.  This is also something old Andy would never ever do. 

Thursday night, after tennis for both boys and soccer practice for Andy (!!), we headed to Science Night at Cal's school.  I did NOT want to go.  At all.  I was worn out from teaching and driving from one practice to the next (and trying to squeeze a walk in for the pups too).  But I am so glad we went.  It was really neat and the boys loved it.  Cal was beyond excited to take us around his school and Andy acts like he owns the place, already.  He is ready to be there next year.  And I think Cal is happy to have him there... maybe.  

Over the weekend we went to the Masters, but we always watch Sunday from the couch.  I had Eddie make me this drink: an azalea.  Oh my yum....

 It is vodka, lemonade and a splash of grenadine--  it is so good!

While the Masters was on TV, the boys played every sport possible outside.  I saw them play baseball, football, basketball, catch, golf and tennis-- they didn't stop the whole day. 

This week, Andy is child of the week in his class.  Each kid takes a turn being child of the week, and he has been waiting for this all year.  We were asked to send in pictures on Monday and before my staff meeting after school, I snuck in to take a picture of his bulletin board.  It lists members of his family, his full name, what he wants to be when he grows up (Basketball player), his favorite book (Charlie the Ranch Dog), and his favorite thing to do (go to school and play with friends), along with lots of pictures of him. 

After our faculty meeting Monday, we hurried home to walk the dogs-- and look at worms, apparently.  

We finished our walk and hauled tail to pick up Cal (Monday was crazy!).  We got home and heard the boys discussing their golf game.  It was called "masters"-- haha think they heard enough about that this weekend? They set up a course out in the yard and had a blast hitting, chipping and putting.  

Monday night, Cal had soccer practice.  Andy has become buddies with this little boy, who is teaching him how to play lacrosse- and he LOVES it! I am thinking a lacrosse stick is in Andy's future... possible birthday present...?!?

I mentioned before the fashion show that is this Friday night-- I saw it has SOLD OUT....!!!! OMG, I am so excited/terrified/nervous/happy people are coming! I am most nervous about the boys in it.  I am sure they will be fine.  But I am prepared for a meltdown before walking out there.  Cal started saying he didn't want to do it this week.  Too late to back out now... I am prepared to offer bribery to get through this.  Judge away, people. 

Tuesday was picture day for this one! He rarely wears anything to school besides ratty t-shirts and shorts so it was a nice change to have him in nice clothes with his hair brushed.  Teachers were all commenting that they didn't recognize him dressed nicely- haha

We were SO excited to get to give Janey a ride to school with us! Ms. Sally had an early morning appointment so we got a sweet little friend in our car, and we couldn't have been happier!

Making some power balls after school- he's such a good helper.  Both of them are, really...! Andy licks the spoon and Hank licks the floor.  

Welcome to my life.   Just hanging around.  I honestly don't know how high he would ride it up if I didn't stop him. 

That's a look a life lately! Nothing too exciting, but plenty busy!

Oh, and thank you for the book suggestions from yesterday's post! I am keeping a list on my phone and can't wait to read them all! xoxo



 

Book Report

I haven't updated my latest reads in a while and I looooove to get good book ideas from other people, so hopefully if someone is looking for book ideas, these might be helpful.  I am trying to read more and more. It isn't always easy.  I was talking about one of these books at soccer practice last week and one mom said, "I am just impressed you actually read....!" hahaha

Having the trip to Mexico this month helped me read a little more.  Plus I tackled some audio books (which are quickly becoming an obsession....).

Here's what I have been reading:

After You by JojoMoyes.  This is the sequel to the book Me Before You, which I loved! I didn't read them back to back.  Me Before You was heavy, and I needed a little break before jumping back into these lives again.  But I did and ohhhh, I so loved this book.  I listened to this one and didn't want to ever stop.  I loved the narrator's English accent. I have already downloaded another one of her books to read (The Girl You Left Behind), and I am excited to start it.

The Widow by Fiona Barton. I read this one while in Mexico and it was a good read-- kind of like Girl on a Train, but not as suspenseful.  My friend on the trip was reading it too and we both were pretty into it.  I liked this book- as disturbing as it was! haha

Obviously, I like Elin Hilderbrand books--I have read a bunch of them.  I don't know what is is about this author.  I like the way she writes, I guess.  Of her books I have read:
The Matchmaker
The Rumor
The Beach Club
 Summer People
 Barefoot

And I just finished reading Summerland and I really, really loved it!

I started this one on the airplane home from Mexico and found myself thinking about it and wondering what was going to come of the characters.  There is a car accident in the beginning, but no one knows what happened or why.  As the story unfolds, you find out more and more.  Good stuff. 

I also listened to I'm Glad About You, by Theresa Rebeck.  I get the skimm emails every day and one day a few weeks ago, they suggested this book.  I downloaded the audio version and listened... and it just wasn't my favorite.  Ugh.  I liked parts of the book.  But then there were these super long parts that I kept thinking "why is this even in the book?!" and hoped they would be brought back together later on, but they weren't.  I didn't dislike this book- I just didn't LOVE it.  And I wanted it to get to the end.  Which isn't a great thing to say about a book, I know.

Reading the above, after paying over $20 to download it to my phone for the audio version, made me realize I had to figure out a cheaper way to listen to books- since that seems to be the best way for me to read much of anything.  So I went to our library website and did some research.  There is an app (several, actually), that you can put on your phone which "talks" to your library.  When you download the app, you enter your library and then you enter your library card number and your pin.  Once you do that, you can search for audio books and then click download.  They will show up on your phone!

Once I discovered this, I didn't have a whole lot of time before leaving for our road trip, so I just did a quick search for Elin Hinderbrand books because I knew I liked them and I knew she had a ton of book in audio version available.  I downloaded the first one I saw: Beautiful Day.

I really like the way this one is written-- told from multiple points of view all about the wedding of the youngest sister in a family.  The mom passed away and she left behind "the notebook" which is meant to help her plan her daughter's beautiful day.  I haven't finished it yet.  But I like so far!

The only issue I have so far with this app is I have to be done with the book in 6 days, when it is taken off my phone.  It would be perfect for long road trips, but for me who listens here and there, it isn't enough time.  I am pretty sure I can renew it for longer, but that is sort of a pain to me to have to do-- however, it is MUCH better than paying money for an audio book!

The library also does E-reader check outs, so I can check out books to my kindle.  That's getting sort of fancy for me, I think.  But I am all about the kindle and saving that money. 


Okay, that's all I've got for the Book Report today.  What are you reading? Send me some suggestions! Clearly I need to get away from Elin's books.  But I do love them.  I went crazy like this over Liane Moriety books.  She has got to be due to release a new one, right?? Oh! In adding that link over there, I see she has a new one coming out in July.  I will add it to my list right now. 

Hoping to have read Nightingale and The Girl You Left Behind in the next few weeks. 

I'd love some suggestions! Have y'all read any of the above books? Thoughts?