my little GQ.

Dear Zach... the other night we had your First Communion practice and it was your first time in a suit.  OH MY GOSH - you were sooo handsome! And such a little gentleman. A few of the girls wanted to get their picture taken with you, but you were a bit shy. Although I was able to snap a couple with your buddies, who also looked adorable. I was such a proud mom, you are such a good looking and pleasant boy (for the most part) around the adults. I love you so much little man.

Love, Mom

basketball, soccer & storms.

Dear Zach... On Friday night I took you and Charlie to the Derby Festival Basketball Classic at the Yum Center. You guys had a blast.. you are truly in your element at live sporting events - pouring over the program and commenting on conversations in the rows around us. You two always crack me up walking around in your UK and UofL sweatshirts :) The only scary part about our night was returning to a pitch black garage to get into our car!

On Saturday morning you had an LSA soccer game in the pouring down rain. It was a little miserable for the rest of us, but you had a great time and scored 3 goals! (Your second hat-trick of the season) You stayed pretty clean most of the game, then decided to slide into a mudpile to celebrate!

Dear Nick... It was a pretty stormy weekend, so we made several trips to the basement and kept you in our bed for two nights. You had been sleeping until about 5:00am for several nights in a row.. but now, thanks to the stormy weather, we are back to you waking up at 1:30am or so.. and I usually have to bring you downstairs because you are too scared to go back to sleep by yourself. I wish I knew what happened??? You used to be my champion sleeper .. and now you can't sleep through the night. It started over Christmas break this past year and you haven't been the same good sleeper since. Hopefully its just a phase :)

Love, Mom

the ride home.

Dear Nick... the whole way home from school the other day you looked out the window. We took the back way through the woods and winding roads. You just kept looking at all the nature, the trees and creeks. There was no music on, and you didn't talk. You hardly noticed when I stopped to take this picture. 

You were just enjoying the sights and the fresh air. And you were so content to look out the window and take it all in. I loved this moment.

Love, Mom

studying & singing.

Dear Zach...  Doing your homework is hard. Since I don't get off work until at least 5:30, sometimes 6, most of the time you end up doing some homework at after school care. Either that, or you do it at Nana's or not until I get home. But studying for tests is difficult for you, and studying at 8:00 is, well, kind of a nightmare.   Last night I tried to help you study for your science test. There is a ton of material, and you have 3 tests on Friday - science, spelling and reading. Plus you have soccer practice on Thursday night. You are NOT easy to study with. You get up and move around constantly, you don't pay attention and you get easily frustrated. We end up arguing or you end up crying out of frustration. I want so much to help you, but you are usually tired and fight me every step of the way. You ended up being sent to your room, where I tried to read your science to you, and you cried about going to sleep. Eventually I gave up and sang your songs to help you sleep. (I love singing you to sleep) You really needed some good sleep. I hope you do well on your tests, so we'll try to study again tonight.

Dear Nick... You told me the other day you want to take music lessons. You taped a movie on the kids channel called "Lemonade Mouth" about a band and you've watched it almost every day since. You want to learn to sing, play the drums, and play the guitar. I think I'm going to look into it, because it seems to be something you enjoy. You really love listening to your Ipod lately and often sing out loud, even if we are sitting in a quiet doctors office - so maybe you will you be superstar. Although, last night you were dancing with me in the middle of the family room at the end of the movie... and I'm a little concerned, because you don't have much rhythm. Sorry buddy, you know how much I love you, but I'm not convinced you are musically inclined. But we will give it a try!

Love, Mom 

the beginning.

Dear Boys,

This is page one... the beginning of "To My Silly Sons". It's been so hard to find time to keep a journal, I've decided to start this blog. Just for you - my potamus and my noodle. It will be my place to tell you important things, or random things. To share silly stories and pictures, or just tell you how much I love you. It will be a place for the good, the bad and the ugly. As well as the funny, hilarious and beautiful. All of our moments together have been the best of my life - every day with you is a blessing, making me the luckiest mom in the world!

Love, Mom