ITZ Fun

As you may know, Mac travels all throughout the city for work and quite often he finds new and different places for us to check out. This week we checked out a new place called ITZ. And I have to say it was quite fun. It had some indoor rides, games, bowling, bumper cars, and all the pizza you can eat. (Oh, just check out the link.)

Our first ride was the DISCOZ. (see spinning disk in the picture on the side.) Mac and Grey got on and fastened in their seats and waited for a few others to get on, and then Grey cracked and had to get off. Mac, however, rode without him. After Mac's ride, we tried to get a credit back since Grey got off before the ride began. They couldn't accomodate our request. Since I don't like to waste credits, I rode it....ALL BY MYSELF WITH NO ONE ELSE ON THE RIDE. I am convinced that rides that spin at high rates of speed are not for people over 30, especially if that person is riding by herself. Next time, I'm just going to let that credit go, just let it go......

The kids rode this bouncing jeep. There was a lady in the jeep in front of them riding with her young daughter, and I noticed everytime she went by, she was either holding her stomach or had her hand cupped over her mouth, sure signs of someone over 30.

The kids also rode the mini roller coaster and jumping Monkey ride.

Our favorite was the Mini Bowling. My first couple of frames were dismal, but I rallied at the end to beat Grey. And I raised the roof in victory. Holland wasn't really competing with us. I'd like to think she was in competition with herself, you know, beating her personal best. It's what I like to think. And Mac? (sigh) He always beats everybody by a ridiculous amount so we don't even count him.

Texas vs The Exercise Ball

Exercise is a crucial part of Texas' weight loss program. Here he is working out with the Exercise Ball. Honestly though, I just don't think his heart is in it.

The Fourth of July

We enjoyed our Fourth of July. We went to our town's local Fourth extravaganza, (the term extravaganza may be a little exaggerated, but I like the way it sounds.) Anyway, we ate dinner, then went out to the "Town Center" and checked out the booths, scoring some "free parking at the airport" coupons, enjoyed some free diet cokes, and listened to the band, who were really great, and that is no exaggeration. It's nice to see and hear my tax dollars at work. Holland especially enjoyed the music and did some of her freelance dance for us. And then we watched the fireworks, and nobody got burned by a Sparkler this year which was nice for a change.

We dined at The Olive Garden. (That's Denny, our waiter in the back.) And, yes, we ate Italian on America's Independence Day. I think we've already established we have no shame.

Our friends and neighbors, Holland, Hope, and Faith.

You know the folks on the left. On the right, is Faith and her dad, Mr. Derek.

That's a lot of stripes for any occasion.

Dining out with the family, from my perspective.

Where ya been?

Okay, I know I have slipped on keeping the blog as current as I should. I mean with the nonstop rain we have had the last 30 days or so, you'd think I would be just spend hours blogging. Well, that would be the case if I hadn't been introduced to Webkinz. Yes, a week and a bit ago I was blissfully unaware of the existence of this phenomenon, using all my computer savvy on this blog, or cheap therapy as I fondly refer to the blog. BUT, my friend, and I won't call her name, but you can find her at dswalling.blogspot.com, introduced me to the Webkinz. It's technically for the kids, but Holland needs some assistance with the computer (translated, I get frustrated and just take the mouse from her) so basically I've taken over her Webkin. And as you can imagine Grey is totally into it to. What is Webkinz? Good grief, how many links do I have to put so you click on it and find out for yourself? Beware, if you have kids, you will become addicted. Consider yourself warned.....

Knows when to yell for help-----check

Grey and Holland finished their 2 week session of swim lessons. They've got the certificates and report cards to prove it. Grey's certificate says Preschool on it, and he wanted me to be sure and clarify that his instructor used the wrong certificates for his class. He was in the Youth program. To a 7 year old boy that is a very big clerical error.

As you may recall, I was banned from the actual swimming pool area for Holland's lessons. My presence was a distraction to the point of being a hindrance to Holland's progress. So I was very interested to read Holland's report card. She had lots of checks on the various skills and a blank on one or two others. What I really wanted to share with you were the Instructor's Comments from Holland's report card. "Holland has become more confident and has made it through some lessons without crying."
Well, I'm just pleased as punch to read that. And if you know Holland, you are, too.

Poolside Chats

I remember in college going to the pool. I took a beach towel, baby oil, and a good book. You remember those days, when skin cancer, cellulite, and stretch marks were the problems that afflicted old people, you know, people in their thirties.

I'd spend 3-4 hours, reading, dozing, and faithfully flipping from stomach to back to maintain that nice even tan. I'd discuss inane topics with my fellow sunbather and invariably one of us would ask what time it was, as if we really cared.

Pool trips are a little different now. Skin cancer is my nemesis. Nowadays I apply sunscreen, SPF 50 or more, like I'm basting a turkey. The kids actually cringe when I'm armed with a bottle. No bad sunburns, not on my watch. And cellulite and stretch marks, well let's just not even go there. Then there's the stuff I have to pack; 2 intertubes, 4 towels, (always take a spare everything), floaties, waters, snacks, lunch, coverups/t-shirts, comb, goggles, plastic tea set, dive rings, cell phone (in a ziploc bag), and a watch (because I really do need to know what time it is). It's a good thing reading is not even remotely an option, because there's no room for a book in my bag anyway. And when I go with my friends, we discuss everything from health insurance to potty training, practical life topics, free therapy, I like to call it. And I wouldn't trade any of it.

Can you feel the love?

I am so lovin' my new blog template!!! Can't you just hear the MSU fight song in your heart?

Was it only a year ago?

June 2006
Picture it with me: You're driving home from work. Traffic is typical end-of-the workday- traffic. The sky doesn't look pleasant, though. The rain is coming, but hopefully you'll make it home before the bottom drops out. After all you are only 5 or 6 miles from home. You are talking on the cell phone with a fellow employee. You stop at the red light, second in line. A very loud boom of thunder suprises you, so loud you glance at the car next to you and you and the driver give each other the" wow, that was something" look. Then you notice in your mirror, some guys in a truck a couple of vehicles back start waving their arms at you, telling you to move. Where ya gonna go? You are behind another car at a traffic light and then "WHAM", glass flys in, your rearview mirror falls off as the back of your car is smashed by a tree. The men that had been waving their arms, run up to your car, very pale, to see if you're okay. You are, but you tell the employee on the other end of the phone call, you're gonna have to call him back...........

Bring Back The Menfolk

I admit it; Holland and I are kind of pitiful without our menfolk. Since Mac is out of town, and Grey is at camp, we have been left to our own devices. Tonight, we went to our favorite Mexican resteraunt. Let's just say El Ranchero is to the Davis family like Cheers was to Norm. They know where we like to sit, and our favorite waitress doesn't take our order, she merely confirms that we'll have the usual. And the Mariachi duo, well, I feel like they are kin. They know our 3 favorite songs and the order we like to hear them in, and "the boys", as we fondly refer to them, don't speak a lick of English.

So, thinking we might find some comfort in the familiar surroundings and knowing the smell would follow us home in our clothers and hair, we sat down.....on the same side of the booth....so close to each other that my left arm was rendered useless. From a distance, we looked like Siamese twins. I looked down and we had the same napkin over both our laps, and I took comfort in that fact. The conversation, however, was not so great. There are only so many subjects Holland can cover. At that point I realized that I have not fully appreciated all the 2's Grey consistently got on his report card in Talking. (1- doing great, 2- needs work) He can carry on a great conversation on a variety of topics nonstop. And of course, it goes without saying that Mac always makes for great dinner entertainment. I can truly say they were sorely missed. It was borderline depressing.

Therefore, I have decided that since the thought of going to bed by myself with Holland upstairs by herself does not appeal to either one of us, we will be bunking together tonight. And if I have to dig her foot out of my back 100 times tonight, I'll be grateful that she wants to make sure I'm still beside her. And if she snores like a freight train, I'll turn the fan up for noise, and pop a Tylenol PM, and be glad that she's there to keep me company. Hurry home Grey and Daddy....

Camp

I guess we all got to go to church camp at some point in our lives, but I'm pretty sure I was a lot older than 7. You can guess what I am leading up to. Grey has left for Camp. I hadn't planned on letting him go this summer. I'll just say it: I wasn't ready. However, last week our children's minister came up to me and told me that Grey was the most requested bunkmate, and he wasn't even going. How am I supposed to handle that kind of guilt? So, I asked her if there was still room. She checked and said no; camp was full. Whew! I dodged a bullet there. Then doggone it, she called yesterday and said they had an opening. So, I packed his suitcase and sleeping bag, and I knew there was no turning back. So I loaded him on the bus this morning with mixed emotions, happy because he's excited, but sad because now I have to be Holland's 24hr playmate.( I'm kidding.) I'm a little sad because he's growing up so fast. When I called Mac to tell him (he's been out of town this week.), he was like, "What, I'm not going to see him until Saturday? I need my Grey-time." So we are all a little down. (heavy sigh) I wish I had some pictures to post of him as he set sail for camp, but he wouldn't let me take any. Not even one. Believe me, I tried. However, I am posting an old picture of him. It makes me giggle every time I look at it. Next time, maybe he'll give me 30 seconds to take a picture........

Vacation Bible School: Game Day Central

This pic is from "family night". I just thought the rainbow was pretty.

Grey and Dennis Lee.

My friend and fellow first grade guide, Deborah and her daughter, Emily

"Back"

I know I have been a slacker when it comes to posting lately. Sorry. A day before we left Mississippi, I pulled/strained/looked at in a funny way/did something to my lower back. The 10 hour drive back to Texas only aggravated it even more. And then all last week our church had Vacation Bible School. Though medicated, I was still in pain. For the first few days, I walked like a caveman (thanks, Sheri, for the visual). Personally, I thought I looked extremely constipated. My back just refused to let me walk normally. I spent most of my time, after VBS, at home bonding with anti-inflammatory meds and my heating pad. So, why couldn't I still blog? Sitting at my desk on the computer didn't hurt, but when I got up, I went into to the Cro-Magnon mode full force. But finally, today, after 12 days, I feel the best I have felt. So now I am "back" blogging even though it's from the sofa on my laptop with my heating pad on high.

The One Where We Went To Mississippi

It's here. The music video/slideshow that I like to call, "The One Where We Went To Mississippi". So turn it up and enjoy. (Holland chose the music for this one.)


The One Where We Went To Mississippi




.

The Return

7 days and 30 gallons of ice cream later, we are home. In case you didn't know, the kids and I took off for Mississippi, (God's country), to see family. We had a great time! I'm working on the posts documenting our trip. So, hang tight, more is on the way.

Week One/ Summer 2007

Week One of Summer 2007:
Grey has basketball camp from 9-12 everyday, and then swim lessons in the afternoon.
Holland has swim lessons in the morning. If you'll recall our last round of swim lessons with Holland ended after the 3rd lesson with me waving the white flag. This time around, I'm hoping it will be more successful because:
1. She has been in the pool a few times already so she should be fairly comfortable with the water.
2. I scheduled her lessons so that her good friend, Faith, would be in her class.
3. I sit outside where I can see her, but she can't see me.
But after seeing her wrapped around her instructor in the King Cobra death wrap, I'm not sure any of this is going to work. We shall see.....

Hot Mamas!

I knew if you stood too close you could catch it........................

My identical cousin, Jennifer and her sister-in-law, Katie.

The Wreath

What happens when you don't take down your Winter Wreath at the end of the season?



A bird builds a nest in it and lays an egg, and it becomes your Spring Wreath.

(Naturally, the kids are loving it, but it is driving the cat a little crazy.)

The Venomous Snake Lunchbox

Grey came home Monday with his final homework assignment. He had to make a lunchbox for a picnic today. We began work Monday afternoon, using a shoebox and pictures of venomous snakes we printed from the computer. We didn't finish it that afternoon, and then the fever and ear infections made their presence known. But last night, after the ibuprofen kicked in, Grey wanted to finish the lunchbox even though he knew he wouldn't be going to school today. I think he was secretly hoping I would take him just for the picnic and then bring him back home. I did consider it, but he still had some fever, and I didn't want to chance him getting worse and us being housebound for more days. I get cabin fever after a few hours stuck in the house. (However, I do have one mighty clean and organized pantry to show for the day.)
Below is a picture of Grey putting the finishing touches on his Venomous Snake Lunchbox. He was so proud.

Bummer

The last days of school are some of the best days; the excitement of the upcoming summer, making plans with friends. Even the teachers are kind of giddy. But it is not to be for Grey. Poor kid was sent home with fever on Tuesday. He felt better Wednesday morning so I sent him to school. Technically, he shouldn't have gone back for 24 hrs, but I didn't want him to miss this last week. So, of course, they sent him home Wednesday with fever that eventually went up to 102. Turns out he had ear infections in both ears, and to top it off, the doctor said he also needs to come back for a vaccination in a couple of weeks. What a bummer.

Where did the year go?

Today was Holland's last day of school. It went by so fast. Only one more year of preschool and then she'll be getting on the bus with Grey and heading to kindergarten. Thank goodness I have one more year before that happens! It's different when your firstborn heads off to school than when your baby goes. I'll need this year to emotionally prepare.

Holland's first day. (August 2006)

Holland's last day (May 2007)

Holland and Ms Lindsey

Holland and Ms Holley

Field Trip

The first grade had their field trip to the zoo today. Holland and I met up with Grey's class at the zoo so we could help chaperone. It was 92 degrees, so most of the animals were napping in whatever shade there was. Hard to blame them...... Holland got a new zoo shirt. On the way to the zoo, we hit morning traffic, taking us an hour to make a normally 30 minute trip. And with traffic, it was a lot of stop and go which didn't sit well with Holland's stomach. She threw up several times. But, as you can see by her smile, it was just car sickness, and she recovered as soon as she put on her new shirt.

Grey's crew: Jake, Matthew, Ryan, and Grey

I had Grey wear the orange shirt, because it makes it much easier to know where he is.

Mrs. Burkett's first grade. (See how fast you spotted Grey....the orange shirt theory works.)

Go 'Stros

Can't seem to get enough Astros...This time we upgraded our seats to the lower sections right down the first base line. However, the roof was open and our seats faced the west. So until the sun finally set, it was a bit toasty. Mac, Grey, and I had a great time. (Holland stayed home with the babysitter all to herself, which she loved. ) We got to see the Astros hit 4 homeruns, beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-4.

EIEI OOPS

Presenting the Shadow Forest First Grade in the musical EIEI OOPS.
Starring Grey Davis as Old MacDonald

(As soon as I get my copy of the DVD, I'll post a little bit of it. It was a lot of fun!)

Holland and Maranda

They have had to sit through their big brothers' (Grey and Jeshua) soccer and flag football practices and games. But it's not so bad when you got a great friend to hang with.

Bedtime Stories

The kids love when Mac reads them a book before they go to bed. As I was coming up the stairs to kiss them goodnight, I could hear him reading to them, but it wasn't one of those great bedtime books that Holland picks. No, tonight was Grey's choice.

........ kinda hard to end that book with "Sweet Dreams".

Texas Likes to Stretch Before He begins His Workout.

The Finale

Today was the last day for Flag Football for The Packers, and it was a double header. We were all worn out by the end of the day. What was their record for the season, you ask? I really don't know. This sport was fairly complicated with very little resemblance to real football so we had a hard time keeping up with what was actually happening out on the field. (I did have some great conversations with friends on the sidelines, though.) But I do know we won some, and we lost some. Grey had a good time, made some new friends and got to try out a new sport, which were our main objectives when we signed on.

The ride home.........

Representing the Bulldogs......

Our church holds a golf tournament at Tour 18 each year to raise money for the youth. The money provides scholarships for the youth to go to camp and on mission trips. Since Mac sponsored one of the holes, he got to name it. He also was able to find the only 3 guys there who actually attended Mississippi State and get a picture. We have to stick together out here. John Beard (Mac's trainee), Mac, & Brannon Rushing