On to T-Ball...

In the midst of soccer came the baseball draft. Now, if you remember last summer, Jackson wasn't a big fan of this sport at all--until the last week of the season. Those last two games he was all about practice and improving and getting better, so we had high hopes for this spring. So we were a little bummed when--after we signed him up and payed the fees--he told us he didn't want to play.

Sorry, kid. You're playing.

Yes I know. We're mean parents. We may even be "those" parents. But we are justifying this by saying until he's played enough to know he really hates it, he can't really hate it. Right?

Practices went well.  He has friends from pre-school on the team this year, and he doesn't feel like the "baby" of the team. He still likes "taking a break" more than actually playing, but he gets on base consistently and he is soooo much faster than he was last year!

I will admit, I take the whole baseball thing more seriously than I should, because he clearly isn't planning on making a career of it.  I try not to push him, but inside, I keep hoping one day he'll say, "Hey momma, wanna play catch?" 

It's my Field of Dreams moment.  Don't judge me.

At any rate, we've played lots of games, and we've won quite a few. He's gotten a few medals from tournaments, and he's actually disappointed when they don't win. 

That right there is progress.

On Being a Soccer Mom

I miss "The 30 Days of Me."

Not because I like talking about "ME" so much, but because I liked the prompts.  Yes, I'm a junior high teacher and almost all the writing we do at this age is prompt driven.  That's how I roll.  :)

It's not that we haven't been busy.  Oh my, have we been busy.  Jackson started soccer in February.  This is a new experience for our entire family.  I am a total soccer newbie.  When I was a kid, soccer was brand new to our area, and only a couple of my friends played...and even then I knew running up and down a field while kicking a ball and managing not to trip all over myself was not my area of expertise.  Yes, it would've provided hours of entertainment for the spectators, but I'm pretty sure I would've been scarred for life.

Jackson, thank the Lord, has only half my genes.  He seems to enjoy the game on most Saturdays.  I think if he could just run up and down the field and not ever have to kick the ball, he'd love it.  It's the whole multi-tasking aspect that throws him for a loop sometimes. :)  His coaches insist that it takes a season or two (or six?) to really "get it."  They're so kind. 

In the last couple of games, he's found his niche.  He was born to play sweeper.  For those of you who (like me) never watched even one minute of soccer before, sweeper is the guy (or girl) who tries to keep the ball from getting close to the goalie.  So....he pretty much gets to stay on one end of the field until the ball starts heading his way, and then he has a few seconds to prepare for contact.  The rest of the time, he gets to play in the dirt.

You can imagine how happy this makes him.

My baby boy is FIVE.

Jackson turns five today.

I don't even know how to process that.

Five.  How did that happen?

I asked him the other day if he would still sit in my lap and snuggle with me once he turned five.  He laughed and said yes like that was the most idiotic question I'd ever asked. 

Whew.

  

Every single day  I realize how much he's NOT my little boy anymore.  We have real conversations.  He has a memory like you wouldn't believe.  He is fascinated with letters.  While we've worked with him to learn his name, we haven't pushed anything else yet...but I feel like he's going to be one of those kids that pushes himself to learn.  I love that.

He told me the other day that he didn't want to get married.  I told him he still had a while to change his mind about that.  He teared up and said he was afraid to kiss the girl.  I tried to reassure him that once he found the right one, he wouldn't be afraid anymore.  But he doesn't believe me, and I'm okay with that.

I really am not sad that he's growing up, because this tiny little moment of his life is so much fun.  But I want to freeze it.  I want to keep him curious and innocent and stubborn and kind hearted.

Happy birthday, buddy.  I love you.

Our Anniversary Weekend

One of the things I look forward to every year is our anniversary getaway.  Every year we make it our mission to find somewhere special to go for a night or two, just the two of us.  Some have been more memorable than others ( the 7F Lodge in College Station is amazing, Fredericksburg during their music festival was entertaining, and our stay in the _ at Salado was really unique--in a good way!).  We planned this year to make our way down to Gruene, but hit a snag.  In years past when we've headed south, our trip usually ends in Austin for the state basketball tournament (It's a family tradition.  Some people go skiing; my family watches basketball.).  Because Kevin is self-employed, he only gets paid if he works and taking off an entire week can be costly.  So...we opted to put Gruene on hold (it would be better in summer anyway) and find somewhere closer to home.

I'm usually the one to search out some cozy little bed and breakfast, but this year Kevin took the reins after I suggested going to Grapevine.  Next thing I know, he calls me and lets me know that he has two nights booked at the Gaylord Texan. 

Awe. Some. 

As much as I love the bed and breakfast experience, getting the chance to be pampered after five months of being a mother of three sounded like Heaven.  And this weekend was all about pampering.  My husband knocked this weekend out of the park.

When we got to our room on Friday, Kevin and arranged for flowers to be delivered and have the "romantic turn down service" ...so many sweet little touches. 

If you know me, you know that taking pictures on weekends like this isn't my strong suit.  Trust me when I say we had a great time.  We spent most of Saturday in the Relache' Spa inside the Gaylord.  I'm such a spa freak.  It was one of the best massages I've ever had.  Of course, after carrying a carseat for five months, any massage would probably be a good massage! :)

Saturday afternoon we ventured to historic downtown Grapevine. If you haven't been there, I highly recommend it. 

Saturday night we went to Pappas Bros. Steakhouse.  Oh my.  It's a special occasion place, for sure. But it was delicious! 

After we slept in just a bit on Sunday, we packed our bag and headed back to Van.  I love that our weekend fell at the beginning of our spring break, because now I'm refreshed and ready for a week with my kiddos!

Of course, I may need another massage by the end of the week. :)

Lucky 7

Seven years ago today I married my prince.

In those seven years, I've discovered not only is he my Prince Charming, he is my Prince Funny, Prince Practical, and Prince Dirty Old Man (Yes I know you're shocked. Yeah right.).  He is also the smartest person man in the room. ;)  He makes my life easier even when it makes his more complicated.  He knows the cracks in my armor and chooses not to chip away at them.  He treats me differently than he treats anyone else, and it makes me feel special.

He is the best best best best thing to happen to me. Ever.

I love you babe.