Thankful *in pictures*

In no particular order, here are some things that I am thankful for: 

Thankful for when free things fall into my lap. 

 I ordered ONE pack of 4 applesauce pouches through a site that was new so there was a promotion code, free shipping, yada yada. The one pack of 4 was $1.48 shipped. Instead of one box, the company sent me 12. So, I got 48 pouches for $1.48. I don't even know what that math equals, but I know it is really cheap and amazing. 

I did send an email & they said it was their mistake, so I got to keep them. And...they sent me a credit for my next order for the "inconvenience." #keepsgettingmorefree

Also, I am thankful that my husband humored me when I ran to him shouting about free applesauce. He has learned that the appropriate responses just makes things smoother for everyone.  

Keeping with the free theme, I am thankful that I am done with the kids' Christmas presents and got some amazing deals, along the way. 

Thankful for Anderson's book selections at the Book Fair. Actually, thankful that he attends a school that has a book fair, thankful to Noni for buying him the tornado one, thankful that he loves nonfiction because that means he might love History over Science one day (all of the above are, of course, based on true events) and, most of all, THANKFUL that this kid is giddy over his very own copy of Harry Potter. 

Thankful for the glimpses of Ferg's days that I get from his school. I am eternally grateful for the grandmas and teachers who give these boys so much love while I'm at work. I am thankful for Max's personality and the fact that even though he cries every morning, I know it is all for show and he really loves being there. 

Thankful for that lone Ninja Turtle on a wall of plain reptiles because I love that my kid is unique. Also, thankful for amazing teachers, even at the pre-school level, who are not afraid to "personalize" learning for my kid. And, if all of this is not some kind of fuel for my fire of justifying sending my kid to school in his pajamas, I don't know what is. 

Thankful for this girl who has stuck with me for over a decade. She is not one who generally shows her appreciation, as she prefers to voice her concerns and sassiness, but I think she feels pretty positive about our relationship, as well. 

Thankful when I find notes in Anderson's backpack like this because...take that, mom guilt!

Thankful for this guy who will never ceases to keep us entertained/exhausted/laughing/terrified. 

I am so thankful that I had 3 flat tires in a 24 hour period because the experience made me realize how lucky I am for so many reasons. I took a pic of the first flat, sent it to B and when I called him, he answered, "Where are you? I'm on the way." He is a knight in shining armor, that one.

 Also, I am thankful we have insurance to pay for towing, savings to pay for new tires and perspective to realize the difference between an inconvenience and a tragedy. 

Thankful for when this guy takes selfies with me, work events that make me feel like a grown up and my mom who makes a pretty cheap/loving babysitter. 

Thankful that I just do not choose to fight the clothes' battle with Max, free festivals, warm weather in November and proof that I exist in my kids' childhoods. 

Thankful for, "Mama, you can't look; I am making something. Don't look! Daddy, how do you spell awesome?"

How did I get so lucky to be the mom to this guy??

Thankful for when Max rests his head on his little hand, when we read books together and the fact that my self confidence is stronger than my laziness and I am not compelled to crop the weird looking corner of my head out of this picture. 

Thankful that I have never really been content to "settle" for myself or anyone that I love, thankful that I found this picture that proves to me that IT IS NOT MY FAULT that I get a little...ahem...testy at times when someone pisses me off does something I don't agree with-it is just who I am and always have been. Thankful that I had enough gumption to fight back when the kindergarten teacher said I was supposed to be a pilgrim because I was a girl; I really wanted to be an Indian. But, mostly, what I am thankful for is that my mom was there to take the picture. As a working mom (like she was at that time,) I know the real life struggle of trying to be totally committed to 2 separate lives at once and I can only imagine the stress of missing work to drive to a kindergarten lunch, but she did it and probably didn't think twice and I am thankful. 

***Also....***

I am thankful for space heaters, courage and LaCroix water. I am thankful for displays of life details on refrigerators, that I don't like Starbucks because I think there would be a lot of temptation there if I did, wine in a box and all of the emotions and victories and struggles that the American flag represents. I am thankful for all of the flavors of Cheerios because if 17 flavors of one kind of cereal doesn't sum up the world, I don't know what does.  For morning phone calls about babysitter, dinners and chex mix. For Anderson's ability to make friends anywhere he goes. That I have so many people who love me without "unless," "although, " or "until." And, for the by product of that, which is self confidence. I am thankful for the coziness of my bed, the end of the day checklist of my FitBit steps, magnets, carbohydrates and promo codes.Thankful that when I get an email about a beach house, I don't even have to actually look at it before approving because I know my family always has our best interest at heart.  For when I cook something edible. Thankful that I am always consciously aware of exactly what I would do in any situation if I need to get out with my kids-it is always my first thought in any new place. For when I come home to an organized tupperware drawer because that means my mom visited, for when my dogs are calm, for gel nail polish that stays on longer because laziness is my friend when it comes to nails, for buying in bulk and popcorn.  For Max's laugh because it is contagious. I am thankful for the fact that I was born on third base because most people were not even born with tickets to the game; I am thankful for the turns my life has taken that have allowed me to see this difference; But, mostly, I am thankful for the powerful opportunity to maybe, just maybe, change this set up for someone.

Winning on the Weekends.

iOS added a tornado emoji, which means the creators of it have clearly met Max. 

"Hey, Mama! I need you to turn this on, so I can spin!"

There once was a baby bear and he was not spoiled at all. He wasn't the last baby cousin or the first boy sibling or the cutest thing ever or doted on by everyone. Nope. None of the above. 

Speaking of impossibilities-these 2 love each other in the CALMEST way possible. Huge shout out (again) to God for giving us our intense ones first so that we would know to appreciate the relationship of these 2. 

To be fair, Anderson & Lily WORSHIP each other, but they also worship intensity in special, special ways, so they would have never, in a  million years, calmly shared a chair. 

Mr Bear? Right here!

Brandon took Anderson to a UT game, which is so exiting because he did not have to work them this year! And, of course, he got them field passes. 

Does he even realize this is not normal? 

Thanks to Nicole for the tickets!

How grown up is my boy in this picture?

Because, of course, Brandon got him a real glove from an actual player. 

Max & I spent that Saturday trying to stay entertained around the house. He has decided that he is a fire fighter ninja turtle, so he loves this hose thing. You know, because we have so many fires in our kitchen. 

Speaking of, he insisted on wearing his costume uniform to church one day and I let him because...what if there really was a fire?

In addition to giving Anderson all of her genes, GG took Anderson to a Lady Vols' game and he had so much fun! I beg for documentation from all parties involved in every aspect of their lives and GG, of course, obliged. 

Love this selfie shot!

Our neighborhood randomly had inflatables one afternoon!

It wasn't a weekend, but we went to Math Night at his school & met up with the Brimers. How much do I love that something like this exists? Anderson LOVES math, so I hope that he always has teachers who make him feel that way. 

We went to a super fun swimming party where Max  managed to eat doritos, cake, raisins and a barrel drink at the same time. 

Winning on the Weekends, for sure. 

Halloween

We started decorating as soon as October hit (technically it was still September, but I rounded up. We are always looking for an early morning weekend activity. WHEN, I repeat, WHEN will my kids sleep past 5am??? I am talking 5, not 5:15 or 5:30 or even 5:07. Is this a real thing for any age? Are my kids broken? I feel like we should eat lunch at 9am around here on the weekends. I really should not complain because Max was int the 4:30 range for a few weeks-ear infection & croup-so 5 is a little like sleeping in, if you think about it. I mean, 9-5 with 2 or 3 wake up calls per night sounds about right for kids their ages...sarcasm.)

Back to the topic-these cute little Halloween trees are from GG and they love them every year. 

On a separate weekend morning (it's hard to tell because those NT pjs make a lot of appearances), we were BOOed! How awesome is some other mama of saving my sanity on a Saturday morning?? Team Mama for the win. 

Pumpkin painting with our 1st round of pumpkins.  Also shamrock plates are in the mix because we believe in celebrating all holidays equally. 

Carving pumpkins with Brandon was the 2nd round, while I was at work one night. 

Noni took them to a church Halloween thing another night when I had to work and they had so much fun. Max is obsessed with his costume and loved any opportunity to wear it. 

Anderson, my little marine. 

On Halloween, Marisa & were desperate to get out of the house so we went "trick or treating" at Publix. In a "this woman must not be a parent" twist, they painted pumpkins with acrylic (non washable) paint....so that was fun. 

Kennadee as a bee was so stinking cute, though!

Anderson did not want to trick or treat at all. I mean, at all. Because (duh) football was on all night. He humored me and went to a few houses, but then he needed to go home to check scores. 

I was disappointed because I love Halloween, but, like all things parenting I was reminded that it is what my kids want, not what I want for them that makes their childhood. 

Also, I love, love that his heart has passion for something and I really did not need a bunch of candy in my house anyway, so it was actually a win. 

But...he is 5. What on earth?

Speaking of wins, I am really short, so I was able to fit into a boys' costume (i.e.: cheaper), so Max & I went in similar costumes. 

The evening ended, as expected, with lots & lots of football. I blame Noni for the Memphis obsession that is strong with this one. 

I leave you with a picture of our nice variety of pumpkins. This is about the extent of my fall decorating and I think my favorite part might be the chalk makers everywhere. 

Flag Football

Anderson: "Mama....can we play football when we get home?"

Me: "Hey, bug. Good to see you, too. Did you have a good day at school? Can we at least get in the CAR before you start asking about football? "

*******

"I think it is football time now!"

"No. It is 6:08am. I realize you feel rested and ready to go, but you know I do not play football until at least 7am."

******

"Do I have to go trick or treating? Do you know how many football games are on TV tonight?"

*****

ALL.DAY.LONG.

Anderson is obsessed with football. And, if you know anything about the last few years of our lives, this is just an increase in what was already an intensely high obsession. 

It is, hands down, his favorite sport. Despite our efforts to steer him toward other sports, the level of intense energy required and the physical nature of football always win. Also, throw in the fact that the majority of nights, at least one football game is on in our house and it is basically a matter of fact that this obsession isn't going away anytime soon. 

And.....he is actually pretty good at it because he is fast (as in, I cannot actually outrun him, which might speak more to how out of shape I am rather than how fast he is,) very physical, not afraid (to a scary point), and knows all of the rules*.

*This is my favorite part; the kid is serious about the rules. Also, I credit/blame Brandon with most of this obsession because how, for the love, does my husband know every single fact/rule/player/team/etc. about every single sport? My mind is constantly blown when I hear him talking to Anderson about football. Also, he doesn't let Anderson win when they play, which is probably part of why Anderson is improving. To be fair, I don't let him win either....he just usually does. Again, I am apparently old/out of shape. 

He didn't have his rec specs, so he went for a natural look. I was also wondering who this kid was-thank goodness for those cute little Glover ears, sticking out just a tiny bit. 

I just love these two & am so thankful for Brandon's inherent ability to know exactly how to parent our boys through sports. It is such a balance of patience, sternness, knowledge and support. 

In case you were wondering-these are all traits that I do not possess. 

He takes a football everywhere and will recruit people to make a team at birthday parties, outside, at the park, everywhere. 

All family members will get roped into games, so they better be ready. 

They actually ended up winning every game, so they got "undefeated" trophies. Anderson  is not excited about it or anything, though. Have I ever mentioned that this is his happy place??

Doughnuts for the after party-a certain Ninja Turtle snuck in the mix. 

I don't have a lot of pictures of the actual games because football is pretty fast paced and there are just a lot of blurs. 

Plus, at most games, this is where I am...keeping up with this Ferg. 

There are many variations of chasing Ferg. 

Here are a few videos (taken by Brandon, of course) that portray Anderson's intense obsession with football. 

Side note: His overall life intensity, while helpful in sports, makes the other 18 hours that he is awake a little exhausting. 

A video of Anderson scoring

Anderson pulling flags