The Little Things

I have spent a lot of my energy lately feeling bad about what I haven't accomplished, whether it be the amount I get done in a day, or something grand that I can claim. So I am putting my foot down about this nonsense! From now on I am going to acknowledge all the little things, and yes even the not so little things, that I accomplish and I am going to give myself a mighty cheer!

I would guess that I am not alone in feeling this way, which is crazy because I know all of you and I know what you do...SO I suggest that you all put your foot down too. Recognize how glorious you are and give a mighty holla! Everyday take time to make a list of the things that you do to keep those around you running. I am pretty sure you will find that all of those little things you don't acknowledge add up to some pretty grand accomplishments. You do laundry, you do dishes, you do diapers, you do your hair, you hug your kids, you teach them why saying "butt" is not a good idea, you sweep, you mop, you cook, you clean, you stop cleaning to play with your kids, you lose at Candyland, you watch a baseball game with your hubby, you fulfill your calling, you pray, you serve your friends. See! I told you that you do a lot.

If today all I did was make some loaves of bread, well lucky us because aren't they yummy! YEAH ME!!!

THE Ohio State Fair

Yes the "THE" was intentional. Everything is the Best in Ohio, or so we have been told by the countless Ohioans who never seem to be lacking in state pride. We decided to take an afternoon and go to the Ohio State Fair, which yes we had been told was the best in the nation. Well, I couldn't make the claim on the best, since the only other state fair I have gone to is Utah's (and to tell the truth I only went there to see Rascal Flatts), but it was a pretty fun fair.

We met up with our friends the Baldwin's, who have claimed the boys as their surrogate grandkids. They had been staking out the fair since lunchtime and already had picked out some spots the boys would like.

We saw a GIANT lego train set, I couldn't believe how cool it was. Yes that is corn made from legos!

We saw all kinds of animals, much to Jack's delight. We thought the horses would be his favorite, but he seemed to enjoy the rabbits and the baby chicks most.

Cole's only request for the evening was a ride on the ferris wheel. Spencer and I were a little shocked because he is not normally a ride person. We went as a whole family, and Jack's was the only one who didn't care for it.

I was all economic and health conscience and brought a packed lunch. Unfortunately, by the end of the night we could no longer fight of the glorious scent of fair food and we caved and got some corndogs! Nothing like a good fair corndog! HOWEVER, something that we will never be trying is this:

Can you say, "EW Gross!"? We saw this walking out and thought it was picture worthy. I am not sure who would eat this, but I guess I shouldn't knock it until....okay so I just don't think I can ever even joke about having it! Nothing like going to a fair.

Splash Day Playgroup

This was the second go of this event. It was scheduled a couple of weeks ago, but in true Ohio fashion the weather got all nasty so we had to cancel it. Luckily the weather was perfect today. It was fun to have a bunch of moms and kids from the ward over. I don't have much in aqua entertainment, but I soon realized I could have had just a hose and most of the kids would have been happy. We had a couple of little pools, a sprinkler, and water balloons (with painted picture to throw them at). Of course the real hit was once the popsicles came out. I was like the pied piper once I had those, you couldn't get the kids off me.

Cole has gotten so brave with water this year. It was fun to watch him just run wild and play. Jack wasn't quite as adventurous. He mostly just got ticked when ever someone splashed him in the face. Oh well, what can you do!

And That's A Wrap!

Cole is officially done with his very first season of an organized sport. T-ball was sure a blast. We will take away many great memories. Mostly of Cole getting bored halfway through and asking to be done, or him telling us that he was a crazy mad batter, or the time he yelled at his coach for picking him up and moving him. I love every second of it. I was sad to have it suddenly over and to realize that I may not see a lot of these people again.

We had awesome coaches who understood that these kids were just four. They let them learn and have fun without trying to make mini all stars out of them.

His last game was cancelled because of thunderstorms, but the team got together for a little party. Cole was so excited about his trophy. The team mom even put together little baseball theme treat baskets and a tiny scrapbook for each player. Super cute. What a fun time of life we are starting to transition into.

P.S. Cole came home and told us that the reason they gave him so many things tonight was because they thought he was an awesome baseball player.

Next, here comes soccer!

Cole and His Team--The Cubs

Happy Fourth of July

"Happy Fourth of July?" is what you are probably saying. Shouldn't the blog be titled "Jack Tries to Punt an Ugly goose"? Well, sure if you want to get technical. SO here is the explanation...We went to Andy and Melissa's in Kentucky for the 4th. This was when we were at the park having our picnic. Well of course there was a lake, so of course there were geese and ducks. There were picnickers and food, so of course there were geese and ducks. We didn't plan to feed them, but Cole and Melissa decided that they could find some tiny morsels to feed them. At first there were just a couple, but then they came in droves. We ran out of bread and were feeding them cheese, Cheetos, and grapes. Most of the geese/ducks were very appreciative of our offerings and they kept a respectful distance. HOWEVER, there were two of the ugliest ducks/geese ever, and there were not afraid to come right up to us. They not only were ugly, but they were mean. They kept hissing and the feathers on top of their heads would spike up. Well, they were getting too close to my kids so I decided to start kicking at them. No I didn't actually make contact. I just wanted to scare them. They didn't really take the hint to well, so I kept trying. All of the sudden I look over and Jack is totally trying to kick them too. We all bust up laughing. He would get up close, swing one leg back and then let it fly towards them. It was awesome, and the highlight of the park. Don't worry that didn't scare them either. Spencer actually ended up chasing them with a golf club down to the lake. Good times!

Here is a short "er" report of our fourth with Andy and Melissa. After our picnic we went back to their house, which is just about the cutest thing! We had dinner, which was awesome. Melissa had this recipe from a restaurant in Utah and it was just about the most awesome thing...you should ask Andy about the "sauce". That night we decided to forgo the big show and went to one of their friends house for a little firework show of our own. Cole was still a little leery, as you can see from the picture, but by the end he would hold a sparkler. We were so proud of him for being so brave! Jack was only slightly impressed. He would stand and watched but soon grew bored and opted for playing in the car...I know not safe! We were glad that we didn't go to the big show because we got home, had the kids in bed, and then right when the show would have been going on, it started down pouring.

Cole, not a fan of the noise

Patriotic Jack, a little bored

Brave Cole and Mom

Step back Uncle Andy!

The whole trip was so much fun. We were sad to leave. Thanks Andy and Melissa!