Knoxville's Children's Festival of Reading

 The girls and I got to attend the Children's Festival of Reading in Knoxville today with our good friends Renee and Alex. Noah had been invited for a sleep over with his friend, Rikka, so he wasn't with us for the day. We started our day with crafts and face painting. There was Story Time where they heard a story and got to pet a turtle. The big girls thought that was pretty cool. Kate passed on the turtle touching. We got to meet Shadow, the dog, whose mama had been a rescue dog that had almost been euthanized. Four days after the mommy dog was rescued, she had 11 puppies and Shadow was one of those puppies. She was such a sweet, sweet dog. The girls enjoyed petting her and hearing her story. There was a parade of book characters led by Curious George. Kate thought the parade was pretty cool and she loved that green dinosaur/dragon guy. After doing some coloring crafts and dancing with the characters to Alice in Wonderland, we headed to the Sunsphere and got to go up to the 5th floor observation deck. The girls thought it was really cool to go up in the 'big gold ball'. I remember when I was little thinking how huge and so very tall the Sunsphere was. Undoubtedly, they most view it much the same way. I am going to have to take Noah up in it soon, so he can experience it as well. After we had done everything we could do at the festival, we headed to Chickfila for some lunch and the girls enjoyed some ice cream afterwards. It is always a good time with Renee and Alex.

The Thunder's End of Season Soccer Party

 I wish you could have seen this boy's face when his coach was talking about him before he handed out his trophy. I wish you could have seen the huge grin on his face. I was so, so proud of him. His coach talked about what a strong defensive player he was- how he knocked down plays, blocked goals, listened and tried hard to do everything the coaches had asked of him. Noah did an amazing job this season. We are beyond proud of him and his playing has continued to improve through this season. The boys played such a great game for the last game. There were people coming over to watch as they finished out their season. They came back from a 0-2 deficit in the second quarter, to tying the game up 4-4 for the final score. I was so proud of all of them for fighting their way back so hard. These kids played so hard and did so well. Love their spirit and love of the game.

Mother's Day 2013

 It was the perfect day. Truly an awesome Mother's Day. I woke to a card and gift bag on my side table from Noah. I went downstairs to three beautiful children who show me more love than I could ever express. Three beautiful babies that make my world right and complete. Noah had made me a necklace at school and had made me the coolest card. Rachel had made me a beautiful poster with her hand as a flower and the pot read, "I love my mom because she loves me.". She also made me some really cool pipe cleaner shapes -- a flower, a peace sign, a butterfly and a heart. Kate made me a beautiful picture of me and Mom (Mamaw) and a yellow pipe cleaner bracelet. Everything was so, so special. They all expressed their desire to make me breakfast, so we made blueberry muffins and cinnamon rolls together. After breakfast we all hung out and played until Doug woke up and we decided to head up to Gatlinburg to go for a hike and to eat at Corky's. It was my idea of a perfect day. The people I love, doing what I love and eating good food (yes, that I love...lol).  The hike was wonderful. We did the Grotto Falls hike and it was just perfect. Kate didn't have a single complaint. I think it was just the perfect distance for her. The kids really enjoyed walking behind the falls and how beautiful everything was. I loved every minute of it. We ate bbq at Corky's for a late lunch and it was delicious! The only thing I missed was seeing my own Mom, but luckily I had gotten to spend the day before with her before she headed out to South Carolina to help Amie with the kids for a few days while she traveled. Thank you so very much to Doug and my babies for showing me such a wonderful day. It is you four wonderful people who bless my life day in and day out. You make my life incredible. I cannot imagine my life without you. I hope all the Mamas out there had as good a day as I did and to the special Moms in my life, Happy Mother's Day!! You deserve it!