Gates Summer DO!!

My little mohawk man!! He loved it. At camp he begged to die it blue... Why not?? So we did. Well Mary Fran (the nanny did). And he loved it...

Summer 2010

The summer is a bit of a blur. Todd traveled A LOT, kids had swim team, I worked, and we did some traveling. We spent two weeks in Tennessee at Flip Fest, which as you all know is our summer get away. We have such a blast when we are there. The kids are free to roam the camp and do what ever they want. One of Gates most favorite things was the mud tug of war. What better thing is there for a four year old than to be let loose in the mud and get as dirty as you want. Also,this year Gates was old enough....and big enough to do the ropes course. He was a bit nervous at first but once he did it, he was ready to go again. Todd on the other end didn't have the same reaction as he had to carry Gates half the way;) Gunnar spent most of her time meeting new friends and doing gymnastics. She has decided to stop swimming year round and get back into the gym scene. We will see how that goes. We have them both signed up for gymnastics, but of course it couldn't be easy for me and be at the same gym... Gunnar wants to go back to Sam, this is where she took before and feels comfortable, so that's what we shall do. School is back in full swing for both kids. Gunnar is actually looking forward to her first track out of 4th grade in one week. Gates is in transitional kindergarten, which is great so far. As for Todd and I well, we are good. We stay super busy. He is back at work, the team has now started official practice and we will just wait for the season to begin. They have a new coach, which seems to be working out great. Everyone seems to really like her a lot. We are excited football season is here. The kids LOVE to go to the games, mainly so we can tailgate and have pregame fun, but Gates likes to go watch the game too. Gunnar and I well, we just like to get our gear on and cheer!!!!! One thing I am excited about is fall. I'm so tired of this hot weather. Looks like some cooler air is on the way. I've got my fingers crossed. Well I'm off to bed for now... Gonna post some pics from various things throughout our summer... Enjoy and I'm getting back into the swing of things.. OH, and I'm on my second bout with shingles....YES, you read it right, for some reason my body doesn't like the way I internalize my stress and this is it's way of getting me back...or getting the stress out. I think from now on I'm going to try to verbalize it instead of holding it in, because this is the most painful stress I've ever experiences. I don't wish this on my worst enemy.... :)

The Blogging Loop

Hello All,

I've been gone for way too long!! I think it's high time that I get myself in gear and try to get going again. I will try to fill you in on what has happened throughout the summer for us in my next few updates. So be patient and eventually I will get caught back up. My friend Helen at work has been my inspiration to get started again. She has two little boys and is pregnant with her third.... can you say busy?? However, she blogs regularly. I think I helped her get started but she has done far better than me as she just keeps going and going and going. I know how much I love reading her blog and stayiing caught up with her familys life and it made me realize what my friends and family are missing out on with my crazy crew. I don't promise to write daily, but Gates starts back to school on Monday and I'm going to try to use my time wisely... We will see how it goes. I'm looking forward to it. Until next time.....

SOCCER STAR.....

Gates has been waiting for this day for a really long time. We signed him up for soccer back in November, so to him it felt like forever!!! He had his first game on Saturday. His team is called the Meteors..... lots of little boys and two GIRLS! At first he wasn't thrilled to have girls on the team, but after he saw them run fast and score some goals, he decided they were OK:) The team practices for about 20 minutes prior to the game then they play, ??? six, five minute periods(I think). Anyway, he had a BLAST. Todd and I cheered and cheered. We may have been the loudest parents there, but that will come to no surprise to most of you.... Gates scored 3 goals out of the 5 scored... He was absolutely adorable, after scoring the first goal, he ran over and hugged Todd and gave us a big thumbs up, then quickly ran back out to join the team. He was high fiving everyone and thumbs upping the rest of the game. Such a spirited little guy. By the way, the other two goals were scored by the girls... GO GIRLS!!! Gates coach was awesome and really seemed to be excited to be there. His daughter is one of the girls on the team, so we better be really nice to her... Gates next game is this Saturday at 11:45, thank goodness because getting up and being on the soccer field at 8am is for the birds!!!!! PS... I did NOT tell him to tuck in the shirt, but he is obsessed about the way he looks!!!!!

First In Fitness Update.....

PRIOR TO LEAVING THE SCHOOL.... THE PULL UP TEAM 3RD AND 5TH GRADERS... ALL OF WHICH PLACED IN THE TOP 5 GO SALEM!!!




GIGI AND BAILEY---SUPER STARS... BAILEY COMPETED IN SPEED(JUMP ROPE STYLE)SHE PLACED 3RD



March 12th Gunnar had her first in fitness competition.... And let me just tell ya, she did an awesome job, as did all of our competitors. She was a little nervous to start, but after much encouragement to go to the back of the group so she could watch and see what the competition looked like she calmed down. She's not competitive or anything, yeah right! She got up on that bar and went to town. First, pulling out about 8, then in the hang position rested a second or two, then onto more... she ended up with 15... WOW that is impressive. I might could do one at this stage in life, if that. The girl that won got 18. Gunnar ended up in 4th. Initially a little disappointed in herself(because she wanted to win), but after realizing what an accomplishment it was to even be there, she was super excited. Only the top 5 were awarded special ribbons. Todd and I were very proud of her!! And one more thing to add, our entire team did fabulous. We have some really good athletes at Salem. Thanks to Coach Hager for encouraging our kiddos and supporting them with such enthusiasm.












OOPS POOR PHOTOGRAPHY... TRYING TO WATCH AND CAPTURE THE MOMENT:)




















A PROUD MAMA!!!!!

Georgia On My Mind

Last weekend the kids and I ventured out on yet another road trip. We went to Athens Georgia, to visit some friends and cheer on the Wolfpack. Our trip started off great, we were making great time, until...... I saw the blue lights. You know the words that wanted to come out of my mouth, but I kept my composure. I was going 80 in a 70 along with three other cars, myself in the middle of the pack..... and yes, I got a whopping $160 ticket!!!!! YIKES. I text Todd as it happened and immediately my phone starts to ring, really Todd... do you think I can answer the phone at a time like this?????? He handled it very well. I think he could tell how frazzled I was and I needed no lip;) After that I went a little easier on the peddle and made it to Julie and Jays house in about 6 hours. Julie and I enjoyed watching the kids play outside in the drizzle, they didn't even seem to notice it was chilly and damp. We fed the kids, got them settled in and tore into some JoJo's, Julies infamous drink of choice. Yes, she has me hooked and my friends here in Cary are dying to try them, hmmmmm I'm still trying to decide if I should share them.... I am an only child remember, I never had to share ANYTHING....right TODD!!! We had a great weekend, Georgia won the meet, we were close behind until beam got the best of us, but hey they gave it their best for that day. After the meet it was off to grab some grub... Julie and I got our drinks put on the menu of Gnats Landing..... the JOJO and the Super Staralicious.... The owner truly did email Julie days later to tell her we were now FAMOUS, well in Athens anyway.... so if you are ever there, run in Gnats Landing and have a drink on me!!! No pictures from the weekend, really bummed about that and I even had my camera with me the whole time. I had many wonderful photo opps that I'm really sorry I missed out on... Gates sleeping and drooling down the chair at the arena, the kids playing in the gym, my adventure to the ghetto trying to find the gym and many many more.... Thanks Jay and Julie for a laughter filled weekend....

Snow Boarder

Another snowy day, here in Cary. Two hour delay for Gunnar Grace and no school for the Gator.. He decided to get all dressed up so he could go "snow boarding"... Yup, that's what he said. "You have to wear your "good" clothes mom" to snow board like the boys on TV!!!! Oh my, where does he come up with it all? I have stopped trying to figure it out, and just roll with it. Fortunately for me and unfortunately for Gates we don't own a snow board... He did manage to find the goggles that Grandma Rubye had given him for bike riding, so at least he had eye protection on. And we all know by now how creative he can be...... he pulled out the skim board from the beach and made his own "snow board". I am really bummed that the pictures I took of him on the snow board didn't turn out, but at least you can get an idea of how darn cute he looked pretending... I soooo love this little man and treasure all his creative little ways even tho he can be quite quirky at times....can't imagine where he gets it..... have any of you met Todd?????

Pink Meet

These days we stay happily busy with gymnastic meets galore. Matt, Jen and Zuerker came in town to catch a glimpse at what our weekends entail. We had a great time. The kids love going and cheering on the Wolfpack and I guess I should say.... so do I... it is a blast. A little nerve racking at times but fun.

THE LITTLE GIRLS!!!


WAITING FOR SCORES...

Sleeping Beauty

I don't know if Gates would appreciate the title of this post and actually it should say the sleeping BEAST!! He was really upset with Todd for jumping out and scaring him, so he threw a bit of a tantrum and obviously wore himself out. Now, if the shoe had been on the other foot and he had scared someone he would still be laughing... He IS his daddy's boy. I don't know if the trickster in him is innate or learned, but boy does he have it. He loves to throw icy cold water on you when you're in the shower or relaxing in a nice hot bubble....UGH, not a game I like to play:) I caught this cute picture and just had to share it, notice the neck pillow.... all propped up on Porter the Pup. He must not have been too mad, he got himself positioned awfully well.

Chef Gates

Chef Gates entertained me with cookie baking and recipe concocting all morning. He got this great chef gear from Daddy"O" when he was here last. Gates loves to help out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to cracking eggs. Who knows maybe one day he will be an awesome cook like his Daddy"O" too.... a pinch of this and a dash of that, makes everything umm umm good:)

Hide N Seek

Gates loves loves loves to play hide n seek. I usually get caught pretty quickly because I can't keep my giggles to myself. I hear his little feet pitter pattering and him saying "mom, make a noise so I can find you"... How can you keep your composure at a time like that. On this day Gates decided to get the better of me. I searched for a really long time before he finally got tired of hiding and decided to come out on his own:0) what a silly goose he is.... yes, we have had the discussion that you really shouldn't hide in the dryer or the refridgerator since this event!!!!

Snowy Days!!

Snowy days are the best for sledding and hanging out with friends.. We had a blast!! Nothing better than getting icy cold, coming in by a warm fire and drinking hot cocoa with marshmellows of course.

Dirt Bike

I think I told everyone that Gates really, really wanted a dirt bike for Christmas.. A real dirt bike, not battery operated, a real vroom vroom dirt bike. Well, he did't get it, so he has decided to settle for the next best thing.... Gunnar's motor scooter for her American Girl Dolls:) This kid is just too funny. No wonder everyone says I don't look 37, it's because I'm always laughing!!!!!!

PICTURES FINALLY!!!!!

Thought I would just throw a couple of pictures up from past post that I was unable to publish due to camera issues....






Rock climbing....




Marbles Museum....

Blame it on the Rain.....

Well it's not actually raining, but my kids don't know the difference, apparently...





So tonight I was cleaning up dinner dishes and Todd had the kids in the shower and Gates came running down stairs asking for an umbrella. Initially I said no way!! Then I thought for a moment, why? What was wrong with letting my kids play in the rain---SHOWER! Not a darn thing;) So out Gates went to grab his spider man umbrella. I ran up quickly behind him and snapped a few pictures. Moments like these don't come often so you have to grab them while you can, because tomorrow I'm gonna turn around and find my kids all grown up. These are the moments that you remember forever..... Two sweet little kids, playing in the shower with an umbrella, giggling, then fighting on who gets to hold the thing, then bursting out in laughter as they realize I'm snapping a pic...

First in Fitness

Let me brag just a bit..... We found out that Gunnar made the First In Fitness team!!! Apparently a few kids from each grade get selected to compete for our school in several events. Gunnar had the most pull ups for third grade girls, so now she will get to go compete county wide!!!! Pretty awesome if you ask me. She will begin training in two weeks and then on March 12th, she will go to North Raleigh to compete. We are super excited for her. What great athletes we have produced in this house!!!!(: Let's just hope they can keep up the good work and their interest in these activities.

Back To School

After 5 long weeks out of school Gunnar tracked back in last Thursday.. She was NOT excited. She tried every excuse the night before of why I should let her stay home just one more day. Once she was up and moving, she seemed ok. A few tears were shed, by her, oh and me. It's hard to send them back to school when you've enjoyed your time together.

After school, she came in and said it was the same old thing as before... BORING!! She did enjoy seeing some friends she had missed. Honestly, I think she likes being back on a schedule too. It will take a few days of adjusting, but we will all survive and be better for it in the end. Track out again in April, who knows what those 3 weeks will bring...

Birthday Girl

Well, I just celebrated yet another birthday... I thought they were suppose to stop once you reached 30. Someone forgot to tell Mother Nature, I'm past that age now, because the birthdays just keep on coming. I guess I would rather be here celebrating them than not here at all tho;) My sweet hubby got me a group gift, well kind of.. He got Gunnar and I a day at the SPA!!! I can't wait to use the gift certificate. We were going to use it before she tracked back in to school, but decided we would wait til next track out because it will be warmer and we will be able to show off our manicures and pedicures.

Today was a nice relaxing day... hmmm did I just say that?? Todd took Gates to the NC State basketball game and Gunnar and I cleaned her room!!! We totally rearranged her room and scrubbed it from top to bottom. Back to the word RELAXING---NOT!!!! I worked my buns off as she reminisced through all her belongings. Of course she had to tell me every detail of every little thing she picked up, why I couldn't throw this away, or that away.. Does that sound familiar, mom and dad??? I think I use to keep everything! I can remember having straw paper from a first date. I did finally toss that stuff, but at the time it had such memories. Todd and I have been together for I think 15/16 years now and I still have my fortune from the cookie at Wongs Palace, which was our first date. Keeping those things just make me smile. It brings the memories flooding back and reminds me why I like him soooo much, because there are those days I want to wring his neck!!

So I'm older, but my life is awesome... I'm just gonna keep making memories and keeping my little treasures...straw paper, movie tickets, gum wrappers etc... if that's all it takes to make me smile, why not stash them away....

NC STATE VS RUTGERS

We hosted Rutgers University on January 15th in our first meet of the season.... It started off a little shaky but we ended with a fantastic overall score. The best NC State has ever had in 30 years of competing. What does that tell ya???? My hubby must be doing something right in the recruiting department:) This was also a weekend of celebration for Todd's boss Mark. He has been coaching at NC State for 30 years now... WOW, that's a lot of coaching. Many Alumni from the team came to help celebrate the occasion. After the meet we went to the Sheraton (kid free) for a reception to honor Mark. It was really nice to chat and catch up with some of the past gymnast. Congratulations to Mark for all of his years and dedication to NC State Gymnastics.