Jackson's First Soccer Game

Yesterday was the start of an exciting new chapter in our lives -- team sports!  Some of my best childhood memories involve the many, many springs and summers I spent playing softball.  I was so excited to get Jackson involved in something.  He's still too young for t-ball, so we decided to sign him up for soccer.  He's on a U5 team, which means he plays w/ kids 5 and younger.  So he's one of the youngest for sure!  His team name is Mutiny and yesterday we went out for a meet n greet and scrimmage.

Check out the bright uniform he was given!  I'm pretty sure he'll be able to see the rest of his teammates!

There were lots of other scrimmages going on, so Jackson was able to get an idea of what soccer was all about.  'Cause you know, we're all new to this game!












He had a choice of being #1, #2 or #3.  He chose...
Beckham ain't got nothin' on this little studmuffin!

Jackson's coaches, Cheri and Madison, were both really sweet and seemed good w/ the kids!

After everyone was introduced they did a few stretches to get warmed up.  Jackson was following right along, even if he was 'cheating' a bit!  :-)

If you think his stretch moves are cute, you should've seen him trying to do jumping jacks!  I was so proud watching him try!

Once they were all warmed up, they got right into working on skills.  Passing...

Dribbling...

And shooting...

Of course Jackson's biggest fan was on the sidelines cheering him on running around like a nut!

Jackson had no problem starting the game out as the 'reserve'.  He was quite content just to sit and watch the action.  Because even when he was out there, it was like all he could do was take it all in.  We'd cheer, go Jackson, kick the ball, and he would just look at us and shake his head no.  He just stood in the middle of the field looking around at the other kids, who were kicking and chasing after the ball.  This was all new to him, but he did seem to have fun, so hopefully next time (practice on Monday) he'll be good to go!

Jackson's favorite part of the game was probably the drink I brought for him -- red Gatorade. Sometimes special treats are the best part of anything!

Kid's crazy, I tell ya!

This afternoon, while trying to put away groceries and get dinner ready, I heard Kate squealing from the playroom. When I walked in to check on her, this is what I found....

That's right, she's STANDING on the train table w/ a bow dangling in her hair.  When I first walked in, I sternly told her to get down off the table.  Then I realized what I was seeing and couldn't help but start laughing.  So I ran to get the camera and as soon as I came back she was in the same place saying, "CHEEEEEEEEE!"  She was having the best time!  As a started talking about what she was doing up there, she decided to turn in circles on the train table, trying to make herself dizzy.  I quickly took control and got her down, but not before I enjoyed a good laugh with her!!

Heartbreaking story - Inspiring couple.

I just had to share this video with you about a former co-worker.  I worked with Chris years ago, but had no idea of the tragedy he and his fiancee had gone through until I watched their story on Today several months ago.  When I first heard her speak, I was just overwhelmed by Rachelle's spirit.  To be so young and experience something so life altering, and to be so forgiving and so positive -- it is truly inspiring.  I am so happy that they received this home makeover!

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Fun on the farm

Saturday afternoon, while we were in Bladenboro, two of my cousins, Summer and Amy, came over w/ their kiddos, Easton and Maddy. Jackson was sooooooo excited to play with his cousins. We were actually visiting my Grandma when Nana called to tell us that Summer and Easton were there. I'm telling you, I've never seen Jackson move that fast. He RAN all the way through the field, leaving me in his dust.

Here a few pictures of their fun together...

Pitiful Polly

I turned 30!!!

It has been a wonderful birthday week! Last Saturday night I was treated to a super fun 80's murder mystery birthday party! I knew there was a party, but had no idea that that all the 80's gear would be there! My actual birthday was on Wednesday and after Sean cooked a big sausage and egg breakfast for me, he had to take off for a conference in Houston, TX. Not to worry, I missed him on my birthday for sure, but still had a great day!! My mama came up and she, the kids, and I went out for a yummy lunch at McCormick & Schmick's. Shrimp and scallop mac & cheese -- DELISH! We spent the afternoon doing a little shopping and errand running, then Ashely came over with Cinelli's pizza and a salad. We had us a good 'ole girl's night in, with pizza, trashy tv and gossip!

While I'm working on editing the 450 pictures on my camera for the party, here's a little teaser for you.... Amy did such a good job on my outfit! Can you believe she found this dress at the Salvation Army? It was perfect for the occasion!!

Little Builder

Apparently, Jackson wanted to build a fort to sleep in tonight.

This and that.

- I'm pretty sure Kate is the first kid to not include Ma-Ma in their repertoire of 'first words'.  I am apparently 'Ah-Ni'.

- Jackson is obsessed with hiding.  He has to hide as soon as he hears Sean or me pull into the driveway after work.  And at night, when we both put him to bed, one of us has to hide while the other helps him potty/wash/brush.

- This cold, rainy weather sucks.  Even Jackson said today I'm ready for it to be summer.  When I asked why, he said, Cause it'll be hot and we can go to da beach.  I guess he's not the only one around here who's dreaming of sand between their toes.


- This weekend, I'm getting some stuff together for Jackson's Valentine's party at school next week.  And you know what that means....  My birthday (and PARTY!!) are right around the corner!  Whoop whoop!


- Netflix free trial.  Streaming through the Wii.  Awesome.