Yellow belts

Well today was another "testing" day at ATA.  It is all very interesting to learn about this new sport and what it takes to advance and move up.  And while sometimes it seems a little different or strange to me, I also think it is such an incredible learning experience for the kids.  They are really learning a lot and have developed a great respect for the sport and those that teach them.  Today, after a bit of struggle for Jacob, they moved up again to the Yellow Belt recommended.  The testing is great experience as well because it teaches them to get in front of a crowd and in front of judges and have to do their best on certain combinations and moves. It is all very exciting to be learning this new sport and I'm proud of my two boys who continue to move up!!!  Congrats Yellow Belts!

Fun at the FARM

I woke up this Saturday morning and turned on the news only to see that there was a "Family Fun Day" at Tolmechof's farm.  The weather is getting warmer each day and the kids are going stir crazy so I thought, "let's go to the farm"!  The boys grew up going to Young's Farm but Jojo has never been to the farm so I thought it was time to take him to see the animals and where veggies were grown.

Despite much resistance from the older two, I rallied the troops and we headed to the farm!  It cost a little more than I thought it would but it was great fun!  There were slides and games, a tomato cannon, train rides, chickens, baby pigs, donkeys, corn shucking contests, hay mazes and more!  After we tried it all, we went out to the field and picked our own veggies.  The boys had a great time but not sure they will eat the veggies we picked!  Might get 'em to eat the watermelon that Jacob won while shooting the tomato cannon but that is about it.

It was a great day!  Glad we made the outing!

You hurt my "feelings"

Ah JoJo!  I'm sad to say that I missed this moment today but while playing outside with Dad and Jonathan, Jordan was hit in the chest with a ball and said, "You hurt my......feelings!"  Ha Ha!  I just love that kid!

Summertime!

The summer begins......

So here we are again....a summer to entertain 3 boys of different ages all day and everyday for the next two months.  I feel a little overwhelmed with the thought but am trying to be positive and creative!  I entrust teachers to educate and entertain my children 9 months out of the year so the least I can do is offer my kids the same creative educational activities for just 2 months.  I CAN DO IT!

But how?  Perhaps bowling, mini golf, swimming, bookstore, rock climbing, zoo, Sea Life aquarium, the mall, ice skating and the movies.  Not sure those are all educational but its a start.  And maybe workbooks and flashcards?  This year I am having Jonathan and Jacob start their own blogs.  This will work their writing and typing skills and hopefully they will read my blog as well as others to fulfill their summer reading.  But how will we practice math skills?

But besides the education I would like them to get and the exercise I want them to do each day...I also want them to have time to play and be together and laugh and be silly.  I want to take the time to be silly with them.  Its hard and when I have so much work to do this month....I know its important and as soon as I blink- the summer will be over!

Wish me luck!

Sleep over summer

With the Rattlers, Randy travels about every other weekend during the summer.  To me, it means that I'm lonely and I miss having him around.  To the boys, however, it means SLEEPOVER!  They love to sleep out on the couch, watch a movie and stay up as late as they can.  Sometimes with popcorn and soda and sometimes just the thrill of sleeping someplace new is all they need!