Silly Guy!

I love 3 year olds!  The endless questions, amazing connections, and unbelievable memory make them so clever and funny.  Knox is such a silly little guy.  He is currently a total OCD about germs.  He blows on everything he eats.  He even blows off the straw of his Capri Sun after someone opens it.   Sometimes he requires more that one eating utensil, if someone else might have touched it.  There are a lot of toilet stories that are not appropriate for the blog that are hilarious and so repetitive.  He is definitely a creature of habit...good or bad.  He still completely loves to be naked and sees nothing wrong with dropping his pants and going to the bathroom wherever he might be.  He has also had a lot of questions about bad words lately.  He is very concerned about accidentally saying one.  By bad words, I mean, butt or weirdo.  He is also extremely polite.  He says excuse me after every, and I mean every, bodily function.  Even when no one else could possibly hear them.  When I read to him at night, I hear him whisper "Excuse me" quietly to himself probably 10 times during the story.  He must take after his daddy!

The other night at bedtime, Knox was hugging me so hard and loving me so much.  He said, "Momma, I love you so much.  I don't want a monster to eat you.  I love you so much.  I don't want the trash truck to take you away."  I was so happy with his little boy sweetness.  Then, "Momma, I love you so much I don't want anyone to hammer on you."  Interesting...."Momma...I love you so much I don't want someone to drill a screw in your eye when it is open."  Hmmm...because a screw to the eye when it is closed would be no big deal. :)  I ended the affection at that point.  I was afraid what might be coming next.  In his defense we had been hanging shelf earlier that night with hammers and screws.  That makes it a little more understandable, I think?!?!

Now or Never

In talking with Jeremy this morning I realized that the phrase "Now or Never" applies to so many aspects of our lives.  As we approach 40 everything is Now or Never.  I have lived in denial for as long as possible, but  we are unfortunately getting older, just like everyone else.  I feel it.  I see it.  I hear it.  It is truly Now or Never.  Game on!

So today's Now or Never is to catch up on my blogging.  I use these memories to complete my yearly photo album, and so far in 2013, I am running desperately low on noted events.  I always thought as the kids got older these things would be easier to do.  However, I realize we are just busier and gone more, leaving less time for myself, our marriage, or noting memories.  The kids are worth it though.  I just hope some day they appreciate all this running and on the road loving. That is what it is...on the road loving.  Lots of life lessons are being learned on the road in car ride lectures and on dirty sports fields. Winning and losing with grace, celebrating the abilities of others, understanding shortcomings of themselves and others, tolerating imperfection and improving it, but most importantly getting back up when you don't want to or think you can.         I am really proud of each of them this summer season.

Here are some photos that highlight the last couple of months.

Carson won the Science Fair at his school in the model category.  He went on to the St. Louis Expo.  While we didn't bring home a 1st place there, he LOVED the entire experience.  He loves to build and create.  I hope he pursues a future in engineering or architecture.  Of course that is after his NFL career winds down and "he has broken all of Joe Montana's records". (direct quote)

The kids are SO excited for the arrival of their new cousin, Walker John Schurle.  Knox calls him Baby Dub and loves to buy things for him.  He is really into matching shirts! :)  He is finally the big kid!

 Maisy was precious about Lori's shower and threw a fit to use her own money to buy Lori a present.  We shopped and shopped before she decided on just the right gift.  She got her bath toys, a pacifier clip, and pacifiers.  I was so proud of her generosity and love for Lori.

Too cute!

I love this photo.  My sweet baseball boy!  Actually Knox is really playing well.  He gets a hit every time he bats.  He follows directions.  He hustles after the ball.  In fact, when playing pitcher he chased one all the way to the outfield. 

Jeremy and I got to have fun with friends in Naples, FL for his work reward.  This was 80s Prom Night!

 My little sluggers...

Maison is an awesome softball player.  She approaches this sport with the same competitive spirit and hustle she does all the others.  So proud of my big hitter!

 Locks of Love!

I actually got teary when I saw that sweet little face.  All that hair had hidden her for months.  Her face actually plumped up and I could see my little girl again.  We love short hair!

 Our "besty" neighbors move to Montana tomorrow.  All our hearts are breaking.

 So sad...

 Great times...great kids.