Comedy of errors.... and giveaway winner

Last night was an insane rush to leave work at 5PM, pick up the boys, get them into uniforms, get them fed, and get them to the baseball field by 5:50PM. We got there first! No one else was there! We rushed to be early!


Nope, we were at the wrong field.

We drove to the correct field and through some miracle, the game was running late so they only missed a couple of outs. On the drive over, the boys were talking about being late and Nate was particularly upset.

He started to say something rude when I pointed out that for SEVEN YEARS, we have never once been late to anything - sports, doctor's appointments, school, trips, play dates, anything. 7 years, 365 days a year, at least 1-2 things per day. Nate got a lonnnnnng lecture and a good math lesson. Jon met us at the field and I went out with girlfriends for a much-needed margarita (he leaves again today, good times).

More importantly, my 2000th post giveaway winner is..... DCAngel!

Ever have a morning like this?

Jon's gone on his first trip since our beach vacation. We had a change of routine this morning as Alex had an appointment, so it meant going carpool (instead of bus) and me showering (instead of being a filthy sweaty mess). All morning as I got the kids and myself ready I thought, "I am forgetting something! What is it?"

As the boys started to pile into the car, I realized I didn't pack lunches or snacks or water bottles or homework folders for the day. Super delegation time as Nate filled water bottles, Alex packed snacks, and I packed lunches and folders.

I grabbed some granola to eat on the way. As I turned on the car, I flipped the spoon out of the bowl, spilling milk and granola all over my jeans. Nate said, "Mom, cereal is not a good choice for breakfast in the car."

Once we were in the carpool line, I realized I had left my checkbook at home (the place we were going only accepts checks or cash as payment). I had to run back home before heading to the doctor.

I am so so so far off my single parenting game. Come back tomorrow for the giveaway because I do NOT have my crap together today. This does not bode well for getting everyone home, fed, dressed, and at the field for the 6PM tball game tonight.

7th birthday celebration

Instead of having a birthday party, we talked the boys into visiting Great Wolf Lodge to celebrate. Having never been there ourselves, we had no idea of the scale of this place. It was huge.


This is only a third of the indoor water park part of the place.


Needless to say, it was a kid's dream come true. The boys had their own bunk beds with their own TV in a little cabin inside our room.


We knew there would be water park activities to be enjoyed by the boys. They wave pooled and rushed down slides and swam and swam and swam.


What we did not realize is the park is also filled with tons of other activities for the kids - bowling, miniature golf, kid's spa, daily activities (dance parties, shows) in the lobby. We asked the grandparents for GWL gift cards and wow, in hindsight that was genius because the kids had a blast and knew exactly how much money they could spend.

At the arcade the first day, Nate won 1000 tickets at one game.


And then the next day finishing off gift cards, he hit another game jackpot.


We also used gift cards/gift money to do Magiquest, a scavenger hunt throughout the resort. If GWL is looking for feedback, parental cocktails need to be served for this activity because there is so much walking and so so so many questions.


When leaving, Alex said this was the most fun place he's ever been in his entire life and Nate asked Alex if he wanted to go again for next birthday. I think that means it was a hit.

From Jon and my perspective, we learned a ton about how to plan a visit. My most important takeaway is the park is too dark for the waterproof camera, so don't even try. Oh what the hell, the kids need some imperfect photos of their lives, particularly with genuine smiles like this.

Happy birthday Alex! Happy birthday Nate!

My sweet Alex,

Today you are 7. Seven!


The older you get, the more quickly the time seems to pass. It feels like just yesterday you were that tiny baby and here you are, all boy.


This was a big, big year for you, one where you grew and spread your wings. I'm not going to lie - kindergarten was a very tough year for you and we worried about first grade. There was never any reason to worry. In first grade, you're in the right place and learning what makes you special. And what we've always known about you is that you are a sweet, smart boy.


If there was one thing I could bottle up about you and sell, it would be your enthusiasm for life. You are just so energetic and happy when someone spends time with you. You exude joy, and I wish everyone could experience it.


Oh Alex, my love for you takes my breath away sometimes. Your puppy dog eyes, your loyalty, your sweetness - I wonder what it is I did to deserve such an incredible son. I love you.


My sweet Nate,

Today you are 7. Seven!


The older you get, the more quickly the time seems to pass. It feels like just yesterday you were that tiny baby and here you are, all boy.


This was a big, big year for you, one where you grew and grew and grew. I'm not going to lie - your dad and I often discuss how you exude confidence. You transitioned into first grade with ease and with many friends. You've always done everything big and somehow this year, everything was even bigger.


If there was one thing I could bottle up about you and sell, it would be your confidence. Nate Case knows exactly what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants it. You are so happy with who you are. It's not something you can parent or teach, you just have it. I wish everyone had it.


Oh Nate, my love for you takes my breath away sometimes. Your enthusiasm, your loudness, your constant commentary on life - I wonder what it is I did to deserve such an incredible son. I love you.


My boys, this journey is going quickly, way too quickly. You went from babies to boys in the blink of an eye. I hope you will remember these days as filled with so much joy and laughter. I hope I don't forget a moment of this most amazing time together.


Happy birthday Alex.
Happy birthday Nate.
Thank you for the best seven years of my life.

I love you, Mom.

6th year letter
5th year letter
4th year letter
3rd year letter
2nd year letter
1st year letter

Today we're going party like it's the 1999th post (because it is)

One of my favorite items in our house that came via blogging is our "Days Until" sign. It was made by Julie Carson of Joys Hope, one of my all-time favorite blogs and favorite favorite Instagrammer. The sign was part of a donation package to Charity Water in 2011, and when she made a limited number this spring, I jumped to buy another one.

And I'm giving it to one of you. (My models were Not Excited.)


That's not all! I am also giving away a now-discontinued Allora Handmade rosette necklace in the trendy teal color. Adjustable length to fit even the smallest neck.


And what the hell, I will throw in a Starbucks gift card because FRAPPUCINO SEASON!

Here are the rules:

• To enter, leave a comment on this post.  Tell me what you've gotten out of our relationship here, or tell me your favorite blog post, or tell me something you've always wanted to know but I somehow haven't talked about in 1999 posts.
• Shipping only to the United States or Canada.
•  Random winner to be announced Monday May 20th.
• Everything was purchased by me, with my money. Or technically with Jon's money and my money since we split it. And since Jon wouldn't write the 2000th post, he had to contribute somehow. I mean, contribute other than being an awesome husband. amazing father, super incredible career guy, and my best friend.

Why I blog, my 1998th post

Over the last 7.5 years I've been blogging here, the blogworld has changed quite a bit. There's an emphasis on building a brand, promoting yourself, writing posts that might go viral, and getting more and more readers. I am not interested in any of that. At the same time, I'm not judging anyone who chooses to do that. What this world needs, particularly the parenthood world, is less judging and more acceptance. To each his own.

Many many times over the last 1998 posts, I have considered quitting. I even wrote about my last serious funk here. But here I am, almost every weekday, for 7.5 years, still talking about our life. Why? I have three main reasons I started this blog, and these are the reasons it is still going.

1. This blog is primarily to keep my family and friends updated on our lives. Whenever I think about shutting it down, I think about my grandma Gladys (who just turned 80!) logging in every morning to read about Nate and Alex. I think about how our family has gotten to know Nate and Alex in a way they couldn't before the advent of blogging.

Our family has been able to see every little and big milestone. They've watched them grow up from afar.


2. I blog to keep a journal of some of the best years of my life. Each year, I bind this blog into a book. The boys found them this year and have delighted in reading stories about themselves. I'm so glad I will have these forever.



3. I blog for you. Yes, you, reading right now. I don't blog to entertain you, or teach you, or add you to a number of readers to build my brand. I write about my life to connect with you. If you're reading here about the mundane details about our life and keep coming back, we could be friends.

In fact, many of us are friends because I write here. Many many many of us. We've run races together, been on trips together, texted, emailed, Facebooked, chatted, tweeted, Instagrammed, and most importantly, hugged and laughed together. I've lost track of how many of you I've met over the years, and that is a good thing.

Parenting, as amazing and wonderful as it is, can be hard and lonely. You've all made it so much easier and better. Tomorrow I will have a special giveaway to celebrate. I'm giving you time to think about how you would answer this question - what is one thing you have taken away from us connecting?

Thank you for coming along on this journey.

5 million star weekend, and a Three Bears Acres review

This weekend was amazing. Friday the boys had early release from school, where they get out at 1:15. It was 85 and sunny so we went straight to Seaforth beach at Jordan Lake. The boys swam and swam and swam and played.


Saturday morning they had a tball game. It was an exciting game for us as Nate and Alex were involved in every single out of the game. Alex got to play catcher and I demonstrated how not to take baseball photos with your phone camera.


In the evening, we went to the Durham Bulls game and had required peanuts and cracker jacks. There was a rain delay, which was incredible because 1 - more outdoor beer drinking time and 2 - we got to see them uncover the field, resand the field, and put down the lines. And it was Star Wars night. And there was a grand slam.


Then... all week, the boys were so excited for Mother's Day. Rather than plan to escape by myself for a little bit, I told Jon we should hit up Three Bears Acres before the weather gets too hot. This is a new place in the area and I thought I would post a bunch of photos of activities as we were not able to find a lot of reviews with photos online.

If you are local, YOU MUST GO. Keep this place in business.


Everything here is designed to air kids out. First stop: jumping pillow.


I could not believe how much the boys giggled playing inside these tubes.


The slingshot area was a particular favorite. When we came back later in the day, dads were standing retrieving balls.


Nate does archery at the YMCA and he wanted to show us his skills.


The toboggan slides were fun for both adults and kids. I went down a few times as well and had a blast.


Nate hit up the mud kitchen and water wall. There was also a painting wall.


There were paddle boats around a small lake, and we hit up the campfire for s'mores. There was also a huge play area with tons of different swings.


If you go, plan to be there for a long time. We were there for almost 5 hours! We packed lunch, drinks, and sunscreen. There are tables sprinkled throughout the park, and plenty of places to sit. Clean bathrooms with changing tables, snack shop with popsicles, and beautiful North Carolina vistas. I think a jogging stroller would make the terrain easier to navigate with babies but we saw plenty of regular strollers there. 

 With beautiful weather, it was a perfect way to spend Mother's Day.