It's just a game, Mama.

Another Saturday, another morning at the football field. The boys are loving football this year, and today I showed that I can get just as excited about a pee-wee flag football game as I can the Superbowl. Well, bad example, I only watch the Superbowl for the commercials and half time show like most women in America. So, the FSU bowl game? That's probably a closer analogy. But really I  just get into watching my kids play sports. Maybe a little too into it...

Early on, things were calm and Keegan enjoyed some snuggle time with Papa.

But then Logan got the ball.

He ran. We cheered. I got some great photos and was click-clicking away.

But then, this evil cheater came up behind him and grabbed his SHIRT. His SHIRT! He pulled his flag and Logan fell to the ground there by destroying my awesome photo op and his potential touchdown! Before I knew what was happening, the crazy mom that lurks inside jumped to her feet and started yelling at the teenage ref. My mom, being the supportive mother and grandmother that she is, jumped right up with me and joined in. Parents stared. The ref didn't know what to say. And Coach Jay was mortified. So, there you have it. Apparently, I love sports. I love photography. And I really love it when my kids rock (even more than they usually do). Mama Hen won't let nobody stand in their way!

(As a side note, I quickly came to my senses and the game continued without any further outbursts from our area of the field)

He got a flag!

Proud Coach!

Logan and Casem.

"I rock!"

Offensive guards doing their job.

Ugh oh. Gavin has the ball. Bite your tongue, Mommy!

** GO GAVIN!!!!! **

Double Trouble.

On Clouds, Music, and God

In the car tonight:

GAVIN: Mom, I really like it when you play music in the car so we can jam out when it's nighttime outside. Do you know why? Because I'm sad in the car at night because I can't see the clouds. And the clouds remind me of God. And God reminds me of being happy. And music makes me happy. So I like it when you play music in the car so I can think about God and be happy.

2011 Olympics Opening Ceremony

Another great production of a longstanding Gilchrist tradition: The Olympics Opening Ceremony. Each year, students study and learn about a country and march in an Olymic Opening Ceremony dressed as a native of that country. Afterwards, individaul grade levels provide entertainment in the form of a coreographed pop song. Parents, teachers, and staff line the parking lot with their lawn chairs, arriving early to fight for a good spot where the lighting is just right for photographing and videotaping their precious little ones. Traditionally held on a usually humid and hot May morning, the event coordinators wisely moved this tradition to October. October in Florida can either feel sticky and sweltering or sinfully lovely depending on how He is feeling that day. This year, we were blessed with one of those sunny-and-75-degrees-kind-of day-with low humidity and not a cloud in the sky. Though I had already planned on bringing my Baby Grizzly with me today, he came down with a sticky case of pink eye, giving us both a full day off of work/school instead of just a couple of hours.

 

Here comes Holland!

Followed by Mexico!

Looks like he lost a clog?

Allies.

He was happy to spot me in the crowd.

This year they added something new...two FSU athletes came to speak to the students about the importance of being physically active, eating well, and taking good care of our bodies. This is Shawn Powell, a kicker for the Seminoles and Logan's new hero. I remember him telling the kids that he doesn't get to play much, but he still has to keep his body in shape. He said that if you see him on the field getting ready to kick that it means that the 'Noles aren't doing too hot. If he makes a bad kick, then the fans start saying he's bad at what he does and he doesn't much care for that. So he just eats right, works out, and tries to stay off the field as much as possible! Logan absorbed this lecture like a sponge and googled everything about him later that day.

Of course, this year they would have to change it up on me and have two grades performing at the same time. Unfortunately, this meant that Logan was on one end of the parking lot performing and Gavin was on the other. Thank God for a camera with a good zoom, but it would have been so much easier if Jay had been able to make it (he had an important meeting). So here's the best picture I could get of Gavin...

Logan was standing right in front of me, so it was much easier for me to catch his awesome moves!

My Sweet Boy

My dear, sweet middle child. He truly is something special. He has so much love to give and joy to share with this world. His heart is as big as an elephant. These photos were taken one evening while Nana and Papa were hanging out at our house. The front of his card to the family says, "This is for everybody. From Gavin Allison. I love you guys". Inside, each family member (including Nana and Papa) has a star with "I love you ____" written inside. He sure does know how to melt my heart!

Trunk or Treat

Trunk-or-Treat is definitely one of our favorite Faith Presbyterian events of the year and this year was no exception.

Here, the boys are "trunk-or-treating" at Susan's car. She is one of my favorite school social workers and her desk/office/outfits are all equally as cute as this trunk each and every day. Susan never seems to have a bad hair day and never ever throws on "whatever is clean and doesn't need to be ironed" before heading to work. She is always matching and neatly accessorized, complete with a spider bracelet for Halloween!

 

Ladies man? Well, at least Alice is digging him. Not sure about the other girl.

Sack race.

Double Trouble.

Logan and his buddy, John David.

Keegan was excited to see one of his best friends, Chase!

Wordless Wednesday: Fingers were made before paintbrushes

Wordless Wednesday: A Day Out With Nana & Papa