Another Summer Goes Bye -Bye

Wow! Can you believe that another summer has flown by!! The Lewis household has been busy with what else BASEBALL! Chase made all stars again this year. His team placed 2nd in state. Proud of him and the other boys. But really glad it's over and a new chapter begins. He will be moving up to 11/12 year old team.
We have also had fun swimming in the pool that our wonderful hubby/daddy put up in the back yard. It has sure came in handy with the HOT HOT HOT days of summer. I can't believe how high the temp has been.
We also had fun bowling this summer. I absolutely love the kids bowl free program. All I have to do is pay for shoes. So for $3.00 the boys get to bowl 2 games everyday!
I also had to set up a new classroom. I will be teaching 4th grade next year. So I had a lot of unpacking to do. I also had to set up a new room and redecorate. Now I have to learn some new things. Or should I say retrain myself on 4th grade math. There is a BIG difference when you teach 1st grade math. The exciting part is I will get the pleasure of teaching some of my formal 1st grade students. I got a sneak peak at my class list. I am excited to see some familiar names on there
With the end of summer comes the hustle and bustle  of buying new school clothes, shoes, and supplies. But also the hard part of getting everyone back on schedule. We have stayed up way to late and slept in way to much.
Zachary will be in the 7th grade. He loved TMS last year and is excited about a new school year. Chase will be leaving me at Wake Village and heading to 6th grade a TMS. I think he is excited not to have momma on the same campus as him. But what he doesn't realizes is a I still have teacher friends that will be keeping an eye on him. LOL. Our baby Garett will be in first grade with my former teammates. I know he will be in good hands. It is just hard on this momma to see her baby growing up.
So the time has came to say good bye to anther summer break and hello to a new year of learning, having fun, and making new friends. I am not always the best with change so say a little pray for me.
Until Next Time,
The Lewis Clan

Teaching Heart Give Aways!

Check out this great site and the back to school give aways. I have purchased items from here before. Great products and helpful resources for the classroom!

www.teachingheartmom.blogspot.com is the blog for great ideas and

www.teachingheart.net is the great website to purchase packets, CD's, or just get great ideas.

Winter Land~

We LOVED the snow last week. We had a blast playing, sledding, building snowmen, making snow ice cream, and just being together. I can't remember the last time we had so much snow. Most of the time it melts with in 24 hours. The boys loved it. I think we all loved the extra time off from school and work. We just wish Chuck could have been on break with us too.

Now it's back to reality. The boys have started basketball. School is in full swing. I can't believe the holidays are behind us. They go by way to fast. We had a GREAT Christmas. Even when the flu decided to camp out at our house. We made the best of it. The boys got most of all the things they asked for. The big hits were the xbox, bb gun, and ipod touches. That bb gun is still making me a nervous wreak. I feel like the mom on the Christmas story. BE CAREFUL YOU WILL SHOT YOUR EYE OUT! I can't believe the words were coming out of my mouth.

Garett is loving kindergarten. I am so impressed how far he has come over the past few months. He is getting way to big. BUT he still likes to remind me he is JUST a LITTLE boy. Of course he only pulls that card when he doesn't want to do something or he needs something. He is such a mess. But the cutest mess I have every seen!

Zachary is loving the middle school. He is the one that is transforming right before our eyes. He has changed so much in the past year. I can't believe before I know it I will have a teenager. Wow! Time flies! He amazes me how at times he seems so grown up. He is in that in between stage. Where he THINKS he knows it all and then other times he seems like a little boy again. I am not ready for the attitude to stay.

Chase is ready for 5th grade to be over. I don't think he realizes how different middle school is going to be. He is ready for baseball to start again. I miss it at times but not all the time it takes to do it. He is the one that has changed the least this year. But I know from Zachary in the spring time Chase will start transforming right before our eyes like his big brother did. I love that he still enjoys to snuggle with me. I am not ready to give that up yet!

I am headed to TCEA in Austin for a week in February. Be praying for Chuck! He will be home with the 3 boys all by himself. I know he will do just fine. I on the other hand have NEVER left the boys or Chuck for that long. I might be the one that needs the prayers.

Well I am off to see what the next adventure will be. The life of a mom of 3 boys is never dull! They keep me on my toes and keep me laughing. I would not want it any other way!

Boys, School, and Sports!

Been awhile since I have been able to take time to write a blog. The boys have been keeping us busy. Zachary is playing soccer, Chase is playing baseball, and Garett is being dragged to all the practices and games. Life could not be better. I just wish it would slow down a little bit.

The school year started off with a bang. Zachary is in 6th grade at the middle school. It was really hard on me to not have him on the same campus, but he loves TMS. He is getting to play golf and soccer at school. He is in all pre-ap classes. On his first report card he had straight A's! I could not be prouder. His homework in math is making me have to reteach myself a few things but he is doing really well.

Chase is apart of the student council this year. He likes getting to work the candy store and take down the flag. It was really good for him to get to be apart of that. He is doing well in school. He hates studying but he is being more responsible for keeping up with things. Which is good since next year he will join his older brother at the middle school.

Garett is loving kindergarten. I cried when I walked him to class for the first time. It was really hard to watch him grow up right before my eyes. I walked him to class for the first few weeks, but now he goes all by himself. He loves school. I hope that continues.

I have a sweet group of 2o first graders. Don't have any complaints this year at all. No major problems and they are smart. I am having to learn a few new things this year since my school district is following cscope. So we are having to try and change the way we teach or at least the order in which we teach things. Part of being a teacher is learning. It's been a stressful year so far but I have a wonderful group of ladies I work with. So that makes things a little easier.

Chuck had state visit this past week. Once again he had a GREAT state survey. He is getting ready to head out again next week to New Braunfels, TX for his TASA leadership classes. I dislike him being gone but it's only for a few days. Last month he went to Amarillo. I wish I could go with him but I have to hold down the fort while he is gone.

Well that's all for now. Duty calls! Ready for sports to be finished for a little while so we can just be home and relax. The boys on the other hand never want to stop playing. Thank goodness I love sports!

Pictures From Camping

Camping At Dierks Lake!

The boys and I had a blast camping at Dierks Lake. I was really not sure how it would work out since it has been so hot. I guess being out on by the water really kept it very comfortable. There was a nice breeze and of course air condition in the camper. The lake was clean and not busy at all.

The boys had a blast. Garett was very brave and had fun playing with Rylee. They built sand castles and floated on their noodles out in the water. Zachary and Chase made friends with a group of boys and girls. They played in the water and hiked around at night with flash lights.

I enjoyed reading the book "The Shack". I had started it last year but never finished it. It caught my eye packing so I decided to take it and give it another try. I really enjoyed being out in the swing at the lake or in the water watching the boys and reading. It was VERY relaxing. The book was so different then the 1st time I remember reading it. It makes you look at God in a different way. There was something about waking up at 7:00 and see the beautiful scenery that God created. The splashing of the the waves, birds chirping, and ducks quacking. It really was relaxing. There is nothing like see God's creations with out the hussell of life getting in the way.

Each morning Lori and I got up and made the kids breakfast outside on the griddle. Pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Then headed out to the playground or lake. Both were just a few feet from our camper. We would spend a few hours soaking up sunshine and the kids laughter. Then head back for lunch, resting, and a movie in the camper. Then back out to the beach for more fun in the sun before dinner. It was WONDERFUL. The boys did not fight, Garett did not whine, and I really enjoyed the peace and relaxation.

The only part that was not fun were the bees. They were everywhere. Chase, Rylee, and Lori each were stung. I have never seen so many. The juice and coke kept them around. There was honey bees, wasp, and yellow jackets that were bothering everyone that was camping. They would swarm then disappear. Glad no one was really hurt though Lori was stung twice and that wasn't fun for her.

I defiantly want to go camping again. Next time maybe Chuck and go. It was nice to spend time with my friend and I was pretty proud of 2 mommas taking the kids camping. Of course her husband did come and set the camper up for us and take it down. I am glad the boys had a good time. They didn't miss the computer, TV, or video games. They wanted to be outside as much as possible and were up early each morning to head out exploring. Defiantly adding a camper of my own to the wish list. I would recommend Dierks Lake to anyone that likes to camp.

So now its back to reality with laundry, dishes, and setting my classroom up. Glad I had these few days just to enjoy time with the boys.

Summer is coming to an end!

I have to say this has been the best summer I have had with the boys. Even though we have not gone anywhere exciting or spent a lot of money. We have just spent time together. It has been GREAT! I am sad that the summer is coming to an end. The boys have not fought. They have not whined. They have helped around the house and yard. This is the first summer in a few years that I have not been in college working on my masters. I think since I was not stressed out things went smoother.

We started the summer with a broken foot and All star baseball. The cast did not slow Garett down. He still loved to bowl and play. But we were so glad to get it off so he could swim. Baseball ended for Chase. I am very proud of my 3rd baseman and the other Texarkana South All star team. They made to the final 4 of the state playoffs and played hard.

We spent time at the bowling alley, in the pool, riding the dirt bike at my dad's, playing cards, and watching movies. I am sad to see it ending. I really enjoyed focusing more on time together and not on going places. The boys and I are heading out tomorrow to the lake in Dierks. We are camping for a few nights and going to enjoy the lake with friends. I hope the heat isn't to bad. I am bring cards and computer for movies just in case. Its just 2 moms and the kids so this should be interesting. But I am up to the challenge.

I am putting off thinking about school for at least another week. I want to make new memories with the boys in the little time we have left before the rush of the school year starts. Enjoy a few pictures and I will update on how the camping trip goes. Wish us luck!

Praying for Cohen's Family! I have been touched by their story and blog! Sending much love and thoughts your way!

Cast on foot + All stars =No summer fun YET!

FINALLY, summer is here! This was like the never ending school year! June 10th was my last day of school. The boys and I had many fun adventures planned. I was so excited for my 1st summer with out college.
Then the phone call came that Chase made All Stars in baseball. He is really excited and happy. He LOVES baseball and would play 24/7 if he could. So I am sucking it up and I am excited for him. Last year we played ball from March until August coming home with a second place trophy in state. So another summer of ball was not what I planned, but plans change!
Even with baseball we could have adventures during the day just not far from home. Then our second unexpected surprise was in store. Sunday night Garett hurt is foot. He never really cried and kept on playing. Daddy was on duty, I was at the hospital with my friend. I knew nothing of a hurt foot. He was playing when I got home. Monday morning rolls around and he woke up crying and his little ankle was swollen. I call Chuck he was in shock and couldn't think of what happened. Finally the pieces are put together that his foot was hit by the bedroom door. Needless to say a call to Dr Porter was in order. She confirmed it was broke and we spent from 1:30 until 5:30 waiting on a cast.
The cast means NO swimming, NO walking a lot, NO summer fun yet for Garbear!
Each of the boys have now broken a bone. Now we wait for the cast to come off and for baseball to end. Then our adventures can start. Until then my adventures will be getting all the clutter out of my house. Its amazing how much junk we have. Its time to purge. Not the adventure I was looking for but for now it will do!
Oh the life of a mother with 3 precious, loving, sweet, and handsome boys is never dull. I would not have it any other way then to be kept on my toes by the men in life!

My Baby is 5!

I can't believe today is here! My sweet Garett is 5 today. I thought today would be really hard but only a little misty eyed as I type this. My baby turned 5 and will be starting kindergarten. Where has the time gone?? He is the sweetest little boy that loves to snuggle with momma. He is now a big boy no longer needing me to do those little things any more. He can brush his own teeth, pick out his own clothes, and dress himself. I have really been struggling with letting him go and letting him try things on his own. Sometimes I want to push him out of the nest and let him fly on his own. Other times my heart strings want to pull him back and hold on for dear life.
I guess that is part of being a mom knowing when to hold on tight and when to set them free to explore on his own but knowing that a safety net is there to catch him if he falls.
Thank you Lord for blessing me with this sweet little boy. My life is so complete with him in it. I loved watching Zachary and Chase help today with Garett's birthday. Lighting candles, pick out presents, and helping set up his new toys. Garett has two wonderful big brothers!! So I made it through another milestone with one of my boys and I survived. Maybe I will make it through the next milestones that come our way.
Until then I will not rush the days away and hold on tight to the moments I have. I know my time with my little birds are coming to an end right before my eyes! Before I know it my 5 year old will be 18 and off to college. Tonight I will hold on a little tighter and prayer for their safe travel over the next several years!

12 Years ago I said, "I Do"! and Now my 4 Year old wants to date!

Today Chuck and I are celebrating 12 years of marriage. It seems like yesterday he was asking me out on a date. I got my friend Dawn to go with us out to eat and he got her approval. I loved cruising around in his jeep with the top down. The single rose he bought me each Friday when he came into town was so sweet. Each Friday it was a different color. I will never forget the night he proposed. He opened my door on the jeep and the song "You light up my live" by Leann Rimes was playing as we gave me a single white rose. We had dinner and came home to a house full of people. My roommate had friends over. That messed his plans up a little but he just took me to the back of the house took at the ring and asked me to marry him. I was in shock, scared, and excited all at the same time. Ahhh the memories. Now 12 years later and 3 sons I can say I am so glad I met him! It is amazing to think of what could have been if I had taken a different path. I know I got the best end of the deal! I look forward to many more years together.
On the note of dating I have a funny story to share about Garett. He never ceases to amaze me with what he comes up with. Friday I picked him up for school and the first thing he said to me when he got in the van was, "Momma when can I take Ella on a date?" What?? A date?? My 4 year old is asking me if he can date?? I laughed and said, "Well Garett I guess when you get bigger." He informed me, "Ella said I have to take her on a date before I can kiss her!" What KISS??? My 4 year old wants to kiss a girl after a date??? Breathe, Breathe!! LOL! I don't even have these conversations with my 9 or 11 year old! He then told me, "Momma Ella is my girlfriend duh!" I knew she was his girlfriend he tells me EVERYDAY that she is his girlfriend and he is her boyfriend. Ella also tells her mother the same thing. He even saves her a spot by him at breakfast and when she gets to school he tells her to come sit by him! Later on that night I had him tell his dad about the date. I asked Garett if he would take me on a date and he informed me that I was to big and he can't drive. Oh and get this he told me, "Mommmmm daddy is your boyfriend duhh! He can take you on a date!" I asked him if he can't drive how will he take Ella on a date and he said on his 4-wheeler! I laughed. You see his 4-Wheeler is one of those battery operated power wheels. I guess since he can't drive that will have to do. I don't think they will make to far. I talked to Ella's mom on the phone and Ella was telling her the same thing. That they need to go on a date so they can kiss. At least she won't kiss him until he takes her on a date!! Oh the life of a 4 year old! Things are so easy and fun! I am dreading the day the real dates start. With a 11 year old I am sure I only have a few more years before the dating starts. Until then I will just keep wishing my boys don't grow up to fast!

Ringing in 2010!

I can't believe another year has gone by! 2009 was a great year for my family. I am excited to see what 2010 has to bring. This year I received my masters. I am so glad to be done and proud to have accomplished a goal I set for my self in high school. There is nothing like looking back and reflecting on your past. The other day I got out my senior book and looked to see what I had wrote. Isn't funny how differently you see your self when you are younger? Some of the things I had hoped for the future came true. I am blessed with a husband and children who love God. I have a good roof over my head. I LOVE my job. I have the best family and friends a girl could ask for. Sometimes I wonder how things could be any better. I remember the times when I thought nothing was going the way it should. Getting married at 19 and a child by 20 was not what I saw for my self in my senior book but its what made me the person I am today. I was blessed to have a supportive husband and family to help us. A personal struggle in my life came after Zachary was born. It caused me to question who I was, where I came from, and how could I have been lied to for so long. At first I was very bitter, mad, and sad but as time went by I realized that it could shape me into someone I did not want to be or make me stronger. I chose to become stronger and forgive the way God forgives me daily. Chucky supported me in finishing college even when baby number 2 came at age 22. He was there in my corner supporting me. A year after Chase was born we hit a rough patch in our marriage. I also hit a rough patch in my health. Both were very scary. The whole time the one thing missing was slapping us both right in the face GOD! After we moved from Horatio we never found a church family and started to let the ways of the world rule our life instead of God's way. After completing college and starting my teaching career, I met a great friend who invited us to church. Chucky got saved and I found my way back home to God. Who had never really left to begin with! As I read my senior book that is one thing I hoped to have a God fearing husband and a family in church. I am glad to say I have both. And we could not ask for a better church family than Spring Lake Baptist. Then baby number 3 came and I was blessed with 3 sons. As I read the page out of my senior book I saw I wanted 3 or 4 kids. I guess I accomplished that one as well. It is nice to look back and reflect on who we were and where we are now. I am glad to see that my life is so much more then I could have ever hoped for.
As I look at the boys playing together on the floor I start to think about the future. I am hoping that 2010 will be a year of new adventure, exciting and fun times with family and friends, and new opportunities in my job. But most importantly I want to live in the moment cherishing my precious sons not wanting the year to go by to fast. Not wanting them to grow up before my eyes. So here is a toast to the past may we remember where we came from and to the future my it be better then we can imagine! I hope 2010 is a GREAT year. God Bless and Happy New Year!

I cherish these times!!

We had a WONDERFUL time in Dallas this weekend. It was once again time for the Smedley Christmas at my Nana and papa's house. The only thing missing was the latest addition to our family Thomas Marc along with his parents my Uncle Mark and Eileen. But little Thomas is only 2 weeks old and not quite ready for a long trip.

We had a really good time visiting with my mom, Nana, papa, sisters, brother-n-laws, aunts, cousins, niece and nephews. The kids played well together minus the occasional little fight. But when you place that many kids together it is going to happen. Or that many sisters! Since there are 4 of us and we are all VERY strong headed. But the love is there no matter what!! That's the best thing about family you forgive move on and love each other no matter what!

This time with family is something I cherish. Seeing my boys with their cousins remind me so much of my cousins Bryan and Tori, my sisters, and myself playing together growing up at our family Christmas. Sharing, using their imagination, making up silly sayings, or telling secrets. Those are the things I love to see while their innocents are still in place, the bonds being formed, and a friendship growing. Its priceless! My brother-n-law Will had two boys when my sister Kasie married him.They have always fit right in like they have always been apart of our family! Austin and Zachary are a few months apart and Jordan and Chase a little over a year apart. They love playing together. Garett is right there in the middle of them all with my niece Adalyn making her self know in the group as well. She is a bossy little thing for only being 2. She is cute and she knows it. Its hard not to laugh at her sassy little self. My cousin Bryan has a daughter Taylor she is 3 months younger then Zachary and holds her own in a group of boys. My nephew Dominic wants to hang with the boys and is quite a character. Its hard to imagine Candi not always having him. I still remember to this day being in the court room when he was adopted. Definitely another blessing to count! Avery (Candi's youngest) was full of laughs. He is such a doll and has been one healthy little boys since the scare he gave us all at birth. Watching them together is the best gift I could get this year.

Chuck, the boys, and myself went down to Dallas Friday morning to help get things ready before everyone came on Saturday. We helped do some cooking and just spend sometime with my Nana and Papa before the mad house started with 20+ coming over. The boys had a great time cooking with Nana while Garett snuggled in papa's lap. I love that my boys have great-grandparents to spend time with. It is really neat. I had the BEST great granny until I was in 8th grade and God called her home!! I have the BEST memories of times with her in DeQueen, AR. I am glad my boys will also have those same kind of memories as well.

It is always hard when the time comes for everyone to go home. You want one more day, a few more hours, another game of cards, another talk, just a little more time before everyone leaves and another family Christmas comes to a end. I cherish the time I have with my extended family. I could not ask for a better family. I love them all!
Until the next Smedley get together I will cherish the memories we made, the fun we had, and most importantly the time we spend together!

My Bilingual Boys Give Away

I love amazon and order books and more from there all the time. Up for grabs in this give away is a $25.00 gift card. Check out her blog at:
http://mybilingualboys.blogspot.com/2009/11/25-amazon-gift-card-giveaway.html?showComment=1259474034402_AIe9_BH7nbTzMxW1mwPcIht13yssJZUYeDBJqvOtagmT1ys0YfpbHTxOfcylBEGtSoJUIr0D7sb1_hWPxRuSy1yBlUWm9Cj9qrBQO_14BKz9bNDJp74q07iyTSY8iXXUN3ylFDpt3EZNgoECwoDn0vSATTkd4srQMiudUpWPcjCbOCRMtBg7rVV7MTCuxIakfrZeYloie67xfGm3tTrCq8CpnRWMdoZJN28S4kIEBorwI4hRa9Z7kS23IhcURryPy4Pyy4P3u65u#c147362339932227391

Teaching Heart Giveaway

I love www.teachingheart.net. This site has good ideas and CD's and packets to purchase. Some items are also free. I also love her blog at www.teachingheartmom.blogspot.com it also has great ideas and time savers. She is once again having a BIG give away with 7 changes to win. If you are a teacher or parent check it out.

Thankful!

This time of year everyone takes time to think of the many blessings in their lives. Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and friends but also a time to reflect on all of the things you have to be thankful for. I have many people and things to be thankful for.
Most importantly I am thankful for God's saving grace. Without it I would be nothing. I am thankful for a husband who loves the Lord. I love watching him play with the boys and encourage them. He is the best daddy and husband I could have ever asked for. Sometimes we see a future for ourselves but it is not the future God had in store for us. I am so thankful that God brought Chucky into my life. I could not imagine where or what I would be if not for him. He is my best friend and his support in going back to college meant so much to me.
I am very blessed with 3 amazing boys. My life would be so boring without them. Each of them is unique in their own way. Watching them play, fight, and defend each other is priceless. Though they may get mad at each other they will also protect each other if needed. I love watching Zachary and Chase interact with Garett. They have a lot of patience with him being the youngest. Watching Zachary and Chase build a relationship with God is also such a blessing to my heart. Garett is following along and loves to go to church and knows God loves him.
I am blessed with a wonderful mother and father you are there when ever I need them. I am so glad my dad has moved here and it is great to see him with the boys. My mom is still one of my best friends and I love her so much. I know I could call her anytime day or night and she would be here for me. My nana and papa are also a constant in my life. They are the rock that hold our family together. I can't not imagine life without them and know they are just a phone call away. My boys are very blessed with such wonderful grandparents. I am also thankful for the time I had with my mother-n-law before she passed. I never really got to know her well until the last few years of her life. I will treasure that time always. There is nothing like seeing the man you love care for his mother when she is ill. It makes you realize how blessed you are when you see the love he has for his mother.
I am also blessed with 3 beautiful sisters. Kasie is my best friend. She is my one constant in my life that battles with me through thick and thin no matter what happens she is ALWAYS there. Conni is my baby sister that is full of spunk. She has your back and will be there if needed. Watching the struggles she has gone through with her health makes me admire her spirit. She never complains or grips and I am thankful she has such a great husband. I have always admired my sister Candi. She adopted my nephew even though he had special needs she loved him unconditionally. She now has another son and is going to college. I admire her for that I know how hard it is to go to school with kids.
I am blessed with a wonderful church family at Spring Lake Baptist. I know I will hear God's word preached. They are my family and know that all I have to do is call and they are there.
I love my job! I could not ask for better co-workers or teammates. I love to teach kids. It is such a rewarding and challenging job. I am thankful for each student I have ever taught! They challenge me to think outside the box, inspire me to strive to achieve the unexpected, and believe that as a teacher I will in turn challenge and inspire them.
I am thankful for my precious niece Adalyn and my nephews Dominic, Avery, Jordan, and Austin. I wish I could see them more. But I love them just the same.
I am also blessed with some GREAT friends. I miss my best friends Dawn and Lori and wish we lived closer. Though we don't talk on a daily or weekly bases I know I could call them at anytime and confide anything to them. I truly love you both! I have many friends in my live but you two are truly my dearest friends.
Thank you to all the people that have blessed my life. Though some are no longer in it at some point you made an impact on me no matter how great or small. You are a blessing. In some way you helped shape me into the women, mother, wife, friend, teacher, and CHRISTIAN I am today. And for that I thank you.
I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Call a relative or friend you have not talked to in awhile and reconnect this holiday season. Most importantly reflect on the blessings in your life. We all have so much to be thankful for.

Growing up to fast!

Yesterday was Zachary's first girl/boy party! I can't believe it! The first few days after he got the invitation he said he was NOT going! He did not want to dance with a girl! Well when Saturday rolled around he decided he did want to go. He picked out an outfit and I ironed it. After putting it on he changed his mind and the picking out started all over again! I thought being the mom of boys outfit decisions would be a breeze but I guess I was wrong! Once we got ready and headed out reality set in my baby is NOT a baby anymore!!
Pulling up to the little girls house I saw several girls and a few boys already there and I really just wanted to turn around and head back home! I did want this time to come so fast but it was here no turning back!
The girls came up to the car as Zachary was getting out. I watched as his head did a upper ward nod as to say "what up ladies" and they squealed as the other boys came over to whisk Zachary away! No goodbye mom no nothing! Just my baby heading off on a new adventure!
Chuck picked him up and I was so happy he wanted to tell me about the party! He informed me he did dance but not when they played GIRL SONGS (Hannah Montana) even though he sings to her in the car. He could not let the others know that!! He did not dance with any girls and rolled his eyes when I even suggested it: NO MOTHER he informed me. How dare I ask such a thing! Only if he know how relieved I was that girls are still on the back burner for now! He is not girl crazy yet and the girls seem to be pretty calm when it comes to boys as well.

I remember being in 5th and 6th grade and chasing Toby, Mitch, and Chris around the play ground with the other girls at Shands Elementary. We already had boyfriends and talked on the phone. I am so glad that Zachary and the other kids at his school are still ok just to be friends and the boyfriend/girlfriend drama has not started yet. That will be next year when we start the middle school. Until then I am just holding on a little longer to my sweet baby boy!

Those Boys of Mine!

It is never a dull moment at the Lewis house. Not with 3 boys! So let me start by telling about our shopping trip to Target this weekend! Shopping with 3 boys and a husband is not always fun but this time it was FULL of laughs. One of my best friends Melissa Thompson also has 3 boys and we bumped into them shopping as well. Chuck's eyes got so big when he saw they way they all acted together. Melissa and I are old pros at continuing to shop while the boys are horse playing and trying to pretend we don't know them. Chuck on the other had is not. One of Melissa's boys knocked a bar off the rack and the other was tooting!! It was so funny only because this time it was not MINE!!
But rest assured I had my turn to turn red with embarrassment. Leave it to Garett to do something or saying something! As we walked past the bras Garett in his LOUD voice gladly announces I LOVE BOOBS! What???? NOT MY KID!! Not my son yelling he loves boobs!! I am embarrassed and Chuck is like smiling yep that's my boy!! Bless his little heart, he never sees bras in some many shapes and colors at our house. I think he was a little amazed by all the pretty and lacey bras he was seeing. When youhave a big chest as I do you are limited to the style and color. I guess the assortment over whelmed the poor boy! Some lady looked at me in total disgust. But if that's the only thing they did we were having a good trip!!
On to the older two boys. Yep Zachary and Chase by no mean have been all sweet and innocent. (LOL) This evening after school they were playing in the backyard while I was cooking dinner. As I had the water running in the kitchen I hear the sound of GLASS BREAKING. Turned off the water and thought surely NOT!! I walked outside with Zachary looking like nothing happened and Chase climbing back over the fence. They were kicking the ball OVER the house to each other. However, Chase DID NOT make it over. Instead he broke the window in one of the bed rooms.
Needless to say Chuck was not happy and is just finishing up fixing the window!
I am so thankful I married a man that can fix things!! As you can see life in the Lewis house is never dull. But I would not change it for the world! Things could always be worse and my boys are little angles! (Well most of the time anyways!)

From The Mouth Of A Child!

I just love when its bed time! No not because my house will be quiet with all my boys asleep, but because it's a time with no TV on, no video games being played, and no phone calls. It is a time I get to hear about the boys' day or a last minute story they what to tell before lights off. I am sure it is a way for them to put off going to sleep for just a little longer and though at times it can be annoying, when I am also ready for some much needed sleep, it is also very rewarding and a time I cherish.
I am so glad Zachary and Chase are not to old to want to still snuggle a little with momma and not at the stage where they are embarrassed to still tell me things. I love hearing about what happens at school or something about their friends.
Garett is now getting in on the story telling. Most of the time his stories are a version of a story he heard at school. The latest little story he has been telling is "Little Boy Blue". It is so funny the way he tells it or says the nursery rhyme. Then sometimes he wants to talk about when he was a baby. The other night he said "momma when God made me a baby and you took me home it made my heart happy"!! IS THAT NOT THE SWEETEST THING EVER!!! I told him baby when God let me bring you home it made my heart happy too!! I just could eat him up!! He is the funniest little boy!!
At bed time the boys also do roll call. Goodnight mom love you, Love you to (insert son's name) Goodnight dad love you, Love you too(insert son's name) Goodnight (insert brothers name) love you and so on. Then they all add the dog, goodnight Bella love you!! All 3 boys do this, however Garett still says momma Bella didn't answer me back!! of course Garett also says love you blue skies momma, and I love you pumpkin daddy. Chuck always tells Garett I love you pumpkin and Garett giggles and says momma daddy called me pumpkin. No matter how many nights go by that Chuck says it Garett still giggles like it is the first time he heard it.
These are the things I love, the memories that I cherish, the times I want to hold on to!! Time flies way to fast and I am so thankful my boys are the best of friends.
Before I go I have to brag on the older two! Zachary's teacher came down to my room yesterday after school to tell me how much she is enjoying having him in class. She said she loves listening to Zachary tell a story or explain something he is so dramatic in his story telling. Chase is also doing great! Nothing but good reports so far still trying to get him to slow down and not care about being the first one done. I am proud of them both. I am sure it is hard to have your mom work at the same school you attend. You can't get by with anything!!
Also Chuck brought home some interesting news this week. He has been talking about going to college. Well his boss thinks he would be a great administrator and is going to help him PAY FOR IT!! YEAH!! Now I am done and he will be starting. I could not be more proud of him!! He has talked about it for the last year but with added responsibilities at work he realized that this is what he wants to do and without his degree he has made it as far as he can. I think this next chapter in our lives will be a GREAT one! I am excited about this journey he is about to take. GOD IS GOOD!!
Until Next Time,
Kristi

My Child Is A Funny One!

Well nothing like picking your 4 year old from preschool and the teacher always having story to tell you! Miss. Amy is Garett's teacher and he absolutely loves her. He thinks Miss. Amy is a pretty teacher. He talks about her none stop at home. Miss Amy this and Miss Amy that. I love to hear his stories about school.
Needless to say Miss. Amy also loves Garett and thinks he is such a cutie!! She is always laughing about something he said or did. The last story I got from school was this week. Miss. Amy has been completing prek beginning of the year test and asked Garett to tell her his whole name. Garett's response was Garett "THE BEAR" Lewis. and then he proceed to tell me and his dad that night laying in bed that his name is now Garett "THE BIG BEAR" Lewis because his legs are getting bigger and bigger. He told me he is no longer a little boy but a big boy!! Talk about breaking mommy's heart! No longer a little boy?? Since when is 4 no longer little!!
So my child has changed his name from Garett Lynn Lewis (which I never really liked but had to give into my husband and give Lynn his fathers name) to Garett "THE BIG BEAR" Lewis. The way he says "THE BIG BEAR" is louder and in this little man voice like he is announcing his name as he runs out on the football field or makes a slam dunk at a basketball game. It is the cutest thing.
As he sits in my lap right now as I am typing he leans over to tell me he loves me big blue sky. I have always told the boys I love them more then the big blue sky. However, Garett has always just said momma I love you big blue skies. It is the sweetest!!
Anyways another story from school his week is Miss Amy informed me that Garett has a girl friend, Ella Graham. Ella's mom and I teach together and her big brother and Chase have been friends since birth and Garett and Ella have know he other since birth as well. The interesting part to this story is that Ella tells Garett exactly what to do and when to do it and HE DOES IT!! Miss Amy told me if Ella wants Garett to sit somewhere he does, play something he does, or same something he does!! He calls her My Ella Girl!! Of course he doesn't say to me Ella is my girl friend but he talks about her all the time and say My Ella Girl is my friend or I played with My Ella Girl!! My precious little baby my 4 four year old is growing up!!
Yes I know it is time to cut those apron strings and I am!! Because I have got to teach him to not let a girl boss him around so much. If I don't stop it now I will have one controlling daughter in-law in my future!! And as a momma of 3 boys I just can't let that happen!!