Take Me Out To the Ball Game

Today was Jackson's first baseball game.

I'm not sure if I've posted about it before or not, but we signed him up for spring baseball at school.  It's with most of his classmates in school, the same boys that he played soccer with in the fall.  The same boys that played basketball together over the winter, but we took a break and skipped that sport.  He had such a great time with soccer and it's a comfortable and easy transition for him into sports.  The familiarity of the players, the coaches (players' dads), practice at school.  It all makes for a good way for him to get into a sport.

There wasn't such a team for Braeden at school to join and we missed the deadlines for all of the teams we looked into.  But, such is life.  He is alright with it, for the most part.  Plus, instead of joining a summer league, he wanted to go away to camp for a week.  We were very supportive about that idea so our funds were allotted to that.  Next year he will be in 4th Grade and will likely be able to play up on the school's JV teams, soccer and maybe basketball.  We are all so excited about that.

Jackson never played Tee Ball like Braeden did so many years ago.  He was too young when Braeden played and then the boys got into soccer.  So it was understandable that we were all nervous about his foray into a new sport, especially because his first time at bat (literally and figuratively) would be coach pitch and he's already broken his nose before.  But we went forward with it, full of timid excitement and eagerness.

Sadly though I had to miss today's opening game for the season.  Braeden was involved in PSIA, an academic competition, and had his Spelling test this morning.  At the same time as Jackson's game.  On the other side of town.  So Amy and I split up and kept each other updated via texts and pictures.  What did parents do before smart phones?  Before cell phones?  Thank goodness we don't live in those dark ages and can instantly remain updated and see the action in real time, regardless of our location.

So, it was a busy day here in Drosche Land.  Braeden did not do as well as he would have liked in his competition and his day fell short of expectations.  However, it was his first time and he now have gained experience that will be valuable next year when we prep for the competition.  Jackson, on the other hand, experienced a day filled with newness and winning.  He himself made 3 runs and his team won the game!  He, as everyone else, was very proud.  Mixed emotions for us all though, cheering up a downed son and cheering on an elated one.  But, such is the life of a parent I guess.

But the day is drawing to a close and everyone is tired and relaxing.  Our weekends belong to baseball until May so many hot, tired, and sunburned days lie ahead.  But it will surely be fun and worth it.

All is well, win or lose, in Drosche Land.

Super

So last night was the big game you know the one. 

Yeah, I'm not really a sports person. Shocker, I know. But Amy and the boys love sports, especially Amy and Braeden. So while the game was on I busied myself doing other things. Dishes, laundry, packing lunches, lesson planning, etc. I also proclaimed myself to be the official social media spokesperson for the family, checking Twitter and Facebook during the game to update and inform everyone of the goings on. You know, everyone has their gift. 

I'm really into the Super Bowl for the commercials and the food. Amy likes to say that I'm an advertiser's dream. Visual, short attention span, easily persuaded, want the newest/latest/greatest. Can't argue there. So they sweetly called me into the room whenever the commercial breaks came, ensuring that I wouldn't miss any of the good ones. 

Budweiser and Dove Men Care made me tear up, not going to lie. Lindsay Lohan was funny in a self-mocking way.  There were many other good ones but everyone seems to be focusing on the melancholy and sad ones, in particular the Nationwide spot. I actually missed this one somehow but have seen it since. Regardless of your feelings about the commercial itself, everyone is talking about Nationwide so it would seem as though it were a few million dollars well spent. 

Then there's the halftime show, another of my favorites. Katy Perry. Lenny Kravitz. Missy Elliot. It was good. The boys now want a giant animatronic lion to ride, and loved the fact that there were people inside the legs moving it. I myself would like a fun shark costume to dance around in, but who doesn't really?  I also want to jam to some old school Missy Elliot so I'll have to dig around in my CDs when I get the chance.  Yes CDs. From back in the day when all off our music wasn't stored in The Cloud. Crazy. I thought the halftime show was awesome and Katy Perry killed it. Well done. 

Last but not least, the food. We eat pretty healthy here in Drosche Land as you know and stick to all natural and/or organic for just about everything. But some occasions, such as last night, call for some good old fashioned junk food. Chips and dip. Pizza rolls (holla). Taquitos. Jalapeño poppers (Jackson has now become a fan and the spicy food lover in me is proud). Yum. It's nice to splurge every once in a while. All things in moderation right?  But now I'm hungry and it's far too late for a snack. 

Oh. And the Seahawks and Patriots played a football game. Apparently it was a good one. The Patriots won. There was a fight. Thus concludes my knowledge and interest in the game itself. 

Regardless of our differing opinions on sports, commercials, music, and food, the Super Bowl provided us with a fun even to gather together as a family and hang out. Isn't that part of the fun of the big day too?  Memories. Good time. How did you spend it?  Glued to the TV for the game?  The commercials?  Hovering around the snack table?  Whatever you did, I hope you had as much fun as we did here in Drosche Land.  Things settle down here sports wise for a while, thank goodness. That is of course, until I lose them all again in about a month to March Madness. Oh well, at least there will be good food again!

All is well, super in fact, in Drosche Land. 

Game Over

Soccer is done!

Sorry, did you not catch the excitement in that last sentence? It's done!  Yes, the soccer season for both boys is over!  Now, don't get me wrong. It was great. We enjoyed it. The boys had a blast. But it is nice to have Tuesday nights and our weekends back. Maybe we can slow down a bit. Maybe. 

Jackson did a great job and really grew as a player. His favorite positions was Goalie and in his last game yesterday he did a great job. This is a good position for him because it meets all of his needs. He gets to sit and watch the game, analyzing it all and following along. But at the same time, he does get the action and can throw himself, literally and figuratively, into the game when needed. He hadn't played soccer in a few years but quickly got right back into it. It also helped that we played in a league through his school, so nearly all of the boys in his class were on the team. They all get along so wel and practice at recess every day. This was good for him and helped him to build and strengthen his friendships since he is new at SML this year. I really hope that all of the boys want to play again next fall in 2nd Grade.  All of us parents want to keep the team together and I think it's a great idea. 

There weren't enough classmates in Braeden's grade that were interested in playing through the school league so we had to venture out into our area to find a place. We found one. It came highly recommended. They have leagues all around the city and had just recently expanded this season into our area. While Braeden had fun, especially since he got to be on the same team as his cousin Austin, we were not really impressed with the league. It was pretty disorganized and communication was lacking to say the least. We just don't roll that way here in Drosche Land. Braeden enjoys soccer, and every other sport for that matter, and it pretty good. But this season he didn't grow as much as we'd like and overall we were disappointed. Luckily though he had fun so that was good. Next time we will seek a different league where things run a bit better. 

It was a good season though. The boys enjoyed themselves and Amy and I firmly believe that soccer is the sport for them. So we are taking the winter season off and will play soccer again in the spring hopefully. We'd rather do that than put them in a variety of sports every few months. They both have some good skills in soccer that we'd like to hone. It caters to Braeden's natural athletic ability and is a great outlet for Jackson's extra energy, thanks ADHD. Plus it is fast-paced so he doesn't get bored or confused. 

So we've reclaimed some time and hopefully can slow down just enough for the holiday season to speed life up a bit. Plus, these past few games were super cold as we are getting hit early with some fall/winter weather. I love the cold weather but not every Drosche is as much of a fan as I am!  Oh well. 

All is well, off season, here in Drosche Land. 

Kickin' It

It's been a while since the boys played sports. We took last year off since there were so many changes with new jobs and new schools. That was ok. We needed the extra time to adapt to the changes and get into new routines. 

However, as the new school year approached, both Braeden and Jackson every so subtly reminded us that they wanted to play sports. Again. As luck would have it St. Mark offers soccer through a neighborhood league for the kids who are not old enough for the school's team. This seemed very convenient and right up our alley so we signed them up. Sadly, Braeden's team didn't have enough 3rd Graders interested to make a team. Bummer. So we put that on hold for a bit. Jackson though joined the majority of the boys in his class on the 1st/2nd Grade team. This is great because they practice once weekly at St. Mark and have games on Saturdays, often at St. Mark. It's also less competitive than a separate league which is good for Jackson as he just wants to play. Win!

As it turns out we were able to get Braeden joined on a league near our house. His cousin, who is in 4th Grade, is also playing and we just found out they are on the same team. Another win!  They practice once weekly, the same night as Jackson. Even though it's way out by our house, the fact that it's on the same night makes it a win. Their games are on Sunday so our weekends have been taken up by soccer for the next few months but it's all good. Braeden's team is also more competitive, good for him as he is more serious about sports than Jack. 

So, everything ended out working for the best. Both boys get to play and Amy and I get the benefit of convenient scheduling. That's definitely something to rejoice about since it will likely not always be the case. But they are excited and so are we. This weekend marks our first games so stay tuned for details and pictures about that. I'm exciting about taking my camera out and using it more often. It's spent quite a while away since things have been so busy lately.  Another win. All in all I think we are ready for a fun and successful fall sports season here. 

All is well, having a (soccer) ball again, in Drosche Land. 

To Swim, Or Not To Swim

Not really much of a question anymore here in Drosche Land. 

You'll remember from my last post that Braeden chose to cut short his swimming career on Monday.  You'll also remember that we chose to let Jackson remain on the team since he was enjoying it and working hard. Well, then Tuesday came. 

I should back up a tad and give you some information you'll need to know. About a week and a half ago we received a check from the swim team. It has Jackson's name on it. Hmmmmm. That's odd. We wondered what it was for so I emailed them. We didn't hear back. Error. Glitch. Some misunderstanding.  Well, Tuesday Amanda (Amy's sister) texts me. She got an email about a similar check she had received for Audrey.  Turns out Audrey was on the original cut list from the beginning of April after Guppy School.  We'd discussed the scenario that Jack and Audrey had been cut but figured not since we hadn't heard anything about it. We then received a similar email about Jackson. Bummer.  Somewhere along the weeks the information never made it to us. Hmmmmm.  Frustrating. Not that he'd been cut, I'm a firm believer that cuts happen and support trying hard but knowing that not everyone is gifted in the same way. Not everyone is going to be the best, or even mediocre, at everything. Something's are just not for some people.  It's the communication breakdown that's frustrating. But, we moved past that. After all, there's nothing to be done about it now. 

So we broke the news to Jack. He was sad at first, afraid he'd let us down. We reassured him that he did is best and we were proud of him. He just wasn't quite ready this year.  That helped and he is over it now and has moved on, not really giving it another thought. 

Thus ends our brief foray into swim team. We came. We saw. We swam. We have 2 team swimsuits to show for our trouble. Looks like the boys don't need new ones this summer!  :) In the end all is for the best. We suddenly have a much clearer schedule as we finish up May and the school year. Our Saturdays will not consist of 4:30 am wakings to be at a meet from 6:30 until 4:00.  All in all I think we will survive. Maybe it's just His way of telling us to slow down. Clear our minds and schedules. Maybe to focus on the adoption?  Maybe?  Maybe?  Or maybe just to take a break and take a breath. Either way we are all fine with these happenings. Oh, and did I mention I dont have to wake up at 4:30 tomorrow morning!  Whew!

All is well, out of the pool, in Drosche Land. 

Just Keep Swimming

No. This movie isn't about Finding Dory, the upcoming sequel to Finding Nemo. Although, since I'm on that topic now, I'm quite excited to see it. The first movie was awesome and I love the character of Dory. Ellen is hilarious. Plus Stella is just getting to the age where she is into Disney movies. Right now the favorite it Frozen, and boy is it her favorite. So I know she will love this one too but I digress. 

Nope, I'm talking about actual swimming here.  Last year, you may remember, we took some time off from the boys playing sports since Stella was so young. It was just too much to lug a baby and all of her paraphernalia around to practices and games. Far too much schlepping in the heat for us. But it's a year later and things have finally, somewhat, settled into a smooth groove. So we decided to re-enter the world of competitive sports again. 

Their cousins joined a swim team last spring/summer and the boys wanted to then. Amy and I kind of took it in but didn't think too much about it since we'd decided against sports already. However, time flies and enrollment time was soon upon us a few weeks ago. Thus the discussions and decisions began. We were clear with them that a swim team is quite different than soccer or t-ball. The sport is different, the schedule very different, and swim team parents are a whole different breed all their own (more on this later if you have no clue what I'm talking about).  We also were very clear with them that once they sign up and commit, there would be no backing out. Not if it was too hard or something else came along. They agreed and we began. 

The first task came right before Spring Break when we had to have them fitted for their swimsuits. Wow. I mean you watch it in the Olympics but those suits are teeny. I mean teeny.  Since the boys are already on the small/slim side their suits basically look like Lycra socks. But they loved them and it only pumped them up more when they tried them on and ordered them. I myself am so glad I will not be donning swimwear that is anything close to what they'll be wearing. You're welcome. 

We still have goggles and swim caps to get but practice doesn't begin for 2 weeks. In that time we will be preparing for the many practices and meets that will be overtaking our lives for the next 2 1/2 months. But, in the end it will be great excercsie and they will become such great swimmers just by the constant exposure to the sport. So it's a win-win. I'll try to remember that when I'm waking up at 5:00 am every Saturday to head to a meet. That thought, and tons of coffee, might help the day go by more smoothly. We'll see.  But ultimately everyone is excited so that is a good thing. Plus, having all 5 cousins in huge same sport and on the same team (albeit in different age brackets) will be nice too. Easy to make it to everything and see everyone.  Another win-win. 

All is well, testing the waters, in Drosche Land. 

Done!

Done!

With what, you ask? Soccer! Today was the Boyd's last game of the fall season! Now, don't get me wrong, I love it and it was fun. The boys had a blast and I'm glad we did it. But man am I happy it's over with! Our Saturdays are once again our own, to do with as we please. It's a good thing too because, as I'm sure it is with you dear readers, preparations for the holidays are in full swing here in Drosche Land!

It was a good season. Braeden's second and Jackson's first. It could have been a bit more organized, especially Jackson's team, but overall it was a good experience. Braeden really has improved and, as is the case with any sport, possesses a true love of the game. Jackson ran around, a lot. I'm not sure how many skills he picked up along the way, but he has a general understanding of the sport and what it means to be a part of a team. So I guess that's something.

I didn't get as many pictures this season. Very few in fact after the first game. Having Stella with us at the games meant less time to point and shoot. It's probably not such a bad thing after all though. As much as I love taking pictures, after a few hundred soccer shots they all start to look the same! I learned that from our first foray into soccer!

As you can see from the picture at the top of the post, the boys each got a trophy and that was probably the highlight of the season for them. Something to show for all of the work they put in. Something that says, "Congratulations on being a mini Beckham!".

The boys, Braeden especially, have already begun to plan out spring sports. He want to try his hand at T-ball again. Yikes! We shall see though. I can't even think about another season right now though. I'm just going to relish the fact that we have a very long time before we need to worry about it again!

For now, I'm going to enjoy the time off. Well, not really I guess as the holiday season will consume all the extra time and energy we have regained! But that's ok, it is Christmas after all!

All is well, postseason, in Drosche Land.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Up & Catch Up

So, it's 12:32 am and I'm up.  And I've been up for about an hour.  Don't get me wrong, I like to stay up late and all, but today was a long day.  I turned in early, long ago.  However, Stella decided a midnight snack was called for.  Huh?  I know right, I've mentioned before that she is, and has been, sleeping through the night.  Not tonight I guess.  She woke up and I tried to move her to her beloved swing.  No dice.  Fever (gasp!)?  Nope.  Needs a new diaper?  Not at all.  Amy was up with me by now and suggested the bottle.  I was trying to avoid it since she hasn't had/needed on in weeks.  But oh well, there's a random time for everything right?

So I get one ready, as she decided to lose her mind.  And I mean lose it!  I had a flash-forward to some crazy toddler tantrum y'all, and it wasn't pretty!  Luckily as soon as the bottle found its way to her she was fine, I told you the girl loves her some food.  6 quick ounces later and she's passed out.  Hopefully she will stay that way until morning and tonight will have been a fluke.

So, I know you're wondering why today was a long day.  Well, I was just getting to that.  Plus I'm up and all.  Anywho.  Today was the boys' soccer pictures.  So we headed out early for Braeden's.  I'll mention here that our long-awaited cold front came in Friday night so this morning was quite chilly.  After Braeden's pictures I took him and Stella to his game while Amy stayed with Jackson for his pictures.  She then met me at the soccer fields and we decided to have her bring Stella home due to the crazy wind and cold weather.  I mean, who needs a sick baby?  Not me!  So the boys and I braved the cold and enjoyed the two games, which were luckily scheduled back-to-back.  Then it was home just in time to send Amy off to a meeting with her coworkers.  By the time she came home it was time for dinner.

Whew!  I'm tired just remembering it all.  Or maybe it's because I'm up in the middle of the night?  Anywho.  So, it wasn't crazy busy, just go, go, go.  But that was busy enough.  Plus it came on the tails of a busy week last week.  It was Red Ribbon Week for me which means fun dress-up days.  Fun dress-up days mean sillier than usual kids in the classroom.  Pajama Day, College T-Shirt Day, and the ever-popular Wacky Day (which lived up to its name!)!  Throw in a Field Day for good measure and a No School for 1st Quarter Conferences Friday and I was one worn out teacher.  But worn out in a good way, it was a great week but wow!  Oh and Friday night was Trinity's Trunks & Treats so that was another fun thing to add on.

Amy also had her first set of conferences last week and I am so proud of her!  They went well, as I knew the would.  She is doing an awesome job and it shows with the kids and their parents.  I may be slightly biased, but I know I'm right!  :)

So, I think that catches us up dear readers.  Now comes the hard decision I have to make.  Do I move Stella back to her crib and go to bed, or do I leave her in the swing and sleep/watch TV downstairs.  I mean I'm already awake and have Netflix and Hulu at my disposal.  Hmmm?  Decisions decisions.

All is well, up and caught up, in Drosche Land.  

Sunday Snapshot - GOOOAAALLL!

Well, as promised, here are some of the best shots I've gotten so far this soccer season.  I chose Jack for the main picture above since it is his first time to play.  He is so excited about it too!

Braeden is also enjoying his second soccer season quite a bit.  It never ceases to amaze me that he seems to have some uncanny, natural athletic ability.  It's like he has some innate understanding of the game and possesses a wide variety of skills.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again, he didn't come to this by me!

Another thing that amazes me about having the boys in soccer is that they never seem to get tired.  Sure, the slow down (very slightly), but they keep going.  Especially Jack (obviously) who runs around and plays while Braeden's game is going on (as of right now all of Braeden's games have been first).  You'd think that by the time his actual game started he'd be done, but no, he gets right in there and goes for it!

So, every Saturday until early December is spoken for.  To be filled with more sporting fun.  The boys live for their practices and games right now.  As soon as one is finished, they're asking when the next one is.  I hope their love of the game continues as they grow older.  There are so many positives to being involved in sports.  Plus, who knows?  Maybe we have the next David Beckham here?  Bend it like Drosche?  Ok, so it doesn't sound as good, but you get the picture!

Oh, and not to be left out, here's Stella.  Lounging and watching her brothers play!  So far she's enjoyed it quite a bit and has been pretty easy-going!  Let's hope that stays the same!

All is well, picture perfect, in Drosche Land.

  

Z is for Zephyrs

Now, it's no secret that I am not a sports person.  Stop laughing.  I'm not athletic and I don't have the interest or attention span to follow games.

However, I do occasionally enjoy going to a sporting event.  More for the experience really than the actual game.  Stadium foods and drinks (who doesn't love nachos?), time with family and friends, the roar of the crowd, and people watching (sports fans are hilarious).  These are the things I look forward to.

Whenever I think of attending a sporting event I think back to our time in New Orleans.  We were young, new to the city, and had little money.  Lucky for us we lived 10 minutes away from Zephyr Field, home to the New Orleans Zephyrs, their Triple-A baseball team.  They had (and may still have) Friday Night Fireworks that we could hear from our apartment.  In fact, our first Friday night there this totally freaked us out (gunshots!), until we found out what they were.  Then we were intrigued and had to find out more about them.  Thus began our love affair with the Zephyrs.  Tickets were inexpensive, especially if you sat on the lawn so we went as often as we could.  We always had a great time at the games.  We even took the kids we had for St. John's Summer Program there for a field trip once!

We were only in New Orleans for a short time, two Zephyrs seasons, but this is one of the highlights of our experience there.  One day I'd like to take the kids to New Orleans to visit and experience it all.  Of course, taking them to a Zephyrs game would be on our New Orleans bucket list.  It would be awesome to not only relive the fun of our past, but to share it with the kids and have it become a great memory for them also!

One final fun thing about the Zephyrs is that their mascot is Boudreaux, a giant nutria.  If you don't know what they are, nutria are a large, semiaquatic rat.  They look like the giant lovechild of a rat and a beaver.  They are actually quite a pest as they are a primary reason for wetland destruction.  But hey, they make a great giant mascot!

What about you?  Do you like sports or not?  Do you enjoy the game or the experience?  Do you have a "Zephyrs" from your past?  Some awesome memory that you would love to revisit?

One of our Zephyrs souvenirs!

All is well, with baseball, fireworks, and giant rats, in Drosche Land.

     

Sunday Snapshot - Clothing Optional

Now, I realize that the title of this post may seem a bit TMI, but trust me, it's not what it seems!  So, safely read on.  


The weather this weekend was so beautiful, finally something spring-like and cool rather than unseasonable hot and humid.  To enjoy this weather, after Amy finally started feeling better (that's a post for another time, trust me!) we had lunch and dinner out on the deck today!  It was nice and breezy and the boys really enjoyed it.  However, in between the meals al fresco, the boys played outside.  Somehow though, Amy and I noticed that their basketball game required no uniform.  In fact, it required no clothing at all!  For some reason unbeknownst to us, they decided to play sans pants, and sans shirt for Jack as well!  Ahhh, the joys of having two young boys in the house.  Jack is, and has been nearly his entire life, in a perpetual phase of only wanting to wear underwear.  So, I snuck out with my iPhone (since I have yet to get everything organized and squared away with pictures since the computer disaster of last week) to get some pictures for this post.  They hammed it up for me and played their game.  Sadly though, the photoshoot, and game, was cut short as Jack fell and scraped his knee.  Thus a hard lesson about wearing clothes when playing sports (apparently that is a lesson some of us need) was learned.  Still though, I caught a few pictures of these silly boys and their odd habits!  Ahhhh, boys will be boys!


All is well, fully clothed or not, in Drosche Land.

Braeden ready to play some basketball!

I love this shot of them!  Notice Jack's choice of undies and tennis shoes!

The game!

Traveling!  Yes, I know you're impressed I knew that!

Sunday Snapshot - 2011 in Review

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So last night we rang in 2012 in low-key style at home.  Jack made it to 8:00, Amy to 9:00, and Braeden to 9:30!  After the kids were all tucked in I spent the time half watching New Year's TV and reading.  The ridiculously large and spectacular fireworks show put on by various neighbors woke Amy up right at 12:00 so we did get to have our kiss and ring it in together.  I don't know how much combined was spent by the neighbors we watched but I'm glad it was funded by their wallet and not mine!  I totally plan on getting a "Resolutions" post out but I'm not sure if it will be today or not.  2012 has already kicked off busily as we finish tidying the house and knocking out the last of the laundry.  We have been dog-sitting one of Amy's Mom's dogs so we have to return her and then pick her Mom up from the airport (Adam has gone off to Nebraska for college and she's on her way back from there).  After dinner with her it will be time to rush home for baths, bedtime, and lunch prep so we can be as fresh and prepared for tomorrow as possible.  Both Amy and Jack resume tomorrow and I have a half-day in-service so Braeden is coming along and will wind up somewhere while I'm in meetings, we go back on Tuesday.  So we will see if there is time tonight before bed for another post but I wanted to get out this Sunday Snapshot because I have been looking forward to it for about a week as I reviewed 2011 in pictures!  I originally planned on doing 12 shots (like I could stay at a limit that small!), one for each month.  However that quickly proved impossible as I couldn't sum up every month and its activities in just one photo.  So I'm hitting each month and including a picture for each of the major events in that month, some have a few more than others.  But I'm pleased with the selections and will post them now before I add more!  Looking back 2011 was a busy and fantastic year!  I hope 2012 will be more of the same!  Enjoy!
 
All is well, picture perfect, in Drosche Land.

January 2011

 We began readying Margaux's room in mid-January.  Yes I know the adoption has been called off, but it was a big part of the first half of 2011.

January also brought Braeden's first 100 Day homework!  100 thumbprints!

February 2011

 Valentine's Day!  The kids had been dying for Pillow Pets!  They are still in love with them!

Ok, no big event here but I LOVE this picture of Jack from one of our trips to see our nephew Jared's basketball games!

March 2011

 March saw the addition of Rex to our family!  I can't believe how little he was or how much he's grown!

During Spring Break we did our annual home improvement project, the floors!  It was hard but totally worth it and I am still in love with tile floors (especially now after getting a Dyson).  I wonder what Spring Break 2012 will bring?

 April 2011

 In April sports came to Drosche Land as Braeden began playing soccer!  Turns out he loved it and was pretty good!

Easter!  I love Jack's face, he gets so much pleasure simply from hunting for eggs!

May 2011

 Braeden turned 5!  Wow!

May proved to be quite Braeden-centric as he also graduated from Pre-Kindergarten!

June 2011

 June began with our trip with Amy's family to Beaver Lake, Arkansas!  It was an excellent time and the kids still ask when we are going to Arkansas again!

I also put my mad deck-building skills to use in June!  Granted a storm as since taken the canopy from us, but I am mentally working on a solution to do this spring/summer thanks to some clever spying on a neighbor whose canopy suffered the same fate as ours!

July 2011

 Another vacation?  Don't mind if we do!  This time it was with my family to Galveston!  

 July also saw Amy start her own blog (find it here) about her love of cooking and the adventures of a busy mom feeding her family great food.  I'm highly recommend checking it out!

August 2011

 

Amy turned 30!  We took another fun trip to our favorite stop - San Antonio's Riverwalk to celebrate!

 

Another school year began!  Braeden in Kindergarten (what?!) and Jack in Pre-School 3!

September 2011

 More sports as Braeden started T-Ball and again not only loved it but was good!

 Jack turned 4!  Wow, 2 old kids in the house!

Braeden lost his first tooth!  He lost another in November so they're just falling out now!

October 2011

 The annual trip to Dewberry Farm to pick the perfect pumpkins!

I got my new iPhone 4S!

 Between having a superhero and a Storm Trooper present on Halloween we were definitely safe from danger!

 #3 is on their way!

November 2011

 I turned 29 31!  Happy Birthday to me!

Adam and I had an awesome trip to Las Vegas for his 21st birthday over Thanksgiving Break!

December 2011

 Our annual Christmas Eve family photo!  Love it!

Another blessed Christmas.  Between Braeden's DS from his birthday and Jack's Christmas gift of a Leapster we rarely see them anymore!  :)  Gaming has entered Drosche Land full force!

Runner's High

Ok, if you know me and you read the title to this post you know that it can't possibly have anything to do with me. You're right. I don't run. I just don't see the point. I'm happy walking, I have a car, and I'm never being chased. Therefore, running never seems to be a worthy option. People talk about getting a "runner's high" but I have no clue what that is all about. When I run I feel horrible. But alas some people, for some reason, enjoy running. Apparently, and through no thanks to my genes, the boys seem to be some of those people. We've known for some time hat Braeden is a pretty good runner, he won 2nd place in Pre-K for the most laps run throughout the year in PE and I've heard from several people that he loves to run and is quite good at it. Today we found that Jack may possibly be following in his footsteps.

See, today was our Fun Run and Buddy Field Day at Trinity. This is a great day and serves as a major fundraiser for our PE department. You know the drill, the kids get people to sponsor them per lap or with a flat fee. Well we donated a flat fee for both boys this year. We were just so busy we may try sponsors next year. Anyway, 8 times around our field is a mile. Braeden ran 18 laps and Jack ran 16! Yes, that's right they both ran 2 miles! I walked, yes walked, 1/2 mile (told you they didn't get it from me). In my defense though I was taking pictures for my classroom blog, taking pictures for the yearbook, and socializing with kids and parents. So, I'm super proud of them both and a bit in awe that they have, somehow, found another athletic endeavor they love. Who knows? Maybe there are future track stars in our midst? We shall see.

So, sports aren't my thing. That's ok, I'm cool with it. But my boys, that's a different story, especially Braeden. They can't seem to get enough of them. Maybe it'll pay off, literally, in the long run. For now though it's just all fun and games, that an apparently running!

All is well, running the race, in Drosche Land.

Sunday Snapshot - T-Ball & Cake

Well, today Jackson actually turned 4!  I can't believe it, where has the time gone?  He woke up so excited and ready for the day, constantly commenting throughout the day that it was his 4th birthday!  He was adorable!  After church we headed to his choice of lunch: Chuck E. Cheese!  Pizza and games made his day.  Then it was off to Crave for some special birthday cupcakes.  We started this tradition last year on my birthday.  After Amy's surgery she cannot eat many sweets and a big cake is just too much for the 4 of us.  So, we make a special trip to Crave on each birthday and we get our own cupcakes.  The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home because yesterday proved to be full for us all and we were (and still are) rapidly approaching exhaustion!  But the excitement of a birthday keeps us going.  I made his cookie cake to take to school tomorrow, complete with Batman candy decorations.  At least I got to make something!  But it was an awesome day and he truly enjoyed himself with everything we did.  

So, as promised here are pictures of this weekend's special festivities.  2 boys.  2 special events.  Here are some highlights.  Enjoy!

All is well, picture perfect, in Drosche Land.

 #8 for the Padres!

 Seriously waiting on 2nd base!

 On the pitcher's mound!

Ready to bat!

 

 Run!

 The happy birthday boy!

 One of his favorite presents - his Captain America costume!

 Rio!

 Fun at Chuck E. Cheese!

Yum!