Brady turned SIX on Saturday. Where has the time gone?!
As you may remember, we started a new tradition last year of allowing the kids to choose a special outing for their birthdays instead of a gift. Because there are a few of us and usually a newborn, big family activities are few and [...]

My boy Andy is getting to be an old man. He turned 7 yesterday!
As our firstborn, he’s mature for his age. He takes responsibility in stride and rarely complains about his role as the example setter.
As I tucked him into bed on Wednesday night, I kissed him and then hugged his long, lanky body. Then I [...]

I’ve explained before that we’re Food Network nerds. We love watching culinary battles and cuisine creations. Sometimes, I even attempt the recipes. Sometimes they work. I digress.
We’re big fans of Alton Brown’s, too. If you don’t know who he is, I can best describe him as a walking food encyclopedia. The man oozes information with [...]

The other day, my two oldest sons and I were talking about the importance of learning more about Jesus. This discussion was going on while we did our school Bible lessons.
Somehow, it came up that I didn’t get to go to church when I was little.
“Nana and Poppy didn’t take us to church when I [...]

As part of Brady’s first grade school work, I dictate a series of numbers to him and he has to write them down. This way, we can be sure he’s understanding place value and such.
Monday, I dictated some to him and he was mumbling something in reply. I finally figured out what he was doing. [...]

The other day at dinner, my boys were asking Nate about becoming a police officer. The conversation progressed into a discussion about hierarchy in local government. Here’s how it went:
Brady (now 5-and-a-half): “Daddy, do you have to get sprayed with pepper spray to become and officer?”
Nate: “Yes, here you do.”
Andy (6-and-a-half): “Why? Because the Judge [...]

My kids are particular about color. They want to know the exact shade of things. I’m not sure if it’s because their Mama is somewhat of an artist, or if it’s just them.
Awhile back, Andy and Brady were discussing something that was navy blue. Brady wanted a different color, though.
Not just red. He wanted a [...]

We’re starting school here this morning. I know, I know. It’s JULY.
Yet, we’re starting. Andy’s entering 2nd grade, and Brady’s starting 1st. We see many advantages to doing school year-round, but we do like to give the kids a break that’s a bit longer in the summer. So, we take off for T-ball season. [...]

The only thing cooler than having your Dad show up at the playground to play with you in his squad car is when he pushes you, your brothers and sisters, and half the neighborhood of kids really, really fast on the merry-go-round.
So fast that your brother flies off.
He’s that cool.

Yesterday, we visited a “new” playground. [...]

FYI: All those spare socks you’ve lost in recent years? I know where they are.
There’s no such thing as a sock monster living in your dryer. No siree!
He lives under Andy’s bed. He’s alive and well, and well fed.
I’m in the midst of cleaning / rearranging / shuffling the boys’ room (hoping to get things [...]