Take State

Jax had the privilege of competing at the State Wrestling tournament. We tried to explain to him ahead of time that this was what he had worked for all year and that only the top wrestlers from each region would be competing. I also tried to explain that the top six from his weight would return to wrestle for a medal on Saturday evening. While he couldn't ever grasp how big of a deal STATE meant (especially to Dad), he set his goal to finish in the top six. Rick was nervous before each match, while Jax seemed calm. He does a great job of listening to his coach and Rick. After winning his match, which would secure him a spot for a medal, he came off the mat slapped his Coach's hand and then nearly leaped at his dad because he was so excited.

His final match didn't come until after 7:30 Saturday night. I could tell by this point, he was tired. He gave it his best. The match was tied 2-2 and went into overtime and the other kid scored a point for the win. He was a little upset at his loss,but we reminded him what an accomplishment it was to be named the 6th best wrestler in the state. He soon dried up his tears to claim his medal. WE ARE SO PROUD OF HIM!

A short video of Jax running out as they announce his name before the finals. Who knows what order these pictures will post in, I seem to be having major issues with the layout these days.







Here's one of his wins that I caught on video. The competiton was tough.

Boy Time & Girl Time

The boys, Rick and their Papa headed to Stillwater Friday night and enjoyed some "guy" time together before Jax competed at Regionals on Saturday. Jax placed 6th and qualified for State. We are very proud of him. We are equally as proud of Baylor who cheered his brother on and I was told by more than one person how well behaved my boys were this weekend which makes me even more proud.

While the boys were away, Delaney and I also enjoyed our girl time with a little trip to the mall. Saturday after running a few errands, we spent some time relaxing and prepping for Delaney's dance competition that evening. Her group placed second in their age division.

I sure missed all of my boys over the weekend but I also enjoyed time with my girl. I'm sure Rick would echo my sentiments.

snowMADNESS

Life has yet to return to "normal." Although, at this point, I'm not even sure what normal is and I'm beginning to enjoy my new role as lazy domestic goddess. I just get a little cranky when I think about spending my summer days working. Monday and Tuesday the kids returned to school. Delaney was actually singing Monday morning because she was so excited to return to school. I used my time to run errands (My drivers license is no longer expired), re-stock groceries and clean. It's amazing how fast the day passes while the kids are at school.


Wednesday, we were hit with yet another snow storm which dumped close to a foot of snow. Outside of some kid activities, I spent the day reading and being lazy, but I knew Delaney was becoming VERY restless. So, this morning at 8:00 a.m, following the Pioneer Woman's recipe, we began making Cinnamon rolls.


I began with two helpers; notice, Baylor's in the background playing a video game.

Uncharted territory: I've never made anything which required yeast!
















They soon realized we weren't making Pillsbury's cinnamon rolls.

At this point, here are the directions from the Pioneer Woman's site:
Cover and let sit for at least an hour. Go throw away the rest of your wrapping paper or build a Lego Rottweiler or do Yoga or watch Home Shopping Network and order a frozen pizza oven for your countertop or some cellulite cream.

After asking exactly what all of that meant, they took it very literal and decided to build with their legos. I used the time to begin polishing every wood surface in my house from base boards to all of cabinets. Really, who am I turning into?
















After an hour passed, Jax couldn't manage to leave his legos behind, but Delaney was all about finishing up.

Finally, a little after 12:oo, we enjoyed a Cinnamon roll for lunch.























From the food critic, Mr. Picky, "These rolls are delicious; they are the best cinnamon rolls I ever had!"
























The recipe called for a maple icing, but I substituted with a vanilla. I think next time, I will try the maple.

Well, I guess it's time to finish my "to-do" list for the day, starting with cleaning the kitchen.

Blizzard Days 3 & 4

Well, pure laziness has set in on my part. I spent about half a day cleaning house but most of my days have consisted of cooking way more than normal, eating, reading, eating, watching the news, eating, playing games with kids and did I mention eating??? At one point, I actually convinced myself I could make the pioneer woman's cinnamon rolls. Luckily, the real me doesn't keep yeast on hand. I have managed to shower, change clothes and even attempted to exercise a few days, but I'm pretty sure my family has forgotten what I look like with make-up. It seems that every project I think of taking on would require shopping. But, I now have big plans for decorating the upstairs and turning it into a family area rather than toy storage this summer-if I have a summer vacation.


The kids have actually fared pretty well, but I think they are beginning to reach their limit as well. Delaney has asked daily to go to the library, which I keep telling her is closed. I don't think she thinks I'm telling her the truth. (Really, I'm almost out of books as well so I would love for the library to open!)


We scrounged up stickers and items to decorate their Valentine's boxes for their school party. We've played most of our board games, the boys finished their Harry Potter marathon, and the kids have been playing, Harry Potter, casting spells and attending the school of Hogwarts. Listening to them is hilarious, as Jax tries to take on an English accent. I am actually pretty lucky in that they are pretty good at finding ways to entertain themselves.

By yesterday evening, they were getting pretty rambunctious. Rick has made a run to the grocery store but the rest of us have been here. Today, the boys are seriously hoping to make it to see the final Harry Potter movie at the theatre. I'm not sure that's going to happen but hopefully, we will at least make it to Nana's house or somewhere outside of these walls before we go completely crazy!

Life with Bodie

Well, with life at a practical stand still, I guess I'll update our life with the newest member of the family. Exciting...I know!

Yesterday, marked four weeks with Bodie. To say he is spoiled rotten would be an understatement. We teased Delaney that if she didn't put the dog down then he wouldn't like her. Well, that couldn't be farther from the truth. A few weeks ago, I made her begin her homework quickly after returning home. As she sat at the bar, he barked at her. He certainly wants her attention. He has complicated our morning routine. He's one more thing to worry about and as soon as Rick and I are up, then he wants up, which means he wants the kids up as well. So, they've definitely lost a few minutes of sleep each morning. So far they haven't minded. They've taken their role as "dog owners" very seriously. In fact, we had some squabbling as to who got to do what, so they decided to create a chart, listing responsibilities and assigning jobs.

(my favorite: ticks & fleys)!!!

Wherever they go, Bodie is sure to follow. Several of their imaginary play/games has required moving from room to room, and Bodie is always tagging along. He even managed to learn how to navigate the stairs this week.

Blizzard 2011

As predicted, the blizzard arrived right on time very early Tuesday and continued through the day, dumping record breaking snows across the area. Tulsa received 14 inches; the reports for Skiatook have been somewhere around 17 inches. During Day 1, the kids kept a vigil at the door, providing regular updates with the amount of snow falling and accumulating, along with vast plans to build forts and tunnels through the massive snow drifts. I managed to keep everyone indoors and entertained with games and baking. That evening, we ventured out long enough to collect some snow for our traditional snow ice cream. Day 2, I could avoid it no longer, so we bundled up and headed out. In my opinion, it was brutally cold, but then again, I don't really have the clothing or boots to be out in the snow for very long. It's one thing to look out at the snow, but it's entirely different to actually be out in it and have snow up to my knees. It didn't take long for me to begin trying to entice them in with the promise of hot chocolate.

Rick cleared the driveway but without 4-wheel drive, I don't know that we'll be venturing out anytime soon unless the city arrives to plow some of the snow. Truck's haven't been able to get into town to re-stock shelves, so our Wal-Mart doesn't have many of the basics. I like everyone else made my run to the grocery store to stock up with the essentials before the blizzard, but it's amazing how you begin to look at food differently after realizing you may not be making it to the store for several days. Being home more, the boys were guzzling chocolate milk, so I've had to begin rationing. I spent the first day baking and used many of our eggs so now I am also considering carefully what I should prepare. Don't get me wrong; we have PLENTY of food. It's just that you begin to examine consumption a little more closely when you don't know when you might be able to replenish.