17 years ago...

17 years ago, I met a boy. That boy didn't want to date a 16 year old, for obvious reasons. But for some reason, that boy didn't forget me. And a few years later, we were dating. First came love, then came marriage and then came life and two crazy kids. 17 years ago, we met at a Kane County Cougars game and we've never gone back together...until today. I'm thankful that June 4th changed my life and I got to marry that cute boy who wore #40, had big sideburns, and who lovingly spit seeds at that shy naive girl in the lawn seats.
A devastated boy who was reminded that we were at a baseball game and NOT a buffet. Remember when I said crazy...well, here's proof. :)

The boys even got to sit near friends from the neighborhood!

Mrs. Koehlert got to throw out the first pitch tonight! She was Matthew's kindergarten teacher and sat right by us! :)

Bryan and the boys get to sit on the same bench where I met #40. Ahh, the memories!

Look where life has taken us. We've come full circle. Back to where it all started. What a night! I think Bryan missed those baseball days tonight. I do too...but in the next 10 years, I have a feeling that baseball will remain a big part of our lives. Good thing I like baseball! :)

Shake that thing...

Ethan shook it during the Kane County Cougars game tonight, but that didn't stop him from licking his hands to clean off the popcorn half way through. Goofy kid.

Player of the Game

Matthew has been so consumed with when he'd get the game ball, that when he finally got it, his smile was permanently fixed to his face for several hours. This kid played hard...in the rain, wind and cold. He pitched a GREAT inning, with two strike outs and hit two doubles!! He also caught, which he's getting pretty good at!! Not bad for a 4 inning game in 40 degree weather! So, Matthew won the game ball...the dirtiest one so far! Congrats, Mo!!

The other sports are just sports. Baseball is love!

-Bryant Gumbel

Awww...

My three men brought me flowers for Mother's Day! I think they did well, don't you!?

Mother's Day - 2011

“A mother's love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking.”

Helen Rice

No one's heart was breaking today...today was just as it should be. We spent the day together, eating good food, soaking up the wonderful weather, and surrounded by people who love each other and thinking of the people who were far away. I love Mother's Day! I love that I can have a valid excuse to do nothing.

I loved looking at these tiny baby robins. Their momma decided to make a nest in a candle holder next to the back door of my parent's house. What a spot!

These three handsome boys got to spend a lot of time in the hot tub!

My momma and her two kids!!

My grandma and 4/6 of her kids.

My two crazy boys!!

The Little Ward Family!

My mom and I! I love you, Mom! Thanks for all you have done and continue to do. Thank you for making me the person I am! To all the moms and grandmas in our lives...THANK YOU! We appreciate all your sacrifices and love. I'm so lucky to have an amazing mother, a fabulous mother in law and loving and strong grandmothers! I hope I'm half the women they are!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Man-land...

In two days, we spent a few hours in two different Best Buys...AKA, MAN LAND. I'll be honest. I don't really care about sound systems, gaming systems...not even TVs. As long as they work, I'm happy. We were hit by lightning a few weeks ago, and it ruined our television and sound system. So, THANK YOU to our insurance company, we were able to replace them both. Bryan was in his glory to actually shop for something big, while the boys thought the store was better than a playground. Endless video games, iPads, and HUGE TVs, I must say, I had three happy boys!!

Can you tell how engrossed they were in the XBOX 360?!

Oh Mo!

Oh Matthew...

8 years old and full of emotion, energy and of course, determined to make his mark on the world, or at least on our family. I'm not sure if it's normal behavior or not, but lately, Matthew has been desperately trying to convince us that he's much more mature and responsible than we believe him to be. Unfortunately, we aren't 100% sold. Even though his behavior isn't always what we hope for, the notes that we have received in the past few days have been wonderful.

The note on the right was given to me in the middle of the night. He woke up to use the bathroom and decided to leave a note on my nightstand. (I love that note!) The note on the left was given to me after an especially difficult day. (I adore how he spelled behavior...Behave your.) Notes like this make all those tough days a whole lot better.

Pop-a-colors

Are you curious what a 'pop-a-color' might be??

How about a 'snoozie'?

These are the latest two of Ethan's mix-ups...from just TODAY!! I swear, the day he starts talking like a big boy, just might be the saddest day of my life.

So...

What exactly is a 'pop-a-color'??

It is a:

POPSICLE

What exactly is a snoozie??

It is a:

Mr. Misty SMOOTHIE

The 'Good' Camera Pictures...

I promised I would put some 'good' camera pictures on here, too! So...as promised.

The first one, however, is NOT a good camera picture, but a scan. Matthew informed me Saturday morning he wasn't going to be doing the Easter Egg hunt OR the Easter Bunny this year. I have to admit, I was devastated and understanding at the same time. Ethan and I waited in line while Matthew and Bryan window shopped. Just as we were ready to plop Ethan on the bunny's lap, Matthew appeared. Bryan convinced Matthew to let me have one last picture of the boys together. I was so thankful. Looking at this picture, I realize this is my last picture of the two of them together sitting on a bunny or Santa's lap. But, I'm just glad that grass stains and all, my two boys took one for the team and made me happy! :)

The Easter Baskets...the naughty bunny didn't get too naughty this year. I think it knew that the mother of this house was tired of cleaning it all up for months to follow.

Matthew and Ethan looked SO HANDSOME today!! If I do say so myself...

And last but not least, TOGETHER...looking handsome!

Schol Easter Egg Hunt

My parents have always had Easter egg hunts for the grand kids...ever since Matthew was old enough to walk. 5 grand kids later, they are still hosting the egg hunt. Today we had a beautiful day to stay outside and enjoy the *Spectacular Sunday.* My guys were especially excited because they know that Nonny puts $$ in her Easter eggs!! :)

Abby and her Easter Basket Eli and his Easter Basket

Old Papa and Owen

Matthew was the last one to be 'released' to start hunting for Easter eggs. Being oldest certainly has its disadvantages!!

Action shot...or is he just trying to make up time!?

Ethan wanted $$!!

Awww! A cute one of us!! :)

Nonny and the boys! It was a year for turquoise.

Checking out the eggs...

Look! It is Nancy Reagan and her bodyguard!! :)

Love birds!

Babop and the only granddaughter!

Thanks, Nonny and Babop for all of the goodies!! Your backyard is the perfect place for two little adventure seeking boys!! Thanks for the grass stains, muddy butts, sugar highs, and lots of laughs and fun! XOXOX

Grandma and her great grand boys!

What?! Another family picture?! A good one, too!!

Old Papa, Blue Nanny and the boys

YIPPEE!! Happy Easter!!!