Football Friday

Being a coaches wife is not what I thought I would be, and I am most certainly not the traditional one. When am I ever traditional? I love Friday nights, though. I love coming together with my "family" and cheering on a team of boys (and my sweetie) that have worked so hard. I love the excitement of the band (which also provides plenty of entertainment for the kids) and watching the boys play with their friends!

We get there kind of early because it would be too much trouble to come all the way home and back in about an hour. The boys eat their supper (a Happy Meal) picnic style while watching the teams warm up. The big disadvantage is that we are in the end zone with the opposing team kicking field goals. I am sure it is humorous to anyone watching us scatter.

I really feel like we have a football family. I think it is really important for all of us to support each other because until you have lived the life of a coaches wife, you have no idea. There are many jobs that can compare, but the uniqueness of coaching is wonderful. I am so grateful for the other girls. I have different relationships with all of them, but each one is vital to me. I look to them for so much, and they have been good football mentors for me. We are bonded with a glue that allows us to undertand and admire another individual.

The kids have so much fun during the game. They might play on the track with Wilson's wagon, or they might play in the grass. They all like to imitate the Dixie Bells. Pappa T always delivers the snacks (way more than they could ever finish), and we all try to bring a variety of entertainment. We cheer, we dance, and we might ban people to the concession stand if we think they are bad luck.

While I listen to the game, I think about those of my "family" that are out there, may it be playing, coaching, or cheering, and I am thankful for everything you add to my life!

Oh for Pete's sake!

I have gotten into the habit of letting Russell "read" me a story before I read the treasured pick of the night. One of our favorites is "Pigeon finds a Hot Dog". If you don't know about the Pigeon books then you need to find out! Last nite's rendition took the gold medal.

Up to this point Russell has just mimicked what I said (the key is to do funny voices for each character). Last night, Russell "read" the whole book to me, including voices, and he remembered about 85 percent of the words.

At one point in the book, the pigeon is fed up with the duckling and shouts, "Oh for Pete's sake!" Russell had gotten all of the other phrases, so I figured this would be no biggie. He reads, " Oh for Pizza Steak!" I laughed so hard! He was so proud of himself.

Just wanted to share a small moment in my funny world. Hope everyone out there is as good, in health and happiness, as I am!

Ryan and Shannon's wedding

Over Labor Day weekend, Russell and myself had the pleasure of attending one of the nicest (if not THE NICEST) wedding I have ever seen. I never had any doubts that the wedding would be perfect, but the degree of perfection was unbelieveable. In case you don't know, my wonderful older brother, Ryan, married the sweetest person, Shannon. They are the perfect couple that balances each other in the best ways.

The weekend was plum full of activities that started as soon as we arrived. We left Fort Smith about 6 am, flew to Dallas (thankfully making a short connection), and then on to Indianapolis. Russell had a great time on the flights, and he really enjoyed the Sky Mall magazine.

Grandpa Ralph was waiting for us when we arrived, and Russell was very impressed that Grandpa had even thought about a seat for him. We headed to the hotel (the Old Train Station) to check in and maybe chill before all of the festivities began. Ryan had prearranged for Russell and I to sleep in a train car. Little did I know that he meant a for-real train that was now being used for hotel rooms. Russell thought it was the coolest thing. I thought the fact that the room was named the "The Greta Garbo" room was pretty neat too. They had all kinds of plaster statues around the hotel. They were all very realistic looking.

We didn't have long before Nana and I were to meet the girls for the Bridemaid luncheon/tea party. We dolled up and headed downtown to Tea Cozy. I hadn't ever been to a real tea party, and the nice staff at Tea Cozy gave us the background information on how tea parties were started. It was such a cozy spot to have a girly luncheon. They even had hats for each of us to wear. All of the bridesmaids, moms, aunts, and sisters were able to take a little time, before the rush started, to visit and breathe.

While the girls had their time, the boys went to a resturaunt/arcade. They very graciously took Russell with them. I don't know what they expected, but from all of the stories, Russell was the game master. Ryan made sure that all of the boys pulled the tickets won so that Russell could get some really good prizes. He was able to get a motorcycle and Woopie Cushion. Yes, I said Woopie Cushion. Ryan made sure to ask parent permission before giving it to him, and Russell enjoyed blowing it up and making everyone laugh.

Friday evening we had the rehearsal and dinner. The church had a wedding Friday night that we were after, and the priest made sure to speak to the bride and groom about the importance of the ceremony the next day. Once inside, the planners were efficient and strict in their delivery of instructions. Russell made sure to shine when it was his time, and he even offered up a few laughs with his comical ways. After the rehersal we headed downtown to the dinner. The spot was ultra chic, and we had the whole upstairs to ourselves. The groomsmen and bridesmaids made the appropraite speeches, and the bride and groom gave out presents. We were treated to a sentimental slide show of both the bride and groom growing up. Russell surprised even me with his exceptional behavior. He had already made good friends with the guys at the arcade, and so he decided he would rather spend his time with them then his mom. It was a late night for Russell (who didn't get a nap that day), and so he crashed in Grandpa and Nana's room while Ryan and I went to hang out with friends at the local Irish pub.

Saturday started out with a nice breakfast in the hotel resturaunt. Russell ate the biggest stack of pancakes I have ever seen. We had to get ready early since the wedding started at 2:30. We made our way over to the "guys" room to find that one of Shannon's family friends had packed lunches for everyone including Russell. She must know kids because she had a Lunchable with everything included just for him. He felt like "one of the guys" since they were all eating to gain their strength *Before we left FSM, Russell saw me with my dress on and asked where I was going to wear it. I told him that I was wearing this dress to the wedding. He replied, "Well, you can wear that, and I will wear my tux, and we can get married." * We rode the party limo over to the church and took more pictures. The photographer was AWESOME. He really took some different style shots that turned out unbelieveable.

The wedding itself was the most beautiful, most serene, most uplifiting event I have ever attended. It was a Catholic wedding, which includes mass, and so it lasted about an hour. Of course, Russell had the ever important job of "ring security". I also had a job, reader, that I think turned out okay. It was kind of nerve wracking to know that I had to walk in front of everyone just to get to the podium. The church itself was amazing, the priest was insightful and funny (telling stories of football), and the newlyweds were beaming. Willy really helped me out by making deals with Russell about how they were supposed to behave. It also helped that Ryan bribed Russell with $10 if he did a good job. He did perfect. I didn't expect anything different since he is all about being the center of attention, but you just never know with a 4 year old!

After the wedding, the whole wedding party boarded the party limo to tour Indianapolis and take pictures. It was a really neat idea, and I really enjoyed seeing the sites. I had previously packed Russell's backpack full of toys and things to entertain himself, but what do you think he wanted to play with? THE WOOPIE CUSHION. I think he asked every person on that bus to blow it up and sit on it! The photographer took some really interesting shots all over town, and then we headed off to the reception site. It was neat because the reception was in the old Train Station. It had beautiful stained glass windows and was very spacious. They had cocktail hour from 5:30-6:30, and then we were treated to a superb meal of steak and chicken, mashed potatoes, and veggies. The wedding party walked down to Black Eyed Peas "Tonight is gonna be a good night" which totally fit the whole party. A few people stood to give toasts including a very touching toast by Shannon's dad. Then came the dancing! It was a blast. Shannon's parents had thought ahead and had babysitters in a room at the ajoining hotel (our hotel). With no nap for the second day in a row, I decided it was in everyone's best interest if Russell went to the room to play with the other kids. The party lasted until the wee hours of the morning, but I made it to about 11:00. Ryan and I called the HOGS (to show em how it was done), and he did his best beat boxing performance to date.

Sunday morning was quiet as to be expected. We were able to see the newlyweds before our flight out, and they complimented Russell on his stellar performance. To say that the weekend was perfect doesn't even begin to explain the experience. It was the most spectacular wedding I have ever had the pleasure of attending. Ryan and Shannon took a wonderful trip to the Greek Isles for 2 weeks and are now home enjoying the abundance of presents they received. I know that God will bless them with a happy union, and I am proud to say that I have a new sister!

Brotherly Love

As the boys get older, they are becoming the best of friends. Really, I promise, most of the time they really like each other. I actually caught a few good pictures of it.

Right now, we are really enjoying the art sibling rivalry. We fight over everything. It could be something as "insignificant" as the Best Buy ad in Sunday's paper. Even better is the fight over who gets which sippy cup in the morning. *Yes, I am still allowing Russell to drink out of a sippy cup. I am having a hard time stepping up to a cup without a lid*. Most of the time it is a fight over a coveted Hot Wheel, Spider Man, what TV show we will watch, or the type of fruit snacks to get at Wal Mart. There are those moments that I glance through the fog of time, and for see some roo-tootin' good fights brewing. The balance usually tips to the side of surprise--just depends on who isn't looking. Russell has good speed for his age, and he also has wisdom on his side. Wilson, on the other hand, has brute strength. I couldn't count on both hands and feet the number of times that Wilson has layed Russell flat out. I think Wilson may end up on the O-line.

Russell has really been asking a lot of questions lately. If you have been around him for more than 5 minutes I am sure you got the third degree. He has been saving the really tough questions for me, on the ride home from school/work, when my brain is so worn out I can't think of anything intelligent to say. For example, "Mommy, why do people go to Heaven." "Well, God wants them to come home with Him." "But mommy, I don't want to go to Heaven and leave you." "Don't worry, you won't for a long time." "But why not mommy, doesn't God want me to visit." "I am sure God would love for you to visit, but He really wants you to stay with me and daddy." "But He is your boss right?" "Yes, Russell, God is everyone's boss." "Who is God's boss" Anyhow, you get the idea! It is exausting, and I usually end up saying the fantastic phrase "I don't know Russell, I just don't know!"

Wilson is really growing--and I don't mean his belly any more. He has really shot up in the past few months. He is starting to loose that famous Budda belly that everyone loved so much. It makes me a little sad to think about him growing into a young man. He usually has the most even temperment (thanks to Justin), and he loves to snuggle. He is so sweet to everyone he meets, and he esp. loves babies. He likes to tickle their feet and will often try to feed them whatever is near. I was hoping his love for babies would somehow transfer to animals so that we could finally get a dog. Not so much. He is terrified of all animals to a certain extent. He likes them as long as he knows that they can't get him, come near him, lick him, sniff him, or run around him. Russell is getting pretty exasperated with the whole situation. I finally had to promise Russell that by the time he turned 8 we would get a pet.

On another note, we are coming up on the year anniversary of my mom's triple aneurism. She is doing really good. She recovered almost all of her memory, balance, strength, and health. I am just so thankful for all of the prayers during that time, and I know that she still has a purpose here! She looked so good out there dancing with Ryan at the wedding! I am so proud of her progress, and I am so thankful that my dad was able to take care of her.

Hope all of you are doing well.Happy, healthy, and having fun!

Football weather

I can't believe how quickly the weather is changing. It seems like fall always sneaks up on me, and I can't ever figure out why. I know that when we start school the air is going to get crisp, but it seems like this year things are evolving faster. Maybe it is just that I don't get to spend as much time outside. Maybe it is just that I don't want another year to pass so fast. Maybe it is just that I am so overtaken by everything going on I haven't stopped to observe the differences.

The boys are really getting into football this year. I knew that Wilson would love seeing all of the players in their uniforms, but I had no idea his dedication to the team. He will "oooh" and "aah" with us every time a good play happens. He loves when the boys "hut" the ball to each other. Everyone told me that it would happen, but my lil boy LOVES FOOTBALL. Russell still loves playing during the games, but Wilson just wants to watch the boys on the field.

Justin and I tailgated with some friends for the Arkansas/Georgia game. We had a blast! I can't say enough about the food and fun, and even though our team lost, we were able to smile. I hope the Razorbacks are able to pull out a winning season, and I really hope we are able to attend another game.

I don't have much else. I hope that everyone is enjoying the fall weather as much as we are. The mosiquitos are still out in Arkanasas, but we don't let them stop us! After all of the rain, we are just glad to be outside. I am really looking forward to fair food/games/fun and lots and lots of Rebel football.

That long?

***shy giggling***Well, I don't know what to say except, you know me, I am kinda sparatic, well, we have been busy, lots went on, I can't really explain. . . Who cares the excuse, it has been a busy year and here is a month-by-month explination of the Key's house. I will spare you a full years update by starting January.

January: Justin's cousin, Britni, married John in Tulsa. Russell was the ring-bearer. This was his first BIG production. He did such a great job. I only know about his steller performance second hand because I chased Wilson all over the church during the wedding Wilson wasn't willing to sit still for any sort of bribe. It was such a great time even if he kept me on my toes. The new couple put on a great party for everyone to enjoy. The kids definitely stole the show for a few dances at the reception.

February: Russell turned 4. His party was at Chuck E. Cheese, otherwise known as the kiddie casino in our house. It was really a great party. Grandmother and Grandaddy-o came down for the weekend, and Mi-Mi came for the special event. Russell had some of his closest friends around to play games. I think he got every kind of super hero toy out there. With Batman, Spiderman, and Ironman protecting the house we have nothing to worry about!

March: Busy with school and track. We really enjoyed a mild spring. We stayed home for Spring Break. Not a whole lot to tell.

April: Nana and Grandpa Ralph came to visit us! We had a wonderful visit, and Rusell and Wilson really enjoyed showing off any new tricks. We took them to a couple of local hotspots--like the park. I always love when my parents visit because I know that they are going to cook it up!!

Easter was really fun this year with both boys able to "search" for eggs. Russell was the only one brave enough to try out the hunt at Creekmore Park. I bet half the town showed up to try and find a prize. We dyed some fantastic eggs and just enjoyed the beautiful weather for the rest of the month.

May: As most of you know it is really hard for me to keep a secret. Somehow it got out that I was turnig 30. I don't know who told, but I will forgive you just because that is the kind of person I am! No, really, I celebrated my birthday the whole month. I figure 30 days for my 30th year, right?! The celebration started with Justin taking me to Fayetteville for dinner and dancing. I had one of my all time favs--Powerhouse. That place just gets. it. right!

During Memorial Day weekend, we all met at Rib Room for a really great time. I had a fantastic time and really appreciate everyone that came out to jam with us! It was such a diverse crowd with friends from forever to friends made recently.

The Southside track team brought home a State title. Justin had the privledge of working with some of these talented athlete, and he was so proud of them. They had a special dinner for the coaches at Shoguns and presented them with their plaques.

June: Summer, Summer, Summer! Justin surprised me with a trip to Vegas. He said it was for my birthday, but I opted to say it was for our 5 year anniversary (seeing as I just spent 30 days celebrating me). We had so much fun. It was my first time staying on the "Strip". I can gamble with the best of them, but I really enjoyed seeing all of the neat casinos. My absolute favorite is the Beatles stuff at the Mirage. They have a tribute show, therefore they have tons of Beatles stuff. I loved it! I rode the roller coaster at New York New York while Justin gambled. It was truely awsome to get to the top of the first hill and look out over the whole "Strip". Oh yeah, I also met Bob Guiney at Planet Hollywood. Going into the trip my only goal was to meet someone famous, and he was so nice. Kinda fitting as I l.o.v.e The Bachelorette/ The Bachelor! While we were in town, Allison and some friends threw a baby shower/couples party for some close friends. We had a really good time hanging out and learning Sing Star. I never knew a baby shower could get so competative.

We also took a trip to Chicago for Justin's parent's anniversary. The Archer family, Grandmother and Grandaddy-o, and the Key clan took to the streets (and cabs) for our family adventure. We had so much fun visiting local sites such as: the hands-on science museum, Navy Pier, Cheesecake Factory, Lincoln Park Zoo, ESPN Zone, Geno's East, and we managed to get in a carriage ride. It was a very busy and fun-filled vacation. I was even able to make a wedding shower for Shannon (and Ryan). It was so great to meet new friends and see a few of the one I already know.

July: Wilson turned 2. We decided against the group party and headed to the lake house for a quiet gathering. Wilson has been obsessed with motorcycles since he could make the sound so it was an easy theme to pick. Grandmother got a motorcycle themed cake, and we got him a Lil Trikes ride that looks like a Harley. Chester's sister, Marie, drove in just for the party. It was really nice of her to attend the festivites and a good time was had by all. The lake house provided a mini-vaca a couple of times this summer. It is really great for the boys because they can fish, boat ride, and get good "man activity" time while I get quiet!

I started taking inservices at the beginning of the month, and I am glad I did. I had some really great sessions at the Janet Huckabee center and a really informative sessions on Autism. The summer seemed so short, but we were still able to enjoy weekends at the pool and hot afternoons on the slip and slide.

August: I can never believe how fast the summer passes. This year was not any different. With everything else going on (back-to-school events, preseason games, and professional developments) the month was jam packed.

September: WHEW, I can breathe a big sigh of relief that you are caught up. We have had a wonderful time cheering on the Rebels so far this season. Justin and I also had the pleasure of going to a Hogs with a few other couples.

The biggest news this month is Ryan's wedding in Indianapolis. Russell was the ring "security" again. Russell shined the whole time. It was the best behaved I have ever seen him. He performed perfectly, had a blast on the bus ride around town, and entertained everyone with his funny faces and booty shaking! Ryan and Shannon looked so happy entertaining their friends and family, and I am proud to have a new sister. I wish I could get them down here for a Razorback game or good fall weather.

I have to apologize again for falling down on my blogging duties. I failed to mention that I changed schools last year. It was a wonderful move, but it has kept me busy. I was ready to challenge myself professionally. I have always said that my heart was with the forgotten, but I realized that I can still touch kids while enjoying every minute of teaching. I am now teaching Math and Science at Euper Lane. It really allows me to test my creativity with hands on learning. I am super excited to be a Euper Eagle.

I hope this finds all of you happy and healthy. I am going to try to post some new pics, but if I can't you can always send me your e-mail for monthly picture updates. Love and hugs.

I have a MD, thank you!

I know that some of you are probably what took me so long to blog. Let's just say that no one was in a hurry to get us the results. Everyone reassured me that this meant it was good news, but as the mom of the kid in question, I just want a definite answer.

I finally heard from the nurse today. She said everything is fine.. . . he just has a big head. Um, really?! I think I told you that!! I am glad that Dr. Johnson wants to err on the side of caution, but it is funny to hear the nurse say, "well he is just going to have to grown into his head". Obviously she doesn't remember Russell and his huge melon. I wondered more than once if he would topple when he started to walk.

I really believe that moms every where should be awarded our own MD's--Mother's Degree. We usually know in our gut what/if something is wrong. I just always felt like everything was going to be okay. I lifted this up for God to handle, and now I thank Him for the peace he gave me. It made the whole thing better than I thought. Thanks again for all of the prayers and positive thoughts! love and hugs