Soccer is back, and there's a new kid playing!

Well, we're back at the soccer fields every Thursday and Saturday, but this season, we have an addition to the schedule. Noah is getting to play his first season of soccer. Like Landon did his first season, he's fortunate to have his dad as his coach. So far he seems to like it and even scored a few goals his first game. Landon is playing on the same team he played on last season, and we're happy that there are 6 returning players (out of 10) on the team. They are really learning to play together and starting to pass the ball a lot more. Each kid is finding his place on the team, and it's fun to watch. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed watching Landon's game until after Noah's game. Although Noah's games are entertaining, I have to admit I like the older kids playing. I think that's the soccer player in me coming out. :) It could also be that it was much harder having Max at the fields with us when I had to watch Lilah on my own since Jason was coaching. No matter what, I enjoy our soccer-filled Saturdays.

Noah playing in his first game (I love the smile on his face).

Landon playing keeper in the first half.

Lilah at the fields. Two games is a bit much for her right now, but popcorn always helps. :)
Landon and Noah play with brothers on each team-fun and crazy!

My newest soccer player

Finally, The Preschool Opened Their Doors.

The day after Labor Day, I found a couple of hours of freedom-Noah and Lilah both started preschool! Noah was beyond excited. He already loves it, loves being in the 'big kid' class, loves that he gets to go four days a week. The only thing he was upset about this week is not being able to stay for lunch (that starts next week). Lilah walked in like she's been going there every day for a year. No tears, no calling of "Mommy", no begging for me to stay. I did not cry that day either (which I thought I would as I cried for both boys). Lilah provided me with enough difficulty that morning that I was more than ready to go shopping for Noah's birthday presents SOLO. She seems to like it a lot and has already started naming a friend or two when I ask her. When I dropped her off this morning, she just said "bye bye" and blew me a kiss. She will go two days a week this year and stay for lunch both days. Although I didn't cry her first day, I did tear up today when I opened her backpack and saw her first school work. I can't believe she's growing so quickly.

I think I'm going to enjoy the little bit of freedom each week. I've already lined up helping with Landon's class, and I'll be able to work some with no kids around. Yippee!!!

Not sure what Noah was doing...

Noah trying to convince Lilah to smile for the picture.

Noah's "First-Day-of-School" silly face.

Our not-so-much-a-baby girl

He continues to make me proud...

Last Friday, Noah, Lilah, and I were honored to join Landon at Cooper Elementary to witness and celebrate his earning of the "Citizen of the Month" award for August. I can't tell you how proud I am of our kid. In the two years that he has been in elementary school, he's earned this award both years in the first month or two of school. Not too shabby!

Keep up the good work, LCS! I know you will because that's just who you are. You make your mom and dad shine with pride.

Side story: On the morning of the award ceremony, he called to me from the top of the stairs. He was dressed in the collared shirt that I had picked out. He is not a fan of said shirts and tried to get out of it the night before. When I asked him what was up, he responded in a sweet voice with "Mom, do you really want me to wear this? I have P.E. today, and I really don't want to mess up my nice shirt". Yeah, whatever kid. Notice, he is not wearing his collared polo shirt. Sheesh--did I screw it up by making him wear too many of them when he was a baby/toddler?!?!?

Make her stop...

Our girl has been climbing out of her crib for over a month now. She was very careful about it-slowly inching herself down until she was on safe ground. However, yesterday I decided it was time to convert her crib to a toddler bed. She has taken to the bed way too easily, and once again, she's shown us that she's not stopping for anyone or anything. With the boys, I pushed them to grow up and get out of any baby stage. With Lilah, I've tried to slow her down. That determined girl has another idea. She's growing up whether we're on board or not. Fasten those seatbelts, people, because this girl moves fast.

Celebrating Seven

On August 27th, my oldest turned 7. Wow--what does that make me? Old! I can remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. I can remember the intense look he gave to me and his father when he finally decided to enter this world. I can't believe that was seven years ago. There are so many ways that he's still like that little baby who took his time to join this family.

Like last year, Landon begged to open his presents in the morning before school. I'm a birthday sucker, so of course, he did. Then Lilah, Noah, and I joined Landon for lunch at his school. We brought his class the cupcakes that I made the day before. Landon chose to go to Mexican for his birthday dinner (big surprise), and we ended the day with the half-eaten cake. For those of you who don't know, here's the story on that. I had made the cake earlier in the day and was pretty much done frosting it when I had to go outside to open the gate for the Trugreen guy. In less than a minute, Max put those two huge front paws of his on the counter and went to town on my almost done cake (which was for Landon's party). I was able to salvage half of it, so that's what Landon used to blow out his candles the night of the party. We bought a cake for the party. ;)

Landon opening his presents in the morning Finding his new bike in Daddy's car.

It must have been a pretty serious wish (notice the half cake)...

On Sunday, Landon had a birthday party at Pirate's Cove--a miniature golf place. Everyone had a great time, and my birthday boy seemed happy as can be.

Landon with some of his boys...

Lilah doing one of her favorite things--hanging with Aunt Sally

Another group shot--but this one with silly faces.

I forgot to bring forks (bad Mommy), so the kids had to use their hands.

Here's Landon trying to clean up his messiness.A picture of the present opening madness.

This weekend we'll head to the lake for a couple of nights of camping. We'll celebrate both boys' birthdays with my family while we're there. Landon is excited his birthday isn't quite over, and Noah is excited that his is just getting started. Lucky boys, I tell ya...

10

On August 26, 2000, I slept in with my two cuddling dogs, Abby and Lindsey. I was sleeping in my old room at my parents' house, and when I sat up and stretched, I smiled. I was marrying my best friend later in the day. By day's end, I was going to be Mrs. Jason Baine Seabolt. I wasn't the least bit stressed or nervous. I can thank my mom for the lack of stress--she took that on all by herself. As far as the nervousness--why would I be nervous? I knew what I was doing, and I knew wholeheartedly it was the best decision I had ever made. I can remember a woman who was attending the 5pm mass that evening. As I was walking around with my hair all done and veil in place, she asked if I really was the bride because she had never seen a bride so calm. I told her that the only thing that mattered that night was marrying the love of my life. If that was the only thing that was accomplished, then it was a very successful day in my mind. I admit a bit of nerves struck when it was my turn to make that long walk to the alter. I wasn't prepared to be the center of attention without Jason by my side. I smiled while my sweet dad walked me to my waiting groom. My father shook his hand, and once I grabbed my love's arm, all was right again with the world. Bye, bye nerves. He's by my side now, so I can conquer the world. That day was definitely successful because for ten years now, we have been husband and wife.

In honor of our ten year anniversary, I wanted to give Jason ten reasons why I love him.

1. He puts up with me, my moodiness, my need to have things in a certain place, and my anal personality.
2. His eyes and the way they look at me and let me know he thinks I'm beautiful.
3. His ability to pull me out of a funk. He probably doesn't even realize he does this, but he does.
4. He is still my favorite person to laugh with. I can't help but smile when I think of his boisterous laugh.
5. He remembers the girl I used to be, respects that she isn't out as much as we both would like, and loves the woman I've become.
6. He is so giving--to me, to our children, to family, to friends. He's so much better at this than I am.
7. He plays with my hair. (Can I list this one twice because it really is a big deal to me...)
8. He is an amazing father to our children. He knows them as individuals and loves them accordingly.
9. He let me have another dog when he knew it probably wasn't the best decision I've ever made. On top of that, he loves the dog (although he won't admit it).
10. In the past year, he has shown me how amazingly strong he is, how much he loves me, how he will never give up on us, and how he will do anything for his family.

Jason--these have been the best 10 years of my life. Thank you for giving me you so completely. I love you with everything I am.

August 26, 2000--dancing on our wedding night.

Here we are ten years later...

A First Grader?!?!?!

He's in first grade. Someone tell me how this happened. Wasn't Landon just born a couple of months ago? Well, maybe not months, but years? I personally thought the summer went by too quickly, and I believe Landon thought the same thing. However, he's loved being back. He seems happy to be around his friends again--kids his own age. He doesn't complain about how hot it is and is already all about learning. He's happier. I guess he got bored at home. For me, I was still enjoying the lack of a schedule, the times at the pool, no homework, and sleeping in. Landon and Noah played so well together this summer, so I was okay. But...we move on, and it's back to a schedule, it's time for homework, and I set the alarm every night before I fall asleep. It's life, I suppose. I will say, I'm proud of my first grader. Always proud.

Max insisted on being in the picture.
Our not-so-good attempt at getting a picture of Landon and Lilah together.

Landon and his biggest admirer

Now that Landon is back in school, I'm ready for all of them to go. Lilah begins her first year of preschool next month--attending the same school as Noah. She'll only go twice a week while Noah goes four. Their start date cannot come soon enough. They are making me CRAZY! They don't start until the Tuesday after Labor Day, and at this point, I'm not so sure I'm going to make it. ;) I try to convince Landon to take them with him. It's a no-go so far.