Hard Headed but not Hard Hearted

You would think that after seven years and two kids - I might have a CLUE as to how this "parenting" job works. But I don't. Just when I think I'm doing an absolutely FANTASTIC job, I go and blow it.

This morning was chaotic - we had soccer pictures for both kids and then games for each one. We were at the soccer field for FOUR hours folks. If that's not dedication, I don't know what is.....oh, and two of those hours were spent in the rain. Because in soccer, they keep playing in the rain. Who knew? Not me!

So, we survive the rainy, soccer morning. Head to lunch (which with both kids is major T-R-O-U-B-L-E) and actually have a nice time. As soon as we get home though - the whining starts, the begging to ride the golf cart, wanting to ride bikes, can my friend down the road come over, etc hit like a tornado. And that's when I blow it - blow my lid and blow it as a good parent. I yelled at the kids and told them if I heard another word about the golf cart they were going to get it. It made Cooper cry. In two seconds my mood went from annoyed to guilty. I broke his little heart. And that absolutely breaks mine. Olivia does a great job at ignoring me when I lose my patience - I think it's because she and I have similar personalities. Cooper, he's my love bug, my sensitive one and he can't shrug my fussing off like Sissy.

He forgave me - of course he would. Cooper loves me and thinks I'm the best ever. Even after I yell and make him cry. I don't deserve that kind of love, but I'm thankful he has it in his heart to give it to me. I still feel guilty - even after I apologized and told him Mommy shouldn't yell because she's annoyed and I understand he's just a little boy and he's excited to ride on the new golf cart. My heart still hurts for what I did to my boy - especially since I know Al and I are grooming these kids into the adults they will become. One day I'm going to get this MOMMY job right - it's a hard job that's for sure.

Dance, Dance, Dance

I know it's a fake smile folks, but is that not the cutest little dancer you've ever seen? :)

Upward Soccer

The kids are playing Upward Soccer and they are having a blast! Cooper is really enjoying it, but I think my boy is going to enjoy any and all sports. :) Olivia did a really good job in her game too, and I think she's coming around. Unfortunately for my girl, she wasn't aware of how much running was involved in soccer. Ha ha!

Cooper warming up for his game.

O playing Forward - she prefers to play Forward because there's more action!

Running out the tunnel.

Cooper aka Future David Beckman? :)

GA Aquarium Trip

While we were in GA, we headed out to the GA Aquarium. OMG, it was sssooo much fun! I took tons of pictures but here's a few of my favorites. The kids loved it, I loved it, and I think Al even enjoyed it.

Spring Break

Spring Break has been so much fun!!! We haven't had any set plans for anything.....on Monday we went and saw How to Train Your Dragon. Very cute. Tuesday we went to fly kites, had ice cream at the Peach Farm, and rode bicycles. Today we took a hike at Kamila Gardens and rode bikes again. O and C can now ride their bikes with no training wheels! How awesome is that!!!! We are heading to ATL tomorrow to visit Martin and Randy. The kids miss them so much and are really looking forward to the trip. We're only staying to Saturday so we don't really have time to do much while we're down but we are hitting the GA Aquarium while we're there. I can't wait. Look for pictures to come!

Seven Years

Has it seriously been seven years since Olivia entered our lives? Wow. I can't believe it - time really does fly. I remember when she first learned to crawl; she did the funniest "army" crawl that always had us cracking up. I remember getting her one year portrait made and I had to run her down the whole time. I remember being at Target with her at 2 1/2 and a teacher tell me how her verbal skills were at a 4 year old level. At 3, she was a big sister and loved helping me with her brother. Year 4 - she started school and I cried like a baby but had a teacher that ADORED her. By the age of 5, my girl could get me in MAJOR trouble because she could memorize anything after hearing it. Last year as a 6 year old - my girl started big school and I once again, cried like a baby. It makes me sad to think that the next seven years could fly by as fast as these first seven have. I want her to stay little forever and ever.

What can I say about my newly seven year old girl? She makes me happy in ways I never knew were possible. She's so smart - asks a MILLION questions - and wants what she wants. She'll never crack a smile but has the cutest giggle EVER if she gets tickled. Her imagination is WILD and she inherited my love of reading. She is so stubborn that sometimes I wonder why I didn't name her Alma because she's just like her Great Grandma.

Her birthday fell on Easter this year and she thought that was the coolest thing. I can't imagine my life without her. Her brother loves her so much that he has serious idol fever......if Sissy can do it, so can he. Her personality is so strong, so independent that she drives me bonkers, but my heart melts when I see her sleeping. She's not your typical girl - but she's my girl - she's got her Daddy wrapped - and I hope I get to celebrate 100 more birthdays with her.

Happy Birthday Olivia Grace Griggs. Daddy and I love you so much and can't thank God enough for giving us to you.

Six coming to an end....

Olivia's birthday party was today and even though we had a small crowd, we had a blast! Thanks to everyone who came out. It's hard to believe that today is Olivia's "last day as a six year old" - and those are her exact words! :) She opted for a party at the H-ville skating rink....and she's actually gotten pretty well at skating. I think we'll be spending some Sat mornings out there thanks to those new roller skates with the light up wheels! Ha!

Gifts, gifts, and more gifts!

O and NJ

O and Coop

Two very proud and tired parents.....who never thought they'd be the lucky ones to have such an amazing little girl.