#reallife

In a world where we have to grab the perfect shot for social media platforms, we take pride in being honest with our life which can sometimes turn into a daily grind. I try to approach each day fresh but sometimes past frustrations creep up - but as Nola's favorite song says "burn the ships and don't look back." I am thankful for my family, the love of my hubby, and new adventures that are to come! Here are some of adventures this week - with some pictures of Brenner!!!

It was homecoming week. Brenner didn't participate except for hat day.

Nola was convinced that she had strep after her bestie had it at her party. So we spent her birthday at the doctor's office. When the doctor came out with the long swabs, Nola immediately said "I don't want those stuck up my nose!" (flu test memories). The instead gagged her throat. All tests were negative so just a cold. Dr. Swofford suggested some medicinal ice cream for the sore throat.

So off to Steak and Shake we went. This girl chowed on a double cheeseburger, fries, and mint oreo shake. She. Ate. It. All.

Twin day for spirit week!

Recently I went to dinner with a group of ladies whose children were different ages. One has a thirty something living at home and another was proud that she recently taught her high school son to do his own laundry. Life skills, folks. We need to teach our kids life skills. Brenner already does his own laundry. On Saturday, he wanted cinnamon rolls. I helped him read through the instructions. He was fearful of the heated oven but I told him that I wasn't pulling them out. So he could either figure it out or burn the cinnamon rolls. Amazingly enough, Brenner figured it out!!!! So now I know that if I disappear he can fix at least toast, ramen, and canned cinnamon rolls lol.

We took Tickles to the vet on Saturday morning. Indeed he is a Mister.

Cute thing - got a great bill of health from the vet. Although I did hear her call him dramatic while they were doing some blood tests lol!

Nola snapped this picture!

Later we had some family shopping time. Brenner only wants to wear jeans now (no more athletic shorts) as he wants to be one of the "country kids" at school. We went jean shopping for boot cut jeans but we had him put on these white pair to remind Matt of when he wore white wranglers and went country line dancing with his high school girlfriend lol!!!! Brenner got a some jeans after several stores (he is very picky - where does he get that from?) and we also found him a new leather belt from the boot store.

Pho for lunch. It was so yummy!

Brenner and Nola came out of their rooms laughing and showed us this. Pretty sure Brenner will not be pleased some prom time when he is in high school!

Matt chilling out at Austin's 30th birthday party.

The kids enjoyed playing football on their own rather than watching the Chiefs.

Nola and Eadlin figuring out who is taller.

Brenner doing cartwheels so the others will agree to play kickball. Watch out, Gannon!

Kitty Adventures and Nola's birthday bash

What a busy week - again! Mr. Tickles brings some extra excitement to our days. Nola waited patiently all week for her birthday party. Not many pictures of Brenner. This pre-teen angst is wearing on me as a parent! A counselor friend said she sees it all the time in the middle school students she advises. She told me "just remember x10! Everything that happens at this age is x10. The highs. The lows. The reactions." Boy has that been true lately!

Nola was selected for student council by her teacher. Homecoming is this week so she needed to make a poster for spirit week.

I got home on Friday and Tickles had escaped his box and was taunting Baylee. It was kinda funny.

While exploring the yard, Tickles got into some pine sap. Nola decided he needed a bath.....

Wet kitten - not so cute!

Nola wanted to help decorate her birthday cake! It didn't last long....

...not with a kitten around!

Our sweet Nola on the day of her party. She asked me to curl her hair so that she could put it into a pony tail. I said I wanted a picture first!

Then she wanted a selfie! I guess I see the resemblance!

Candy cake extravaganza!

Nola had a whole crew over to have lunch (burgers and hot dogs). Family made it too (Grandma Val, Aunt Lynnie, Uncle Chris, Aunt Theresa, Aunt Janet, Uncle Chuck and honorary family members Danielle and Kevin). It was a nice gathering and the weather held off so the girls could scream (a lot - ugh) outside!

Nola seeing her present from mom and dad.....

...a new bike! I love Brenner's face of poo-poo! And I thought I would use my iPhone for pictures - they turned out terrible - I won't be doing that again!

Singing happy birthday!

Uncle Chuck, Aunt Janet, and Aunt Theresa won the prize for coming the longest distance!

Sunday - it rained and rained and rained but we had 4 soccer games (6 for me) to attend. I was so wet being out there 5.5 hours. Who knew I would pray for lightning so the games would be called! Brenner's team went 1-1. I only saw a bit as Nola's games were at the same time (but shorter so I could watch some of Brenner's before helping coach her team). Brenner showed a lot of growth - better field awareness, looking for passes, and executing some great assist (and some great goals as well). I really love watching him play (and was glad to see him out of the goal!).

Nola's 3v3 team. They are a little rough yet. Nola doesn't seem all that into playing although she has the skill - different intensity than Brenner at this age. We will see if she sticks with it. Funny as a parent that you need to be aware that their talent may not coincide with their interest!

Leave it to Grammy Vo to give crazy shoes for a present! We missed you, Grammy! Maybe next year!

The Grand Ditch and Mr. Tickles

I had a work trip to Arizona - moderating and presenting at a conference in Flagstaff and some field work at one of our mines sites. Matt held down the fort again :) The kids did fine but Brenner told me "Dad hates when your gone, mom!".

Scenic study area!

Took a quick stop at the grand ditch (according to my friend Danielle). I don't see how people aren't amazed at the Grand Canyon. It gets me every time.

A fun gem store/gas station/metalworks shop in Valle. Always fun to see what they have.

Some of the largest geodes that I have ever seen are on display.

Nola riding the "course" at our house. Love her imagination and determination.

Matt found a kitten down at Hermitage while he was working on the cabin. I told him to bring it home for Nola as a birthday present.

Nola seeing the kitten.....

Nola learning it was her kitten.....

Nola crying "thank you, daddy, thank you!". What did I say - Best. Dad. Ever. Nola named him Mr. Tickles. He is pretty sweet.

The big guy heading to soccer practice. He is kinda too cool for pictures these days.

Brenner seems to be adjusting to middle school ok. Great grades and some nice teacher comments.

Some of Nola's favorite things. A few made me chuckle!

We had a busy weekend with the Concordia Fall Festival, Steam Engine show, and start of M3 soccer. Matt's back is still being a little troublesome - so send some prayers his way!

Nola wanted to help me power wash the concrete - she lasted about 5 minutes but I appreciated the enthusiasm.

This photo showed up on my phone - my guess is Nola took it somewhere!

What else would you go with an old weedeater motor but turn it into a scooter. Brenner kind of has old man look in this image!

On Friday night, Nola heading to the steam engine show with her friend Morgan. She stayed in the grandparents camper and had a ball. When she came home the next morning, I asked if she needed to shower. She said no I took a shower in the shower house at the campground. Her response to how that was - "Not good, mom". Brenner had Drystan over and when Matt got up at 4:45 am Drystan still up! Brenner claims that he had just fallen asleep. We then headed to the Fall Festival - nothing like a little good before the rides!

The boys took off to ride Ring of Fire, Zero Gravity, Rock Stars - I think those were the favorites. I had a ball chatting with hometown friends. Nola didn't want to ride so she was getting perturbed at my chattiness! The boys took a cotton candy break.

Nola a little upset after getting separated from me. She ran off pouting and then freaked out that she couldn't find me. Grandma Val makes all things better!

Apparently the little sleep, food/cotton candy, and spinning of the rides, got the best of Drystan, got sick on the Rock Star ride. Game over - time to head home - but they both had a good time (and didn't get sick in the car!

Some of Nola's art work that she learned at school.

Brenner had his first M3 games on Sunday. A new player and new coach - we were excited to see them play!

Brenner was in goal again (sigh as a parent). But he did a great job!

He has quite the arm for a little guy.

Goal deflected!

Congratulating Drystan after his goal. See - they recovered nicely from the fair!

A nice shot. They lost both games, but Brenner had some nice goals and good work as keeper!