A GOOD DAY

A slightly blurry family photo of some of us at Ring Ding, sorry for the poor quality photo but this is the only shot I had. You get the idea of the size of our family.

All in all.... A very good day.

Mitch took Tuck with him to work (the pool) and he got to play with all the kids and his brothers (Mitch and Brandon both work there) watching him while he swam all afternoon. We had Enchiladas made with Feta cheese for dinner, not bad if I do say so myself. To top it off it is Wizz's first night at work. He worries me working the graveyard shift, but I am proud of him for working. He really wants to go to ULM in the spring, and I will do whatever it takes to help him.

To end a great night I am making almond biscotti to have with coffee in the morning, while watching the deadliest catch... A practically perfect day.

GREEN AND WHITE GAME

Now I know this occurred post prom and pre-graduation but, I cannot help but share the photos. They highlight one of my more brilliant ideas... I bought the guys an air brush. With it they spent days making shirts. The paint was still drying but we had to wear them to the field for the big spring green and white game. I still have 2 guys on the field. With the recent graduations they are now officially seniors. Anyone know of some promising freshman that need a home? I am running low...
The guys have dubbed themselves CLUB ONYX. A fraternity with a very exclusive enrollment. We have a logo and t-shirts. The ideas they come up with I tell you.... I love every second of it!
Coty between plays

Brandon or B as we call him

Mitch
Tuck with his omnipresent green hair. By the way Tuck is still in Cub Scouts and loves it. He graduated and is now officially in Weblos. He has the raingutter regatta this weekend (sailing little wooden boats they made at a park near the house) and he is in the youth center on base every afternoon. He is at the Boardwalk watching the new Transformer movie with all of his brothers (10 or so). We swim every day and he loves every minute of summer. Lots of friends and activities. The youth center is having Missoula Childrens Theatre here again this summer and Tuck gets to be in the play the Pied Piper. He will find out what part July 27 and he is excited to be involved again this year.
Brandon on the field

The family;

MACK in his custom shirt

Watching intently as Brandon and Coty play football

Garret and Wizz

Mitch at the game

Club Onyx a trademarked logo from the guys

Jeff aka Black

Snapp hanging out with the guys

We are working on getting all the guys into college and employed, here is the current Crab Count (for all you Deadliest Catch junkies! This means you CC!)

The college acceptance and gainful employment update:

Jeff; ULM; O

Mitch; O/ Bossier parks and rec

Shane; ULM/O

Courtney; O/O

G-Wizz (or Cody with a d, not to be confused with Coty hence the Wizz); O/Shogun & Valero

Snapp; O/O

We are on our way!!!!

We are getting there!!! One day at a time.

NEW ADDITIONS

COTY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EXCITEMENT AS USUAL!

The house keeps growing and growing much to my amazement and delight. However many people we add, there always seems to be enough room. It makes me smile.

Not to say we don't have our "issues", or that we don't squabble amongst ourselves, but for the most part, it's peace and smiles and laughter. The house is full with Cody "G-Wizz" who wants to become a photo journalist, Shane who got into ULM, Jeff also at ULM, and many others.

Mack's boys are here every other weekend now. They add much joy and mischief to the overall antics that ensue our home. Hank is 13 and as the boy's say plays the guitar like a "beast" and Robert who is 9 and loves science just as much as Tucker does. Half the time you can't tell the two of them apart but for the hair color.

Now that summer is "on" in full force down here in the South, our weekends are filled with swimming and grilling. The guy's figured that the basketball goal was way more fun in the pool and there it sits....

COTY AND ROBERT
RIDING POOL TOYS TOGETHER

JEFF TAKING A BREAK FROM SWIMMING

HANK BEING SWEPT UNDERWATER BY BRETT COURTNEY AND SHANE

TUCKER AND ROBERT GUARDING THE GOAL FROM THE BIG GUYS

HANK PRACTICING HIS SLAM DUNK WITH BRETT SHANE JEFF COTY AND ROBERT LOOKING ON

FATHERS DAY

Its in the 100s already, still this did not deter us from our festivities for the day. We try to give thoughtful, fun and different things for holiday occasions... No tacky fathers day ties here.The other guys did their best to make up the difference. Tucker made a cinnamon roll with red devil horns on it (homemade yeast rolls of course with cream cheese frosting) and the big guys had a flash of brilliance.

The burger three pounds of meat and probably another pound of sweet onion, cheese, Worcestershire, and seasonings:

Jeff thought of a burger.. A man sized burger.... Mitch added a clip from a movie involving a huge pancake turned with a snow shovel and the image was formed. The boys executed the feast perfectly and the burger was delicious as well as man sized.

I may have added my own touch.

My touch, the cake that made the guys smile:




I think it was a fathers day that we all enjoyed. Most of the guys were here or trickled in as always..

A LONG ABSENCE

Oma and Poppa at the Bossier graduation
Mitch and Monica on the steps eating cotton candy;

The Bossier High School Graduating class;

It's 4:57....am.

I finally have a moment.

I am sitting in bed after a night of rest. I was not feeling well yesterday and was thrown into bed by Jeff and Mitch.

I really love all of my sons. They care so much, and worry so much.

They were right. I am feeling a little better after 14 hours of sleep.

I appologise for my long break from blogging, but in my defense, to say there has been quite a bit going on is an understatement.

I have had 12 of my sons and their friends graduate from high school. They all made it with no arrests or unplanned pregnancies, I consider that a huge success. We threw a graduation party with a BBQ, movies playing on a huge projector screen in the back yard (Fast Times at Ridgemont High was one) with a popcorn machine and cotton candy machine. We had birthday parties for 9 year olds and sweet 16 parties. Ring Ding for the new seniors and spring football games as well. We have had visitors from all parts of the country and some sad departures. Snapp came home..... and then left for his new adventure back in Kansas City. Oh how I love that guy.

Every weekend has been a whirlwind of big events. We have all been running hard to keep up.

We have all come to the difficult conclusion that we need to stop. We need time to think, to breathe, to rest, to take time to enjoy all of the little things. Things like talking, and listening, and just enjoying the moments. I have been informed that a 2 week moratorium has been enacted ceasing and desisting from all big events.

I agree...

Just another day in paradise.