The stresser.

That'd be me.

I'm not sure why I do it to myself, but it never fails.
I always let things get to me. Always.

Lee becoming head coach has been a somewhat stressfull experience so far.
His work doesn't really begin until the first practice, but my work has been in full force from the beginning.
I'm pretty much the communicator with all of the parents when it comes to upcoming events and important dates. Via - Lee's e-mail. [Oh, and It feels kinda weird talking to people like I am actually him] but it works... well, kinda.
I never realized how many people don't check their e-mails (or just don't give a crap) until recently.
Becca has been having the same problem with getting information for our book, and it is IR-IT-TAT-ING.

We have deadlines. Important deadlines, and trying to get that accross is almost impossible.
Makes me want to pull my hair out.
Seriously.
I have actually been losing sleep over it too. Pathetic, I know.
Like today - wide awake at 7 O'clock because I can't stop reciting the e-mails I need to send out - over, and over, and over in my head.

I am so ready for all of this paperwork, and detailed stuff to be over with, so we can just enjoy the season.
The practices and the games will be the easy part compared to this.

On a happier (football related) note: Layton was prancing around in his PJ's and new cleats the other night.
Talk about an uber-cute moment.

Mr. Tooth-less.

Just another 'sign' that these kids of mine are growing up wayyyy too fast.

We are the white celts.

Met all of the little guys (well, most of them) that will be teaming up with Layton this year for Football.
Lee is taking on head coach so we gathered today for our first official meeting - it went well.
[Ok, so except for the rude, and dis-respectful bystander that tried to pick a fight with us.] But, other than that? It went pretty smooth.

The parents seemed great, and the kids seemed excited.

I happily handed over the administration job to Becca (Man, do I love that girl) and now we begin the preperation for our up-coming BBQ to kick off the season.

All new gear, all new uniforms, all sponsered by NIKE has Lee, Layton (and myself) pretty pumped.

Really looking forward to what this season has to bring.
I know it's going to be work - but it'll be worth it.

Future photog - maybe?

It looks like a certain someone is trying to take my job or something.
Um, he better check himself.

Time for a Dog-Nap.

Because going for long walks in this summer heat with mom is exhausting for a furry thing like him.

TUBE-tastic!

Highlight of the 4th of July for these 2?

Need I say more?

Roughin' it.

The weather while camping in mid-July should be warm and beautiful.
That is unless you are camping somewhere in Oregon.
In that case - you should be sure and pack your parka.

We attempted to camp for 2 nights at Silver Creek Falls and it turned out to be about, um... 22 hours.
Now, don't think I have never camped in the rain because, well, I did grow up here afterall.
We just always had a camping trailer to sheild us from the wet.
Not this time.

The trip was actually an enjoyable one, until early morning.

I learned how to play Farkle. Fun game. Especially while drinking alcoholic beverages.

Kaylee's friend Maddy had a melt-down after being tucked in for the night. [The boys scared her earlier in the day by telling her that bears and bobcats lived there.] Um yeah, that was fun.

Benjamin and Layton decided to cover themselves in dirt from head-to-toe, litterally. Thank God they had clean showers across the way.

Taking walks with Tirzah and Becca is never boring. Whether it be looking over a bridge, talking to strangers, or telling a kid on the playground to 'knock it off'. It is always a good time (and laugh) with those two.

I shared my bed with Layton, which was fine until he decided to elbow me in the shoulder blades all night long. I must have moved him 5 times and everytime about 10 minutes later? There it was again. Digging back into my flesh.

I about froze my butt off througout the night and by morning, I had my hoodie on my head and tied so tightly around my face that just my nose could be seen.

Becca and I took a trip to the restroom at some point during the night and she had fun laughing at my cheetah print socks. [Okay, okay, so I was wearing them with flip-flops, but who really cares? We were CAMPING for crying out loud.] Oh, and I did return the lauging at her awhile later after we were both back in our tents. I guess I won't embarass her with sharing the details of why - but trust me, it was funny.

Woke up in the morning with a soaking wet pillow, and little puddles all over my tent. The biggest one just happened to have my backpack full of clothes sitting in it.

The girls left there shoes outside all night so you can guess what happened there.

We decided during breakfast while the rain fell (and after Rob checked the forecast on his iPhone) that we would pack up early. Because camping like that? SUCKS.

It felt so good to get home, un pack and shower - and let me add that it took me 10 minutes to scrub my feet clean. (I guess that's what I get for wearing my thong sandals in the mud while taking down tents.)

Obviously, I am NOT Survivor material.

Shoe obsession?

Um, I think so.

If Sydney is near me and a shoe? It is her mission to make them 'fit' me.
She will put all of her concentration into putting them on me.
It doesn't matter if they're her shoes or mine. To her - they belong on my feet.

It's our game we play and it's pretty comical.

I just LOVE this kid.

The pop & lock-er.

Layton is the most outgoing kid I know.
Unless, it has to do with performing something in front of people.

We discovered this a few months ago with his first musical program at school.
Grandpa bribed him with money, I bribed him with ice cream and it was still a struggle to get him to go on stage.
He did it, but seriously looked like he might crap himself at any second.
That memory will be embedded in my brain until the day I die.

This trait in him he gets from me - poor kid.

Last night we were at The Roses for a BBQ.
As soon as the music started, Kaylee started hassling him to dance.
[He will entertain us at home sometimes, and we always get a kick out of it.]
After much coercing, he finally caved.

I was thrilled that Lee CAUGHT THIS ON TAPE.

Obviously, the boy has rythym.
This however... he did NOT get from his mom.

The little swimmer.

Kay's first meet was on Thursday.
This is her first year on swim team so she isn't the fastest... yet.
However, she puts her heart and soul into it and that is an amazing thing to watch.
I love her determination and her desire to be great at something that she loves.
It just goes to show that she's no quitter - and that right there? Is something to be proud about.