Friday, June 24, 2011

five friday favs

realizing i have such a hard time keeping a fire going
these really came in handy for some fun dinner time desserts
the boys even got spoiled by having them for a few afternoon snacks

* * * * * 

this is now one of the boys' favorite dinners
we've already had it twice!
the easiest shredded chicken nachos ever

* * * * * 

his new single
"do everything"

* * * * * 

watching the boys enjoy sparklers
out back

* * * * *

brunch with my family for
father's day & daddy's birthday
followed by
pedis & manis w/ my mama
ben came along too
so cute

Monday, June 20, 2011

skam-fam motto

lately the phrase "just make the best of it" 
has been said A LOT in our home.  
as there are always things we may not want to do 
or be a part of
or really have a choice in 
as we have experienced in the last year and a half
but
it's up to us to how we respond 
and choose to act in those situations . . . . 
and life
imagine my delight when i found this phrase on pinterest

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Saturday, June 18, 2011

a fun comparison

june 2008
j ~ last day of kindergarten

june 2011
j ~ last day of 3rd
b ~ last day of 1st

WOW
these precious treasures are growing way too fast

Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil;
cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal,
but keep your spiritual fervor,
serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:9-12

Friday, June 17, 2011

I Won't Let Go

ready for a picture dump of our
end of year festivities
* * * * * 

the "movin up" celebration
eles really does this one up fun!


each grade is sectioned off
and wear a certain color

 first graders wore yellow
 3rd graders wore their individually designed
white tees w/ red decorating
(eh . . . not my fav)
 each grade level performs a song for the rest of the school
and all the parents
the teachers were really into it as well this year
 then it's the announcement of the theme
for the upcoming year
this year was
Echo Lake All Stars
next year its
Out of this World
(my wheels are already spinning for teacher treats)


i tend to be pretty rigid about bed time
but i'm proud to say that this final week
i've relaxed a little
jacob has acquired my need for having a plan
and having a hard time with
spontaneity
so he was less than thrilled when i said
let's go for a ride, i have an idea!
i just gave them clues so 
when he figured out where we were going
he was all over it!
 because we kept the shop open a little longer
the owner threw in some extra donuts
 we had never gone
but will definitely return
it was a fun treat

 look how sleepy my little b is
he made it though . . . . barely
he sat in my lap for a little bit

on the way
i called my 
"very spur of the moment can always handle a detour" 
friend
to see if they wanted to join in on the fun


the claytor clan can always handle variations in their scheduling

the mama's and our kiddos that came

they took the picture 
"to make me happy"
in hopes of making it to the bus on the last day

it looks like jacob is mumbling 
"just do it ben"
through his teeth
and poor ben,
his mama kept him up way too late
he is *homin*
 but we did make it to the bus
 it's been our tradition 
that the boys come home to
some simple, inexpensive summer fun things
and this year a few necessities as well
goggles, summer work books, glo wands, 
beach towels, poppers,
sparklers, pool noodles, etc.
 as soon as the boys got on the bus this morning
i went to the garage and pulled out this old sheet
to have some fun with spray paint
i hung it up on my way to the bus
and by the time we walked back it had fallen
so this is what i got of it
 that's our little ben
with the bag
he may be tired of the camera
i remind him one day
he's going to appreciate it
 we now have a 
2nd grader & a 4th grader


i think about the boys every time i hear this song.
as you may know, 
it's played LOTS!



five friday favs


Jacob being recognized for Honor Roll all year

  
boy time after school


the *moving up* celebration at ELES today
i now have a 2nd grader


and a 4th grader
this is at j's ice cream party
the children decorated their shirts earlier in the week


a REALLY spur of the moment trip to 
Daylight Donuts
never been before
glad we did
i called at 8:55 during ben's shower 
to ask about their closing
ahem
9:00
the owner convinced me to come
jammered and all!
perfect way to spend the last night 
before the last day of school!
we may have a  new tradition!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Dear School,

Can you just be over already?!  I don't want to make the boys come inside, not even for dinner.  Playing kickball with friends, catching fireflies, having water shooter battles, & roasting marshmallows are simply way more enticing than getting a good nights sleep for school the next day.  Can't baths & bed times just wait!?  And while we're on the subject of sleep, Sleeping in would be nice for me as well!  
Sincerely,
Mama Skammer aka Skamamama

j.o.y

:: celebrating with friends
that are truly like family to us
she was just nine when we met
(that's how old jacob is now)
and now she's graduating
love her sweet older brothers too

:: relaxing, floating
on the rivah

:: tucking my babies in at night
and the conversations that take place

:: sleeping in

:: lunch on the back porch
delivered by a friend
enjoying the breezes

Friday, June 10, 2011

five friday favs

in a long time
(my daddy will be ashamed
but it was hilarious!)
i'm not usually a rated R movie goer
i'm glad i bended the rules this once twice

* * * * * 

my sweet boys
taking turns
"resting"
with me on the raft on the river

* * * * *



* * * * *

FURminator Large Yellow deShedding Tool with 4-Inch Edge

never thought i would need/want/like
a *furminator*
our neighbor (who is a vet)
suggested it
and wowsers
it's amazing!
i have pulled of BAGS of Roxy's fur with this thing
in minutes
which means less vacuuming!

* * * * *

SAMS's Club
yes i know sounds silly
but the past 2 times i've really gotten some deals
on stuff for the kids
not to mention a cheap lunch w/ a friend

Sunday, June 5, 2011

they all S.T.I.N.K

itchy sunburned skin
ticks
cancer
alarm clocks
homework
broken promises
SOLs


obviously some way more than others

Friday, June 3, 2011

summer lovin

iced tea
tan lines
s'mores
spur of the minute trips to gelati
drive in movies
freckle face boys
lightening bugs
fire pit nights
cook outs
home made fresh fruit smoothies
salads salads salads
days by the pool
day trips to the beach
fireworks
sleeping in
time to read
picnics
naps
ice cream truck

Five Friday Favs

gifts from my class
they each drew me a picture 
and wrote why they loved me
then parents secured them all into a book
for me to enjoy 
lots!
i've read & re-read it

* * * * * 

my new wall hanging
an old window w/ pics of us inside


now to find the perfect spot to hang it

* * * * * 

dill pickles
used to be a sweet pickle girl
granny isn't around to make them for me anymore
ben & i snack on dills together

* * * * * 


* * * * *

a free
pedi
mani
&
yoga shoes