Did you know?

That I am training for a marathon? I haven't been talking about it much lately because I think I hit a wall after running my first half marathon. My times have been slower, which is nearly impossible since I am as slow as a turtle. So I decided to start taking these "muscles" classes 3x a week, and I think there is an improvement. The classes are free and so is the babysitter, so really, even if I don't feel like going that day, how can I not?
The marathon is in December, and, if I make it out alive, that will be one more thing crossed off of my bucket list.

bellies

Sweet, round pregnant bellies everywhere I look. Keep your lovely radiant glow away from me! Do not give me that "fever" again! I love bellies and I love babies, and the adorable children that they become, but really, no more for me. I love my Jeep, there is no room for anymore babies.

Gavin's new talent

Mr. Gavin A. Mockett has just begun his first piano lessons. We have a lovely neighbor, Rebecca, who is a former band conductor, and she is giving Gavin piano lessons over the summer.

So far Gavin has learned quiet a bit, and is eager to learn more. Practice time goes without any complaint and doesn't sound too bad either!

Today was our first family pool day of the summer.


Lily is getting very brave learning how to kick and paddle and now jump into the pool. Check out her on the video:







Gavin found some of his friends from school to hang out with.
Brother and Sister having a good time.

Dean was really freaked out by the water and was much happier just checking out the girls by the side of the pool.

Brandon finally got Dean into the water (without him whining too much). But only for a little while.

Over the weekend

Over the weekend we did more than just make pizzas. There is an amazing lake/park about one mile from our house that we rarely go to. Rarely because of the killer ants and mosquitoes.


Anyway, we decided to brave the bugs and go ahead and hang at the park, checking out the turtles and geese and other lake creatures. Here are some pics:

Also, during the weekend I added a few little extras to the garden to really make sure I win that Yard-of-the-Month contest (or at least have a fighting chance). Luckily, some of the flowers have started blooming in time for judging.

There are some new hanging flowers all the way to the right, some fake flowers (from our kitchen decorations) under our address number, a new wind chime, and a star on the wall.

The flowers are looking good, and the sunflower has grown taller than the roof..still no flower though.

One more thing that happened over the weekend; Dean is teething AGaIn! Poor baby only has his K9's left then he will be done until his two year molars. Here are a few pics of him eating a popsicle and starting to feel better.

I am LaZy (today)

That's it. I am lazy today, with work that needs to be done... but I think today I will just say "pass". It is one of the days that I am thankful I don't have a job. I think I would probably call in sick.

Yard of the Month Contest

Call me lame, but I really want to win. Here's what I'm talking about:



" Picerne Military Housing and the Fort Bragg Garrison will recognize a Yard-of-the-Month in your neighborhood from June through September... Each Neighborhood Yard-of-the-Month Winner will receive a recognition letter from the Fort Bragg Garrison Commander, a Yard-of-the-Month sign to be displayed in front of the home, recognition in our monthly Picerne newsletter and gift certificates and/or prizes valued at $50! "


" There are four chances to win (one winner a month), one winner per neighborhood (10 neighborhoods on Fort Bragg), and one overall "Yard of Excellence" will be selected each month from the 10 Neighborhood Yard-of-the-Month winners. The overall winner will receive an additional gift/prize valued at $50. "



So, since I really have been working hard on my garden this year, and because I am really competitive, I have added a few "special touches" to my yard. Things like an American Flag, a "United we Stand" sign (from Gavin's room), and I rearranged a few little things.



Here is what the garden looked like today, after I heard about the contest:




The sunflower on the far left is about to hit the roof! Hopefully it flowers soon.
I added a (tiny) American flag, can you find it?

I think one of the reasons I might not win anything is because there aren't a whole lot of flowers, mainly just fruits and vegetables growing. Brandon offered to sabotage potential competitors, but I don't think that would be very fair. Anyway, wish me luck! And any ideas on improving what I've got please comment and let me know!