This week...

1.  After nine years of living in this town Fred and I just discovered a treasure.  Are you ready for this?!?  Every Thursday at Captain D's in Paris kids eat free.  Kids eat free!  It's a game changer.  Two kids (under 12!) eat free with every paying adult.  They get a choice of chicken, fish or shrimp and one side, plus their drink.  Amazing.  Why have we not partaken of this yet?!?  I do not know.  So, if you come to visit us on a Thursday night and we aren't home you'll know where to find us.
2.  We had a yard sale at our house last weekend to raise support for our upcoming mission trip to Seattle.  He had a great turn out of people and items to sell.

Andrew thought this yard sale was the coolest thing EVER.  He shopped ALL.DAY.LONG!!  Every time he went outside he was dragging something back in my house.  (For those of you who don't know me well...I do not like clutter.)  We ended up with a 2 chairs and table, a Thomas tent (which we've had before and I sold at a yard sale), and multiple little trinkets.  It became quite the battle.  

3.  Clayton is at Lego Robotics Camp this week.  His "professor" (his words, not mine) allowed them to take a robot apart and then rebuild it.  Then they got to program it using the computer.  Today they are using a Lego Scorpion (?).  I have never heard so much excitement in a child's voice as he told me all about his class.

In the car Sunday on the way to meet up with Mawmaw and Pawpaw, I had a discussion with the boys about these camps they were going to.  I told them they might feel out of place or awkward in the beginning, but not to worry, because it would get better.  I also told them , with a lump in my throat, that I would be praying for them.  Clayton very matter of fact responded with, "Mom, you sound worried about us.  Don't worry.  We are all very social."  Fast forward to Monday afternoon...
Once he got finished with his class he called me.  When I asked him if he had made any friends he said (again, very matter of fact), "Mom, there really wasn't much time for socializing.  A kid did teach me how to play chess, though."  Good times!
4.  Jack's tball team had their final game (sniff, sniff) last week.  Jack was fired up.  We lost.  But in the end no one cared, because our coach passed out trophies.  Trophies make everything better, don't they?!?
Our coach took the entire team to Jackson for a Generals game.  He provided Jack's ticket, meal card and bounce pass AND he paid for an adult to go as well.  Jack and his team got to run out on the field and they had their team name announced.  We stayed until the end for the fireworks show and then the kids got to run the bases.  It was a magical night.
Since we live in rural West TN the little things in life excite my children....like escalators, carnivals and fireworks.  These two are amused and no, we did not set this picture up.  That really was their natural reaction.

 One is this picture was amused, one was not.  Shocker.  Although, after it was all over he did not stop talking about how neat it was.

5.  For Jack's party I was preparing water balloons.  Andrew came outside to "help" me.  I asked him repeatedly to go check on his brothers.  It was taking forever.  Finally I said, "Andrew if you'll just give me fifteen minutes by myself I can get this done a lot faster."  He said, "Oh, that's okay mom.  I've got plenty of time."  Great.

I work with our children at church on Wednesday nights.  Andrew comes with me a lot.  We always have a few things that we work on...books of the Bible, 12 disciples, fruits of the spirit, etc.  This semester I challenged them to memorize Psalm 100 with me.  About 25 kiddos memorized it.  We worked each Wednesday night.  What I didn't know was how much of it Andrew was picking up.  Janice got a video the other day.  For some reason it cut off the end, but you can get the general idea.  The hand motions that he's doing were memory cues that I taught the kiddos to help them memorize it.  I pray Andrew keeps this in his heart forever.

This week...

-It goes without saying that Clayton is a rule follower.  He went to the pool this week with some friends and then I met him there later.  Before I got there an announcement was made that PDA was not allowed at the pool.  Clayton later told me (still concerned), "Mom, I didn't know what CBD was, so I asked the life guard what it was to make sure I wasn't doing it."  Nice.  Glad we are all in line.  
-Clayton asked me last night if I would help him create his own app.  He'd like to create an app that is a site for bartering.  He loves the concept of bartering.  Unfortunately, I'm out on creating an app.  While I appreciate his vote of confidence, what he doesn't know is that I barely know how to move the icons around on my phone screen.
 -Jack is a beast.  He completed a triathlon this week with our team from Paris.  He loves all things outside and all things sports.  He is not competitive (unless it's with his brother) by nature.  I told him before the race to do his best and have fun, but there might be a chance that he could win.  Well, he worked so hard.  He came to the finish line with sheer determination written all over his face.  It chokes me up just thinking about it.  He came in 2nd place and we were thrilled for him.

-On the ball field this week while Jack was playing first base this conversation was overheard:

Kid A:  Do you think I could hit a homerun?

Jack:  Sure.  Anything is possible with God.  

-Also at the ball field this week...Jack made a great play at first base.  The mother sitting in front of me, obviously unaware that I was Jack's mother, turned to me and said, "Does anyone know how old that kid is?!?"  I answered her politely and she laughed once she saw Fred.  We took a picture of Jack's birth certificate on Fred's phone for occasions like this one.  

 -Andrew went with our friends to VBS here this week.  He was all about it Monday morning.  Tuesday morning was a little different.  Because of the theme, one of the workers came dressed in a clown costume.  Andrew was stuck to my leg from that point forward.  Fred had the opportunity to take him Friday.  The clown was back.  Andrew did not let that clown out of his sight.  As evidenced by his eyes below...

We do not like a clown, people.

-All the boys went to VBS I mentioned above.  The church challenged the children to give their missions offering to provide a year's supply of vitamins for a child in West Africa.  It cost roughly $8 to supply a year.   Each morning they would count the number of bottles they provided.  My boys were very moved by this.  Clayton got $8 of his OWN money to give and then Jack got some of his own and Andrew got some of his money.  Too sweet.  They came home everyday and told me how many bottles of medicine the group gave...after Jack told me what was for snack, of course.  

Nashville Fun with Fred

Fred and I decided to get away for the weekend.  We went to Nashville and had a blast!  We went to Whole Foods for breakfast, downtown to Antique Archaeology, a gourmet popcicle and the Tennessee State Museum. (We also threw in a hospital visit since we were downtown.) Around lunch we headed to the Nashville Farmer's Market to eat at Jamaicaway.  Delicious.  

The pictures below are of us at Antique Archaeology.  It is a store from a TV show called American Pickers.  We loved it.  We might be a little nerdy, but we're okay with it.

Later that evening we went to Puckett's Grocery in Leiper's Fork.  I highly recommend this.  It was the coolest date night Fred and I have had in a while.  The drive out to Leiper's Fork was worth it.  A word to the wise though, call ahead to reserve your spot.  We almost didn't get in.

The weather was just perfect.  The windows were opened and the band started playing just as it got dark.  Perfection.

The next morning we went to the Franklin Farmer's Market and enjoyed a homemade donut (gracious!) and a biscuit from a food truck called Biscuit Love.  Possibly the greatest breakfast I've ever had.  Once we pa-roused the farmer's market we headed to the Carter House and toured it.  The Carter House is an historic home in Franklin that was part of the Battle of Franklin during the Civil War.  It was great! We grabbed lunch/dinner at a Greek restaurant in downtown Nashville and headed home to a quiet house.
The house was quiet Sunday morning, but somehow Fred and I managed to almost be late.  Maybe it's not the kids after all.  Maybe it's us?!?
We spent Memorial Day in Memphis for lunch and then Jackson for dinner.  You know, spread the love.  Here are the boys at their kick off to summer.

 Does this not just say, "Happy Summer"?!?  I love it!

One other thing happened while we were in Nashville...
Fred and I were working out in the gym (did you see all the food we ate?!?) and I saw a commercial for Bill Walker Chevrolet.  They were offering 4 free tickets to Holiday World if you test drove a car.  Four free tickets?  I couldn't resist.  Fred could, so I dropped him off at the hotel.  I met the nicest car salesman, drove the most expensive car I've ever driven and walked out with 4 free tickets.  Yes, free tickets.  Score!
On a side note, I told both the big boys what had happened.  They were elated!  Although, Jack quickly and quietly said, "Four tickets?  Who's not going, mom?"  I assured him we would buy a ticket for the fifth member of our family and all was well with his little mind.  Priceless.

Visitors

After school got out I realized that we had a few days before life got too crazy.  I've been wanting to keep Liz's kiddos since she had baby number 3. I thought this would be the perfect time.  I met Renee in Jackson and picked up these two precious boys.  

Before we departed we ate at Snappy Tomato Pizza.  E enjoyed a piece of chocolate pizza.  I mean...he really enjoyed it.  This picture does not do it justice.  He had it in his hair, his ears, up his nose, etc.  I knew E and I would be just fine!!

 After leaving South Jackson we stopped at the train store.  I learned two things while there:
1.  Z is afraid of the dark.
2.  It is hard to get a picture of 5 boys.

Once we got home the Memphis boys hit the backyard.  Z promptly removed his shorts and then everyone began exploring the hole that Jack dug in our backyard.  Good times!

 At one point I looked out my window to see this picture.  Jack was showing E how to eat a popcicle.  Just precious.

 Once it stopped raining we went to Sonic for a treat and then to the park.  E found the only water puddle and did a face plant in it.  It was too funny.

 Walking to the car.  That's a sweet group of boys, isn't it?!?

 This was our last breakfast together.  I can't remember what we had, but everyone had a good time.  Once again evidence that getting a picture of five boys is next to impossible.

 We went to church Wednesday night and E thoroughly enjoyed some banana pudding.  Almost as much as he loved the chocolate pizza.  Same scenario...it was in his hair, his ears, up his nose, etc.  Classic.

After three fun filled days with this crew we loaded up to meet Mawmaw in Jackson again, but this time she took all five kiddos with her back to Memphis.  I headed back to Paris and cleaned this house from top to bottom and packed my bag, because Fred and I left late Thursday evening for a little fun in Nashville!

End of School

I say this every year, but I really can't believe how fast this year flew by!  The boys were both blessed with teachers who loved them, made learning fun, and challenged them academically.  Blessed.  

Clayton is here at his last day of fourth grade.  Fourth grade.  He will enter into his last year of elementary school in the fall.  I can't believe it.  He has grown so much, just over the past school year.  God continues to work in his life and it is just amazing to watch it.  

 Here's my sweet Jack on his last day as a first grader.  I can't believe he will start 2nd grade in the fall.  Only one more year at Rhea Elementary and I just can't talk about it.  How did we get here?!?
Both boys got to meet their teacher for next year before they left for the summer.  Jack got in the car after school with the biggest grin on his face.  Apparently, his teacher gives candy AND can do magic tricks.  Score two for Jack's teacher!

 We went for a doughnut breakfast before dropping off at school. It was epic.  

 Here is Clayton with the lady that let him out of the car, almost daily.  She was just precious.  Going in to school to get a picture of them with their teacher on the last day of school is long over.  Boo.

 A week of so before school got out Jack had his field day.  Is this not a quintessential picture of elementary school field day?!?  I love the excitement he is showing.  I really just love every element of this picture.  I also love that my friend captured this moment for me and sent it to me!!

 We often talk about how big Jack is.  Here he is with some of his friends.  This picture just tells it all.  Too sweet.

What a year!  Full of memories and changes!

Playing catch up

I've got to start back at Fish Fry.  Fish Fry was wet and rainy.  It rained and then it rained some more.  It was crazy.  The rain didn't really matter though, because I got a phone call from Jack's school Thursday that changed everything.  I was at his school at 10:00 a.m.  I hugged him good-by and kissed him.  He was fine.  At 11:00 a.m. the nurse called to inform me that Jack had a fever of 101.6 and I should come get him.  We went straight to the doctor's office.  Twenty minutes later his temperature was at 102.4.  He was one sick fella.  He fell asleep while there.  Diagnosis...strep throat.  He woke up the next morning and said, "I don't hurt like I did yesterday, but my throat feels badder."  Bless him.

We had planned on going to the carnival Thursday night, but we knew Jack couldn't go.  Clayton opted not to go saying, "It just wouldn't be the same without Jack there.  It just feels like something is missing."  Be still my heart.  Maybe they do love each other. 

While we missed most of the festivities of Fish Fry I got to spend a couple of days with just my Jack.  This never happens.  It was such a blessing.  Silver lining indeed.

We played several intense games of Sorry. 

And we watched the parade from the yard until we had to go in because of the rain.

Later the next week I got to sub in Jack's class.  His teacher asked me to hang some writing on the wall if I had time.  This was Jack's paper.  I held back tears as I read it. 

"I love my earth because if we didn't have earth we wouldn't have a family.  We wouldn't get to spend time with our family and I love to spend time with my family."   I don't keep much school work.  I will keep this one. 
That same week Andrew had his last story hour for the year.  I hold fond memories of story hour and all the friends God has brought our way throughout the years.  This, obviously, is our third go around.  Mrs. Donna holds a special place in our hearts. 

 

We said good by to this car this week.  It was a bittersweet moment for me.  Being a grown up is tough at times. 

 

To make up for missing the Fish Fry carnival we told the boys we would go to Incredible Pizza while we were in Memphis for my mother in laws surprise birthday party.  It was incredible. 

Speaking of incredible...the girls of Memphis spent a day together.  It.was.awesome.  We spent some time at the Memphis Farmer's Market.  Awesome.  I will be back soon.  Simply amazing. 

 

This week at the Shackelford house is the busiest week of the year.  Seriously, it trumps Christmas.  Seriously.  I've had responsibilities at the both schools this week.  Andrew can't go with me, so Aunt Janice offered to keep him for a few days (Can we say Life Saver?!?).  I had responsibilities Wednesday and Friday, but Thursday was just a free day.  It was simply wonderful.  I had lunch with my favorite fella, pictured below...

 

And I had Pad Thai with chicken and extra veggies at Jasmine (my favorite restaurant!!)...plus full disclosure...Fred and I split crab ragoon.  To die for...

 

 

Tomorrow holds making popcorn for 700 students and a cook out at Jack's school and then a spring party at Clayton's school that afternoon (of which I'm in charge).  I think I could fit a few more things in to the day though...ha!!  I wouldn't have it any other way.  I've reminded myself all week (after my melt down last week) that I only live once and I will never get these days again.  I'm trying to take in every minute.  Every.single.minute. 

 

Other things from the week:

-One day this week Jack wanted me to throw baseball with him.  We went outside, but he couldn't find his glove.  When I asked him where it was he said, "It's either inside or outside."  Well, that narrows it down. 

-While driving home from school this week I had to roll the windows down in the car.  Why?  Boys stink.  Not emotionally...literally.  They stink. 

-Speaking of stink...Fred ran 9 miles Thursday morning.  He wore an arm band to hold his cell phone.  Later that morning I mowed the yard wearing the same arm band.  It smelled so bad I could smell it over the grass and everything else outside.  I told Fred if he didn't have a gift yet for me for Mother's Day that might be an option. 

- I got the boys registered for their summer "camps" this week.  Jack is going to Grizzlies Basketball Camp and Clayton is going to Lego Robotics Camp.  The kicker...they are both the same week AND in Memphis.  BAM!  I love it when a plan comes together!! 

-Andrew has adopted the phrase, "My mom said I could...(fill in the blank).  I'd like to issue this warning...sometimes the lines of reality are a bit blurry for Andrew.  His view of the truth can be a little skewed.

-I introduced the boys to the weeds in our flower beds today.  I told them to get aquainted with the weeds.  They would be pulling them all summer as part of our family work program.  Pretty soon I will introduce them to the lawn mower. 

-Part of our flower garden is an herb garden.  One of the herbs is mint.  Clayton thought it would be a great idea to made mint chocolate chip ice cream.  I cannot think of a better use for the mint.  Good call, son!

 -Andrew really wants his own Kindle Fire.  (The big boys and I each have one.)  Mine stopped charging so Amazon sent me a replacement.  When the package came in the mail Andrew saw it and said, "They sent me MY Kindle Fire, Mom.  Fank you, Fank you, Amazon."  As he hugged my legs.  I didn't have the heart to tell him it was my replacement. 

 

This week

1.  Isn't this puppy cute?  A friend found him in the road close to our church.  Fred really wants to bring him home.  The puppy is still at our friend's house where I feel certain he will live a long and happy life. 

2.  My friend gave me this precious burlap flower.  My mom sent the gorgeous flowers.  Does my porch not just scream Spring?!?  Now, each time I pull in to my driveway I'm reminded of just how blessed I am.  Love it.

3.  My grandmother had a birthday this week. Clayton, being the responsible one, felt like he needed to prep Jack before we got to the party.  Here's the conversation from the back seat: 
Jack:  Mom, how old is Mun?
Me: 87.
Jack:  That's old. 
Clayton:  Now Jack, we are going to her party.  Whatever you do, don't tell her she's old. 
Me:  Thank you son.  Grin.

4.  Jack was changing his shirt a couple of nights ago and I noticed a huge bruise on his arm.  Huge.  I gasped when I saw it and then asked him where it came from.  He told me he ran in to a mailbox while riding his bike.  What?!?  Yes, he turned around to look at something and ran right in to it.  I have not checked on the mailbox yet, but Jack appears to be fine. 
5.  Andrew loves to sleep with the "big boys", but we can't let them sleep together on school nights.  He asks every night if the brothers have school tomorrow.  Well, he asked last night and I told him they did in fact have school tomorrow.  His reply was priceless.  "Just fink about it mom, okay.  Don't say yes or no.  Just fink about it."