Giddy-up! Horseback Riding.

Brock meeting Hank, His favorite horse

 Our Family headed over to Fredrick, MD to go horseback riding. Brown Papa met Brother Christensen through one of his connections. He was so generous to let us come over and ride his horses and show us around his place. It was beautiful there and we had a wonderful time.

 Brock and Pierce rode a horse named Princess. She was an older horse and was so sweet.

 Brock all ready to ride. He was so excited.

 This place was incredible. He had around 15 horses. They had an amazing barn and each horse had a custom stable and gear. Brother Christensen lives on 36 acres.

 Pierce had been talking about doing this for the longest time. He had the time of his life. We were so very grateful to be able to do this.

 Jaida was not thrilled with riding on the horse, but loved petting them and being around them. She was gibbering the whole time.

 But once she was on them it was MELT-DOWN!

 The kids also enjoyed jumping on his trampoline and playing on his swing set too. It was like a paradise for them.

 The adults also got a ride. We rode on a horse named Lovey. She was a big horse and a little jumpy. Papa was pretty happy to be riding on a horse, I think it made him miss his back home.

 Picture evidence that Yes I did ride on a horse! I was so nervous. They just aren't my thing. But I did it.

Trent rode Lovey too and almost got bucked off. I guess I wasn't very good at taking pictures of him though, sorry TBird. It was a wonderful day and we had lots of fun memories.

What happens when your brother hits you with a golf club?

 Trent came home from work all pumped up to take the boys over the the driving range to hit some balls. He had just spent the morning at the US Open Golf Tournament, so he was feeling inspired. Anyways, he packed the boys and there clubs and off they went over to Laurel Golf to hit some balls. I told them to call me on there way home so I could make sure to have dinner ready when they got home.

 Well I happened to look out the window and saw them pulling up. I was kind of bugged because I had told them to call me and now dinner wasn't going to be ready. I instantly knew things weren't good by the looks on their faces as they got out of the van. Pierce had some tear-stained cheeks. Brock looked like he had been hit by a train. Trent had his serious face on. As Pierce got closer to the door I noticed a very large goose egg on his forehead and also his cheek.

These pictures really don't do it justice. But it has been a week since it happened and it still is there. Apparently from what happened, well what I understood to happen, is that Brock was struggling to hit the ball and Pierce went over to try and help him out. Brock, not realizing that Pierce was still in his box, swung his golf club like a tornado and nailed Pierce right in the face. One moment I am glad I wasn't there to witness. To Brock's credit he felt horrible and cried and prayed for Pierce for days. He made Pierce make belief "hospital beds" on our couch. Pierce was pretty much milking every second of it too. His prayers were often pleading with Jesus to please heal his brother and make him back to normal because he is his best buddy and he misses him and can't live with out him. Cute brothers. I am sure this won't be the last battle wound we have between these two!

Crabbing

 June 4th we set out on an adventure. Our goal was to go crabbing. We got to Bill Burton State Park in Trappe, MD and settled in. We had our chicken necks and line ready to go... the only problem was for this area you needed crab cages! Hahaha, so we tried for a little while and had no luck. Next time we will hopefully be more prepared.

And also by prepared I mean that maybe mom will remember to actually bring swim suits. Haha, Pierce was not digging having to swim in his tighty whiteys. He kept looking around to see if people were watching. Brock on the other hand could care less and even asked if he could just go naked. I told him that a crab might think his willy is a chicken neck. That pretty much terrified him and it took a while for him to get back in the water. I thought it was hilarious. Sometimes being a mom has some great rewards.

Orioles Game

 While our cousins were here we were lucky enough to go and join them at the Orioles Game. We got all decked out and were ready to have a good time. We got there a little early to make it for batting practice. The kids were most excited to be with cousins and show them the kids area of the ball park.

 At Camden Yards they have a pretty spectacular kids fun area. It has a playground, bouncey house, and several stations where you pitch or hit the ball. The boys absolutely love it. The best part is that it is free.

Jaida is really starting to warm up to her Papa. He is thrilled.

As you can see we didn't have any fun at all.

It was a  real treat for us to have our cousins here. We just couldn't get enough of them.

We will never forget Brock tumbling down the concrete stairs because he " was wanting to see how many stairs he could jump down"! Also that Karson got a sunflower seed stuck up his noes. Oh the joys of parenting.

We have a walker!!!!

We are so proud to announce that Jaida "Love" has officially started to walk. We celebrated by taking her out to get new shoes!

In A Funk

 Okay when reading this, please realize that I am not depressed, and my intentions are not to get a bjillion comments about how my life really isn't that bad. I write this because this really is my journal and I want to someday look back at this and have it portray my "real" Life. So just like everyone else I have those days, weeks and sometimes months that just don't seem to go well. Lately there is really nothing in particular, but it seems like my self esteem has been in the toilet.  Like I said I can't put my finger on it. I guess I just feel like a mom robot. Pick up your mess, stop hitting your brother, go to timeout, stop touching that!I know that deep down inside Mikelle is in there, but where? I have morphed into wife and mom Mikelle. Don't get me wrong, I love that I am that Mikelle.I just hope that I haven't completely lost the old Mikelle. Does that even make sense? I am not sure, the jury is still out on that one. I am sure my wackiness is driving my kids and husband absolutely bonkers, but I am glad that they do supply me with smiles and hugs when I need them.

 Jaida always has a way to make me think of the good in my life and not to take things for granted. She is really like a little ray of sunshine. It has been fun to have a little girl in our home.

 Brock has kept me on my toes since birth and is all about having a good time. He makes me laugh with his funny come backs. Like just last night he was pouting and I went and asked him what his problem was. He turned to me and said, " Mom, I am just sitting here thinking about the way I have been being treated, I am not happy. Not one of you even cheered for me when I ride my bike! I am sick of being treated this way." Really this came out of my 3 year old's mouth. This kid is a classic and a fireball. His prayers lately have been so funny. I hate to say funny, but he almost every time adds a portion that you can't help but giggle. Last night it was Jesus is cool, Jesus is awesome and Jesus kills all the wicked.

 Pierce is my peacemaker child. If you are ever down he knows and is right there to try and boost my spirits. He has always been the one to be the most in tune with peoples feelings and making sure everyone is happy.  He is a child that reminds me that I should stay busy. Why you may ask? Oh, cause he is the one that is always volunteering me to do things for him, Like make him this pillow. Or with his friends and neighbors. I often hear him say, "oh yeah, you can come over and play my mom can babysit you." He always has some type of project for me to work on.

 Now these 2 together are usually a bad mix!  Jaida and Brock definitely butt heads. She realizes though that by following him she is bound to have a good time, but usually he is not too thrilled about her following him.

I forgot to post this school picture of Pierce from way back. He is growing up too fast.
The good thing about me being down on myself is usually all it takes is for me to take the time to look for the good in my life, that which I really have so much to be grateful for. I never realized that being a mom would be so much work. I guess I feel guilty that I never appreciated my mom more. Sorry mom! Wow, this turned into one big rambling mess! hahahahaha

Visitors

 On May 28th the last of Trent's family came out to visit us. Now all of his family has come for a visit. We are lucky to have Darin, Lorrie, Trevor, Jason, Karson, and Jensyn all here for a whole week. Get ready to party.

The day that they were flying in the boys pretty much asked about every 5 minutes if they were here yet. Made for a long wait, but so worth it when it finally came. We absolutely love having visitors. We are going to try and pack in as much fun with them as possible.

Preschool Graduation

 On May 27, 2011 Pierce graduated from Christ Memorial Christian Preschool. It has been a great year for him and he has enjoyed every moment of preschool. He made lots of new friends and is SOOOOOOO ready for kindergarten.

 The serenaded the parents with about 10 songs and then had a diploma ceremony. It was more like a goodie bag full of fun things for the kids. One of the things was a necklace with a cross on it. Pierce wore it around the whole rest of the day. I said," Pierce I like your necklace!" He said," Yeah I do to. It helps me to remember Jesus died for me."

 Here is Pierce with his teacher Mrs. Laske. She was a great teacher.

 Pierce with his buddy Nathan Pisanic.

Pierce and his buddy Parker Semmont. These two were inseparable. When we were leaving Pierce started to get a little emotional and his "eyes started sweating" (that is what he said when I asked if he was alright.) He will miss going here and seeing all his friends.