Awe, football season is almost here!

Well anyone that knows me knows that I love my football.  I love it all, college, pros, my 10 ten year old!  This is the time of year that just makes me giddy.  i can't tell you why I love it so, just do.  i get butterflies at the beginning of any game.  When i am at home and my mightly Oklahoma Sooners get ready to play I walk around nervously anticipating the start.

This season is gonna be great! Peyton Manning is the QB for the Denver Broncos and I can't wait to see what he brings to Denver.  Trust me I still love my Tim Tebow though and will follow him at New York.  Let us not forget my beloved Dree Brees as well.  He finally signed a good deal and is ready to play ball.  We also acquired a new member of our family this football season, her name is Breezie.....hhhhmmm! She is our new family dog and will get to experience the yelling on Saturdays and Sundays first hand.  Lucky dog!!

I can only hope to instill half of my excitement into my daughter and my job will be done!! For our family it is a way of life.  In Oklahoma it is a staple.  Friday night lights, Saturday tailgating and Sunday Bar B Q's with all your friends over to watch NFL.

It doesn't get any better than this!! 

Our kids!

I find myself slowly figuring out that our kids do not stay little forever.  It is really hard to imagine that I have a 15 year old, 10 year old and my baby is now 5.  I wish I could keep them tiny and snuggle with them as long as I live.

I have also figured out that as they age their attitude tends to change as well.  Of course my mother warned me that I would get paid back.  I am. (insert sight here)

I love my kids and I hate to see any of them going through the growing pains of life.  The steps to finding themselves and the kind of person they want to be.  I have always told my kids to just be yourself and treat people how you want to be treated.  Easier said than done.  Peer pressure, bullies, drama, you name it and I am starting to experience it.

I would not want to go through the teenage years again.  The bullies are relentless and I still haven't figured that out.  Most of the time the "Bully" if you will, may be experiencing some of the life hiccups as well and just does not know how to cope.   It is tough for kids for sure.

They go from this:

to this.......



 

And this.......

to this......

and lastly, the baby does grow from this.......

to this.......

first day of school

We want to shelter them from everything bad and keep them smiling about everything that is good!!

God gave us these precious gifts, enjoy every minute!!



2012

As I patiently wait for the first snowfall of the year in Oklahoma, I want to reflect back on where I was in October for a second. JAMAICA!! AWE!!!


Secondly, I also remember how stinkin hot it was this summer and waiting in the heat with my little man for "Big Time Rush" to come on stage. WOW

Then before you know it, Christmas time and the weather turns cold!  Time for Christmas parties with the family.

Lastly, it is a new year and I will be turning 40 this weekend!! No problem right, a woman must remember these simple words,

Hello 2012!!

Elf on the Shelf!

I have fallen in love with our new dear friend, Charlie.  He has come to visit us from the North Pole.  He showed up Saturday.  It was kinda funny because my middle child woke me up in the middle of the night Saturday to tell me the elf was gone and he thought he was already gone for the North Pole.


Well in our family, we are huge Oklahoma Sooner fans and well we all know what happened this weekend, unless you were of course under a rock or something, even with the loss we will always be Sooner fans in this house and Charlie was no exception!

We awoke to Charlie showing his support for the Oklahoma Sooners no matter what.

This morning however he showed us who he will be rooting for in the Big Championship Game!

ROLL TIDE!!

My Flowers

I have to take a minute to brag on my flowers.  They are beautiful this year!  Plus i got a new camera to play with and it is a blast.  Pictures of flowers, kids, football, etc!!  I cannot wait to take some pics this year!!  Here is just a sample of my flowers.  With 100 degree days most of the summer, these things were babied. 

The above is my Basil! It went crazy I even trimmed it back a couple times.  It smelled delicious!

Sweet potatoe vine went crazy too!

I hope my flowers do as well next year!  I am going to try and do  some good mums this fall!  I just hope the fall weather gets here soon!

A little trip to the dentist

Well little princess took her second trip to the dentist.  This time was not just a routine cleaning, there was a crown involved. UGH!!  She never cried, she never flinched!! Perfect little patient.  The dentist even said he hoped all his patients were as good as Addison.  So one crown under our belts and two fillings to go.  I hope we are as lucky next time around on her attitude and behavior!  She did soooo good!

A little laughing gas always helps too!

Need I say anything else!

I saw this picture on the internet and had to post.  I can't tell you how many times I have heard this since my hubby and I got married.  If there is a hammer joke out there, I have heard it!

Stop!.....well you know the rest.!

Summer has begun......and football!

Well the heat of Summer has officially begun.  Today's temperature was 90. UGH!! Welcome to this hot time of year.  Football has started as well.

My middle child got to go to camp at the University of Oklahoma last week.  He had the best time ever.  His idol is Sam Bradford, ex quarterback for OU and now starting quarterback for St Louis Rams.  Seth was desperately hoping that there would be a "Sam" visit, but it did not happen.  He was fortunate enough to get coached on some skills from some of the top coaches in the nation.  VERY EXCITED.

Day one started with some basic warm ups and getting everyone split into teams.

Hence the ocean of boys!

Then the training began.  Quarterback groups, running back groups, defense, etc.  My hubby got to go up to camp with Seth as well.  I think he had just as much fun and the kids did.  My son's closest friends got to attend camp with him as well!!

These boys had the best time. I can't wait for football season to begin.....

Coach Josh Heupel give the boys some tips. 

The trip would not be complete without seeing Sam Bradfords Heisman Trophy!! 

Just look at that smile!! That was worth all of it!  Priceless

So if you do live in the area, I highly recommend the summer camp for football at the University of Oklahoma.   

BUSY!

Well we have been extremely busy at the Hammer house.  School, sports, projects, trips!! You name it, we are doing it!!


First projects, the boys room.  My boys share a room and are getting older.  14 and 9.  Had to get rid of the bunk beds and the fire truck wallpaper.  Just a flat out mess.

So I found a new project for Steve (aka husband).  He loves it when I find projects for him.  I didn't want to spend the money buying the boys new beds, cause frankly I didn't have the money....so we built these instead.

Now each boy has their bed and some "me" space underneath.  The "sister" had to get in on the pics!!  Anyway, this has worked out wonderfully.  We hung rope lights underneath the beds and put bookcase as well.  Each boy now has some personal space and the room doesn't look so cluttered.  We also got rid of a bunch of toys.  They are growing up you know.  

Next, it was birthday time for the princess.  She is now 4 years old.  Time is flying by.  We had a "Disney" Princess birthday party and the kids had a blast.  Addison also got her "Jesse Doll" that I had heard for months she wanted for her birthday.  She is a happy camper!

Well baseball season has began, we are throwing baseball practice into the mix now!! Games twice a week and practice in between.  Not to mention, after school art, after school clubs, tutoring, youth group!! CRAZINESS!!!  I do love it though and if it makes my kids happy then momma is happy!!

My little girl will be starting school next year in Pre-K and you know what that means SHOTS!!

She was not happy, but nothing alittle CHERRY BERRY frozen yogurt couldn't fix!!

That is my girl!

SNOWY DAYS!!

Well Oklahoma just saw the worst snow fall ever for the month of February.  Record snow falls and probably record number of days my kids have been out of school.  If feels like it literally shut everyone down and kicked insanity into full throttle!!  I have to say it is very pretty to look at.

I stocked up on food and have cooked like crazy.  I hope nobody gets used to all this cooking and baking.  We have had some good old fashioned fried chicken and mashed potatoes, chili,  and hamburgers.  We even cooked our hamburgers outside on the grill!!  Call us crazy, but they were delicious!

I have pretty much lived in my sweats and hoodies.  Addison has lived in her PJ's.

The first four days of the snowfall, my husband had to stay camped out at the fire station.  He reported to the station on Monday and finally got to come home on Friday.  By this point cabin fever has set in for all of us.  The temperatures have been in the single digits and finally reaching above freezing by the weekend.  We have been glued to the local news channels the last several nights because you guessed it, more snow is on its way.  With a record snowfall of 15" where I live, and temps below freezing the snow has stuck around.  Snow is on the horizon for Tuesday or Wednesday.  I am hoping that I can at least make it to work on Monday and Tuesday.  Just received a phone call from the school that class is canceled again for Monday.

Hope everyone is staying warm and safe and snug in their homes.  Please remember to look in on each other and lend a helping hand when you can.  Its times like these that we all need to help each other out and check on our elderly neighbors and friends.  Hang in there everyone Spring is just around the corner and it can ALWAYS be worse!!

Once again.........

Once again it has been awhile since I have blogged.  I am making a promise to myself to get with the program again and do the things I love.  Which is blogging about my family.

School has been really busy for the kids this year.  My oldest has joined choir and my middle child is playing football.  I love this of course.  The season is just about over, but I have really enjoyed watching him play ball.

My little princess is just along for the right, but she makes me smile in anticipation of what she will say next!

My goal for the new year will be to blog more.  I really miss reading all the blogs that I follow.  I also plan to make a little more time for myself.  I have to, to keep my sanity with three kids.  My husband also helps me out a lot.  He keeps me grounded and is my best friend.  I don't know what I would do without him.  

Football......gotta love this time of year.  The weather is great, the anticipation of BCS rankings coming out for college and the anticipation of the first snowfall.  Will we or won't we get snow on Christmas?  How many days of school will the kids miss because of the snow.  When will I start my Christmas shopping?  Holiday dinners!!!  Family!!!  I just love this time of year.  

I can't wait to watch everyones blogs on Christmas decorations and craft ideas!! Love it Love It!!!

Until next time, Hammer out!!

Its been awhile......

Well my fellow bloggers it has been awhile since I have blogged!! Summertime crept up on me and here it is the middle of June already.  School is out, vacation will now begin!  Getting ready for a birthday party this weekend.  My middle child will be turning 8.  My has it gone by fast.  He is such a boy too.  Just finished up baseball and now football will be starting soon.

I on the otherhand have been working out.  Yes folks I have started running again, doing Zumba classes, which I LOVE, and lifting weights with my hubby.  I am in the best shape I have been in, in a long time.  I have more energy too.  This is good because it helps me keep up with my three year daughter. 

I ran my first 5K this past weekend.  I can't believe I did it. 

Thats me in the pink hat.  Listening to my favorite country singer right now, Jason Aldean!!  Yummy.

Anyway I am so behind on my blogs that it will take me months to catch up with all the projects everyone has done.  I hope to have some posted myself soon. 

Have a great weekend all!

Food Revolution!

In case you missed the sneak preview of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution you really missed out.  It was so nice to finally see a show where someone was actually concerned about our children and the future generations.  It starts off he is in Huntington, West Virginia, which is the unhealthiest city in America.  The community gave him one week to go into a local elementary and check out their food menu's and change things around as long as he sticks to the Food and Drug Administrations requirements of daily servings for our children.  Not sure if you have seen the commercials, but pizza for breakfast!  I know I was quilty of growing up and snagging a leftover piece for breakfast, but this school is actually making it for breakfast. 

The one statement in the show that amazed me was this generation will not live as long as we do because of the way they eat.  Diabetes, obesity, etc these are all things that we need to think of.  I am as guilty of fixing a dinner of "convenience", there are some nights that we just do sandwhiches.  Sports are starting up and a quick bite to eat out is really easy when you are in a hurry, but we need to stop and think about the affects on our children long term when it is just a matter of convenience or I must say laziness on my part as a parent. 

Grab a bag of carrots as a snack on the way to soccer practice and a juice box.  Water, Water, Water nothing gets better than water for anybody!!!  It only take one person to make a change and I have to give a big Kudos to Jamie Oliver for trying.  If anything he is making people aware that there is a problem and chicken nuggets for dinner everynite is not the answer.  Think about the family sit downs at the dinner table and the talks that could take place.  Start with a couple nights a week sitting together, move up to four nights a week.  Have your kids cook dinner for you!!  There is so many things out there it just takes alittle effort on our part.  God was gracious enough to give us these wonderdul children, lets take care of them!!!  Set examples for them!! Help them live wonderful, filling lives!!! 

Check out his show people, Friday night on ABC!!!! I DARE YA!!

Wizard of Oz birthday party!

Over the next couple weeks I will be starting preparation on the big "Wizard of Oz" birthday party for my soon to be three year old daughter.  She thinks that Dorothy is the greatest thing ever.  She was of course Dorothy for Halloween.  So to carry that over I have decided to have a birthday party theme of "Wizard of Oz".

So princess is pretty excited.  I thought I would also have the kids dress up as their favoriteWizard of Oz character, this will be optinal of course.  She is going to be so excited she will be clicking her feet just like Dorothy.  Singing the praises to mom "theres no place like home".  

Sorry the pictures are alittle blurry, but you get the general idea.  I also am going to get a rainbow pinata'.  I am hoping the weather will be nice so we can do alot of this outside.  Last year it snowed two inches on her birthday.  In Oklahoma you never know what the weather is going to do, kinda like Kansas.  Ha notice the Kansas thing I threw in there!! LOL!

So any ideas that my fellow bloggers would like to throw my way would be greatly appreciated.  I need some food ideas.  This will be a bunch a toddlers so some good finger food ideas would be great.  I will probably do cupcakes as well.  I found some cupcake toppers with different charaters from the Wizard of Oz to top them off with.  I need some goodie bag ideas? 

I also wanted to tell you about a new fitness class that I am taking.  I was lucky enough to experience a Zumba class.  It was so much fun!!  It reminds me alot of salsa dancing.  There is alot of booty shakin let me tell ya.  My abs got a workout and after three kids I needed some help there.  If you get a chance to take a Zumba class, take it.  If you like to dance you will enjoy this!!  Have a great rest of the week!!

 

Valentines Day

I am a little late posting for Valentines Day, but just wanted to share some pictures with you all.  My daughter and I made some cupcakes together that were yummy!!

She loves to help me in the kitchen.  A far cry from my boys.  The only time they visit is with the whining of "Mom were hungry" for the 100th time.  I think they are bottomless pits.  This of course means that these ymuuy cupcakes didn't stay around for very long.

I also had to let me little princess sample the cupcakes as well!

Isn't she sweet, literally!!

I hope everyone had a great Valentines Day with your loved ones! Have a great week!

Master Bath

So about this time last year my husband and I decided to reno our master bath.  Little did we know what we were in store for.  Here is a few pics of the before and during.

We started off with a glass enclosed shower.  As you can see we totally gutted the bathroom.  We took the shower out to make it bigger to become a duel head shower.  We then built a wall to enclose the shower.

Since my husband is a firefighter, a lot of the firefighters have odd jobs on their days off.  We joke all the time that the fire department could build houses because they all do something different.  One of the fire fighters built our new cabinet for us.

We painted the walls a dark brown.  Don't ask me what the color is I couldn't tell you.  I will have to look around to see if I can find it.  We also put white crown molding up.  My  husband enclosed the shower and we tiled the whole thing.  This really tried our patience, I should say my husbands patience.  He was pretty tired of tiling after the shower.  We still had the floor to do as well.

Sorry this wasn't a great picture. More tile.............

The finished project.  

Here is the cabinet, it was hard to decide on the stain.  Who knew there was so many decisions to be made in a bathroom.

Finally..................

The finished project and I love it.

I don't have any pics taken yet of the faucets I will post more later, but you get the general idea.

Next, we are going to do some work on the outside of the house this summer.  Our house sits on a acre and a half lot.  There is only about 12 houses in our neighborhood and I just love it.  There is 8 boys and 2 girls.  So there is a lot of football games in the summertime.......oh how I long for the warm summers!!

Heather