Go Dogs!

Frostproof beat Desoto in last night's district tournament game 13-4. We will play Avon Park Friday night in AP for the district championship game! Go Bulldogs!

Aunt Darla and me after the game. Ben was being shy.

Gator Gallop 5K Trail Run

Laci and I ran our first trail run this morning at Sun n' Lake Preserve in Sebring. It was such a fun run! I was nervous because trail running is much different than running on pavement. You have to be so careful about your foot placement. Our pace was slower than usual, but it's because we were literally running over tree roots, dodging water puddles, and crossing bridges. We even saw an alligator as we ran past a pond! Laci's mother-in-law, Martie, ran the race, too. All three of us won our age groups! We were thrilled!

Me, Martie and Laci

I love how Marlee is checking out her mommy's medal

My #1 fan

Marlee and Ben threw rocks in the creek with their dads

Marlee and Ben loved jumping in the puddles

Laci and me with our precious babies before the race

My little Bulldog

Ben always has so much fun playing at the baseball field. We had to go up for a few minutes this afternoon and Ben loves to kick off his shoes and run in the grass. Grandpa got a few neat pictures of him at Thursday night's game. He loves to swing on the hand rails and looks like a little monkey when he's doing it. Grandpa added the Class of '27 writing to the bottom picture with Photoshop. It's unbelievable to even think of that date, but I know it will be here before I know it.

Playdate with the Brantleys

Ben had a blast playing with our special company yesterday evening. I got to have some girl talk with Julie Brantley while Ben got to play with her adorable children, Jordan and Hunter. Jeremy enjoyed having some guy talk with Clay. The kids played on the swingset, rode their bikes, played baseball, and entertained each other in the play room. I made a very nutritious dinner that consisted of pizza, doritos, and puffy cheetos. The kids were in heaven! Our neighbor, Mr. Dawes, came out to chat, too. He said he had never seen so many kids in the neighborhood. He loved it!

The kids enjoying their dinner and "Peppa Pig."

Conductor Ben

Lots of fun was had this afternoon with a conductor's hat and train whistle! Love this sweet boy!

Wilburn O. Rushing

I attended the memorial service for Wilburn O. Rushing on Friday, April 13th. Mr. Rushing is the father of my Aunt Lisa's husband, Richard. He was an amazing man. I am so thankful Ben got to meet Mr. Rushing last summer. I only wish I had gotten a picture of them together.

I also got to spend some time with my Aunt Darla on the 2+ hours drive to St. Petersburg. We really wanted to be there for Lisa and Rick. I am so blessed to have such amazing Aunts in my life. Here is a picture of me with Aunt Darla and Aunt Lisa on Friday:

And here is the obituary for Mr. Rushing. My Aunt Lisa's pastor shared so many wonderful stories about Mr. Rushing during the service. My favorite was that Mr. Rushing jumped on a trampoline at 86! E-I-G-H-T-Y S-I-X ya'll! I can only hope that I live a life that full.

Rushing, Wilburn O., 97, of Seminole passed away peacefully on April 10, 2012. He was born on December 25, 1914, in Bonifay, Florida. He was predeceased by parents, Lula and Stephen, and 12 siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Ruth Katherine Rushing; son and daughter-in-law Stephen and Mia Rushing; son and daughter-in-law Richard and Alisa Rushing; daughter and son-in-law Renee Rushing and David Gaul; daughter Cherie Zellmer; daughter and son-in-law Merry and James Kates. Grandchildren -Kellie Pesola, Jonee Gaul, Trevor Gaul, Kerry Kates Pearson, Kylie Kates, Holly Rushing Rodes, Whitney Rushing McCallum, Timothy and Matthew Rushing. Great-grandchildren - Cameron and Harrison Pesola, Ayden and Asher Rodes, Conner Pearson and Rylan Gaul.He excelled in track and gymnastics sports. He was Mr. St. Petersburg in the 1930's and an undefeated semi-pro boxer (20 - 0). When World War II broke out he volunteered and served as a US Marine in the Pacific Theatre. In 1956 he was the first to graduate with honors with an associate degree from St. Petersburg Junior College's night school program and worked for Florida Power, now Progress Energy, for 42 years, rising from an Elevator Operator to Manager of Operations, Computer Services Department.He served as an officer in the St. Petersburg Garden Club, a member of the Tampa Bay Rare Fruits Council, and enjoyed creating new hybrid fruit and flowering trees. He and his wife, Katherine, traveled extensively after his retirement. He was an honest, upright, hard worker and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be greatly missed and always dearly remembered. Grave side services will be held Friday, April 13th at Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Petersburg.

Proud Wife

http://polkpreps.blogs.theledger.com/12900/faca-district-baseball-selections/

My humble husband is not telling anyone, so I thought I would let as many people as possible know. He was voted FACA District 13 Coach of the Year. My husband LOVES baseball, but by no means is coaching young men an easy job. I am so very proud of him and ecstatic that he is getting a little bit of recognition for his hard work and dedication.

Ben and I are so proud of our Daddy Coach! Love you, Jeremy!

Happy Easter!

We have had a wonderfully relaxing Easter Sunday. Ben woke up to some nice treats from the Easter Bunny. He got several books this year. We tried not to give so much candy since he got so much at Aunt Joyce's. I found a great book called J is for Jesus. It tells the story of Easter using all the letters of the alphabet. He got a Max & Ruby book and Happy Easter, Mouse! At one point, Ben said, "I think the Easter Bunny likes books!" Too funny! He also got a kite that we're going to try out after dinner. It is so hot outside!

We had an egg hunt before lunch and Grandma & Grandpa Byrd came over to watch. Grandpa took some great pictures of Ben. We're over at their house now waiting for Easter dinner. Jeremy and Ben are playing Chutes & Ladder.

I hope you all have had a great day. Enjoy the pictures!

Our pretty Easter Lilly

Bunny Cupcakes & Easter Party

Ben made Bunny Cupcakes for his friends at Aunt Joyce's. He is so much fun in the kitchen. He loves cracking eggs, stirring, and decorating. We had a hard time getting him to bed this night...he had too many M&Ms and marshmallows! You've got to snack while baking, right?

Ben had so much fun at Joyce's Easter party Friday. He got to color eggs, have yummy treats, and hunt eggs with his friends. Jeremy and I were off work for Good Friday, so we got to go with him and hang out. It was so much fun to watch him play with his friends. Enjoy these cute party pictures!

Ben's favorite color is green, so he wanted to make a green egg first!

Ben and his friends: Addison, Joshua, Cole, Bennett, Callie and Hanna

Ben with his BFF, Callie. This picture makes me smile :)

Addison, Callie, Joshua and Cole

Bennett, Hanna and Ben enjoying Easter treats