Tennis Lessons

Here's a preview of how well tennis lessons are going:

here's Emi skipping around the court

P.S. she's not kicking that poor boy, it just looks like it in the picture ;)

the coach asked the group if anyone could name a famous tennis player. Of course my child is the only one who raised her hand and unfortunately I wasn't close enough to hear what she said. She doesn't have a clue who any famous tennis players are so I bet her answer was a good one!

She suppose to be bouncing and catching her tennis ball but she's smiling and looking at me

ball to the face - her own ball that she managed to somehow throw and then hit herself in the face. sheesh!

This was only the first lesson so hopefully she will get a little better :)

60th Birthday

Last weekend we hosted a party for my mother-in-law's 60th birthday. I didn't want to do the typical "60" themed party and if you know anything about Terri you know that she loves Hershey chocolate! As long as she has coffee and chocolate she's good ;) So we decided on a chocolate themed party. 

My awesome cake-baking friend made this cake for me. If you ever need a cake she's your girl! 

cousins getting into the make-up :)

We decided to give her a memory box for her 60th birthday. We emailed all of her friends and family (we had a little help from my father-in-law who had to sneak into her computer and get her contact list) and asked them to send in memories of Terri. We got some good stuff - it was really neat to read all of the memories that people had of her. 

The Memory Box

She was totally shocked. It was funny because when she opened it and started reading the notes she said "these are from my friends!"

 I think she liked it :)

Spider Jump

This is Jack's absolute favorite thing in the whole world - I think he even like this better than Elmo! We try to take him to do this as often as we can. He has probably done this over 100 times and every time I stand there crying - like a nasty, sobbing cry not a sweet cry. It is so awesome to see him so happy :)

getting strapped in

and he's off

My Sweet Grandpa

Walter Francis Podgorski, 85, passed away August 18, 2012. Walter lived in Germantown, Tennessee for 40 years. Walter was a graduate of the College of Engineering at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He received his Master’s degree from Stephens Institute of Engineering in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was a licensed engineer. Mr. Podgorski served in theU.S. Navy in the special V12 program during World War II. Mr. Podgorski is survived by his wife of 62 years Rachel Rae Podgorski; five sons Dr. Steven (Dr. Donna Bratton) Podgorski of Littleton, Colorado, Dr. Gary (Beidy) Podgorski of Columbia, Tennessee, Kenneth (Becky) Podgorski of Knoxville, Tennessee, Wayne (Darnelle) Podgorski of Cordova, Tennessee, and Mark Alan (Angie) Podgorski or Knoxville, Tennessee; 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 21 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens at 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. A funeral mass will be on Wednesday, August 22 beginning at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church located at 8151 Poplar Avenue, Germantown, TN 38138. Walter was a loving husband, father and grandfather who always strived to guide his children and grandchildren. Online condolences and floral tributes may be made by visiting www.memphisfuneralhome.net. Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens 901.725.0100

Published in The Commercial Appeal on August 20, 2012

picture from when he was in the Navy

Grandpa as an alter boy

Proposing to my Grandmother

the happy couple

People were so sweet to send flowers, we received over 30 arrangements - there were flowers everywhere! 

My sweet Grandpa passed away last week. All of the family came to town and it was, strangely, a nice week. I love to be around family - telling old stories and looking through old pictures and just catching up with each other. It is a nice thought to think that because of Grandpa we all came together and had a great time. We will miss him.

First Grade

Emi started first grade **tears**

I can't believe she's in first grade!!

She got mad at me because I didn't get her backpack and hair bow in this picture 

so we had to do a redo ;)

After this picture session, I was ready to send her little tail off to school!!

Our Last Summer Hurrah

This past weekend was our last weekend of summer break and we decided to head off to Muscle Shoals. If you haven't noticed, we kind of like that place ;) 

lunch before swimming

 Jack is super annoyed with his hat and wouldn't look at me :)

And here is super annoyed Emi Joy having to stop swimming for 5 seconds so Mom can take a picture. Their Mom is so horrible!

Jack and his BFF Ball Popper hanging out on the hotel bed

We noticed the last time we were here (3 weeks ago) that Jack really liked grabbing the curtains. We did our best to capture it on photo but mainly you just see me carrying everything we own to the swimming pool.

Emi relaxing by the pool

Jack just prefers to watch Elmo 

my 3 sunbathers

hot tub time

walking over the bridge to get to the water slide

Jack LOVES the slide!

hanging out with mom, he peed on me right after this picture was taken, ahhh the joys of motherhood ;)

nap time - this kid can sleep anywhere!

Here's Jack all decked out for hanging by the pool. He had the best ride at the pool complete with umbrella for shade and iPad for Elmo withdrawals ;)

We had a blast - wish we were still there :) 

Busy, Busy, Busy

We've had a busy last week of summer!! We always have lots going on but it was crazier than usual - but a good crazy with lots of fun stuff :)

On saturday mornings Brian usually makes breakfast which we all enjoy because it's actual breakfast food like homemade waffles (his Big Daddy's recipe) or french toast and not just the usual cereal bar or instant oatmeal I normally throw at them ;)

Notice how he uses every dish we own, that's a different post for a different day :) 

We went to a birthday party at the sprinkler park

Emi had "meet the teacher" day.

 checking out her desk

 Emi Joy and her first grade teacher Mrs. Peckham

Later that night we went to The Madison Hotel to celebrate Meme 'Ease's 85th birthday.

 checking out the Memphis skyline

 Emi and the birthday girl

After drinks on the rooftop we headed over to Papa Pia's for dinner and I didn't take any more pictures so this is all you get ;) It was a great end to a great week!