(EARLY) 15TH BIRTHDAY

 I'll be gone for Kaleb's 'real' birthday on Thursday so we partied tonight!

 I made his favorite "Angel Food Cake" with strawberries and whipped cream.

 But before the strawberries and whipped cream comes the traditional "Hutchins' Bite".

 Kaleb takes it to a whole new level!  Do you think it deters his sister's from eating his cake?  Not so much.

Happy Birthday Bubby!!!

LIFE IS GOOD

The other day I brought Stevie into school late.  When I called the school to let them know of her tardiness, they BEGGED for me to bring the baby in...one of the secretaries hadn't met him yet.  So I packed Brady up and brought him in.  We stood in the office for about 20 minutes while the office staff and others admired him.  I told his story (for the umpteenth time) again to those that didn't know and when I was done, one of the office ladies looks at me and says, "FINALLY...something GOOD has happened in your life."  I was sort of taken aback by her comment.  It took me a minute to process what she was trying to convey.  I think I understood why she probably said what she said, but in reality it didn't make sense because to me, my life has had SO much good in it.  Ben was a HUGE part of that 'good' that I'm speaking of.  We were so blessed for his 8 years of life in so many ways, so much so that I wouldn't even know where to begin to explain just how blessed!

LIFE.IS.GREAT!

FIELD HOCKEY SEASON OVER!

Kayla's team made it to the tournament for the first time in YEARS.  This team of all sophmores and some freshman gave all the more experienced teams a run for their money.  They lost in the first round 5-2 but were the only lower seed team to even score against a higher seed team and they played the best I've seen this year.  I expect they'll be the ones to beat in their last two years of high school.  Kayla is number 24...this picture below was of her and some teammates coming off the field after warming up.

 The night of their game was the FIRST night in a few weeks where it was actually pleasant.  The starting 11 were announced and ran to the middle of the field where they dropped their sticks in front of them.

I expected cold weather and dressed Brady extra warm.  He definitely was toasty

 The team in their huddle before taking the field.

 The girls in the goal as they prepare for a 'corner' the other team is taking.

 Kayla plays 'sweeper', it's the position right in front of the goal.  She's a force on the field and is a great leader.  The coach has dubbed her the 'quarterback' of the team.

 That's Kayla in the goal preventing the other team from scoring.

 I've been watching this sport for two years and I still have no clue about the rules, but I have really enjoyed watching it and can't wait for next year.

The girls ended their season at 6-8-2

(last year as freshman they were 2-12)

Well done Ladies!

TEAM FEED

 Tonight I hosted 18 soccer boys in our little home for dinner.

I know...CRAZY!

They were actually well behaved.

Take a look at these pictures.

Do you see a common theme?

 They all have BLOND/WHITE hair.

Every year the Gilford Boys Varsity soccer team makes it into the tournament (they are undefeated right now) and every year they dye their hair blond/golden to represent their school mascot - the "Golden Eagles".  I personally think they look hideous, but it's a long time tradition.

My favorite quote of the day?
"It smells AMAZING in here!"

(and look...they all took their wet shoes off at the door)

STEVIE'S SOCCER TOURNAMENT

LUNCH WITH JENNY

Today I made a quick jaunt down south to have lunch with Jenny and do some shopping.

I got my sister fix, and SHE got her baby fix.

(he was telling her all kinds of stories)

As a bonus, her husband had just finished his half day of work and joined us!

The food was delish but the company was WAY better!

I love you Jenny!

xo

BRADY'S MANY FACES

And I LOVE them all.

SHE BRINGS GREAT LAUGHTER

How I love her so.

BIRTHDAY LUNCH!

My mom and dad came up to visit me in honor of my birthday.  We had lunch together and played some competitive scrabble.  There may or may not have been attempted cheating by my father. (gasp!)  We both walked away with a win and loss and called it a night.  My mom brought up a beautiful quilt that she made for Brady and Dad had some serious conversations with his newest grandson.  

Thanks for the visit!  Come again soon. xoxo

ALL I WANT FOR MY BIRTHDAY...

Is HAPPY children.  

I remember as a child asking my mom what she wanted for her birthday and EVERY year she would say..."All I want is happy children".  I used to think that was LAME.  Now I get it.  Whenever MY children ask me what I want, "Happy Children" is my response.

And you know what?!?  My birthday wish comes true every year.