Cornelius Chronicles

Our first soccer practice was this week and the kids were filled to brimming with excitement.  Rebekah made sure she and Loyd ate a healthy breakfast and lunch so they would have enough energy to be super stars at practice.  Everyone got their gear on in plenty of time to drive over to the field.  Everyone was all giggles and smiles and wiggles and jumps as we got ready to go. Even though he isn't on a team this year, Xavier felt he needed soccer socks, shoes and a ball too.  He was so excited he could hardly sit still long enough to pull his very long socks up.  The kids decided their cleats make them run, jump, and rider their bikes at much faster and higher degrees than previously possible in their regular shoes.  Makes sense to me.    Rebekah did a great job running through the drills and listening to her coach.  I think she will do quite well in soccer.  She is enthusiastic and it won't take too much from her time to enjoy t...

Spring soccer starts this Wednesday and for two non-athletic parents we are feeling a bit overrun by sporting equipment.  This is our "sizable" collection of equipment for Bekah and Loyd.  Just imagine the insanity if Xavier was signed up too!  Please note, there is one more soccer ball in our collection, but we couldn't find it in time for this picture.  You more athletically inclined mothers, go ahead and roll your eyes and think of how little I truly know about the joys of a house overrun by sporting equipment.  I know I am overreacting, but this is still more sports stuff than has ever been in our house for my whole married life.  It's going to take some time to get use to.  ;P The kids are excited to start soccer and I'm working up my endurance for weekly practice and Saturday morning games.  Here's to hoping Loyd takes fewer rest brakes during the games and Bekah remembers she is competing against the other team, not her brother. ...

 In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday we had green eggs and ham for dinner.  This is an actual conversation Rebekah and I had regarding our entree.  Everything Bekah said was said in full seriousness, unaware of its implications. Rebekah, with not a small amount of hesitation: "What is it?" Me: "It's green eggs and ham.  Isn't that cool!" Rebekah, very serious: "I do not like green eggs and ham.  I will will not try them." Me, with a gleam in my eye: "Try them, try them.  You may like them." Rebekah, firmly: "I do not like green eggs and ham.  I will not try them." Me, pointing to different chairs at the counter: "Will you try them here or there?" Rebekah: "No, I will not try them anywhere.  I do not like green eggs and ham." I think Dr Seuss was smiling at our dinner.  :)  Rebekah eventually took a baby bite and decided to ditch the green eggs on her plate and just eat the ham and cheese.  Silly g...

Thanks for all of your great feedback!  Due to some technology limitations on my end I wasn't able to implement all of your wonderful feedback, but I think you helped me make a better video in the end.  :) Thank you! Audrey

I just made this library advocacy video for a class, and I'm in desperate need of feedback. Please watch my 2min. video and give me some feedback on how I can improve it. My target audience is for young families, especially moms. The better your feedback the better my grade!  Please leave your feedback in the "Comments" section of the blog for this post.   Thanks so much! Audrey

I don't think we could possibly have shoe-horned another thing in over the past week.  We have been very busy little bees around here.   Last Friday night Dustin bravely took two very excited little boys to the stake Fathers' and Sons' camp out.  They went to a little rocky beach on the Gulf and enjoyed a fun nights of dough boys, s'mores, running around in the dark, poking sharp sticks into the fire, playing with friends, and sleeping on rocky ground.  The boys had a terrific time and no one threw up.  I believe it was a smashing success.  However, they all looked pretty bedraggled when they got home.  Having fun in nature really makes a man tired.  ;)    Bekah and I enjoyed the girl time resulting from this masculine trip.  We ate nachos for dinner, watched The Man from Snow River , giggled and talked, slept in, and enjoyed some rare peace and quiet.  We had a fabulous time. The...

The Parents: Maeve, we have something important to tell you. Maeve:   Yes, what is it?  Why am I sitting in this funny chair? The Parents:  We think it is time you tried some cereal.  You seem to be hungry quite often and like to cry about it a lot .  We think cereal might be the answer.    Maeve:  Yes!  I've been dying to try real food!  Bring on the cereal!   Dustin give's Maeve her first spoonful of rice cereal.  *** She hates it!   Looks like Maeve likes my cooking just as much as the other kids do.  ;P  She even made cute gagging noises of disgust with each bite.  Silly baby.  :)