Life In The Ring Family

2009-02-06T10:29:00.002-05:00

Hi, my name is Michelle and I am a Face Book Addict!!! I can not believe how long it has been since I last posted. I have discovered the world of FB and I am truly addicted. It has been wonderful to catch up with friends from high school. I have rekindled friendship with people I had not been in contact with since high school 18 years ago.

I will try and update this week-end with stories and pictures from the past few weeks.

Take care,
Michelle

Are My Kids To Involved?!?!

2009-01-14T09:14:00.002-05:00

I am having a difficult week. I am tired and need a break from the mom taxi service. I am happy my kids are involved in school activities and sports but I think something may have to go. Let me give you a little run down of our activities at the moment.
Taylor:
Quarterback Practice Tuesday - Friday 6:15 A.M. - 7:30 A.M.
School- 7:45- 3:00
Baseball Practice- 3:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday
Basketball Practice- 5:30- 8:00 Monday - Friday (with the exception of game days)
When he gets home after 8:00 he still has to complete homework. He is taking 4 honors classes and a 10th grade Spanish . It seems the coaches expect alot from a freshman. First of all football season does not start until September. Is it necessary they have QB practice at 6:00 in the morning in January? Baseball and basketball I can understand. It is the middle of b-ball season and baseball starts in three weeks. Taylor would never complain about his 14 hour days, but I know he is exhausted. He had an away game last night and did no get home until 11:00. He then had to do homework and get up at 5:30 am for QB practice. This is just to much for a 15 year old!!! I have suggested (am almost at the demanding point) that he choose only 2 sports. He says he can not choose he loves them all.

Autumn:
Basketball practice and games 3 times a week.
Chorus practice Tuesday - Friday 8:00 - 8:30 am , Tuesday 3:30 - 5:00 and
Saturday 10:00- 1:00
Cheerleading Tuesday 7:00 - 8:30pm
Softball starts again in 3 weeks.

Chandler: Poor Chandler he is the baby and his activities are limited due to an already full schedule.
Basketball practice and games 3 times a week
Baseball starts in three weeks

As you can see things are hectic around here. On Saturday (my day off) we had 4 basketball games in 4 different locations, a birthday party, chorus practice, and somehow managed to even wash a load of clothes. I know I should not complain. I have 3 healthy, active kids. I am just having a bad week and feeling sorry for Taylor.

Thank you for letting me vent. I feel better now.

Michelle

Love Hate Relationship

2009-01-07T14:15:00.003-05:00

Somehow :) I have managed to gain 30 pounds since graduating from high school in 1991. I kept waiting to wake up skinny one day but it hasn't happened.

About 3 months ago I finally decided to do something about the 30 extra pounds that are making me feel miserable. Most people would choose a nice daily walk , jog or even a trip to the gym. No, not me, I decide to sign up for kickboxing/hotboxing classes. I convinced my friend Susan to go with me and she may never forgive me.

In October Susan and I started attending class 3-4 times a week. I love several things about the class. The fact that it is a group setting and Susan and I hold each other accountable for going. It is great exercise and very intense. The lights are off and the music is loud. This keeps everyone from seeing the anguish on my face and hearing my gasps for air. Last but not least when I have a bad day, I can get all my frustration out while kicking and punching the bag. And even better, everyone is cheering for me the harder I punch and kick.

There are however; a few dislikes with the class. The first would be the panic you feel when you have to use the restroom. Just knowing you have to lower your entire body to sit on the toilet can bring on a panic attack. When you are so sore you can't walk, how can you possibly sit on the toilet. LOL Secondly, the 2 "Hooter Girls" (yes they really work there) that decide to attend class about once or twice a month and ALWAYS stand directly in front of Susan and I. We decided next time they come we should offer to buy them a new pair of shorts. Then they will not have to continue wearing their 5 year old sisters shorts. If they refuse our offer, we will kindly suggest they please wear undergarments and I don't mean a bra. :)

That about sums up the love hate relationship I have with kickboxing/hotboxing. To anyone who may be looking for a new workout routine, I highly recommend you try hotboxing. I have lost about 10 pounds without altering my eating habits. Susan has lost about 20 pounds with hotboxing and counting calories. Since January 1st, I too have been calorie counting and hope to see better results in the next three months.

Take care,
Michelle

Happy Birthday To The Boy That Melts My Heart

2008-12-31T13:16:00.017-05:00

On December 28th, 1999 the third love of my life entered the world, Chandler Coleman Ring. As all moms know, I never knew until I had kids that I could love one person so much.

Chandler is such a loving and affectionate child. Even at nine years old he loves to sit on the couch nd let me hold his sweet little hand, scratch his back, and kiss all over that precious face. There are so many times that a simple look from him makes me want to squeeze his little face and kiss it all over. As you can tell from the pictures, he will sometimes resist, but in the end always gives in.

Look at those dimples. Who could resist them?!

Chandler is a very laid back child and does not get in a hurry for anything. He enjoys each day for what it is. He love to play sports, football, basketball, and baseball.

He loves to spend time at the family camp in Michigan. Whether that means playing cards, hunting, riding the four-wheeler, or just hanging out.

He loves his electronic games (Nintendo DS, Gamecube, Playstation etc...) so much that we some times have to set time limits on playing them.

Unlike his mom, who is a Coke kind of girl he loves Cream Soda in the bottle.

He is a straight A student who is always striving to do his best.

A wonderful friend.

The bond that Chandler and Autumn share is one that I thank God for everyday. As I have mentioned before they are only 15 months apart and are inseparable. They sleep in the same bed, eat every meal and snack together, play together, tell each other all their "secrets" and keep them secrets, do homework together, read books to each other, stick up for each other, and on rare occasion have nasty little fights. Hey, it's not a perfect world. LOL I am so grateful for this special bond and hope that it will always remain the same.

Chandler and Taylor are 6 years apart so their relationship although very close is different than he and Autumn. Taylor is his role model. He is always striving to be like Taylor may it be in sports or academics.

So on December 26th at 8:00 a.m. it was time to put away the Christmas decorations and get ready for a family birthday party. Having a birthday so close to Christmas is not easy. My birthday is Janury 4th so I understand how he feels. When he was born I promised myself that I would never down play his birthday just because it was so soon after Christmas. Every year on his birthday we have a big family party and celebrate later with his friends.

Happy Birthday Chandler!!! I love you more than words can ever begin to express.

Michelle

Whew.. What A Busy Week

2008-12-31T12:09:00.021-05:00

O.K. get ready for the enormous amount of pictures you are about to see. I will start with Christmas Eve.

When I got home from work this is how I found Autumn and Chandler. Snuggled up on the couch waiting for Jason and I to get home from work and take them to the movie. I am so happy that Autumn and Chandler are so close. They are only 15 months apart and are inseparable. Even at the age of 9 and 10 they still sleep in the same bed every night. I have tried to get them to sleep in their own beds but they are not interested in that. Back to the movie. All 5 of us went to see Yes Man. It was a really good movie.

After the movie it was time to get ready and go to Gucky and Paw Paw's (my parents) house for dinner and presents.

Chandler is trying to show a mean face. I would say he did a pretty good job.

We are considering getting my mom counseling for the amount of presents she buys us for Christmas. She did cut back this year. Each daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild only received about 10 or 12 presents each. Good thing she is cutting back. LOL

My sister and niece.

The only thing Jason wanted this year were Best Buy gift cards so he could buy a new T.V. Well, it just would not be fair to only have one present for him and so many for everyone else. So he received numerous Best Buy gift cards. This was his surprise as he opened about the 8th or 9th gift card.

At about midnight after being completely spoiled with presents by my parents we headed home. Once at home Autumn and Chandler started putting out cookies and milk for Santa.

When suddenly here comes a cookie thief. Porkchop STOP!!!!

Look closely and you can see the cookies in his mouth.

Ahhhh... delicious.

The next few pictures are at 1:30 a.m. when I am attempting to get a picture of the kids before they go to bed. Let me say they were wound up. I have never seen them quite so HYPER!!!

Take 1

Take 2 Yes Autumn is standing on top of the chair.

Take 3.......... I give up

Christmas morning

I bet you are thinking this picture was taken bright and early. Wrong, this was taken when they woke up at 10:15!! Taylor had been up since 8:00 waiting on them to wake up. He finally went outside and started playing basketball.

Santa overdid it a bit.

Taylor's favorite present was The North Face coat.

Autumn was beyond excited to receive her very own camcorder.

Can you tell by this face he was excited to get Club Penguin.

Once my sister and niece arrived she had to show Gucky and Granny some of the things Santa left for her, including an ice cream maker.

Once everyone ate breakfast and went home, this is where I found Jason and Chandler. They were laying in Autumn's bed watching Chandler's new Star Wars Movie.

We had a great Christmas with family and were blessed beyond measure.

O.K. it is over now. Hurry up and take down the Christmas decorations we have a special birthday to celebrate. I will post about this special birthday in a few hours.

Take Care,

Michelle

30 Day Re-Cap and Picture Overload

2008-12-22T13:43:00.016-05:00

Is it really December 22nd?!?! We just had Halloween. We have been busy as usual. I have got to get better at updating my blog. At least I am not still at the beach right Mo. LOL

We finally finished travel softball for the season. It has been nice not to have that activity.
Taylor has been on restriction since November 18th so he has had to go everywhere we go including every tournament. Can you tell by this picture how much fun he is having.

We went to Michigan for Thanksgiving. We had a good trip with the exception of Autumn getting the stomach virus on Thanksgiving morning. She and I ended up staying home all day while Jason and the boys went to his Aunts house. One of my best friends from high school was also home for the holidays so I was able to spend alot of time with her and her family. We even did our traditional Black Friday shopping at 3:00am.

Jason and the boys stayed at deer camp for 3 days. By the looks of the pictures they had fun.

Friendly poker game....

Taylor helping cook. Miracles do still happen.

Jason, Taylor, Jeremy (Jason's brother), Chandler, and Bert as the kids call him (Jason's dad)

Ahhh... aren't they sweet

Jason and Chandler in front of their deer blind. To bad they did not see any deer this year. Maybe next year.

We are now into basketball season. Taylor started out playing with the freshman but they have now moved him to J.V. also. That is keeping us very busy with him playing on two teams. Autumn and Chandler have also started their season. I am coaching Autumn's team again this year. Out of 9 girls there are 5 on the team who have never played before. That should make for an interesting year. For the first time Jason is not coaching Chandler's team. We have so much going on he thought it best to take this year off. Chandler seems to be doing well and really likes his coach.

Autumn and Chandler had their Christmas parties at school on Friday. They had alot of fun and are excited to be out of school for Christmas break.

Friday night we went to Stone Mountain with my sister and parents. We have never been to the Christmas Celebration at Stone Mountain before but it was alot of fun. Chandler had to take a picture of Jason and I with this enormous Santa Claus.

Isn't he cute with his pigtailed Santa hat?! I had to quickly sneak it on him in one of the stores. I don't think he found it very funny.

They had a tent set up for the kids to decorate Christmas cookies. Brooke my niece is in the middle. That little girl loves to put on a show. Can you tell by the pictures below?

Well, sorry it has been so long. I will try and do better updating. I hope everyone is having a great holiday season.

Michelle

Halloween Pictures

2008-11-07T12:34:00.013-05:00

Autumn and Chandler posing for pictures before trick or treating. They both decided this year they did not want to dress up. Normally I would be sad, but things have been so busy lately I did not argue with them. Autumn wore one of Taylor's friends cheerleading uniform from middle school and Chandler wore his beloved Steelers jersey.

Autumn was going to invite ONE friend to go trick or treating with us but by the time we were ready to leave she had 4. Of course they all HAD to sleepover. They had so much fun. I am always glad to have their friends at our house. We did our usual hayride for them. I think that will be the last year we do it. They never really rode in it, they were to busy running from house to house.

Taylor and his friends terrorized the neighborhood for a few hours before returning to our house to all sleepover.

Chandler had his end of season football party on Saturday.

I just love this sweet little face.

This is Taylor #3 at the Varsity game against Lowndes County. He is a freshman quarterback playing varsity with 2 senior quarterbacks. He has been doing alot of standing on the sidelines which he is not use to. Tonight they will play their final game of the season against Valdosta. USA Today had an article in yesterdays paper ranking our high school conference #1 in the nation. I thought that was very exciting to know how much football talent there is here. I am so proud of the team and their hard work.

GOOOOOOOO Bears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle

Happy Halloween and Picture Overload!!!

2008-10-31T11:34:00.021-04:00

Saturday night we attended the Fall Festival at church. Along with what seemed to be everyone else in the town. They had a ton of games set up for the kids with candy at the end of each one.

I did not get many pictures because not long after we arrived Autumn and Chandler were off to play with their friends.

Autumn and Chandler with my niece Brooke (the blondie) and her friend Courtney.

On Wednesday night we finally found two hours at home to carve pumpkins.

"Chandler I can't decide what face to carve into my pumpkin"

"Autumn just listen to your pumpkin it will tell you what kind of face it wants."

"Chandler just sit down there is no way a pumpkin can tell you what kind of face it wants"

"Well mime told me and I am getting started"

"See Autumn it is really easy"

"Chandler you can't just start drawing, you have to think about these things"

"and plan them out"

"Oh, Chandler I have an idea let's throw pumpkin seeds at Taylor, that will be funny"

(notice the pumpkin seeds on his chest)

"Chandler help me Taylor did not think my idea was very funny"

"Chandler helllllllllllp!! I just washed my hair now Taylor is putting my head inside the pumpkin"

"Autumn and Chandler stop so I can carve my pumpkin while showing off my bulging muscles"

"Mom get a close up of my biceps just in case they didn't see them"

"Ahhhh the perfect pumpkin"

Chandler's finished pumpkin.

We are still waiting on Autumn to decide what to carve on her pumpkin we will post those pictures when she is complete. LOL

Last but certainly not least. I received my Fall Swap from the Perry Family. She did such a great job at picking out something perfect for me. I love these two ceramic pumpkins. She also sent an awesome wall hanging decorated for fall that says Give Thanks. The picture that I took of that did not turn out for some reason. Thank you Perry Family I absolutely love my fall decorations!!!!

Take Care and Have A Spooooooooooootacular Night.

Michelle

Jesse Is the Bomb!!!

2008-10-21T14:36:00.002-04:00

Thank you Jesse for my new banner. She has way to much talent for one person. I think she should share at least a little bit of it with the rest of us. If you are interested in a new banner you definitely need to contact Jesse she is so creative.

We had a busy week-end but no pictures to prove it. Friday night Gucky, Jennifer ( my sister) and I decided we would participate in the neighborhood yard sale at Gucky's house. I had about one hour between the time I got home from work and the time the football game started to run through my house and come up with things for the sale. I could have stayed home from the football game to do this but of course there is no way I was missing a game. By the time I finished going through my house it looked like we had be robbed. LOL The yard sale was a success. All three of us sold 95% of the things we had put out to sale. I could not believe how many people came to the neighborhood for the sale. We had people at the house from 7:00am until noon non-stop. Chandler had a football game at 1:30 and they finally won a game 21-19!!
I can't be so happy about the high school game Friday night. They lost 21-14. It rained the entire game. By the time we got home it looked like we had been swimming with our clothes on. Taylor did find out yesterday that he will be playing with the varsity team for the remainder of the season. They will be playing Lowdnes County Friday night. They are ranked #5 in the NATION in class AAAAA. That should be an interesting game.

On Sunday the kids and I went to Homecoming at my grandparents church. Granny and Papa were so happy to have us there and we were glad to be there with them.

Last night Chandler had another football game and they won again. 2 games in a row I can hardly believe it!

I have to tell you a quick funny story about Chandler. On Monday nights we (the booster club) feed the football team dinner after their practice. Last night after we had served all of the players I made a plate of spaghetti, garlic bread, and cookies for Autumn and Chandler and sent them to sit down and eat. Once I sat down with the other parents and head coach to eat I realized OH NO..... Chandler has a game in an hour. I quickly told Chandler to stop eating the spaghetti and drinking the red
Kool-aid. (This would not be a good thing to be sick on while playing football) One of the dads said to Chandler "at least you are quaterback and don't have to worry about getting tackled or hit in the stomach". Chandler with his sweet, innocent 8 year old voice looked up at the head coach of the high school varsity team and said " he has never seen my offensive line" . In other words he gets tackled ALOT!!! That kid keeps me laughing each and every day.

Have a great night.

Take Care,
Michelle

Only A Loving Aunt Would Do This!!

2008-10-16T21:26:00.004-04:00

Let me start by telling you a little about my younger sister Jennifer. First of all she is a "neat freak". Secondly, when she eats the food on her plate can not touch or she will not eat it. The simple thought of mayonnaise makes her sick. She would never dare actually touch it. So..... on to the story. After the big family Birthday Party and everyone had gone home Taylor discovered his retainer (that he had wrapped in a napkin and placed on the counter) was missing. Of course my reaction as a mom was have fun, there sure was alot of trash. His Aunt on the other hand decided she would help. OK now I feel guilty. I guess I will help too. I will take pictures LOL. In the dark they very carefully searched each and every dag of trash. Bag one... look at the reaction on my sisters face. I was waiting to get the picture of her throwing up which I thought was coming any minute. Notice Taylor's gloves AKA Ziploc bags.

Three bags complete and no one has gotten sick. And there is even mayonnaise in those bags.

Aunt says " Taylor this is the last bag I don't think we are going to find it". Taylor says "I will finish looking in that bag". Low and behold in the VERY BOTTOM of the last bag is the prized napkin. I felt sorry for my sister. She is such an awesome Aunt she will do anything for her niece and nephews. Even if it means digging in the trash.

My kids are so blessed to have her.

Take Care,

Michelle

Thank Heaven For Moms

2008-10-15T14:25:00.002-04:00

The kids were out of school from last Thursday until today for Fall Break. We had many exciting things planned along with a little rest and relaxation. Those plans were quickly changed when the dreaded stomach virus hit our family.

Thankfully Gucky (my mom) came to the rescue as usual. She kept Chandler at her house for 4 days to keep him away from our germ infested house. On Monday and Tuesday when I had the virus she once again took over for me. She took care of the kids, cleaned my house, did the laundry and kept up the supply of soup, Sprite, jello, and Popsicles. Why is it that no matter how old you are when you're sick you still need your mom. I am so thankful to live close to my family. Hopefully the virus is over and we can look forward to the week-end.

This weekend Gucky and Paw Paw took Chandler to the corn maze and he loved it. So much so that he asked them to take him everyday. He has now been everyday for 4 days!! I am hoping to take he and Autumn this weekend and take some pictures to share with you.

Take Care,
Michelle

The Final September Birthday Party!

2008-10-07T21:50:00.008-04:00

On Sunday we finally celebrated the last of the September Birthdays. It takes alot of food to feed our family. My sister Jennifer and I worked together to make sure we cooked all of the Birthday people their favorites. In the picture below is my mom (Gucky), long time family friends Rick and Lisa, and my wonderful Grandparents Granny and Papa.

It may have taken us all day to cook for everyone but by the look of the empty plates everyone enjoyed it. Not a very good picture below but, my dad is at the head of the table in the green shirt my sister is standing and another long time family friend Arlene is in the pink shirt. Notice the paper plates. I love my family but I did not intend to wash dishes all day.

For some reason in our family store bought birthday cakes will not do. Everyone makes a request for their favorite Birthday cake made by Granny. Notice the three cakes pineapple, chocolate, and chocolate chip.

We had to sing Happy Birthday with each and every cake.
Happy Birthday Brooke and Gucky!

Gucky goes a little over board on Birthday presents.

Before:

After:

I don't think I have mentioned that Taylor has not had a cell phone since July when he in jumped into the pool with his in his pocket. Since he only had that phone for 3-4 months I refused to purchase him another one for $300. Apparently this is reason to alert the media for a 15 year old to not have a cell phone. Keep in mind I have still been paying the monthly bill for this phone since the contract does not expire until December. Gucky and PawPaw (my parents) decided they would get Taylor a new phone as well as put him on their plan for his birthday. I love grandparents. That was a gift for me just as much as Taylor. No more monthly bill for him YES!!! Taylor is so excited to have a phone again. He must have cramps in his fingers from texting non stop!!!

Well, the September birthday parties are officially over.

Tomorrow I will be telling you what makes an Awesome Aunt.

Take Care,
Michelle

Please say a prayer for my blogging friend Lindsay. Her mom is having some trying times and needs our prayer. http://www.lindsayandjohn.blogspot.com ( I can not figure out how to link without typing in the web site)

I'm Back Grab A Drink It's Gonna Be Loooong

2008-09-27T23:58:00.021-04:00

I can not believe it has been a month since my last post. Once I finish this post you will
have a little insight on why it has been so long. Things have been nonstop here for 6 weeks.
Let me start with what I call the Birthday Month. Happy Birthday to the following people in my family:

1st- Uncle Lawrence 30 Again
8th- Niece Brooke 5 Years Old
9th- Autumn 10 Years Old
11th- Hubby Jason 37
14th-Niece Rylee 8 Years Old
15th - Taylor Golden Birthday 15 on the 15th
18th- Father-In-Law Stuart 30 Again
19th- My Mom (Gucky as my kids call her) Another 30 Again we have alot of those this year!!

We started the Birthday Month with a Dress Up Party at Sweet and Sassy for my niece Brooke
(my sisters daughter).Everyone had their hair and nails done and then pictures made.

Next it was Autumn's turn. She chose to have a Slumber Party. Apparently the day I agreed to this I was not in my right mind. We had 19 yes you read it correctly 19 girls 17 of which spent the night and 3 of those who NEVER went to sleep. Let me just say that by 5:30 a.m. I had promised that I would NEVER do this again. We started the night with a scavenger hunt. Each team was given a list of 15 items which they had to try and collect from our neighbors. Next was the pinata.

After the pinata came time for painting t-shirts. I do not recommend this unless you enjoy your furniture and hardwood floors going from their original condition to the new and improved
tie-dye look.

The night would not be complete without a midnight swim and cake.

I did not remember to take a group picture until the girls had gone swimming and put their P.J.'s on. So, it is not their best look.

Autumn's party complete. Now on to the next one.

Taylor turned 15 this year so he just had a "few" friends over for a cook-out. Even though
there were three times the number of kids as Autumn's party is was 10 times easier. I could not get everyone in one location at the same time for a picture. This one is the best I could do. Sorry to those of you that were not in the picture I did my best.

Between all of the parties we have still had football games, softball tournaments, and homework, homework, homework. I should be really smart by the end of this year.

By the look of Autumn's hair in this picture she has had enough homework!!!

Homework is always more fun when your best friend is doing it with you.

Taylor is playing quarterback for his high school team #11.

Chandler is also playing quarterback for his team. For those of you that know him don't ask me how that happened. He is the tallest and biggest kid on the team yet he is playing quarterback. I am not a football expert but I think he may need to play another position. Especially since his team is 0-3.

Taylor went to Homecoming last week. He had a great time. I remember the days of high school homecoming. We use to have so much fun. Watching Taylor and all of his friends brought back so many memories from high school.

Last but not least I should inform everyone that I now have a personal Chauffeur. His name is Taylor Ring. Yes, Taylor received his learners licences last week and has been chauffeuring me around since . I can not believe I have not taken a picture of him driving. Maybe because when he is driving I am holding on for dear life. I understand why they call it a learners license.

As you can see things have been very busy around the Ring Household. I am going to try and do better at updating.

Tomorrow we have one last birthday party. We have one large party for the entire family for all of the September birthdays. I need to get to bed so I can get up early and start cooking. I will update you tomorrow night on the FINAL party.

Take Care,

Michelle

2008-08-18T12:00:00.003-04:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Lindsay http://www.lindsayandjohn.blogspot.com/ for this most prestigeous award. I am so undeserving but will accept it with great pleaseure. :)

Okay so here is how this thing works: First I have to answer a little questionnaire thingy. Then I have to choose 7 bloggers who I feel are BRILLIANT (see list below) and I give them the award. They will post their own answers to the questionnaire on their own blog and they will choose 7 more recipients. And so it goes!

Here is the questionnaire:

A. Attached or single? Attached to my husband Jason for 14 years

B. Best friend? My friend from high school Tammy (McCullough) Bianco

C. Cake or pie? Cake... Italian Cream

D. Day of choice? Saturday... ahhh sleeping late

E. Essential items? Clinique chocolate chip lip liner

F. Favorite color? Red

G. Gummy bears or worms? Bears

H. Hometown? Born in Macon, Georgia raised in Memphis, TN and Gwinn, Michigan

I. Indulgence? Massages and Pedicures

J. January or July? July

L. Life isn’t complete without? My three awesome kids

M. Marriage date? November 26, 1994

N. Number of brothers & sisters? One younger sister Jennifer

O. Oranges or apples? Oranges

P. Phobias? Can't really think of any

Q. Quotes? Whether you think you can or think you can't you are right

R. Reasons to smile? Looking at the scale and it flashing a lower number than it did the last time you were on it.

S. Season of choice? Fall... not in Georgia but Michigan

T. Tag seven peeps! (see below)

U. Unknown fact about me? I love reality T.V.

V. Vegetable? I love vegetables it is hard to choose I would have to say zucchini or squash

W. Worst habits? Coke... especially in the can

X. X-ray or ultrasound? Ultrasound

Y. Your favorite food? Italian or Japanese

Z. Zodiac sign? Capricorn

Take Care

Michelle

We Will Miss You Grandma Helen

2008-08-09T02:24:00.003-04:00

We have received some sad news. Jason's grandmother passed away. She was not doing well for the past 5-6 days. She decided it was time to go and receive her heavenly crown. I can only imagine how she must have felt to stand before the Lord and hear those words well done my good and faithful servant well done. She was a wonderful person who will be dearly missed by her many friends and family.

Jason and I will be leaving tomorrow (I guess it is actually today since it is already 2:45 am) and traveling to Michigan for her funeral. Please pray for her family during this difficult time. She leaves behind three sons and one daughter. I will try and update once we arrive in Michigan.
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/513946.html?nav=5007

Take Care,
Michelle

To Many Milestones In One Day For This Chic!!!

2008-08-06T11:27:00.013-04:00

How many milestones should one mom have to endure in one day. Let me just say that three is to many for me. As you all know Taylor started high school on Monday and that was not easy. Chandler my baby moved from the primary school to the elementary school which I was actually excited about since he will be with Autumn. Just in case those milestones were not enough to send me over the edge Autumn decided she HAD to shave her legs before the first day of school. She has been begging me for a year to shave and I finally gave in. I of course had to document this event with many pictures.

The process begins...........

I convinced her shaving cream is a must even though her friends said they only use soap. Hey mom knows best don't argue.

Ahhhhhhhhh smooth as silk.

Book bags are packed, lunches are ready, legs are shaved it's time for the first day of school. They were less than excited about me having to take their picture at 7:30am.

Chandler is so sweet opening the door car door for Autumn.

Everyone had a great first day Taylor loved high school, Autumn really liked her teacher and Chandler said this is the best teacher he has ever had.

Take Care

Michelle

Still No Pictures!!

2008-08-01T09:14:00.002-04:00

Another busy day with no pictures. I need to break this bad habit immediately!!!
Today was a sad day for me. I went with Taylor to high school orientation. Is it possible that he will start high school in three days? I feel like I just dropped him off for kindergarten and now he is a freshman. I was really happy for him to see he is excited about high school but also sad to realize that he has grown up so fast. He has chosen to continue in the honors program and will have some very challenging classes this year but I know he will do just fine. Imagine my surprise when I saw Aerobic/Dance on his class schedule?! He quickly informed me that it is a weightlifting class for the football players. I just hope I get good pictures at the end of course recital. :) We were told last night that his class will be the largest freshman class to ever attend the school. They will have 32 homeroom classes with approximately 25-30 students in each for a total of around 800 freshman. That should make for a loooooong graduation ceremony in 4 years.

Autumn and Chandler also had their teacher meet and greet last night. They both received the teachers they wanted and are excited about that. I can not believe the summer is over and school will start on Monday. It was such a short summer.

Autumn had her first practice last night for the Stingerz (travel softball team) . Jason said it went o.k. but they have alot of work to do. I wasn't able to help him with practice last night because I was with Taylor. Our first tournament is August 9th so I guess we have alot to do in the next week.

After all the school visits and practices last night we did get to go with a group of friends to the new Mexican Restaurant. It was nice to visit with everyone after a busy couple of weeks.

We are planning to get some school shopping done this weekend and everything ready for the first day of school on Monday.

Have a great weekend.

Michelle

Busy Week-end But No Pictures

2008-07-28T13:59:00.002-04:00

We had a very busy week-end but have no pictures to prove it.

My friend Terri and I were chosen (delegated) to represent our Little League Board of Directors in Belvedere Friday night for the major league State Championship game. This ball park was not in the best part of town so we were a little reluctant to go alone but we did and lived to tell about it. As one of the parents said "it is never a good sign when on your first night you see a guy running down the street carrying a cash register". Despite where we had to travel it was a great game and Warner Robins won the State Championship again and will be traveling to Florida to play in the Southeast Regional tournament starting Saturday. They of course have hopes of making it to the World Series again this year.

On Saturday we had try-outs for the girls travel softball team that Autumn will be playing on and Jason and I will be coaching this fall. We had a good turn out but will definitely be a young team with inexperienced pitching. We won't loose all the games but certainly will not win them all either. One thing for certain we will have fun and hope to learn in the process.

Sunday I enjoyed the 95 degree weather working in the yard. Pulling weeds, cleaning out the pool, washing windows all those fun things. I did get some help from Taylor since he is still on restriction from his sneaking out adventure. Autumn and Chandler spent the day at the lake with my parents skiing, tubing and riding the jet ski. They had a blast as always and were exhausted last night.

Take Care
Michelle

Michigan Trip Continued

2008-07-24T13:17:00.021-04:00

So we finally made it to Jason's parents house but not before receiving a little souvenir from Michigan's finest. We drove 1300 miles and 30 miles before our final destination JASON got a speeding ticket. Well, who knew that in Michigan if you are from out of state and receive a ticket you either pay cash on the spot or they take your license. Don't think for a minute I was letting him get away with them taking his license and ME having to drive the 1300 miles home. I was quick to come up with that cash.

We made it to Jason's parents house where the kickball and ladder ball games quickly begun. Look at the expressions on their faces. You would think they were throwing 50 pound weights.

After the game it was time for a break. Chandler, Gracie our goddaughter, Autumn, and Rylee our niece.

Our second day was the annual Pioneer Days Parade and Festival. Autumn enjoyed being in the parade this year with Jason's uncle. She threw about 3 boxes of candy through the course of the parade. Chandler and our niece Rylee enjoyed watching the parade and catching bags full of candy. I have so many pictures from the parade and the kids festival I tried to narrow it down for you.

After the parade my conversation with Chandler went something a little like this: "Mom I have to use the bathroom" "O.K. Chandler let's go. There it is go ahead" "Mom that is not it" " Yes it is if you have to go you better go ahead." With a look of disbelief he decided to go ahead and see for himself. I could not resist taking a picture.

Then it was on to the games where he of course was the first to find the baseball game.

Autumn could not be outdone she had to try also.

This is Autumn telling Gracie she has to leave for a minute to go and get a tattoo.

I am not sure if I should be more concerned about the fact that 1. she wanted a tattoo 2. where she wanted the placement of the tattoo or 3. the fact that the man doing the tattoos for the children had on a shirt that said Sugardaddy. That was a little scary.

We had a great time at Pioneer Days and ended the night watching the fireworks.

While at Jason's aunt and uncle's house I told Jason, his brother Jeremy and Taylor that I wanted to get a good picture of the three of them. This is where that statement got me.

I apologize for the beads Jason is wearing he should have done a better job of matching them to his outfit. Ha Ha

Since this is my blog and you Jeremy would not pose for my picture you have forced me to post this ....

You should have gone to the porta potty with Chandler . Next time act nice when I want a posed picture.

And for you my loving husband, I asked Autumn to show me with her face how good you are at basketball and this was her response:

I assume that means pretty stinky. Next time you also will pose for my picture.

And for you Taylor since I like you better than your dad and uncle I post this picture, your perfect golf swing.

That about sums up our trip to Michigan.

Have a great night.

Take Care

Michelle

Home Again

2008-07-23T12:39:00.020-04:00

Wow! It has been a very busy two weeks. I will try and catch you up without making it too long.

Our trip started with an 18 hour drive to Mackinaw City. When we arrived my wish was granted.... cooler weather. It was 50 degrees and raining. Maybe next time I should be more specific with my wishes. For those of you that have had the pleasure of visiting Mackinaw you know there is not a whole lot to do indoors everything is outdoors. We started our day with lunch at the Dixie Saloon. We were not that impressed with the food but it is a neat place near the lake.

I did not notice until now this picture is very dark sorry.

After lunch we tried to fill some time shopping in the many souvenir type shops. I wonder what people thought about the crazy lady taking pictures in all the shops

You see how amused Taylor is with this adventure. You know 14 year olds are not impressed with many things their parents do or say.

The rain finally stopped so we tried to visit some of the lighthouses where it was still a chilly 55 degrees.

Now it was time for a trip to the lake where it was really cold with the wind coming off the water. The water was freezing. I could not even put my foot in. Taylor decided he would make a bet with Jason on who could go out the farthest in the freezing cold water. Of course Jason could not turn down a bet.

Taylor ventured into the water first

then Jason. By the looks of his arms maybe he thought he could just fly over the water and that would count.

So as you can see Taylor emerged the victor. Jason should know a 14 year old will go out as far as it takes to win $20.00

It started to rain again so we decided to take the kids to the indoor water park at the hotel.

Jason really enjoyed himself at the water park. The 18 hour drive must have caught up with him.

I am so glad Jason doesn't have a blog, I would be scared of what pictures he may post of me after he sees this.

After a busy, cold, rainy day we retreated back to our room to try and catch up on some sleep.

Well this is already very long and we are only on day ONE. I will sign off for now and post more tomorrow about our week in the Upper Peninsula with Jason's family.

Take care.

Michelle

Packed And Ready To Roll

2008-07-09T10:23:00.005-04:00

The car is packed, the house is clean, the dog sitter has her instructions, we have a case full of DVD's, and three I-pods full of the kids chosen music so I guess we are ready to hit the road again. We are leaving around 4:00 today after Jason and I get off of work. We are planning to drive through the night and arrive in Mackinaw City around noon on Thursday. It is not easy to drive all night after working all day but we are hoping the kids will be doing alot of sleeping.

We typically make really great time when we drive through the night so we are hoping for the same on this trip. We will stay in Mackinaw until Friday and then on to the big town of Ishpeming, Michigan to visit Jason's family. I will try and update on Friday with some photos of beautiful Mackinaw City and the Mackinaw Bridge.

Take care and have a great week.

Michelle

Home Sweet Home

2008-07-06T08:29:00.025-04:00

We are home from the beach. We had a great week in Panama City but are glad to be home. You are about to see more pictures of the Ring family than you ever cared to see. Sorry, I just can't help myself. We started the week off with beautiful weather and crystal clear water. The kids had a great time paying in the sand

catching jellyfish (notice the little 5 year old boy in the background more on this later)

flying kites

and never fear we didn't go a week without a baseball game they even managed to get a full baseball game in on the beach.

On Monday it rained almost the entire day so the kids/teens spent part of the day trying to complete a 500 piece very difficult puzzle. By 2:00 the teens had seen enough of the rain and the puzzle and decided to head to Hooters. They said they got ripped off because their waitress was OLD she was like 40 years old. Better alert the morgue she will be killing over any minute now at that age. So anyway they were then back to completing the puzzle (which they did accomplish after 2 days). I spent the day shopping at the new Pier outdoor mall. It is a great mall with some very interesting stores.

We awoke Tuesday morning walked out on the balcony and this is what we saw.....

no, the beach did not grow lush green grass overnight it was SEAWEED and it was BAD!!!!

We have been going to Panama City for over 15 years and I have never seen the seaweed like this . It was fascinating. When you would step on it it was like being in quicksand you would actually sink down into it about a foot.

So needless to say our next few days were spent at the pool hearing mom look dad look and seeing at least 1000 tricks a day :)

The teen boys spent a lot of time in the hot tub during the seaweed attack. Notice the little boy in the background again. Every time I went to take a picture of the boys this little boy was in the background. Finally in this picture I said excuse me would you move over just a little so I can get a picture to which all the boys replied he is fine just take the picture. The litttle boy informed me his name was "Chipper Jones the best player in Major League Baseball and he was friends with all of these guys". Well come to find out "Chipper" had a really hot sister who also brought along really hot friends. Who said these boys weren't smart?

Well....... I guess their plan worked notice the hot girls in the hot tub and who is front and center none other than "Chipper" . At least they have a good story to tell when they get home they were hanging out in the hot tub with Chipper Jones and a bunch of hot girls.

We went to a great local restaurant in Panama City called the Boathouse. The food was excellent and it also had a great atmosphere.

After dinner it was off to ride go-carts and play putt-putt. The older boys left us and headed to teen night at Club LaVela.

We also found time to visit the arcade across the street from our condo and of course Chandler immediately found the only baseball game in the arcade. He must have been having baseball withdrawals.

Later that night the older boys decided to walk across the street to Wendys. The inside was closed so only the drive through was open. Being teens they decided to walk through the drive through after ordering and waiting in line for 10 minutes they were informed they could not serve walkers in the drive through. After much thought and debate they decided to ask someone in a car to place their order for them. Order placed, food in hand, now back to the condo to enjoy the food. Oh wait not so fast here comes the rain storm, paper bags do not hold up well when wet. Next thing you know there is food all over the street and we are watching from the balcony laughing . There were not to many dull moments on this trip. If you look closely you can see the boys making their way to Wendys.

I will leave you with one last story from our trip. For those of you that do not have teens yet this is what you have to look forward to. One night around 3:00am Jason thought he heard the door open a few minutes later he got up to check well sure enough the room that the 5 teen boys should be in is empty. Jason being the calm, rational dad that he is decided to let them have their fun but pay for it later. He set a trap on the inside of the door of coolers, beach pails, beach chairs, etc.. so when they came home and opened the door they would know they had been busted. Needless to say had I have heard the door my reaction would have been MUCH different. But his worked perfectly. When they arrived home and realized they had been caught they had to spend the rest of the night worrying about what we were going to say. I would just loved to have heard that conversation. They did however devise a great story of a girl texting them to come and help her because she found a cat on the beach with rabies and they needed to call animal control. Are you kidding me how do they come up with these stories? So as you can see we had a fun and eventful week at the beach. We are now home unpacked and ready to start a new week. We will however be leaving again on Wednesday after work to go to Mackinaw Island and then on to the Upper Peninsula to visit Jason's family. I will try and post again before we leave.

Take care and enjoy your kids while they are happy digging in the sand not rescuing cats from the sand. :)

Michelle

A Week Without Blogging Equals Alot Of Baseball

2008-06-26T12:50:00.016-04:00

Wow it has been a week since I last updated and I was suppose to be doing better. I guess I better try harder.

We have had a week full of baseball. Taylor played in a tournament last week-end where they played 7 games. They won some and lost some not to much to talk about there. He either pitched or played short stop for every game. Taylor has been pitching and playing 3rd base since he was 9 years old through out little league, travel ball, and middle school but now the high school coach has now decided that he will be the starting short stop. This is taking a little getting use to for Taylor but he is doing a great job. This picture is from the game they had last night.

Chandler played in the Jones County Invitational Tournament this week-end. We started out with the 8:00 game Friday night winning 23-3 in 5 innings. We drove the hour back home only to return for the 10:00 game Saturday morning. We started the day in the rain on a field that was in horrible condition but won in spite of it all by 10 runs in 5 innings.

That win allowed us a two hour break before our next game so we headed to Jocks and Jills for lunch.

You can see the boys were giving Dalton some advice on how to play baseball. For those of you that don't follow little league baseball our league Warner Robins Little League won the Little League World Series last year and Dalton hit the walk off home run. I don't think he needs any advice on how to play. Dalton is a great ball player and super sweet kid. So after lunch it was back to baseball where we set up camp and spent the next 10 hours.

Chandler played three more games and won each game by 10 runs in 5 innings. Then at

9:30 pm after 12 hours of baseball it was finally time for the championship games. There were 12 teams in the tournament but in the end in the championship game it was Warner Robins Red v/s Warner Robins Blue. ( I guess that says alot for our league when out of 12 teams our two

all-star teams are in the championship. ) Well you can just about guess the final score....... 10 runs after 5 innings 18-8. The boys were excited to win another tournament.

It is great to be part of a league when at the end of the game everyone can join together for a prayer and walk away friends.

Chandler after the tournament with his best friend Tanner.

So that sums up our week-end of baseball.

On Monday night we DID NOT have any games or practices so I did something crazy... I cooked yes an entire meal I almost forgot how it has been so long. While I was cooking Chandler came in from swimming and said "mom what are we having for supper?" when I told him he very innocently said " mom the last time you cooked I was doing homework" . School got out for the summer on May 30th so that tells you how long it has been. Baseball is finally winding down and I must admit I can't wait. I am ready for a little break. We are headed to the beach for a week on Saturday. I can not wait. We are going with about 6 other families who all have children also so it should be alot of fun. I will try and update again before we leave.

Talk to you soon.

Michelle

Happy Father's Day !!

2008-06-16T09:05:00.000-04:00

O.K. I am trying really hard to figure out this blogging. I can not seem to get my page set up the way I want it. So for now it will just have to stay the way it is.

We spent our Father's Day where we spend the majority of our time this time of year, at the baseball field. Chandler was selected for the all-star team and they played in their first tournament this week-end. They had three games on Saturday and two on Sunday.

At 2:00 on Sunday the team was in their huddle and ready to play in semi-championship game despite the 92 degree heat. Chandler was the number 4 batter throughout the tournament and started off Sunday with a line drive to the outfield that resulted in a triple. After that it was time for a much deserved Powerade break.

Before the game when explaining to Chandler that they had to win against the Valdosta Batmen to play in the Championship he informed me that " we are going to fly them back down to their home town without a trophy" . Well I guess he was right we won in 5 innings 15-4. The day was complete when Warner Robins beat Macon in 5 innings by the score of 12-2. According to our official score keeper. You know you spend a lot of time at the ball field when your 9 year old is capable of keeping the official book.

After a busy week-end of baseball we ended the night with dinner at my parents house to celebrate Father's Day.

After eating dinner I looked around to realize this was an exhausting weekend for everyone. Chandler's five games had tired him out but didn't keep him from holding on to that glove. I just love this picture. Taylor also had 5 games of high school baseball this weekend which obviously left him needing a little nap.

I will post again tomorrow and hopefully try and figure out how to arrange pictures on this blog.

Have a great day!

Michelle

Shutterfly | Collage Posters

2008-06-12T14:19:00.001-04:00

Shutterfly Collage Posters

Why Am I Doing This?!?!

2007-06-18T11:32:00.000-04:00

Well, this is my first blog and I am still uncertain why I am even doing this. Many of my friends have blogs that I read so I guess I am just trying to keep up with them. :)

To the millons reading that may not know me personally let me tell you a little about my family. I am Michelle mom to the three most wonderful kids. Taylor is my oldest son who is 13 and in the 8th grade, Autumn is the middle child and only girl she is 8 years old and in the 3rd grade, Chandler is the baby he is 7 and in the 2nd grade. I have been married to my husband Jason for 13 years. We are a very active family and like to stay busy. All three kids are involved in sports which keeps us very busy.

I will try to be a good blogger to keep you up to date on our family. I hope to post again tomorrow with pictures and stories about our exciting week-end of baseball.

Until next time,
Michelle