My child's reality

In honor of Mother's day:"I love my mom because...she doesn't yell" What!? I asked Tatum about this. "You don't think I yell?", because honestly, I feel like I yell all the time. Tatum's response? "Only when you are very angry". I guess I'm not a tyrant after all, especially if I only yell when I'm angry as opposed to yelling when I'm tired, frustrated, irritated, overwhelmed, busy, etc., etc., etc. But of course his vocabulary isn't that big yet.

Blushing Bride

I'm so used to seeing Bianca in gym shorts with her hair pulled back and no makeup. Well, I saw her in a different light today. She was so beautiful. As I looked through my lense, I couldn't get over how radiant she was. Her big eyes, smooth skin, and happy smile was wonderful to see. She is going to be a stunning bride and I can't wait to see Michael's expression the first time he sees her walk down the aisle.

You've got the look

Every year, Rhonda Farney, the girls basketball coach, puts on a youth basketball camp. As a courtesy to other coaches, their kids get to participate for free. This was Tatum's 2nd year and first thing each morning he would ask "Do we have to go to basketball camp again". Emma's comment was "I don't like that coach, she yells at us". Well, maybe my kids don't quite have the competitive spirit of their father. More likely, they inherited the social gene from their mother. Sorry coach.

It doesn't really matter if you have skills as long as you can look cool in front of the camara. These kids have got it down.

Terrific Two

My baby is two and he definately lives up to the definition

Instead of enjoying the cupcake, he decides he will eat his....

CANDLE FIRST! Typical...

Mitchell Reunion

The Mitchell reunion has been a long time coming. The last time we all met was over 12 years ago, before Jason and I were married. Thanks to ALOT of work and preparation on Mom's part, it was a big hit.

The original Mitchell clan: Bob and Joan, Robin, Linda, Joanna, and Betsy

By far, the biggest hit of the weekend was Poppy's potato launcher. Matt and Dad were like 2 little kids with that thing. On Saturday night they followed me and Jason, Luke and Shane as we took a little stroll down the dirt road. It was dark as we headed back and out of nowhere, a blast, and something whizzes over our heads. The two "boys" were waiting in the middle of the road like 2 snipers with the potato gun loaded and ready for our return.2 of Kimberly's boys: Austin and Anthony

Poppy with his babies along with Samantha Champion, Kurt and Melissa's middle child

Bedtime stories

It happens the same way everynight...after dinner is bath, teeth brushing, and then every child picks one book. We never know what will be the choice for T & E but to be sure, the choice for TC is either Bob the Builder or a book about trains. Jason is so patient as the kids jockey for position and comment about every other word, all while TC climbs all over everyone. While I'm in the other room, periodically I hear Jason say, "Lay down" or "quit fighting", but for the most part the kids listen intently, all the while snuggled next to each other. I hope the kids remember this because I don't remember being read to as a child. I hope I remember this as it is a pretty endearing sight to see three little munchkins squeezed next to their big trunk of a daddy as he puts on his character voices for his sweeties.

Dancing Princess

Emma's first dance recital was a BIG deal. I just knew I would bawl through the whole thing but I was so busy getting the perfect shot (127 shots to be exact), that I distracted myself from the tears. She was the prettiest one on stage and hit every mark. She did't suck her thumb, or stare into the audience, or act even a little anxious. She just marched right out on stage and danced her little slippers off.

After the recital, she got flowers, which she thought was pretty cool

The Dean's and the Gattis' met at Duke's for the after recital party. The cake and cupcakes were a big hit

Emma received her first ever trophy from her friend Chapman Burkhart. The plaque was inscribed "to my friend Emma, love Chapman". What a perfect day for a dancing princess.