Easter Week

So hard to believe the picture above was one year ago! This last week has been busy and eventful! After much thought and prayer, we decided to go on to Knoxville with Mark last weekend. Taxes were not nice to us this year. I'm not really one to spend when I know I owe someone, but all were looking forward to this trip, so I wasn't going to take the joy away because of something like that! We are always taken care of and I know this time we will be too! So...we left on a Friday and made several stops along the way for the boys to sight-see and enjoy the beauty of what we have so close to us! I'm glad we did because the rest of the weekend was a yucky mess! ;( We played at the mall where several hours were spent two years ago. We visited with a few old friends, and Mark and I went to a fabulous wedding. We realized just how much we miss living there. I'm sure if a job came open once finished, we could possibly relocate there. (However, after having grandparents here this week, Mark sees just how much they miss them)

We came back Sunday because I had an appointment Monday morning and his parents made it late Monday night. Bently didn't really know how to contain his excitement. He hid behind Mark's legs and said "This is scary!" as they walked up the sidewalk! I worked and let them stay home to soak up as much time as they could. Wednesday we all went to Edventure and the zoo. It was still a little chilly, but fun! Thursday they had their egg hunt at school and our auxiliary hunt that evening. I just knew they would crash, but it still took MaC and Pops to get them to bed before they left. Mom and Todd made it here late that night, so the boys woke up to a new set of faces Friday morning!! They came with a new, blue SANDBOX!!!! So we made a trip to Lowes for sand and made 2 new boxes for the garden this year. I love working in the yard and being outside when it's nice. The boys love the sandbox and will spend lots of hours in it, I'm sure! Every time I leave the house, Bently tells me to get new sand toys! He had his first real soccer game Friday night. He does really well on his own, but put him with a group and he runs around...not even following a ball...but has a good time!

Easter was nice, low-key. We decided to just go eat rather than cook and just like last year, the place we decided on was reservations only. So we scrambled to find something else that wasn't a chain and ended up at The Bowl Weevil! It was perfect. The boys enjoyed hunting eggs and we ended the day with the last series of The Bible.

It's been a while since I've been really sad about Mark going back to work, but yesterday it hit me. I love him being home with us and I know what a tough month this will be. No set hours and don't even know if he'll come home some days. It's 10 straight days with 5 off and so on. But it's one month...he was dreading it too and that is what made it worse. (Please keep him in your prayers.) Anderson went back with Mom this morning. I was crying when I gave him a hug. He asked, "Why you crying?" I replied and then he said, "Come with me!" He hugged his brother and left. Never thought of staying back since I was sad. Little toot! Bently and I have had a fun day today, though. He bought more sand toys with a Toys R Us gift card and we went to the movies. (we never get to with Anderson) It will be nice just having him and doing special things this week. We hope to go home Sunday sometime when Mark gets off and stay for a few days. This way we can meet a new nephew/cousin and visit with other family. Plus it's our spring break and Masters Week here!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and life is good for you. We have had our moments this past month, but I'm praying for a better April!

Sorry for the picture overload!

Love!

Love this even more!

Elk on the side of the road when we came down the mountain.

Cheese! I may not smile with the bunny, but I'm smile with my brother!

At Bubba's cold practice.

SCORE!

Stretch it out..

EdVenture!

Like father, like son performing surgery!

Can really see the resemblance in their smiles in this picture.

No words!!

Daddy's first time at school!

I won't take a picture, but I'll share my chocolate with you!

Water boy / Snack boy

At the market with Nonnie and Papaw 

He was SO excited it changed colors.

Pretty eggs this year.

Ready to roast his marshmallows!

Easter 2013

Showing off his Batman belt.

Happy Spring!

As I am sitting here having a piece of my green pistachio cake, I thought I would share about our adventures this past weekend! Thursday through today, to be honest, is somewhat a blur! The boys had parades at school Thursday that I had to prepare for and then Mark had 2 24 hour shifts this weekend. Boo for him and boo for me too! I've decided parenting is rather HARD. To spank or to not? Timeout or not? Holler? What works and the same does not work for each child! I was embarrassed so bad Friday while in Marshalls. Both boys wanted to ride on the back of the buggy...big NO! They topple it over. So Anderson proceeds to holler "No" at me and continues until Bently started chiming in. To the bathroom we went. I had wanted to spank because I was mad, but a stern talk did the job! You just feel that women are starring to see if you are going to do anything and if so, what?! Back talk has been a big issue here lately!

Back to what I was saying...:) Saturday I took Bently to our St. Patricks Day Parade. It was fun. Lots of green and a rather long parade. He was happy. I left Anderson behind to rest with Mark because we had a potluck party after that at a friend's home. The boys played hard and even stayed long enough to roast a marshmallow or two! Sunday was cleaning day for the company coming next week and we played outside enjoying the weather! It was a beautiful weekend. I am ready for Spring to stay. But it looks as though it will get back cool this weekend.

Tomorrow I officially get the title as "Soccer Mom!" I'm excited even though a frazzled mom with kids everywhere in sweats comes to mind when I think of that title. Don't laugh if you see me out and think the same. I hope to have a little composure for a year or so! Mark starts vacation Friday for a week! So we are headed to Knoxville for the weekend for a wedding and a little sight-seeing with the boys!

Mark's brother, Brandon, matched in Knoxville, so they will be a little closer to us for the next 2 years. We are super excited about that! His other brother, Tommy, had his fourth child today, little Bridger!! We are happy to have another sweet boy around! No big news for this family though. We let them have the fun this week!

We love and miss every one and hope that life is treating you well. You are being prayed for and thought about daily!

Amber

I didn't realize it had been so long again! Anderson had his first week at school in undies and no accidents! I'm so proud of him! He's had croup this week, so he's required lots of love and cuddles. But I haven't really minded too much because Mark has worked late every night and we haven't done a thing. I'm still trying to swallow the fact that I don't have a little baby anymore! :( And none of my friends here have any, so I have no where to get my fix! They have been extremely good this week. After last, Thursday and Friday, I needed a week of good behavior.

We finally got an email on Bently's soccer and it starts March 18th. Their team color is green, so he is all but thrilled! I can't wait to see how this goes! Mark's test went well last Saturday or atleast he thinks it did. He won't hear anything for another 3-5 weeks. Thanks for your prayers. I'll leave you with just a few of the sayings I've heard this week from the boys that I thought were cute!

Bently: "You are not being healthy to me!"
             " Here are some maggots!" Nope, we don't have maggots in our house, he meant MAGNETS!
Anderson: "Running through the house like a mad-man. What are you doing? "I'm working out!"  
                   Guess i shouldn't complain!
I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones that have stuck!

I hope you have a fabulous weekend! It's sunny and 60-70's here on out, so we will be outside all weekend!

Hallelujah!!!

I am happy to share that potty training 101 is underway yet again in our household! I started Saturday and with lots of tears and plenty of fits, we survived the first day. He managed to tee-tee twice. We went to the mall Saturday night and he went in his underwear. He had an accident, but that was to be expected. I'm a believer in going all the way though and don't like pull-ups or a diaper here and there because I think it confuses them. He still wets a lot at night, so he WILL be in a diaper at night though. Sunday after church, I took his diaper off and didn't mention potty. He went on his own here and there. Then this morning I took it off and didn't make a big deal. He came from upstairs to downstairs to get on his potty and poop!!! This is a huge deal! ;) We went to music and he wore underwear. He stayed dry and while eating lunch said he needed to potty and did it!! Yay! This makes me happy after 3 years straight of diapers. I hope I have bought the last box! But at the same time, I no longer have a little baby. Rather 2 toddlers and one will begin to play sports in a few weeks. EEEKKK, can this be true? We all 4 were in the bed last night looking through all of their baby pictures and just reminiscing of the past several years. How many cities? How many homes? Life is a fun experience. You never know where you'll go or when, but as long as you love the ones you journey with you can't go wrong.

I had a childhood friend lose her father this weekend. He had a stroke Thursday and passed away Saturday. I don't know all of the details, but I do know it's a great example of the truth that we aren't promised tomorrow, so live for today. It's hard to believe and so very sad, but I know the family will eventually have peace because they are just that kind of family. Mark and I often think about the future and look at houses we can one day afford and dream about trips. God willing, we will see this all come full circle, but if not, we are living a life that we enjoy. Making memories with these boys that hopefully they will remember and teaching lessons that they can use and pass along one day. Sure there are up and down days, but in the big picture, we have all we need! Once again, I say, God is GOOD and deserves the glory. Please keep the Poindexter family in your prayers this week and throughout the weeks to come.

This is the frog potty. Smacked-dab in the center on the dining room floor!

Our little sport practicing soccer with Daddy!

Love to all!

 Happy Wednesday! The sun is shining here, so it's a great day! The boys are playing or making a mess! I'll look at it as, playing. ;) Thank you all for the sweet Valentine cards and happy's last week. The boys had fun shopping Friday night. They bought Superman lunch boxes on clearance at Old Navy, cookies at the mall, and a few books at Barnes & Noble. They even shared a dollar with Mark and I!

If you would, please keep Mark in your prayers for the next 2 weeks. He has his last big test March 2. This one actually counts and can/will impact what fellowship he gets accepted into in a few years. He still loves what he does and the schedule has been so nice this month. However, next month will change and April will be even tougher. It's hard to believe we've almost been here a year and won't be packing in a few months! So nice to know and will be better on our pocketbook come June!

This year I am challenging myself to give more and forgive those that I need to forgive (for whatever reasons) basically just not hold a grudge. Money is tight when it comes to just handing out cash to others, so I've been trying to make things or cook or volunteer or just pray for others. I feel God has really been blessing me and showing me things to make me rely more on him. I've been going through a rough time personally with different issues. I recently started a new class at the gym and LOVE it! I'm not one to do classes especially by myself, but it's been good for me to make that change and do something for myself for an hour. I've found peace these weeks in knowing that God has our day planned for us and know exactly what we will experience. That alone just amazes me and stops me in my thoughts sometimes. It's comforting to know we are not alone. That being said, we must love ourself before we can move to pleasing and doing for others in hopes that they love us more or like us enough to do ______. We were created beautifully in God's eyes and should accept that!  

Thought I'd share a few new recipes too! Both can be made healthy. The first is creamy chicken for tacos or I even think it would be good on a taco salad. The second is Banana Bread.

Creamy Chicken:
Place chicken breasts in a crockpot. Add a packet of taco seasoning to the top. Mix a cup of salsa with 1 can cream of chicken. Pour this over the top. Once the chicken is done, take it out and shred. Put back in pot and add 1/2 cup sour cream. Mix together and serve in tortillas.

 Low Fat Banana Bread Recipe:

Ingredients: 
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (3-5 bananas)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions: 
In a medium bowl combine eggs, mashed banana, sugar, and applesauce.  Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Mix well.  Pour batter into greased pan and bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes for one 9x5x3 pan or bake 40-45 minutes for two 7 1/2x 3 1/2x 2 inch pans.

Hope you'll try and like as much as we have! Have a fabulous rest of the week! Love to all...

Hmmm...

I never have to wonder what my boys are thinking because most of the time they just share it with me. I've been remembering a few things they've said lately so I could share, but forgot to the other night when I posted.

Me: Anderson, go get me a diaper so I can change you.
Anderson: No thank you!
I guess good manners got him out of that one!

The boys stay in the childcare area while we workout at the gym.
Me: Did y'all have a good time? What did you do?
Bently: Yes, we worked out with the ipad!

Tonight when I parked (mind you it was raining so I wanted the closest spot) Bently asked if I could find them a spot closer.

Hmmm, I was hoping they would grow up with a semi-healthy lifestyle, but I'm not so sure if he works out with an i-pad and wants the first parking spot!!! ;)

They are really in to singing right now. Anderson will sing "Where is Bella? Where is Bella? Here I am"...but the poor girl in his class is "Ella!" I think he may be confused with his cousin! Speaking of cousins, we made them all Valentine treats. Bently said last week, "Since Tag and Bella aren't coming, can I have their chocolate?" Nope, son, I am mailing theirs!

Bently asked the other morning while I was driving to school, "Did you get everything we need?" Hmmm, I've been packing you 2 boys up for some time now and today you are worried if I got everything you need. "Yes, all is covered!"

They make me smile. They make me tired. They make me laugh. They make me scream. But most of all, they make me proud to be their Mom!

Have a "Lovely" Week

I didn't realize it had been so long since I had blogged until someone brought it to my attention (cough, cough Emma!) But it doesn't seem like much has been going on lately. Mark is in clinic this month so he comes home at normal hours which is nice, but then we're not sure what to do in the evenings...kind-of weird! I've subbed the past two Fridays along with my regular days so these weeks have gone by fast. This past Friday, it was in Anderson's class. He kept saying, "Stay with me, Mommy!" He knew I am usually in Bently's class.

We had company come Friday night and they left this morning. The boys were so excited. Thursday and Friday morning, they woke asking if Kylie was coming today. Then when they finally got here Friday night, Bently just smiled and starred as though he was shocked. It was priceless and precious. They had a great time just playing together! Saturday we took them to the circus and then to the riverwalk park for a picnic. Thankfully the weather was warmer and nice. It was hard to let them go this morning. I almost kept Nolan because he fit in so well with the boys. They were gentle for the most part, but wasn't quite sure why he wouldn't talk to them! :) He is one good baby!

Anderson painting while i was in his class Friday!

Just a little male bonding time!

But always plenty of time for sweet nothings!

My big boy saying his pledge at school!

Team work for Daddy's Valentine this year. He has already snooped and found it, but he'll still get it Thursday!

Today the boys helped me make cookies for their Valentine party here at the house Tuesday. However, once they realized that they could eat one, then the help was gone...this appears to be a busy week with something every day except tomorrow and Mark works next weekend, so the boys and I may head to Columbia for some time at Edventure. I hope you all have a "lovely" week!