What Everett Taught Me About the State of Massachusetts

Did you know that Massachusetts has a state beverage, a state cookie, a state muffin, and a state dessert? These are just a few of the fun facts that Everett shared with us at Cub Scouts. Tonight was the annual Blue and Gold Banquet. We celebrated with an all-American theme. We enjoyed hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, and apple pie and ice cream for dessert.

Each Cub Scout was to choose a state and present 10 facts they learned about the state. When the assignment was first given, Everett came home very excited to tell me about it.

"Guess what state I chose to report on at the Blue and Gold Banquet?" Everett asked.

"Georgia?" I thoughtfully guessed.

"Nope." Everett responded.

"Hmm... I know, South Carolina?" I guessed again.

"Nope."

"I give up."

"Mom, I chose Massachusetts." He was a little exasperated.

"Massachusetts? Why in the world did you choose that state?" I sincerely asked.

Then his eyes popped out of his head.

"Boston Red Sox, Mom, it's our favorite team!" (our= Brad and Everett)

How could I have possibly have forgotten that?

Everett confidently gave his presentation tonight. He also worked very hard on his poster. We learned that the state bird is the black-capped chickadee--a small common song bird. He shared facts about the Salem witch trials, Boston Marathon, and Boston Tea Party. He added that he recently learned about that in Social Studies. Everett learned that Massachusetts is not a state but a commonwealth. I think he found that interesting. His favorite part was talking about the sports teams and the championships they have won over the years.

The state motto is written on the flag in Latin, "By the sword we seek peace, but only peace under liberty." I have been pondering the meaning of this.

Here are the answers to my questions:

The state beverage is cranberry juice.

The state cookie is a chocolate chip cookie.

The state muffin is a corn muffin.

You'll have to guess what the state dessert is!

It's very tasty.

Everett's poster

p.s. In addition to being slightly disruptive during Everett's presentation, Cozette discovered that she can walk backwards. She was walking backwards all over the gym tonight. The best part was that she was laughing at herself.

A Highlight of the Week

It's a SLAM DUNK!

Attending play group is still somewhat of a novelty for me. When Everett started Pre-Kindergarten, I was on my own for about four years. I spent my hours during the day working part-time at the United Methodist Church teaching music to children. I happily taught music there for three years. For a long time, I believed the days of having a baby were behind me.

Cozette knew better though.

My friend and I were discussing today how important our little play group is, not only for our babies, but for us as well. We all agree, play group is a highlight of the week. I look forward to visiting with my friends and watching our babies interact is quite amusing. Cozette is reserved and plays with caution. She is timid at first. After she warms up, she has a wonderful time playing with her friends.

I wonder who she gets that from?

Next week, we will be having a grand adventure at the library for story time.

A little birdie is warning me that Cozette might be a rooster at the library.

That's the exciting part about play group, you just never know what will happen!

Cozette is playing with Emma Grace and Blaine at Gymboree.We are missing our little friend, Lacey
and a few others who are too little to play.

Love Ya

Brad surprised me with dancing lessons.

The other day at play group, my friend Betsy was delighted to report to us that little Emma Grace said, "Love ya," for the first time. We were all thrilled with this important milestone for them. What we didn't expect was Cozette's response. Her timing we perfect.

"Yuh ya!"

I looked at Betsy and her eyes were as big as mine with surprise.

"I think Cozette just said love ya," I squealed.

Betsy agreed and then Cozette said it again.

Kayleigh and Everett are quite taken with Cozette's newest phrase. When Everett was getting ready to leave for school this morning he told Cozette he loved her.

"Yuh ya," she quickly responded.

It amazes me, that from the earliest age, our little ones can acknowledge an expression of love. Cozette understands love because she sees love expressed every day.

She watches as I kiss Kayleigh and Everett and greet them with a big hug when they return home from school.

She laughs when her Daddy gives me a big smooch.

She sees Kayleigh and me scratching each other's backs. Kayleigh will hold her arm out to Cozette and say," Cozette will you tickle my arm?" Cozette immediately rubs Kayleigh's arm with her little hands.

When Cozette awakes from her nap, she lovingly pats us on our shoulder as we lift her up and greet her with a kiss.

We have kissed her a trillion times.

And now she knows how to say, "yuh ya."

What she doesn't know is that because of loving her, we have a better understanding of the love our Savior has for us.

For that, I am truly grateful.

Centerpiece

Feel free to let me know which centerpiece is the cutest...

Do U Know U R My Valentine?

Dear Brad,

Do you know that I love you to the moon and back? I vividly recall when we met. I immediately went home and started writing all over my journal, "Jeannie Simmons, Mrs. Jeannie Simmons." Do you remember how hard we started laughing when I discovered that your last name was "Simpson" and not "Simmons?" You must have thought I was nuts. It took me a while to adjust to the thought that I was never to become Mrs. Jeannie Simmons. I also remember my eyes bugging out when I saw your muscles. Maybe, you will flex them for me soon. You are my true love. Thank you for loving me with all your heart.

I'm yours forever,

Mrs. Jeannie Simpson



Dear Kayleigh,

Do you know that you are the most special girl in the world? You are sweet, kind, loving, and gentle. You remind me of your Daddy; which is one of the reasons I love you so dearly. Thank you for scratching my back and brushing my hair. You are my most loyal little companion. Your shining example of good will always bless Everett and Cozette. I love eating a whole pan of brownies with you. I love singing with you. If we keep practicing, we will eventually be able to hold our notes on the last line of "Sing a Song." La la la la la, la la la la la la, la la la la la la la... I do have a little question: Why are you growing up so fast? I love you.




Dear Everett,

Do you know that you are the most wonderful son in the world? Do you know how happy it makes me having a son that looks just like me? It would have been wonderful for you to have looked like your Daddy, but it delights me that you look like me. I know that you are a good boy. You have a personality that allows you to make friends quickly. I know that you will be able to influence your friends for good.You are so sweet to Cozette. Thank you for sometimes letting me hold your hand in church when no one is looking. Please don't forget that you promised me when you were four years old that you would hold my hand until you are 18! I love you, my precious son.




Dear Cozette,

Do you know how happy you make me? I love the way you prance while you walk. I love you for splashing water all over me while you are taking a bath. I love that you go to sleep every night with me singing to you. You make me laugh when we read books and you only let me read the first page. We were doing really good the other day, when we actually made it to the middle of the alphabet. It makes me laugh that you can now shake your head and say, "no-no-no-no." It is wonderful that you are trying to talk to us. We love hearing you say,"Err ah ooh?" (Where are you?) I love watching Sesame Street with you. Life is better with you in it.

Happy Valentine's Day little family!

For He's a Jolly Good Fellow

Happy Birthday to the King.

Which nobody can deny! It sure is nice having a "folly good jellow" for my Dad. I was speaking with Kayleigh and Everett today about our favorite memories with Dad and why we love him so much.

"I just cannot think of a time when Papa was in a bad mood or isn't happy," Kayleigh lovingly spoke of him.

For that matter, neither can I.

From my earliest memories, Dad came home with a smile on his face, ready to love and help Mom. He's always eager to selflessly give of his time for us. He serves quietly and expects nothing in return. He has a quick wit and makes me laugh so hard that I actually snort. He's the king of pranks. I still delight at the thought of scaring him. When life is hard, his shoulder dries my tears. His Christ like example inspires me to be a better woman. I have been blessed with the best Dad in the world.

"I will give you up to half of my kingdom," he has lovingly decreed to us.

Somehow, when I think of all that he has done for me, it feels like he has given more.

Happy Birthday Dad!
I love you.

P.S. Consider yourself warned: April Fool's is fast approaching...

Meet the Coach

The coach hurt my feelings...

The big day has arrived: Baseball try-outs. The coach and Mr.Baseball returned home from a very important day of judging and trying-out for baseball. It appears that Mr. Baseball has a glum face.

I must find out why.

But first, I need to speak with Everett's new coach:

Me: How does it feel to be coach?

Coach: It feels great.

Warning: If you think Mr. Baseball is a man of few words, the coach says even fewer.

I will have to use my very best interviewing skills!

Me: Do you have any coachly advice?

Coach: You're very pretty.

Me: Please, be serious.

Coach: OK... I enjoyed the try-outs today;getting to see how good the boys are. I am especially looking forward to the draft tomorrow and finding out which boys will be on my team.

Me: What college team do you want your team to be named after?

Coach: Our first choice is the Texas Tech Red Raiders, they are new to the league this year. Every one wants this team. Our second choice is Stanford, then GA Tech, and lastly UNC.

Me: I hope you get your top choice.

Coach: Me, too.

Me: So, tell me about Mr. Baseball's try-outs today. He seems sad.

Mr. Baseball joins our conversation.

Mr. Baseball: (is very serious. Baseball is serious business.) It went OK. I wasn't ready for the pitching machine.

Me: Why not?

Mr. Baseball: It didn't imitate an arm. But, some do.

Me: I don't understand.

Coach: It doesn't imitate a pitchers arm coming down to give him notice of the ball. The pitching machine delivers the ball a little different than a live pitcher.

Mr. Baseball: The pitching machine beat me today.

Me: I heard you got a solid hit.

Mr. Baseball: Yes, I did.

Me: What is my baseball philosophy?

Mr. Baseball: (Smiles) C'est something.

Me: Yes. C'est la vie. That's life. When it comes to hitting baseballs, you'll hit some and miss some. All baseball players do.

Coach: Mr. Baseball did just fine. Most of the boys struggled against that pitching machine today.

Me: Well, are you excited for baseball season?

Mr. Baseball: Yes, it seems like I have not played baseball in forever.

Me: Do you have any thing you would like to say about this season?

Mr. Baseball: This is going to be the best season because my Daddy is the coach.

Me: Yep. Those boys don't know yet how lucky they are to have such a good coach.

Coach: Maybe, you can be the team mom.

Me: I'm not so sure about that one!


Here's to a great Spring season!