Easter At Nanny's

The boys were able to have their first Easter Egg Hunt at Nanny's house this year. This was so special to me because I remember countless Easter Egg Hunts at Nanny's house. I was so thankful to be able to share this with them. Nanny and Mom made us a fantastic Easter dinner, with Nanny's famous dressing and all the fixin's. Beau and Cade had a wonderful time, and of course eating all the candy they could want.

The Coolest Uncle Ever!

I honestly believe Beau and Cade have the coolest uncle ever...Uncle Chad. Now, he IS their only uncle, but that is besides the point. Having known Chad since I was 12 years old, and literally being one of the first people I met in Jr. High, you can say "We go way back." And we do, and we have come a long way too. Uncle Chad is an accomplished, highly intelligent, and talented young man. And some would maybe even say he has the Midas touch. But I also know the Uncle Chad, who absolutely adores his nephews, looks up to his big brother and knows how important family truly is.
He even arranged a quick visit with family while he refueled in Nashville. The boys were ecstatic to see Uncle Chad, and even had a personal tour of the aircraft. A little scary seeing my boys behind the cockpit of such a powerful "machine"...but then again, Nee Nee felt that way too. So here's to you Uncle Chad. We love you and miss you!

Beau's Recording Session

There is no guessing from the pictures as to what Beau wants to be when he grows up. Just ask him, he will say a Rock Star. He along with everything else that breathes in the house, loves music and loves to create it. (other than our cat!)
These pictures were taken after Beau was inspired by my favorite Switchfoot song, "This is home". He tried to explain to me that he wanted a microphone to sing into, which I told him to get the one he usually uses. He then went on to explain his vision of the particular kind of mic he wanted...a "hanging mic". After debating in my head if I was going to go along with his specific instructions, I caved, he won, and I am glad for once, I lost that battle with Beau.
(FYI,the mic is a Lightning McQueen flashlight suspended by his Dyson vaccuum on the ledge.)

A True Beauty

My grandma, aka Dot Dot. I could never have the words to describe what she means to me, so I will let the pictures do all the talking. Here she is playing with Beau and Cade, and as you can tell she, as well as Beau is completely lost in the moment. I love you Dot Dot.

Beau's 4th Birthday!

So, I can't believe Beau is 4 years old...He is such my little man in so many ways. His toddler ways have been thrown to the wayside and he knows he's four and able to try to conquer anything...including his mommie alot of times. Needless to say, this birthday was just special all around.
Beau is really into cowboys, and had a slight interest in the movie Toy Story, which he has only seen once, a year ago when we checked it out from the library. But everyday, Beau must wear his boots, hat, holster,gun and belt (with his name on it)and bandana. So, this spurred on the idea of having a cowboy themed party with Buzz and Woody for the cake. So we all dressed up, Beau's Paw Paw took all the guests on a hayride around the neighborhood (strange looks? yes..., a cowboy boot for a pinata, corn dogs (Beau's request)and just oodles of fun.
We had very special family members come to the party as well, both of Beau's great grandmothers from Georgia made the trip here, along with my mom and step-father Mark. Not to mention all of Beau's little friends too.
Unfortunately, I was beginning to come down with a stomach bug, at the same time as the party was beginning to start. Talk about bad timing huh? But my dearest hubby, (not the party person himself) hosted a fantastic party, and even became the photograhper on my behalf...Now, you know I wasn't feeling good at all if I couldn't walk around to take pictures of all the festivities. But a fun time was had by all, and I know the pictures will prove it...except the ones of me faking a smile.


The first few photos are of the boys the night before in their new Buzz Lightyear PJ's they received from Aunt Bobbi. (please excuse the blurriness, learning a new lens) Then, the ones of Beau are the next morning opening up his present from Mommie and Daddy, or should I say, Daddy...a rifle.

Just Me...

So, I titled this blog, "Brooke and the Boys" because rightly so, my life is usually always Me+Beau & Cade, (and Denny of course, but he's my man, not my boy...)but not, Me=Beau & Cade. Subtle, huh? However, my life is more than just the sum of its parts...or the sum of being Beau and Cade's mommie. Hear me out, my boys are the greatest gift I have ever been given. They are what will be here when I am gone, and how I want that to look depends on today, and every moment I have with them...no pressure right? But let me step down from that soapbox, and onto another one...

Me...I was Brooke before I was a mommie. And I am still Brooke. Am I a different Brooke, you bet, children change your life forever. But I have been in somewhat of an introspective phase lately (for reasons too long to ever blog about)and beginning to take care of me. Learn to be my biggest fan, because I always lived as being my biggest critic. Blame it on being a dancer, personality or just the way the "cards" were dealt. But, now I am beginning to rediscover who I am or was created to be, and I like it. Is it scary to take chances, let down walls, say "no" when you've always said "yes", and not giving a rip what others think...absolutely yes...but is it worth finding the life that you've always wanted? You better believe it.

"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 16:25 said Jesus.


So here I am again taking playing around with my new lens, with no one but me to photograph.

My Nifty Fifty...

So I finally have my very own 50mm lens...and let's just say I have had about 10 minutes total to play around with it. The initial 5 minutes was last night after everyone went to bed, and I have absolutely no one to photograph...except myself. So, here goes nothing. I was literally laying in the bed anyway, so I took the picture and was thrilled. Not at the make-up less face staring back, but at what the lens has the promise to do. The next day, I decided to see if my boys would cooperate and let me use them as my projects...not so much luck at having willing participants, but I think I got them and myself (the night before) in the raw. And to be perfectly honest, these days, I feel like I am always in the raw. Stripped of what I have always thought to be true, or right and realizing, life is all about change. And just being real...who I am, whether I or the next person likes it or not.So I would definitely have to say, this 50 is pretty nifty.