Saturday, November 14, 2009

First Game...

Well, last night was Ben's official first game as a head coach. The Bearcats faced off against the Tigers of Mizzou. My dad, Peyton and I left for the game around 3 while Tate stayed home with Grandma Ackerman. (THANKS GRANDMA!). The trip to Columbia took a little over three hours. When we got there it was time to get in our seats and get ready for the game! As we were walking in, the lights were low and they were introducing the Tigers. I must say, at that ponit I got REALLY nervous for Ben and the team and kept thinking, "YIKES! What did we get ourselves into?!?!" However, the game started and the Bearcats looked fantastic. They led for the first five minutes of the game and then were neck and neck for the first half. We obviously didn't get ANY calls from the officials and made some turnovers due to Mizzou's pressure...but for the most part, we did a great job. I was so proud of Ben and the way his team looked tonight. I know that no matter what, at the end of the day, he can be proud of who he has playing for him this year. I am looking forward to the rest of the season and hope that it is a great one! GO BEARCATS!!!

After the game, we drove back to Maryville. We didn't get home until about 1:00, so it was quite a late one for this mom! Mom and Dad stayed today and then left after dinner. It is so nice to be living close enough to have them be able to come down for events like this. Tomorrow, Ben's mom will be coming down and staying until Tuesday for Ben's first home game. Tate will get to go to that game on Monday night!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Tate's six month pics...




We had these taken a couple of weeks ago. I love his happy little self! :)

New beginnings in Maryville.

Wow. I just read my old posts and so much has changed since I have last written. We are settling in pretty well to all of the changes that have taken place in the past 6 months. I still miss all of my friends in Emporia so much. I feel like part of me is still with them and that I am on vacation and will eventually come back; however, lately, Maryville has started to feel more like "home."

Tate is getting very big... he is already 6 1/2 months old. He has two teeth, can sit up, and has just started to try baby foods. I absoultely love being a mom of two boys. As Tate has become more interactive, Peyton has really embraced his role as the big brother. He talks to Tate and shares toys with him. He is very protective of him and when Ben calls Tate, "Tator Tot" Peyton chimes in and says, "That's not Tater Tot, that's Tate Benjamin." Tate is an extremely happy baby and loves life. He rarely cries...and is full of smiles all of the time.

Peyton and Tate stay home with our two nannies everyday while I am at work. We tried so hard to find a daycare that we both approved of and had zero luck. It is so hard to be new to a town and to find someone you can trust with the most precious people in the world! I was ready to quit my job and be a stay at home mom until we thought of the idea to have college girls come here. We found Kati, our Tuesday/Thursday girl pretty easily since she is dating one of Ben's players. Then, we put an ad on-line through the college and ended up interviewing about eight other girls for Monday/Wednesday/Friday. We were blown away by Natalie...and hired her. They have both been wonderful with the boys and really a blessing in so many ways. I can leave the boys in their jammies and usually come home to see a great art project, freshly baked cookies, and most importantly...very happy boys. :)

I am getting into the swing of a new job. The amazing thing about teaching is that you really can do it anywhere... I have a group of 18 first graders and I can honestly say that I really love being their teacher. They have already learned a lot and I met all of their parents at conferences. My school day is from 7:50-2:40, so I am able to be home by 3:00 on most days. I really feel I have the best of both worlds...I am home with the boys a lot and still have a career.

Ben is hard at work with basketball and is actually at a scrimmage today at Kearney, Nebraska. He is a busy man!!! Hopefully we will have a great first season with him as the head coach! He recently was inducted into the Bearcat Athletic Hall of Fame with his 2001-2002 team. It was SO fun to see all of his old teammates and hang out with the wives following the event. All of the guys are really great and successful in their careers.

Next Friday, the official season will begin. My dad, Peyton and I are going to Columbia to watch the Bearcats against Missouri. (Tate will stay home with Grandma Ackerman) Then, Ben's mom is coming on Sunday and staying for Monday nights game at home. It will be busy once the games start, but more fun for Peyton because he loves to go to games and watch his dad.

And an update on Peyton....he is quite the little man and is always coming up with new sayings, etc. Recently, his word of the day was "imagination" He told me that he would be using his imagination while he played with his trains. My favorite story from about a month ago was when we were eating yogurt when I got home from school and all of a sudden he started running away with the spoon. I asked him what he was doing and he told me, "I'm the dish, Mommy...you know, like hey diddle, diddle..." Then he went to get me the book. Where he comes up with this stuff.... He is a football player and ONLY wears jerseys....except to church, because I told him Jesus likes when little boys wear nice shirts to church. OK, so that was a white lie, I am sure Jesus really doesn't care... We have been having some typical two and a half year old tantrums and have had a serious conversation about Santa. Santa is watching...THANK GOODNESS! So far, we hope that Santa brings us a train table, football gloves (like the players wear), and Bertie the Bus. What a wish list!

I will try my best to keep updating more often! The McCollum house is always a busy one!!!