Keepin' Up With the Tidwells

Monday, April 11, 2016

Play Ball!

Well, spring has sprung, we've moved our clocks forward, and we've moved our bodies to our second home....otherwise known as the baseball field.  Little League is officially in full swing and we're up to our ears in practices and games and more games and more practices.  It's self induced, I realize, but we wouldn't have it any other way.  The friendships that develop at the ballfield are unlike any others and we're so blessed to be surrounded by families we can laugh with and are there to encourage and love on our kids.  They'll even throw in some tough love when needed.


The boys have their Easter break this week.  Most schools get a Spring Break and have a full week, but at the school the boys attend it is a shortened break for the Easter holiday.  Don't think for a second they haven't noticed the difference.  They're fully aware that while their buddies are at Disney or on the ski slopes, they were in carpool this morning.  Obviously, somebody's brain is in fun mode because I'm pretty sure a backpack got left at home today.  I'm no genius, but I'm guessing it's hard to study without your books.

Spring also brings more movement in the real estate market.  More listings means more showings which for me means more fun.  I've been showing a lot of new construction lately which might explain the pictures below.  Same song different verse.....same car, different tire.  Screws have been removed, tires repaired, and I'm as good as new!  Let's go look at houses!  OR let's get yours on the market if your looking to sell!


We have spring fever and we're in countdown mode for summer break!!!  We've got open calendars which right now sounds like a dream.  The Blue Wahoos are in season as are the University of West Florida Argos, so I'm guessing when we're not playing ball we'll be watching others "play ball!"  #boymom

 

Friday, January 8, 2016

Bring it on, 2016!

2016 is here and we're off and running!  We soaked up every second of our Christmas break and fell right into loving the lack of schedule and discipline.  Seems like that transition is much easier than the one getting back into the swing of things.  We loved every second of the holidays.  It's such a special time for us to get to relax and just be in the moment without having to rush all over the place.  I really savor that about our holiday traditions.  It's a peaceful time for us.  Here are a few pictures from our pre-Christmas celebration.
 The boys made a trip up to Mississippi for some duck hunting.  They had a blast shooting ducks and not taking baths while I enjoyed a quiet weekend home doing just about the opposite.
 Our Christmas Eve always starts with baking and decorating cookies.  We're not going to win any artistic accolades, but they sure taste good which we attribute to the loads and loads of butter!
The Christmas Eve service at Olive is one of our favorite traditions.  We get to worship and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Above is how I would like them to act, but below is my reality.  


Santa brought more than we deserve and maybe more than some of us (Beau) expected.  He was a little nervous once bedtime rolled around when he began to rethink some of his behavior choices. Thankful Santa has a forgiving heart and delivered treats (and a little advice) in spite of many "questionable moments."


We spent some time in Fannin County the week after Christmas visiting family and friends, but from the pictures it looks like we just sat around and held cats.




We made it home to Florida before dark on New Year's Eve...just in time to ring in time to watch the festivities on eastern time and get to bed.  We're party animals at Casa de Tidwell!  Momma had a pure barre class to get to in the morning, so.....priorities!  We're all about at least keeping our resolutions past Jan 1st!


This week has wiped us out trying to pretend we didn't spend a majority of our time off from school staying up too late, watching football, and eating too much sugar.  We've ripped off the band-aid and jumped back in full force.

2016 brings change for our family.  We are building our first home in northwest Pensacola to get closer to the boys school and work.  We have lived in many homes over the years, but never built one of very own, so we're excited about all that comes with that experience.  Another big change is that I've gone back to work after about 9 years of being a SAHM.  I actually joined Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in November, but wanted to get through all the in-house training before I really dove in headfirst.  Well, now I'm diving in and I'm enjoying it just as much as I thought I would.  I love the real estate industry.  Having worked in real estate marketing before, I knew this was a business I would enjoy getting back into once we could plant more permanent roots somewhere.

We are excited about what God has planned for our family and yours this year and pray for health and happiness all year long.  Happy New Year from the Tidwells!