Ms. Groff

This year Baylie's student teacher is Ms. Groff - aka Sophie Groff. We started hearing about the amazing Ms. Groff early in the school year. Ms. Groff is a starter on the USC women's soccer team and Baylie couldn't wait to see her play. We've been able to go to two games so far and the lady Gamecocks definitely put on a good show. They are currently ranked #5 nationally.

Baylie and I went on a mom/daughter date to watch the Gamecocks beat Clemson.

The next week we went as a family to watch them beat Georgia. While there we ran into Ms. McCaskill, their principal. Her daughter, Savannah, is the star of the team.

They play in Stone Stadium. It's a beautiful facility. 

Ms. Graff is #5.

Pregame huddle.

Savannah scores most of the Gamecock goals. She is #7.

Ms Graff in action.

Baylie made signs.

Ms. Groff and Savannah.

Leaving the game.

Ms. McCaskill cheering.

Lady Gamecocks.

After the game, they sing the school song.

After the game you can also go down on the field and meet the players.

Watching the Lady Gamecocks is a fun family activity!

Happy, Happy Birthday, David Dear!

Today was David'd 36th birthday. I think he's officially a grown up now. I remember turning 36 and it felt old. Way older than 35. It seems that way with David too. 

David has to leave at 6:15 a.m. so we all woke up early to celebrate with him. The kids bought David presents at Dollar Tree. Jalen could hardly contain his excitement.

Fortunately, Jalen and David like the same toys.

Baylie also was excited about her gift.

She chose an air horn. Everyone loved the gift, but me.

I gave David a lunch box - it's what he asked for.

We had biscuits and gravy for breakfast - David's favorite.

Baylie and Jalen made David a sign. Guess who wrote which part.

The kids decorated David's car. (Unfortunately it rained and washed off, but at least he got to see it.)

For dinner we had pasta al forno - another David favorite.

He wanted an ice cream cake so I made a brownie ice cream cake with chocolate sweetened condensed milk on the top. It was probably one of the most unhealthy things I have ever made - and he loved it.

He liked it so much, he started eating with his hands. (So much for the getting older theory.)

David has changed so much in the 13+ years we've been married. I married a 22-year-old boy - crazy. I'm so grateful for the man he's grown to be. He's a great partner, friend and a fantastic father.