The Tap Family

Basketball EOS Tournament

2010-02-01T06:34:00.001-08:00

I spent my entire Saturday at Forbes Middle School. We left the house at 9:20AM and got back around 8:00PM. I might have expected something like that if we were at an out of town competition, but nooooo-- Forbes is right here in good ole' GT. It is just far enough from our house that the back & forth drive wasn't an option. (Yes- there is an 'other side of town' in GT).

Joseph & Benjamin's team played at 10:AM and won. Their next game was at 12:00noon, as was Matthew's first game. They all won. Matthew's team then went to the championship game (there were some earlier games in the week) and he didn't have to play again until 5:00PM. With those games ending at 1:00, we had a 1 & 1/2 hr break to grab some lunch and head back for J&B's 3:00pm game. They won that game and then had to immediately play again at 4:00pm. By this time (their 4th game of the day) and with no break between-- they lost by 1 point. Can you say EXHAUSTED??!! If they would have won, they would have been in the champ game. It just wasn't in the cards and after all their hard work they were disappointed, but happy with how they played.

Matthew's team won!! Woo Hoo! EOS tourney champs!! They were thrilled.

The awards ceremony was at 7:00PM, so we waited and watched some mmmooorrreee basketball. When they said "Thank you and good night" The Taps finally exited the building. We all slept REALLY well.

I want to thank Terry & Big Ann for coming. I know they didn't quite realize the possibility of watching basketball ALL day when they showed up at 10:00AM. Thanks for making the trip, hanging out with us, and for the yummy cookies!!! :)

GT Dribblers' Tournament & pics

2010-01-29T06:17:00.000-08:00

This week started the end of season tournament. Matthew's team won their first game on Tuesday. J&B's team lost by 1 point, but played hard! If you are interested in game times on Saturday: (all games at Forbes) J&B 10:00AM main gym, if win play at 12:00noon, lose-done. M 12:00noon aux gym, if win play in champ game at 5:PM, lose- 2:PM. Here are a couple of pics:

Make a Smilebox slideshow

KIVA

2010-01-20T05:59:00.000-08:00

You can find out more about Kiva by clicking on the box on the right side of my posts. Please vote!!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

Here are some of our Christmas pics!
We DID get snow **Christmas Eve Day**! I made the boys run outside so I could get a pic-- look closely-- you'll see the flurries. Mom, Terry, & Big Ann came over Christmas Eve, we had a yummy dinner and opened presents. We gave Terry & Big Ann an inversion table. Some really funny pics from that. Check out all their faces-hee hee. Christmas morning (after Santa came) we headed to Clear Lake to spend a couple of days with Nannie & Grandpa. Kevin,Steph,Sarah & Nathan were there, too. So much fun being all together. :) Then, on our way back to Georgetown we stopped by an saw Nannie Sue and Grandpa. Awesome pic of all them together. I can't believe we're in 2010 already. I got the boys some cool shades. Woo Hoo!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Boys' Basketball Schedules

2009-11-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

We started basketball practice last night and received our schedules. In case you wanted to join the fun..... here's when to show up:

ALL GAMES AT FORBES MIDDLE SCHOOL
Nov. 14th- Joseph & Benjamin 8:AM, Matthew 9:AM
Nov. 21st- M 9:AM, J&B 12:Noon (Aux gym)
THANKSGIVING BREAK
Dec. 5th- M 8:AM & 11:AM, J&B 12:Noon
Dec. 12th- M 9:AM, J&B 11:AM
Dec. 19th- J&B 8:AM, M 9:AM, J&B 12:Noon (Aux gym)
CHRISTMAS BREAK
Jan. 9th- M, J &B all at 9:AM
Jan. 16th-M 8:AM, J&B 9:AM & 12:Noon
Jan. 23rd- M 8:AM & 10:AM, J&B 11:AM

Nothing like Football IN THE RAIN!

2009-10-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

During one of our MANY recent flash floods-- the boys and some friends decided to have a football game. They truly had sooo much fun. Trey & I loved watching them laugh and play. I remember playing in the rain as a kid. Nothing like it!!
Joseph (blue shirt), Benjamin (red shirt, pants), Matthew (red long-sleeve shirt)

Joseph & Benjamin First Football Game

2009-09-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

Joseph & Benjamin had their first football game last weekend. Starting August 1st, they practiced 2 hours every evening, five days a week. Now that school has started, the coaches have backed WWAAAYYY back to 3-4 days/week. They play with Pop Warner (Pee Wee Division 1).

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Fiesta Texas

2009-08-16T13:40:00.001-07:00

I took the boys and two friends to Fiesta Texas in San Antonio a week or so, ago. I'm just now getting the pics posted, but we had tons of fun!! :)

Last minute Lake Buchanan

2009-07-31T11:43:00.000-07:00

We took a spur of the moment trip to Lake Buchanan. Trey found these cute little log cabins (willowpointresort.com) right on the lake. Took us about an hour to get there and we all just relaxed and ate and played in the lake, relaxed and ate and played in the lake, relaxed and ate and played in the lake... do you get where I'm going here? We loved our 2 day little get-away!

Iron Horse Country Ranch

2009-07-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

The boys attended a Motocross/Dirt Bike Camp this past week. They LOVED it and made me promise that they could go next year, too. The movie is of pics I took on the last day (parent day). If you're looking for another camp for your kids this summer-- this is the place. Here's their website: http://www.ironhorsecountry.com/

Cemetary Reunion

2009-06-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

The second Saturday of June always puts us at a family reunion. The location just happens to be a country family cemetary, thus..."The cemetary reunion" :)

*Big*big*day for Joseph & Benjamin! Dad decided (after the reunion) that is was time for their first car driving experience. Since we were in the middle of NO WHERE, it worked out quite well. :) Here it is... recorded for all time....

Start of some summer fun!

2009-06-13T18:29:00.001-07:00

We went to a small water park for a couple of hours last week and here are some cute pics:

5th Grade Graduation

2009-06-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Cutest 5th Grade Graduates EVER...... Terry & Big Ann came up from Austin & sat through our 1&1/2 hour program. Thank you!! I'm not sure why it took that llllooonnngggg, but it did and we appreciate them coming. :) When they got home I surprised them with some "picture cookies" (A photo with "5th Grade Graduate" written around it)--their reaction was funny----

After the ceremony there were lots of cookies/brownies/drinks, so they weren't too hungry at first, BUT the majority are now gone. Nothing like sugar for dinner. :)
{If edible cake/cupcake/cookie toppers are in your future, I got these from an ebay store called "Cake Imagination" - they had tons of character themes,too}

Let the games begin**summertime has arrived**!!!!

Reunion Ranch-5th Grade

2009-05-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

Our PTA sponsors a "fun day" each year at Reunion Ranch for the 5th grade graduates. Here are a couple of pics:
Listening to the rules

Boys -vs- Girls tug-o-war
Hanging out
Hours of basketball

Caught for one pic
Some races

Barbara Elizabeth Taparauskas

2009-05-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

The boys with Grandma Tap - August 2008

Trey's Grandma (the boys' Great Grandma) passed away Monday, May 11, 2009. She was 87 years old and what a great 87 years! She had many stories to tell and much joy to spread. She was one of 14 (yes, fourteen) children and she had 7 children of her own. Trey's dad, Bill, is the oldest.

I took this picture at the Vigil on Wednesday night:

With a long lifetime of love, there are many things to thank Grandma for-- but, my personal five favorites are shown above. She was an integral part of those beautiful smiles and I thank her with my whole heart.

It's official-- I'm going to be rich!

2009-04-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

I looked it up on the internet, so it has to be true. There is no such thing as a HAIRLESS Labrador. Well, my Charlie is currently going through some type of late-bloomer-DNA-genetic malfunction, but he will soon be worth millions, millions, millions. Maybe I should explain...

No matter how often I sweep, no matter how often I vacuum, no matter how often I dust-- there is a never ending supply of Charlie hair in this house. Charlie is becoming the first-ever hairless labrador ~~RICH~~ I tell you ~~RICH~~! Now, I might have skipped a couple of postulates while proving my theorem (please don't miss those fancy words I threw in there), but with my new found resources-- I'll just buy some postulates, right??

Little Dribblers' Tournament- Mexia

2009-04-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

Matthew's basketball season is officially over. We went to Mexia for the Little Dribblers' National Tournament last week. I will say that people of Mexia were wonderful. As far as the town itself--- interesting.... hmmmmm.... (I'm stayin' positive). We didn't make it to the big show, but the boys worked hard and really put their hearts into it. Here are some pics of Mr. Cutie Pa-toot-ie: (Don't tell him I called him that please)....

Listening to Coach

Love this:

warm-up

Watching the big kids....

I've got my eye on you...

And last, but certainly not least--- We got take-out chicken at the VERY establishment that Anna Nicole Smith use to work.... (jealous??)

Charlie Brown

2009-04-11T10:57:00.001-07:00

You or your family might try to argue the fact, but Charlie is
just the cutest dog EVER!! EVER!! EVER!!
What was that?

Charlie & I both thought that was funny. :)

Sad..urday

2009-04-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

Okay-- Saturday was not a winning day for the Tap boys. Out of six games, two were victorious. We almost won some of the others, but as you know... almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. I got my new camera and tried a couple of new features which includes video. Here is a video of Matthew (#11) playing some basketball.

Here is a pic from baseball. He was playing second base & ran out to catch a pop fly. He is about to throw it home to keep a runner from coming in.

I'm operating on fumes right now and Matthew's video took too long to load, so-- you'll just have to be okay with pics of J&B. Joseph's fav positions are center field and second base. This game, my pics are of center field and I want you to notice how close/zoomed in I am ~~happy,happy,joy,joy~~I'm behind the fence. Right after I took these two shots....

.....Joseph makes a running/sliding/beautiful catch. Of course, I was too busy yelling/clapping and after he comes up with it-- I realize that I'm not taking pictures. (sigh) What was one of the first things he asks me after the game? "Mom, did you get a pic of that?"

Here's some Benj (#14) basketball pics...

making a basket...

patiently waiting during free throws...

I took a ton of pics, and hopefully someday my basketball pics will turn out better. I'll post some video of Benjamin soon.

I'm easily infatuated

2009-04-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, I was going to title this I love Wal-Mart, but then I realized the thing that I'm currently luvin' is made by Tyson, so technically, it should be I love Tyson. Then, I took it a little further and decided that I really loved my cell phone, too because it allowed me to take a picture. (No new camera, yet).

And. Here. We. Are. You know what I decided.

This all-in-one pot roast for your slow cooker, might be the oldest idea out there. But-- it's NEW to ME! Earlier today, I was on one of my "I'm in a hurry-get into Wally World and out ASAP" missions. I cruised by the meat section and what did I spy? Just something that made me do a jig--- a pot roast combo. I'll repeat that... a pot roast combo. All I had to do was reach out my hand and PICK IT UP. No need to go down the vegetable isle-- no sir -- just pick it up and go to check out. Hot diggity dog.

So this Saturday, when we are at our 5 million athletic events.... my slow cooker will be ON.
Have I mentioned... it's the little things that make me happy.

Character Building 101

2009-03-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

No photos from this weekend (camera still dead), but I wanted to discuss the character building that is going on with Matthew and basketball. Here's a little back story: Matthew (3rd grade) made 3rd/4th grade basketball All-Star team for Little Dribblers. We will be attending that official "LD" tournament next month. In preparation for that National tournament, our coaches have the boys playing in some local non-LD tournaments.

Just one problem---which is actually quite big--- you really can't find a ton of 3/4 basketball tournaments. That leaves us with two choices: 4th/5th or 5th grade team tourneys. Which leads us to our character building. :)

Last weekend, he played a 5th grade team and lost 68 to.... 5. This was just one of the games, but it obviously stuck in M's mind. Now== this weekend== several games played, but yesterday we played a different 5th grade team and lost 63 to.... 15. If you know me at all, you know I have to find a positive in every negative situation. I just have to, I don't have a choice-- it just comes from inside. So, at the end of the game, I proclaim "Look at the improvement!!" Another 3rd-grade mom agrees and adds, "I know all kids need character building experiences, but do our guys really need this much?" We giggle to ourselves, then look across the court to our guys and give two huge smiles & thumbs up. The game might be providing life lessons, but I'm here to help him through it.

Andrea's Wedding

2009-03-22T16:43:00.001-07:00

Trey's cousin, Andrea, got married in Columbus on Saturday. We got to see some family that we don't see very often and had a great time! Beautiful bride, beautiful wedding, beautiful day!

Joseph & Benjamin got hold of my camera and took some EXTREME close-ups. I included a couple, but not the majority because most adults (myself included) probably don't want/need to see a full-screen pic of just their face. Sarah and Nathan were adorable, as usual. Matthew had a basketball tournament this weekend and didn't make it to the wedding.

Got some cute pics of Uncle Trey and Nathan gettin' their groove on. I was only able to get a couple of pics of Andrea & Matt because right after the cake cutting, my camera officially stopped working. It is dead-- not in need of batteries-- dead! Which made me sad... for just a minute... because-- Woo Hoo-- that means nnneeewwww camera, baby!!

Joseph & Matthew Baseball

2009-03-16T09:50:00.001-07:00

Spring Baseball has begun! I decided to get some pics up before we got too busy with everything. (It's only been 5 months since my last post...)

Matthew is on the Cardinals. He moved up to Mustang (kid-pitch)this season and I'm happy to say that he hasn't been hit by a wild pitch, yet. But-- we are only two games into the season.

Joseph is on the Mets. He moved up to Bronco (11-12yrs). He just turned 11 last week, so you can imagine the size of some of the older-12s. Trey is helping coach his team.

Benjamin is doing Fury basketball. We thought he might regret his choice and miss baseball, but so far he is still in love with basketball. Fury tournaments haven't started, yet. Just practicing.... I'll get pics soon.

Halloween

2008-11-19T06:36:00.000-08:00

With mask.....

Now--- no masks........

I promised to not follow them around taking pics all night, if they would permit two pics-- one with everything on, and one with masks off (so, in 10 years I could tell who was who). Benjamin chose to skip Halloween to go with Dad to the hunting lease ( to get everything ready...hmmmmm) anyway-- he isn't in any pics.
Brock- cheerleader, Joseph-scary old man, Gus- skeleton, Caleb- football fan, Jeff-scary dude??, Matthew-scary dude??. They all HAD, just HAD to t-r-t the neighborhood together and I was NOT allowed to be too close. Candy haul was good-- I'm still finding wrappers......... :)

Matthew 9th birthday

2008-11-17T06:16:00.001-08:00

***********Click on top pic to browse through**************************

Matthew turned 9!! Wow--- Can you believe it? He'll always be my baby, though. (Which I repeated to him the entire day). :)

He wanted his football party at Soccer Zone. It is an enclosed soccer field with artificial turf. They decided to play a little soccer first, then football, then played on a jumpy thing, ate pizza, played dodge ball, had cupcakes/opened presents,and two blinks later.... the party was over. I have to say-- they kept all those boys moving the entire time and they were all wiped out two hours later. JUST THE WAY WE LIKE IT!!

It was hard to get pics, because of the constant motion. There are some soccer pics, eating, & dodge ball.

Fall Flag Football

2008-11-16T10:21:00.001-08:00

All the boys had tons of fun with flag football this season. They all wanted to play tackle, but I wasn't ready for them to be sssmmmooooooossshhheeddd. We've agreed to let J&B start tackle next year when they start middle school. M isn't too happy about having to wait until then but.... I doubt J&B will let us forget that THEY WAITED. Their end of season tournament was two weekends ago and they all won the "Super Bowl". Trophies and smiles for all. We've now started basketball and of course (at some point) there will be pics. Enjoy!!

UT football update

2008-11-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

I just realized that my little widget thingy isn't letting you all see Matthew McConaughey & family. I'll post two (of my several-hehehehehe) here.

Also--can you guess who had the grubby nacho cheese "Hook'em"???

Matthew will tell you all day long that he hates cheese, but loves (and I do mean dearly) football-stadium-concession-stand nachos.....

UT football game

2008-11-02T10:28:00.001-08:00

In September we took the boys to the UT-vs-Flordia Atlantic football game. We went to Uncle Kevin's tailgate first, then on to the stadium. Before the game Vince Young's jersy was retired (one photo of him) and during half-time Matthew McConaughey, girlfriend & new baby walked right in front of our seats (2 pics). We all had a great time.

Joseph's buzz cut

2008-11-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

As you all have seen from previous pictures/seen Joseph in person--he has had his hair long for a couple of years. Well, he decided IT HAD TO GO-- and that... was that. He now tries to convince others how much better it feels, but I told him "They aren't going to listen to you anymore that YOU listened to short-haired people trying to convince you of the benefits (most specifically Trey)". Of course, Trey is MOST pleased that he has finally cut it.

First Day of School

2008-11-02T09:24:00.001-08:00

Okay-- here's the first day of school photo. I'm not sure how many more they are going to let me take (and smile). :)

And this...........

is my birthday present to me!! :) I used birthday money & gift cards to purchase an iScooba (robot mop).. and I couldn't be happier. The boys have nicknamed him
MOP-E (like the Wall-E movie). I just LLLOOOVVVEEE watching him sweep/mop my floors.

Spazmatics- August

2008-10-16T06:56:00.001-07:00

I'm to August!! :)

The boys spent a week with Nannie & Grandpa. They played with friends in the neighborhood and then went to Rockport for FISHING. I don't have any pics from their stay, but they had tons of fun. They came back wiped out (just the way I like it-- ha!)

Over the August 8th weekend, I got to see some of my pharmacy school girlfriends. We all keep in touch, but Tracy Johnson has a "Girl's Weekend" for us every August in Leakey. It was a little shopping, some reading, with lots of relaxing & laughing.
Again, I don't have any pics-- but, I enjoyed every minute. Even the CCOOLLDD ones floating on the Frio. Thank You, Tracy!

On Wednesday, August 13th-- some of my pals joined Trey & I for the Spazmatics. I wanted to emphasize that it was a Wednesday, because most everyone had to work the next day and they STILL SHOWED UP!! We had so much fun. The Spazmatcs is a 80's cover band and played all the right music for us. We were in high school, again. :) It was a fun night with friends right before my birthday.

On my birthday the boys took me to Summer Fun USA in Belton. Yep, a waterpark for my birthday. They KNEW I would have so much fun there. :) No, really-- I did enjoy my day. They played and played and I read in the shade. If you know me, you know that is what I love.

My next post with have 1st day of school pics. I'm catching up......

Astro Game

2008-09-25T21:23:00.001-07:00

While we were visting Bill & Linda, we all decided to go to an Astros game. Most of my pics were of the CONSTANT food intact by the boys. We all had a great time. This game was crazy at the end & the Astros won.

Before the game, Trey & I took the boys to see Grandma Tap and Aunt Dotty. We loved catching up with them. When we were on our way over, Trey called to make sure it was okay for an unannounced visit. Dotty said "You know you don't have to call to come over to Grandma's house". That's family. :):)

Crabbing with Dad

2008-09-25T20:18:00.001-07:00

***CLICK ON SIDE OF PIC TO SEE OTHERS***

At the end of July/beginning of August, we all went to Seabrook to hang out with Nannie & Grandpa. The boys had some extra energy to burn when we first got there and Trey took them crabbing in the neighborhood. They LOVE crabbing!!

Some July 2008 pics

2008-09-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

July in a nutshell:

First week of July-- Julie & Sam came in from Missouri. While here, all the boys did the Sports Country Camp in Dripping Springs. They loved it. Here's the website (& yes-- girls go, too) www.sportscountrycamp.com . I wanted to take some pics to show Trey & email to Blake in Missouri, but the boys' were all mortified. Look especially at Benj & Matthew. Sweet Sam & Joseph at least smiled in one pic.

July 4th party-- every year I say I'm going to take pictures... and every year I get too busy. We all had a great time. Thanks to everyone who came and if you didn't--come next year!

I threw in some pics of the boys & some friends. All the kids loved summertime laziness. There was a continual stream of boys in & out of the house. I think some spent the night before these pics and then played some ball. This wasn't a special day, just a day I actually took some pictures.

Week 3-- the boys' went to Camp Peniel in Marble Falls (www.camppeniel.org). J & B informed me that next year they want to do the "overnight" camp for the week. Gone for a week---hmmmm......

Week 4-- They spent in Palestine with Mimi, Terry & Big Ann. Football camp at Westwood High School, a couple of plays, swimming/etc. They were kept BUSY!

Sarah's 3rd birthday party. She was so excited!! Isn't she just precious. My little Sarah-bear.

The last pictures are from an evening we all went to Walburg. The Emersons'(Dan, Tracy, Ashley, Haley & Braydon) were in from Malaysia and we met out there for the kids to play while the adults chatted. These aren't my pics, but Tracy shared --- thanks!

Williams Family Visit

2008-09-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

In the middle of June, John David, Miranda, Grace & JR came through Texas on their way to Alabama (new asssignment). This was my first time to meet JR in person-- he is ADORABLE. Maybe I'm a little biased (okay a lot biased)-- but, he IS adorable. The cutest little personality. Grace is a little lady-- sweet, sweet, sweet. I loved having them all here. Miranda just found out she is pregnant, again, and is due next Spring. Can't wait!!

San Antonio- June 2008

2008-09-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm just now getting to June. Slowly-- I will make it to September....

We went for a quick trip to San Antonio with the Glenn family, John, Stacy, Tanner & Haley. We had fun a Six Flags and playing in the pool at the hotel. Enjoy the pics.

Joseph as Lance Armstrong

2008-09-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

Joseph as Lance Armstrong

Fourth Grade Wax Museum

Benjamin- George Strait

2008-09-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

Here is Benjamin as George Strait

Fourth Grade Wax Museum

At the end of school (last year), all 4th graders chose a famous Texan. Parents walked up and pushed their "button" and heard a summary of their life. Cute!

Mother's Day Tournament Weekend

2008-05-15T11:00:00.001-07:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day!! My boys wrote sweet--sweet-- cards to me and I love my new earrings. Their end-of-season baseball tournament ended on Sunday, as well. So---we were all out at the park from 12:Noon to 8:00PM on Mother's Day. No relaxation/reading/pampering for me, but you know--- I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. I loved being at the ballpark with my guys!! (Okay-- except for the times my stomach was in a knot watching the games). Benjamin's team didn't make it to Sunday play-offs, but he played and played all day with friends that were there, too.

EVERY SINGLE Mets GAME (Joseph) was decided in the last inning/with two outs/two strikes....when they finally won the tournament--- PURE JOY! Joseph's team, also came in first place for the season. Two trophies were given a "place of honor" in his room the minute we got home. :)

Matthew's team squeaked by early in the tournament, but their final game was a little easier on me. Something just "turned on " with their team and they had a healthy lead all the way to the end. One of their Assistant coaches (Charles) made a bet with the entire team--- if they won--- they could SHAVE his head. Well--- I included a pic of Matthew's turn. They all laughed and giggled and couldn't believe they were actually shaving his head. They, also, came in first for the season & received two trophies. If you know Matthew, you know the trophy shrine in his room. I'm sure there will be much thought put into the proper placement of each. :) :)

Matthew's First Communion!

2008-05-15T10:48:00.001-07:00

Sunday, May 4th was Matthew's First Communion. Thanks to all the family and friends that shared the day with us. He loved being the center of attention!

Matthew Baseball

2008-04-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

Here are Matthew season pics so far............ enjoy! I'll get more of him, as well. I'm just happy to have baseball pics posted!!! :):):)

Benjamin Baseball

2008-04-19T16:23:00.001-07:00

Here are some of Benjamin's pics. I need to get more of him running the bases. These are mostly pitching & at first base. I'll get more... don't worry!

Joseph Baseball

2008-04-19T12:45:00.001-07:00

Okay-- I'm really behind on posting. I'm going to get baseball pics up of the boys for now. This is Joseph's season so far. We've played atleast 10 games. This is just a brief look at the season. If you want more pics--- just ask! HA!

I'll post more later. I've got to go for concession stand duty up at the fields. :)

Greece Day 2

2008-03-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

We started our morning at the Constitution Square (Syntagma) -specifically at the House of Parliament & Memorial of the Unknown Soldier to see the changing of the guard. Every Greek male over 18 years must serve 1 year service to the country via different options (most do military). The guards of the unknown soldier are chosen for their height and discipline. They change every hour (all day & night) for 365 days/year. They must stand perfectly still with no response/etc to spectators…basically like changing of the guard in London & in the states at our Unknown Soldier monument, if you have seen that. They are in all white because it was Sunday. We were there to see the “big hoopla” procession (yes, there is a better name for it, but I don’t know it)-- I will say that these guys have to be totally secure in their manhood. They are in skirts/tights/with pompoms on their shoes. (again--yes, I’m sure there are specific historical reasons for the outfit, but I don’t know it….)
Once on our tour, we first stopped at the temple of the Olympian Zeus (515 BC)- the largest of the ancient temples of Athens. In antiquity, there were two rows of 20 (sides) and three rows of 8 (ends). Only 16 are now preserved. This site also has Hadrian’s Arch (AD 131), named after the emperor that finished the temple. ---long story--- I’ll tell you if you want to know. Then, onto the Panathenaic Stadium- home of the first MODERN era Olympic games (1896).

Next, we went to the Acropolis which is home to the Parthenon & Erechtheion (the two main buildings), also has the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, & Theatre of Dionysos. Our tour ended at here, but at the Acropolis base is the Plaka area.

Julie, Big Ann, Pam & I decided to go on an adventure. I say “adventure” because I don’t want you to think we got lost. We got to the Plaka around 3:00PM and arrived back at the hotel around 7:00PM. Our tour guide had told us it would take us around 30 minutes to walk back to our hotel (if we didn’t shop). Well, we did do some shopping & eating, but there was an abundance of adventuring, too. When we finally sat down to eat, our poor waiter didn’t really know what to do with us. We were clueless tourists. By the end of our meal, he loved us and took pics with us. We shopped a little more and then made it home. Much laughing telling all our stories to the rest of our group that had gone back to our hotel.

Greece Day 1

2008-03-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

Kalimera from Greece! (Good Morning) If you are reading this in the evening… Kaispera from Greece! The first one sounds a lot like when we say “calamari“.
We are all having a wonderful time. Our group consists of : Mom, Glenda & Mary (from big P), Big Ann & her good friend Pam, Julie & myself.
Day 1 - some airport pics-- being silly-- left JFK at 5:30PM-- Greece is 7 hrs ahead of Texas. (9 hours later--- arrival at 9:00AM in Greece, walked around Syntama Square & flea market area until our rooms were ready at our hotel -- NJV Athens Plaza.)
Beautiful Greek Orthodox Cathedral a little bit from Syntagma Square --they were doing reconstructive work on the outside, so I couldn't take any really good pictures---gorgeous inside-- gorgeous!
We went back to rooms around 2:00PM & took naps. That evening we ate near our hotel and found wonderful bakery. We all sampled baklava (pistachio & almond were my favorites) and an apple pie dessert that wasn’t anything like what you are probably thinking of--- it was delicious. Then-- back to our rooms & SLEEP!

Cypress Valley Canopy Tours

2008-03-09T17:03:00.001-07:00

Benjamin's First zip!!

Joseph's First zip!!
We decided to take Joseph & Benjamin on a canopy tour for their 10th birthdays. We all had so much fun. The company even allowed Matthew to come with us. He conquered his fear and zipped with the family. I know you can't see Matthew's face, but he is having fun!

We were about 40 feet up. At first, I was very, very, very cautious, but toward the end (with a lot more trust in my equipment)-- I got braver. The bridges weren't as scary at the end as at the beginning.

Toward the end of the tour they have you lean out from the platform and let go of your harness (so the rope is holding you). Matthew was a solid --NO-- on this one, but he did pose for the picture. :)

We really did have a wonderful time. We highly recommend you all doing it, as well. Check them out at http://www.cypressvalleycanopytours.com/. They are located right outside of Marble Falls. It took us a little over a hour to get there.

Our lead tourguide was Patrick. He was awesome with the boys. Ask for him if you go!! We also had Brooke-- she was great, too.

******************
This is a little out of order, but....

We did have baseball on Saturday. I forgot to take my camera, so ... no pics. Matthew's game was first and they won (barely, but it is a W), J & B's games were at the same time. Joseph's team won and Benjamin's lost. It was a really windy, cold morning-- but, they played well. I promise to post some baseball pics soon.

*******************

Friday night sleep-over

2008-03-09T16:38:00.001-07:00

Singing Happy Birthday

Trey & I picked up all the kids after school and they were ready for some fun. They immediately wanted to have an air-soft war. They ran all over the front and back yards for "positioning". Trey went to get pizza and afterwards, we were on our way to the movie. The kids had a choice of two movies. My group went to see College Road Trip, Trey's group went to see Jumper. After the movie, we had planned on doing smores in our fire pit, but quickly decided the kids didn't need any more sugar. The "smore-fire" instantly became the "just a fire" fire.

With baseball going on the next morning, we tried to get everyone in bed at a reasonable hour. With Trey & I prowling around--- we got the majority asleep by midnight. There were a couple of stragglers--they got really good at hearing us coming/acting like they were asleep. (sneaky boys....)

Here are some pics out by the just-a-fire fire:

Silly boys left

"We are acting COOL" right

B-day morning

2008-03-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

I want to start with === Jospeh & Benjamin woke up TEN this morning ===

Last night, Matthew & I went to HEB for some last minute stuff. He decided we needed to get J & B some balloons/etc. for this morning. He said he would act like he was asleep when it was bedtime and "trick" them. He waited and then once they were in their rooms, he came out to decorate. Trey helped with the banner, but otherwise-- this was his deal. I decided NOT to remind him that all of this meant that he liked his brothers. HA! :) See-- there is some brotherly love in there--- sometimes buried--- but, in there.

Waking up 10!! Come on B-- wake up!!

Groovy music card-- much dancing

Happy first decade card

If you can't tell from the pics, B's shirt has a football field inside the bowl. "Soup"er bowl-- if you will..... He is being silly. J's shirt has a devil laying down in the snow making a snow angel. This is J making a "carpet" angel. Benjamin asked for a last-minute birthday mohawk before we walked out the door. I'm such a sucker on their birthdays and they know it. I slapped some putty gel in his hair and off to school we went. :)

More pics later--- school will be getting out soon.

Teaser

2008-03-06T05:53:00.001-08:00

I wanted to do a quick update! We have many things going on this weekend and I will post pics of ALL-- eventually. :)

Tomorrow, Joseph & Benjamin turn 10. TEN-- double digits. I have teared up a couple times this week and I'm not sure why, but this birthday is really getting to me. (sniff)

I am picking up 6 boys after school tomorrow, along with our 3. 9 + 1 (Trey counts--hehehehe) and we will have 10 stinky boys here. Our original plan included air-soft wars, go-carting, and a movie, but a cold-front is coming in this afternoon and ALL OUR OUTSIDE STUFF might not be possible---Ahhhhhhhhh------- Trey's last words to me this morning before leaving for work were "I'm going to brainstorm today about possibilities for Friday". If Trey is stressed about what to do with 9 boys, then I'm doomed. Everyone take a moment and say a prayer for us --I MEAN IT!

Saturday starts baseball. **Woo Hoo** All the kids spending the night have Saturday morning cames, so there might be some coaches cussing the Tap family. We all know the boys aren't going to bed at 9:00PM. We will be affecting 7 different teams--- atleast we are spreading the sleepy boys around.

If you didn't notice that I said "all" the boys have baseball--- please re-read. I mean all the boys have baseball-- including Joseph. Yeppers, never say never people. I swore I would NEVER have my guys on three different baseball teams with 3 different practices and 3 different games/etc.. Well, we do. The league needed some more kids to play to fill out some teams and Joseph told Trey he would play. This all happened in a 24-hour period and he had his first practice last night. The last time he played was Spring 2006, so Trey had to rush around yesterday afternoon to find cleats/pants that would fit. Never a dull moment. J was happy with the team he got on because he knows the coach really well (hunting lease buddies). So-- if you were planning on seeing Tap baseball -- be ready to see three. :)

One of my greatest gal pals is turning 40 and her big bash is Saturday evening. Terry & Big Ann are coming to baby sit. I think they might actually have a sedate threesome. Hopefully, anyway.

Then on Sunday, Trey & I are taking Joseph & Benjamin on a "canopy tour" for their birthday. We will be soaring through the tree-tops on zip lines. I'm really excited. Hopefully the pics will be good.

Well, there you have it. My update. :) I will post pics ASAP. Have a great weekend.

Valentine's Day

2008-02-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love notes to Mom & Dad

and PRESENTS from Mom & Dad!

Well, What a wonderful Valentine's Day! The boys thank everyone for the cards & candy. We are still enjoying all the sweets. Yum Yum!

I loved Valentine's Day, first of all, because of all the LLLOOOVVVEEE that was showered on me and second of all, because--- I returned to the land of the living (kinda).

I came down with a horrible sinus infection and viral yuck. I hadn't felt that bad since before the boys were born. It knocked me out. I pretty much slept from the Saturday before V-day to V-day. I attempted to work on Monday, but that was a bad decision. The rest of the week was sleepytime. The boys didn't know what to think. They had seen me sick before, but not useless. Joseph gave me a card that said "I would do anything to get you well, except give up my Playstation"-- that is LOVE -- I'm just glad I came in second only to the Playstation. :)

The school planned a Mother's luncheon for Valentine's Day and then the class parties. My antibiotics finally kicked-in on Thursday AM and I woke up-- slightly. Anyway, I made it to the luncheon (didn't breathe on anyone-- we sat in a corner--ha!). But, no parties for me-- sorry-- no pics.

I'm almost back to feeling normal. Sorry for not posting anything sooner. With me being out of commission, there was plenty to catch-up on.

Did I tell everyone that Joseph decided not to play Spring Hockey? Well, at the last minute he decided he wanted a break from hockey until next Fall. He wants to try-- tennis, cooking classes and "play some golf with Dad". We have started the tennis lessons and he is really enjoying it. There is a new specialty cooking store here in GT and I've contacted them about cooking classes geared toward youth--keep your fingers crossed. As far as the "golf with Dad", Trey said he will have to work RREEEAAALLLLYYYY hard at working that in for Joseph. hmmmmmmm

Baseball tryouts and draft happened last week. Matthew is on the Padres (coach pitch) and Benjamin is on the Pirates (kid pitch). Opening Day is March 8th, but I don't have any schedules, yet. I'll send them out as soon as they are available.

Everyone have a great weekend!

Basketball End of Season Tournament

2008-01-30T12:51:00.000-08:00

Basketball is officially over for the Taps. I have to say that I really enjoyed the season and the boys learned a lot from their coaches/teammates. After a couple of games, I realized one of the MAIN things I liked about the boys playing basketball was...... all we had to do was show up. I didn't have to find helmets/balls/bats/sticks/pads/special shoes and put them in a sports bag (that I also didn't have to find). The boys put on their uniform, got a Gatorade/water from the frig and we walked out the door. HOW SWEET IT IS!!!! I like basketball :)

You all know the story about how bad my pics are but to prove they really played----here are some pics of the warm up before the final tournament game. Joseph is #11 (shooting), B is #12

Before the final game, the players were announced and they ran across the gym. WooHoo-- big time. Here they are lined up, ready to go......

After they ran in:

Much excitement after winning the game !!!

A Big THANK YOU to Terry and Big Ann for spending all of Saturday with us at the games and awards. :):):)

Grandpa's 60th birthday weekend

2008-01-23T06:41:00.000-08:00

Happy 60th Birthday Grandpa!!

We celebrated Grandpa's birthday this past weekend. Kevin, Trey and Linda planned a get-a-way weekend to celebrate Dad/Grandpa/Bill's 60 great years. We were at a lake house on Lake Travis. It was our first really cold weekend here in central Texas, but that didn't matter to Bill. Mr. I LOVE TO FISH was out there on Saturday and Sunday. His fishing poles were going in the water-- no matter what. :) And, yes-- he had three "helpers" --who just had to fish, too.

I don't have any fishing pictures because (well, now do I really have to explain that.... don't you all know me???) Did I mention that is was really cold outside and we were on a lake??? Anyhoo-- needless to say--- my camera stayed inside with me. My "celebration" photos are all from within the lake house.

Friday night party:

Blowing out the candles!

Matthew loved his ginger ale in the champagne glass!

Happy Sarah!

Saturday afternoon, Trey was put in charge of Nathan and remembered (with no problems) what to do with a sleeping baby........... :) They were both sound asleep in the EXACT same position. TOOOOO CCCUUUUTTTEEEE!!

Sunday before we left we sang "Happy Birthday" to Nannie, as well. Her birthday is this week--- and let me add that it isn't her 60th.......... I would say 29th, but that would make her younger than her children. HA!

One of the ribbons found Nathan.........

Back to School

2008-01-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

Well, when break is over.... break is OVER-- this week was a bear for Joseph & Benjamin. They had two benchmark tests. Their writing component was Tuesday and took pretty much the entire day. Then, math was on Wednesday and the boys said it took several hours, as well. These were just the benchmarks, but STILL... why back to back? And.. it wasn't like they didn't have all the other school work coming home, too. Same amount of crazy homework each night and then, a science test and spelling test on Friday. Wow-- I'm glad I'm not a student right now.

Friday morning (before leaving for school), we were going over the spelling words because ** YES-- spelling was low-man-on-the-totem pole when it came to "study time" ** and I realized that ... they were done. NO MORE was going into their brains and I just gave them hugs and said "Okay--you don't have to study-- just do your best." They just de-stressed right in front of my eyes. They couldn't believe that I didn't care... whatever was fine with me-- WOW :).

Trey left for south Texas (hunting), so the boys and I had date night Friday night. We saw National Treasure. It was really good. We all loved it. Joseph declared it "My all-time favorite movie-- ever". That would be a 4-star review by Mr. Movie Critic.

Anyway-- it is Saturday and we had more basketball. They are lovin' it. My pictures are still really blurry--so-- you will just have to believe me that they are having fun!

That's all I've got.... I'll update again, soon!

Disney Day 7

2008-01-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

Day 7--

Well, needless to say-- we all slept in. I think there was a little motion in our room around 11:00AM, but no one was really moving until a little bit later.

Benjamin wanted to ride Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom-- just one more time-- and since this was our last full day..... Mom & Benj made the trek to AK. We wanted to get fast passes, but since we were there so late in the day-- we had to wait in line. It said "50 minutes" and I was ready to GO, but Benjamin said "pppplllllleeeeeeaaaaaassssseeeeee, this is our last day"..... so-- we stayed. It really only took about 30 minutes and of course B asked to sit in the front. Which meant--- I had to sit in the front, too. First time in the front for me---okay-- I screamed.

We walked around and shopped. Then, made our way to Downtown Disney for the Cirque Du Soleil show "La Nouba". We ate at Wolfgang Puck's cafe, then went to the show. It was amazing. We walked around after the show and made our way to the Lego Imagination Center. Unbelievable--- it was huge and had every imaginable lego. A cold front came in that night and the temperature went from wonderful warm days/nights to the 40's. We were just lucky that it was our last full day.

When we got up for the trip to the airport, we took pics with the Gingerbread House and Christmas tree in our hotel lobby.

We are home now and school started back today. BACK TO THE REAL WORLD!!

Disney Day 6

2008-01-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

We were lazy in the morning and rested for our long night ahead.

The boys went on a Pirate Cruise Adventure. It was a 2 hour trip around the lake to different locations looking for treasure. When Trey came back to the room from dropping them off, he wasn't so sure they were going to have fun. The crew members gave them some Mickey Mouse pirate hats to wear (which I find appropriate) and our guys seemed a little put off..... hmmmm... we would just have to wait and see if they liked it. Well---- they loved it. I had downloaded pics to my laptop, but forgot to put them with the other pics for this video. Sorry-- no pirate pictures. You will just have to trust me that they came back to the room excited about their morning.

It started raining when we got to Disney MGM (around 4:30pm). We had our ponchos ready and just kept going. Rain wasn't going to stop our fun!! We did the MGM-Studios Backlot tour, then over to see "Voyage of the Little Mermaid". After that we hung out by the "New Year's Eve show" that was going on stage all night. Basically lots of music, dancing and clapping. :)

We then headed over to get our hats & horns and looked around at the Osborne Family lights. We ate dinner at Hollywood and Vine, then went to see Fantasmic! (a laser, light, special effects show)-- WOW-- it was really cool. We got our wrist bands for the extra evening hours (MGM stayed open until 3:00AM ) and then went to find our super special spot to watch fireworks.

The fireworks were outstanding. To think Disney was doing fireworks like that at ALL the parks (except Animal Kingdom- of course) was just amazing. Everytime you thought they were about to end..... nope..... more kept coming.

Matthew & Joseph were tired. STICK A FORK IN THEM--- THEY WERE DONE.

NNNNOOOOTTTTT Benjamin-- no sir-eeeeeeee----He was absolutley going to D-I-E, if Dad didn't take him back over to ride Rock'n'Roller coaster, again. So, I did what all mothers would do-- he ASKED for Dad--- he got Dad!! :) :) J, M, & I headed home. They were asleep the minute their heads hit the pillow. Benjamin & Dad came in a couple of hours later.

Enjoy the pics! :)

P.S. I just realized that I said "picky back ride" on the video instead of "piggy back"-- I'm tired--sorry!

Disney Day 5

2008-01-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

Disney Day 5-Epcot -AM, Downtown Disney & Disney Quest-PM

We started at Epcot. We rode Soarin', Test Track, Mission Space,The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and saw Turtle Talk with Crush (a Nemo interactive movie). We rushed around to be ahead of the crowds and were out of Epcot by 11:30AM.

We went to DTD and went to Disney Quest. OH MY GOSH!! DQ is a 5 story video arcade. 5 STORIES - The boys didn't know what to do with themselves. If you want to play-- you just push a button-- no $, no cards to swipe-- heaven for kids!! I even played a little and I haven't played anything arcade style in years. I got a headache from the virtual reality stuff. :( I guess that makes me an official "uncool unyoungster". Joseph designed 2 roller coasters. I got to ride the first "virtual" coaster with him -- level 4--- Trey was next and this time Joseph added even more loops (because there weren't enough in ours)--Trey rode a Joseph Tap designed level 5 (highest it goes) coaster. Way to go Dad!

I couldn't handle the noise (that REALLY made the uncool unyoungster official) and decided to go shopping for a while. Dad really gets a gold star for hanging tough with the boys while I strolled around.

Later, we ate a Chef Mickey's. The food was okay, but what I loved was meeting all the characters. There are some cute pics of the boys with several Disney characters.

We are flying out tomorrow morning. I will upload Day 6 & Day 7 after we get home. Enjoy the pics. :)

Disney Day 4

2008-01-01T20:21:00.000-08:00

Day Four- second time at Magic Kingdom-

Daddy, Joseph & Matthew decided to sleep-in. Benjamin & I got up for the early extra hour at MK. We did Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Peter Pan (yes, it is for the little ones--but, it is really neat), Splash Mountain, & Big Thunder Mountain. Then, we met up with Dad & got Matthew to go around with us for more rides, while Dad & Joseph did Space Mountain. Later that night we ate at Tony's, and enjoyed the "Lady & the Tramp" atmosphere. Then, we made our way over to Libery Square to watch the Spectromagic Parade, then fireworks, and home. Wow---what a day. FUN FUN FUN!!

Disney Day 3

2007-12-31T07:11:00.000-08:00

The boys are on a Pirate Cruise looking for buried treasure this morning. Trey and I have 2 hours to lay around and relax-- we will probably take a nap!! :)

Day 3-
We started the in Animal Kingdom. Expedition Everest was first. Joseph and Benjamin rode in the FRONT car their very first ride. I rode behind them and we loved it. Matthew waited with Dad and then the boys rode it with Dad a second time. They were in the front row --again. We got a "fast pass" for more rides later. I think they ended up riding it 4 times total through out the day-- everytime in the front row. (Benjamin is VERY PROUD of that--just ask him-ha!). I think we have Matthew convinced to ride it if we go back, but he WOULD NOT ride it on Friday.

Then to Dinoland-- Triceratop Twirl with Matthew (J & B vetoed this one--hmmmm I guess they are too cool), then Primeval Whirl--they ALL loved this one and we rode it atleast 3 or 4 times back to back. Then we walked over to see Dinosaur - Disney calls it a "easy thriller"--- it scared all three of my guys. Not they wanted to go home scared ---- just THEY got "GOT". Matthew was so proud of himself for doing this ride he had to get a dinosaur--a momento-- from the store following the ride (if you've ever been to Disney-- you know that EVERY ride empties into it's own special store).

Then to Asia- Dad took them on Kali River Rapids because I had no desire to get wet. If I ever ride a water ride... the water ALWAYS finds me... so-- I let this be a father-son ride. Matthew wouldn't go the first time and then once he saw they had fun, he made them all ride it with him again. Trey made it through the first ride fairly dry-- he wasn't so lucky the second time--ha!

Then to Africa for the Kilimanjaro Safari. We saw tons of cool animals.

We ended our AK day with "It's tough to be a Bug" 3-D movie. It is super cute. I don't know which on I liked more Mickey's Philharmagic in MK or this one. It's a close race.

Then to Epcot. We didn't ride any rides. We had early dinner reservations and then saw the Candle Light Processional and Massed Choir Program. It runs for 5 weeks during the holiday season and the narrator tells the story of the Nativity. There were over 400 performers and 50 professional musicians. BEAUTIFUL!! Our guest celebrity narrator was Rita Moreno.

Enjoy the pics!

Disney Day 2

2007-12-29T13:18:00.000-08:00

I'm taking advantage of a few spare minutes. We have been relaxing by the pool and I came up to the room to charge by camera/etc. I had time to "create" Day 2 blog. We went to Disney MGM Studios. The 2 main rides are Aerosmith's Rock 'n' Roller coaster and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. THE BEST SHOW: Lights, Motors, Action!

Joseph's FAVORTIE coaster is now the R'n'R. I rode it with J & B first and Trey also rode it. Because of his strong dislike of Space Mountain, Matthew would have nothing to do with it. J, B, and I did the TT, but Matthew & Daddy will be saving that for the next Disney visit. :)

We saw the car stunt show. We ALL loved that!

While Dad, J & B went back for more R'n'R, Matthew and I saw the Muppet 3-D movie & watched some Jedi training.

We all met back up and rode the Star Tour together. Then, came back to the hotel for a little rest before the Hoop Dee Doo Revue dinner show. It was really cute. Enoy the pics. This video is shorter. :)

Disney Day 1

2007-12-28T21:26:00.000-08:00

Hello from Disney!

Well-- I know I still need to post some Christmas pics, but since we're at Disney and I promised some pics...... Here is Day 1-- at Magic Kingdom. It was easiest for me to just upload all of them. Sorry if the video is too long!! I tried to label some of the pics. Nothing fancy --of course. :)

Matthew did NOT like Space Mountain. Joseph & Benjamin did it several times each. They all loved-loved-loved Big Thunder (we did it twice), Buzz Lightyear (twice), and Mickey's PhilharMagic 3-D movie. They loved the whole day, but those were their favorites.

We are having so much fun!! I will post Day 2 & 3 soon (hopefully)!

Sad-Sad-Shoe-Size-SIX

2007-11-30T17:24:00.000-08:00

Mom in Joseph's new shoes

Joseph needed new shoes today & it was a SAD SAD day for me. November 30, 2007 is the day.... is the day..... is the day..... I could wear one of my children's shoes. :(

I had to buy him SIZE SIX. I knew this day would come, but I really didn't expect it in fourth grade. He was thrilled and reminded me that he would one day be taller, too---- and I immediately replied "But, you will always be my baby." He is sure to get tired of hearing that, ------I plan on using it OFTEN!!!

Thanksgiving #2

2007-11-27T07:10:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time in Columbus on Saturday. Trey's cousin, Jenny, hosted at her new house. BEAUTIFUL!! :)
Lots more yummy food. Trey went around and took pics (mainly while everyone was eating)-- sorry, if he got you with food in your mouth. HA!

Sarah & Jacob

It was cold and rainy, but that didn't stop Joseph, Benjamin, Austin & Jacob from sloshing in the mud and climbing trees. Good thing I took extra clothes.

Matthew was outside, just long enough, to get completely wet and muddy... then decided it was too cold and went inside to watch football (of course....).

Here is the "look this way" pic...........

Thanksgiving # 1

2007-11-23T05:43:00.000-08:00

Thank You Mimi, Terry, & Big Ann for a wonderful FEAST!!

Happy Thanksgiving

We ate so much yum-yum-yummy food! We had "Thanksgiving #1" yesterday with Mom, Terry, & Big Ann. We played Rummikub all afternoon and watched football. Of course-- I poured over the ads in Thursday's paper, too.

I need to back track a little.....Wednesday afternoon Charlie was sound asleep, snoring, and upside down in his kennel. He was quite a site. I went to get my camera and he opened one eye right when I took the picture. TOO CUTE! I had to include it.

Just kicked back and relaxed on a lazy afternoon.........

Now moving on--- here are some pics from Thanksgiving Day:

I got up this morning and left the house super early to get some shopping done. I was back by 7:00AM. I'm updating the blog and will soon be going to work. Wish me luck with all the Wal-Mart craziness. :)

We are having Thanksgiving #2 in Columbus tomorrow. More yummy food!! Check back for some more Thanksgiving pics.

Basketball Saturday (11-17)

2007-11-19T06:27:00.000-08:00

Well, we made it to all the basketball games! Woo-Hoo!

I'm attaching another video, but this time with no music. I didn't have time-- sorry-- I promise to give you some groovy tunes next time.

Joseph also had hockey. I put a couple of the hockey pics at the end. I want to warn you about the video that the pics aren't that great. My "action setting" on my camera is having a hard time with the low light in the gym. Matthew's pics are turning out a little better because he is at a different gym with better lighting. Hmmmm--- do you think I could talk to the school about turning on more lights for my photos???? HA! They have to be practically standing still for the picture to be clear and even then-- they aren't that great. I'll try to improve as the season continues.... we will see....

Trey & Benjamin left to go hunting after Joseph's hockey game. I'll do another update later about the trip. He is very excited about all the critters he got.

Last Saturday (11-3) video

2007-11-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a chance to update the blog since Halloween. Sorry!

I've used the same photo editing software for years and it has recently decided not to work (who knows why...). Anyway, Trey found this other software on our computer that also makes little movies--- EASILY! I've made a photo video before, but it took me forever and was quite a project. So..... I made this video of last weekend's sporting events with my new-to-me easy software. Joseph had hockey. Benjamin and Matthew had their football tournament weekend. They both made it to the "Super Bowl" game and were thrilled. They ended up losing, but had a really fun season. Basketball started, but only Matthew made it to his first game. I'll get some basketball pics up soon. Maybe as a video--- you never know......

Trey and I want to thank Terry & Big Ann for all their help last weekend!! It literally took all of us going every direction to make sure the boys had "fans" at all the games. THANK YOU!!!

Cousins' Halloween pics

2007-11-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

CUTEST Mermaid & Lobster award.....

Grace and J.R.

Best Dramatic InterpretationSamuel and Emily (is she convincing enough???)

We're going to cut Kevin & Stephanie some slack for "no sharing of the Halloween pics"-- since a new baby will always slow the posting of pictures. Click on their blog (Sarah & Nathan Update) to see some cute fall festival pics of Sarah as a princess.

Squishy eyeball

2007-11-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

We had a hockey player, and two football players. Yep, a real stretch of the imagination.

I told the boys that we were going to use things here at the house for Halloween this year.

Joseph has been a ninja for the last three years and I didn't think there were any new-ninjas to be found. Benjamin wanted another football jersey (because one can not have too many football jerseys) , and.... we made a deal. I would buy a new jersey, IF he would also wear it as his costume--- SCORE! Mr. Longhorn Football.. aka...Matthew wanted Benjamin's football outfit from last year--SWEET!

This was the easiest (and cheapest) Halloween we've had -- ever. :)

These are our "in the stance" pics-- imposed on them by their mother....

And on a personal note: **I HATE THOSE SQUISHY EYEBALL CANDY THINGIES**

After the boys returned from their tour of the neighborhood, I saw some of those gummy eyeballs in their buckets. NASTY! They really gross me out (to the max--yes-- say it with me now-- 80's sytle-- to the max). I treat eyeballs like I treat bees. If I leave them alone, they will leave me alone. Yet, this morning mixed in with a pile of Halloween "stuff" on my kitchen counter was a lonely eyeball. It was out of it's bucket, out of it's wrapper, and trying to make me touch it.

There's the proof! It's looking at YOU! :) Anyway-- hope you all had a great Halloween.

Don't come looking for leftover eyeballs here, if I see it first-- it's in the trash.

Emily in Little Women

2007-10-31T07:23:00.001-07:00

**Emily is Amy**

She is kneeling on the floor looking at the paper. Isn't she cute?!!!

Julie sent me a email with the official ad for the play. I cropped it, so you could see her better. :)

The play is in December--- "break a leg" Em!

Matthew's Birthday Morning & Football

2007-10-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

We all had to get up early this morning for football and hockey, but presents made it a little easier on Matthew! :)

READY FOR THE GAME TO START

He enjoyed his birthday on the football field. He did get a birthday touchdown......

His team sang "Happy Birthday" after the game was over and Mrs. Gena helped me hand out birthday cupcakes.

Benjamin Football

2007-10-27T18:32:00.001-07:00

Benjamin played some offense today. Here is a reception/run..................

And back to defense......here is an interception/run back. He had fun today. :)

Joseph's Three Week Hockey Update

2007-10-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

#52 Orange Jersey

GOIN' FOR IT!

This is going to be the THREE WEEK update. Grandpa sent me some cool pictures from Joseph's game three weeks ago. Sorry, that I'm just now getting them posted.

They won this game.

Scrapin'....he's not giving up!

Still scrapin'.......... I think this pic is funny.... his team mates are waiting for the "swat". Even if you're down, keep up with the puck! HA!

Last weekend, I forgot my camera. They lost that game, but it was a really fun game to watch. It was back and forth the entire time. With 1 minute left in the game, we were down by 1. Our coach pulled our goalie and put 5 guys on offense. Joseph was one of the five and they gave it their all. Several "almost" goals, but nothing in the net. They fought until the very end. VERY GOOD GAME!

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His game today was at the same time as Matthew's football game. Trey took Joseph to his game. Terry & Big Ann helped Dad cheer him on. Our Coach & Asst. Coach (and their two sons from our team) were at an out-of-town hockey tournament and we had several other kids that couldn't come to today's game, as well. We had FIVE kids total at our game today-- and one was a "borrowed" goalie. So-- truly there were only FOUR kids that had been playing together and they had a substitute coach.

Now--if you've been to a game, you know that the kids usually play for several minutes, then come out for a rest/water break. Hockey is so non- stop, they just get completely exhausted. NOT TODAY -- Trey told me that those four guys played the entire game with only a break at half. He watched them basically coach themselves and decide on their positions. They won. I wish we had some pics or video, but of course-- we don't. They worked hard and really trusted each other. HIP HIP HOORAY for team work!!

Matthew's Birthday Party

2007-10-27T14:07:00.001-07:00

Matthew turns 8 !!!

We were out of school on Friday, so we had Matthew's birthday party one day early. He wanted to have it at "Main Event". We bowled, did laser tag, ate pizza/cake, then did glow-in-the-dark golf, and ended with arcade game time. All the kids had a ball!!
Bowling........

On the way to laser tag............

After laser tag--

Now-- pizza and cake..........................

Just a little excited---WooHoo!

After golf, they all signed a bowling pin for Matthew.

Then.... the arcade.........................

TP'd

2007-10-25T06:52:00.001-07:00

I thought we were safe from being TP'd until the boys reached high school (okay--maybe the end of middle school), but when we got up Sunday morning.......

You can tell by the height of the TP on the trees that the culprits weren't too tall. :)

Then, I found out that Benjamin liked it blowing in the trees so much, he put the pieces that had fallen to the ground back onto the trees himself. Ummmm.... Benjamin can we talk for a minute? I explained to him that WE DON'T REWRAP OUR OWN HOUSE. Honestly, I never thought I would be having that conversation. I hope this prompts you to have a chat with your kids. Don't assume they know things that we consider obvious. :)

"Blowing in the wind"

I also want to point out that I titled this section "TP'd" because, in our above conversation, I used the word "wrap". That is what we called it in the big city of Palestine. My kids looked at me like I was crazy. "We didn't get wrapped Mom, we got TP'd". Oh--- sorry--- my bad. Just another little tidbit, so you will be in the know.

You could see our Halloween ghosts in the TP pics, but here is a better view.

I have put these ghosts out since the boys were little. They LOVE them! Well, we had new neighbors move in across the street this year. They have 3 boys with the oldest being 5 yrs. Their middle child is 3ish. He saw the ghosts the first evening we had them out and had a really hard time going to sleep that night because the "ghosts might get him". :(

Needless to say, Mommy brought all them over to inspect the ghosts the next morning-- to prove to them they were just sheets. I'm happy to say that everyone is sleeping well, now. :)

Matthew's birthday is this weekend. I'll be posting party pics/etc soon.

H & G update

2007-10-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

This might be surprising to you all, but Joseph & Benjamin are not opera fans.

When they got home, I wanted them to tell me all about it and all I got was..... "Mom, it was sooooo boring." "Did you know they sing all their words? AND-- it is really hard to understand."

Oh well, so much for culture in this house. Atleast they liked the clothes they had on. :):)

Hansel & Gretel

2007-10-18T05:24:00.000-07:00

From the moment the boys wake up in the morning to the minute they walk out the door---it is madness in our house.

Rush, rush, rush.... Get up, get clothes, get to the table, EAT, tell them--again--EAT-- "No, that isn't enough", "You're going to be hungry before lunch....", go brush your teeth, go brush your hair, hmmmm...... brush your hair, again---- Did you really brush your teeth??? Let me smell your breath..... GO BRUSH your teeth.

This isn't x 3 everyday, most days one Tap boy will fill the "I don't want to get up role", then another will be the "I'm not eating breakfast", then another will be the "What's wrong with my hair?". There are the insanity mornings when ALL THREE do every role, but honestly those are few and far between. Trey and I are mostly just the hall monitors checking them as they zoom around the house. We have earned our badges and our eagle eyes can spot a lolly-gagger a mile away.

Now, all this leads me to this morning. There was NONE of the above. In my mind, there are families/households out there that are organized and the children never complain--well-- the Taps never get to attend their annual meetings (nor monthly for that matter), BUT if they had planned a ONE DAY meeting-- we could have attended this morning! :)

And-- that is why I didn't make Joseph & Benjamin wear collared shirts to school today.

Okay--you're probably lost----See, I'm sitting here waiting for my phone to ring and it be the school music teacher. After I answer politely, she will request that I bring J & B different shirts to school.

A local organization has paid for our 4th & 5th graders to attend an opera at our high school today. The Fort Worth Opera will be presenting the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, "Hansel and Gretel", music by Englebert Humperdinck and libretto by Adelheide Wette. Pretty fancy for little bitty Georgetown......

My children were soooo good this morning. Shouldn't that count for something????

J & B needed to wear nice clothes to school today. Neither one had a problem with khaki shorts--they wear those all the time. They didn't even start the "It's NOT picture day and it's NOT Sunday" routine about collared shirts, yet. So.... I was thinking..... "Wow.... no complaining.... do you think we could get through the ENTIRE morning..... wow....hmmmm.... one day--- can we just have one day of no complaining..... one glorious morning.... it's mine for the taking......"

Next thing you know-- "Boys, just get a "nice" t-shirt on and you'll be fine" :)

The LOVE in their eyes was undeniable!! I was the coolest mom in town this morning!! Sorry, Mrs. Music Teacher-- my boys are in t-shirts--- and I'm COOL!

Have I mentioned that it's the little things that make me happy???

Nannie & Grandpa's visit

2007-10-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics I took Saturday:

After the games, we all met at TGI Friday's for lunch. Trey & Kevin wanted to watch the UT game and LUCKILY for the rest of us--- they had open tables in the bar area. :)

Friday night/Saturday morning

2007-10-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

Another weekend down. :) I no longer believe that weekends are for relaxing (well, I guess I haven't really believed that for a while). Weekends are for craziness... somewhat controlled craziness... but, craziness none the less. Friday started with a birthday party and then the Georgetown High School football game. I'm including the pic I took right before they left because I think it is hilarious. None of the boys really understood WHY??? I was taking a picture. Heck, I'm not even sure why I had them line up for a photo shoot. I can tell they were thinking.. "Mom, we're not sitting in blue bonnets.... it's not Easter.... or Christmas--- Why do we have to line up??" Matthew looks stunned, Joseph has a fake smile plastered on his face and Benjamin decided to be goofy. These are things only a mother would notice-- you all might consider it a regular picture--- but, I beg to differ. :)

Saturday started with Matthew's football game. Nannie, Grandpa & Sarah came and I'm including some pics. Joseph and Benjamin just HAD TO HAVE snow cones at 10:00AM (which you can tell by Benjamin's blue lips and Joseph isn't wearing lipstick-- he had cherry), I personally think a snow cone would be gross at 10:00AM, but they were selling them and my kids were buying.

Here is Matthew catching the ball in a big play. In the last picture he is staring at one of his best buddies, Grant, who is on the other team. He was NOT going to let Grant catch him.

Later in the game, Grant caught an interception and ran it back for a touchdown against us. Matthew tried his hardest to catch him, but couldn't. So-- in their minds--their even! (But, if you ask Matthew, Grant was flag guarding--ha!--such a competitive little toot... and NO Grant wasn't flag guarding).

After Matthew's game, Trey and Bill left with Joseph for hockey. Nannie & Sarah stayed with me to watch Benjamin's game. I got to stay the entire game this time!! It was glorious to stay in one spot. Ohhhhhh-- it's the little things that make me happy. Benjamin loves playing defense, so here are some pics of him going after the flags.

He pulled a flag on the ONE yard line in the last play of the game. YEAH! We won 14-13! We are now 2-2.

Joseph had his own cheering section at the hockey game. Dad & Granpda took him, Uncle Kevin showed up and so did Terry & Big Ann. WOW! Bill took a lot of good pictures and when he sends some to me, I will post them.

Mimi, Terry & Big Ann

2007-10-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Mom, Terry & Big Ann came to the boys games on Saturday. Joseph's hockey game was in Round Rock at 10:00AM, so they started there. They had to leave his game around 10:30AM to get back to GT to see Benjamin & Matthew play football. B & M's games were both at 11:00AM, but the fields were side-by-side. They just sat in the middle and watched both games. :)Afterwards, they took us all to CiCi's Pizza Buffet. THANK YOU!

On most Saturday mornings, Trey & I have to "divide and conquer" with all the boys games. I was with Joseph & Trey took Benjamin & Matthew.

Joseph had a great game. His team was ON FIRE! Toward the end of the game, our coach pulled two positions from the game. We were so far ahead and didn't want to "be mean" to the other team (I'm sure there is a better term for what he did-- but, that is how I saw it!-- No need to demoralize the other team). Our team was skating 3 on 5 and still did really well. Joseph's team is the "Orange Crush" so, when you see any hockey pics always look for the orange jersey #52. Next week they will be adding his name to the back-- Yes--- Taparauskas fits. :)

After J's game was over we hurried back to GT to see the ending of B & M's games. I got several good pics of Joseph (because I was there the entire time). When I walked up to Matthew's game--- camera on and ready--- he immediately got a hand-off, he dodged and weaved all over the field and scored a touchdown. YEAH-- I was there to see it--- I could tell him I saw it--- WOWOWOWOWOW! It's hard to look through a view-finder and get him running full-blast, but I got the best shots I could. Right after that, I ran down to Benjamin's game to get some pics and I got to see one play (the two pictures you see) and then his game was over. Trey video taped the two games. He said he was completely exhausted running back and forth trying to get equal footage of their games. I noticed on this blog that you can add video segments for people to watch. As soon as we (and by "we" I mean Trey-ha) figures out how to do that, we will try to get some video pieces up of all the guys games.

Later I found out that Matthew had three touchdowns that game and of course was thrilled. Benjamin played mainly defense and got several safeties and caused several way-ward passes that his team intercepted.

Here are some pics:

Matthew getting hand-off, then weaving around, then... touchdown.

I only got to see one-play-- but, here he is!! :)

Our Newest Nephew/Cousin

2007-10-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

We want you all to see our newest nephew/cousin... Nathan Edward Taparauskas. He was born 9/24 (~ 9:30PM) at Seton Hospital in Austin. We weighed 7lbs. 2oz and was 20 & 1/2 " long.

Joseph couldn't get to the hospital fast enough to hold him. Matthew was coughing a lot and was scared he would get Nathan sick. He held him for hmmm...... 30 seconds.... okay, maybe a minute. Benjamin (as Kevin calls him "the reluctant baby holder") wasn't too hip to the idea of holding him, but once Kevin put Nathan into his arms--- B softened up and was happy to be holding his cousin.

Stephanie is doing great and big-sis ----Sarah---- is adjusting! She is a mixture of excited and "not so sure". Benjamin & I took dinner by last week and I got some cute pics. Nathan is asleep in all my pictures, but Trey went by last night and he got to see him awake. Of course, he forgot the camera here at the house, so no pictures for you! Sorry!

My First Blog

2007-10-02T23:24:00.000-07:00

I've decided to join the 21st century and start a blog for our family. It will be easier for you all to keep up with us and see recent pics of the boys (hopefully). I can promise you that I will TRY to stay current. :)

I will keep this simple for my first try and just add a couple of recent sport pics of the boys.

Joseph (orange jersey in pics) is loving hockey. The improvement between last season (season ONE) and this season (season TWO) is huge. He went the entire season last spring with no goals. Now--given-- he was goalie most of the time and therefore it was a little hard to score in that position, but he came out swinging in the first game and scored a "hat-trick". For the non-hockey fans out there..... a hat-trick is scoring 3 goals in a hockey game. He was thrilled!!! In his second game he scored 2 goals. His team has won all their games (so far), but we are only 3 games into the season. We will definitely keep you posted.

Benjamin and Matthew are obsessed with football. They have had several practices and one game. Benjamin scored a touchdown in his game and caught 2 interceptions. He was really happy with the way he played, even though his team lost.

Matthew had 2 touchdowns and caught 1 interception. He got the game ball and his team won-- he was on CLOUD NINE!

This last picture is from a scrimmage game between Benjamin's team (3rd & 4th graders) -vs- Matthew's team (1st & 2nd graders). The two coaches are friends and decided it would be fun for the two age groups to play each other in preparation for the "real" games. Look closely at the right corner of the picture..... looks like BIG brother missed LITTLE man's flag.