Did My Luck Turn?

This past weekend was just gorgeous, sunny and in the 70s (which is pretty crazy for January)!  We decided to take full advantage of it, and went for a family walk first thing Saturday morning.  Even though we walked a few miles, everyone wanted more.  So Steve and Preston drove to P's basketball practice at Edgewood Elementary, Bennett and Caroline walked to the school by themselves (tweens in full force), and Walker and I were going to walk behind them.


the line behind us!

the line in front of us as we rounded the corner

However, on the way to Edgewood, Steve heard on the radio that Blake Shelton was doing an impromptu FREE concert at Iron City Birmingham.  All you had to do was be one of the first 1300 people to arrive in person for a wristband.  Being the sweet husband that he is, he immediately called me to give me an opportunity to go.  However, I needed to hurry because the initial announcement was made 30 minutes prior.  I texted several friends, but could only get one, Christie Crigger, to jump on board for the adventure.  So we threw Walker in the car and drove like maniacs downtown.  We parked and ran to the front of the bar.  When we got there though, we had to walk around the corner and down a couple of blocks to find the end of the line.  UGH!  Were we going to make it?  Were we going to waste all of this time waiting in line for nothing?  We immediately started guessing how many people were in line ahead of us.  We heard as we passed the front door that they had already distributed 800 bands.  We knew it was going to be close (especially since people were jumping in line with their friends in front of us).

Fortunately, they announced they would pass out an extra 200, making it 1500 wristbands while we were in line.  We really didn't think we had passed 700 people, but we didn't know for sure.  We were so excited as we waited there...it really was such a rush to race there and wait.  The line slowly moved, and thankfully it was a perfect day and Walker was extremely calm and just happy to be held.  As we rounded the corner and could see the front of the bar, we heard rumblings that they were around 1200 wristbands, so we thought we had it in the bag.

1st Concert!

We definitely got excited, and started putting our plan together.  When we walked in their front doors, Walker was still hanging out in my arms as we showed them our IDs and got our wristbands.  I asked the guy for a wristband for Walker, and he asked me if I was really going to bring my baby to the concert.  I said "yes, I don't think I will be able to find a babysitter this late."  He said ok, and handed me an under 21 band.  I started to put it on Walker's wrist, and he told me it needed to be on his right arm (but he didn't make me put it on him right then, so we quickly walked out).  Christie and I were so giddy and excited!  I knew exactly who I was giving that wristband to....Preston!  And I couldn't wait to tell him he was coming with us, but I still needed to find a place for Walker to go.  So I quickly called Myra and took care of that last little hiccup in our plan.

Christie and I feeling lucky and excited!

When we got home, the guys were outside chatting, and all of the kids were at the park.  Thankfully Preston came home to use the restroom, so I cornered him outside.  He was obviously upset with me for not attending his basketball game, but that was about to change!  When I told him where we were going, he was like "I know, Dad told me you are seeing Blake Shelton."  But when Christie asked "Do you know who else is going?"  He was stumped, he first guessed "Daddy" and then said "who, me?"  When we screamed yes, he ran towards me and gave me a big hug!  So! Worth! It!! 

Pres went and played for a bit longer, but I told him he needed to nap if he was going to hang out late night with us girls.  For once, I got no pushback and he slept for two hours.  In the meantime, I picked up Bennett from a birthday party and dropped off Walker at Myra's.  Then everyone started showering and getting ready for their dates.  Steve and Jeremy took the girls out to dinner, while Preston and I shared a frozen pizza (we enjoy gourmet food).  Then the guys looped back around to pick us up and drive us there.

Blake toasting us!

Pure joy after receiving Blake's pick!

The concert was to begin at 8pm, but doors opened at 7pm.  We thought if we arrived at 6:30, we would be in good shape....unfortunately everyone else had the same plan.  So we walked to the end of the long line, again, and patiently waited.  They opened the doors a little early, and we all rushed in to claim our spot.  We decided to stand on the floor, so we could get up close to Mr. Blake!!  There was a railing that looped the floor and then a couple of steps up to the next level.  When the concert started, Preston hung onto the railing for a great view.  Sadly they kicked him (and the other kids) off after a couple of songs.  Since the floor was shoulder to shoulder people, Pres couldn't see much when on the floor, so I held him some, so did Christie.  Even a tall man next to me offered to put him on his shoulders for one song.  Slowly he wormed his way to the gate that was around the stage.  Towards the end of the concert, one of the guards working that in between area even lifted him over so he could get extra close with no one impeding his vision.  Of course his spiked hair and cute smile caught the eye of the band.  Blake's bass player kept pointing at him and smiling at him, which caught Blake's attention.  Then after he finished a song, Blake walked over and handed Pres his guitar pick.  Preston was overjoyed, and elated to show me his prize!  He stuck it in his pocket and watched Blake sing his final couple songs.

Jozie and Pres with the picks from the bass player

As 10pm approached, Blake wrapped it up and exited the stage.  The bass player handed Preston and his friend another guitar pick, and then walked off too.  It truly was a one of a kind night, and a hell of an experience for Preston.  What a first concert!!  And I couldn't be happier that I got to accompany each of my big kids to their first concerts of such big stars!  Such different experiences, but both so much fun!

After the concert, we hitched a ride home with some friends and met up with the guys and girls.  We told them all about our night.  It was so cool rehashing it because the whole day was so surreal.  I took a ton of videos, as Blake is just as funny on stage as you might expect.  He sang all of his favorites, and I realized I am more of a Blake Shelton fan than I thought.  So happy that he chose Birmingham to do his "dress rehearsal" for his upcoming tour.  He certainly made fans out of anyone there that night, as it was a very fun filled two hour night that was FREE!

Daddy Daughter Dance - 2016!

Daddy's Girl

Historically every winter, the local Girl Scouts puts on a Daddy Daughter dance.  It has always been a fun night for both Bennett and Steve.  Their nights start off the same, with Bennett getting all dolled up....nails painted, hair done and a little make-up .  But before they leave for dinner, Steve puts on her corsage.  This night was no different.


Following several pictures, Bennett and Steve went out to dinner with Caroline and Jeremy. They had a great time, and then headed to the McWane Center for their dance.  They danced some, explored the science center more, and then left.  Of course, Bennett had to grab some frozen yogurt before coming home...another tradition.

Once they got home, they changed into more comfortable clothes, and continued to hang out with Jeremy and Caroline for a bit longer  Overall, it was another memorable night in the books, and I can't be happier that our children have such a loving and caring Daddy.  Of course, there is nothing better than your little girl learning how to be treated by men, than learning from her Daddy who adores her.


Jeremy and Caroline with them before dinner



My Blue Eyed Baby is 2!

Walker loved us singing to him!

On December 30th, Walker awoke to kisses from everyone!  We then put him at the bar, and sang "Happy Birthday" to him with a candle in his favorite breakfast choice, powder donuts!  He absolutely glowed while we sang to him, and loved the attention.  Once he blew the candles out the first time, he wanted to do it over and over again.  Of course, we gave him what he wanted.

Later that night, all of the family came over for cake and ice cream.  I wasn't planning to celebrate his birthday on his actual day this year, but instead starting a tradition of celebrating on his half birthday.  However all of our family guilted me into it, so we invited them over to partake.  Though I don't believe Walker really understood it all, he loved having all of his family there, and the singing once again!



I wonder what he wished for....



yum yum!

 

Walker had an awesome day with all of his family, opening more presents and just getting doted on by everyone.  The beautiful thing about a two year....they don't expect much.  The simplicity of this celebration, right after the holidays, was just what his mama wanted.  Of course, I don't want to slight this baby, but he certainly isn't missing out on anything, or lacking any toys.  Thankfully his interests are simple....coloring, trucks (which Preston has plenty) and playing outside.

He was a pro at blowing out the candles that night!

We love you Walker, and hope your 2nd birthday was as awesome as you are!  We are thrilled that you are beginning to talk more, and your sparkling smile brightens everyone's days.  You weigh about 26 lbs, and have a mouthful of teeth.  You are certainly an active little boy that can be difficult at times, but you are rotten and when you have our attention (all of it), you are an angel.

Busy December!

As it is for most folks during the month of December....we have been swamped!  Steve traveled quite a bit for the first couple of weeks, while I held down the fort.  We dealt with each child getting walking pneumonia (a few days apart just to challenge us more), Bob our elf returning and his daily shenanigans, Homewood's Christmas parade, class Christmas parties for each child, Christmas parties for us, the premier of the new Star Wars movie and the Mizerany family reunion!  Now that the month (and year) are coming to an end, it is much easier to reflect on it all and the fun times.

much needed date night early December

kids in their new xmas pjs

Homewood Xmas Parade

Preston's class xmas party

silly Bob

tacky xmas sweater party

Star Wars - The Force Awakens

Steve had to take Papa since he took Steve to the 1st one years ago

until next year Bob....

Mizerany Family Reunion

Christmas Day with the Bantas!

Christmas morning starts early every year at our house...our big kids love to get up early, and Christmas is certainly no different.  Every Christmas Eve we have to tell the kids that they can't come downstairs before 7am.  That way we can get ready to video them, and it allows us to sleep a little later (because they would otherwise get up at 5am).  However this year, Walker woke up VERY early!  We were able to get him back to sleep, but when the big kids woke up - he was still asleep.  They grew very impatient waiting for him to awake, and finally we had to wake him so Christmas could get started.

Like every year, Steve records them walking into the living room to spy what Santa brought them, and then they tear into their stockings while we drink some coffee.  Then they open the gifts that we give them.  This year my parents were here for Christmas morning too, so they got to witness all of their excitement.

B's "Princess Laia" painting

P's "Umpire" painting from Star Wars

Of course by 10:30, all of the presents were open, breakfast was eaten and gifts were being played with already.  In fact, Preston was already on a mission to crush his step goal with his new fitbit!

Even Beckham enjoyed his Christmas

By lunch all of the Bantas arrived for our third and final round of Christmas!  Everything under the tree was replenished, and the kids enjoyed the rush one last time.

so many presents!

the chocolate pen

Another awesome Christmas with family!  The adults have fun, the kids have fun, and the memories are always great!  Here's to 2016!

Christmas Eve with All of the Mizeranys

Christmas Eve morning started off like most other mornings during the month of December....with the kids searching for Bob.  Walker was the lucky one who found him in his bathroom on that morning.  Walker always got a kick out of seeing him in our house, but it took all month reminding him that he can't touch or hold him.  The one time he reached for him, and accidentally touched him, Bennett came unglued.... screaming and crying that his powers were going to be stripped.  I had to calm her down by convincing her that Santa would look past Walker's mistake this one time.

That night we headed over to the Mizerany's house for our annual Christmas celebration.  We dined on some Lebanese and after enough begging from the kids, we began opening gifts.  As always, we received way too much!  Bennett's theme was everything American Girl doll....a new doll, more clothes and new coordinating accessories for her and the doll.  Preston's theme was Legos!  Since he is obsessed, he got a couple new Star Wars lego kits, a crane building kit and lots of cash.  Walker has everything he could ever need from the older kids, and plays with nothing but his art supplies.  However, everyone got creative and got him a few things he didn't have like large building blocks, a big wheel, a toolbox and his own "iPad."  We stayed long enough for them all to play with their new toys some, and then packed it all in the car so they could do it all over again the next morning. 

Mizerany grandchildren