The "Finnster, et al."

I have what some would consider a stressful job.  I work primarily in family law and on most days I am at the whim of the people that entrust me with their families. Family law becomes especially hectic and stressful around the holidays.  I write this say - I KNOW STRESS. (Whether I handle stress well is a conversation for another day). But the stress of my job pales in comparison to the stress of putting up the "Begley Family Christmas Tree."  This year we decided to put the tree up the weekend before Thanksgiving, or maybe I should say, I made the decision to put up the tree and Michael begrudgingly agreed.  We woke up on Saturday and went about our normal day.  I went on a long run, Michael went to Sonic (or as Sam calls in Sonuck) and Finn spent much of his time struggling to figure out how to play his Batman Lego video game.  We started putting the tree up around 5:00.  As always I waited until the very last second to check the lights and...

Just a few extra pictures from the Thanksgiving Program.

On Tuesday we all went to the Gallatin Campus for the Thanksgiving Program.  I have heard a lot about this program; the kids practice every day which means that Sam gets in trouble every day because he doesn't like to stand still and practice.  Given the poor reports that were coming home on a daily basis - I didn't hold out much hope for this program. We arrived at the church around 5:30 and took the boys downstairs to get into their costumes.  Finn was a pilgrim. Sam was an Indian. At 6:00 the school unveiled the 2014 Thanksgiving Program.  It opened to mixed reviews.  There were a few "face hiders" and there was also a big tearful breakdown. Finn, on the other hand was magnificent.  I definitely see a future in the theater for this kid.  He was so confident.  He said his lines clearly and with the appropriate expression.  He enunciated, stood up straight and even helped cue some of the other actors for their turns.  Sa...

Sunday was kind of a nasty day.  It was cold and rainy and really overcast.  We headed out for church at 4:00 to help sort and load the truck for the Thanksgiving meals. We thought that we were going to be loading the UHaul outside so we dressed super warm and wore our rain boots. When we got home I started peeling off layers.  Finn and Sam then started putting my discarded items on. Then for some reason they started hugging.  Sam in my room boots. Well, the Rocky trend is continuing.  For the boys, the draw of the movie is a tie between the music and the punching.  They have punched everything in sight for four days. They both really like Rocky IV.  Tonight Finn told me that he wanted to go as Ivan Drago for Halloween next year. They also require a play-by-play when we listen to the soundtrack in the car. Every ten seconds Finn said, "what's happening now?" 

On Thursday morning the new Warcraft expansion came out. All of the men in my house were PUMPED! About a week ago, "Eye of the Tiger" came on in my car.  After one listen through they asked over and over again, "can we listen to "tiger"?  They call it "tiger."  I did not allow myself to get too excited as both of my kids love music. Fast forward one week. On Friday of this week, we went to the Main Campus for the Chili Cook-Off.  The preschoolers were invited to say the Pledge of Allegiance before the Green and Gold game. On the way to the school the boys asked to listen to "Tiger."  As the team was warming up they played a variety of music over the loud speaker.  Right before the kids were set to start "pledging" (meaning they were lined up and ready to go) "Eye of the Tiger" came on over the loud speaker.  From across the gym you could see the exact moment both Finn and Sam started to realize that their ...

On Thursday Nana and Papa came up to the house to celebrate my birthday.  The boys were excited all day.  Finn was glad that Nana was coming, but was beside himself when he learned that Papa was coming too.  They got to the house around 5:00 bearing gifts and MEAT.  Papa had made his famous ribs - three racks to be exact.  When they got here mom and I set the table with my winter china and Papa played with the boys.  My cake. It is probably the prettiest "Kake Lady" cake I have ever seen.  I told mom that it reminded me of a china pattern.  Next we had dinner.  As I have already mentioned, Papa made ribs, and nana made fried okra, twice backed potatoes, green beans, and rolls.  They also brought some pulled pork barbecue for the boys. Everything was so good!  We pulled the Ninja turtles table into the kitchen and the boys ate next to us.  After supper I opened my gifts.  Well, I guess I should ...

On Tuesday I turned 34.  To celebrate Michael took me for dinner at Stony River and then we went to see Interstellar - which was awesome.  The boys stayed with Gran.  Since I was born on Veteran's Day Michael and I didn't have to go to work.  We slept in and then lounged around the house the entire day.  I did have to do some work to prepare for a hearing on Wednesday, but otherwise it was a really relaxing day. Around 3:30 Michael went to get the boys from school.  They came home with an ice cream cake from Maggie Moos and and balloon.  The boys were so excited to give me the cake. Finn came running in the house saying "we have a surprise for you..."  Sam then came barricading through the door yelling, "MOM, WE GOT A CAKE FOR YOU!"  Finn was pretty mad at Sam for ruining his surprise. Gran came over that night with chicken and vegetables and new pots and pans.  I was so excited to get new cooking ware.   Chelsea an...