Who knew Picture Day was…

…this much work? Even though I helped last year, I guess I didn't really realize what all goes into getting 100 plus boys ready for Football pictures. I am so happy to be working with a group of moms who always step up to the challenge and help where and when needed.

First we had to make sure they were dress accordingly, so we had moms check them in. We had to note jersey numbers & spelling of names. We had to make sure they stopped to have their head shot taken for the matrix board, take individuals for the football program, take individual grade level group pics, plus all the other group shots like A honor roll, A-B honor roll, all the weight clubs, o-line, d-line, receivers, and so many more I can't remember.

As you can imagine this can become quite chaotic, but I do believe in the end it was a great day. Mom's Huddle volunteers were a HUGE help. The only thing that I was a bit disappointed with was that I didn't have a chance to take more pics of Rob, but oh well that is what happens when you are taking care of the whole team, sometimes we have to put our own personal wants aside. Here are some pics that I did get:

Big Rob...thanks to Kelli for getting these two for me :DSo serious

White ClubJuniorsB12'versIt's a line thingOffenseDefense

B12 gives…

…back too. Just this past Wednesday our football team did a community service project. As we wrap up B12 for the summer, we had our service project today. Some of these kids got a double dose of giving there self's away this week, I can't think of a better way to end the summer :D

B12 adopted a family last fall so it wasn't hard to decide what we were gonna do this summer. Ms Rachel and her brother Kurt house needed a "facelift" so we decided to have a "paint" party. They were so appreciative but I know in the end we got more out of it than they did.

Our B12'vers never stop amazing me, it's been fun to watch them grow this past year and can't wait to see what the next year will bring. Here are some pics of them hard at work today as they worked together and got-er-done.

feeding them breakfast before we put them to workStacy & BrandonRob has to work today :(, but he had time to join us for breakfastKatrina, representing the ladies...while most of the girls were on vacation, we are so proud of her for joining us todayMichael Lane...the only one small and brave enough to get on the roof :DThese boys don't need laddersClean up timeFeeling accomplished

BHS Football...

…gives back! This seasons community service project was to go to Eagle Ranch and do some landscaping.

Some of these boys may be 3 time state champions, but that doesn't mean they are too good to give back. There is something about giving of your time and talents that remind and teach you that other people besides yourself are important. One of the best things we can do with our lives is to use it to serve others.

As the boys worked hard, we had some dad volunteers help Pluto grill burgers and dogs, while we had some moms from Mom's Huddle make all the fixin's and help serve. This is one of the things I love about Buford, we are a community dedicated to our youth and all work together to help them grow and mature to hopefully one day be productive citizens.

I want to give a special thanks to the Coaching staff, who work day in and day out to help instill values that will go a long way out side of the football field. As Coach Wood would say, "it's great to be a Buford Wolf".Pluto and his crewHow many dogs does it take to feed a football team?while the volunteers are hard at cooking, the boys are hard at workingjust a little glimps at what they had to doStacy & DeniseKimberly & HallyeJenny adding a pinch of saltSeniors go first...we love these boysThat's the mom in me...made a smiley face on Tyler Burge's burger...yeah I love him too :DDQ, Willie and the boysLucas & RobertOur team photograhper...Josh is awesome and just like me we are always taking pics, we are never in them :D

Chicken & Futbol…

…what a weird combination you say, well not for the Contreras Clan. When both boys work for Chick-fil-A and love soccer it becomes a family affair.

It all started the other day, it was "Cow Appreciation Day"! We love our Chick-fil-A cows so to join in the fun, the boys dressed up for work in their "team" t-shirts that Heather made for them, ready to serve guest. Em joined in on the fun and got dressed too. All guests who dressed in their cow outfits got a free meal. Since the boys work inside the Mall of GA, we made an afternoon of it. Em had some "water fountain" fun and then we had a free dinner on Chick-fil-A.

Today the boys hosted a World Cup party for their fellow employees. Seemed like the house was divided as most were going for Spain, and we had at least one going for the Netherlands. If nothing else it made for an interesting game watching experience. The game turned out to be like watching a NASCAR Race and or a boxing match. It got to the point where we all waited to see the next "crash" or in the case of soccer a hard slide, going down with studs up, a high elbow, or high kick. There were more yellow cards given in this game that I have ever seen. After all that drama if nice to see Spain put it away with a nice finish.

After the game was over, everyone took a dip in the pool, and then enjoyed each other's company as they hung around the kitchen table getting to know each other a bit better. I was proud of my boys for being great host. In the words of a great company, it was our "pleasure" to meet the folks that they spend a lot of time with. I even made them what's become known as my famous chocolate molten cake and served it with ice-cream.Big Rob sporting his work spirit-3...not sure where that number came fromlil Ray is ready for a great day at workEm will be ready for her free chicken sandwhichlil Ray & Em at Chick-fil-A...she loves her brothersRay & Heathersmile...I like to take pics :Dgroup picRob and coworkers

Summer Fun and…

…fireworks to boot. Em has been enjoying playing in the fountain this summer at the Mall of GA. There is no better way to cool off after a hot summer day.

I personally have enjoyed "people watching" as Em plays I can't help but laugh inside as I see so many funny things. I guess since it's something we have done for a while now so we know how to pack when we go to the mall, which includes a swimsuit and towel.

For the average parent who is either from out of town or thinks their kids don't wanna get wet when they see water, the story is quite different. I have laughed how the kids who pass by the fountain and wanna get wet are not allowed and if they are they are told "okay, you can touch the water, but don't get wet"…what??, is my first reaction, but the other funny one is when the kid doesn't wanna get wet and the parents are practically pushing them in…yeah, it's probably been more fun for me than for Em.

In regards to fireworks, 4^th of July was a bit different for us this year, as Raymond sent the evening with Heather, Robert hung out the Cheathams, that left Ray, Em and I to decide if we wanted to hang out here at home or enjoy the "light" show from the Mall's fireworks. We opted to drive as far away and as close as possible if that makes sense. Close enough to see the show, but far enough to not be caught up in the hour traffic it take to get home which is only 5 mins away.

Here are some pics of "water fountain" fun and the "light show":

Even when we don't pack a swimsuit we know to bring a toweltaking time for a quick picbrought the googles today, just in case she goes under...hahaEm and Ray waiting on the "light" show to begin.so bright, so loud, so coolHere is to being reminded of our independance and a special thank you to those who over two hundred and thirty years ago, fought for our nation, and for those who still sacrifice and stand in harm's way to preserve and protect it.