Cookies with Santa

Well, Who Wouldn't Go Swimming on Thanksgiving Day?

Please notice, Kailey wanted the ENTIRE leg. It covered her plate. She was one happy pilgrim.

The Case of the Missing Brownies

The crime scene, the evidence and the suspect...like mother like daughter.

Jake Wins 2 Awards

Jake received two awards during an all school assembly recently. He got a perfect attendance award and he received the "Good Samaritan Award". I'm really proud of him for this. The Good Sam award is a citizenship award. (I know, you could have figured this out on your own.) Anyway, the teacher chooses one student from her class who shows quality qualities...he he... He is a great kid and we are very proud of him.

The Nutcracker

There is a historic home in the area that is generally used for weddings and such. At Christmas time, they host an abbreviated version of the nutcracker and host a tea party. It was great!! The perfect thing for a girl and her mom.

Well Of Course...

Just for a laugh.

I came upstairs this evening to find a laundry basket of clean, folded clothes all over the floor. Now, knowing my children, there was no question who had committed this crime. The fact that a baby doll now occupied the basket sealed her fate. When I asked her about it, and threw in a "Don't do that again" she replied with this, "BUT Mommy there were crocodiles on the floor!!". Well of course there are...that explains it all.

Great Weather, Great Picnics

Before the weather gets hot again, and since this is fall break, the kids and I packed a picnic and rode our bikes over to the park. It was great and we had a good time. And it did not take long for Kailey to crash when we got home. Kyle's taking the end of the week off so I'm sure we will have more adventures to share later.

Sunday Afternoon Naps

Cardinal Stadium

We have a friend who took us on a tour of the stadium where the Cardinals attempt to play football. Of course, we jumped at the chance to go. I was excited to go because it was Saturday before they hosted the beloved Cowboys on Sunday, (but let's don't discuss the outcome.) and Troy Aikman had been in the stadium on Friday. Anyway, here are the kids on the the field, in the visitors locker room and Jake in the press box. We all had a good time.

Randomness

One of these pictures is of the loot Jake brought home from school today. His teacher uses a coupon system to reward behavior and for turning in homework on time, etc. At the end of every quarter, they can "buy" items with their coupons. I was really proud of the fact that he even bought something for Kailey. And it really was for K, because it was chocolate and we all know he doesn't want that.

Jake's Birthday

Jake's birthday was on a Saturday this year, so we got to have the party on the actual day. This is the first year we've had it outside of our house. He chose an indoor amusement place and had a great time. We started the day with a treasure hunt at home for his presents from us. Kyle did a great job with writing clues to lead to the next prize/clue. They sure are lucky to have Kyle as their dad.

Arts and Crafts

Here are some art projects Kailey's done at school and Jake did the foot art for his class. Both kids also ended up being the superstar student of their class on the same week. I've scaled it WAY back from last years poster. Anyway, enjoy

Just in Case Anyone is Stilling Checking in on Us

Here are 1st day of school pictures. 1st grade (CHOKE!) and preschool. They both love it.

I also included a picture of all the kids at a Diamondbacks game. The suite is the way to go. And one picture of the kids with my nephew, Bryce. My sister says he has the facebook picture down pat. Ha Ha!!!

If you do still check this blog, please comment so I can know if I should continue posting, or just give up. Thanks!

The Devil Made me Do It!!

Do you ever have those times in your life when you step back and say, "Shoot, he got me again!" Satan works his way into our lives and is so stinkin' sneaky about it. He destroys relationships and self-esteem. I am such a sinner and need God every day. Some days just seem harder than others. Today was one of those days - a hard one. Satan won the round, but good news - Christ won the war! Thank goodness for that, tomorrow is another day. I just wish people could forgive like God does. In the words of one of the greatest authors of all times, " The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." My prayer is that tomorrow will be better than today, that I will learn the lesson God is teaching me so I don't have to repeat it. May my steps be worship, and may my thoughts be praise! (Totally stole that last sentence.)

The Anniversary Post

This is a little late, but that does not change it's importance. Kyle and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary at the beginning of this month. Man how time flies (sp?). But on the other hand, it seems like we've been together forever. Parts of our life are a haze and memories blend together. One thing remains the same. We are in this together, forever. No if, ands, or buts about it. I wish I could sit here and say that it's been a cake walk. That our life has been easy and that our marriage has been blissful. But I won't. That's not true and it's not realistic. I can say one thing. I thank God every day that he gave me Kyle. A man who not only loves God, but has a personal relationship with him. A man who seeks God and wants to do His will. Because, you see, our marriage is not perfect. If it were, where would God fit in? Who would need him. Neither of us are perfect. That leaves plenty of room for God. Over the years, we have learned that God is truly at the center of our life together. Without Him, who knows were we'd be. The one truth that has not changed since the day we said "I DO" is the fact that we both made a promise to God that we would be together until death parted us. And during the trials we've endured, that point has been made plainly clear. No matter what happens, we're stickin'. Without those trials, we might not be sure of the other's commitment. So, in a way, I understand, "Count it pure joy, when you endure trials..." because that is how our faith is made strong. I would not trade a day, good or bad, of this marriage. It has made us who we are and solidified our commitment to each other. I love Kyle more than words can say and couldn't imagine my life without him. (He never reads this, so this isn't for him.)

Look What Came in the Mail!

Aunt Ginger sent Kailey her birthday present in the mail. (YES, we are all aware that it is almost 2 months late, but we don't mind. ;) ) Aunt GIN-GER (must be said in a sing-song voice) knows what a girl wants. The shoes pretty much sealed the deal. Kailey is actually wearing every last piece of clothing/accessory that came in the box. That included a mix of a ballerina and a princess outfit. So, the skirt is double layered. One connected to the ballerina tu-tu and one that is independent. So funny. She wore the earrings and ring to Target today. She is in hog heaven.

Cindy Lou Who

The kids came down stairs after their baths just a giggling away. This is what had happened. Kyle did it. He is so much fun.

When You Love Teenagers...and They Love You

This is what happens to your house. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.