One of those things you are not suppose to let your kids do

July 5th Celebration

Before we even moved into our house, we began a tradition--we have a July 4th celebration here at our house. This year marked the 5th year of our fun times. We celebrate it on a Saturday close to July 4th instead of the actual day. Each year there have been new people and it is great to all hang out and have fun. We started at the house, then to the lake where the kids swam and the men played volleyball, then back home to cook hot dogs and eat ALL the food everyone had brought. The food was delicious!! The kids (and there were MANY of them) enjoy hanging out and playing in the backyard. Just as things were winding down a storm began to brew so everyone started packing up and headed out. It was lots of fun and we can't wait until next year.

Missing my boys

Well, my dad came for a visit last week. He left on Monday and since Nana Jo and Granddaddy were coming on Thursday, we let Cody and Kale go back with Papa. This was a HUGE deal for me!! It is one thing when they are close by but not when they are 5 hours away. Anyway, I did good and did not even cry:)) The boys were very excited to go and we will probably have to bribe Kale to get him to come home. They have spent Monday and Tuesday night with my dad and then will meet up with Nana Jo tomorrow and head to her house. And on Thursday, they will arrive back here. I can hardly wait!!

I believe Keegan is more excited about seeing his brothers than the grandparents which is a rare occasion. He has missed them something awful. For one, they all sleep in the same room so he has slept alone and he does NOT like it. He also misses them during the day --some how Chloe and I are not Cody and Kale. Oh, well, they have had lots of fun!

One proud Papa

As most of you know, Keegan decided that his sport of choice for this year would be baseball. I must say that I for one am very glad of this decision. It has brought back a lot of memories of when I played "America's pasttime" back in the day. I was lucky enough to have a great teacher and mentor of the game as my coach...my Father. So with that said, I didn't sign up to be his coach this year but after being out there for a few games and practices I think I might be getting that itch.

I wasn't sure how Keegan would adjust, as he has never really played a whole lot. But he has come a long way. He had two hits last night with runners in scoring position and he also had the chance to throw out three base runners. He fielded all three just like a professional. The first runner beat out his throw. The second runner the first baseman dropped the ball. And the third runner he threw out by a mile. You should have seen the excitement on his face. Needless to say I was one proud Papa.

I think I'll be in the coaching saddle before long. With all my other hats I wear.

Praise Music

Yesterday, we had been listening to Blessed Be the Name on a CD. This is one of Keegan and Kale's favorite songs so we listen to it quite often. Apparently enough tha Chloe has picked up the tune for the chorus. We had turned off the music, but she's in the back "singing" it at the top of her lungs and good enough you can tell exactly what she is singing. It was amazing!!

Air Show pictures

This is one of my favorite especially with the flag in the background. I also made a slide show of more from the NC Air Show we went to at the beginning of June.

Wordless Wednesday

Relaxing Day

So after such a busy day and weekend, the kids and I just hung out at home yesterday. I was such a great mom and let them watch TV all day. I am usually pretty strict about how much they watch, but it was nice to be able to sit and do nothing. They did help unload the dryer, load the washer, and put up clothes, but other than that they just chilled. After dinner, Jonathan played football with the boys outside. I cleaned up lots of stuff yesterday and have about 7 bags of yard sale items. While they played, I went walking with a neighbor. Before heading to bed, I finished a book I had been reading. Such a nice and relaxing day. . . Now off to paint:))

Ear piercing!!!

Last night after eating dinner, we headed over to the mall. I decided it was time to get Chloe's ears pierced and since Jennifer was with me it seemed like a good time to do it. (I did not want to hold her while it was being done.) In Claire's, we shopped around and checked out everything. Then, we went to the chair to get it done. She was BIG girl and barely even cried. I was amazed because I expected her to scream her head off. The lady gave her a lollipop afterwards and Chloe happily took it and was fine. So, she is officially pierced now!!

Recap of last week or so

So it is summer and there is no school, but it seems we are busier than before. Here are soem highlights of the last couple of weeks. Be prepared; we have lots to share. . .

• So we have been working with Chloe on potty training for the last 2 weeks and she has done AMAZING!! She tells us when she needs to potty and even poops on the potty. Today, she wore big girl panties all day and did fine. We are all very excited about this. Size 5 diapers anyone????
• Cody and Keegan attended Power Camp last week. This is an FCA event where the kids learn about a particular sport, but more importantly about being a follower of Christ. Cody choose soccer and was in a huddle with Spencer, a very good friend. Keegan choose baseball and was coached by a friend of ours. Each day begins with great music and a speaker who is well known. Kale, Chloe, and myself stayed and listened to this part each day. Then the kids all go to practices, huddles, and such. At the end of the day, we would return and hear the music and a local pastor. On Wednesday night, there is an event at Camille's, a local restaurant, where the band plays and everyone hangs out. This year, Melvin Adams spoke that night and the next morning at Power Camp. The boys had a great, but tiring week. They cannot wait for next year and Kale is still trying to figure out what sport to choose.
• Baseball for Keegan is underway. He has improved quite a bit and lives to play each time. He can always remember when he has practice and games. His coach is really good and very patient with him. He has a few more games left.
• Last weekend, after Lakeside Church everyone stayed and we all cooked out. It was fun and we had really good food.
• Friday night was the Pillar Men and Boys Camping Trip. They went camping in Prince William Forest and had fun. While they were camping, Jennifer, Ruthe, Chloe, and myself has a girls night out. We ate at Olive Garden and then headed to the mall for a special event. That's the next post, so check it out!! After the special event, we ate ice cream at Jennifer's and then painted fingers and toes. The girls enjoyed having the girls night.
• This is too funny not to mention. Each day at camp, Chloe would have to go potty. So I get her on the toliet and then go to the next one to use it. One day I sat her down and I did not have to go so I was just waiting for her. She looked and me and said, "Mommy, go potty." Of course I did not go, but it was cute. The next day same situation except I had to go. When she heard me pee, she hollered out, "Good job Mommy!!" She is quite the comedian:)
• We have ben to KD twice in the past weeks. The first time, we all went with friends and then this week Chloe, Kale, and I joined some more friends and went to the waterpark. It was fun and we all look forward to heading back soon.
• Last Sunday night after church, another family and ours headed over the lake. They wanted to see it and we figured the kids could get it for a little while. Chloe hits the sand and starts stripping everything off including her panties. Yep, she went skinny dipping!! Apparently, she thinks having panties on means she can strip these off whenevery she'd like. We'll have to watch that!!

Anyway, that's lots of catching up. I also have lots of pictures for the last several posts that I hope to get up by the beginning of next week for all to see.

More Scrapping

I am hoping to do lots of digi scrapping this summer while home. I uploaded four different layouts to Costco and had these printed on 12x12 paper. The pages turned out really well and look nice in the albums. The price was good too. I also uploaded a page to an online company that will send you a sample pack for the shipping charges. I should get those next week so I can compare. The price is very comparable to Costco except I'll need to add in shipping charges. And, since I don't have a Costco membership, I'll need to factor that in. Anyway, here's a couple of pages I've scrapped recently.

Potty Training & Nail Polish

So, I decided that as soon as school was out I would attempt to get Chloe in panties. It is a slow process, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel (at least for tonight). She is wet when she wakes up in the morning and then does not go again until near dinner time. Then when she goes, she goes, and goes, and goes. . . You get the picture here?? So tonight, while she was sitting on the potty, not too happy, I decided I'd paint her toe nails. She choose purple polish at Target and was quite content to have her nails painting. Oh, the joys of a girl:)) I'll keep you up to date on the potty training.

Pastor Wives

Ok, so I know this is really cheesy, but I could not even resist. It does not even apply to me (yet), but it applies ot many of my friends:)) Enjoy!!

Cherry Point Air Show

Growing up, my dad often took us to the air show at Cherry Point. It was always lots of fun and exciting to see the machines and equipment up close. We were always allowed to try everything out. Well, I thought it would be great to go with dad and the kids to check it out. I was sure it would be completely different than it had been. I prepared myself for this so I would not be disappointed. Boy was I WRONG!!! It was just like it was when I was little. The only thing that was different was it was EXTREMELY hot and in our pictures from the past, we wore coats to it. Even with the heat, the kids had fun seeing everything and climbing in tanks, planes, helicopters, and such. The Blue Angels were the highlight at the end. The boys thought it was really neat to see the performance. Chloe was not a fan of this as it was very loud and she just wanted to sit back in the car. Next time, we will have to bring head phones for her. Of course, we hope they change dates so it is not so hot. The kids also enjoyed riding the ferry to and front eh air show. Jonathan and I enjoyed eating real barbecue--wow, it was good. And of course, dad fixed his wonderful shrimp. The boys and Chloe washed my car on Saturday morning while Jonathan and I slept. They also picked squash, raddish, zucchini, and other veggies. That evening, they dug potatoes. They have such fun at Papa's house:)

Keegan and baseball

Keegan is a HUGE fan of any sport, but his favorite is baseball. He began practicing with his team in May and missed the first game last Saturday, but played his FIRST ever baseball game today. He did an AMAZING job!! He went up to bat three times and hit all three times. He made it to base twice, but was tagged out on the third. However, that hit still batted in 2 runs! He played third, outfield, pitcher (beside the adult), and first base. His coach is really good and lets the kids play everywhere even if they cannot really handle that position. He seems to be really big on building the skills and having fun--not being competitive. He has been very patient with Keegan and works with him one on one every time. I think we'll have to request him every year:))

School's Out for Summer

I could just leave it at that, but I won't. . .

This year has come to an end even though it does not seem like that yet. Kale finished his first grade year off and is very excited to head to 2nd grade. AR is a huge reading program at our school, and he finished 4th in points for his grade level!! Way to go, Kale!! He received a medal for this a a bear for reaching his grade level goal. He has decided he'd like to get this bear every year. We'll have to see if he can do that. Keegan had a much better year in first. His teacher, Mrs. Carey is a wonderful teacher and friend. She worked with him extra hard and he has made lots of progress this year. He is excited because he was able to bring his laptop home over the summer to practice using a particular program that is helpful for him. He loves technology and is very talented at it. Cody enjoyed his 4th grade year and is ready for 5th. He also placed 4th in points for his grade level and received a medal. He also met his grade level goal and received a teddy bear. This is his 3rd bear!!! All 3 boys were awarded Character Honor Roll certificates and we are VERY proud of that. We are now ready to enjoy summer and all that comes with that. I will still be at Riverview next year as a Title I teacher, but most likely some changes. Many of my very good friends have moved to other schools this year and it will be somewhat different next year. All the moves were for the best, but they will all be missed!!

Double Digit Cody

Cody hit the double digits on Friday when he turned 10!! He recieved his first gift a book, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid that morning and had fiinished it before we ate supper. He brought Little Debbie brownies to share at school. Next we were off to Dumfries to celebrate his birthday with friends. He chose Pizza Hut and of course Jo Jo's since it is right next door. After eating ice cream, he opened his presents which included some Skeecher croc shoes, the next book in the series (which he finished before supper on Saturday), a Wii pack with games and controller (more on this later) and running shoes. He had a great day and was excited about a trip to the zoo the next day.

It is really hard to believe my baby is 10 already. It seems like yesterday that he was born. He was a whooping 9 lbs and 21 inches long!! Today, he is a very skinny boy with long lanky legs (and toes). He is such a gentleman with a huge heart for not only his family and friends, but the lost souls of the world. He is constantly researching different countries where he could be a missionary when he is old enough. Currently, Taiwan and Libya are at the top of his list. We'll see what the future holds. . . We love you, Cody and happy birthday!!!

Kale, the dare devil

Here are many pictures of Kale as he decides to take adventure to a new level!! Enjoy. . .

Last Thursday, we headed to Plumtree, NC to Teen Valley Ranch for a weekend retreat with our church family from home. We spent Thursday night near Bristol, TN before heading the rest of the way Friday morning. We have been here before about 6 years ago and there have been some changes in that time, but it is still as beautiful and peaceful as ever. Some old friends of ours, Greg and Shelia (and their 3 boys) are directors of TVR and it was nice to see them as well. Friday afternoon was open activities so the boys had a ball. There was putt-putt, repelling, rock climbing, creeks, zip lines, woods to roam, game room, open gym, horse riding, and much more. They took off as fast as they could. One of the nice things about this place is they can go wherever they want on their own--FREEDOM!! I'll add some other pictures of them enjoying the different events later. Friday evening after dinner, there was worship and praise and a Bible time. Then, free time. The boys were out playing until midnight as was Chloe. There is a snack shack and they were excited to be given money that they could buy whatever they wanted with it. Cody enjoyed glass-bottled Cheerwine and Keegan was all about the Root Beer.

Saturday morning if you plan to eat you have to get up and get going. The boys were up and out playing by 7:00 as Jon, Chloe, and myself tried to convince ourselves to get up. We did all make it to breakfast--did I mention the food is SUPERB!! After breakfast, they give us some stuff for family quiet time. So we headed off to a nearby gazebo and talked. Next up was praise and worship with everyone, then Bible time. The boys head out to their own Bible time during the adult time. After that and lunch all activities were open again. I began to think we might not see the boys at all:)) Keegan found a game he really enjoyed--carpet ball-- and was very good at so he stayed down at that area most of the time (hence the reason there are few pictures of him). Jonathan and Chloe enjoyed a nap in the room while I headed out to get some pictures. We all enjoyed the afternoon even though it was cooler. After dinner, we again had music and Bible time. Afterwards, they had music down at the coffee shop that was fun. Pretty much everyone ended up down there at some point. The snack shack opens each afternoon after lunch and again after Bible time. The boys always made sure they found us at that time. Again, we were all up until midnight and again the boys were up and out by 7 the next morning. (The only people out that early were kids.)

After breakfast, we did praise and worship and Bible time. Then a huge brunch is served and people start heading out. The boys took advantage of what time they had left and played and ran around hard. It was great connecting with some old friends and making new friends--a church group from Snow Hill was also there. One of the kids was actually a student I taught in first grade at Snow Hill Primary. We can't wait until next year!!!

The picutres I added tonight were some of my favorites from the weekend. I'll add more slides later of the different activities (make sure to check out Kale's--he's a little dare devil)!!

Camera issues!!!

UPDATE: I tried a few other things and then shut the computer down and restarted it and for some weird reason that worked!! Whatever, I am glad, so soon there will be pictures!!

My camera is driving me crazy right now. WE took some great photos last weekend while we are at TVR for a retreat with our church from home. However, none of our computers will show that the camera is connected. All the pictures are on card, but when connected and I try to get picts it says the scanner or camera are in use or not properly connected. Please try again. Well, I have prettu much every day this week and I am getting a little frustrated!!! Anyone have any thoughts???? I'd appreciate any help you might have.
Thanks