They're getting older

Here are the FALL, 2008 pictures of the kids from Daycare. I am always very excited to get these pictures because this photographer always captures the true essence of my children. ENJOY!

DECK THE HALLS

YEP....it's that time of the year again. The kids were very anxious to decorate for some reason this year. SO, we actually decorated BEFORE Thanksgiving. Kind of weird having your Christmas stuff up and working around your Thanksgiving Decorations, but we managed. And with all the excitement, we made it through without breaking any of my glass ornaments *WHEW*. Now, they are just waiting for St. Nick to stop by.

HALLOWEEN

Well, I know halloween has come and gone and I'm just now getting around to posting their pics. I know, I know, I know!!!!!! Anyway, Both the kids had a really good Halloween this year. Bub's was the Black Spiderman and Kink's was a Viking. We took them downtown where every business participates in a "Walk -Around" where you start at City Hall and follow the path to hit all the businesses for Candy. The bad part is that it started at 3:30 in the afternoon and they were done by 5:00 p.m. Oh well, they had a good time and got TONS of candy. HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Carving Pumpkins

With the excitement of Halloween drawing near, the kids couldn't wait any longer to carve their pumpkins. Unfortunately, we didn't have time this year to take the kids to a pumpkin patch, so we had to settle for the trustworthy Wal-Mart. We picked up 3 pumpkins on Friday night after soccer practice and a design book. I think both of the kids thumbed through the book about a million times before picking out the perfect design. We are past the 2 eyes, nose, mouth phase and have to have a much more elaborate design. So, last night, the kids got to clean out their pumpkins and it took me almost 2 hours to carve these two pumpkins. Now I think I'm crippled in my right hand from working with those little bitty tools they give you!. HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HE SHOOTS!!!! HE SCORES

That's right...Bubby scored his very first goal on Saturday. Of course, the rest of the game he was a little distracted because he would stand on the sideline and holler at me, "MOM...did you see me, I scored a goal!" He was so excited and everyone that he saw, they knew he scored a goal!!! WAY TO GO BUB!!!!!

9th Birthday Party

HOLY COW...my little girl is turning 9 years old tomorrow....I can't believe it. She is growing up so fast. We had her birthday party last weekend and she picked a "MONKEY" theme which is quite fitting for our little girl. The girls arrived at 1:00 and then I took them skating for two hours. We came home and made homemade pizza and then we had cake and ice cream. Bubby had a friend over as well to keep him entertained, but it was more so he could have back-up when he aggravated the girls. Everyone had a great time!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KINKS!!!!

....Before the STORM

Bubby had yet another soccer game last night and we had the 5:30 game which means we have to leave work early to make it on time....and you know that breaks our hearts. Bubby asked to be GOALIE last night. He did not get much action because his team won again last night. So far, the Cougars are UNDEFEATED.

NOW....I would like to think that Bubby is watching the storm clouds and not looking for butterflys out there. We just finished our game when the rain came pouring down.

SOCCER STUD

Well, I knew the time would come when Bubby would start Soccer and our running around town would intensify. Well, it's here. Brennan has games on Tuesday's and Saturday's and still has practice on Monday's and Wednesday's. BOY!!!! What a deal!!!. Anyway, Bub's had his first game on Tuesday night and his team won 3-0. Bub's scored a goal but it was in the wrong goal...OH WELL...he looked good doing it. It didn't count though because the ball had gone out of bounds about a minute earlier and the coach kept blowing the whistle....I guess with all the excitement they couldn't hear the whistle and didn't want to stop. They are SOOO CUTE at this age out there playing soccer. We're COUGARS this year. WAY TO GO BUBBY!!!!!

GO CARDINALS!

JR and I were treated like kings and queens over the weekend by one of his friends. He scored us a couple of tickets to the Cardinals game vs. the Marlins on Sunday, September 7th. We arrived two hours before the game and ate and drank everything prior to the game in the Cardinals' Clubhouse. Then we walked out to our seats which were 4 rows behind home plate. Where we also ate and drank everything we wanted. Those were the best darn nachos I've ever had in my life (that goes for the pretzel too). The CARDINALS WON and Pujols hit a homerun in the first inning. After the game, we went to Ameristar and checked into our room which was AWESOME. I was afraid to touch anything. Then we went to the VIP Star room at the Casino and sat and ate and drank there until they kicked us out at 10pm. JR and I did some gambling until 1am and then back to our room. We got up the next day and gambled some more and then were treated to breakfast. IT WAS THE BEST WEEKEND WE'VE EVER HAD!!!!! WHAT A BLAST.... Thanks to Gary and Tara!!!!!!!!

SOCCER SEASON AGAIN

It's that time of year again for more running because it's SOCCER SEASON. It started several weeks ago with Kendal's practices every Monday and Wednesdays...now we add Bub's into the mix and we're gone ALL THE TIME!!! In fact, Kendal had two games on Saturday and Brennan had a practice that morning. We left at 10 and returned home at 6:00 that night. The life of a soccer mom is GLORIOUS!!!!!! however, the colder weather has thrown me for a loop, so I will have to spend some time next week and re-equip the car with all the necessities for soccer!!! :)

NEW SHOES

REMEMBER me telling everyone that they were more excited about wearing their new shoes than actually gonig to school....well...here they are. By the way, do you know that kids shoes cost as much (if not more) than adult shoes!!!!!!!

MY LITTLE BOY GOING TO KINDERGARTEN

First Day of School

I know you all were betting whether I would bawl my eyes out this morning, but i did NOT. I got a little teary-eyed when he got on the bus, but held it all together.

Both were very excited to go to school this morning. They both got right up, dressed, and teeth brushed as I sat there in amazement because they've never done that before. Again, i think they both were more excited about wearing their new shoes than actually going to school.

YIKES ..... 3rd GRADE

Yet another year has passed and my little girl keep growing like a little weed and turning into quite the young woman. We met her teacher last night and she was super nice and we were excited at the choice of teachers she was given. I think we are in for yet another successful year with our little girl. I'm so thankful that she LOVES school and can't wait to start tomorrow. However, I think the highlight of her day, as well, is wearing her new tennis shoes.

And did I mention the fact that she is wearing a size 6 in women's shoes. THAT'S RIGHT....SIZE 6!!!!!

KINDERGARTEN

I can NOT believe that I am going to send my baby to kindergarten tomorrow morning. Last night we met his teacher and dropped off his school supplies. While he was more excited about the toys in the room, we finally struggled through him getting all his supplies put up in the right place. He was SO easily distracted. We did tell his teacher to put us on speed-dial. Unfortunately, he's more excited about wearing his new tennis shoes than he is about going to school. BOY...they grow up QUICK!!!!!

CAMPING OUT

We spent the August 15-17th at Mark Twain Lake for this years first camping trip. i know it's late in the year, but it was been an extremely busy summer. The kids really enjoyed themselves. We took bikes and scooters which kept them entertained for hours. We also spent Saturday out on the boat and in the river. We had a lot of relaxation time and really enjoyed ourselves.

VACATION

While the kids ventured to Dauphin Island with the rest of the family for a nice, relaxing vacation, JR and I stayed behind to work!!!! We painted the house, stained the deck, worked in the yard, worked in the garden, got new carpet, and much, much more. The kids came back nice and relaxed while we were pooped and ready to go back to work for a break.

The kids had a wonderful time at Dauhpin Island. The sea fishing was one of their favorite things to do and never get tired of hearing about catching the sand shark. The beach was also a favorite. I thought they would be tired of swimming, but that's not the case.

BALL SEASON

Well, another ball season has come and gone. This year, we had a Pirate and a Cardinal. The Cardinal's had an awesome coach this year and she learned a LOT about the sport. Not about winning or losing, but the fundamentals of how to play the game. THANKS, Bryan. Our little Pirate, well, I just don't know what to say about him. He's just a natural at sports. It's SO cute to watch all those little guys get out there and hit the ball and it's especially comical when they are fielding the ball. Our little Pirates didn't keep score, but our CARDINAL had an undeafeted season. She missed her last game because of vacation, but she will receive a really nice trophy and a medal. WAY TO GO!!!!!

Kendalyn's & Brennan's First Day of Summer School

I never thought the day would come where I would be putting my baby on a school bus and sending him off to school. Well, it did. For the record, I did NOT cry!!!! I'm sure the story is going to be different when he actually starts kindergarten. Of course, Kendalyn was ready to go. She picked her own summer school courses this year and picked all sports (that's my girl).

Pre-school Graduation

Brennan FINALLY graduated from Pre-School. It was held at a small theater near our house and each class performed a cute little skit. At the end, the older kids actually got to 'graduate.' Each was presented with a graduation certificate and a special achievement certificate from the year. Brennan received the most academically improved!!!! WOW...... It was very nice

Brennan's 5

It's that time of year again to share another year of Brennan's life. He turned 5 a few weeks ago and started Pre-K summer school on June 2nd. He absolutely HATES it and comes home every day and tells me how boring it is. SO...i broke out the bribery tool. So far it is working, but sure hope he outgrows it before his senior year or school is going to get rather expensive.

As you can tell, we certainly have our hands full. I can't believe he looks so much like JR (and acts like him too)

Kendalyn's 2nd Grade Awards Ceremony

JR and I attended Kendalyn's 2nd Grade Awards Ceremony this morning at 9am at her Elementary School. LOOK AT HER....SHE'S WEARING A DRESS!!!!! We are so proud of her. She received an Award for Art, an Addition Award, and a Subtraction Award. She also received a free ticket to Six Flags for reading this year. She would have had perfect attendance had she not jet-setted off to Michigan a few weeks ago. OH WELL...we'll try again next year.

Brennan's Tee-ball Practice 5/14/08

Brennan is now a PIRATE for the Parks and Rec Tee-ball season.

His first practice was last Thursday. He has practice every Monday at 7:00 p.m. and every Wednesday at 8:00p.m. which is absolutely ridiculous for little guys. We get home between 9:30 and 10:00 on those nights. He is an absolute bear to wake up the next morning. Anyway, he certainly is enjoying himself and his first game is May 27th at 5:30 p.m.. His coach is Mindy Knowles this year. He looks forward to baseball practice/games and that is our new threat for the time-being (HA)!