Happy Birthday, Chuck!

Just wanted to wish my hubby a Happy 35th Birthday! I love you so much!! You are not only an awesome husband, but a great dad too! You are truly one of the most giving and selfless people I know. You put your family above yourself on a regular basis and you go out of your way to do little things to make our lives happier and easier. You are my best friend and I know, without a doubt, that I can always count on you, no matter what I need. You deserve the best day ever! I hope you enjoy it and I can't wait for our "date night" on Saturday. Love you!!!!

Mom and Daughter Fun!

Kenzie has been asking and asking to do a Mom and Daughter day, but we have been so busy that we haven't been able to fit one in. She has also wanted to get our fall decorations out and decorate cookies together, but I have been too busy for that. Detect a theme here? I realized today that she is growing up so fast, and before I know it she won't want to do these things with me and I will regret not making time for her. There is nothing in this world that is more important to me than my kids, but sometimes I get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that I forget what my most important priorities are. Well, today was not going to be another one of those days! I had to go to a training this morning and we got out early, so when I got home, I headed out to Wal Mart to get what we needed to make some cookies. When she came in off the bus, the cookies were in the oven and the frosting was mixed and ready to decorate. The excited little squeal that she let out when she walked in was exactly the reason that we needed to do this! It melted my heart to see how thrilled she was just to have the chance to do this with me. I worry sometimes about how I can give my kids everything they need, but I found out today that all they really need from me is my time and attention. I'm going to try to do a better job of giving it to them. I even let Kenzie use my camera to take a picture of me (that is a big deal, if you know me at all!). Enjoy pictures of our fun Mother / Daughter evening! :0)

Mismatch Day

Today was mismatch day at school. They have certainly enjoyed this fun week at school!

When mismatched kids go bad.....

Wrap Up Day?

I never did get exactly what the theme was today, but I think I heard something about wrap up day. Brock couldn't decide on which hat to wear, so he tried both and ended up taking them both to school. Who knows what he ended up wearing for the day! The first hat is one from J.J. and the other hat is one that Grandma Cindy made...all of the grandkids have them and they LOVE them. Some of the kids' friends have even gotten "Grandma Cindy" hats! Stay tuned...tomorrow is "Mismatched Day!" Can't wait to see what they come up with! :0)

Nerd Day 09

Monday was "Nerd Day" for spirit week at school. Brock and Cade went all out and they played the parts well. I was laughing so hard when they posed for these pictures that I could hardly take the pictures! Can anybody say blackmail?!?! These will surely come in handy someday! :0)

Homecoming Week 09

This was the second day of homecoming week...it was "Wear Your Favorite Jersey Day." I really wasn't planning on taking pictures today, but when Cade came over to ride the bus I heard him whisper to Brock, "Isn't your mom going to take our picture today?" I thought it was so funny because I am always taking their picture and they grudgingly oblige, but today they were all for it! I love it that they are so into school spirit this week. They are great kids!!!! Kenzie even got in on the pictures. :0)

Homecoming 2009

Our niece, Amber, was chosen to be the freshman attendant at Parkway's homecoming game this weekend. Of course, we were all so proud and came out to watch her on this very special night. I can't begin to tell you the mix of emotions that I was feeling as I watched our beautiful niece throughout the evening. I began dating Chuck right about the time that Amber turned one, so I have basically known her for her whole life. I can remember holding her on my lap and her excited squeals when she would see us coming and every milestone in between. Now, to look at the lovely young lady that she has become, I was simply overwhelmed with a feeling of pride. When I speak of her beauty I am not simply talking about physical beauty. You see, Amber is beautiful on the inside too. I think that she is the kind of young lady that you hope your own child grows up to be like. She is kind to her classmates, respectful of her family (well, maybe not her sisters...), and active in her church. She is never embarrassed to talk to us when she is with her friends or her boyfriend and she is always willing to lend a hand where it is needed. So, although I may be a BIT biased, I do think that she has earned this honor. Congratulations, Amber on your very special night. We are so proud of you and we love you very much!

Alyssa is the second drummer from the right hand side.

Our other beautiful niece, Alyssa.

Alyssa, Evie and Olivia...We have watched these girls grow up and they are such good girls.

Kenzie and Kimberly

Kenzie has a new friend this school year! Kimberly is new to Jefferson this year and, luckily she ended up in Kenzie's class. The bonus to this is that Kimberly's family lives just at the end of our road! Now, Kenzie has a girlfriend within walking distance! Kimberly joined us for the Cougar football game last Friday and then for a quick trip to the fair. The girls had a blast together and were so easy going! They found some girlfriends at the game and they all sat together behind us and had a ball talking and laughing. Kenzie already has some terrific friends and Kimberly is a great addition! These pictures were just a few quick pics before the game.