Fall Party time

This past Sat. night the boys had a couple of school/church /cousin friends come over to hang out and play games. We did this a couple of times last summer but since putting the house for sale we really haven't taken the time. We all had so much fun-we can't wait to do it again...sale or no sale of the house we are going to plan more of these fun nights! The only hard part is not being able to invite every single person. Because we are so limited on space we made them limit their guest list to kids more their age and their siblings instead of all their church friends! Having teenagers is way more fun than I ever imagined!

Friday foto

My sweet Granny and little Caroline 5 years ago!
I stole this idea from my friend Lisa. I don't know if I can keep up every Friday but I thought it was a cute idea!

Mourning the loss of summer

I love fall. I have always loved the fall-cool weather. But this year as we have started to pull out the jeans and sweatshirts I am not ready. I am still missing summer. Time is going so fast. I miss....

sleeping late with the kiddos and hanging out.... road trips


remote control car races


sweet little nieces and nephewsWashington DC

The Lake with friends

The beach

Popsicles

Blake's first youth conference in New York

camping with friends and cousins

Ice cream

Horse shoes

Lawn mower rides

Blake's first electric razor shaving experience!

Rat tail wars

Paper mache' crafts

cliff jumping

scout camping

bike rides

So farewell summer till next year!
Since school has started back life seems to be moving at an incredible fast pace. Steve is staying busy with work, scouting, and young men. Blake is training for his first year of high school wrestling. High school and early morning seminary-youth conferences-efy and life has been such a smooth transition for Blake. It is fun to watch him grow. Andrew is finishing up his first year of cross country and beginning his last year of middle school wrestling! He and Blake just finished their fall job keeping score at the ball park. Leah Beth is doing great at her new school and making lots of new friends! Caroline is our spice and keeps us all on our toes making sure we are on target with scriptures, prayers and kid dates! I am trying to juggle my last big 18 hour semester. I swore I wouldn't do 18 hours again to myself again but I only have 4 more classes next semester left to take so why not! I started my practicums this fall and I LOVE LOVE IT. I can't wait to finish! I am still stake primary president love traveling through out the stake getting to visit with all the primary. It is amazing the neat ideas I have taken from them! Our house is still for sale. It has been 7 months now. Showings are slow but I am sure in time we'll get to the land. We are hanging onto every last moment with our dear friends the Matheny's as they are preparing to move. We will miss them so much and can't imagine life here in Murfreesboro without them.

Happy Birthday my big 11 year old!

Sleep over pixs!





I can't believe she's 11! Our beautiful 9 pounds 12 oz. baby girl was born 11 years ago at 12:00 PM. After a long 41 weeks of pregnancy, I was so excited to have a girl! I couldn't believe it I finally had a girl. I just wanted to stare at her forever! She came out starving and ate and ate and ate!!! Every hour for days! (OUCH-some pains you never forget!)
This year has been a big change for Leah Beth. She has changed schools. She left her old school where she started kindergarten and spent all of her school days and her comfort zone. She bravely took on a new environment. I was so proud of how well she has done. She has made so many new friends and adapted well. We love our sweet girl so much. We are so thankful to the Lord for letting us share one of his beautiful daughters.

Happy 8th Birthday

Our sweet Caroline turned 8 today and was baptized tonight. We had a beautiful day!
We are so blessed to have her in our lives. She adds a spice of our family!!!!
Happy Birthday Sweet girl!

XC in full force!

Today Andrew raced his first middle school race. He did so good for his first ever race. I love XC. It is so fun to watch. Blake ran his first high school race. We were so proud of them both. I am amazed at how all these teenagers can do this from the winners to the ones that finish last they never stop. I can never go to a race that I don't start crying when I see the determination on the faces of these youth!

Both boys have been crazy busy since school started. B in seminary, both in school, after school XC practice and work 4 nights a week at their little part time job at the ballpark and church - throwing in cross country races on the weekend are surely going to top it off. I am amazed at their work ethic! I miss them though. Everyone said teenagers get so busy and it's true. I am just glad they are getting so busy with good stuff! I love having teenagers!

Happy Birthday Steve!

Today we are celebrating Steve's birthday! I am so excited. The boys have taken off work tonight-no one has to go any where! We are all coming home together (a rare occasion) to eat his favorite meal and a cookie cake! We are so blessed to have such a good daddy and husband.

Unregistered

Great News!

I got the most wonderful email today from the Early Childhood Education Dept. It said this:


Dear Student-

Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that you were accepted into the teacher education program at Middle Tennessee State University by the Committee on Admission to Teacher Education on August12, 2009. Let me be the first to welcome you to the program.

EFY Bound!

Blake, Andrew and Steve got home Saturday afternoon from a 7 day fun boy scout camp and Blake is at it again but this time EFY! I am so excited for him. I loved EFY-it was the highlight of my high school years. I hope he has as much fun as I always did. I was so excited this morning!

Can't believe he'll be 15 in 4 short months. Time is going so fast.

water balloons and stuffed animals

water balloons as baby dolls stuffed animal bath time!!!

My girls do the most random things.

This is what happens when a bumblebee lands on your forehead!