Jake "the Snake" and his NCR Tigers

Jake just completed his 2nd season of football. My blond-haired #3 did such a great job and I'm so proud of him! He started the season fully expecting to play quarterback or running back, but the coaches saw something different in him and wanted him to lead out on defense. Oh the disappointment. He was so upset that he went and hid his last year's football trophy in his closet and shut the door. After a heart to heart talk with mom and dad, we talked about how we all play a role, and now it was his job to put great fear into all the running backs on opposing teams! The next practice this kid was hitting every thing that moved! We were so proud of him for taking his disappointment and turning it into a challenge. He even got the chance to represent his team in escorting the little queen candidate for this particular football league. It was a great season, and we made some memories. Congratulations Jake, on a job well done!

Before the first game

Jake and I after his last game

James, Ashtyn, and Jake on Optimist Day

Trophy Night at Western Sizzlin'

I'm convinced twirling is a sport!

Back in junior high and high school I had the awesome privilege of being involved in cheerleading... some of my sweetest memories are cheer related... working hard at practice, thrilling Friday night football, not to mention the best friends in the world. I'm getting to see a little of that in my own daughter's life, not as a cheerleader, but as a majorette, or baton twirler, in the high school band. Friday night football is definitely the highlight of her week. The band started practicing August 1st, and the majorette line practices twice a week after school. They work so hard, and they are a joy to watch. This year they added KNIVES to the show.... well, I wasn't so sure about that, but it is such an impressive show with the music and everything put together. The talent in this band is unbelievable, but maybe I'm just prejudiced! Here are some pics I've collected through the season. I'm sad to see it end until next year. Now she'll have to really concentrate on that flute!

~First.Day.of.School ~

Ahh, the first day of school.... such a big deal leading up to this day! School supplies, clothes, schedules, how to get them to their respective places, on time! We get the privilege of attending four different schools this year: preschool (only 2 days a week :), elementary, junior high, and high school ~ it's been a balancing act so far. Everyone is adjusting well considering the two older ones started new campuses this year. We now have a Patriot, a Cougar, and a Rebel in the household!

Happy Birthday Kristen!

Kristen turned 15 the day before she started high school *sigh*... honestly can't believe I have a child this old since I was 15 just yesterday, right?! She has started driving, although not by herself until next summer. She and some friends had lunch at her favorite restaurant, Marketplace... it was such a good time! Friends are so very important at every age, but especially this age! We are so proud of her... she's a great student, a loyal friend, a servant to anyone in need, obedient and respectful daughter, and most of all, she loves her Lord with all her heart. I pray He continue to bless her and use her to be a light in this dark world.

Surreal....

Sarah, Kristen, Carly, Alexis, and Katie

Welcome to the world, little Zane!

On August 4th, our extended family got a new member. Russ's brother Scott and his wife Stephanie welcomed their 5th child, a son! They are wonderful parents, and each one of their kids (up to age 17!!) is such a blessing in every sense of the word. Zane is growing so big and doing great ~ wish I could see him more often!

Happy 4th Birthday Madi!

Yes, I am well aware that it is November, and this sweet girl had her birthday in July! (I'm such a bad blogger lately!) Anyway, I'm going to back track a few months and try to catch up. I wanted to give this girl her due... she was sooooo excited to turn four this summer and she loved her Barbie "Fairytopia" cake. She is very much a girly-girl and likes all the rainbows, sparkles, ponies, and princesses that life has to offer! This has been the quickest four years of my life ~ we love Miss Madi and could not imagine life without her :)

Destin, Florida '09

Back in July we took the most amazing family vacation to Destin, FL! We opted for a condo, rather than a hotel, and I'm so glad we did ~ lots of room for the six of us, plus my parents, to stretch out. We overlooked the Emerald coast, which was absolutely beautiful! Our days consisted of hanging out on the beach, swimming, eating, and Kristen and Clay even got to para sail. We drove both ways straight through which was looooong, but the kids did great as long as there was a video going :)
Pictures? I took TONS of pictures, but here's just a few...

















Now we are back to reality - school, ball games, .....responsibilities!