City Championship

Every year in 7th grade football, the four junior highs have a playoff to determine the "city championship". This year Chaffin played Kimmons - which was by far, Clay's best game of the year - it was one of those rare games, where everything you do goes "right". The next night we were to play Ramsey... I brought a cookie cake up to school for Clay to share with his teammates at lunch. He was thankful for the cookie, but mortified that I took a picture! Well we lost to Ramsey - Clay did not have his best games, and suffered from stomach cramps most of the game. He toughed it out, but I just wanted to take him home! I'm so proud of these guys, and can't wait til next season. Go Cougars!

Clay with buddies Christian and Luke

Homecoming Dance

The homecoming football game was played on Friday night, so the dance on held the next night on Saturday. Ahh, another day to primp and prepare! Kristen had a great time getting ready with her friends, while waiting for the "dates" to pick them up. They all went to Cheddars for dinner, then to the dance. Midnight eventually struck, and we're back to reality! :)

Some of the girls who got ready together

The awkward corsage moment... who invented this ritual anyway??

Kristen and her date, Austin, posing for a pic

Kristen and friend Katie

The girls - so beautiful!

The whole group - the guys cleaned up well too!

Kristen and Austin, maybe I'm prejudiced, but I thought they were stunning!

I shot this randomly as Austin and Kristen were driving off... later I realized
this is the FIRST time my little girl actually left... in a car... with a boy!!!

Football Homecoming 2009 ♥

Wow! What an exciting time we had participating in homecoming this year. Kristen had the awesome (and humbling, in my opinion) privilege of being voted as one of the sophomore homecoming maids at her high school. She never in a million years expected it, so that made it even more exciting :) We were very proud of her, and told her that this was a golden opportunity to represent her faith in Christ, especially while in the fleeting moments of the "spotlight". Here are a few of the hundreds of pictures that I took!

Kristen and I before the pep rally that afternoon

Kendall, Kristen, Vyvy, and Katie before the pep rally

Kristen and her two senior escorts during the pep rally

Getting her hair "done" - first time ever! What a treat :)

Mimi and Papaw - very proud

Kristen and Clay

The whole court: sophomores have to wear blue, juniors red, seniors white.
middle senior, Micayla, was announced the queen that night.

Papa and Grandma - also very proud :)

The four sophomores - such sweet (and hilarious by the way!) girls

Kristen and her handsome dad - they had a photographer taking pics as well...

She looked beautiful...

Me and the girls... I had taken them to lunch that day and then to
the salon so they could get ready together... oh my goodness
we had such a good time!

Trying to figure out the gloves

Walking out on the field...

Proud, proud dad!

Sweet, sweet Saylor girl...

Had to post a pic of our yellow lab Saylor. I took this as
she was "resting" on the promises of God. I think we
should all do the same! :)

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!