Logan's and Kayla's Christmas Programs

I realized that while I posted about Alex's Christmas Program I didn't post about Logan's or Kayla's. Last Thursday was a divide and conquer night for our family. Logan had his Pre-K Christmas Program that began at 7 p.m. and Kayla had the 5th grade musical that began at 7:30 p.m. So I took Logan and Phil took Kayla and we were both armed with video cameras so that we could tape the event for the other.

So off Logan, Alex and I went to Logan's program. We had to leave early so we'd get a seat in a position that would allow us to videotape the program. It's funny how crazy parents get when it comes to watching their own kids and taping it. Logan had a speaking part in his program (and if I can get my dvd drive to work I'll post it). Three kids from each of the Pre-K classes each held a letter in the word Christmas. Logan's letter was M. He said, "M is for merriment for friends and family close and dear." He did very well if I do say so myself. Then after each kid said their line they all chimed in and said, "And that is the meaning of Christmas." Then each group sang some cute songs. Logan's class (along with another Pre-K class) sang Mrs. Claus, Up on the Housetops, and I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.

Then it was off to join Phil to watch the already in progress 5th grade musical. Kayla had a speaking part in her program as well. The boys and I arrived just before she said her last line and got to see about 1/2 the program. She did a really good job. We've been so busy that we haven't been able to watch the video yet but I'm sure we will this week with Grandma and Uncle Tony in town.

Now we get to relax and get ready to spend Christmas together.

Loganisms Part Two

So last night I'm laying with Logan before he goes to sleep and we're discussing our booboos. I show him the blister on my thumb and he says, "Mom you need to take it like a man." Of course I asked him when he hurt his arm did he take it like a man and he said, "No."

Don't Grow Up So Fast

You never truly realize how fast kids grow until you have children of your own. Sure you see it with the kids of your friends and family but you don't truly experience it unless it's your own child. This past week I have seen how much Kayla has really grown. It's hard to believe that just ten years ago she was experiencing her very first Christmas at six months.

Now we're having conversations about how hard it is to grow up and how sometimes friends aren't always as nice as they should be. To top that list of growing pains off it finally came time to tell her who Santa really is. We didn't force her to find out but she was ready to know as she asked some questions about it. But I think she's enjoyed the last ten years of believing in Santa. Plus Santa isn't just a person it's really part of the spirit of giving which really relates back to the birth of Jesus.

It's hard to watch your kids grow but I'm looking forward to experiencing the next stage of growth in Kayla's life as she turns more and more into a beautiful young lady. We love you sweetie.

Alex's Christmas Program

Last night was Alex's Christmas Program and while it was cute it was somewhat chaotic. Up first was the 2 year olds. Half of them didn't want to sing and were crying (ah, that was Alex last year). The poor little ones couldn't hear the music because the parents were so loud so it was hard for them to sing. But they did a good job. Then once they were done all the parents of the 2 year olds and the 2 year olds left.

Up next was the Preschool 2 and 3 classes (this is Alex's class). They did such a good job singing Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Clause is Coming to Town, Little Red Box, and the Turtle Song. Alex was so animated when he sang - a wonderful change from last year. Watching his face was the most entertaining part of the night. Good job Alex!

Loganisms

I think I'm going to need to start a weekly column of "Loganisms". It always seems he's coming up with something new and hilarious (hilarious because he says it so seriously). These are some examples from this week:

In his Pre-K class his teacher is asking another student why he is making bad choices. Logan pipes up and says, "He's listening to the devil and that's why he's making bad choices."

Last night on the way to Alex's Christmas Program he informed us that God made him "the Chosen One". Now he can control the sun and the moon.

Don't Forget a Kiss

Logan hollered from our bedroom window as I was getting ready to leave, "Mom I forgot to give you a kiss and a hug." I waited and out he ran to give me a big hug and a kiss. I sure am glad I waited.

Dessert Chef Kayla

Yesterday afternoon Kayla asked to make brownies. She has a recipe for some delicious brownies that are made from scratch. After she cleaned up the kitchen she made her delicious brownies that we were going to have for dessert after dinner. Not only did she cook the brownies all by herself she also did a beautiful job plating them too. They were plated on red plates and then sprinkled with a little sugar and drizzled with chocolate syrup.

Perhaps we have an Iron Chef in the making.

The Best Day Ever

When you have three kids (or more) it's so hard to spend any one on one time with them because someone always has something going on. But last night I got some rare just Logan and mom time. Kayla had Thai Boxing so Phil was taking her to her class and Alex wanted to tag along. That meant it was me and Logan (plus the animals) left at home to clean and make dinner. Logan happily volunteered to help me wash the dishes, wipe down the counters, and wipe down the table. While we waited for dinner (the oh so healthy chicken nuggets and tator tots) we played a game on the computer.

When dinner was ready Logan and I sat at the table to eat dinner together. Logan says to me, "Mom I'll always love you." I told him (with a slight tear in my eye), "I'll always love you to Logan." Logan then said, "Mom I'll always love you even when I'm dead." If that's not love I don't know what is and when Logan is a teenager and he tells me that he hates me (hopefully he won't but if he does) I'm going to remind him of the evening that he told me he'll always love me even when he's dead. Thanks for making my night special Logan.

The Good Ole Days

Logan to Phil: I found Alex's U of M knit hat in the lunchroom and picked it up.
Phil to Logan: That's good. It used to be yours and now you're borrowing mine.

Logan to Phil: Those were the good ole days.

Is it the Sun or the Moon?

The conversation on the way to church on Sunday:

Logan: Dad, the moon is out.
Phil: No that's the sun but it's partially hidden by the clouds.
Alex: Dad it's the moon.
Logan: No Dad, it's the moon.
Phil: No that's the sun.
Logan: Dad it's not the sun it's the moon - it doesn't have any lines.

First Concert of the Christmas Season

Last Thursday was Kayla's first Chorus concert of the season. It really was a wonderful program. The kids did a really good job and the boys weren't too fidgety during the performance. They have another chorus this Friday night at a community event that promises to be a lot of fun.

Thanksgiving

I don't know where the time seems to go but it's already been two weeks since Thanksgiving. Where does the time go? We had a nice Thanksgiving. Probably one of the most relaxing ones I've had since we've lived in Georgia. Perhaps it was the extra help I had from my mom in getting all the stuff ready in advance coupled with taking the whole day before Thanksgiving off in order to prep the pies and clean the house. We enjoyed a nice meal with mom, Dan, Carrie and Jason topped off with our delicious pumpkin pies, apple pie and cheesecake. Couple that with the tradition of watching the Thanksgiving Day parade and life was good.

Putting on the Ritz!

Girl Scout Yard Sale Fundraiser a Success

Last Saturday, Kayla's girl scout troop held a multifamily yard sale just outside Ingles Grocery Store. The purpose of the yard sale was to raise money to offset the costs for the girls to go on their trip to Savannah in March. The yard sale earned the troop $533! (Thanks in part to the fact that we made some purchases.) That's about $35 per girl going on the trip. I can't take any credit it for it because I was spending the day becoming First Aid and CPR Certified. Way to go Troop 1414!

May You Rest Peacefully in Heaven Aunt Susie

Aunt Susie passed away early this morning after a long and determined fight against cancer. She will be greatly missed by all those who know her but I know that she is smiling and pain free in Heaven now. She's enjoying the company of Maryann, Steve, Grandma and Grandpa Reiniche and Sue just to name a few. She can now be another guardian angel for those of left to mourn her and celebrate her life.

I choose to remember all the fun that I've had with Aunt Susie. Her laugh, her smile and all the interesting stories she's shared. I will say my favorite was one that she shared with me when we visited in July about Grandpa (Vic) Reiniche that if you want to hear you'll have to ask me because it's too racey to put here.

So instead of crying (I know you'd rather hear us laughing) I will just imagine what you're doing as you meet Jesus like the words in the song by Mercy Me:

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine


Aunt Susie may your soul rest in peace. We will miss you.

Tigers End of Season Party

Last night was the end of the season party for the Tigers Rookie Team. The team enjoyed pizza, cookie cake and just being kids. But the thing the kids (especially Alex) enjoyed the most was getting their trophies. With each trophy Phil said a little something about each kid that he remembered from the season. Phil received a nice autographed picture of the team.

The funniest part - Alex woke up in the middle of the night, grabbed his trophy, brought it to our room, put it on the nightstand, and then got in our bed. He must love that trophy. :)

Kayla Makes Demo Team

Last night was testing for the next level belt at Kayla's Thai Boxing class. Four white belts (Kayla included) and two yellow belts were testing last night. They not only test your form but also endurance. I can say that I was tired just watching her. Needless to say she did an excellent job! At the end of testing each student got to break a board with his or her own hand.

Kayla waited patiently after testing for Master Chris to sign her board and write in the date of testing. He suprised her by writing on the back "Welcome to Demo Team!" She was so excited! This means (w/out yet having the belt) that she has earned her yellow belt which she'll receive at her next class.

How the Dogs Have Grown

I realized I haven't posted any photos of our dogs recently. Mandy is adjusting well to having her new playmate (Montana) to play with. Mandy has also taken on a new role - that of sleeping with Alex. Last night Alex was tired and laid on the couch and right after he finally closed his eyes Mandy jumped up to lay with him.


Meanwhile Montana (freshly washed and a day post his latest shots) lay asleep curled in a ball on the floor next to Phil. He's as tall as Mandy now but I'm sure will grow even more.

Halloween Photos with Our Friends

Here's the photos of Kayla and Madison (the mummy).


Here's the photo Logan, Alex and Vivienne (the skunk).

Halloween 2007

I keep meaning to post the photos from Halloween but the time slips away as we're still very busy or so it seems. Although now life promises to slow down for about a month just before the Christmas season is upon us. The kids probably have more candy then we can all eat between now and Christmas. I think this year Alex was the most excited about Halloween.




Alex dressed as Spiderman, Logan dressed as Venom, Phil dressed as Doc Connors, and Kayla was dressed as Sirius Black. As has been our tradition we head over to the Wilbers to trick or treat with them (Okay Phil and Ken take the kids out while Amy and I pass out candy with the neighbors and enjoy a drink.)



As Alex trick or treated and ran back to me Phil he said every time, "They gave me more candy!" The kids came back to dump off some loot and head back out - Logan was going to stay and relax but I said you know if you do Alex will have more candy than you. Logan decided one more trek out would be wise. Even after all that the kids were done trick or treating by 8:30 p.m. and we were able to get them all to bed at a decent hour.

Kayla as Bumblebee

Alex as Decepticon Blackout

Logan as Optimus Prime

A's Go Out With A Bang

Last night was the second game for the A's in the double elimination tournaments. We were playing the Royals - a team we had lost to during regular season play. But the A's had improved since then - our defense was better and we played a better offense as well. The team had some great plays - the first baseman catching a pop up and our third baseman making an incredible double play. In fact, Logan even hit it off the pitch and that was rewarding enough to me to be able to see that! Try as they may (and they played a great game) the A's lost by one point in the last inning. I'm sad for the team but it does give some relief to our already crazy schedule.

Way to go A's! What a great season!

Founder's Day Costume Party

Last Saturday was our Girl Scout Service Unit's Founder's Day Costume Party. For those of you who don't know - the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon-Lowe's, birthday is on Halloween. Usually one troop hosts the Founder's Day Costume Party. Our troop attended. They enjoyed bobbing for apples, playing some games, and dancing to some music. There was also a costume contest and a gross goodie contest. Kayla won second place in the costume contest for her Sirius Black costume. She also won second place for her gross goodie. Her gross goodie was Chocolate Coated Armpit Hairs. You'll have to ask her for the recipe they are quite delicious!

The Tball Tournaments Have Begun

Sunday afternoon marked the start of the double elimination tournaments for tball. I can honestly say it's worse watching a tournament game than it is a regular game. In fact I sat a little further away so I wouldn't yell so much and worry so much. The kids played a great game. We had some good defense and every kid (including Logan) hustled when they hit the ball. We didn't win but that's okay they really played well. Perhaps we'll win tomorrow night when we play our second game. Go As!

Unexpected Shower Guest

Imagine living in a house with 3 children. You're the parent. You never know which of the three children is going to walk in the bathroom while you're trying to enjoy a nice 5 minute peaceful shower alone. Those may be the only five minutes of peace and quiet you get all day. You're just lathering the shampoo in your hair and you hear footsteps walking into the bathroom. You're afraid to see who has come in. Then all of a sudden the guest hops in the shower with you- only it's not one of the kids! It's the three month old puppy jumping in to enjoy a hot shower! That's what happened to Phil this morning as he was getting ready for work. Only the puppy, Montana, not only got in once but twice!

Hiking Fun

These are just a few of the photos of everyone enjoying the hike in the mountains.

This was the first time we didn't have to carry anyone on our shoulders.



Everyone was able to walk the whole time and enjoy the outdoors.

Lunch After Pumpkins

Just down the road from the Pumpkin farm is a little campground with a little store at the front. They serve hot dogs and sandwiches at a pretty reasonable price. It's been a tradition to stop there either before or after choosing our pumpkins for lunch. This is the picture of the kids in front of their chili dog sign.

Looking for Pumpkins

It has been a tradition since we've moved to Georgia to drive up to Burt's Pumpkin Farm and pick out our Halloween pumpkins. It's always busy and it's a sea of pumpkins from the little tiny squash pumpkins to ones that weigh probably over 100 pounds. The kids have fun running through the pumpkins and choosing the perfect one and then having a nice caramel popcorn ball when we go check out.


Then we head up to Amicalola State Park and hike for an hour or two on the approach trail to the Appalachian Mountains.

Some Fall Fun

The leaves are finally starting to fall here and the temperatures are coming down. I think this is the kids favorite time of the year to play outside. The weather isn't too hot and the leaves are ripe for jumping. Wednesday night the kids had some fun raking their own leaves and burying each other in the leave piles.

Kayla Inducted Into Jr. Beta Club

A week ago Kayla was formally inducted into the Jr. Beta Club. I know I've mentioned it before but not she's officially a member. Here's a photo after she's been inducted and with three of her good friends (Emma, Abney and Jessie).

What Every Woman Should Know

What I learned last night as I sat with a dead battery in the Kohl's parking lot that every woman should know:

1. Every woman should know how to open the hood of their car.
2. Every woman should know how to check the oil, the transmission fluid, and the windshield washer fluid.
3. Every woman should know to carry jumper cables (I did) in her vehicle and know how to use them.
4. Every woman should know how to change her own oil.
5. Every woman should know how to change a tire.
6. Every woman should know how to check the air pressure in her tire.
7. Every woman should know a good mechanic.

If every woman knew that then maybe more than one person would have offered to help jump start the van (I had jumper cables) last night and I wouldn't have had to call Phil to come do it.

Logan Scores the Winning Run!

Logan's team now has won 2 games! Each game they play a little bit better. Last Friday the played against the Cubs and only lost by 2 points. A 2 point loss is very good considering the Cubs were undefeated. And the kids did a good job that night.

Well Saturday (as I had to work at one of the 3 meetings I attend each year) the A's played against the Giants. They have the same skill set as the A's and one of Logan's friends (and the son of Phil's colleagu), Blake, plays on the Giants. As the story was told to me it was a close game the whole time with both teams playing well. But the most exciting play was Logan sliding into home for the game winning run! I'm sad I missed it but he was the happiest little guy for scoring that run.

I'm sure we'll see some good games this weekend as the As close out the season and wait for the post season play in the next two weeks to come. Go As!

Exciting News!

Nope we're not pregnant! Today I just got a promotion. I am now the Assistant Manager of Standards-Administration. Of course this comes with a raise. :) This is a big deal since my department normally has only engineers as Assistant Managers. This is very exciting news!

Happy Birthday Phil!

Happy Birthday to you. (Cha, cha, cha.) Happy Birthday to you. (Cha, cha, cha.) Happy Birthday dear Phil. Happy Birthday to you. (Cha, cha, cha.) Happy 37th Birthday Phil!

Pedros vs. Athletics

On Saturday the Athletics were recovering from a Friday night lose. They were motivated to play harder and better than the night before. They hit the ball, they ran fast, they overall fielded better. For the first time this season THEY WON! So next time you talk to Logan say congratulations. The team was very happy!

Tigers vs. Braves

It was Saturday 9 a.m. The players were still tired from their late Friday night of watching cartoons until 9 p.m. We were down 3 players. One of our players, Alex, played a very good game even though he was fighting a case of the croup. Despite being outnumbered the Tigers clearly one the game.:)

Check out my Slide Show!

As vs. Dodgers

Saturday the A's came one step closer to a win. They not only hit the ball with the majority of the team hitting off the pitch they also fielded better than they had in the past. We ended up tieing the game at 19 to 19. The team played a good 1 1/s hours. Logan hit off the pitch and even scored a run. Way to go A's. Friday's game against the Braves will be a win!

Royals v. A's

Friday was the most exciting game that the A's have had so far this season. We've all been hoping for a win. The A's came close on Friday night. We had a lot of good hits by all of our players. Logan hit but wasn't quite fast enough to getting to first. He did a good job backing up first base. We were close to winning in the 5th inning but the Royals had one awesome double play against us. The third baseman caught a fly ball just before it hit the ground getting the batter out and then turned around and tagged out the player on third. We got another couple on base and lost with an out at home. But even though we lost it was the most exciting game we'd seen. :) Good job A's!

Tigers Rookie Team Update

This past Saturday was an improved game for the Tigers team. The kids did a great job playing and the majority of the players were able to hit off the pitch! Only a few players had trouble running to first base. A good game considering the majority (75%) of the team are 3 year olds! Alex even went out on the field without me (Steph) having to stand out there with him. All in all I think the Tigers were winners!

Directions for Manly Soap

Tonight Logan was taking a bath and says to Phil, Dad when I get older like you I can use your soap. The directions say get in the shower then put your arms around two ladies. Then Phil said what? Logan replies that's what the directions say. He showed Phil this bottle. (Apparantly Phil didn't know how to use the manly soap properly.)

Tigers Game 2

Saturday's game was against the Giants. Well I'd like to say the Tigers won I think they may have lost to the Giants. The players tried hard but with a few errors (3 players running to the pitchers mound instead of first base) the Giants took the win. This is a great group of 3 year old players (with only a couple of 4 year olds mixed in). Alex did try his best and enjoyed playing circle and the infield. But like all players they all want to catch every ball.

And the Game Ball Goes To?

Saturday was an exciting day in our house. Logan had a really great day. Logan told Phil that today he wanted to get the game ball from his tball game!

This was Logan's 4th tball game in the new league and he was on the mark. He hit the ball off the coach's pitch! (Keep in mind in this league they now pitch from the pitcher's mound.) He backed up first base in the outfield and got at least 3 or 4 balls. He even scored a run and didn't get out! Even though the team lost it was a great game.

At the end of the game the Coach said we don't give the game ball to the person that always scores the most or catches the most balls. Today's player hit off the pitch, had hustle and really backed up first base. Today's game ball goes to Logan Reiniche!

Way to go Logan! We're so proud!

Alex's First Baseball Game

Saturday was Alex's first baseball game. Phil is coaching Alex's team this season. Alex (despite his eagerness to play when Phil coached Logan) is a bit of a reluctant ball player. But we got him out there. Just like every new ball player he always wanted to be where the ball comes to - which is first base and circle. Next week the Coach says that he'll let Alex play the infield.

Logan's First Baseball Game Photos

Here's some photos of Logan's first baseball game playing for the Athletics.

Competitive Baseball

As a mom the last thing you want is for your kids to be sad or hurt. This last weekend I experienced how competive Tball is at Logan's level. Keep in mind that these kids are 5 and 6 years old and that for some this is their first season in the league that actually keeps scores and where you actually can get out.

The rules in this league state that each child gets 3 attempts to hit off the coach's pitch and then 2 swings at the Tee. If the child misses then he is out. Well Logan was the first kid on the team for that to happen to. The coach on the other team starts yelling, "He's out! He's out!" as he runs onto the field. Poor Logan was upset that he didn't hit but to hear that coming from the coach was just awful. That's why there are umpires and what poor sportsmanship that coach is showing his team.


Luckily Logan has a good coach who said he doesn't care if they lose all their games this season because the kids will be better players than when the season started.

Life According to Alex

Phil: How do you know who are girls and who are boys?

Alex: Girls are mean. They don't give you what you want.

Keep Susie in Your Prayers

We just received news that Phil's Aunt Susie's brain tumor and lung tumors have both grown despite the radiation and chemotherapy treatment that she has received. The doctor's have given her a short period of time to live. We'd like to think that God has decided to show us a miracle through Aunt Susie and that somehow her own body will fix it. That's what we are going to pray for a miracle.

Aunt Susie has been so positive (that's all we've seen if she's had awful times she is a trooper) through each of the treatments (2 full brain radiation treatments and 3 rounds of chemo). I'm not sure if I could be so positive. She has so much to live for - a wonderful daughter and beautiful grandchildren not to mention her brothers, her sisters, and all the nieces and nephews (including grand nieces and nephews) that love her very much. I don't understand God's plan for Aunt Susie but maybe he'll reveal it some day.

If you're reading this blog please keep Aunt Susie in your prayers (and all of her family) and pray for a miracle. That's what we're doing.

Aunt Susie - we love you.

Spiderman or Venom?

Is he Spiderman or Venom? This is Logan in his reversible costume he got for his birthday. Should he be Venom or Spiderman?

Happy Birthday Logan

Happy Birthday Logan. I can't believe that is has been five years since you were born. I remember holding you for the first time and feeling very lucky that we were able to have another precious child. You've grown and changed so much in the last five years. Even though at times you can be very stubborn and set in your ways you are very much a loving child. It makes my day when you come up and say (for no reason other than just to say it), "Mom, I love you."

I want you to stay little but I know that that isn't possible just to treasure all the little special things you do know. I know that as you get older you'll still do the special things that are special for that age. I will enjoy watching you grow older and enjoying every moment of it.

We love you Logan. Love, Mom and Dad

National Jr. Beta Club

Kayla has been invited to join her school's branch of the National Jr. Beta Club. Only those in 5th grade who received only 2 Bs on their report cards for the entire 4th grade year are invited to join. The club promotes leadership and community service. It is a very high honor to be invited to join.

Congratulations to Kayla! We're so proud of you!

Transformers - More Than Meets the Eyes

On Saturday night the whole family went to see the movie Transformers with some free tickets. (A special shout out to Mrs. Sessions for making that possible.) We weren't sure if Alex would make it through the whole 2 1/2 hour movie but he did.

The movie was full of action and fast moving. Logan thought it was even cooler than Spiderman 3 (we saw that at the IMAX!). Logan sat next to me during the movie and I got to hear all the exciting comments he made during the movie. All the that's cool! and that's Optimus Prime and that's Bumblebee. I have that decepticon.

Even Alex liked it, in fact after the movie all he would say was "I loved that movie." Of course the rest of us (Phil, Kayla and myself) all gave it a big thumbs up as well. We were glad to have experienced it in the theaters and will definitely add it to our dvd collection.

If you haven't seen the Transformers yet you should. As it says in their theme song - "Transformers - more than meets the eyes." That is definitely true!

Athletics First Scrimmage Game

Last night was the Athletics (the team Logan plays for) first scrimmage game against the Red Sox. The scrimmage was moved up a week and a half due to an earlier opening day. Despite that the team (from Phil's account) did okay. This is the first season Logan will play where he'll actually be thrown out. He did hit off the tee at both of his at bats but was thrown out due to the way he was positioned at the tee. Good thing he was the last batter because he didn't return home after getting thrown out but continued running all the bases.

I can't wait to see how much the team improves as the season continues.

A Possible Change for Kayla

As Kayla gets older her desire to try new things increasing. Although that means giving up old things as we only have so much time and money. Kayla now wants to try Tai Boxing instead of gymnastics for the next three months. Tonight she is going to watch the Tai Boxing class to see if that is truly what she wants to do. This has been a very difficult decision for Kayla to make.

We've told Kayla the older you get the more decisions you have to make. Often the decisions we make are hard. We did tell her if she chooses to do Tai Boxing and doesn't like it then in 3 months she can go back to gymnastics or try another athletic activity. Maybe she'll go back to do dance? One never knows.

Reiniche Family - Busy!

I think I can honestly say I'm getting a small taste of what the next 15 years have in store for us. Now all three kids are involved in extracurricular activities and you pair that up with Phil taking his Masters classes then you can pretty much say - home, we have one?

Monday (except this week) is one night we're all home. But not tonight - tonight is Logan's Tball's teams first scrimmage of the year. Kayla is checking out a new activity as well (more on that later).

Tuesday - Phil and Alex have rookie tball practice. Phil is coaching Alex's team now. Kayla is havign to help because without a little extra attention we can't get Alex to stay on the field for long. He really just wants to hit the ball. Meanwhile at another location Logan has his tball practice and I'm the team mom.

Wednesday - All the kids are home but Phil has his class from 5 pm to 9 pm. So the kids, the dogs and I are all at home hanging out and weather permitting the kids are in the pool.

Thursday - Logan has tball practice and Kayla has gymnastics. I have once a month a service unit meeting for two hours. Then in 6 weeks Phil has his Masters class.

Friday - Logan has tball games until the middle of October on Friday nights. One Friday night a month Kayla and I are at the Junior troop meeting. (This year I'm the troop leader).

Saturday - Logan and Alex both have tball games. Luckily none of these are at the same time. Kayla periodically has girl scout camp and girl scout activities.

Sunday - This is our day for church and rest. Although I don't think we rest much because we're usually cleaning the house because we've been gone so much.

So I can't think of any other word to describe us but busy.

How To Make the Summer Last

I read this list on a website called Everyday Made Special and I thought it would be fun to share with everyone. On those days where stress and life has you going in circles sit down and choose one of these activities to relax and make the summer last.

1. Watch fireflies dance across a meadow

2. Host a big cookout

3. Help your kids set up a lemonade stand

4. Treat yourself to a red, ripe watermelon

5. Eat dinner outside watching the sun set

6. Churn homemade ice cream

7. Gaze up at the stars

8. Swing on a front porch at night

9. Take a moment to appreciate the honeybees and the work they do

10. Make your own popsicles with fruit juice

11. Fly a kite on a perfect July day

12. Drink an ice-cold slushy drink

13. Spend a weekend at the river

14. Say “yes” to a friend’s pool party invitation

15. Eat sliced tomatoes with mozzarella and fresh basil

16. Stop and admire the sidewalk chalk

17. Plant sunflowers with your daughter and watch them grow

18. Cheer on the kids playing kickball in the cul-de-sac until dark

19. Roast marshmallows on a campfire

20. Collect seashells at the beach

21. Wear pink flip flops

22. Plant a vegetable garden

23. Take a cool shower and pat on baby powder

24. Smell the rain during an evening thunderstorm

25. Let the music of the crickets lull you to sleep

Kayla is Beautiful (He Thinks I'm Beautiful)

Today Kayla tells me that she was talking with her friend Jake and his Mom (Mrs. Hatcher) after school about their Focus Language Arts Class. Jake said she was beautiful yesterday. His mom asks who your teacher or Kayla. He points to Kayla. Perhaps its time to enroll Kayla in the convent. :)

Who Am I Noah?

As you know we seem to have a plethora of animals in our home or home combined with school depending on the time of year. Normally Phil is the one most adored by all of our animals be it the iguana, the geckos, the cats or the dogs except for last night. Last night I seemed to be the honored pet owner. The puppy is laying next to my calf and then Mandy comes and plops up right against my thigh and then along comes Tim.

I turned to Phil and said, "Who am I? Noah?"
Phil replies, "Must be, I'm not even chopped liver because then I'd at least have one dog by me."

First Day of School

Today was the first day back to school for everyone. It's a milestone year for Kayla since this is her last year in elementary school. She's finally a 5th grader! Although she looks and often acts older than that. She was excited to get back to school because she was up and ready (dressed and hair brushed) by 6:30 a.m. and that rarely happens.

Equally excited was Logan. Today was his first day of Pre-K. It's the stepping stone for Kindergarten. He was so excited to be able to carry a back pack to school just like Kayla does. Even yesterday when he met his teacher and I told him that some days he would have homework he was excited. I guess we'll have to remind him of that when he complains about having too much homework.

Alex wasn't so excited. He wanted to go to Daddy's school instead of his own. But he ended up having a good day in Ms. Tracey's class anyway. Everyone came home happy and tired. Let the school year begin!

Warning - Not For Those With Weak Stomachs

We never thought we'd see the day but Sunday in the wee hours of the morning (around 2:30ish) all three of our kids were throwing up. In the 3 years that we've had 3 kids they've never been sick like that on the same day. Back to back days of illnesses have occurred but never at the same time.

It's funny you'd just lay down after helping one kid and be slowly drifting back to sleep when another kid starts throwing up. I think I've witnessed enough vomitting to last the rest of the school year.

Other Dad?

Today is Logan's last day in the Pre3 classroom and he moves up to Pre-K. In honor of the kids moving up the class is having a little party. Logan wanted to bring watermelon. Phil forgot to bring it and had to drop it off on his way back to work this morning. This resulted in me finding out I have another husband. Here's the conversation as I was told:

Phil walks in the classroom to drop of the watermelon.

Daniel(friend of Logan's): Hey Logan what happened to your other Dad?

Mike - if you're reading this is that you?

Back to School - Almost

It's almost back to school time. Monday started Phil's first day back to work signaling the start of the 2007-2008 school year. So far each day has gone smoothly - well mostly especially since we've added the new puppy in the mix. Today did result in a bit of an adventure for Phil.

Alex had a blow out accident on the way to drop Kayla off at her friends house. Luckily Ms. Amy has some spare clothes - some girls panties and shorts (gender neutral in color). She was kind enough to provide Alex with white panties and not flowered or mermaid panties. As she stated, "She didn't want Alex to get beat up at school." As anyone who has a 3 year old can attest that is definitely a possibility.

Hopefully tomorrow won't have the same kinds of adventures awaiting.

Meet Montana

Saturday also brought with it an unexpected addition to our family. We were pricing a specific animal product for Kayla's friend at the local Petco. Well, we did price the item and then went back to see the animals that the Hall County Humane Society was offering up for adoption. We saw this dog.

Well we couldn't resist the eyes of the cute little chocolate brown lab and decided to take him home. Mandy (our other dog) thinks that he's her puppy. We named him Montana. We'll definitely be finishing up fencing in the backyard this spring!

Stormtrooper at Jungle Jump Adventures

Saturday we went to the 4th birthday party of one of Phil's friends children. It was at Jungle Jump Adventures (a place with large moonwalk stations). Of course, this is one of my boy's favorite places to go. Kayla likes it too. While we were there another party came in and had a Stormtrooper as their guest. Here's a photo of Logan and Phil with the Stormtrooper.

Holding Baby Lizzie

Of course I also need to include the photo of Kayla holding onto Baby Lizzie (equal time for both of the new cousins).

Fun at the Naples Zoo

On Saturday while we were in Florida, the whole family enjoyed a trip to the Naples Zoo. It was fun to be able to get so close to the animals and really see how big they are. The kids enjoyed the predator show, walking around the zoo, the boat ride around monkey island and just being outside. I've just attached a couple of photos because otherwise it would take up ten pages.