Testing for Yellow Belt ~

Peyton is such an amazing little boy. I love him to bits and enjoy watching him grow and progress in his martial art skills. Most days he is beyond excited to get to class. Here are a few photos from his testing for yellow belt. If I could ever get the video to upload I'd post it .... so far no luck.

Computers ~

Our kids REALLY enjoy playing on their computers. Since we installed Net Nanny throughout the house we've been able to let me play and use them more freely. Tonight happened to be an evening that everything was done and all the kids were on their computers at the same time. It's cute when they all log into their Webkinz accounts, plan a party and get on their own computers and have a party together. Even Preston gets on and plays infant games :)

A Day at the Park ~

Today was Staff Development Day so rather than stay at home, we met up with Aunt Trista, Brooklyn and Kaylie. We grabbed Subway and headed to the Butterfly Park. It was nice to hang with a sibling ... it's been awhile. Life gets so busy and with everyone pretty much at each corner of the valley, we don't make it a priority to hang out like we used to. It was fun and the kids enjoyed getting together.

Daddy & Preston ~

Preston ADORES his daddy ... the feeling is mutual!

Kaserbug ~

Today was school picture day ... this is a our beautiful Kaserbug. She is so sweet, sensitive and amazing!!!

Happy 6th Birthday Pey Pey ~

It was celebrate a couple weeks late, but Peyton made sure and reminded me that the BIG birthday party he was supposed to get last year didn't happen because Preston was born. He got to pick some of the attractions ... jump house, cotton candy machine & pinata. We served hot dogs, chips, cheese balls, animal crackers and cupcakes ~ yummy!!! He invited a lot of friends and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. We had a hiccup with the cotton candy machine so some of the kids didn't get it before they left. Poor Carl ended up working on the machine just short of three hours that night, but he did it for his son because he's an AMAZING father!!! We hope you remember how much you are truly loved Pey Pey La Pew :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Pre-Party Preparations ~

Here are a few of the pre-party preparations :)

Jump House is inflated ...

The cupcakes are on plates & the food in bowls ...

Cheese balls and suckers tested out & Yummy ...

The cotton candy machine is ready to go ...

The pinata is full of TONS of candy & hung ...

Don't Look If You Have a Sensitive Stomach ~

Don't Look If You Have a Sensitive Stomach ...

this is a couple weeks after my hand surgery. I keep being told that 8 weeks after surgery is the magic time frame where it will start feeling a lot better. I sure hope so because this is pretty dang painful. I've second guessed if it was worth having done.

Sleepy Time ~

More sleepy photos ... Isn't he just precious? I think so!!!

Lookin' Cool ~

He actually left them on for a little bit ... lookin' cool!

Hot Pads ~

I had no clue Preston knew where the hot pads were let alone that they were for your hands ... apparently he does. He loves to get into the cabinets and put these on all by himself :) I think they could use a spin in the washing machine.

No More Training Wheels ~

Carl has done an amazing job running up and down the street while Peyton becomes more confident riding his bike without the training wheels. After dropping dad off at the airport Peyton repeatedly asked to ride his bike ... and finally did it all on his own. I was sad that Carl wasn't here to see it first hand, but he was so excited when he got the video of it. I appreciate the way technology allows our family to stay close and not miss out on things when we can't be physically be together. Carl you are an AMAZING dad!!!

Happy Birthday Alanna ~

Happy Birthday Princess Pie ~ I love you so much!!!




This was an amazing gift Alanna received from her sweet cousin Ashley:

First Day ~

Today was the first day of the second year of high school, first day of middle school, first day of the last year in elementary school, and the first day of being in elementary school all day :) Now it is just Preston and I ALL day long ... a bitter sweet milestone.

Curtis and Kasey weren't with us before school so we took some photos when all the kids were home from school.

Meet & Greet ~

I am so excited for my kids this school year; they have amazing teachers who love them already. I am the first to admit that as they reach new milestones I find myself both excited for them, but a little sad too. All I've ever wanted to be is a wife and a mom ... yet I feel like my mother years are slipping by WAY too fast. I am so grateful to have the children that I do, but find a piece of myself wishing I were able to have more. Alanna will experience her last year as an elementary student and Peyton will experience his first year as an all day elementary student. Good luck kids ~ enjoy every second :)

Take a Moment ~

This little clip touched my heart, maybe because it is something I desire to improve upon.
Carl and I have had a conversation or two about how different "quality time" is rather than just being in the same space as another.

Take a moment ... I think you'll find it strikes a cord in your heart :)

Orange Belt Promotions ~

Another promotions in the park ... for Orange Belt today. He continues to excel in Taekwondo and loves it a ton, but lately has been asking if it is renewal time because he is thinking of quitting since class is now four days a week.

Middle School ~

Today Kasey was able to pick up her class schedule and walk around the school so she'd feel comfortable on the first day. We hooked up with the Dayton's too so the girls could check things out together. Kasey and Mikaela were bummed they don't have any classes together, but at least they have the same lunch. She bumped into quite a few friends, and so far no luck ... this will be the year of making new friends. She is so loving and outgoing that she'll do perfectly well at it.

in front of home room

Orange Belt Testing ~

Peyton did a fabulous job testing for his orange belt today. He was part of the best group with regards to showing respect, being loud and following directions.

If I can ever get the movie clip to upload ... it'll be here. 

So Excited ...

She is so excited about her new hair style. She was browsing through a kids hair style book last night while Peyton was getting his hair cut and fell in love with it. I asked her to think about it overnight ... this morning she still wanted it; so off we went. Here is a before and after ~ what do you think?