First swim meet of 2012

Jack placed second in his heat, which is really a misnomer because there wasn't anything remotely warm about this morning! Proud.

The Miracle on the Hudson

We're at The NC Aviation Museum!

Awana Survivors

Bring on Summer!

Jack's Sparks Recognition

While he didn't complete his whole book, Jack did receive a participation certificate for his work in Sparks, and is relieved that Awana is finally over for the year...sigh.

Sam's Awana graduation

Well, he did it--despite our lousy attendance--Sam learned all his scriptures! So proud of my Cubbie!

Yes, Sensei!

Jack earned his orange belt this afternoon after six weeks of karate! He and his classmates performed several samples of their work for the parents, including reciting a pledge, demonstrating a confident greeting and handshake, and performing a flying thrust kick!

Rubba-

The water in this tub is a little....cold!

Brother!

Thank you, Cyr family, for my Build-a-Bear gift card! I went to get Sir Barks-a-lot a brother. I named him "Brother."

Hail to the Victor

Well, I knew it wouldn't be too long before my sons started to dominate me in sports, but so early? Jack beat me in a game of PIG today, and when I went on and on about how I couldn't believe my six-year-old beat me in basketball, he quickly piped up "yeah, I beat Dad last week, too."

Jerusalem Walk

Jack's class, along with the other classes put on a Jerusalem Walk at school this morning. We walked through the decorated halls depicting the Triumphant Entrance, the Last Supper, The Crucifixion, and The Empty Tomb.

Chillin' 'tween my cones...

When my neighbor asked what Sam wanted for his birthday, I casually threw out the idea of getting him a real construction cone, telling her that we had seen one in Lowe's, and he kind of liked the idea. Well, it went over quite spectacularly!

Goofballs!

My li'l weirdos:)

Street Sweeper Dr.

Sam got this street sign as a late birthday present, and I couldn't believe Rick agreed to mount it on the mailbox. So glad he did--it made Sam's day!

Fourteen Years!

The UK Wildcats are the 2012 NCAA men's basketball champions! It's been a looooong time since they brought home the title, but it was worth the wait. What a sweet victory!

Construction Heaven

Sam, watching the paver, grader, and dozer all working on our new neighborhood tennis courts. He brought his dumptruck and cone...just in case;)

Christmas Eve 2011

 Peedee, our elf, stuffed our stockings the last day he was with us!

 Hmmm...a light sabre with M&M's stuffed in it.  Life is good.

 Bath foam!

 Enjoying some tea after Christmas Eve service at church.

 Nanee helps Jack complete his new puzzle.

Papa helps Sam with packaging.

We went to a beautiful, candlelight Christmas Eve service at church (Nanee and Papa joined us).  Then, after dinner, we let the boys open their stockings Peedee brought for us.  A little Christmas morning preview--got us all excited!

Making Treats

 Sam, rolling the white chocolate pretzels.

 Jack proud of his M&M rolled milk chocolate pretzel!

 The loud (and most fun) part--hammering the toppings to smithereens!

Serious, focused work going on here.

Well, I think we rolled close to 15 dozen pretzels into all sorts of good toppings.  The finished product went to friends, neighbors, our dentist's office, family, and we may have kept a few for ourselves:)

Decorating the Christmas Tree

 Sam wanted to hook everything.  Here he is digging in the  bag of hooks.

 Whoa!  Standing on the ottoman to decorate the tree.

 Admiring his handiwork:)

Kids' tree done!  What a hot mess;)  They are excited to show Daddy when he gets home!

Jack's Trait Tag

Jack, with his Trait Tag for Perseverance.

Proud Mama, proud Brother, proud Daddy (not pictured:(), and Jack.

Jack's school honors one child a week from each grade level for an admirable character trait. Jack was this week's honoree. I received a note home last week telling me that he was going to be recognized, but we had to keep it a secret! Sammy and I got to attend the chapel service conducted by first graders (!)--what a treat! Jack jumped out of his chair and ran up to the stage so fast that I barely got any pics or video. Luckily, the nice lady next to me offered to take some for us. So proud of you, Jack!

After I texted Rick the pictures, he texted back, "Proud. What was the tag?"

Me: Perseverance

Rick: Is that like stubborn-ness?

Me: Yes.

Me: Using his power for good instead of evil. Again, very proud.

Ode to a Gecko

Little lizard, out in nature

you are my little friend

I like to see you on my deck

or on a leaf around the bend

my kids think you are very cool

They want to watch you move

quickly darting to and fro

until you find a groove

but when you come inside my house

the pleasantries will end

little lizard, green gecko

INSIDE you are not my friend!