The Gift of Music

Makala is in Band again this year. They got the opportunity to play at one of the Middle School football games yesterday. They had a lot of fun. Originally, she was playing the french horn, but her director asked her to give the tuba a try, because they needed more of them. She tried it, but decided she wanted to go back to the french horn. But first, her director had to show everyone how much better the tuba section was with her, than without her. He made them play with her, and without her and then with her, and without her again, just to prove how good she was at it. Yeah, she stayed with the tubas. Her director made a point to tell me how impressed she is that Makala made the jump so easily, and how quickly she picked it up. Kathleen and I went to the game. They really did sound awesome. Way to go, Makala!

Run, Kathleen, Run!

Last Saturday was another Cross Country Meet for Kathleen. This time, it was hosted by our school, so guess who got to spend the morning volunteering? It was at UNT in Denton. The kids did a great job. There is an overnight trip to Round Rock for a big meet on October 3, and only the top 14 boys and 14 girls get to go, and this meet at UNT was the deciding meet for that. Kathleen's goal was to make it into the top 14, and she did. In fact, she came in 10th out of 236 girls running the JV race. She ran her best time so far. We are so proud of her!

On your mark. . . get set . . .

GO!!!!!

Resting afterwards, with a little TLC from Josh.

At the end of the meet, they had a one-mile fun run for all the kids. Our CC team ran with them. Joseph and Joshua had a great time.

Kathleen ran with them the whole way.

They each got a medal. Kathleen got one for her 10th place finish, too!

THE FINISH LINE

4 months old

Our sweet little Samantha is 4 months old already! I can't believe it. She is turning over from front to back, and grabbing for things and smiling a lot more, and even laughing a little bit. She is a joy to have around.

This is her first attempt at cereal. More came out than went down, of course, but it was a good first try.

This is Sam in her swing watching Mickey Mouse. She loves it!

Lots of Updates

It's been awhile since I've posted, so I have put quite a few updates on here. Things have been pretty busy with school starting. Seminary, Cross Country, Tennis, High School Choir, Middle School Choir, Middle School Band, Cub Scouts, Young Women, not to mention work for Tony and my new work-from-home job. I am a scopist. Basically, it is proof-reading and editing for court reporters. I enjoy it, and it allows me to stay at home with Samantha. Hope everyone is well. Enjoy!

Mom and Dad

This is my mom and dad on their 35th wedding anniversary, February 1, 2004. We went out to dinner and dancing at a local country restaurant. We had a great time. Dad passed away in February of 2007. We miss him terribly. The boys still talk about him a lot. We love you, Dad!

Trip to Grandma's

One of the things the kids decided to do while we were at Grandma Sherril's house in Marlow was to bury a time capsule. They found an old trunk of Grandpa Bob's and found things that reminded them of him and things that they liked and put them in the trunk. Then they proceeded to dig a hole in the middle of Grandma's backyard. We were a little worried that the neighbors were going to think they were burying a body out there. When they got tired of digging and it still wasn't deep enough for the trunk, we convinced them to find something a little smaller to bury instead. Dad helped them find a plastic box that they could use. I'm glad Grandma didn't mind that they dug up her yard. I'm sure Grandpa Bob would have had something to say about it!

They had Makala take a picture of them with "Ol' Blue" to put in the time capsule.

Mom's washing machine had been leaking just a little, so while we were there, Tony looked at it to see if it could be fixed. While I held it up, he was looking underneath. Sadie was helping. (Actually she was chasing the light from the flashlight he was using!)

Kathleen's First Cross Country Meet

Kathleen at 5:30 am, ready to go to her first meet. She was a little nervous!

Getting ready to run.

Kathleen did a great job at her first meet. She also had a lot of fun. It was in Dallas, near White Rock Lake. I drove over there with the baby to see her run. It was fun. Her second meet was this past Saturday in Plano. She came in 53rd out of over 200 runners. Her coach thinks she will be able to make the varsity team as a freshman. The varsity team is made up of the top 7 runners and time trials are every week. So each week, she has the chance to make the varsity team for that week. Not many freshman have done it. Go Kathleen!

First Day of School!

Makala's first day of Seventh Grade.

Joseph and Joshua ready to go to fourth grade.

Kathleen (the big, bad Freshman in HIGH SCHOOL) and the boys at 6:15 AM. Kathleen has cross country practice before school, so she was dressed for that. She leaves the house now at 5:30 to be at Seminary at 5:45, then gets picked up from there at 6:30 to be at school for cross country practice. Makala has to be at school at 7:15 for tennis practice before school. They are both in choir and Makala is also in band. They are so busy! We are constantly running somewhere. Luckily, we have a carpool going with the other seminary/cross country parents. That certainly makes life easier. Things are busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. (Now Tony, on the other hand . . .)

Cub Scouts

Receiving awards at September Pack Meeting from their cub master, Sis. Frandsen.

Joseph receiving awards from camp at August Pack Meeting

Joshua

Joshua with another friend, Sam.

Folding the flag

Part of the pack

Joshua with his Denner's ropes. He was the Denner for July and August. Joseph is the Denner for September. The Denner is a scout who is the helper. He helps lead the den meetings. They have two great den leaders. They have been working really hard and are enjoying scouts. They will both be advancing from the Bear Den to the Webelo Den next month. We are so proud of them!

New Baby Pix

Look! A smile!

Hangin' out in the exersaucer that Karen and Cam loaned us. thanks guys!

Daddy giving me a bottle. I wasn't too impressed at first.

Just snoozin'

I can't believe how big she's getting. It's hard to believe she's almost 4 months. Some days it still seems odd that we even have a baby again! I know, I'm crazy. But when you've been without one for 9 years, well, it takes a little getting used to. However, most days, she does not let me forget she's here. At least she sleeps all night. Somebody must have known that at my age, I need all the sleep I can get!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

As we were driving to Church one day, I was talking with the boys about citizenship, (one of the topics in their cub scout book.) We were talking about people who help our communities and country. After a few minutes, the conversation took an interesting turn:

Mom: What about the President? Does he help the country?
Josh: Not this one.
Mom: Why not?
Josh: Because he's a Democrat.

Is that my boy or what?