A Teenager in the house!!

Connor turned Thirteen! I have to say it's a little strange. I don't feel old enough to have a teenager but that what's it's like from now on right? Happy birthday bug.

Basketball Tournament

Court had another basketball tournament this weekend.

They had a game at 9am and then at 1pm.

Yes, a wierd picture but I kind of like it!

Court is really loving basketball. I'm starting to learn a little more about the rules and we've had fun watching her play.

Good Times!

Talking with a good friend today, she made me realize that I had more teaching to do. Namely chores! Yes, my kids have chores to do. Bathroom cleaning, trash, unloading the dishwasher,and they've even started to learn how to do their own laundry from start to finish. However in our conversation I fessed up to the fact that there are holes in what they know. Sheets would be one of them. I found that out awhile back when I asked them to pull the sheets off their beds and I got some really interesting responses.(None of which produced the sheets.) So tonight I decided it was time to teach my very capable kids how to wash, dry and put away the dishes after dinner. I have to say they did a great job with only a little help here and there. Another weird but fantastic step in my life!!Thanks for the help guys!!

Basketball and Concerts

On a busy night like this one, I'm especially grateful for the friends I have. Court had a game she needed to be at at 5:30 (which I made her late for..) and she dresses in her whites so upon arriving (I mentioned late right?) she had to change in the bathroom into the black uniform. It was a hard played game. Liberty had 6th graders that were HUGE! Our team won buy 1. Way to go girls!!! The Hopper's saved us some seats at the concert because Court's game went longer than I thought it would. Thank you!! Pete had gotten Connor off with Jordan (thank you!!) to the CHOMP concert and arrived to the game with Mal. Then I took Court and Mal in my car after the game. Court had to change on the ride over to the high school where she made it by the skin of her teeth to perform.Mal was a great supporter of our busy night. Thanks Mal!

Connor was in the third row and I finally found a spot to catch him.

The kids all did such a great job we celebrated with frosty floats. I'm sure this is only the beginning........

Again, I feel greatful for our friends who helped us out along the way. I hope we can return the favor when you need it!

Mallory's 9!

Mallory was born today nine years ago. I have to say I can't believe it's been that long. So going through pictures got me reminiscing. The morning after Mal was born my parents came to see her. You can see my dad's thumb next to her leg. She was so petite!Mal and Allie having fun for an Easter egg hunt at church.This is Mallory on her 2nd birthday. She looks exactly like Courty if you don't know what to look for! Pre-school fun... In a birthday dress from Nona.
1st grade Halloween.Growing up so fast!!

She got skates this year. Hopefully we won't see the Doctor anytime soon!!

Not the prettiest of cakes but it sure did taste good!!

Happy birthday Mal. You are a blessing in our lives.

Family Photos

For anyone who knows me at all know I hate pictures taken of me. What's bad about that is when someone needs a family photo and the last one you have is two and a half years old. Not a great track record. So on an errand of mercy, my good friend Tia came and took some pics of the family and kids.

For spur of the moment, I thank Courtney for dressing in brown. It seems we all had something to go with it. Way to go Court! We plan on going out again when it's not raining to give it a go, but I thought these turned out alright. Thank you Tia. You can check out more of her photos at snipsandsnailspics.blogspot.com