He's Perfect!!!

Not once, but twice!!!!!! Today was the big State Bible Drill. He had to do a drill last weekend at our church just to be able to attend this one. The first drill he got a perfect score which moved him up to Super Drill. One more nerve wracking drill and he comes up with a perfect score again. You know it's hard to find a specific portion of scripture in 10 seconds. Especially when you have 1 hand! I can't do it with 2 hands! One of the judges said that she told a kid who was complaining of a sprained finger to "suck it up" after she saw Parker. We are so proud of him. We are going to celebrate with dinner at the restaurant of his choice- Osaka. A japanese, cook it at your table place. It is a very good day!

I Did It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fitness Goal number one achieved!!! I walked a 5K this morning. You can see my finish time. I was hoping to get in under an hour. Maybe I should have run that last little bit. Yea, right!!!!!!! Katelyn finished at 55 and change and my good friend Kimberly took a dive and let me go first, finishing right after me. That's true friendship!

What has this taught me? A lot. I am learning to trust my body. I can be out of breath, tired, sore, muscles hurting and not die. (I used to think I would) Being tired from exercise feels good. It's not really like being tired at all. I do have a competative inner jock and I kind of like her. I love my Y and the people there.

What's next? I really want to do the Danskin Women's Triathlon at Disney in May of 2008. It's not even a sprint level Tri (I can't believe I know that!). Quarter mile swim, 9 mile bike, 2 mile run. I've got a year to get ready. The trainers at the Y say it's possible (hard work, but possible). I've really got to brush up on my swimming (which will be fun for the summer anyway). And figure out a way to ride my bike without my behind protesting greatly! Rode a mile on Monday and thought I'd have a bruise for sure!

Am I dreaming big? Yup. But I've come along way, so I have reason for hope!

It's Saturday morning, 10 am, I've finished a 5k, had coffee, looked at the pictures and blogged about it. And that my friends feels great!

I know it's a lame excuse...

But it's all I've got! This beauty, this whopping, hulking, waaaaay heavy piece of commercial grade machinery is a small part of why I haven't blogged in almost a year. It's a commercial embroidery machine. I can embroider on whatever you'd like. Tshirts, bags, towels, hats,... you get the idea. I'd like to say it's making me a rich woman. I can't. I'm working on it. The sucker comes with a learning curve you wouldn't believe.

Lots of other stuff too. The kids are busy. Which means I'm busy with chauffeur duties. I don't mind, I can always find some knitting time while I'm waiting for them. Soon (like in 2 weeks) we will be done with school and maybe the days will slow down a bit. Probably not, but one must hope.

Big lifestyle changes too. Ended up in the hospital the end of January having chest pains. In fact, I really thought I was going to die. I'm fine. But the cardiologist assured me in the plainest of ways that I wouldn't be for long if I didn't do some drastic changing. I've known what I needed to do for a long time and I don't know exactly why I've been able to stick with it so far this time. I'll just count my blessings and ride this wave. So far I've lost 40 pounds, 11.75 inches (4.5 from my waist alone) and have been to the YMCA six days a week for 3 months straight. I feel great. I'm going to do the first athletic thing I've ever done in my adult life. I'm going to walk a 5k this Saturday. I'm excited.

So that's it. I miss posting and I'm going to do better. I love the little record of the daily stuff.

More soon!

Oh my golly! I'm a soccer mom!

How did that happen? First 2 kids, I somehow escaped the whole soccer thing. Not with Lilli. She's her own gal. Well, that and her 2 best friends are playing.



Our team is the "White Tigers".
Here's Coach Andy and the whole gang. The first game went very well. And although the Y doesn't keep score officially at this age..... mom does! Yup, the White Tigers kicked butt! The other team had a little bit of a time figuring out which goal was theirs.
Here she comes..... Soccer girl! 

Couldn't be prouder...

Of our young man Parker. After 6 long hard years of work (that's half his life folks!) he officially earned his First Degree Black Belt. Wow! Now we have to buy him a new uniform! You get one with a black collar and your name on the back when you hit this level. Fun. 

Knight Vision

Yup, that time of year again. Church birthday time. This year's theme: Knight Vision: One, King, one Lord, one mission! This picture here? Ummm... that's our highly trained, highly professional church staff riding their gallant steeds. The morning included jousting and other games of knightly skill.
Here's Pete and I. Can you believe this is how we went to church? Fun, huh?
The celebration continued with an evening trip to Medieval Times. Here's the kids with the King and the princess.
Hail, hail, the gangs all here. It was really fun. The food was pretty good, the show was great. Our Knight even won! Not just the tournament, but the hand of the fair princess as well. sigh..... 

School Days, School days....

What has happened to my babies? They sure are growing up fast! Here are the pictures of everyone's first day of group classes. Katelyn's schedule is a challenge, but she'll get the hang of it. Lilli is so glad to be back to her "gang", little miss social that she is. Parker is glad to have a group of guys to hang with. So far so good. It's a quick zip to Christmas break!
 

One last hurrah!

Here we are. The whole gang. One last blow out before school starts. We went to Pinochio's Marionette Theater. It was great! Kendall and Jordan weren't too sure about it.










We also went bowling and to the Science Center. Then the big finale was Chuckie Cheese. A good time was had by all. Are we ready for school? Darn! The summer sure seemed short!
 

Can you really call this church?

Yes, and according to Lilli, "we have the best church in the world!". Our summer Wednesday night series concluded this week with "Speedworld". An evening at a local go kart track. A fine and grand time was had by all. Lilli got a feel for the road (and left quite wound up!).
That's Katelyn zooming out of the picture.
Here is Katelyn coming up on a wipe out.
And Parker, glad to be ahead of his sister who is front and center in a spin out.





This has been a fun summer series. Full of fun and fellowship and not totally without spiritual insight. We visited "Fiestaworld" (tacos and pinata bashing), "Waterworld" (ice cream and water games) and "Gameworld" (board games). Now just a family break and then the big event! The church's birthday event called "Knightvision". Can't wait. 

A Recipe

for July 4th fun. Ingredients: cousins (how ever many you have), water (as much as your water bill will allow, preferably ice cold!), some balloons (for filling with said water and tossing), enough food to feed a small country, and fireworks. Mix all ingredients and enjoy!














Kendall being schooled in the fine art of watermelon seed spitting.
Look out! Baby with a water bomb!
Relaxing and chilin' with Uncle Pete.

















A good time was had by all. 

How to or...

or how NOT to slip and slide. Jordan wins. He's the champ. Uncle Mike gets points for bravery and manning the hose.


 

Insert "Jaws" Music Here

Sure she's cute. Lookin good in her suit and googles. BUT... this girl is fearless in the water. While I was innocently sitting on the pool steps (with a firm grip on girlfriend's swimsuit straps) I had to make a quick reach with my other hand to save Lilli. Somehow, when I looked down at Kendall, she was on her back, about 6 inches under, looking at me, calm as could be. Now it was one of those moments that happen in an instant. I snatched her out. Her back, thankfully was to me and she was facing my friend Kimberly, who fortunately is a genius and clapped wildly and said, "yay Kendall". While I'm trying to remember to breathe again and get the blood back into my head. She spit once I think and was ready to go again. She'll jump in too. Look out for this one folks!
 

Home Safe and Sound

Yup, it was a strange week. We missed her. The kid we've had around the longest. The experimental child. She had a seriously great time. We have new respect for LeeAnn, "the youth guy". She's got guts and patience that woman!















We celebrated with dinner and shakes at Steak and Shake.

 

Yes Sir, That's My Baby...

There she is. At the hideous hour of 5:30 a.m. On her way out of state to her first ever church camp. I am so excited for her. I hope she loosens up and has a great time (without getting in trouble of course!). We're all gonna miss her this week, but I'm glad she gets to go. Adults, take some time to wax nostalgic about your summer camp adventures (or misadventures). Fun stuff! If you thing of it, say a prayer for my baby girl and the other kids (15 I think). Mostly pray for the 2 brave adults on the journey with them!

Just 2 More Pictures

This is me and my bestest cowboy-honey.














Here is Adriano (red shirt, black hat, back to us) accepting a gorgeous prize saddle. So good to see him win one!