Karissa

Karissa made her first BASKET!!!! The game yesterday was great. The last couple of games have been very competitive and fast paced. They lost last week at the buzzer by two points. This week they won and everyone on the team scored and one of their best players wasn't there. Karissa was very happy. She wants Uncle Kevin to come and paint her room in a basketball theme. She wants a piture of herself shooting the ball. A few weeks ago she "let her team down by not playing (her words)." This week she fell in the middle of the game and hurt her knee but she got back up and finished the quarter. Later, I asked her if she got hurt and she said yeah, but "I will never let my team down again." She is so funny. Tonight, at small group one of the boys brought his set of speed stacking cups. Tomorrow, she will probably want to quit basketball to start speed stacking!!!!

For Grandpa

Dallas World Aquarium

The Flamingoes
Shark swimming over the tunnel (too cool)
my attempt at a cool picture

The Octopus
Giant turtle (love the reflection wish I had done it on purpose)
The panther

Never can get four good faces(Kylie must have been tired)
The Waterfall
Kylie next to the Aqarium wall (this was my favorite part)

Monday, Kirk was off so we HAD to do something fun. We decided to go to the Dallas Aqarium. We have wanted to go for awhile but it is pretty expensive so we haven't gone. It was really neat with different areas set up like different habitats. The most memorable one was the Rainforest Refuge. It was a three story habitat with a winding trail from top to bottom. There were monkeys, birds, fish, frogs, snakes,and lizards and even a panther. Outside, there was a penguin display and the fish displays were awesome. Karissa's favorite part was the flamingo display. Cara liked the crocodile (although she was afraid of it),the waterfall and the sharks. Kylie liked the monkeys best.We were very close to all the fish and animals...sometimes we could have reached right in and touched them.We really enjoyed ourselves but, in the end, felt it was a little pricey.

My herd

Raven 9, Karissa 8, Tyler 8, Cara 5, Kylie 3, Caleb 1, McKenzie 2

I just wanted to share my CRAZY Wednesday afternoons with you all. I am not going to write about it. This is one of those times a picture is worth a thousand words.

Awana Grand Prix

Yesterday, we had our Awana Grand Prix. It was so much fun. The girls each wanted to make a car so, Dad and Grandpa Frank helped them. Karissa made a skateboard car with flames painted on the bottom. Cara made a wedge sheped Backyardigans car and Kylie made a brown polka dotted 57 chevy. The girls really didn't know what to expect at the race but they had fun. Karissa and Cara's cars came in first and second a few times and Kylie's was fourth. Kylie quit after two tries so we will never know how hers would have placed. Karissa ended up earning second in the speed race and Cara was fourth. Karissa also would have won first for design but you can only receive one trophy. At the end, they took the top two finishers from each leveal and raced them and Karissa came in fourth. It was a great family adventure. We all worked on the cars together and cheered for each other at the races.

Cara's rice baby

Cara finally got to bring home her rice baby. It is so cute with a cap and a paci. She had so much fun making it.

To All of You

Caleb and his safari hat

Haircuts and such

So, I have to tell you about a discovery I made yesterday. I was doing my laundry, like every other day and I took a load out of the dryer. I just happened to look inside the dryer and I noticed these blue streaks all inside the barrel. At first I thought" have those always been there and I just never noticed?" Then I thought surely I would have noticed that. With a closer inspection I realized the streaks were sticky. Then I noticed in the lint catcher a lot of little pieces of white cardboard. It was a load of darks that I took out of the dryer but there were no jeans, so I couldn't imagine what had been left in someones clothes. Finally, in the load of clothes I found part of a package of green Orbitz gum. So you say why are the streks blue if the gum was green. Dark clothes plus green gum equals blue streaks. So, after an hour or so of scrubbing with a rag and alcohol the streaks are gone. My discovery: Gum and dryers don't mix. My bigger discovery never take pride (even in your mind) in someTHING. I say this because it seems like everytime I get something new something terrible happens to it to show me it is just a thing and can be ruined or damaged very easily. I have only had my dryer since Thanksgiving, now it isn't brand new but new to me. My previous dryer was a least 15 years old, maybe more.

Karissa had her second game Sunday. She turned on the tears, said she hates basketball and sat on the bench the entire game. What happened between last week and this? She begged us to play and now we have to force her to practice and go to her games for six more weeks. Yeah! Then yesterday she comes home with this order form for Speed Stackers. She promises if we buy her some she will stick to it. I don't even know what to think. She got her report card and made all 97's or above for the first semester. She is way too smart.

Caleb has an ear infection. He isn't too fussy but has had trouble sleeping the last few nights. I think that's all I have for now. Karissa and I got our haircut about two weeks ago. I don't have a picture of her but I will get one soon.

First Basketball Game

Karissa's basketball debut, she got to throw the ball in and dribble and even pass.
The Lady Eagles

Just wanted to let you all know we are a sick house again. Karissa started it, which is really unusual. Caleb followed and now Kylie. Karissa had her first game last Saturday. It was rainy and cold. We only took Cara and Karissa's friend Raven with us. Papaw, Aunt Linda, Uncle Ralph, Aunt Sharon, Ariel and her friend, April all came to watch, too. Karissa played well, she is a little timid and kind've lost but she had fun. They turned all the light out and had a spotlight and music to announce each girl as they ran onto the court. It was fun but I can't imagine going to a game with all four kiddos. It was very loud and crowded and I am sure Caleb would be all over the place.


This video is really cute. Caleb says cheese, washes himself (like he's seen his sisters do) and wipes his face on a towel. There is a bit of him exposed but he is just a baby.




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Snow Day

The kids had a great time in the snow today. Cara prayed that God would make it snow everyday, all day. Caleb was a little scared but then he was really excited. I expected Lambeau not to like it but he had no problem.

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Kevin and Katerina (the newlyweds)

I just wanted to say congratulations to my brother in law and his new wife. They were married on January 6th. Aren't they cute!

Western Day

Today was Cara's Western Day at school. You would think living in Texas we would have appropriate attire for this. We don't. We had to borrow a hat from a friend, but Cara was proud of it. She wanted to dress pretty for school and just add the hat for Western Day. The pig is a piggy bank they made while doing the story of the prodigal son.

We had a very relaxing three day weekend. We kept waiting for the winter storm to arrive. We had a fire all day Sunday and stayed in our pj's. It was wonderful family time!! Cara is learning to play the piano. Sunday, Kirk gave Cara a piano lesson and Karissa a guitar lesson. They both had fun! Cara can play Mary had a little lamb and Karissa can play the G chord.

Saturday, Karissa and I got our hair cut. We had a great time together. She is so proud of her new look. We also got to talk to Uncle Kevin and Aunt Katerina (in the Czech Republic) on skype. It was neat to hear from them. They had a beautiful wedding and now can begin working on getting Katerina to the States so we can all meet her. Lambeau is reverting in his potty training and Kirk is not happy. He does great at night but isn't showing any signs of going to the door when he needs to go out.

Lady Eagles

Karissa's first practice was last night. She said it was fun but hard. I really like the Upwards program. She is a Lady Eagle and their uniforms are blue and gray. One of the girls on her team goes to our church. I think she had fun and is excited to go back next week.

Kylie is a BIG GIRL

Kylie is potty trained. I can't believe it. She has gone five days with no accidents and last night went all night in real panties. I am so excited. We encouraged her by having a contest between her and Lambeau and she won. She also wants to play soccer this spring and we told her she couldn't until she was out of diapers. The first time she went potty by herself she asked "can I play soccer now?"Lambeau doesn't have too many accidents but he does poop in his crate at night. Hopefully, he'll get it soon. He and Kirk had a battle of wills at 2 am this morning. Kirk took him out and decided he was going to poop or they wouldn't come back in. An hour later no poop and Kirk was tired and cold. This morning there was no poop in the crate so hopefully we are making progress. Cara went back to school today so things are kind of quiet. Caleb was up at 5AM so I hope to get a nap before the other kids get home. Caleb has his 15 mo check up today. I bet he weighs 28 pounds!!! Karissa has her first basketball practice today and starts music in school. They have a semester of art and then switch to music or vice versa. She said today was going to be a great day!

Introducing....LAMBEAU

Caleb's new dump truck chair...he already knows how to relax
Our Christmas morning mess!!!!!!!!!!

Just imagine these nicely placed in the post below

HIking at Fort Richardson State Park at Thanksgiving

Kirk and I on our way to his Christmas dinner at Del Frisco's (it was so good but way too expensive for just FOOD) Our friends that we love and miss very, VERY much!
The kids, around the campfire at Thanksgiving, telling stories.
Kirk and I (ALONE) at Lambeau Field
Our little angels!!
Happy New Year from us to you!!(Alyssa, I'm right there with ya about them all looking at the same time)
This is Michael the basketball player, Chocolate Chip the fashion princess, and Princess the ballerina. Thanks Amanda!!!

Finally

So, I figure it is about time I update my blog. For all of you loyal readers please forgive the drougt.

Kirk and I had a wonderful time in Greenbay. It is so fun to step out of your day to day life and travel. We had great seats and although Brett Favre got hurt and they lost we had a blast. We visited a casino and we not impressed. Other than that, we spent all our time at Lambeau Field. It was so awesome.

Thanksgiving was nice, except our great neighbors left for California. Luckily, we were headed out of town ourselves or we might have cried the whole day. It was so long ago but I want to tell everyone about it. We spent Thanksgiving day with my dad and step mom in Henrietta. I think it might have been the first time we had Thanksgiving with them since we have been married. They were so excited to have all their kids and grandkids together. Everyone except one sister was able to be there. It was so much fun to see all my nieces and nephews and their kids!!!. Then, Thanksgiving night we drove to Jacksboro to camp with my parents at Fort Richardson. It was so beautiful there. All the leaves were changing colors and the weather was great for hiking. Saturday, we had our Thanksgiving meal at our camp ground. All my family was there except one brother and his family. It was fun to spend time with my family. Since we have moved we don't see everyone as often as I would like.

AfterThanksgiving, things slowed down for a bit. I am sure someone was sick but I can't remember. I started watching McKenzie everyday. She is so easy to watch but it was really stressful. My mom came up for a few days after I had the worst day ever. Karissa and I were not getting along great and then Kirk and I argued and then I got a speeding ticket(my first ever!!!). My mom showed up at my front door the next morning. What a welcome sight she was. We visited for awhile and then she headed to Krum to pack my brothers house. He was in a motorcycle accident and wasn't able to do much packing.

Wednesday night we went to Awana's and Kirk went to pick out the puppy we were going to give the kids on Christmas. That's right four kids isn't enough for me we have to have a puppy to make my insanity complete. When we got home from church Kirk's Aunt came over and brought us a wonderful surprise. Kirk's cousin Paige, had flown in from New York to surprise everyone for Christmas. We had fun visiting with her. The next day mom was back to spend a couple of days with me. I was able to volunteer at Karissa's school Thursday and Friday. I got to help out with her Christmas party. I was also able to help put boxes of food together for needy families and even shop for clothes and select toys for some of the families. It was alot of fun!

Friday night we had Christmas with my mom and step dad at my brothers house. At the last minute my brother and I decided to travel to Henrietta and help my step mom get ready for Christmas at her house on Saturday. Kirk took all four kids home ALONE and brought them to Henrietta on Saturday at three. I think it was the first time he has ever had them all alone overnight. He did great!!! He even took them all to Target and to lunch at McDonalds. After a wonderful Christmas gathering at my dad and step moms we headed home.

Sunday, Karissa, Cara and Kylie were in a Christmas program. Our church is so small we decided to stay and let them be in both services. It is a good thing we stayed because Cara and Kylie didn't come out in the first service. All they had to do was walk on the stage and stand in angel costumes for one song and then walk out. First service the angels walked out and no Kylie and Cara. My parents had stayed over to see them all in the play!!! Luckily, after we talked to them they agreed to come out in the second service. They did a great job. Karissa sang in the choir and then signed two verses of Silent Night. Between services there was a live nativity, family pictures and breakfast. Sunday Kirk and I went to pick up the puppy. When we got back our neighbor, who was supposed to keep the puppy until the kids went to bed wasn't home! Yikes. We ended up tracking Paige down and she puppy sat for us until we could get the kids in bed. Around 9 Kirk's parents arrived to spend the night and Christmas day with us. The puppy was perfect and slept in his crate in the garage all night without a peep. Santa came and fun was had by all. The kids were very excited by Lambeau (the puppy). He is a ten week old chocolate lab. We had all Kirk's family here for lunch and the afternoon. I was exhausted. Did I forget to mention Caleb woke up at 4 and never went back to sleep? Kirk had to return to work on Tuesday.

Thursday, we met Amanda at Build a Bear for a birthday party. It was really crowded and caotic but so much fun. The kids had fun making new bear\puppy friends and seeing their old friends, Alyssa, Brendan and Caity. Kylie was very cranky and McKenzie and Caleb got bored really quick but it was so much fun. We came home with Michael a light brown basketball bear, Chocolate Chip a medium brown puppy and Princess a chocolate brown ballarina bear. I was really surprised at how reasonable eveything cost. Kylie was able to get her bear and complete outfit for $20!!

New Year's Eve we spent at home with friends. They brought a really coll guitar game. It is hooked up to the TV and you play differnt songs on a guitar. Anyway it was so much fun. Only Karissa made it up til midnight. Kirk and I watched the ball drop and then started the pre-recorded Green Bay Packers game. It was a great game and they won!!! We just have to hope Favre comes backl next year. Guess what??? If Favre comes back they will play in DALLAS next year. We are so excited!!

I guess that is the end of my holiday saga. I am sure I left a lot out but at least everyone is caught up. The puppy is already driving me crazy. He doesn't sleep all night but Kirk mainly takes care of him (once I wake him up). Kylie and Caleb seem to have winter colds. Karissa and Cara are ready to go back to school. I am not watching McKenzie anymore and enjoying the freedom that brings. Kirk is swamped at work but enjoys being part of the worship team.

Santa picture

Tree in the middle of Main Street downtown Fort Worth.
Santa beneath the tree in downtown Fort Worth.

I'm alive

Sorry I haven't posted in so long. I have been adjusting to watching McKenzie (my neighbors 22 month old)EVERYDAY. I have also just not felt like blogging, so much sadness. It hardly feels like Christmas time(it was 78 yesterday!!!). Anyway, I thought I would just post a few pictures. I guess I won't. Bloggers picture thing is down right now. I will try again later.