Christmas Will Soon Be Here!

Wow! Time flies. The kids are out for winter break. Finals are over for Ty and we can all relax for a couple of weeks. Well not really, Makay has a lot to do for his history day project. The kids are excited for Christmas and are looking foward to time off from school. Makay also has a soccer tournamnet on Jan 2 so we will busy with soccer practice.

CHS Cheerleader

Kait had the chance to cheer at a local high school football game. This was a dream come true for her. She got to cheer on the box! It was all she talked about for days. I am sure there will be many more high school football games for her in the future.

Update

Wow time is just flying by, October is almost over. The kids have been keeping us very busy. Ty is getting ready for the swim season and has been playing disc golf with some of his friends getting ready for a tournament coming up on Nov.7. Makay is still playing soccer and getting ready for spring select tryouts coming up in Nov. He also has started history day again. We work every Thursday after school for a couple of hours. I really think he forgets how much work is involved until we are in the process. He is really hoping to make to Nationals this year. He has a great topic and a great coach at the Jr. High. We will let everyone know the topic later. Kait is still cheering and that keeps us busy. We are trying to keep her healthy it seems like every few weeks she is sick. So this year, we will be getting our flu shots. Halloween is just around the corner and the kids are excited. Kait is going to dress up as an 80's girl, the boys are excited about decorating the house.

Kait's Adventure!

Today Kait was so lucky she got to have surgery to prevent nosebleeds. We decided to have it done as a surgery because the last time it was done in an emergency situation and she hated it and refused to do it again. Her ped. promised that she could be asleep this time so we took that option. Kait could not believe that it was over so quickly about 30 minutes. We can only hope no more nosebleeds.

Family Update!

Wow! Time is just flying by. School is going great for all the kids. Mom and dad went to see Brad Paisley in concert. That was fun. Makay teased us about going to a concert at our age but we had lots of fun. Makay has been busy with soccer and has started research for history day so that keeps everyone busy. Kait is still cheering and loves it. Ty is starting to train for swimming and is likes going to the football games.

Blaze Game

Kait was able to cheer at a Bakersfield Blaze play-off game with Columbia Cheer. She had fun cheering and being on the field, but she thought baseball is a little boring. The Blaze ended up winning the game but while we were there they were losing.

Soccer Practice

Makay has started soccer again. Mom forgot the camera to take pictures of his last game. Dad took some pictures at practice so at least we have something to show. His last game Makay's team won 6-0. Makay scored 1 goal. He played his spring select coach's team. Makay played great and even had a previous coach come tell him how great he played.

The First Day of School

The First week of school is now over and we made it through. It is hard to get going in the mornings but we are getting used to it. Everyone is adjusting to homework again and trying to get used to the new schedule. Mom also started back to work this week so everyone is back to school.

School Starts Soon!

Wow! School starts on Monday. I am ready for the kids to go back. I know they are ready even though they all say no. 3 kids and 3 schools. This is a first for me. Makay is starting Jr. High and will be at a school for the first time by himself, no sister or brother. He is very excited to be starting Jr high and can hardly wait for History Day to begin. Kait also will be going to school for the first time by herself, with no big brothers to keep an eye out for her (dad is more worried about that than she is). Ty is going to be in 10th grade and is on Link crew this is something he is excited about. Will post pictures on Monday from 1st day of school. The kids hate taking them but we have been doing it since Ty started and will continue until they are out of the house.

Kait Returns!

After a long trip Kait returns. She was very excited to tell us all about her trip. Her favorite thing was seeing Lion King in Vegas. She keeps talking about that. She took pictures so once they are developed we will post them.

Kait Leaves!

Kait left this morning for her vacation with grandma, Bubba and Marissa. The girls were very excited to go. They had been counting down the days for weeks. Today they are shopping at the outlet mall at stateline. Tomorrow is off to Vegas and to see the Lion King. Wednesday they head off to Salt Lake City. Saturday they are going to Park City and will stay in St. George and then Sunday back to Vegas and will return home next Monday. I am sure that Bubba will need a few extra days to recover from all the activities.

Cousins come to visit

Thanks for Visiting! We got a special treat recently when our cousins came to visit us in Bakersfield. On Monday we went to the waterpark and spent the day in the pool, riding on the water-slide, and playing with the water toys. Tuesday we spent the morning playing at the hotel pool. We had a great time and hope to see them soon!

The Boys Return

The house was quiet for the week. Both boys returned home on Saturday. Ty was able to get home early enough so he could swim in his last swim meet. His team placed
1st out of 12 teams so he was very excited about that. Makay had fun at camp and even earned his surviorman merit badge. Now the house is back to being busy. Soccer starts this week for Makay. So I guess my life just got busier.

A Quiet House

Both boys are now gone until Sat. Makay left last night to sleep-over at a friend's house because they would be leaving at 3:30 in the morning to head up to camp. They wanted to be on the 1st barge to get across to Camp Kern. Ty did not have to leave until 9:00, so he slept in, ate breakfast and took a shower before he left. He was still nervous but also excited. They were going to have a zip line at camp today. Kait was excited to have them leave but by late afternoon missed them both.

Camp

Both boys are getting ready to go to camp next week. Makay will be going to Camp Kern and leaves at 4:00am Monday morning. Ty is camping close to Bakersfield and will be along the Kern River, he will get to go river rafting. He will also get to rock climb and they are having a slide that will go into the river. He is a little nervous about river rafting. The house will be very quiet for 1 week.

4th of July

This was a fun day. We went to a friend's house and swam. The kids love their pool! They love jumping off the rock waterfall.

Happy Birthday Kait

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Our little girl is turning 11. She is a growing into a beautiful young lady. We are so happy to have her in our family. She is daddy's princess and mommy's girl. We look forward to the next year and the adventures we will have with her.

Another Week

Wow! Another week of summer has finished. Ty and Makay went river rafting with the YW/YM. Ty survived! Makay had a blast and even went free floating. What a difference between the 2 boys. Ty had his 2nd swim meet he swam the breast, Im and free. He placed 1st in breast, and 2nd in free and Im. He did awesome! Kait went to a slumber party.

Swim Meet

Ty had his 1st swim meet of the summer. He swam breast, back and free. In breast he placed 1st and back and free he placed 2nd. He did great and is looking foward to next weeks meet.

When Does School Start?

I know that school has only been out for 2 weeks but the kids are going crazy. The boys enjoy going on bike rides and playing video games but we don't really have any plans. Ty did start swim team this week, so that keeps us busy in the morning. Today we went to the free movie, but we have it on dvd so I am not sure what the point was(the kids just like to see it on the big screen). Ty has his first swim meet next Tuesday so I will post pictures of that.

Good-Bye Car

Here is what is left of our car. Early Thursday morning about 2:00 a.m. we realized that the car had been stolen. We called the police and filed the report. We went looking for it. Little did we realize that it had been painted black. As the day went on we talked about how we hoped that the car would just show up somewhere. It had little quirks, but our hope was they would just leave the car. However this was not the case. I received a call from police saying they found the car and it was totaled and was being towed away. Later that night it made the local news. It had been driven through a metal security gate, hit another car, and then hit the curb before coming to a stop. The 18 year old driver fled and was later arrested, the front passenger was badly injured, and the rear passenger was a wanted parolee. The kids were very sad about what happened to "Elenor" and we joked about having a funeral for Elenor the next day.

Lazy Summer Days

Ok the 1st week of summer is half way over and we have not done much. We have gone swimming and we went to the library. Today Kait and I went to the free movie at Edwards and saw Inkheart. It was a good movie. The boys would have liked it but they thought staying home would be more fun. Tonight both boys have scout stuff to prepare for their camps that are coming up in July. Both boys will be gone the same week, the house will be very quiet. I guess that will be the only time this summer when we will have some quiet.

School Is Out!

Well today was the last day of school. YEAH! Well I look forward to lazy mornings without having to get up and be out the door by 6:55. No more lunches to make in the mornings and no more homework. But now the kids will be home all day and will drive each other crazy and complain that they are bored. So I am ready for summer but then I am not ready for summer. Ty will start swimming again on Monday. Makay has decieded to take some time off before soccer starts up again. Kait is going to try T-N-T (tumbling and trampoline) instead of cheering. She is still going to cheer for school but this year she is going to focus on her tumbling and individual cheer routine. That will be something new for her.

End of the Year Awards

Wow, I am so proud of Makay and Kait. Today was the end of the year awards. Kait received Principals List, an award for cheerleading and the President's Education Award. Makay also received Principal's List, a History Day Award for making it to State Finals, K-Pals Award for working with the little kindergartners during his recess, A Congressional Recognition Award for being the State Alternate for History Day, Trailblazer Award this is for peer leaders and he also received the President's Education Award. What a great year for both Makay and Kait. Hard to believe that Makay is heading to Fruitvale Jr. High and Kait is entering 5th grade.

Kait Meets Olympic Gymnast Shawn Johnson

Kait had the chance to meet Shawn Johnson. This was a great memory and she was able to have a picture taken with her. Thanks to Miss Christian who made this all possible.

Soccer Is Over

The soccer season is finally over. Makay finished his last indoor soccer game on Friday. Liberty United won 19-7. Makay's coach challenged the boys, if they won he would treat them all to Dewars. The reward of food must really work. Makay enjoyed playing indoor soccer and learned to be more aggressive. We now have a few months off before he starts up the fall season. He will play fall AYSO so he can play spring select again with Liberty United.

Tagged

Thanks Kim! What makes me the happiest. The single most thing is being a mom to 3 great kids. Watching the kids grow up and becoming great people. Ty is such a great young man, and great older brother. Makay can always make us laugh, but he too is growing into a young man. Kait is an inspiration. She always tries her best and does not let anything stop her from achieving her goals. Thanks Ty, Makay and Kait for allowing me the chance to be your mom.

Birthdays

Wow! Time has really snuck up on us. Ty turned 15 on May 1, when did we get so old to have a kid so old. He is growing into a great young man. He finished up the swim season and did very well, he has already set goals for next year. Ty was also choosen for Link Crew at Liberty High. He gets to help the incoming freshman and is a peer leader on campus. He was surprised because not many freshman are choosen. What is funny is he now has to help plan the freshman rally(he did not even want to go to his last year). OK I know how John got to be old enough, he turned 40 on May 9. He had to work so we had dinner at home, fondue.

History Day Results

Wow! It is good to be back home. It was a very busy fun filled trip. Thursday we arrived at went to the mall until our room was ready. Then Makay went swimming in what he called the "artic" pool. Once he friends started to arrive the fun really began. We had to set up their board after 7:00 so once that was done we went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner did not even get back to the hotel until 10:30. Friday we had to set up the dvd player for their board and place the documents out. We watched some of his friends preform and then got ready for his interview. Makay and Amy interviewed for about 35 minutes this was a really good sign. Later that night the results were read for those who made it to the final round. Good news all around for Fruitvale School District 7 of the 8 made it to finals. After the results were read there was a party for the kids. Makay and Amy were on cloud nine since they had made it to finals. Saturday it rained so there was not much for us to do we watched some preformances and just hung out around the hotel. Saturday we went to dinner at Bocca Peppa it was fun. Sunday was the awards. Makay and Amy were the runner ups in their division which means they placed 3 out of 37 groups they still have a chance to go to nationals depending on the number who register. We are so proud because they competed againest 6-8 graders. Way to Go! Will post pictures later.

Dad In Charge?

Makay and mom are getting ready to leave for State History Day in Sacramento so dad will be in charge. This has Kait a bit worried. She wonders who will do her hair and all the stuff that mom does. Ty will be turning 15 while we are gone and will also going on a trip with the disk golf club so he is not so worried. But on Saturday it will only be dad and Kait.

Crazy Weather

This was a crazy weather day. It started out very nice but soon ended with hail. Makay and Ty went out and played in the hail for a couple of minutes. (If you look close you can see the small hail rocks on the grass.)

Spring Break Begins

Well Spring break has started. Friday night Makay had his 2nd indoor soccer game. His team won 15-8. So they have started getting the hang of using the wall as another player. Saturday Kait had a cheer competition she cheered for both Dolphins and Columbia. She did well and both teams placed 1st. Now that the weekend is over we have sometime to relax. Ty has swim practice all week but other than that we will be relaxing.

Indoor Soccer

Makay loved playing indoor soccer. It is very fast pace, you sub anytime you want so there is always something happening. Only 5 on the court including the goalie so he really got a work out. His team lost 4-5 but they played an indoor club team, so they really held their own since they had never played before I am sure this week they will be more prepared.

Soccer Again?

Makay enjoys playing soccer so much that he has decided to play on an indoor team. We know nothing about indoor soccer but he knows that you can use the walls. The team is mostly his spring select team so the boys have already been playing together for awhile. The first game is on Friday. We will post pictures.

Busy Weekend

Wow! This weekend was one busy weekend. Both Makay and Kaitlyn had big events. Makay had his final soccer tournament his team placed 1st, Makay scored. Although mom and dad were not able to watch Ty was there to support him in the rain and wind. Kait had her competition at Knott's this weekend. She competed in Individuals which she placed 1st,and is now State Champion for the 3rd year in a row. Her team also placed 1st in their catergory as well as over all 1st in their division,making them State Champions as well. Kait and her pod placed 3rd in stunt down, and Kait placed 2nd in tumbling. She stuck her tumbling pass, she had to compete with older girls and she held her own. Kait had fun and was able to go on some rides. She was the only child with mom and dad and had dad going on all the rides with her.

Sacramento Here We Come

Makay and Amy wanted to do History Day again this year. After much research and thinking about this years theme which was Individual in History: Actions and Legacy they choose John Walsh. Yes he is the host of America's Most Wanted but did you know that he helped pass many laws to keep children safe in America. Today was the county competition... the winners are Makay and Amy. They won best of grade level, outstanding performance and got overall 1st place and will go to State. They competed against 6th, 7th and 8th graders. We are very proud of all their hard work and we are looking forward to a week off before we start to prepare for State Finals.

Ty had his first practice meet today. Next week starts the season.

Tyler the swimmer

Tyler has been practicing hard the last couple of weeks and has his first high school swim meet on 02/26/09. He's been making huge improvements in his swimming and we'll post more photo's of his meet in a couple of days.

Viva Las Vegas

We had lots of fun in Las Vegas. The kids loved the fact that we had a tv in the bathroom, they took turns taking a bath so they could sit and soak while watching tv. Kait loved the fact she could have steak for breakfast. While the boys were excited that desserts were served at breakfast. Makay tried shrimp and learned that he liked it he went back for more.

Where Did The Time Go

Wow time really does fly by. We seem to be getting busier everyday. I am hoping to post pictures of our trip to Vegas and different things the kids have been doing real soon.

Camp Keep

Makay recently returned from Camp Keep. This is a week long camp that 6th graders get the chance to go to. Makay was excited but also not sure if he wanted to go because his birthday would fall while at Camp Keep. He agreed to go and was so glad that he did. He had an awesome experience and enjoyed himself so much. He was able to see the whales migrate. Tyler was a little mad about that because all he was able to see was a rattlesnake.

Introducing Snickers

Snickers is Makay's birthday present. He is a very friendly dog and Makay already loves him so much.

HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY MAKAY

Wow! It seems like just yesterday he was a little guy. He is growing up so quick. He still is the same sweet boy with tons of energy and lots of ideas. He is smart, loving and very athletic. We are looking foward to another year full of adventure with Makay because you never know what is in store.

Maisy

Grandma got a new dog. For 1 day she was Sadie but she is now Maisy. She is very cute and Kait is even begining to become comfortable with her. Maisy is very calm and is not like most puppies who are jumpy.

Happy New Year

Wow 2009 already! The new year is off and running things have already changed for our family. I got a new position which is working in a classroom. I love it, but the change is a bit hard on all of us. I have to be at work at 7:30 which means John is in charge of getting all the kids to school and making sure everyone is ready to go on time. So far so good. We are looking foward to a great new year and many new adventures for our family.