The Fiesta

Every September there is a Fiesta at a church by our house. We go with a bunch of neighbors. They have rides, games, confetti eggs, silly string and even margaritas. It is good times for us all.We always run into old friends we haven't seen in years. So here are some shots of us at play. Caitlen mostly hangs out with her friends but did grace us with her presence. Notice the confetti all over her back.
Our neighbor Jon and his girl Sam !
Ok I will explain the whole confetti egg thing. They sell cartons of confetti filled eggs. The kids love it and talk about it all year. I am just glad I don't have to clean it up. Although I am still finding it in Jakes stroller.

Jake loved the rides. He had the biggest smile on his little face.
Matthew our neighbor and Taylor.
Caitlen and Raquel.
What a shock. Singing and dancing
It was just to much fun for my little man.

This week in sports

This week was the start of our sports madness. Between all of the practices and games there is little else going on over here.

This week Caitlen had 2 volleyball games and a tournament. She made some great digs! After her 3 hour volleyball practices every day, 2 nights a week she is then going to 2 hour water polo practices. Oh to be in high school again.

Taylor played great this week ! On Saturday she scored 4 of the 7 goals. Yes 4 ! The Gator girls won 7-0 . Her coach told her she could have a scoop of ice-cream for each goal. Although she could have easily eaten 4 I made her settle for 2. Way to go Tay!

Sam had her first game of the year on Saturday. She played so good! I love to see the concentration on her little face. The grasshoppers won 4-0 . Good job Sam! We didn't even have to go in the nasty park bathroom. This is an amazing thing we usually go about 4 times. I guess it was my lucky day.

September 11th

As we remember this tragic day in our history I am reminded yet again how thankful and grateful I am to have been off 7 years ago. It could have so easily been a flight I was on. Being a flight attendant I think of this day every single time I step on to the plane. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those who lost so much on that day.

I was on a flight to San Francisco this morning for a training class. As I sat listening to my ipod looking out the window I was once again in awe of all that God has created. My heart was so touched I wanted to cry. I am challenged to not waist a single minute God has given. So many went to work that day to do there normal every day job.....Never to return. When people die we often think of our own life, and are touched to do or be more. As a Christian I have given my life to Christ. But can people always tell. I would love to say yes but that I am sure would be a lie. So on this day of reflection in my own heart I am challenged . Through Christ all things are possible. Even in a girl like me.

So go hug your family and friends tight ! And be more today. I love you all!!!

A day in the life .......of a CRAZY person!!

Today was one of the all to typical days in our week. So sit back and laugh at what I did today.

6:30~ The morning started off a little busy because we were running late last night because of soccer and didn't get showers in. I know gross yet not the grosses thing I have seen as a mom. Not even close. I feed them, dress them and even brush there hair and teeth, get all things needed together for school. Ooops except for the library book for Sam. Sorry Sam! And we 're off. To school that is.
8:00~ I help out on Tuesdays in the class . So Scott had Jake, and I got to play school with the girls. I do enjoy being there to help. Although I have no desire to do it all day every day. Thankfully there teachers are amazing. Today is half day so the kids are out at 12:10. I load them all in and we are off again.
12:30~ Now home to make a quick lunch, do homework and pick up Caitlen.
1:00~ Ok now for the fun part .....Caitlen needs a passport for her upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic. So on are way to get it we stop to get a birthday present for a party at 2:00 , and drop off a bill. Just in time to make our 1:30 appointment. We get all the paperwork filled out and I show my id . Which the lady informs me is expired. I had no idea! I never even got anything in the mail. No id no passport for her. So I call Scott and he drops off my passport on his way to the kids party. Crises solved! I also needed his license number for the check (to pay for the passport) because they wouldn't take my expired one. I guess I will be going to the DMV tomorrow !
2:15~ I meet up with Scott and the kids at the party. It is an ice skating party.Yes we all skated. I think this counts as a date. It was so fun to skate with the kids. I had roller skating flashbacks and made Scott hold my hand as we went around. Just once ,I know I am a dork. Scott is good at everything he trys he is even a better ice skater than me. Well its time to divide and concur again.
4:00~ I am off to work the snack bar for Volley ball and watch Caitlen play . She did a great job! and Scott finished up the party and took the girls to soccer5~6. Then they met us at the gym for the end of the games. No the day is not done.
7:30~ Home , Dinner , more homework , and finally bed at 8:30 not to bad considering. No they did not get a shower which means another early morning. Or maybe they will just be grimy tomorrow.Lucky for everyone they don't stink yet. All in all not to bad. now that they are all asleep I can do laundry, dishes ,and scrape all 3 meals off the floor.Of course there is food on the floor. I think a dog would really cut down on my work load! And tomorrow we get to do a different version of the same madness.
For all of you who think it will be sooo much easier when they get older....... I am sorry to be the voice of reality. I would love to say this is not how we normally live. But that would be a lie. Here are a few shots of my sweet kids .
Caitlen crawled in Jakes crib to snuggle. She to is exhausted after her day.
Sam steals Jakes binkies ! We do not encourage this behavior but she is sneaky.
3 out of 4 is not to bad. At least she is in the bed. sometimes that is the best I can hope for. I can make them stay in bed but I can not make them sleep. Have a great night.

Welcome to Varsity!!

Welcome to Varsity!! Caitlen was surprised last Friday by some of her Volley ball teammates at 5:30am. They kidnapped her and several other girls and took them to breakfast in there jammies. Then they got to go to school in there spandex. Which they love. So here are a few high lights . Caitlen was lucky one girl forgot to grab shoes and only wore socks all day. Team bonding at its best.

I now have a Senior

See there is that look. Are you seriously going to take my picture. Yes Cate I am ! And then I am going to post it on my blog for all to see. One of the benefits to having a teenager. Everything you do is embarrassing. It truly is the best thing about this age. HEHEHE

I now have a senior. I know it sounds crazy , and I am not referring to my parents. Caitlen started her senior year this past week. I am amazed at how quickly life goes. It seems like yesterday I was graduating from high school. And although I am excited for all this year and the ones to come will hold for her, my heart breaks a little to realize my role in her life will be changing. I know I have done my best (don't ask her yet she will say I suck, give it a year or 5) to raise her . Not just to be a great person or some one who does great things . But to be a girl who loves God with all her heart and desires to serve Him. So please keep us both in your prayers. I think wisdom and patience would be a great start !

So after all thees years of first days of school you would think my daughter would be prepared to smile one last time. I mean this is the last first day of High School! So here are a few of those all to special shots. In case there is any doubt YES the first day of college will be documented. How could it not Its the FIRST!!

Cousins Luke B-Day

My nephew Luke is now 5. Time really does fly. We all got together for a party at Grandma Judy's house. It is always fun times when we are all together. As always Billie did a great job ! Uncle Dave with Jake , Shayna, and Luke. No my son will not sink. He is fearless in the water and loves to go under....So we make it so he can't drown.
Jake versus the shark......Jake is winning
Uh Oh........
And its official the shark wins!
Me and my oldest girlie

Ok so here is the deal.......Scott 38 and his brother Mike 40 think they can take Travis and Tyler. They are 18 and 19. Jungle ball is a serious game. With serious bragging rights. They have the desire ....they have the heart...... all that is missing is the 19 year old body. I miss it to.
They fought hard and dirty but still they did not pull off the win.
I think maybe the new rule should be no one over 35 gets to play jungle ball. Scott has asked me to remind him next time how sore he was the next day. I think these pictures should do the trick.
I still love you babe !! Even more than when you were 19 . Oh and if you didn't have arthritis soo bad I know you would have won . See I am a supportive wife !

Girls Weekend at the hotel Del

I have had such a great week! Cleo (Scotts Mom) treated us to a 3 days in San Diego at the hotel Del Coronado. I am so blessed to not only love my mother-n-law but my sister-n-law(Billie) as well. We had such a great time. Cleo and Jade would relax at the lounge while Billie and I headed off for messages and to play on the beach. We could just lay there reading our people magazine without having to chase , referee or even rescue anyone. Then we moved on to the adult pool. Who even knew that kind of thing existed. I did not even have to jump in and save anyones kid . This is a good thing. We had fabulous dinners ,wines and even deserts. I think I could live this life. We laughed , shopped, and layed in the sun. PERFECT!!
Scott got to spend some special quality time with the kids. He is not as thankful for these little get aways as I am. Actually he was so sweet the house was even clean when I got home. He made all the kids play out front while they waited for me to get home. This was the only way to ensure the house stayed clean. Thanks babe for having the wisdom to know this was just what I needed. I can be a better wife with the wine.... Oh I ment with these breaks.
Hotel Del
This is the view from our room . Sooo pretty how can you not the love the sun and the ocean.
Billie and I . After a day of messages and sun. Now on to dinner
Jade and Cleo. Our vacation partners.

The whole group.
Lunch in La Jolla. It just kept getting better
Two happy girls

Cleo Again I can't thank you enough. What a special thing for you to do for us. Love you!

Now I have to go do laundry I am just a little behind.

Yo Gabba Gabba

One of the Moms on Sam's Brownie troop does the choreography for the show Yo Gabba Gabba. So we were able to get a behind the scenes tour. It was so fun to see how it is all done. The characters even came out and took pictures with the girls. Sam was very excited. What a great experience for the girls. Sam was in her element. My little performer. Thanks Shannon ! Sammy girl
All the characters
On the set.

My little guy

This week was crazy as they all seem to be . Soccer started on Monday and Tuesday then continued on Thursday and Friday. Lucky me we get to be on the soccer field almost every night of the week. In September we will add in Awana on Wednesday night and Volleyball games 2 nights a week oh and soccer games on Saturday. Really I have no idea how I am going to finagle this lovely schedule. The hardest part is trying to figure out dinners. I can only cook so many things in the crock pot. Practices are 5-6 and I really like the kids in bed by 7. Yes I know this will never work. If any one has some good quick recipes please pass them my way.
Heidi's little guys came over to play the other day . They had so much fun ! I love that we are so close. I make them swing this way because i am to lazy to push them constantly. Jake thinks its great ,but Chaz and Anthony were on to my scheme.
So this is what happens when you have older sisters. Even spiderman is mad.
Aunt Kathy got Jake this truck from UPS . He loves cars and trucks .Thanks Aunt Kathy !!Jake does not talk very much but his new word is strong. He grunts while he says it. He needs to be strong with all these girls.