Angel of the Week....

This is Kade's week to be Angel of the Week

He (with Brooke's help) colored and decorated the picture, and he gets to bring his favorites to school....favorite books, CD, DVD, stuffed animal, etc....

We're so proud of our Angel

Angelette is 9

Our niece, Angelette turns 9 today.

Happy, Happy Birthday ~~~ And Many, Many More!!!

Conner is 5

Our nephew, Conner turned 5 on Thursday and his party was this weekend. It was really, really warm outside, but it turned out good. I think he had a fun time, I know we did.

Debbie's Birthday

Happy Birthday to my baby sister - Debbie -

(also congrats to her & Louis....our newest little nephew or niece is due in February)

Safety Fun

This weekend one of the investment companies held a safe and fun day at the park. They had a booth there for child identity - for free we received a identity sheet, wallet cards, and a CD which included their fingerprints, their photos, and a short interview with the child. Also there was the local fire department, police department, and EMS, plus little game booths, face painting, snacks, drinks, and it was all for free!!!! So after leading the rosary at the nursing home, we went by there and too advantage of it all, and had fun doing so.

First Day of School

Here's my handsome 6th grader and 1st grader on their first day of their 2010 school year

Before we left to school we went over Noah's schedule so he knew which class was where. On the way there I could tell he was still a little worried about being in the right room at the right time, so I told him that all of his classmate are in the same boat he is and that they will all follow each other. He said "yeah, but someone has to be a leader, Not saying I'm going to be the leader, but someone has to".....smart kid....

Kade was a little nervous too, but didn't want to show it. However he did ask silly questions, and kept watching the time, and reminding me what was said at the meeting about drop off times and pick up times. We walked to Noah's room first, then to Kade's room. He didn't say much, but I could tell he was unsure. Then Mrs. K came in the room and said Kade's here, and he got a big ol' smile on his face. She had a school bus picture on their desk so he sat down to start coloring. For the past two year his class has been split, but this year they have 22 and are all in one room. I think he will have a great year and am really excited about it.

I couldn't wait for 4:00 to get here - they get out at 3:35 and Granny picks them up, so at 4:00 I called to see how their day went.

Noah said his first day was "eh". He said the teachers just basically talked. When we got home he went into a little more detail (with my asking). His schedule did have to change a little - they were supposed to have Religion 1st and Homeroom 2nd, however his Religion teacher has a different grade's homeroom 1st period, so they switched it. In one class they had to say their name their favorite color, food, hobby, and one thing they did over the summer - he said the teacher (a coach) gave him a high five because some of his favorites were the same as his. He's looking forward to athletics because the get to play football during that period. He and his friends have picked up where they left off, and I think he'll have a great year. The only homework he had was to read the 1st chapter of Genesis for Religion.

When I talked to Kade on the phone he said his day was good (the usual response I get). When we got home he told me a lot more. When I asked about homework, he said I have a paper for you to sign for my homework. So he and I sat down and went over the rules on the sheet and then we both signed it. As I was reading it he was telling me what it said, so I know he was listening when Mrs. K was going over it in class. He already brought home some papers he colored......(note to self - box up Kindergarten papers so 1st grade papers have a place to go)

I'm so proud of my boys, and I hope the have another great school year!!!

Getting Ready....

...for the first day of school....

...with much objection...

...the boys got haircuts...

...so handsome...

Meet the Teachers

With a new school year upon us, this evening we had meet the teachers and follow the bell schedule (6th - 12th). We went to Kade's classroom, although we didn't have to meet his teacher......we've know her for quite a few years, and I'm so excited that he is in her class. She's a wonderful teacher and I hope it's going to be a great year for my baby. I'll worry about him come Monday, but as of tonight I'm content.
Noah will be in the 6th grade so we followed his schedule and met all of his teachers (even though we know them too), it was good to know his schedule and see which classrooms he will be going back and forth between. I'm worry a little more about him....he's all boy and tends to 'forget' to bring things home - things like books, homework, etc., and this year the teachers are also teaching them independence and responsibility. I know he will be fine but it's my job as his mom to worry.....I'll just have to keep coloring my hair to hide all the grays..
He's kind of bummed because he won't get to play football this year. Usually at our small Catholic school, the 6th graders get to play football, but because we have a large number of boys in grades 6-8, the 6th graders won't get to play.

(I had problems loading pictures....and I'm too tired to keep trying)

My New, New Camera

Yes, you read that right, I bought a new camera....again.

I recently bought a new camera, a Nikon D5000. It's an awesome camera, but I soon found out that it was way too much camera for me, and also way too much money spent. Plus I'd have to spend quite a bit more for a good zoom lens for the sporting pictures I take. So after a lot of thinking and praying, I decided to return it, and then ordered one similar to my old one. It came in today, and I am super excited, , it's a Kodak EasyShare Z981. I took it out of the box put some batteries in and started snapping. It's simple to use (probably because I'm used to a Kodak EasyShare) and I really like it. I can't wait to snap more pictures.
Oh, and another reason I really love it....the difference in price.

My two favorite subjects weren't home so I had to resort to another....
These are the flowers that I got on Friday, I can't believe how pretty they still are.

20 Years

Friday was my 20th anniversary at work.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be there that long.
I didn't think anyone knew, but I was surprised when I received phone calls and several emails congratulating me, and the group I work with in Texas sent me these beautiful flowers.

All Tied Up...

Kade has been practicing, and we've been trying to think of a good or easy way to teach him to tie his shoes. This evening we were at PoPo's and Kade was watching the Spongebob episode on tying shoes, so PoPo showed him his way one time, and Kade picked it up right away. He tied them for PoPo, then for mom, then for dad, then for MoMo, then a couple of more times.
So, Yeah Kade! he finally mastered the skill of tying shoes.

Our handsome young man

Look how handsome Kade is with his new haircut

School Suppiles

It's that time once again....in two week the kids will be back in school.
I can't believe how fast the summer has gone by.
This year we are re-using a lot of the supplies from last year - when they brought their things home in May, some of it seemed like it was hardly touched, and both their backpacks are in good shape and can make it another year. They are boys, so they are fine with it. I also looked in my supply closet and found some new supplies that I got on sale last year, so we didn't have to buy much. For the things they did need, Aunt Net bought it, she's so cool.

The goal for today.......

......was to go through Noah's closet and take out clothes that no longer fit him.....

Well, to my surprise the ones I thought wouldn't fit anymore, still fit.
He grew a lot, but when he did, he stretched up and thinned out.
We did get rid of a some, and then we re-organized it so all of the school spirit shirts are easy to get to since school will be starting soon.
We also did a little cleaning too - although it doesn't look like it in the pictures, the boys did help in both their rooms and closest.

Before

After

Kade's room Before

And After

It feels so good when you can get your goal (and then some) accomplished.