It's been too long

It's been far too long since I've posted last and I can't seem to add pictures. Weird (about the pictures, not the not posting for so long).

So, I guess I'll write now and post pictures later. But, it's hard to write without pictures.

John and Melissa visited....we laughed and talked. We wanted to go to Lake Mineral Wells to see Sara and Scott, but it rained and rained. So, Sara and Scott came here, as did Eldon and Stephanie. We made our own fun.... the dads made a homemade boogie/surf board the kids used in the way-back field in the puddles of water.

Quinn went to scout camp. Scott was there for a chunk of the time. He caught a fish and made a hut to sleep in for wilderness survival. He has had a crazy-good time playing on 4 post season baseball teams. That was pretty cool (actually the games were SO HOT to be at in June and July). He's taking some math tutoring this summer -- making sure he knows what was covered last year and getting a head start for this coming year. He also got bottom braces put on. Ouch!

Connor made me proud by receiving one of the VFW awards at school. They would read a little about the student before presenting the award. Scott and I got to go up front to receive it with him. There were maybe 6 girls and 6 boys from the 4th grade selected. We have rented his cello that he will play in orchestra at school this fall. He's pulled it out a couple of times. I like it (and I think he does, too).

Tanner went to Twilight Cub Scout camp. He had a great time doing BBs and archery, etc. All of us participated (Scott was a nurse for a couple days, Traci & I ran the arts/crafts class, Connor was in the Webelos II group, Allison in a sibling patrol, and Quinn helped a couple of days.) Tanner's been loving going swimming this summer, but is really looking forward to TACKLE football this fall--I have gone against my better judgement and registered him.

Allison keeps turning kartwheels and doing splits around the house. She just finished painting one of the boys' boxes they made at cub scout camp. She's been playing babies like crazy, ever since Scott got down the boxes that have the old baby clothes in! She has been swimming this summer, but she keeps swimming with one hand, since she plugs her nose with the other! What's a mom to do?

I am now in the Primary again! Jackpot. I love working with the children. I get to teach Sharing Time this Sunday. It's about Family Home Evening. I can't wait.

Scott took me to Lake Whitney B&B recently. It was a great get-away. He's also taking a few days off next week where we'll go on a little trip, this time with the kids.

On my run this morning, I was considering a post about numbers and July----
We've been married 16 years on the 23rd
Quinn turns into a teenager (13) on the 16th

It's been 4 years since we've been trying to add a baby to our family

July is a happy and sad marker of time.
I love being married and having kids, I'm happy and sad to see them get older and realize that Quinn will leave home in 5 years....Allison is only 5.
They are just numbers, right?
(But they are tied to my heart!)

Little Prints

2009
2009
2008
2008

Mother's Day handprints done at Mrs. Talley's.
Today was her last day of pre-school.
Tears.

NJHS Yeah, buddy

Quinn was recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.

He'll keep track of service hours and attend a few meetings.

His first set of service hours will likely be at Cub Scout Twilight Camp being a Den Chief.

That boy seems to always make me so proud.

Allison Dalmation

Allison was a dalmation in her spring gymnastics show. Her class performed to Cruella Deville.

She was invited to join a PreTeam class....She'll get to practice a little longer and likely go to one competition. I have a funny feeling she will love it!

Connor as Roosevelt

Connor's class did a "President's Wax Museum."

He researched all about FDR, and did the backboard.

On Wednesday, he donned Quinn's suit, and read a script to the kids who walked by and push his "push here."

It was an impressive thing the children in his class pulled off. The entire library was alive with presidents talking!

I will have to post later with him all dressed up at school.

Tanner and Allison got in on the photo opportunity!

Rangers and All-Stars

Quinn played for the Rangers this Spring in Arlington SW Little League. He had a chance to shine. He was one of the oldest players. He was given a chance to pitch and he was all over that! I thought it was cool how Scott would ice down his shoulder after pitching quite a bit in a game. He is gone tonight, again, playing on the 12 y.o. All-Star team for the league.

We have had a couple of neat experiences in the extended season. First, we mentioned to coach that Quinn doesn't play ball on Sundays....he'll play his guts out all the other days. Shortly after that, an e-mail went out about not having Sunday games in the tournament! Now, I may not have had a thing to do with it, but I'd like to think I did. Second, the rain this week pushed the brackets back one day, so Quinn was able to go to his required end-of-the-year orchestra concert last night, and not miss a ball game. It was a miracle. But, with the rain, they may go ahead and schedule Sunday games, hopefully not.....can miracles back-fire?

Imagination Tanner

Tanner is good at using his imagination. He still likes to swordfight and play cars. Here, he is decked out in catcher's gear. He makes necessary sound effects in his adventures. It's fun to catch him imagining when he doesn't know you're there. Isn't that the best?