JDRF Walk, again.

Thank you everyone who donated in such a short amount of time - we raised $450! You all are awesome. And, if you didn't, then we'll be telling you about it next year so that you can participate next time. I think we need to recruit some more walkers for our Gage's Speed Racers Team. It really is a fun thing and I am so glad that we did it again this year. We just got home from it a few hours ago and we are tired. But, so worth it. They asked Gage to draw out the winning name for the big raffle drawing before the walk and Scott Reynolds from the news was up there on stage with Gage helping him and announcing the winner. They gave Gage a die cast Ford truck for helping out and he carried that the entire walk. Mallory stayed in the wagon for most of it and loved when the airplanes would fly over since the walk was right next to Bowman Field. Boston ran almost the entire time - that is one sweaty, exercising kid! It was for a great cause (Gagey Boy) and such a great thing to do as a family. But, I am warning you...I really am going to recruit others to walk with us next year!

Harry the Caterpillar

Fall Ball

JDRF Walk

Well, better late than never, huh? The JDRF Walk is this Saturday and it's the walk to raise money to cure juvenile diabetes. We weren't going to do it this year. With financial strains all around us, I just kept thinking it was hard to ask others to donate. But, the kids really want to walk and really it's about supporting our Gage whether we raise a bundle or just a few pennies. So, if you feel like it's your year to donate a few pennies, then go here. It will take you directly to our donation page where you go do it all online. Thanks in advance. last year's walk

Garden Fresh

Charlie's Angel

Playgroup Is In Full Swing

I am so grateful for our little playgroup that Gage is involved in. Vicki has done such a great job of organizing the whole thing and getting us all scheduled out. I am grateful for people in my life who give me a regiment! Today I had it at my house and we learned about water. I think the kids liked the bubble machine the best and it kept them happy for quite a long time - bubbles come from water, right? Anyway, I took this picture of the whole gang together.

I Just Have To Say...

I never (almost never) write anything too personal because for 1.) I can never express myself the way I want and 2.) I read it back and cringe because it's so personal and I don't like how I sound. It's like hearing your voice on an answering machine -yuck. But, today I am not going to erase this one. Although, my hands are sweating right now as I type. I just wanted to write about how blessed I have been with friends in my life. Okay, so cheesy, I know. It's like the people at EFY who would bare their testimony and say how much they loved everyone. I had a hard time with those ones. But, lately I have been feeling like I do have people in my life or have had people in my life that are there for a reason. They practically read my mind and come to the rescue at just the right time whether it be a phone call, words in passing, or an incredible act of service. I am always sad to see the ones that live near me move and I try to act like it is no big deal because I will always see them again. But it is a big deal. I don't like it. I actually hate it. I know - hate is a bad word, but I am using it anyway. I am grateful that I have had time to spend with them and I did get to be near them, but I don't like when they leave. Too many have moved and it's not fun, but I do feel like the time that they were in my life was an amazing (I like that word amazing) blessing that I am grateful for. I don't always keep up like I should - I used to be an exceptional pen pal and with pen pals all over the world- but I do always think of them and wish that they knew how much I love and care for them. I have a neighbor now that will be moving next summer and to think of that makes me want to cry. I don't like that AT ALL. Any of you who have moved on me, I am happy that you are moving on and I love that I was just a small part in your path. Those that are still here, I am going to call you more often and make plans to spend time with you just because. So, when you get a phone call from me, you will know that I am trying harder because I love you and want you know it. I am still sweating and slightly cringing at this post, but I am going to post it. I am just such a wimp. It's hard being a nervous nelly all your life, but as with many things in life, there are always opportunities to grow and believe me, I am always faced with many. So, I sweat through them and show myself nervous and all and say...sorry, this is how I come, so take it or leave it. And, for those that take it - thank you so very much.

Baby Blue

Chocolate Popcicle

Brag Book

Boston's teacher sends home a folder with each child every couple of days. When it's your turn, you get to write a little paragraph about your child to brag. Then, they keep this in their class library and read it throughout the year. Boston's turn (or mine) was yesterday. Here's his page:

Cherry Dress

Gage's Pillowcase (like a blankie)

Photo of the Day

I take too many pictures and I want to post them for journal (photo journaling) purposes, so each day (or every other) I am going to post a photo of the day. That way I can just post photos and not have to write a thing about them!

First Day

Man, this day came quick. Was it just me or did the summer end before it even began? According to Trevor is was way too short. He, of course, being the fourth grader was not as excited to go back to school as he has been in the past. He did want to see friends and I think that is the pull that got him up on that first morning. He has the same teacher as last year (Ms. Doseck) which is great because she is a doll. Boston has Ms. Cantrell and has some of his best friends in his class - Liam, Aiden and Jake. That made going back much easier this year. His teacher seems sweet. We made it through the first week and we are all glad that it was only 3 days long. We all couldn't handle much more of that up early business. I can't watch the Olympics until 1 am and expect to be happy when I get up at 6:30 am. By Friday, Boston had lost it he was so tired. So the weekend had perfect timing. Okay, so naps on Sunday to help us prepare for the week ahead -at least that's the (fingers crossed) plan!

Celebration

For Gage's birthday we took the casual (but very special) route. We had our friends the Gabays over for dinner that night and then the Williams came over to share cake and ice cream as well. Gage helped me make the cake and chose the funfetti cake mix. He is so good at cracking eggs! I tried a new recipe for frosting since he wanted strawberries on his cake and I didn't want to use a butter cream for that. It was a hit. The next day we all went to the park with his playgroup buddies and he shared some cookies and ice cream with them for another little birthday celebration. He is still having a hard time saying that he is 4. He still wants to be 3, but I know in time he will come in this new age like we all have on our birthdays. There's just no choice!

Staycation Photos

Our Family Staycation

Yep, didn't make it any further than Louisville this time for our end of summer family staycation (vacation if you go somewhere outside the city limits). We planned on going with Zane to Nashville for a trip for work, but things didn't work out. The boys were so disappointed because all they wanted was a pool to swim in and a hotel to stay in. So quickly we planned a trip to the Springhill Suites just down the road and they were so excited. It was such a nice hotel with a pool just like the kids wanted. We went out to eat, bowling, to the mall and to the pool at least twice a day. The Gabays met us the first day for bowling and decided to take a little staycation themselves and checked in across the hall. You would have thought the boys died and went to heaven having Maressa to swim with. I think they wore her out. It was funny how we were 15 minutes from our house, but because we stayed 3 nights and didn't go near the house, it really felt like we were far away. I loved it and it was the perfect solution to a family looking for a little get away! Pictures coming soon.

Happy Birthday Gage

Video Game Induced Sleep

It was silent out in the family room. I thought Gage was playing while his big brothers were at a friend's house. Why was it so quiet? He usually jumps and runs while playing. I guess the wii had gotten the best of him. He was wiped out! And, to top it off...the video game was still going.