So many updates!

Jack:
Sunday, August 26 - We had a bicycle birthday party for Jack at Audubon Park in Henderson. I handmade the invitations to look like wheels. Jeff and I went early to set up. It had been sooo hot that week but we were VERY lucky to get a break that day. Jeff put together a great obstacle course for the kids including cones, street signs, a basketball goal, a slide and a tunnel. It was perfect! We had black and white balloons and checked flags everywhere. When Mom got there with Jack, he ran as fast as he could to see everything. He was so excited!! We only invited 12 kids and it ended up being perfect. After making nameplates for their bikes, they just rode and rode the whole time. He got a new tent from Grandma, clothes and toys. He had an awesome party!

Tuesday, August 28 - we went to Chuck-E-Cheese's for my family's dinner with Jack. He got new cleats from us and a lantern from Grandma and Papaw. Again, he had a great time!

Wednesday, August 29 (his actual bday!) - Jack took cupcakes to school to celebrate. When I went to pick him up, he had on a bday hat and sticker and a birthday bag full of stuff! That night, we had Jeff's family over to celebrate. He got a new soccer goal from G&B, a baseball game from Grammie and a guitar from us. I'd say he had one awesome bday!!

Monday, September 17 - Jack had his 5 yr checkup. He weighed 49 lbs (80th%) and was 43.5 (60th%) inches tall! He's grown 4.5 inches in one year!! He's easily wearing a 5/6 in clothes and a size 11.5-12 shoe. He had a really good appointment with Dr. Cochran until he was done and said "he gets 3 vaccinations". YIKES! I thought he would get them next time but since he will start kindergarten before he turns 6, they wanted to do them now. I talked to him about it while waiting for the nurse and the nurse explained everything to him. He was good through all that. She told me to hold his hands because kids his age tend to try to grab her hands. So, I held tight. He didn't try moving but just cried his little heart out. then he got his finger poked. He had a rough time. I felt so bad for him. We immediately went to the gas station and got him some Airheads and Bug Juice! His asthma is flaring up so he's now taking 2 inhalers. He's not getting any better though.

Jack is still LOVING school. They did 2 weeks of a different color each day so that was fun and now they are working on the alphabet. We've been to Mayse Farm already and he's having a great time. He asks every day if he gets to go to school today. On Saturdays and Sundays, he gets upset because it's not a school day. What a difference! There's only one issue with school...he's in love! All he talks about is Avery Fisher. He says she's his girlfriend. He talks about her non-stop. On Monday, Oct. 1, they walked to McCullough Library to talk about street safety, etc. Well, when I went to pick him up that day, Mrs. Wheatley said to me "You have a lover boy on your hands". I just laughed. She said "Today was a very romantic day and I have pictures to prove it!". When we were in the van, Jack said "today I was holding Avery's hand but my teachers told me to let go." Great!!! It's so funny! I guess we'll see if this romance lasts until May!! :-)

Abby:
Monday, August 27 - Abby started tumbling class at Acros. She absolutely LOVES it! Her favorite thing is the trampoline but she likes everything else too. Jeff went once and took pictures and they were so cute. Neither one of us realized how much she smiled during the class until we saw the pictures. Mom and Dad came once and Lori came once. They all loved watching her! She's now running down the tall balance beam, pulling her toes up while hanging from the parallel bars, and hanging from her knees. She can do a somersault and a head stand. And, she looks adorable in her leotard!! She's perfect for this. Her teacher, Miss Katie, says
that she's always surprised how strong she is! After she's done with this in November then Ally will start dance.

Abby has had a couple haircuts and looks so cute. She's got a little bob and it makes her look like a teenager!

Friday, September 21 - The girls had their 2 yr checkup. Abby weighed 23 lbs 7 oz (10th%) and was 33.5 inches (45th%). She's so tiny! She ran circles around Dr. Cochran so he could definitely tell she was the more active one.

Abby is just so cute. She's funny and wild at the same time! She doesn't talk as much as Ally but still holds her own. She'd rather play by herself than with Jack and Ally. She loves her tumbling and also loves to dance. She can't stand still! She's still wearing 18 mo. clothes and about a 5.5 shoe. She can still wear the 5s too. She'll go potty every now and then if she wants. and loves to take her diaper off. Lovely! She's got the most beautiful, petite face and I love her eyelashes! She's our 'Lil Bit'!

Ally:
Friday, September 21 - Ally weighed 28 lbs 12 oz (75th%) and was 36 inches (95th%). She is now the same height as Jack was at 3 yrs old! While we were there, Abby was on my lap and Dr. Cochran was looking at her. Ally walked up and said "Abby sick?". She's definitely the "Mommy" of the two!

She also went to a PT appt today and is doing wonderful. After her next appt (in 3 weeks), if she's doing this great then she's going to discharge her.

Ally loves to dance and enjoys her books and puzzles. She talks very well now. She walks down the hall and says "Jack's pictures" or "Where Jack go?", "Where Daddy go?". She also says "watch TV"! :-) Her new thing is "I princess!". She's so cute and clumsey. She has the most beautiful hair and loves to cuddle. I love it when she says "Mommy sit" so that I can hold her and snuggle. She makes me slow down! I can't wait to get her in dance class. She's going to adore it!!

Saturday, September 22 (their actual bday) - The girls and I started the morning with cinnamon rolls with a candle to pratice blowing them out. They didn't have any trouble! Later, Jack had a soccer game (where he scored 3 goals!) and then we went to Roca Bar in Newburgh with my family. We had pizza and the girls opened their gifts. Abby got a cash register she loved and Ally got a puzzle. They were in heaven! After we got done eating, we sat them at the end of the table and sang Happy Birthday. When we were done, the whole section of Roca Bar clapped and whistled. It was so neat and nice. They are very special girls!

Sunday, September 23 - We had their birthday party at Village Green's Clubhouse. It had a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme. They love watching that. I had made the invitations which turned out cute. We had a small party with just cousins and friends. The girls had a ball. They danced to our birthday CD. Everyone played "Pin the Party Hat on Mickey" and "Find Plutos Bone". Mom drew Mickey and Pluto and they turned out so cute. They loved being sang to and just smiled from ear to ear. The did great at opening their gifts and holding them up for Daddy to take pics. The only glitch in the day was when I went to get the cake and it wasn't there! For the first (and last) time, I ordered it from Donut Bank online. Well, they didn't have one. So, Lori had to go to Diamond Ave and pick one up right at closing time! It was a pain but we had a VERY fresh cake!! The girls had a great time as did everyone else. They are really good girls and I love watching them interact. Besides the scratching, biting and pulling hair, they get along great! :-) We are so blessed!

Other:
Saturday, September 8 - We had a surprise retirement party for Mom at Howell Church's Family Life Center. It was such a chore to make it a surprise! Lori, Dad and I had to come up with so many stories and things to do without her to prepare, etc. I invited her to "Nicky's shower" that day and she complained and complained for a week about her shower being in the middle of the day on a Saturday. I really thought she was going to back out. So, to make her come, I asked her if she would watch the girls while I set up and then bring them because Nicky's family really wanted to see them. She said "well, Devyn has a football game...". I told her that he has more than one game and she can miss one! So, she said "I guess". I said "OK!". Lori and I went out there and set everything up at 9am that morning. Then I dropped the girls off at noon to Mom (in which she was still complaining!), went to Jack's game from 1:30-2:15 and then headed back out there to finish up. By 4pm, there was easily over 100 people there. At about 4:15ish, I looked out and saw Mom getting the girls out of the van. We told everyone to gather 'round. My heart was pounding and I was so anxious. When she opened the door, everyone yelled "Surprise" and she couldn't believe it. It was PERFECT! All the kids ran up to her and she couldn't even get in the door. They all love and miss her. She was shocked at the number of people there. We had pictures everywhere. Lori, Greg, Amanda Phelps, Teresa Berendes and I all spoke about her. She was laughing and crying at the same time. It was priceless. We got all her kids together with her and took a big picture which was awesome. Unfortunately some of the big boys had left and some came afterwards but there were 28 in the picture! It was an awesome evening and Mom still talks about it. She was truly surprised!!

Tuesday, September 18 - Mom, Brandy and I went with Lori to her ultrasound. She's having a BOY! It was plain and clear too!!

Friday, September 28 - We took the kids to Angel Mounds to Native American Days. It was a neat event. While dancing with the Indians and everyone else, a photographer from the Courier & Press took our picture. It's supposed to be in the Warrick edition on this Friday. This week is the Fall Festival. I've been 4 times and am done! We took the kids Tuesday night and Jack rode rides. Ally could've rode too but not Abby (too short!) so they only thing they did was go down the big slide with all 5 of us. They each got a corndog and munched on those for 30 minutes! Jack had a huge corn on the cob and thoroughly enjoyed it!!

Tomorrow, we're going camping at Lake Rudolph. It's one of their Halloweekends. Now, we'll be trick or treating and the high for the day is 91 degrees...too hot! The girls are going to be Colts Cheerleaders and Jack is going to be an Army Man. Jack has a camo heavy outfit, brown boots and my Dad's real army hat. He's going to burn up! It should be fun though. C&A are going to be next to us and then Lori, Mom, Devyn, Tyler and Monie rented a camper there. We should have around 20 people there! Can't wait!!

Next weekend, Amanda and I have a cabin in New Harmony to scrapbook from Fri-Sun! We are ready!! She's been so busy at work that we never get the chance to talk. Plus, I'm so far behind!!

We're off a weekend but then Halloween weekend we're going to Scales again. Hopefully it will be cooler then!

November events:
Jeff, his Mom and brothers are going to a Colts/Patriots game.
My birthday
A birthday getaway to a surprise location
Ally starts dance
Thanksgiving!

We are always so busy but we're lucky to have great family and friends and school to be a part of!!

Jack got his first Hat Trick!!!

Jack had his third soccer game last weekend (Sat. Sept 22, 2007) and scored all 3 goals for his team! I was so incredibly proud of him. I don't think I ever scored a goal in 10+ years of playing soccer, so you can imagine how I felt to be out there on the field with him when he did it. The week before that he got his first goal, but he was way more confident and aggressive this time and really went after the ball. The first goal was very impressive. He dribbled out of a pack of kids and kicked it hard right into the middle of the goal. The second one was a long kick from about mid field and a kid on the opposing team actually tapped it before it went it, but the third one was all him. It was another long one from about 20 feet out, but he kicked it right at the goal and it rolled in. I don't think he has any idea how awesome that is! He was trying hard to go after the ball and he got tripped up near the end of the game and rolled over and got grass all over himself and started to cry... So I let him sit out the rest of the game. He was still kind'of whimpering as we were getting ready to leave, and some old man we'd never seen before came up to him and said "Boy, you're a real fine soccer player. Keep up the good work!" Jack perked up right away and said, "Did you see that first goal I made???"

It was great!

Labor Day Weekend

We decided to FINALLY go to Randy and Tina’s during the summer to just visit. Greg and Billie were supposed to go too but back out at the last minute as usual. Dee, Stacie, Cade (almost 5) and Cole (age 2) also came up from Tallahassee. That made the trip even better! We’ve said for so long that we should do it and we finally did. It was a great weekend. We left after Jeff got off work on Friday around 1:00. We stopped to use the restroom just past Nashville and then at the rest area in Chattanooga that we always stop at. We grabbed some McDonald’s before the rest area so we had dinner there and played some soccer and just hung out for about 30 minutes. We didn’t have any trouble and pulled into Randy and Tina’s just shortly after 9pm. We were so happy to see everyone and Jack immediately made a great friend in Cade! We eventually went over to Grandma’s and got to bed around midnight. Saturday morning, we got up and it was cloudy and breezy out. The kids played on the swing set/jungle gym and riding toys all morning. They absolutely love it out there. I put some cinnamon rolls and coffee cakes in the oven and we all had breakfast (Jessica and Randi were over by then). By the time we ate (they are late eaters!), it was naptime for the girls. We then got them up at 1:00 and the 5 of us went into Downtown Atlanta to the Georgia Aquarium. It was very crowded and we had a hard time with the double stroller but it was neat. The kids enjoyed it but Jack couldn’t wait to get back to Cade! We came back and just hung out. Jack and Cade would go outside and play on the Barbie Jeep or the riding toys and then they’d come inside and play pool. They had a BALL! For dinner (at 7:30 their time!), we went to La Hacienda. There were 14 of us and then Randy and Gomer joined us after they went hunting. We headed back and got the girls to bed. Jack went to Cade’s room to watch Ninja Turtles and Jeff and I went to the Theater room and watched “Wild Hogs”. It was really funny! Sunday, we didn’t even leave the property. It was pretty chilly and windy again. The kids played outside all morning and then Randy and Tina went and got donuts. After we had breakfast, Dee went and picked up Grandma. She was so frail and bruised from a fall she took about a week ago. She didn’t say much. She gets confused and can’t remember names, etc. By this time, the house was packed. It was Randy, Tina, Steve, Molly, Avery, Sara, Jeremy, Jessica, Randi, Dillon, Dee, Stacie, Cade, Cole, Grandma, Gomer, Kathy, Jeanie, Jake, Amy (these are Gomer’s kids and grandson) and all 5 of us. They grilled out and we had so much food. The little boys swam…and Ally after she tumbled in. Jack had such a good time. Steve finally joined them! Earlier, in all this mess while the girls were sleeping, Tina took me, Dee and Stacie out to the OLD cemetery on their property. The tombstones are from the Civil War era with dates such as 1864. It was so neat. We also went over to the shop and shopped! I picked out a purse for Lori for her birthday. Right at dark, the boys got out of the pool and got settled down. Tina and I went over to the shop to get Lori’s purse embroidered. Jeff came over and worked on Tina’s computer. Jessica came over and finished Lori’s purse. Everyone left around this time. By the time we got out of there, everyone was gone or in bed except me, Tina, Randy and Stacie. We cleaned up the house and pool area. Monday, we got up and went over and had breakfast and coffee with everyone. While telling everyone goodbye, Jack started to cry because he didn’t want to leave his new friend! We headed out at 9am and should be home right around 4:00 or 4:30. It was a great trip!!

Jack's 5!

Need to write about his birthday party...

Today, when we got close to school, Jack said "Mommy, how about you just drop me off and watch me walk in." I was shocked. I said "OK, but the door is heavy." He said, "That's ok. I'll just knock. I want to do it like a big boy." So, when we got to school, I parked the van and got his backpack on. I gave him a hug and told him to be good and have fun. We walked across the street and then I stopped and he kept going. When he was walking up the ramp, he waved really big and then knocked lightly and then just jerked the door open. That was that. He went in and shut the door. I was proud and wanted to cry at the same time! He's getting so big and loves school!

So much going on!

Today was Jack's first official day of Pre-K! Yesterday was registration and I had to work so he went to his classroom and played for a couple hours. He absolutely loved it and was begging to go back at 6:30am this morning! I took him at 8:00 and dropped him off. I wasn't expecting it to be hard since we were there yesterday but I still got upset. He was excited and put his backpack on his hook. I took pictures of him going up the ramp and in the classroom. Yesterday, I took pictures of him with Mrs. Virden and Mrs. Wheatley. He went today and goes Thursday and then next week he starts going every day. He did awesome. He was really ready!! It's just so hard to drop him off and know that this is his last year at Totten Hall and he'll be walking through graduation and moving on.

Next Wednesday is Jack's 5th birthday which I cannot believe. 5 seems so much older than 4. We haven't officially measured him yet (we'll do that next week) but it looks like he's grown 2 inches in 6 months. He's getting so big. :-( This Sunday is his bday party. It's a bike party since that is what he LOVES to do. We're having it at Audubon Park and having everyone bring their bikes and having bike decorating and an obstacle course. Should be fun!

Jack is such a fish now. He's swimming underwater...diving down for toys. This past weekend, Jeff took him to the deep end and he swam 3-4 feet to him.

We decided to sign Jack up for soccer this year in Newburgh. Jeff signed up to help assistant coach. Well, they called and asked him to coach a team. So, last Saturday, Jeff and Jack had their first practice. Jack did great and tried very hard. Jeff did an awesome job at coaching the kids. There are 5 kids on the team and they play 4 on 4. It should be alot of fun! Jeff had a coaches clinic the morning before the practice and had to do drills as if they were a certain age and he won an award for being the "Best 8 yr old"! Jeff is really hoping that Jack and/or the girls take to soccer so he can keep coaching!!

The girls are really getting big. They turn 2 in just 4 weeks. I have no idea where the time went. Their party is going to be at Village Green's clubhouse and is going to have a Mickey Mouse theme. They love watching that! Their dr appt is in a few weeks and I can't wait to officially weigh and measure them. Last time I weighed them, Ally was 6 lbs heavier than Abby! Both girls are saying 2 word sentences: "Hi Daddy", "Hi Jack", "Bye Momma". It's so cute. One of Abby's favorite words is "Nook" for drink. If you say "Abby say milk.", she says "Nook". If you say "Abby say drink", she says "Nook". It's so funny. They love shoes and love going upstairs with Daddy when he gets home from work to change clothes.

Coming events:
Monday, August 27th, Abby is starting a tumbling class at Acros Gym. She's going to LOVE it. After that session is over, Ally is going to take Dance. We can't afford for both of them to do it!

Tonight, we are taking all 3 kids to the Stadium to see the Wiggles. Should be fun!!

We're heading to Fayetteville, GA to visit Randy, Tina and Grandma over Labor Day weekend. Should be very nice. I don't think we've ever been there to just visit. It's always been an event to attend.

We're having a surprise retirement party for Mom on Sept. 8th. We've found dozens of past babysitting kids so I'm really hoping it's going to be a surprise. We've collected so many pictures and Lori is making posterboards of them. The centerpieces are going to be pics in frames which I've already done. I can't wait!!

Past events:
A few weeks ago, we had our first annual Luau. The house looked great and we had great food. We also rented a Margarita machine. It was fun but very laid back and not much going on. It was relaxing and nice though. We just spent every day for a solid week working on the yard and stuff and it seemed a little boring. Oh well...maybe next year will be better!

Last week, Jeff and I went to Louisville to see my favorite group in concert, Rascal Flatts! I was soooo excited but had absolutely no idea how wonderful it would be. They were so awesome and I'm even a bigger fan now!! I was in HEAVEN! We were on the 4th row on the floor and probably about 5 feet from them. I joined the fan club just to get tickets early. That was the best $25 I've ever spent!! Can't wait to go again sometime!!!

Scammed...

Update

Ally - Says: Grandma, Gracie, Momma (finally!), Drinkie please, Blankie please, Thirsty and Shut Up! Other: crossing arms, 27 lbs, size 6 1/2 shoe, looks for Abby when we go someplace without her

Abby - Talking alot more, Says: More, Gracie, Bubba, Pa-pa (paci), Cool, Broke, Nook means milk or drink. Other: 22 lbs, size 5 shoe, got her first real hair cut/trim on 7/13 - got bangs and a flip...looks so cute!

Jack - size 11 1/2 shoe, swimming like a fish - under water with goggles


We've been using our camper a TON! We went 3 out of 4 weekends in June/July. We've been to Diamond Lake, Lincoln State Park and Tipsaw Lake (beautiful!). We're getting alot of good use out of it!! We also finally sold the pop-up, thank goodness.

I've been noticing that Ally has been more clumsey and falling more lately. Took her to see Dr. Cochran and he said her left leg is weaker than her right but nothing seriously wrong. She had an x-ray which came back fine. So, on July 6, we started Physical Therapy at High Point with Karen Lawson. She did all kinds of physical tests and measurements. She said her right leg has more muscle but her left leg is bigger with either more baby fat or swollen. She definitely tends to favor her right leg. Ally was so good. She did exactly what she was told and enjoyed our time together. Karen gave me 3 exercises to do with Ally to help strengthen her leg and also "bandaged" it up to make her want to use it. She's doing her exercises so good and loves aims to please. We have some great kids!! She goes back on July 27.

Lots of little things coming up: Jeff gone canoeing this weekend, Tonya's baby shower, we're having a Luau, Mel's wedding, etc.

Exciting!

Well, Sunday night we picked up our new camper. It's AWESOME! We've been working like crazy to get everything ready to go camping this weekend. All that's left to do is fill up the new camper with everything that was in the popup. Jeff's got all the hoses and wires figured out so we're excited!

I went home at lunch today to show the popup to a couple for the second time. I really hope they buy it...

Christi had Kinley last night and I went to the hospital to visit them at lunch. She's adorable and perfect!

Jeff and Jack are going to Quail Crossing with Brian and Grant McAtee to play golf tonight. They are renting a golf cart so Jack is going to be in heaven!!