Ali's Baptism

My neice was baptized July 2010. My Mom made her dress, of course. It's beautiful, isn't it?! She was excited to have her big day, as were we. Her grandparents came from California. It was a special experience. In attendance was my family her grandparents and 2 friends. So, you could feel the Spirit there.

The girl cousins. These girls really enjoy being together. Summer, Ali, Amber, and Giana
The kids were able to sing "When Jesus Christ Was Baptized".

Ali asked her aunts to give the 2 talks. It was great to be able to participate in this time of her life. I look forward to being with her at the temple one day too.

August 2010

I'm out of chronological order. These pics were taken by Uncle Robert. They are high quality, so I have a hard time uploading them, but they are good. Tiff and Robert went to a drive-in movie with us. It was kinda a last HURRAH before the kids went back to school. We watched Toy Story 3 and Despicable Me. They were 2 good ones, and it was an interesting experience. We took advantage of our van's transforming abilities.
Here below is Jonah sitting on one of the seats. Amber is getting herself a beverage.

Doesn't it look like there should be plenty of room?! And yet there wasn't. We had some good laughs that night.

Here's Amber, Gigi, and J-man being entertained before the shows started. This "train" just went round and round in a circle! They must've been desperate. : )

Preschool

After 3 kids made it into school, I finally got around to an organized preschool. I've had desires for the others to do preschool with me. However, unless others are involved, I'm just not devoted enough. But, thanks to a close friend, we committed. I must say, it's been needed. Giana has been so lonely at home alone. I have enjoyed exploring my creative side to come up with fun learning opportunities.

Here are the girls learning up and down. They also took turns getting flipped up and down by yours truely.

This is what they do as soon as they get to preschool to get them going. I was lucky enough to be the first preschool day. They were very excited. I'm grateful for the tools that I've acquired so that I can teach these girls. (First day was the first Tues. in Sept.).

#11

Well, we made it to 11 years. It's hard to remember life without you babe! Here we are sharing in our love for food (Charlotte).

Go Cocks!

This year we decided that we should make it a tradition to watch the kick-off game together. So, we all dressed in our USC tees. I even went and got Cocky tattoos for the kids cheeks (which I was informed was a No-Go for the boys). When I dropped the kids at school, everyone was wearing their colors proud. You could tell that my kids felt good about showing their team spirit with everyone else. I got choked up(j/k). But, seriously...I often wonder if other people feel the same about their teams as Gamecock fans. I mean, I get gitty when football season is here! So, here's what our tailgating looked like:

Is this shirt not perfect for Roc? I almost bought a matching one for Frank! The boys wearing their colors.

I hate that I didn't get a pic of her in the morning. She looked cute, and not so tore up.

Again, next time in the morning. Amber wasn't wearing a poodle skirt, and had her hair in pigtails. She's drinking a milkshake that Ethan made.

Jonah helped my cook. Can you tell that this boy loves his Mama's ribs?

Here's Ethan looking up recipes for some treats.

The End.

Say What?!?

Since I'm in Cub Scouts, I pick up 2 other boys on the way to church. It is a trip listening to 3 boys talking. Ethan is getting so big, and catching their conversations reminds me of that.
So, here's a peak at what I get to hear each week!

Friend: "I hope this caterpillar isn't making babies on me."
then- "Oh...it can't make babies 'til it becomes a butterfly."

Ethan: "Duuhh! It's not like they turn 18 and shoot babies out of their butts."

Where do they come up with this stuff??!!

August 17th-Back to School

Brace yourselves! I had pink eye & a sinus infection when the kids started school. But, thank goodness Roc was able to take the kids in. He was accomodating, and agreed to take pictures of the kiddies for me. It was Amber's first day of school! We were so excited for her, she had a pre-K program for about a month before school started. So, she was familiar with the school and her teacher already. Jonah started 2nd and Ethan started 4th. They are getting so big!


I know I look scary, but this is what me and Gigi looked like on the kids first day. I love this pic of her!

Ethan putting his stuff up.

Amber loves her teacher. She is so excited, she finally made it! K's theme is Candy Land, cute.

3 down and one to go!

Amber is always willing to pose.

We always go back and forth with breakfasts and lunches, however this year we have a good system down. I don't like sending the kids to school after only cereal. So, I make a "real" breakfast and Roc makes the kids luches. This has been a big help. I'm so grateful for a husband who is so willing to share "the load".