What a Night

We decided to stay home from the Sterling College game tonight. Since Caleb had a game 45 minutes away this morning, we thought it sounded good to watch the game on the internet instead. We went to Chuck's office with Betsy and Jodi and had a good time watching the game on the projector. The kids all donned their warrior gear and we took our snacks and candy and pretended we were there.
It was a close game. We left in the fourth quarter to watch/listen at home. We got home and turned the radio on while I tried to get the live stream on the computer. As I was setting it up, I heard two scary-loud booms. We could NOT figure out what they were. I looked outside to discover fireworks being shot off over the lake. I can't for the life of me figure out why a whole show of fireworks was happening on September 25 (we guessed they had to use them up by a certain time since they didn't use them on the Fourth, but no idea for sure), but the three younger kids took advantage of our great view from inside. They pulled up chairs at the front door and ooooh-ed and aaaah-ed. In the middle of the fireworks, the game really started heating up. I was going back and forth between trying to get the computer to cooperate to the elated kids watching a fireworks display in September all the while listening to the game blaring on the radio. In the midst of everything I looked over to see my poor eldest son in agony on the floor silently rooting on "his team."He is such a football/Warrior/Dad fan. He could hardly take it. We did end up with a disappointing loss, but not from the lack of will of a certain 9-year-old!

Dream Come True

Ever since this boy was a teeny tiny thing, he has dreamed of being big enough to be in the game.
He has had the privilege that many kids his age haven't to be in the action, at practice and on the sidelines during games.
This year is the year that he gets to strap on "real" pads and play the game himself!
Even though it is just at the third grade level, he feels like he has hit the "big time!" He is having so much fun even practicing because he is able to tackle someone hard and not get in trouble for it!!Caleb and his good friend, Moises. They are trying to look tough but their cute smiles snuck through.Caleb and some of his teamates. They're so cute, I mean tough!

Cubby Buddies

Not only was it Jake's first day of preschool yesterday, it was also the kick-off night for Cubbies. Both kids were SO excited, but Jake had other things to take his mind off of it and, after all, he was an old pro since he went last year. Anna, however, finally felt like a big kid being included in Awana! She woke up a little before 7:00 and right away had to get her Cubbies vest on. She wore it proudly all day.


.They really are good buddies!

Football Practice Galore!

This week is finally "game week" and oh, are we ready! I don't know if the coaches or players are, but after four weeks of practices (for Caleb and Chuck) we are ready to watch the games!! Here are a few (more) pictures of the college practices.Our niece, Culley enjoying the nice day.
Jake was dressed just in case they needed him to step in.
The girls love to "help" the trainers.Some of the biggest fans!

First Days of School

Our school year is officially up and running. We had a nice long summer break and filled it with as many trips and as much fun as we could! Caleb and Aly are very excited to begin this new year in a brand new school building.
Caleb is in third grade this year. Third grade is one of those grades that sounds "older" to me. Maybe it is because Mom has taught third for the past several years and those children seem older than what Caleb should be.
Aly is my second-grader this year. And Jake even gets to join in the fun. We decided to send him to preschool at a church in town. He will get to go three mornings a week.Here are my three big kids. :)And here they are with their teachers.

Oh, how we are praying for these ladies! :)

Its Beginning to Feel a lot Like Fall!

The weather has been beautifully cooler, the school supplies are well-stocked and... football has begun! We have enjoyed the beginning of this new season. We traded our tank tops and shorts for layers. Our back packs are stocked, ready and waiting for the first day of school. And the college is buzzing with the excitement of a new year and we are buzzing with the excitement of a new season of FOOTBALL. So, if you need to find us, we will most likely be hanging around practice.
We really enjoy being a part of the Sterling College Warriors! Can't wait for another season to begin, but for these next two weeks, we are in for a wild ride. Chuck's gone most of the time so we adjust our schedules to take in as many practices we can and take as many opportunities as we can to hang out at the college with him. I was remembering back a couple of years when I wrote down the "top ten reasons we know it's football season" and thought I would share it again. :)


The Top 10 Ways We Know Football Has Begun

10. I fix hot dogs and mac & cheese for supper multiple times in one week.

9. I find myself having a one-sided conversation and/or answering my own questions.

8. When I see my husband awake, he's surrounded by a bunch of sweaty college boys.

7. A "date" is eating at the college cafeteria.

6. Our yard becomes a forest.

5. My children cry themselves to sleep because they miss their daddy.

4. I catch people giving me the "Oh, that poor single Mom" look when I take the four kids out in public.

3. I feel like it's bedtime at 7:00 in the evening.

2. I watch so much football, I start to dream about it.

And the number one way that I know football has begun...

1. We stock up on candy, noise makers, and other goodies because we can't wait for the first game!!

GO WARRIORS!!!!!

Illinois Vacation

Once again I find myself way behind in posting, but you're used to that, right? Thank you for sticking with me. :) I have the whole summer to catch up on, but for now I'll start with our most recent set of summer adventures, our trip to Illinois. The trip started early for Caleb and Aly. They got to ride with my mom on the train and spend a week in Illinois by themselves. They had a great time swimming, picking yummy Illinois sweet corn, meeting new friends, playing with their cousins, fishing with Pop, starting piano lessons with Grandma Bev and running in the town's fun run. They felt so special being on their own with their wonderful grandparents! I still hold the memories spent on my own with my grandparents near to my heart. Thanks, Mom and Dad for letting them stay with you and make so many special memories!!
After our 12 hour trip to Illinois, we were ready to lay low for a day. We stayed around the house and helped Mom & Dad get ready for my Grandma's estate sale. It was very hard emotionally, but a good time working together. After the work, the ladies hit some famous Princeton garage sales. Mom & Jessica are the "salin' experts" and they had a great one cased out for me. I ended up with three shirts for myself and ten pieces of clothing for the kids (nice stuff) and a few books and toys for $1.40!! Just about everything was $.10 and some $.05, (Old Navy, Gap, Children's Place, Nike...) so I was a happy camper!
The next day we headed to Lake Michigan to spend the day at the Indiana Dunes. We always have a great time swimming and climbing the giant sand dunes. I took some pictures, but they were on Jessica's camera. I'll share those when I have a chance.
Another highlight of our trip was getting to go to a Peoria Chief's Baseball game. They are the Chicago Cub's Minor league team.
The kids looked pretty cute all decked out in their Cubs gear.
Caleb was having the time of his life! It poured down rain most of the game, but that didn't dampen his excitement. He even got a foul ball.
Jake and Anna had fun playing with their cousin Cade. Jake and Cade are about 7 months apart and have really started becoming great friends. They would play outside for long periods of time having great adventures. They even had a hideout.Can you see both blue-eyed boys? Sometimes all we could see was the tip of the spear going back and forth in the flower garden.
My four cuties all ready for Church.
We spent some time at the local park. Princeton really is a pretty town. I miss the trees. Sorry Kansans!! ;)


We did have a great time. Thanks so much Mom & Dad!!