Fall catch up

Wow, time sure has flown by! We had a great summer! The kids & I went to Charleston (June) for a quick beach trip with Gram, while Karl went to SD.. (for Quinn's wedding)  We all went to Charleston (July) again for another quick weekend for my birthday. We then took a trip to FL we went to Jacksonville for a few nights then traveled down to Ft. Lauderdale, stoped in Melbourne & Brunswick for a night too. It was nice to see the different locations, and the last big trip before school! We got home on Sunday and Maddi started school Wednesday morning and Karl on Thursday! Then we took a short trip to NH this October.


We have a count down 5 more weeks this semester for Karl!! :) Then in January he has 4 months and he is done!! Hip hip hooray!! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now!! I was beginning to think we were lost! :) We have been blessed with steady work, which we are grateful for! Karl has been more loaded with school to be there as much as he would like, so he is really looking forward to December! (4 week break)

Maddi absolutely loves every ounce of 1st grade! Mrs. Wallace is such a great teacher, she tells me sometimes she'd like to go home with her! :) She is keeping up with her reading, always has a book in her hand, reading chapter books! She takes right after her Dad!  Very much a perfectionist thinks she has to be perfect at everything! Luckily things have come easy for her so far, so that image isn't hard for her to obtain. Her teacher told me she can't believe how well rounded she is! She says Maddi comes in with these fancy adorable little outfits and is all about being girly, is the first kid in the class to pay attention and trying to soak up as much knowledge as she can, is so friendly wants to be friends with everyone little social butterfly, but none of that stops her from playing basketball with the boys at recess! She got the Terrific kid award for the first quarter, we are so proud of her!

Hudson is still my wild 100% boy!! But loves his pluggie and wants to be the baby sometimes too! :) Which we don't deny him! We moved Maddi into a new room and trying to make her room into his, so I ask if he wants to sleep there he says "No, crib!"  He wants to go the school always asks for his backpack .. "I go school Maddi?" He's gonna be upset when he realizes he can never go with Maddi! But hes been enjoying our little play dates! Every time we go in the Car asks "I go Coco's house?" Or if we pull into Delan & Mindy's he says "Brady yay!!!"  I try to tease "Hudson Baby?" his response is always "No, Bebett the baby!!" I think his speech is still delayed, but he is one smart cookie! And he is saying new words daily! Loves to sing, doesn't know any of the words, but can get the tune pretty quickly!

As for me i've been slowly redoing Maddis new bedroom.. its slow going but progress none the less! I'm trying to take one room at a time and redo it, house needs a lift! Since we aren't moving out anytime soon! :) Not that I mind! Other than that, that's pretty much life here in our house!

Pictures are from Cohen's birthday party, but they dressed as pirates for halloween too, I just didn't get a picture.

Weekend away

Memorial day weekend we went to TN. We had a great time! Weather was perfect it was busy but not horrible! :)



Maddi begged to go to the upside down house! :) Wonder Works.




Everyone was amazed that she got all the way the the top!! The guy kept telling me shes a natural!



We also went to dolly wood! Kids LOVED every second! Hudson even got to go on lots of rides!


Hes thrilled and Missy is mad to have to go on the "baby rides"



But ohh they are fun after all!




And we really enjoyed out hotel! It even had a water slide !

End of the school year!

Wow, crazy how fast the school year went.. even though its not over over till June 1st feels like everything is pretty much done!  I know the summer will go even faster, and before we know it the next school year will begin! Yikes! :) Even though Madison is extremely excited to start 1st grade! They had a little program singing songs.
http://youtu.be/s88PZIREKow

http://youtu.be/8M8YeVRUOLE
Then we went to the classroom and had awards!

 We are VERY proud of her she got the Terrific kid award, Mrs. Coleman said they talked about the quality a terrific kid would have and let the class vote, and they were blown away by majority of the kids voted the same way it was Madison!

She also got the book it award, she got an award for logging over 200+ books in her reading log, she got perfect attendance (Think it must be a mistake :), she got a medal for Math super stars & they did the candy bars awards and they awarded her with the M&M award for being a Magnificent & Marvelous student.

Girls with Mrs. Coleman K5 teacher they had so much fun this year!

Mrs. Farmer K5 teachers aid-- (Madison LOVED her!)
They had field day yesterday, which is always a blast even though it was so HOT! The by lunch time the kids just didn't want to play anymore!! :)





This week we also went for Madison's gymnastic show the last class is June 4th. (With Memorial day off of course.) She switched classes a month of so ago to be with the big girls, the class is for 6-12 year olds, but since she could keep up they let her join early.

April

Devotions together Karl & I do a devotion everyday we use married couples by Dr. Dobson
its on crosswalk.com if you are ever interested. Sometimes we find that the only time we could sit down without the kids was at bed time and we were both SO tired to get up and find it out the computer so every morning I read it and email it to him then thru the day when he gets a chance he reads it then we can disuss it either when he gets home or by phone or sometimes by email we find it works best for us, and really keeps us focused on Christs idea of marriage.


March: I need to get motivated! Down by 2 anyways 8 to go.
Feb: We have started a playgroup once a month, and I joined a bible study & Julia stated a girls night every wednesday so I think i'm doing pretty good! :)
January:  Same report: Going good! :)

That Proverbs 31 Woman. . .

“A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30
Are you ever intimidated by the “Proverbs 31 woman”? Sometimes I am. How can we compete? Here’s a woman who brings her husband “good, not harm, all the days of her life”; gets up before the morning light; feeds her family; shows good judgment in her purchases; works “vigorously”; helps the poor; has time to make bed coverings for her household and garments for sale; has enough faith to “laugh at the days to come”; “speaks with wisdom”; has no use for idleness; and earns blessing and praise from her husband and children!
Let’s be honest, we can’t compete . . . but maybe we don’t have to. I’m not convinced, for example, that the woman described in Proverbs 31 is one literal person. Or, if she is, that she achieved all her accomplishments during the same period of life. Rather, I think that through the writings of Solomon, the Lord has provided us women with specific examples of the behavior to which we should continually aspire—just as all Christians aspire to be like Jesus, even though we’ll never actually reach His level of perfection.
I believe that the key to understanding Proverbs 31 is found in verse 30, the next to last passage in Proverbs: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” According to this verse, a “woman who fears the LORD,”—who seeks His will for her as wife, mother, and follower of Jesus—is the Proverbs 31 woman, no matter how a particular day or season of her life is going.
My encouragement to you as a wife is to seek God and submit to His direction—and add a dash of love in the process. I promise you that you’ll please your Maker, bring honor to your husband and family, and find a personal contentedness that will never be matched.
- Shirley M Dobson

March

Ok heres for March # 3: Lose 10 lbs. I was going to be happily report that i lost 4lbs! 1 lb for each month, but i've had a few problems this past week I broke out in hives, so I've been on prednisone and I hear it makes you gain weight! I don't dare check! ;) I'm happy to report that i'm feeling MUCH MUCH better and will be off the meds in a couple of days though!

Update on past:

Devotions are very enlightening and I enjoy that time everyday.
Meeting new people i've sorta stopped going to playdates a bit, it seems like I have every excuse in the book! But I have planned and started to do a playdate once a month so thats good, right? ;)

Life:

We had a good spring break and Easter! Madison did the free swim lessons at the YMCA, which she just loved so I can't wait for her to do them this summer! We enjoyed our no school no sports week! :)

Hudson Rayce

Hudson Rayce

Spunky!
He's 2!! Wow, time sure does fly! We are most definitely experiencing the terrible twos! He is a handful, and I am tired at the end of the day! :) Most of the time he is very good at home by himself, so if you wonder why we don't leave the house! ;) Very much a wild Indian and such an entertainer! Takes after his Daddy and is a huge tease! He is very much so a Daddy's boy and his Daddy eats it up! So of course that means he wants to be just like him.. his all time favorites are shoes & golf! He even has to carry a can of chew in his pocket!

Where I found him one day!
You will barely find him with his own shoes on as you can tell! :)

He was evaluated for speech this past week. I didn't think he was talking as much as he should be, which they thought was true. He would have had to be 40% behind in speech or 25% behind in 2 or more areas. He did not qualify for services. They said a normal range is 85-120 and he scored an 84 so the low end of normal. They said " He is one smart cookie hes just choosing not to use words." She was also very taken back as to how strong willed he is. So the past few days we started taking the plug away and he talks! Go figure! ;) So I may have been his problem I gave it so he would be quiet. Oops!

He is not a picture fan!

He is very much a protector. If he thinks something might be happening to Madison he is right there to save her! :)

As everyone says "But he sure is cute!"
Maddi says I REALLY want a sister, but I wouldn't trade Hudson! I think we will keep him! :)

Madison Shea

Madison Shea

I thought it would be neat to do separate posts about the kids to update on life. Its fun to go back and read things that I had forgotten so sorry if I bore you! :) 

At the cabbage patch hospital.

We had a conference for the 3rd quarter which was led by Madison, she got to show us her work tell us what she thought she was good at, and what she needed to work on. I didn't really understand or see a point in all of this, but she was thrilled to get to do it! So it was worth it! It was neat seeing all her improvements from writing, spelling, drawings..etc. from the start of school till now. I guess its something that will travel with her as well so we can see it through out the next few years.Her teacher keep saying she is a golden student and such a joy!  She is doing great in school. She is getting speech services to work on her R & W sounds. At first they said she didn't need to help, but then took her in. They said she needs to train her tongue, but is doing very well. She has accepted it as a challenge and acts like she is going to accomplish this task! :) She never really took speech this seriously before, maybe its the age? She is ready for 1st grade and the teacher would like to give her the 1st & 2nd grade words to work on so that she will be able to read harder books. She has taken 5 AR test and only missed 1 question total. So we are very proud of her! I just worry about pushing her to hard to soon, but it seems like something she really enjoys! Most kids are playing with dolls, but she is writing, writing, writing! You don't come over with out her writing you a note! ;)

At the gym

Ice Skating

She is still in gymnastics and really loves it, it ends in June. I'm really looking forward to a break! Ice skating as ended. She did really well, and I would like for her to get into it again come this fall. She started soccer again, we don't know why we did! (She begged to play again) We all dread soccer days! ;) So I believe its not for her, this will be her last season! Her new obsession is basketball and really wants to play, so next season we will move on! We will have NO activities  all summer, other than swimming lessons, but that just last for 2-3 weeks in June.

First pedicure.

Best school bud Maycee

She is all about friends and will find one where ever she goes! :) She has turned into a social butterfly! I love it! She is all about planning her birthday, good thing its in August! ;)  She got to be the flowergirl in Trinda's wedding and was just thrilled and took the job very seriously!

February

Opps I guess I forgot to post my 2nd resolution!

February

Meeting new people, which for me anyways is really hard to do! So I joined a meet up group have gone to a few play dates, and look forward to getting to know these ladies more. we've had so much sickness that its been hard to get out a lot. I'm really bad at taking photos these days I seriously don't know where my camera even is! So I don't have any photos, but soon I will be adding!

Recap on January:

It been going pretty good very beneficial.

Encouragement

I read this and I will be the first to admit I am VERY guilty of having words that can tear down, but thought I would share for the rest of you reading! If anyone is.. :)

February 15, 2012
Words Can Captivate Your Man
(or any number of people)
Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth
A good wife is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds (Proverbs 31:10, The Message).
Friend to Friend
OK, today is a devo for our married GiGs, but you single gals are not off the hook. Words are so powerful. We can use them to build people up or tear people down, to encourage or discourage, to speak life or to speak death. If you are not married, think of a friend or family member looking at your picture and musing about the impact you’ve had on their life. What would run through their mind? Now, you can read this devotion and put someone else in this buddy’s seat.
Today, I want you to use your imagination. I want you to imagine your husband sitting at his desk or at a quiet place at work. Imagine him lost in thought about how blessed he is to have you as his wife. He holds your framed picture in his hand and moisture begins to pool in his eyes. He is captivated.
All the riches in the world are not to be compared with the jewel I have in this woman,he muses. What did I ever do to deserve her? God has given me such a gift. All our married life, she has done nothing but love me, bring out the best in me, and look out for my best interest. All the guys at the office are envious of our relationship. I see the way their eyes soften when she comes by just to tell me hello, grabs my hand when we’re at office functions, or pecks me on the cheek for no apparent reason. I notice that her loving words to me are in stark contrast to some of the cutting remarks of other wives…and so do my friends. I look around at the accomplishments of my life, but having this woman as my wife is my greatest. Oh sure, there are many women out there in the world who are accomplishing great feats, but my wife…well, she surpasses them all.
What a picture! That’s the woman I want to be, don’t you? And amazingly my words can be the determining factor as to whether this scenario is possible or not. Did you know that there are words your husband longs to hear? Did you know that there are words we should never say? Let me give you a few from my book, The Power of a Woman’s Words.
Words Never to Say to Your Husband
1. I told you so.
2. You just don’t think.
3. It’s all your fault.
4. What’s wrong with you?
5. I can’t do anything to please you.
6. All you care about is yourself.
7. You never listen to me.
8. I don’t know why I put up with you.
9. What do you want now?
10. How many times do I have to tell you?
Words Your Husband Longs to Hear

1. I’ve been thinking about you all day.
2. What can I do for you today?
3. How can I pray for you today?
4. The best part of my day is when you come home.
5. You are one of God’s most precious gifts to me.
6. You are so wonderful.
7. You look so handsome today.
8. I don’t feel complete without you.
9. I will always love you.
10. I trust your decisions.

Today, be aware of the words you say to your husband. Do they build him up or tear him down? Do they make him glad he came home, or wish he hadn’t?
And for the single GiG, consider the words that you speak to your co-workers and friends. They have their own lists too.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, please keep watch over my lips today. Help me use my words to speak life to those I come in contact with today. Help me use my words to build up and not tear down. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Why not pick out 1 or 2 phrases from the list of words your husband longs to hear and try them out today? You might be surprised just how much his eyes light up! When you love your husband well, God says “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”

Resolution #1

-January-

On New Years Karl & I sat down and set 12 realistic resolutions for ourselves. I thought at the end of each month I would blog about one of them, and maybe hold myself countable then month after month! :) So for January was to do a devotion time to just sit and have time alone with God. I've really been enjoying it, I picked this one. I try and wake up early so I'm able to do it before the kids get up!

Off subject I leave you with two of our greatest blessings! Photos taken by Cassie

Spending time with family.

 We went to NH in October for my niece Ariel's wedding. It was nice to see family & catch up with old friends, but a pretty short trip. I hadn't been there in over a year, and Karl it was over 3 years for him.

Our kids before the wedding!

(Kinda sad just got Hudson a haircut and his hair is darker! :( )

Best friends! Maddi & Ava

Hudson & Maddox got along long enough to get a picture ;) haha Nah they weren't to bad.

Our lovely family photo

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Hope you all had a happy, healthy and blessed thanksgiving! =) We went out to Walmart at 9pm for a little black friday shopping. All I can say is "WOW!" I've been a few years in a row, but I think this year was by far the worst!!

Hudson playing ball he's pretty good too. He got this for his birthday and I packed it away till he knew how good thing he loves it!

Long over due!

Wow, I didn't realize how long its been since I updated! Crazy! I don't even remember how anymore!
Lets see where do I start?!

Madison has been loving Kindergarten. We had a conference and the first thing the teacher told us was. "You have the sweetest little girl, I just want to take her home with me." We wondered if she knew which one was ours. ;) haha! Just kidding! She is doing extremely well, learning to read already which blows me away. Everything seems to be coming very easy to her so far, I hope school is a breeze to her all 13+ years! :) She did Soccer this season and really enjoyed it says she'd like to sign up for next season. She is currently in gymnastics we just got her enrolled and has really been enjoying that. In January she starts ice skating. She would really like to be involved in anything and everything if we let her.

Hudson is a terror!! He sure keeps me busy and tired! He gets into anything and everything. And I'm scared to death to get into the terrible 2's never mind the 3's :S I'm a bit concerned he isn't where he should be with speech, I did talk to the doctor about it he said to told off till about 20-21 months and if it hasn't improved then get him evaluated. Hes probably saying about 11 words clearly although his favorite right now is NO so of course that's all we hear! He used to call Maddi "Maa-maa" but it wasn't till he got very angry that it came out 'Maaa- DAY" with that all said he loves to interact with kids. I don't remember Madison really noticing other kids at this age. He of course loves his big sister as long as she doesn't get to close to Mom or Grammy! Then the jealousy comes out! He would live outside he loves it, and runs away often! I find him inside the neighbors house many times! Thankfully we know them, but they just sold so now I have to worry!!

Karl has been extremely busy the past couple of weeks with work, never mind school (Which is almost over, not that I'm counting ;) ) Which can get very stressful, but we are very thankful for the work! His classes end the first week of December, then he will transfer to USC I'm happy that means progress, but at the same time ahh that's further away and more effort!! I'm looking forward to it all being over! :)

We had photos taken October 1st I was thinking I was ahead of the game. Hudson wasn't the best at the photo shoot, but all in all I thought we got a few good ones. A couple weeks go by and the photographer contacts me, her apartment burnt and all the copies she had of the photos went with it. The only thing she had was 4 photos, so we did a re-shoot and I hope she got one cuz mister man just ran and would not sit still for anything!! So i'm still waiting to view the photos so i'm kinda behind the game ;) Oh well! Life goes on!
Between the school run, chasing Hudson around and trying to clean & cook seems like I have no time for anything else! Madison keeps asking to ride the bus I told her back in august she can after Christmas thinking she wouldn't by then, oops I was wrong she keeps telling me Christmas is almost here!! She only wants to ride it home, which scares me that she might get on the wrong bus! So I don't know what I have to do or say to get her to change her mind! I can't believe thanksgiving is next week, boy it seems like each year goes by faster and faster!! :)

Having a blast!

This is saved in my drafts so maybe I wanted to post at some point? :) This is from May I think, he had a blast! :)

T-ball

T-ball with 3-5 year olds is pretty much the best! :) I'm shocked they got these kids attention for an hour and half!




Maddis biggest fan!
GO Maddi!!