HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Last night we carved pumpkins. The kids were all gung-ho about helping until they actually got their hands dirty, then I was pretty much on my own.

Jasmine picked out the spider pattern to be carved. I think it turned out pretty good for me not following the directions. I totally skipped the step where you are suppose to trace the pattern onto the pumpkin and started cutting through the paper and thinking to myself, how are you suppose to know where to meet the incision w/ this paper in the way..........DUH!!! Oh well, this was our first year to use a 'kit' and we're happy w/ the results.

We are going to my grandmother's church tonight for Trunk or Treat, should be fun.

Say It Isn't So...

Welp, soccer season is officially over. Jasmine did much better this season and played in all the games except the first one. She had a great coaching team this year. We didn't find out until the last practice, but her coach is a police officer. At the last practice he wore his uniform and drove the squad car. The kids were soo impressed. They also brought cupcakes and juice for the girls and got each of them a super-cute soccer necklace.

Monday was awards night where the girl's were presented their trophies - which Jasmine ended up breaking in record time (no worries, nothing a little super glue won't fix).

She had a lot of fun this year and told me she wants to play next season, but only until she is 6. After she is 6, she doesn't want to play soccer anymore. Not sure of the reasoning, but she has her mind made up. We'll see how it plays out.

Fall Festival...Cash's 3rd Birthday Party

This weekend was packed full for us. Friday Cash and I shopped for Birthday Party supplies during the day. He is growing into such a little man. We were at Wal*Mart and he informed me he wanted to walk. Thinking to myself *oh,no-this could get ugly* (for those of you who don't know, Cash runs EVERYWHERE) but was pleasantly surprised when he stayed with me the entire trip and I only found a few stray items in the basket while unloading. After Wal*Mart we headed to Party City, which was a nightmare. It just didn't compute until I couldn't find a parking splace that not only is it Cash's birthday weekend, but the weekend before Halloween and Party City is Halloween Headquarters. The back of the store was completely off limits so when needing to go to a different isle we either had to backup or turn the basket around and go back the way we came. After making our selections I found the line reached from one end of the store to another, and only then did I realize I forgot the pinata I couldn't find someone to help me get down. So while in line, as a worker passed, I snagged him and asked if he could bring me a Superman pinata - he came back w/ Strawberry Shortcake poor guy.

That evening was our Fall Festival at church. We didn't stay long due to the fact that the lines were averaging about 30-45 minutes each(from what we could tell)and for a 3 and 5 year old, that is just not happening at least not our kids. We stood in line for a pony ride for about 30 minutes before Jasmine decided the wait was not worth the end result and hopped out of line. Cash did play some of the toddler games and Jasmine lucked out on one of the bounce house slides and was 3rd in line.

Saturday was Cash's 3rd Birthday and his Party. We had a Superhero-Costume party and the kids had lots of fun. I made the below 'cake' (Jasmine kept correcting me that it was not a cake, but cupcakes). We also had a Superman pinata, which the kids thoroughly enjoyed and was fun watching them try to break into it.




Now Jasmine is one who LOVES to dress up, so this is all Cash knows. His Superman costume from last year was worn completely out-I'm talking seams busted and riding so high in the crotch it just could not be comfortable, yet he still wanted to wear it everyday. I am happy to say we should be good this next year. Not only does he have his Batman costume, but he also received a Prince Charming and a Darth Vader (which he totally digs).




I'll try to post a better Prince Charming later, this was all he was willing to give the other night .

I have a few other things to post, but figured this is enough for one entry.....Ciao

We've Been Busy

OK, for those of you wondering if we REALLY live in the country, this is what we saw when we looked out our back door Saturday morning.




Yep, one of the neighbor's cows keeps busting through the fence to graze. Guess he believe the 'ol saying, 'grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.'

Saturday was a fun-filled day for our family. It started w/ a pancake breakfast at Jasmine's soccer game - she plays on our church's league and the disaster relief team got in some practice on serving a large number of people efficiently. So we got to the field's a little early for pancakes and sausage.

Then we headed to my company picnic at the Ranch. It happens every October and we have been going since Jasmine was in a stroller. LOTS of fun. Here are some pics.

The kid's went home with Gramma for a few hours while Joe and I went to the State Fair of Texas and enjoyed corny dogs, ice cream and the band Third Day. We had an awesome time and were able to get pretty close to the stage. It ROCKED!!

Zoo Field Trip

Here I Am....

Did you think I had fallen off the face of the Earth.....
Funny how some weeks everything I do I think I need to blog about it. Then some weeks when I think about blogging, it's just something don't care about doing.

So lots has happened, but I don't want to type a super long blog so I'll give you the Cliff's notes version (and a few pictures).

Last week was Jasmine's class field trip to the Zoo and Fun Friday (first Friday after end of 6 weeks). Kid's bring money for popcorn and juice. I went to help make popcorn and to tell the truth was a bit nauseous from the smell after 3 hours of popping popcorn. **zoo pictures at end of blog**

Jasmine's soccer game was late Saturday and right in the middle of Cash's nap time. Joe was working so I had to go it alone. The bleachers were not working for us, so finally I sat on the ground next to the girl's and had him sit in my lap for the game (while I had to keep him in a bear hug).

Saturday night I was able to break away for a few hours and meet w/ some ladies from my Sunday School class. We snacked, talked and played Pictionary....good times.

Sunday we had a Bday lunch at Gram's for ME and the kid's had a grand ol time running and playing with their cousins.

Tuesday I completely forgot about soccer practice. Came home, chilled outside a bit while the kid's played, started dinner and just about the time practice started it hit me! Oh well, maybe I'll have it more together next week (our LAST practice)! Oh, and my dad called to tell me he had been bitten by a copperhead snake (my worst nightmare). He is fine, but bite area is still swollen and gives him some pain.

Wednesday was my birthday - yippee - . We went to some friend's house where they had one of the big chocolate chip cookies, YUM!

Last night was Parent-Teacher conference for the first 6 weeks. Jasmine is doing better at school, but does have occasional relapses (like Wednesday, she did NOT have a good day Wednesday). She has two GREENS this week and we are very proud of her progress.

AND, this weekend I am soooo excited. Tomorrow Joe and I are going to the State Fair to see Third Day. Can't wait. Blog you later!!

**OK, so maybe I won't post pictures of the Zoo field trip. For some reason Blogger is not cooperating with me this morning. I'll try to post later.**

Another Picture

I meant to post this picture post before last, but I was in a big rush and overlooked it. At Jasmine's soccer games it takes all I have to keep Cash on the sidelines until halftime. As soon as the whistle blows I throw his ball onto the field and he runs up and down until it's time for the girl's to get back out there. He is great at dribbling the ball! Sad thing is he won't be old enough to play himself for two more seasons. It will be Spring 2009 before he is eligible....don't think that is going to set well with him. He is more than ready NOW!

Green is Good

Guess who had another GREEN day.....

Sunday after AWANA she wanted McDonald's. I told her next time she comes home w/ green we would go straight to McD's for dinner (should have thought of that reward sooner, because we very rarely go out to eat). She has really grown recently and not just regarding behavior, she almost doesn't even look like the same child to me lately. Lots of transformations going on!

Whoa Nelly....

We've been super duper busy....and still am. Here are pics from our weekend

Jasmine played in her game Saturday and even kicked the ball a couple of times....and of course stopped to pose for a picture occasionally

Chillin at the playground w/ a snack after the game

Impromptu jam session in Cash's room

Western night at AWANA's

That's about all I got. Thanks for all of your prayers the past few weeks, we can see God moving in so many different ways in our life right now. Truly Blessed! Gotta Dash....

When It Rains, It Pours....

And I'm talking Blessings.

Yesterday was a truly Awesome day. Joe started a new job, Jasmine brought home a GREEN from school, when I got home from work Joe had done the dishes left over from Sunday evening AND had dinner in the oven and to wrap up the day Dancing With The Stars is back!

Now I know a few of these are minimal, but it's the first two that made my day. The rest were just super yummy icing on the cake! (can you read my excitement level?)

Jasmine was so proud of herself. Joe picked her up and she called me to tell me the good news, then asked 'when you get home can we put a green smiley face on the calendar?'. Absi-tutin-lutely! And Joe let her choose what was for dinner, chicken nuggets and french fries.

A Good Weekend

We had a pretty good weekend. Below are the pictures.

Jasmine's soccer game was early Saturday morning. Here are the warm-ups. She went right out there and lined up.

Go Lightning!!


Lining up for the first kick-off.........what do you think happened????

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**Sing Jeopardy theme music here**

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SHE STAYED ON THE FIELD!!!

She ran around with the pack of girls each time it was her turn. Close to the end of the game she started to walk off the field and said she needed a break, just then the game whistle was blown. We were so proud of her.

(she's the one w/ the red and white ribbon in her hair)

Water break

This was suppose to be a throw in, but instead the dropped it to the ground and kicked it in.

Whatever, it's all good as long as no one is crying - right?

After game snack.

*Jasmine made sure Cash was in on the snack*

We arrived at Church a little early Sunday and went to the Library



And last night was CRAZY HAIR night at AWANA's.

Jasmine with one of her friend's at our table

Almost had a hair malfunction while running the relays during game time.

She did great, holding the ball w/ one arm and her hair on her head w/ the other.

Progress Reports and Funnies

Well, Jasmine is making progress. She is beginning to sit and do her worksheets in class and homework at home without someone constantly keeping on her. YIPPEE! But is still having issues of not sitting, listening and following directions at other times....and, of course, talking (I think she'd prefer to be in front of the class giving the directions than receiving them!).

We also received a note home yesterday saying she owed $5.00 in the cafeteria. I called to find out what she was purchasing since she takes her lunch and eats breakfast before going. When I got a hold of the cafeteria manager and gave the name I was inquiring about she said, 'Oh yes, Jasmine, I have a funny story' really, I'm shocked!!
She said the first time Jasmine came through she asked her name and she said 'Jasmine' when asked her last name she said 'Sweetheart' (for those of you who do not know, that is not our last name). The lady got the biggest kick out of that and told me how much she enjoyed Jasmine.

**I saw the below quips and thought they were fitting for what we are going through at the moment:

A little girl had just finished her first week of school. "I'm just wasting my time," she said to her mother. "I can't read, I can't write and they won't let me talk!"

On the first day of school, a first-grader handed his teacher a note from his mother. The note read, "The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents."

Update

Well, Saturday was Jasmine's 2nd soccer game and she did stay on the field each time it was her turn. But to say she 'played soccer' wouldn't exactly be the truth. She stood, she squatted, she sat down - but she did not play. I count this as a victory. The fact that she stayed out there and didn't complain or down right refuse was a HUGE step for her. Now if we could just make some headway at school. She is still doing her own thing and not really worrying about having to face the consequences, but we are all working with her (teacher, counselor and Joe & I). Baby steps-right???

That's all for now...I'm still a little Blue these days, but I trust God is in charge and know this too will pass.

Trying Times

I know it's been a while since I've posted, just haven't been up to it lately. We have lots of 'stuff' going on right now, so please keep my family in your prayers.


Jasmine is having problems conforming to class rules in Kindergarten and we have our first parent-teacher meeting tomorrow. I love that she has a mind of her own and is confident in what she does, but also want her to be able to 'follow directions' when it's appropriate.




Last weekend was her first soccer game. The whole way there she was telling Joe and I how fast she was going to run and how she was going to kick the ball and we get there and nothing! There was still a game going on and I said 'Jasmine, look at those girls. You ready for your game.' She says, 'No, I'm not going to play today.' Not again! We did this last Fall season, we sat out the Spring season and she BEGGED to play soccer again this Fall. So her game starts and when it's time for line change she will not get on the field. At this point I'm done. It's hot and humid and I tell her if she doesn't play soccer, we are leaving. She refused to play - we packed up our chairs and left. Half way to the car she starts crying 'I will play, I will play'. People are staring and even had one lady ask if she was hurt. So embarrassing having a power struggle with your 5 year old in front of a few hundred people (at your church no less). Tuesday was soccer practice and she did great. Stayed out there the whole time, listened to the coach and made a new friend. Only issue was when they played a mock game by separating the girls -- Jasmine had the ball and was going great when another girl got it and started heading down the field. She stopped, folded her arms and pouted a bit in the middle of the field. She got over it pretty quick though. Hopefully this Saturday she will get out there and play during her game.
**please don't get me wrong, I would never make her play soccer and tell her she better enjoy it . Believe me, soccer wasn't my thing either -- I spent more time picking flowers on the field and kicking rocks than kicking the ball. But she begged to be able to play again this year and I feel like it is a waste of money and time for her to go to practice and games and just sit on the sidelines by me, drink Gatorade & not interact with any of the other girls**

She plays in a league through our church.

At each practice they take time for a devotional.

Joe is also looking for a new job. He has a history with commercial construction, so if anyone knows of anything -- please let us know.


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OK, on to happier subjects.


Today is Joe and my 10th first date anniversary! 10 years ago tonight my friend Phaedra and Joe's friend Jeremy decided to play matchmaker and invited each of us over to watch a movie -- and the rest, as they say is history! We've had lots of ups and downs -- good and trying times, but I feel we have come through them all for the better and our relationship is at it's strongest right now. This picture is from a wedding we went to Saturday, it's a little hazy but I love it.

Cash is sooo cute these days. Saturday we went to Once Upon A Child to sell some toys and it was the first weekend they had their Halloween costumes out. **one thing about Cash, he LOVES to dress up when Jasmine is playing dress-up - - but in boy stuff of course. His Superman costume from last year is completely worn out** I was finishing up at the front when he came running to me 'Momma, it's Batman' and he grabbed my finger and pulled me to the costumes. There was a brand new Batman (w/ the fake muscles) costume in his size for $10! Still marked $29.99 from the store. He was soooo excited. He will also randomly say, 'momma, know what', 'it's almost my birthday and I'm gonna have batman, superman, spiderman & joker!'. With that being said....I am in the process of planning his 3rd birthday party. It is the weekend before Halloween and we are having a Superhero-Costume-Birthday Party! I can't wait, he will be so excited to be able to wear his costume AT his birthday party.

Another fun thing, one of our favorite bands will be performing at the State Fair of Texas this year. Just in time for my birthday weekend - I can't wait for a few reasons....

1. Seeing Third Day perform live.

2. Go to the car buidling and see all the bright shiny new cars.

3. Fletcher's corny dog! YUM!

Busy Labor Day Weekend

We had a great weekend, how about YOU?

Friday Joe and I helped some friends move, so the kiddos had a sleepover with Gramma. They were sooo excited (I seem to remember feeling the same way when I was their age!).

Gramma has a cool Home Depot worktable that Cash really enjoys playing with.

Saturday after picking up the kid's I took some of their old toys and shoes and such to the resale shop and got $22! So excited about that. Saturday evening we went to a friend's house for dinner and Jasmine had her first tree climbing experience. Ah, this brought back so many memories of spending time at Gramma's and Papa's in the big tree in the front yard. Good Times!

Sunday after church Joe and I spent the afternoon cutting back the trees on our fence line. And, let me tell ya, I am still sore from that days work. Jasmine was so funny, she had one of Joe's shovels and was digging a hole. Occasionally she'd yell, 'Momma, you doing OK over there?' and would give me a 'Good job, Momma!' periodically as well.

Monday was, by far, my favorite. The kid's and I went to IKEA while Joe did more work outside the house. What a fabulous store. Jasmine got a new bed for her birthday, which I will post pictures of soon. Tonight is soccer practice, I'll let you know if she decides to participate this week or not.

Hallelujah

The backpack has arrived!! We got home Wednesday and Jasmine ran to the door, came back to me and said 'Mom, there is a box on the porch. Come see, it's amazing!'. As soon as we were in the house Jas and Cash were tearing into the box ~which unfortunately had about a million of those foam peanuts~ when they finally got to the backpack she was sooo excited and wore it around for awhile. And yes, I am still finding those foam peanuts in random places around the house.

And yesterday when getting home there was a rainbow. We haven't seen one in a very long time and the kids were very excited about it. Although I couldn't quite capture it w/ my camera, you could see it from one end to another - went all the way across the sky.

Hope everyone has an AWESOME holiday weekend!!