State Fair

I'm late posting this but a couple of weeks ago we went to the NC state fair.  We don't normally go on a Saturday, but we wanted to enter Jenna in a competition that was on Saturday.  She wanted to enter a cookie decorating contest.  We walked around for a little bit and then the boys wanted to try their pull-ups in front of the Marines. Wes and Josh both well and got "prizes" for doing enough.  We then walked Jenna over to find the place to sign up.  We kinda stayed close to the area because it was the first 10 people who signed up at 3.  This competition was for 11/12 year olds (they had different ages all week).  She got a spot!!  We thought it might be small sugar cookies, but found out it was a square big cookie.  She decided to stick with the plan she had for the smaller ones.  I had so much fun watching her.  They had 15 minutes to do this and then just like the shows, it was "hands up".  She kept her cool even when they said "go" but her color was not there and she had to wait for them to bring it to her while the others started.  She ended up with third place and we were so proud.  She got a ribbon and $10 to the state fair store.  (she chose and apron to get).

Myrtle Beach Get Away

Josh went to the Wilds with the high school and Jacob and Jenna went to the teen retreat with the church so Jack and I got to finally get away for a couple of days.  We were unable to get away over the summer when the kids got away because Jack's boss was gone.  I didn't think we would pull this off because the dates got changed and then hurricane Matthew came around. Parts of I40 were close and I95 were closed too, but we did it.  It was amazing just to have conversations with him.  It was nice to sit on the beach, say nothing at all, but still be together.  It was so nice to have no disruptions, no schedules!!  I was so relaxed!!  I also got up to see 2 beautiful sunrises. 

Hurricane Matthew

Last weekend we were surprised by Hurricane Matthew.  It came to Florida as a category 4 I believe, and by the time it came to the Carolina's it was a 1, however, we weren't really supposed to get much from it.  We lost power about 2:30 on Saturday and it came back on around noon on Sunday.  We managed this time to save everything that was in our fridge and freezer, thank goodness.  We only lost a shutter and had a few small branches down. Our yard was flooded and the road down the corner was also completely flooded.. In fact we saw this car stuck on the bridge. Life is slowly getting back to normal and although JoCo did not have school again today (or the rest of the week) Southside decided to go back today and maintain some of our days.

 tree down in front of school

Puppy Adventures

We finally broke down and got the kids a puppy.  We have a standard poodle, Bella Grace (Bella) aka "Bella-bean".  I like the fact that she will be a big dog and I like the fact that she does not shed.  I do not like taking the dog outside, buying dog food, and all that goes into a dog.  The kids love her, but I must say Joshua has really help carry the load.  He is good about taking her out for her morning business and also lets Bella sleep with him (in a small crate) on his bed.  I am really surprised that Jacob has not taken more of a roll since he is the one that always wanted a dog, but maybe that will change. Please pray for me the next few weeks as I learn to manage yet another "child" on top of the three that I watch during the day and also as I try to figure out what I am doing with training a dog.

Girls weekend

Jack took the boys to the mountains this past weekend on a camping trip so Jenna and I enjoyed some girl time.  Actually, I took her out of school early Friday to decorate cupcakes for a surprise birthday party.  Saturday we went shopping and out to eat and she picked out fabric to make a baby blanket for a shower on Sunday (forgot to get pictures) and then we made more cupcakes for the shower on Sunday. I am grateful that she has learned these gifts from people willing to give up their time and I know she will make a much better wife than I will someday.  She can always stay home and earn extra money baking and sewing for people.  I hope as she gets older I can continue to give her some cake lessons (she doesn't feel comfortable yet with that).  Most places won't take a 12-13 year old girl, but I hope to find someone soon to take her to the next level.

7 years later........

Jenna had Lauren (Mrs. Morris) for her kindergarten teacher.......fast forward 7 years and now Jenna has entered youth group with the awesome youth leaders, Chad and Lauren Morris.  So thankful for her and the influence she has/had with my baby girl.

Proud Warrior Mom

Soccer season has started.  It's been so fun to see Josh join the soccer game.  It is definitely not his strong game, but he is having a lot of fun and I love watch playing my boys play.  Right now we are 2-0.....Go Warriors!!