More Stitches....

Somehow Jacob split open the back of his had on the wood trim here at home.....No idea how he managed to do that. 6 stitches. But apparently the urgent care doc said he can play hockey tomorrow night...

He is looking super pleased....poor little guy!

Best Buddies!!!

In Jacob's kindergarten class his teacher asked these questions, and this is what he replied...

1.) At school I like to play with...Sam, West, TJ, and every boy in class.

2.) My favorite free choice activity is.... I like them all.

3.) My favorite part of the day is....being by my friend Nick (Pictured above)

4.) I want to learn...how to read.

These two have been around each other since they both could walk. They are best buddies!

Minus 1

Jacob lost his first tooth. He came walking up to the house with a funny look on his face. And he announced that he lost a tooth at school. (it was news to me that there was even a loose one).

He said he was eating an apple, it got loose, and he twisted it, and pulled it out. He said this all so matter of fact-ly. It was funny. He was very pleased that the Tooth Fairy was going to visit our house for the first time.

A Pirate and his Pirate Girls!

We had a bunch of Pirates around here! What fun we had....

The girls dressed up for their gymnastics Halloween class/party!

Just before heading out to go trick or treating. They were saying "Argggg".

Regan being tough...she was really trying to only have 1 eye open..funny!

Some of the trick 'o treaters...

Jacob proudly showing off here his loot. He got a haul!!

Celebrating our 10th in Cozumel

We had lots of fun celebrating our 10th anniversary. We had some great meals, met great people, went scuba diving for the first together, went snorkeling, and just had some R&R. We only had a day and a half of sunshine, but we still had a super time!!

The beautiful water!

Two new friends; Cara and Patti . We met some awesome people on the trip.

I hope we can all travel again together!

The welcome home sign the kids made (with the help of my sister) Thank you to Dave's parents who took care of the kids while we were gone. We SOOO appreciate it! We know they are busy :)

Nashville Trip

I've been a part of the leadership team at my local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group for the past few years. This fall I have the opportunity to spend the weekend learning more about MOPS and experiencing their National Convention. I heard some great speakers and listened to some awesome worship music by Matt Redman, Plumb, Matthew West. It was amazing! For those of you involved in MOPS I recommend going on this weekend. It was great! More on that later....

This was a picture from inside the hotel. There were 3 areas like this. The Grand Old Ophreu Hotel...it was beautiful!

On my last morning I was lucky enough to have breakfast with my friend Brenda. Her family moved to Nashville, it was great to reconnect with her. I miss seeing her every week!! Great to see you Brenda!!

Sisters!!

Gymnastics is done!

Well, the girls started gymnastics at a different place this fall. We just wanted to try out another place. Regan loved it, and Sydney like the old place we went to better. So, next session Regan will be PM and Sydney will go back to a gymnastics/dance class.

Gymnastics has been one of their favorite activities this fall. I'll post a picture from their Halloween Celebration class from Tuesday once I get it loaded.

"I Love Going to the Dentist"

She may live to change her mind, if she is anything like me.

Before going to bed tonight, I reminded Sydney that she is going to the dentist tomorrow to have to cavities filled. I told her I'd be there with her, and I'd hold her hand. I mentioned something about her having to be brave. She looked up at me dumbfounded and said, "Mom, I'm already brave, but don't worry I won't be afraid. I like going to the dentist." I smiled and agreed, that she did a great job last time.

We'll see how it goes....

UPDATE:
Sydney did super at her appointment. So well, that they actually filled two cavities. The dentist told Sydney that she was better than most 8 year olds. The dentist informed me that she needs to pull one of Sydney's front teeth because it was damaged. (fall on the boat this summer) She is worried it will get infected because the root has died. :(

Kitty Manners....

Do they have any?
I am trying to train Lucky to stay off the tables and counters. She gets it, but doesn't always oblige. Is it normal that our kitten is a serious scavenger for any type of fish or chicken that may be sitting on the counter....seriously!!! Yesterday she moved an entire chicken breast that was cooked and on the counter, to the floor, and was happily devouring it until I ruined her fun. Dave looked at me like I was crazy when I told him why his dinner was in the garbage.

I feel like I am constantly on kitty patrol. Like I need more to keep an eye on in the kitchen. We already have two that will likely could clear out the kitchen if I let them.

Heaven has a New Angel

My friend Cari, the one who has been battling an agressive form of breast cancer for the past two years passed away yesterday. We met a few years back at church and spent three years in a small group bible study. I feel so blessed to have had her in my life. She was a wonderful, generous, courageous, and witty girl. A wonderful mom and great friend. Cari always wanted to make sure people felt special and celebrated. Always sharing her faith, and always seeking to grow and deepen in her faith. She was very transparent about life in general, which I truly appreciate about people. You can witness this by reading her blog http://www.undomestic.blogspot.com/. The picture above was taken last fall.

I learned so much from Cari before and during her battle with Cancer; it began in August of 2007. Having lost my own mom to Cancer when I was 8, I felt blessed by being able to support and pray for Cari during her journey. Being Cari's friend during her battle with Cancer helped me better understand what my mom went through during her 5-year Cancer fight. The tears flow readily today; each time I think of Cari....and the kids...and Melvin...and her parents...and all the lives she touched. I am going to miss her kind soul.

My heart just breaks for Melvin, and the kids. I know all too well that their journey will continue for many years to come. I pray that they can find comfort and peace knowing that now Cari is free from pain and with our loving Savior. I know she will watch over them. Continuing to pray for the Ashford/Spitz families in the days, months, and years to come. Please pray for Melvin and Cameron, Max, and Ella...oh, my heart just aches for them.

First Days of School for Jacob and Sydney

The bus arriving after the 1st day of school. The bus stop has LOTS of kids at it each day!

Regan was so excited that Jacob was home from school!

Sydney feeding the baby calf, Tie-Dye. She was very glad to be back on the Farm at Preschool.
Sydney's first full morning of preschool. Regan wanted to stay with her. Next year she'll be old enough :)

Ouch!

This kind of sums up my night tonight....
I overhear Jake muttering to himself, "Having parents sucks!" (while sitting in a time-out)
Nice! He is 6. Awesome!
No idea where he learned the word "sucks". Not from me...I really don't like that word, it is gross.
Jake and I had a nice long talk about respect, and who is the parent, who is in charge, etc....
Tomorrow is a new day!

One a different note, school is going great for Jake. He really likes his new school and class. He has a wonderful teacher. Personally, I think anyone who can teach 20 kindergartners at a time is a saint! Sydney has her first day of preschool tomorrow. She is SO excited!

Jacob's First Day!

Jacob is off to his first day of full day, five day a week kindergarten! He is excited and I think a little nervous. He'll make lots of new friends! We missed the bus though. It came early, about 5 minutes. I've never heard of a bus being early, especially on the first day. Normally they run a little behind on the first day. Oh well, the school is close to our house. So we all jumped in the car. It was cute, when he opened the car door and jumped out about 3 kids said "Hey Jacob"! They were all excited to see him, and off he went! My little buddy. Kind of a bittersweet day...

Family Camp

We decided to spend a weekend up at camp for Family Camp over Labor Day. I've haven't been there since my parents brought me when I was little. We had an absolute blast! Dave and I went on the high ropes course, 45 feet up in the air...LOVED it! Went on a trail ride on the horses, kids all won awards in the little guppy fishing contest, and lots of other fun stuff! I am so glad we went!

Hanging out in the dog house. There used to be a camp puppy each summer; now the dog house is just used to kids to play in.

Jake and Dave went on the traditionally "Mud Walk". This has been a Warren tradition for decades! The boys "Borped" every morning at the crack of dawn. Too cold for me...they are now members of the polar bear club!

The State Fair

I have to go once each year...so much fun!

Jacob goes to Camp Warren

Jake was so excited to go to Camp Warren for the first time! He told me, "Mom, I really want to go on my own vacation with other kids for a week. Really, I've always wanted to go on vacation." I am guessing he overheard me in my conversations while I was trying to decide if I should send him this summer or wait until next summer. I wasn't concerned whether or not he'd be homesick; because I knew he wouldn't be. I didn't plan on seeing anything I sent with him again. When we arrived at the bus, we was ready to get on. Had I not stopped to him and asked for a hug, I don't think I would have gotten one. He was so excited!!!! I knew he'd have an absolute blast; I spent 9 summers when I was a kid at this very same camp. And now one of the girls I used to go to camp with is the director. She assured me he was ready....so I let him go for a week, in good hands!

He came home with a big hug for me; and had all kinds of stories to tell. I later learned from some staff that he was the YOUNGEST camper all summer. He was a staff favorite, and many of the older campers took him under their wings. He has such a fun and easy going personality! Yah Jake! You did it!!!

Beach & Boating Time

This is what summer is all about! Fun in the Sun with friends and family!

Introducing Lucky!

Our new kitten. Lucky is a kitty from Children's Farm. I surprised the kids with a visit to the Farm, and shared with them that one would be coming home with us. They were all THRILLED to say the least...

August Fun

Jake cooling off...Regan wanting a turn :)LumberJack Days Tot Race finishers...
Jacob's fishing trip with Grandpa Doug; the fish weren't biting...(notice the helmet my Dad wore for his protection...)

Cabin Time!

Happy 2nd Birthday Regan!

Regan, you are a really sweet little girl. My little honey! You love to cuddle. Your brother Jake is your BEST friend. You often say, "I want Jake", and will wonder around looking for him. He takes great care of you. You say eh, ah...that is your version of NO. Yah is one of your favorite words. You are definitely more into me than your daddy right now, but that is part of being a 2 year. We call you a "pinball". You are full of joy and are really laid back. You try to keep up with Jake and Sydney and are bit too brave at the park. You have no fear. We'll see if that continues to be part of your personality. You are really good at following directions, to my surprise and I REALLY hope that continues. You love your baby (pink glowworm) and pink blanket, and of course your precious nuk. (which you can only have in the car,bed, and in the house)...we'll work on that! You are mostly certainly my little sweetie.... Love you!