Final Soccer Games...

We had such a rainy season for soccer this year. We had to postpone or cancel games and practices for several weeks. But we finally made it to the end and I was pleased with how Bailey and Chase had done.

This was Chase's first year and you could tell he was having a blast! He has been watching Sydney and Bailey play for several years now, so he knew exactly what to do.

These boys just had TOO much fun!!!

Bailey was amazing for her last game. She made a goal that was so impressive I just couldn't believe it. She really did "bend it like Beckham!" Everyone kept saying how awesome that goal was. What a great way to end the season!!

Halloween Fun!

The kids had so much fun dressing up this year! Sydney informed me it would probably be her last year to dress up. (I'm tearing up now! Is she really that old??)

Our church had a Fall Festival again this year. I took the kids by myself (a first!) and they did great. It was indoors, so it made it easy to keep up with them. Sydney actually found a friend and took off. I ran into Amy Saunders, so Bailey and Morgan hung out together. All in all, it was a fun night!

Sydney as Cleopatra, Bailey as a Renaissance Princess, and Chase as a Knight

Sydney wanted me to take a picture of her makeup.

Me - no costume, thank you very much!

Wendy Merrill - in FULL costume!!

Sydney got her face painted.

Chase did too.

Sydney with some friends.

Chase and his SS teacher - Mrs. Diann.

Bailey - after getting her face painted.

Pumpkin Carving

I love Fall!! It truly is one of my favorite times of the year. The kids all had a 1/2 day at school on Friday, so I told them we would carve their pumpkins when they got home. They were SO excited! Randy even helped and we had a great time. (BTW, Randy says he can't ever remember carving a pumpkin before. That's hard to believe!)

Is this who you want helping with pumpkin carving????

Chase said it felt "stringy" and "squishy."

"EWWWWWW!"

It was such a fun day. I don't know about the kids, but I made some incredible memories today.

Spidery Treat

After school, I decided to let the kids do a fun treat for their snack. I had read in a magazine how you could make "spider" crackers with Ritz crackers and pretzels. They turned out so cute! Here they are...

The River Maze

I got to go on a field trip with Chase! The 1st graders at his school went to the River Maze in Ocoee. Chase was so excited that he woke up at 5:30 am that morning and COULD NOT go back to sleep. (We were all not too happy with him at that point!)

We had such a great time. It was incredibly muddy - and the yellow jackets would not leave us alone - but it was still very fun. Here's some pictures of our day...

Chase & his buddies

Mrs. Carmody - laughing as usual!

Chase & his friend, Brianna

Trying not to get lost in the Maze!

Mrs. Carmody

Kisses for Mom!

Now, is that pure happiness, or what???

Big Foot's in the house!

Ok - so Sydney needs new tennis shoes. It was the day before basketball tryouts at East Hamilton. Being unemployed makes you a little nervous about making large purchases like shoes. What to do? Well, it was Sunday and I decided after morning church that Syd and I would go shopping for tennis shoes. I didn't want to be cheap, but I felt the pressure to keep costs to a minimum.

Our sweet neighbors have been bringing us groceries for several weeks now. They hardly know us but know that we are out of work and just wanted to help us out a little. On this particular day, they came over as we were eating lunch. She told me that instead of getting groceries they decided to get us a gift card - and it was an American Express - so I could use it an any retailer (like a shoe store!!). And they had put $50 on it. Can anybody say "hallelujah!!"?

So after I get over my little fit of excitement, we went shopping only to find out that Sydney wears a SIZE 8! Talk about a big foot for an 11 year old! I just had to take a picture and post it because I don't think anyone would believe me. Wanna know what's great about it? We can share shoes now!! Yay! Should only last for a little while, because I'm sure at some point she will outgrow me! Bring it on - I'm thinking WNBA!!

By the way, Sydney didn't make it on the team at East Hamilton. She was disappointed, but we're going to work hard and hope she makes it next year!

"It's complicated....."

Chase is playing soccer with Upward and LOVING it! He has the best coach and team mates. He has scored several times and just lights up on the field. (Look out David Beckham!)

Last night, instead of soccer practice, the coach suggested the team gather at CiCi's pizza for a fun night. Chase was so excited. We ate lots and lots of pizza and enjoyed the evening with friends.

As it was time to leave, however, Chase was NOT happy. I knew it was hard to leave, but he was having a horrible attitude. We got out to the parking lot and Randy dealt with him. It's so hard when you're in public. But he seemed to understand that his actions were unacceptable.

Later that night I was getting Chase ready for bed and I asked him, "Do you think your actions were honoring to God tonight? Do you think you were respecting Mommy?" After several minutes, he said, "It's complicated!" I asked him what he meant by that (as I was literally biting off my tongue not to laugh) and he said, "I'm trying to make you laugh so you'll forget what I did." Even now it makes me crack up.