The Last Game

Today was our last basketball game this season. Unfortunately, we only had 4 players show up. The kids didn't think that was all that bad though because they got to play the entire game!!

Getting some last minute instructions

Waiting for the team to get across half court

In action

They are intense....

Coach Jeff, Hayden, AJ, Kelly, Cheney, & Coach Billy

Always gotta have a silly shot!!

The Play

This is video of part of the play. It is a little long, but cute......you will have to pause the music & probably turn up your speakers pretty loud.

I am sure that I am biased, but I think that Cheney did the best out of all his teammates. You can tell that he has been involved in drama before.

Wordless Wednesday

Beautiful Weather

Lately, we have been having some really beautiful weather. Yes, there have been some cool days. Yes, there have been some rainy days. But, the sunny, beautiful days make up for it. It is February & Cheney has started wearing shorts to school on most days. This is why we LOVE Texas!!

The other day, we came home from school & played outside. Chandler made me laugh because she told me that she wanted to play on the playground....IT IS OUR BACKYARD, not the playground!!

Anyway, she convinced her brother to eat his dinner outside with her. I usually make them eat at the dinner table, but I wasn't going to argue with eating outside!!

Unfortunately, Cheney didn't want to cooperate with pictures!

He was still trying to get away!

Of course, Chandler didn't mind a bit....and NO, she isn't wearing any pants. Who needs pants anyway?? It is much more comfortable to run around in your t-shirt & panties, right?

Fish Talking

Chandler loves to feed & watch the fish. She will sit for quite awhile talking to the fish. She calls them, claps for them, & encourages them to eat. I love to hear her talking to the fish!

Destination Imagination: Rising Stars

A few weeks ago, I told you about Instant Challenge and Cheney's Destination Imagination team. Today was the BIG DAY!!

We got up bright & early to head to the school. Our district had 10 teams competing. This program is only for 1st & 2nd graders. Basically, it prepares them for the REAL Destination Imagination activities which start in 3rd grade. Cheney had to paint his face like a dog. All his team mates gathered around to watch. We quickly figured out that Cheney is well liked by his friends!!

My little doggy!

These were 2 of Cheney's team mates. Rene was a scorpion & Ramona was a dust bunny. The entire team can only spend $50 on supplies so all the costumes were made with things from around the house. I think the dust bunny was ADORABLE!!

Basically, the team had to portray a "problem" & act out how to solve it. Their problem was there wasn't enough room under the bed for everyone-a shoe, a dust bunny, a sock, a scorpion, & money.

They decided to solve the problem by getting a jack to raise the bed. Of course, the dog got the wrong kind of jack at first!!

The entire team with their coach, Ms. Thornton--one of Mommy's former students!!

The team competed in Instant Challenge, but no one is allowed to watch so after the whole competition, they had a PARADE OF CHAMPIONS!!

Everyone was a winner at this competition so they recognized all the hard work that all teams put in to preparing. This is Cheney's team who was joined by their principal, Ms. Schlichting.

It was a fun morning. Just imagine a room full of creative kids....it was loud, exciting, & exhausting. Mommy & Daddy are really proud of Cheney. We know this is just the beginning of many more exciting activities!!

Shrinky Dinks

We recently had a day off from school. I have realized that Chandler is much different from her brother. She needs a lot of one on one attention--she always wants to play or do projects. So, after playing grocery store, babies, & having puzzle races, I decided that we were going to get out a project that I bought several months ago on clearance!!

DO YOU REMEMBER SHRINKY DINKS??

Well, that is what we did.

Coloring her picture

Cutting her pattern out

Ready for the oven

Watching the magic & squealing.....it was COOL!!

The finished product....it was so fun!!

The Shack

My friend, Leanne, sent me this AWESOME book. I am only a little ways into the book & I have a hard time putting it down. It is soooo spiritually deep......you will be amazed!! Go here to read more information about the book.

Thanks Leanne for sending this book my way!! It is so wonderful to have friends like you!!

Before & After

When I was in elementary school, my parents had this chair recovered for me. The chair had been in my mom's room. I loved this chair!! This is where I would sit for hours & talk to my friends on the phone. When Chandler got my furniture, she got the chair too. It looked like this when she moved it into her room. We knew that this just wouldn't do for her.

MeMe & Pop had it recovered for her birthday. This is what I chose....the people at Keepers helped me. Isn't it adorable?

The pillow was totally Amber's idea--she & her brother own Keepers. If you are in Seguin & looking for some great furniture & some great ideas, then you should go to Keepers!!

THANKS MEME & POP FOR SUCH A SPECIAL GIFT!!

We Love To Party!!

Birthdays are a big deal at our house. Chandler had her birthday party on Saturday. It was a lot of fun!!

We played "Pin the TuTu on the Ballerina." It was actually a picture of Chandler that Tammy printed out & made tutu's for us to pin on her. Kase didn't mind playing "girl games" one bit!!

Then, we made Valentine puppets.

Chandler LOVES to do crafts!!

A pretty ballerina cake

It was her favorite-STRAWBERRY!!

We opened presents. She got some really cute clothes & some GREAT books!!

Then, the kids disappeared outside--even though it was a little cold. They love to jump on the trampoline.

A birthday hug--even if he didn't want one!!

MeMe & Pop gave Chandler a GREAT chair. She loves reading her new books while sitting in her chair!

Another Masterpiece

Many of you remember Chandler's birthday cake from 2008. MeMe really outdid herself with that one.

This year, Chandler wanted to have a ballerina birthday party. Tammy took her picture to make exquisite personalized invitations. MeMe hand stamped each invitation and envelope. Daddy tied each bow.

Once again, MeMe made an awesome cake!!

The "extra" cake was Chandler's favorite though. It was strawberry.

I will have more pictures of her birthday party later. She was so cute!

Sweet Valentines

Aunt Kerry & Uncle Jeff always know how to make Cheney & Chandler feel so special. We let them open their Valentine gift early because Chandler's birthday party was on Valentine's Day.

Cheney was in charge of cutting open the wrapping....

Digging in

Reading the sweet card

COOL!! We love books!!

Chandler loves chocolate too!

Always a silly pose.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO EVERYONE!! WE LOVE YOU!!

Early Childhood Intervention Graduation

Many of you know that Chandler was receiving services from the Early Childhood Intervention program. They had originally diagnosed her as "speech delayed." The program provides services until a child's 3rd birthday if they qualify. Well, Chandler was evaluated by the school district special education program recently & they proved what we already know--SHE IS TOO SMART!! She graduated from the program after one year. If you haven't called & talked to her on the phone....you should!! She is a joy to talk to.....sometimes she just won't quit.

Chandler's Special Day

Chandler had a fantastic birthday!! She was so proud to tell people that she was "Free!"

Uncle Jeff & Aunt Kerry sent Chandler this shirt last year & she was able to wear it again this year!!

After dinner at Chili's, we came back to our house for Strawberry Shortcake & presents!! Mommy & Daddy got Chandler a pretty bookshelf for her room.

Cheney is such a great big brother!! He read the birthday cards to Chandler. Yes, she isn't wearing pants. Apparently, pants just aren't comfortable at our house right now!!

Opening Uncle Jeff & Aunt Kerry's card

WOO HOO!! Thanks Uncle Jeff & Aunt Kerry!! A FANCY NANCY book.....we can't wait to read it.

Uncle Jeff & Aunt Kerry sent a beautiful dress.

Chandler had a great birthday. Her party is on Saturday so there will be more pictures to come!!