Onward and Upward

Not so sure about the upward part, but it is definitely time to move onward. After two and a half years of hard work at Kansas State University, I finally achieved my goal. After many early mornings and late nights, frantic cramming and leisurely strolls, I am done. Well, almost...final grades have yet to post so I am currently sitting here pulling my hair out wondering just how much my hard work has paid off--and how much harder I should have worked... I remind myself that this will not matter all that much a year from now, or even a week from now, but right now...it does. With Christmas approaching, children on vacation from school, presents, baking, cleaning, cards, it would be really nice if this would just work out the way I want it.
The good news...I may just have enough time to keep this blog updated more often. I have recently discovered the new timeline feature on Facebook and will probably take advantage of that as well--so much easier. So, keep checking both (because I know you secretly have way more time than I do and have nothing better to do than check in on my various sites just to see what is going on in Kansas). ;)
I hope you are all well and prepared for the holidays. We are still getting there. But, we are a lot closer than before.

This is my boy at the beginning of the summer.

Four generations of us girls...doesn't the young one look thrilled?


Ry on her first day as a 5th Grader. We ran short on time in the morning and went out back after she got out of school. You can tell she really likes school. She was so glad to go back.

School Starts!

It seems that around this time each year I get a bit more time to myself. As I now search for things to do to postpone mundane chores, I realized that my blog has been left untended for some time...like nearly a year. SO much has happened in the past year. There is really no where to begin--except at the end.

We still live in Kansas! :D Kansas is an adventure. We like it here.

Kade is now a Middle Schooler--rode the bus to school this morning for the first time.

Riley is my 5th Grader--rode her bike to school three days running now.

I am finishing up my last semester of undergrad and will start the job hunt soon.

Scrolling through the pictures on my page I am reminded how fast time flies. Seems like just yesterday they were so little...each day they continue to surprise me with the new things they know and can do.

Here's to hoping blogging makes the list of things that get done this coming year. :) Thanks for hanging in there with us.

hello out there...

So, if any of you actually look at our blog still...this is for you!

We are well into the Fall semester and have done SO much since my last post.

I am still in school, Kade is now a 5th grader, Riley is in 4th, and Cory is deployed.

To keep my sanity I find myself taking more pictures than before. If any of my Kansan friends would like to help me get some practice in...please let me know, I would be happy to practice on you and your family.

We have a lot going just now, but feel confident that we can get most of it done in a timely manner.

One thing I would like to add to my pile is blogging again. We shall see how that goes.

Thanks for hanging in there with us. We haven't disappeared, just dropped off the radar for a bit.

Riley

I got a few good ones of my Riley too. She looks so grown up with her hair cut short... ah, too fast...

Kade

These are from the day Kade cooperated with me. He is growing up fast! I can't believe he is already 10 years old.

New Pictures...it's about time...

We had a friend of ours here in Kansas take a few quick pics of us...you know, for posterity...

Easter--finally got dressed up!

While I did succeed at taking pictures of my lovely children, do you get the same feeling I had when I suspected they may not have been as excited about this as I was?

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

The kids had a great time hunting Easter Eggs in our backyard this morning. I hid 57...got this great deal at Target yesterday...but we are still missing 2 or 3. :)

We searched high and low...

Far and Wide...

Found some!

While others lay hiding in plain sight...

Can you find the egg?

There it is!

Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

new pictures

I coerced Cory into taking a few pictures this morning. These are updated, but not nearly as good as the last batch of pictures we had taken. Any volunteers to take a few great ones here in Kansas?

St. Patrick’s Day

I am trying something new…turns out Word can post to my blog. This could be FABULOUS!!! I can't wait to see how it goes. If things work smoothly, I'll be able to post more often. And, it'll look way cooler. J

This is just my test drive. I have to take some new pictures and come up with something witty to say before we can really be on a roll.

In the mean time, HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

For some reason it will not allow me to add pictures in Word...help? please? I know some of you out there actually know what you are doing. I am open to any help or suggestions you can give me. Thanks!

Kade's a Bear!

Well, once again my pictures loaded backwards...but I hope you enjoy them all the same.

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I feel like the only time I blog lately is after pack night. Well, at least I am blogging. ;)

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Kade was finally awarded his Bear tonight. They did a special face painting activity--guess who got elected to paint... Yes, that's me in the pictures. (I know, it is rare, so enjoy it while you can.) Kade was also awarded one gold arrowpoint and 4 silvers. There is also a special patch all the boys got to commemorate 100 yrs of scouting. Looks like I've got a lot of sewing to do.

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Congratulations, Kade!

Pinewood Derby 2010

Well, the grin and the photo finishes should tell the story, but...

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Kade won First Place in the Bear Den! He was thrilled!

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We weighed in a little light and had to glue a pile of coins onto the bed. Cory and Kade did a great job this year! Kade picked the great green too. :D Love my boys!

Back to School

I really wish I had pictures to post this time, but that is one of the things I need to improve upon... I have actually taken a few photos this year, but they are still stuck on my camera awaiting release.

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I just wanted to provide all with an update regarding our busy lives...and perhaps a partial explaination (fear I totally butchered the spelling of that word, wish this had spellcheck) as to why my blog is once more neglected.

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This semester I am enrolled in a nice variety of courses: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism with a lab, Macroeconomics, Pyschology of Language, Human Needs, and Family Relationships and Gender Roles. Add to that my after school piano lessons four days a week, arranging transportation for Riley to her Achievement Day activity 2x a month, Scouts weekly (with the grand Pinewood Derby this week), my church calling, not to mention all the other things I am expected to accomplish--laundry, cleaning, cooking... (sigh) It is all working out well, for now, but I have "free" time at the most inconvenient moments throughout the day, like right now as I wait for another class.

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We are freezing here in Kansas. Things warm up, just to cool down again. The other day we got into the 50s and the kids were thrilled to go outside again. Today we are back to having a high in the 30s with the wind blowing, but not as bad as yesterday. Oddly enough, our grass is turning green--and it's still too cold to wash my car!

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In any event, we just wanted you all to know we are alive and well.

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Happy New Year!

Riley's Award

In December Riley was nominated by her teacher, Mrs Johnson, to receive the Most Improved Student award for her school. It was a great honor that she was approved and awarded an inscribed medal by the mayor during a city council meeting. Mrs Johnson was prepared with a camera for the occassion and sent me these fabulous pictures of the event.

Riley being awarded.

Riley and Mrs Johnson.

Riley with her parents. See how she's still smiling?

Riley with her family--including the reluctant brother...

Riley waiting before the meeting started. She said she was a little nervous, but she did just fine. We are so proud of Riley!