Fireworks!!

We are going away for the 4th of July and the children are pyromaniacs so we bought a large package of fireworks at Sam's Club for them to enjoy last weekend. Jeff was worried about all the small children in our neighborhood, so we called on a "farm family" to enjoy the fireworks with us. Shirley and John Coleman graciously allowed us to use their driveway. Even though it was a very windy, chilly night, we are able to get the fireworks going and a good time was had by most. Jeff and Cory were the firestarters and the rest of us were the ooh-aah'ers.

Rail Run during St. James Railroad Days Celebration

Beginning of the 1/2 mile race....end of race...still going strong! Morgan is really loving running. This was the farthest distance all-at-once that she has run. Way to go, Morgan!

4 Mile Run: A great beginning...front row....a fantastic finish in 29 minutes!!
To the right of Cory, his left, is Kris Kross. She is the coach for cross country and she has encouraged Cory to give it a try. He has been training with her on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights...they run 2-3 miles. He is learning what "pacing yourself" means as he is used to doing short, fast sprints. We are very proud of him...and, all truth be told, his mother was just happy he came across the finish line alive!!


Shirley, my very dear friend, and her daughter, Emily did the 4 mile walk tonight. They are all smiles on the way out and even more smiley at the end...although it does seem that Emily has taken off her very dependable flip flops...guess walking barefoot was way more comfortable..right, Em??!! They did a great job and I am so proud of them! Maybe next year I will join you......??????

Maren, the forever fan. She is always willing to come along and be a cheerleader to her family. I admire her spirit and spunk. I caught her relaxing on the old rail car by the lake and just had to snap a shot of her. She is a great sport and I love that she supports her brother and sister in their running....Morgan begged her to run, but it was a no-go this year. She did make a comment about next year though. We will just have to wait and see....now it is in writing!

I have a Job

On Thursday, June 19, I accepted a 2nd grade teaching position at Winfair Elementary School. I signed a one year contract on Monday, June 23, and was able to pick up school keys, see my room and make plans on Wednesday, June 25. It is all happening so fast and is so exciting!! Next week Jeff and I will be going over to measure bulletin boards, check out the school, and bring with all the terrific graduation presents I received to see how they will fit into the room! My dream is here, it is real, and I love that my family helped me reach my goal of becoming a teacher! I can't imagine any greater feeling....other than getting married and giving birth! Please come visit me in my classroom any time!

It's Fishing Season

It's fishing season and boy! are we having a great time! Jeff bought himself a little fishing boat two summers ago and he is really enjoying it...well, we all are...but mostly Jeff. Morgan is the best fisherperson in the house, next to Jeff. She learned yesterday how to bait her own hook and take off fish! (She is one up on her mom as I do not enjoy taking fish off the hook.) We have found that night time fishing is best because the fish come up to feed and we can see the ripples in the water. We have found some "favorite spots" on St. James lake...Morgan is convinced there are only fish in those few spots...what a girl!! These were the two largest fish we kept last night. There is enough for lunch. We did get up this morning at 6:00 a.m. to fish, but they weren't biting very well. Jeff said we needed to be on the lake by 5:00!! Now, that is a little nuts for me and I felt I was being pretty generous by getting up at 6:00. We are going to go back out tonight....want to join us?????

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Jeff! We celebrated by staying home for the day and letting dad do whatever he wanted.....oh, I guess every day is Father's Day! (JK!!) Ben had to work in the morning and brought home his dad the above cake....it even has a mini computer on it! Jeff bought himself a new lawnchair...one with an attached cover that is his shade. Don't ever ask to see his legs....blinded by the light!! (Of course, he is not so fortunate as to spend the summer at the pool like his children and wife!)

Family Fun Track and Field Night

Tonight was Family Track and Field Night at the High School Football Field. Morgan started out trying to do the high jump. Her first try, she tried to jump over it like a hurdle....that was interesting! This was a better "form" shot. Then she ran...and did she run! She ran the 25m, 50m, and 200m (tried to sign up for the 100m, but was too late). She was fast enough to earn a first place finish in all the races! I was so proud of her and she wants to run the 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 next Tuesday! I will be exhausted just WATCHING!!!!


Cory...I always have trepidations in my heart when he wants to run. I worry about him but I know I have to let him make his own decisions too. First he ran the 400m and that is the photo near the finish line. Jamie is in track and beat him both times, but Cory was a close second. (Cory also ran the 200m.) He said his heart hurt after the second race, but by the time we walked home he was feeling much better. I think we will be having a return visit next week!!

Three Generations

June 10, 2008, Grandma Dawn, Mom Kari, and Baby Josephine are together again! It is a good thing Dawn lives so close to Glenwood so she can spoil her granddaughter...and daughter! I am sure Kari will appreciate the help as they are closing on their house tomorrow and will be able to start moving in this weekend. Wow!!