Social dance & a kid loving high school...

We are all shocked that Shay has taken to dancing like he has,

in his words, "Best class, ever!"

on a side note,

Saturday as we were coming home from Soccer

Keaton exclaimed, "I'm unstoppable!"

My first thought, "Wow, he needs to be humbled."

I am blaming this on Dale because the next thing Keaton said was,

"Mom, what does unstoppable mean?"

The IV drip I like to call family...

I have an idea that will make me rich.

Self-confidence in liquid form (& no, I am not talking about Diet Coke).

Just a little IV drip each night to put back a little "I don't care what others think of me" into my daughter's bloodstream. Rich, i'm telling you.....millions.

My mom said it will get worse before it gets better. We are going to need it STAT.

Until then, I have to say a big thanks to cousin Ali (who happens to adore Baylee and was just as good as an IV) and to a thoughtful Grandma (picnics and carnivals work too).

what FALL looks like at the FORBES (through FOTOS)

Of course, there is college football...

and flag football...

Shay trying to explain the line of scrimmage to 5 year olds

cut back for a TOUCHDOWN!

and then there is soccer...

* it should be noted that Dale is coaching both

then there is the blooming social life...

Tanner's birthday party

Shay at Homecoming

and a few design jobs for me...

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

but...

Fall is my favorite time of year, I love the crisp mornings, the mellow days, putting on sweaters, wrapping up in blankets, eating soup and finally, finally...the end of 100 degree weather.

Stretching...

I figured that since I was employed by a Technology College, I should become more 'technical'.

This is my latest purchase, isn't it pretty?

(Yeah, I might be able to work it.)

Tuesday I had class on how to use a smartboard, yugma and a gadget named Elmo.
I have learned to use (& barely understand) terms like Kaizen blitz, Six Sigma and

Lean Manufacturing.

And tonight, I am going to read about fire and rescue accreditation.

My comfort zone has officially become a thing of the past.

Quick change artist...

On average, Keaton changes his clothes 3 times a day.
The outfit must match the activity after all.
I was mortified though, to see his pile of shorts as I did the laundry this week...22.
No wonder I can't catch up on laundry.
Clearly, the boy needs a talking too.
And then it hit me...

How, how (?) does he have so many to begin with?

Working...

I have entered the work force again and I am now employed by Dixie Applied Technology College.

There are a few things that I have learned by working...

1. Since I am not around to do everything, the kids miraculously figure things out on their own, who knew?

2. I manage my time so much better when I am busy, and I have been BUSY!!!

3. I kind of like it.

However, sometimes the best laid plans...

It is back to school time and I have been stressed a bit about Keaton and working out babysitting for him before Kindergarten, I had it all arranged for the first week. Things looked as if they were ready to go...

Yesterday, Dale called me and said Keaton came home with a headache...

Ten minutes later, he called and told me Keaton had thrown up all over the floor.

And this morning, I had to call in to work, because he continued to throw up all night.

Have I ever said how much I love the stomach flu?

In any case, here are the kiddos on their first day....(this pose was painful for Shay and Tanner, can you tell?)

Summer fun...

Cousin Natalee came & stayed for a few weeks...

a great time was had by all

swimming...

sewing...

trip to Price...

baptisms...

pasta factory...

soda sale...

and if you have ever met her, you would know that there was alot of other things as well,

kitchen kids, plays, pottery, all night parties, movies...to name a few.

So much fun, the kids are already having withdrawals.

Who knows how we will ever get used to a schedule and school again.

Love you Natalee!!