Catching Up...

Well, it's been a long time since I've updated. It's been a busy couple of months accompanied by many changes. Kevin finally made his way home to the family. Unfortunately, the day he was supposed to come home, he injured his back and has been dealing with that since February. Surgery was recommended, but we are seeing a big improvement since that time, and are believing that God will continue to heal him without the surgery. Some other big events during the last couple of months: my birthday, a visit from my mom, Halley's 7th birthday, and a new job for me. I am working 3 days a week. It's been a big change, but I have enjoyed it so far. Like I said, lots of changes!

Happy 7th Birthday, Halley!

The birthday girl with her birthday crown at school

Parent night at dance class

My mom with the kids.

Another Missing Tooth!

We got some snow earlier in the week, so Cameron & I went outside to play even though the wind chill made it way too cold! Below are also the pictures of Halley's second missing tooth & her new hair cut. She has had a "snaggle tooth" for weeks and we couldn't get it out! Well, Monday morning, she woke me up saying, "It's out! It's out!" I'm hoping the other one comes out soon because I just love the look of two missing front teeth!

Cameron making learning to make snow angels!

All ready to throw a snow ball at me!

New hair cut & new outfit!

Christmas

Here are some of the many Christmas pictures that were taken. I will hopefully post more pictures from the past month soon. We spent Christmas day at home, and then headed up to Michigan to celebrate with Kevin's family. School starts tomorrow--which is bittersweet. I love having the kids at home, but I miss having a routine. Kevin was offered a temporary job, so he left today to work in Cincinnati for 6 weeks. I feel blessed to have the income, but I can't say I'm looking forward to being a single mom again! I'm just trying to remember that God does have a plan in all of this!

The three kids Christmas morning

Cameron & his Grammy (notice the tie--he thought he should dress up for Christmas!)

Halley& her first real American girl doll--dressed alike & everything!

Something's Missing...

Something's Missing....and it's Halley's tooth! Halley lost her FIRST TOOTH on Monday. She was sooo excited! I was out of town visiting a friend, so I missed out on the excitement, but I heard all about it as soon as I got home! I was a little put off that she couldn't have waited until I got home...but I soon forgave her when she smiled that toothless grin =)

Go Bucks!

Collin & Halley were proud to wear their scarlet & grey on Buckeye day at school. Halley had grey in her leggings & Collin got to buy a new jersey for the big Ohio State Michigan game. This was the extent of our festivities for the weekend, but that was just fine with me. We stayed at home for some much needed R & R.

An Adventure in Horesback Riding

A couple of weeks ago the kids were invited by some classmates to go horseback riding. Now, I'm sure this is fun for any kid, but if you know Halley at all, you realize that this is the highlight of her entire life. She has been in love with horses for a couple of years, and as she gets older, she is trying to find ways to get one. Recently, she told me that she thinks she wants a horse instead of a car when she turns 16! This is the 2nd time that the kids have been on a horse, so this time they seemed like pros (well, from their mom's point of view!) The mom that invited the kids actually gives lessons at a stable. So the kids were blessed to have about a 3 HOUR FREE Lesson! And yes, Halley's horse fever is even higher!

Brushing Sam, the pony before riding

Collin up on Chief--all ready to ride.

She really did light up riding the horse. By the end, she was riding the big horse all by herself!

Cameron rode too, but I was helping him balance, so no pics =( He had lots of fun too!

A Clone, A Motorcycle Racer, & the Cutest Kitty on the Block

We had a great (and very busy) weekend. We started off the weekend watching the kids at the school Halloween parade & parties. Even Cameron got to dress up, but I didn't get any pictures of him =( Then were were invited over for pizza at a new friend's house. Saturday was filled with breakfast with Poppa, some shopping, store returns, and then off to paint pumpkins! The kids had a great time painting and we had a great time watching. Then we headed back over to our friends house and went trick or treating. We have soooo much candy I don't know how we will ever eat it all or why we would want to! I think we're going to donate some to a friend who sends boxes to troops over seas. We managed to fit in raking neighbors' leaves (the kids are raising money for needy kids for Christmas), cleaning out the garage some more, mowing, fertilizing...no wonder I'm still exhausted! Well, enjoy the pictures below & look for more later this week. We went horesback riding yesterday, so I have more pis to share!

Kevin & our motorcycle driver (Cameron), needing a break from walking.

A motorcyle racer, a clone trooper, and the cutest kitty on the block

Halley's pumpkin complete with a peace sign and 3 horses

Collin's pumpkin was a star wars mask (Can you tell what we're into?)

Cameron made lots of faces on his pumpkin!

Okay, this is not from Halloween, but Cameron discovered this monster truck tie of Collin's & decided to wear it all over town last week (grocery store, library, etc)

Halley eating the biggest caramel apple ever (courtesy of Poppa Pennell)

Halley in the school parade

Class party

Hope you enjoyed the pics, I know there were a lot!