Another School Year Under Their Belts

Haven't posted in a while.....and now the school year comes to a close....hard to believe. It's always sad and exciting at the same time. I am always intimidated to start summer. I get comfortable with my routine and don't like change. I am looking forward to sleeping in a bit and not having to rush out of the house every morning. I am always afraid that the kids will get bored or watch 10 hours of TV a day. I need to set some clear limits this summer so that doesn't happen. The kids are getting older so there aren't as many daytime activities for them to be involved in. The evenings will be filled with numerous baseball games, so I guess lazy days will be nice. I also need to work on chore charts for the kids. Kyle is great at folding and Katie loves helping out. Trevor was honored at the academic awards ceremony for the A-B honor roll. So proud of him for how far he has come. He is also heading to State for the discus this weekend. He's very excited and gets to eat breakfast and miss school tomorrow to attend the festivities in East Peoria with his friends. I can't believe he's only 5 yrs from high school graduation. Kyle will be in 5th grade which means only 2 more years of grade school for him! He has done great as well moving up a year in math and hopefully moving up in English next year as well. Academically he just excels and he's enjoying some baseball with Dad coaching him. Katie will be in 2nd grade! How does that happen?! She has really become an efficient reader and loves to read aloud-everything! She also enjoys arts and crafts. Rocket Math has been her challenge but she continues to push through it! She cannot wait for her summer birthday to get here already! And my baby Buddy will turn 1 very soon. He will really enjoy having the kids home! I know he will be thrilled to have them home every day! Well, better enjoy my last hour or so of freedom. It's a gorgeous day outside so Buddy must get walked! Until later.......

One Year Later

Hard to believe that an entire year has gone by since the devastating earthquake that shook us in Japan. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about our life in Tokyo and miss the many experiences we were able to share and lifelong friends that we met. When you experience something that tragic, it really brings people together. I'm so thankful for many of God's provisions. One, that he protected our family that day. He kept us safe and even though we were all separated during the quake, I was with our youngest, Katie. The boys were both ok and Tim made it home quickly. WE were very fortunate especially compared to others who lost everything that day. I pray for those that lost so much. Thankful that Caterpillar allowed to come back to the safety of our homeland. Thankful we didn't sell the house or even rent it out so we could come right back. Thankful there were spots in school that the kids could easily slide right back into their routines. Thankful for the prayers of family and friends during that time. Thankful that we didn't have to remain separated for an extended amount of time. Katie and I have a very favorite song, God has a Way of Working it out..........And He sure did.

February Happenings

Well, this month is already almost over. Trevor's 7th grade team made it to State and lost against East St. Louis! They had a 6 foot 5 boy and 2 boys over 6 feet tall! Morton played really well and gave them a great game! They came in 2nd overall. Trevor ended strong with 8/10 freethrows in that game. I was very proud of his accomplishments. Today he leaves to head North to Ice Camp with Grace Youth Group. I am praying for safe travels and overall safety and health for all the kids and leaders. I know he will have a great time! Kyle's basketball team has been doing great also. They only lost one game all season. They are now in the tournament and play against their rival in the morning. I sure hope they win!!! If so, they will have 1st place. I am so proud of him and the growth he's had this season in passing the ball and making his shots. He has been a great asset to his team. And finally, Miss Katie. She has been doing tumbling, signed up for indoor soccer for the first time, and has been enjoying and American Girl after school program. This past Monday night she started running a fever and has been home all week! She is so ready to get back in her school return next week. As am I. Eagerly anticipating Tim's 40th birthday next week, so stay tuned.....Until next time. :)

The 100th Day of School!

Can't believe how fast this year is flying by! Trevor is enjoying 7th grade and mainly basketbal right now! His team just won their regional title after a very intense game against Pekin! They were down by 3 at the half and came back to win it by 10 pts. We had to celebrate after at Red Rock. Kyle's East Peoria team was undefeated and played the other undefeated team in the league. Needless to say it was a wild and crazy game. Kyle got 5 pts. Needless to say they were up 3 and the other team scored a 3 ptr in the last 30 seconds to tie it up and go into overtime. They lost in overtime. Kyle played great and improves every game. Katie has been taking tumbling at the park but does not want to sign up again. :( I think we'll head back to gym corner in March. Today she is celebrating her 100th day of First Grade with a gymboree hat decorated with pom pons. I will have to post a pic later. Until next time.

Kyle turns "10"

Hard to believe that Kyle is TEN! He celebrated with a bowling party at Bass Pro Shop with 13 other 4th grade boys! It was wild but they had a great time! We had pizza and ice cream sundae bar and I made cupcakes too. Kyle got 5 strikes that day! We also went to dinner as a family to The Fish House. Kyle loves their scallops. :) Until Next time....