First Grade

Hard to believe Carley is off to 1st grade! She loves her teacher, Miss Burkhalter and had a great week!

Corey Wayne

...is the busiest toddler I know. He is so creative and sometimes has more adventure and gets more stirred up by 7:30 am then most people do all day. Last week he was sick and it broke my heart. Glad our rambunctious boy is back.

Our Carley Girl

Sometimes her loveliness takes our breath away.

Here she is giving an impromptu concert in the front yard.

We also shelled peas together. It led to great conversation and a few good stories about my childhood and the farm my Mom grew up on. I love watching her wrap her brain around things and try to put pieces together. Love my smart girl.

Mommy/Daughter Date

Carley and I went on a date. We went to dinner, shopping for new leotards, and to see Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. We had a wonderful time. She is growing up before my eyes.

My First Run

Today I ran my first event since Jr High. My friend and coworker Jill talked me into signing up for a 2 mile run. It was not pretty, but I have worked all Summer to be able to do it without waking. Today was hard. The hills threw me for a loop and I wanted to quit but I didn't and I crossed the finishline jogging!!

Superhero

Superman has become quite a fixture at our house. Carley is in love with the old Superman movies from the 80s and the TV show from the 90s. Corey has caught the bug too and it keeps them so busy and creative.

I will say when Corey isn't being Superman he is being Spiderman, Construction worker man, or Firefighter Corey.

Day at the Lake

We went to Buffalo with some of our friends and had the best day. We are so blessed to have lazy Summer days.

Back to School

August 6th I started back to school.  MAN!  This summer went very fast, but it is one of my favorties of all time.  I literally spent 24/7 with my cuties.   Carley and Corey were SO fun.  We napped, rocked, went the gym, played, read, and watched TV all Summer.   I don't recall such a low key Summer for our family.  I love what all we got to do and how we got to be together.  You two are my light and my joy.   Going back to work is never easy, but it is something your dad and I do because we think it is best for our family.  It is never about not choosing to be with you.   Thanks for letting me be your mom and hang with you all Summer.  I am MORE than thankful!

Art Camp 2012

We had Art Camp at church this week.  It was WONDERFUL!  It was from 9-12 for 4 days with an Art show tonight to cap off the week.   Cody taught lessons in the 2-6th grade classes.  I led worship and did snacks.  Carley was in the yellow group of Kinder and 1st graders.   Corey was the lone man in the nursery and had a blast roaming the church with Ms. Judy and Ms. Gwen.   The kids did such creative and meaningful projects.   By God's grace you are Created, Chosen, Celebrated, and Cherished!

Oak Ridge Boys Concert

Cody and I had the most hilarious night celebrating his 33rd Birthday! We went to dinner with some friends from the station a d their wives then went to the Oak Ridge Boys concert. It was a hilarious night capped off with us outside their tour bus and my picture made with the bass singer. Who does stuff like this??

Cousin Pictures Summer 2012

Core Cousins Together - What does that mean?  Matching clothes and pictures.  Man our kiddos are getting big!

Lauren will be 9 in September, Carley and Camryn are both 6, Corey will be 3 in September, and Addison is 18 months.  

Time in Keller

We had a great few days staying in Keller.  We went to Six Flags, ate at great restaurants, spent time with my cousins, swam, played, played, and played!

Firefighter Olympics 2012

Cody competed in the Firefighter Olympics again over the weekend.  He did great!  He got the gold in benchpress and the silver overall.  He squatted 507lbs, deadlifted 473, and benchpressed 435.  1415 lbs overall!  Unbelievable!  I am so proud of him and his work!  He even made the local news.   It was great!   Way to go, Cody!

The most special part for me was our families who came.  The O'Rears, the Cores, Frank, Tim, and Mandie spent a ton of time celebrating with us and cheering on Cody.  We are blessed with a huge support system!