VBS at FHCC

One of the things our church does REALLY REALLY well is vacation Bible school. This year our theme was Crocodile Dock and it was fabulous--I could really relate to the swamp atmosphere since I grew up in the swamp! We had 130 kids participate over the week. Nick was "Bayou Bubba" and taught the preschool Bible hour and I was a crew leader for the elementary kids. Nicholas brought his friend Caroline (or as Rayden said "shmirl-friend...they have a PRECIOUS friendship) and her twin Grace! We all had a blast! On the morning the kids led worship at church, I was sitting with my friend Sarah, who got everything kicked off each night and wrapped us up each night, and a parent asked her if she toured around to different churches leading vacation Bible school (she could)! She was amazing leading all of the children in the songs and getting them so excited for what God was going to teach them each night! I love watching kids worship the Lord with their pure hearts! If you haven't done so already sign your kids up for VBS where you are! At the end of the week, Sarah and the kids lead our church in worship! It was awesome!

Last Day of 3rd grade!

Nicholas had the most wonderful year! We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Ms Clark (who is now Mrs. Johnson)! I feel like Nicholas grew more in this last year than ever before! We have been so blessed with amazing teachers every year but there was something very special about Ms. Clark and the way she brought out the very best of Nicholas. The last awards ceremony for the school year was the morning of the last day! It is always such a wonderful time because our school truly tries to celebrate every student and their achievements. Nicholas received the Most Improved Student (gotta love those "E's" in conduct we finally got) award for his class! Nick and I are so proud of him. He worked so hard all year and finally met this goal! Nicholas also received the STAR student award for music. For the star awards there is only one presented to each grade! WAY TO GO NICHOLAS!!!! Enjoy these pictures of our proud moments and there are also a few of the class presenting Ms. Clark with her end of the year/wedding presents!!!

Nicholas turns 9!!!

We had so much fun celebrating Nicholas' 9th birthday! The last day of school was June 5th and it was a 1/2 day! So we went to school that morning for the awards program (more on that later) and celebrated Nicholas' birthday with his class. We brought cupcakes for them to enjoy with lunch. When school ended Nick picked up Nicholas and 3 of his friends for an afternoon of putt-putt golf and laser tag! Then everyone came back to our house for Wii fun and a sleepover! It was a great day for all!

Caroline's Graduation

Caroline graduated from kindergarten on May 2oth! They sang some very cute songs and Caroline and BFF Jordan had the first speaking part welcoming everyone! Such a sweet time! Most of the kids went home right after the program but Caroline wanted to stay with Mrs. Bray! So they spent the afternoon cleaning the classroom!

Caroline's Field Trip

I was looking through iPhoto and realized there were many things that we didn't blog about as the school year ended. So over the next few days I will catch up! Caroline had a wonderful field trip to the Botanical gardens. Nick went with them and his group included Caroline and all of her giggly girl friends!! They had crafts, learned about plants and planted one of their own to bring home! The girls had so much fun..... I'm not sure about Nick!!!

Harry Potter Obsessed!

Nicholas also has a new obsession, Harry Potter! He lives, sleeps, and breathes Harry Potter. He will say "hey Mom, in book xyz Harry and Ron blah, blah, blah...." I love that he is so excited about something and he is reading and reading and reading! I love that! But I must confess that yesterday I looked at him and said "Nicholas, I love you, but I need a Harry Potter break!" I for one am NOT obsessed with Harry Potter! Here are some pictures of the very cool costume that Aunt Lorri sent Nicholas for his birthday!

My Brave Caroline!!

My Caroline is soooo brave. We were all set for a fantastic day yesterday! A friend of ours from church called and asked if we would like to come over for a day of swimming! We were so excited. Another friend of ours was coming over as well and all of the girls + Nicholas could swim and play the day away! We covered ourselves with sunscreen, put on bathing suits and packed our bag with towels, goggles and snacks! Off we go! We were there for about 45 minutes and all of the kiddos decided to jump into the pool. Great fun! The next thing we hear is Caroline crying and Anna Grace yelling "She's bleeding!!!!!" My first thought was that Caroline had bitten her tongue as she jumped in so I finish my cookie and casually walk over. When I got to that end of the pool and saw all of the blood, I just knew....... She had popped her chin open and we were going for stitches!!!! Libby and Amy helped put pressure on her chin and applied ice and I quickly called our pediatrician! Within 15 minutes we are flying down the road to the office! Caroline was SO, SO, SO BRAVE!!! She cried as they numbed her chin ( I had warned her that was the part that hurt) but the entire time she just laid there perfectly still as she got 5 STITCHES IN HER CHIN!!!! I was so proud of her! She was amazing! An hour later we were back at Libby's house and although she couldn't swim (she was so good about that too) she had a great time playing on the steps!

I Have a New Obsession!

I have to tell all of you about my new obsession! I am so addicted! On Memorial Day our small group had a cookout and our Family Life Pastor and his family came! I was talking with Sarah (his wife--we recently discovered that we were both bloggers) and she was telling me about a new blog she discovered called hip2save.blogspot.com! She was telling me about all of these coupons she had printed and how she was going to Target after the cookout and getting all of this stuff for free! The next day she posted on her blog that although her bill was around $25 dollars she only spent $7!!! I had to see for my self so I went to that blog! Since then it has become a daily obsession to look on there and see what free samples can I get and what coupons can I match up for free products or at least incredibly cheap products! In the last week I went to Target and my bill before coupons was $33, I paid $11 dollars but then I got a $5 Target gift card to use next time I go!!!!!! I also went to Wal-Mart and my bill before coupons was $45 dollars and I cut that in half and paid $22!!!! I love it! What I love the most is that all of the hard work is done for me. On this wonderful blog, she post who is having what on sale and what coupons to use! Best of all............ its free!!!!

Spring Fling at School

Every year at School celebrates an event called Spring Fling! It is a wonderful way that the students are rewarded for all of their hard work after TCAPS! There are blow up bouncers, slides, face painting, hot dogs, cotton candy, soccer games, and many other fun things. One of the most favorite attractions is the rock climbing wall. Here is Nicholas enjoying the challenge!

Lexi

Lexi hasn't had a post all to her own yet so I thought I would share these funny pictures. She has discovered a hiding spot that she loves. When I am on call and working at the computer she will often come and keep me company. This is her hiding spot..... Can you see her?

Otis and Lexi

I thought I would post some new pictures of our puppies. They are so funny and make us crack up on a daily basis! We are working with them on their manners --they like to lick you to death! Some one described Boston's as "cartoon characters that have come to life"! We have to agree!

Caroline Plays Spring Soccer

Caroline decided to play soccer this spring and had a blast. She played on a 4-6 year old micro soccer league. They don't have goalies and they really don't play specific positions other than run down the field and score a goal or don't let the other team score a goal. This was her second season playing and did better than the first time-- when she was more cheerleader than player. Our goal as parents, anytime we sign them up for a sport, is that they learn team work, learn the sport and have a great time. I wish I could say our goal was met. Caroline had a great time, but we only saw her coach once and if it weren't for parent volunteers they would never have played a game! Poor girl is still waiting to receive her trophy and team picture............ But here are some pics of her playing at one of the games.