Not Your Average Homework Assignment

I just about fainted when McKenna brought home her latest science homework assignment: To create a compound machine with the use of a wheel and axle, pulley, or screw... huh? All I can say is, "Thank goodness for Fathers!" They come in very handy now and then! I left town with instructions for Justin to make sure he helped McKenna come up with something, and I came home to this:

I don't know if McKenna realizes how awesome her Dad truly is, but I do know that she felt pretty special turning in her homework this past Monday.

Spies

Boys... they never cease to entertain. Ky and Carson are constantly coming down the stairs in costume. This was Saturday's game of choice: Super Secret Spies. Very suave.

Teacher for a Day

Kyler's 1st grade class has been learning about different countries throughout the world, and Kyler has found this fascinating! He comes home spouting off random facts, customs, and traditions of far away lands almost everyday. He recently reported that elves are real... thanks to the Netherlands presenter! Justin was invited to come teach Ky's class about Brazil where he served his mission. He brought in Brazilian music, crafts, native weapons, pictures, soccer items... but the kids' favorite part was the mounted piranha! Kyler was so excited and proud to have his Dad teaching his class!

The ABC's of Carson

Check out the sweet book I made for my lover of letters: CARSON! You can look at the book below or click on this link to see in larger:
http://www.heritagemakers.com/projectBrowserStandAlone.cfm?projectId=1273866&productId=5&projectSponsor=372214

Time To Say Goodbye

This weekend, we said goodbye to a member of our home... and I couldn't be happier about it! We have a room off of our kitchen, and when we built our home, we envisioned it as a homework room for the kids. (Think posh Pottery Barn catalogue!) We thought that yellow paint would fit the kid theme... however, we just didn't have the funds to make our imagination a reality. So the 'homework room' really just became a room full of random office stuff and junk... and painted yellow! To me, the yellow walls just added to the confusion. Over time, my hatred for the room grew from a disliking to a full blown loathing hatred. Every time, the door to the room was left open, I cringed. When friends visited, I apologized. Well, my turmoil came to an end last Saturday. With the first swipe of paint, I immediately felt better. It was extremely difficult painting with four children bumping in to us every few seconds and begging to help the entire time, but it was well worth it. I am so thankful for my extremely hard working, fast working, and talented husband who knows how to do everything! He has given me the best early Mother's Day present ever! Good-bye yellow paint. Rest in peace. I shall not miss you.

BEFORE

AFTER

"And The Doctor Said, 'No More Monkeys...'"

Kyler's had a rough few months. He got a tooth pulled, poked in the eye by his sister, and now a broken arm! Kyler is yet another victim of the monkey bars! Both bones were broken in his left arm just above the wrist. He has been such a trooper though! He never complains of pain and he insists on being independent. We all forget that he's wounded because he hasn't slowed down a bit! He misses riding his bike, but he was very relieved that his injury has not in any way affected his beat boxing abilities. I got a huge smile out of him when I told him that he got to have a break from piano, but now he says he's actually missing it! Now, that is music to Mom's ears!

As soon as Kyler returned from the hospital with his sling, Carson immediately started experiencing sympathy pains. His foot became 'broken' too, so he received a homemade cast, and he proceeded to hop on one foot throughout the day.
Through his accident, Kyler has realized just how very loved he is! He received calls, cards, and treats from many friends and family members. My favorite (not Kyler's) was this note from a little admirer in his class! He was too embarrassed to pose in a picture with it because of the heart! I have to enjoy these days when he doesn't like girls. I know it won't last forever!

Rodeo up, Ya'll!

Grandpa Luke surprised us with tickets to the Dodge National Circuit Rodeo! When I shared the news with my boys a few days before the event, they immediately got decked out in their cowboy duds and played "cowboy" all afternoon.

We were so excited for our date night with Grandma and Grandpa Luke, but the day before the rodeo, Grandpa realized that the rodeo conflicted with our cousin's Jr. Miss Pageant, so they wouldn't be able to go. Grandpa felt bad, so the morning of the rodeo, he jumped in his car and drove up to have a cowboy picture with the grandkids! Then he took us out to lunch to Texas Road House before racing back home to travel to the pageant. I was amazed that my Dad went to so much effort to do something special for us! My children have the greatest grandparents (from both sides) on the planet!
We had "Gold" tickets, and were seated just a few feet away from all the action! Here were our favorite things:

McKenna--The rodeo queens. (But she was very concerned for the poor calfs who were being roped and dragged all the time.)

Kyler--The bulls!

Carson--The broncos! (I knew he was having fun when he said, "This is the greatest day ever!")

Mom--The short music clips played during the action.

Dad--The shiny truck that carried the winners around!