After School

This is what Gabe does after school- everyday. He barely makes it in the door. It is hard going back to school.

New Song

One of my favorite groups came out with a new album this week. I came across this video on you tube. I have so many friends that are struggling with body image right now. I remember, in the height of my cushings, when I had gained 75 pounds in one year, I was broken, I ceased all picture taking, I stayed inside. Body image is a powerful thing- this video is wonderful

1st Day of School

I really can't believe it. Today was the first day of school. Ben started 4th grade. Gabe started 1st grade. This afternoon, they got off the bus, started putting on swimsuits, gave me a very brief synopsis of their days and jumped in the pool. Here are the questions they answered
Yes we LOVE our teachers.
We had fun
We met new friends
We saw old ones
No assigned seats on the bus
PE and music today
It is always so nice to have that first day done. Here we go- always moving on, always moving up.

Cub Scouts and Friendship

I need everyone to say prayers for this boy. His name is Isaiah and currently he is in the hospital recovering from multiple surgeries to repair his foot. This guy has made me think about a lot of things in the past two days
1. Accidents will happen- no matter what. We can not prevent or protect our children from everything. Isaiah was riding his bike in and out of the garage. His dad's motorcycle fell on him. The brake pedal (which looks like a big kickstand, went through his foot, fracturing bones and coming out the other side. When the EMT's arrived they had to pull out the pedal.
2. Although he has to be in pain, because there is no WAY he isn't. Both times we have visited he is all smiles. The nurses and doctors have fallen in love with him and he is quite the celebrity there.
3. Ben and Isaiah are in cub scouts. They just spent a week at camp together. This is one of those times I look at the time spent in cub scouts and am grateful. In the cub scout manual at the beginning there is a statement "If you could give your son the greatest gift of all, what would it be? It wouldn't be money or anything money could buy. Weather you are rich or poor, the greatest gift is within your power because the gift helps a boy become a good person with a good feeling about himself and a genuine concern for others. Cub Scouting can help you provide this this gift."
Please keep Isaiah and his family in your prayers. He has a long, long road to recovery. He is unable to start school Wednesday. He will either be in a wheelchair or on crutches. He will hurt.
His family needs support. They need prayers.

Here he comes...

Dear 4th grade teacher(s)of Ben,
You have a boy coming to you who can not wait for school. (to be out for Christmas break)
He is excited.( a little)
He is ready.(maybe)
He doesn't like summer vacation, or swimming, or sleeping late or wearing pajamas all day or...

Oh, OK 4th grade teacher, I'm sorry for not wanting summer to end, loving my pajamas, sleeping late, swimming, not wanting school to begin, loving my pajamas- really loving them, sleeping late-did I say that already?
well- anyway-
Good luck
Ben's Mom

he is all yours...

Dear 1st grade teacher of Gabe,
In 12 days he is all yours. If you would like him early, please call.
Good Luck!
Sincerely,
Gabe's Mom

Back to school party

While Ben was away at camp, Gabe had a back to school pirate party. It was fun for him to see his friends, some he has not seen all summer. Gabe is now very excited for school to start. Maybe I need to have my friends over for a party so I can get excited too.

Yeah Gabe

We are so proud of Gabe- He is riding with no training wheels!!! It only took huge knee and elbow pads, a ski helmet, a couple of trips up and down the block and of course Dad offering him 5 dollars. Way to go Gabe!!!!

Summer and Big Air

We are trying to soak up every last bit of summer around here. Tonight was the 1st annual Kahl Big Air Contest. As you can see, Kevin won!! The boys still have a lot of laps to swim before they meet their goal of 100. I am not sure if I can do 98 more in 14 days.

Snapshots From Camp

Kevin and Ben are back from resident camp. They had a great time even though it was HOT. Ben loved the row boat and archery. He was excited that he got a bulls eye! Today, while I finished up laundry and re- packed and organized the camping gear Ben rested on the couch. Kevin was back at work. I was so happy that I was able to get all evidence of camping back in its place clean and organized before Kevin got home. He slept in the middle of the woods in extreme heat, ate camp food, and walked a zillion miles. Putting away the camping things was the least I could do. We are all happy to be under one roof again.

Parents Of The Year

Just in case you were going to nominate us for parents of the year, we wanted you to know how much we value bedtime routines in our house. I guess we take the saying- "sleep where you land" literally.