Stinks

CUSHINGS DISEASE STINKS!!!!!!!!!!
And THAT is all I have to say today!!!

Hoarding and Summer

Hoarding and summer are really not related but these pictures show both. Gabe likes stuff- I do not so clearly we have a problem. When I walk in and see his desk looking like that picture, I want to scoop it all into a trash bag. Gabe will pick up every single item and declare it is his favorite. He remembers where, when and why he got the item. I don't really have sympathy. Soooo- we made a deal. If it is lying on top of the desk- I will toss it. If it has a place inside the desk he can keep it. We will see if this works.
Summer... it is going way, way to fast...July 4th is almost here...
I have stuck to my guns and we are living the slow paced life that summer should be. We are not running all over the place to a million different camps and activities, just to be doing SOMETHING. We are enjoying doing NOTHING! WE LIKE IT LIKE THAT!

The Weekend

We had a weekend full of relaxing and work. I have discovered I might like living in a villa- they are popular here. You own your home but do none of the maintenance. Pretty cool right? We (well not exactly WE) did some tedious tasks this weekend, that we usually avoid until they become a nuisance. Number one- the window in our entry. We have to haul the extension ladder out to clean it. Since Kevin had it out to replace some of our exterior lights, I asked him, with the sweetest voice (actually, I yelled, "Hey don't put that ladder away, I've got more for you in here!!") to clean the disgusting window. He did a beautiful job.
Later, while Gabe and I were making pretty crafts, Kevin and Ben trimmed all of the bushes in the front. As you can see, Ben was a HUGE help!!!
We did get to relax later on that night. Kevin and Gabe swam, and looked for rocks (?!) Ben rode his cycocyle and relaxed with me poolside.

Why We Love Dad

He takes the time to teach us new things.  Whenever he is putting something together, building something or taking it apart- he shows us too!!!

He doesn't get mad when we decide it is acceptable to swim in our pajamas. He will even swim in his pajamas!

 He swims every night with us.  Water baseball is our favorite

 He helps coach our teams.

 He teaches us the skills to play!

 He helps teach a lot of other kids too!

 He will even go on field trips with us, driving in a bus with a lot of crazy kids!!

We love our Dad!!!!!
Ben and Gabe Kahl

Why Do I Love Taekwondo?

I love they way Ben's instructor gives him pep talks and encouragement

I love that Ben learns the meaning of patience in its truest form- waiting...

 I love that Ben is learning respect, honor, and discipline.

 I love how Ben practices his form and his one steps without my nagging. He does it because he wants to improve. He still thanks me every single time I drive him there!

 I love the role models he has come to know, who accept Ben for who he is.

I love his classmates. Young, old, boy, girl it doesn't matter. Everyone is treated equally. There are no judgements based on family name, siblings that have gone before. When these kids test for their belts, it is based solely on their own ability and how hard they have worked. Encouraging their classmates without competition between them is truly a gift that they have. They want each other to be successful!

I love how Ben is learning the value of being respectful to adults.

 I also love that they can laugh and joke with Ben even in serious times!

I love that Ben feels success and accomplishments. I love that he sets a goal and sticks with it. I love that every belt he earned, he has worked for.

 I love his teacher. He is so good!!!!

 I love the constant smile Ben has on his face!

 I love that the class can still be fun- here they are attempting the wave after belt testing!

SUMMER

We are enjoying the start of summer break around here. The weather has been beautiful this week. I know I always say this- but I love having a pool!!!!! The boys enjoy having friends over but they also love playing together. Today, they had jumping and floating contests, tried to see what torpedo toy skipped across the water the most and of course the old standby- cannonballs!!! I hate this to admit this but the only thing I did was READ!!!

Football

The Players Tunnel. 

Notre Dame Stadium

Craig, Ben and the man(Tony) who gave them such a great opportunity!

As I mentioned earlier, Kevin's brother Craig came to visit this weekend. We thought he would like to see Notre Dame while he was here. Our friend Tony, who happens to coach there, asked if Craig would like to see behind the scenes Notre Dame football. Um...lets think... YES! All the boys got to see Notre Dames impressive football stadium, locker rooms, and practice facilities. They had a great time that will hold memories for a lifetime!!!! Thanks Tony- for taking the afternoon for my family!!!!!

Road Trip

Shakes for the road!

Watching a movie!

The good luck touch!

 Waiting...

Intense game of Monopoly!!

Yesterday, on the last day of school, I broke the kids free an hour early to go on a road trip with friends. Ben's friend Patrick had an audition in Chicago for an MTV show and we rode along to support him and  for the adventure! Plus, I was sure I was going to witness The Real World auditions as we sat and waited. We got home around 7:30, at pizza, played Monopoly and watched a movie! Welcome to summer!!!

Last Day of School

Today was the last day of school here. I love summer!!! I love sleeping in, little to no schedules, waking up with no plans and being OK just hanging with the boys all day- swimming, or staying in our PJ's . I love summer!!!!

Fun Weekend

Kevin's brother, Craig and our niece Calli came to visit this weekend. We had a great time.  Calli and I shopped, hung out by the pool and ate. Kevin, Craig, Ben and Gabe went to the college football hall of fame,Notre Dame and also went golfing..
We celebrated Calli's graduation from St. Ambrose College. She is moving to New Zealand in August to continue her schooling and have fun! My friend Darcy made this awesome cake which was gluten, peanut and tree nut free. It was so yummy!!!!