West Paris Daily Photo

A New Year, A New Home

2012-01-24T19:05:00.003-05:00

West Paris Daily Photo has moved to a much easier to remember web address:

http://westparis.blogspot.com

It's already here!

2012-01-06T20:48:00.001-05:00

My 2011 West Paris Daily Photo book...yay!

West Paris Daily Photo by Dawn Letourneau | Make Your Own Book

1st Carrot Cake

2012-01-04T16:34:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, when I was trying to decide what to bring to a co-worker's retirement party, it was mentioned that his favorite dessert was carrot cake. I thought to myself, "I actually have both carrots and cream cheese in my 'fridge! When has that ever happened at the same time? Never." So,that evening, while supper was cooking, I took out my brand-spanking-new food processor, (BIG thanks to my mother-in-law here!) shredded some carrots and nervously put together a cake. (Well, two of them, since the family wanted one to eat as well.) The cake got rave reviews today!

God bless the inventor of heated seats!

2012-01-03T07:49:00.000-05:00

Book Baby

2012-01-02T17:05:00.002-05:00

This is one big reason why I take so many pictures and then create books with them. I love it whenever I see someone else enjoying them...

But, to see the look on that baby's face when she realized that she KNEW the people in that particular book - it was priceless! She just lit up and started pointing and "talking". It was GREAT!!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:14:00.004-05:00

They actually made it until midnight so that they could see that infamous ball drop in Times Square, and to toast (with their non-alcoholic beverages!) each other for a great 2012.

Here's to hoping that they won't be too tired and grumpy tomorrow. Ha! Haa!!

My New Year's Resolution?

To dance more. Because it makes me happy.

When I'm happy, everything else just falls into place.

Cousins who wish they were sisters...

2011-12-31T21:59:00.000-05:00

My niece is staying with us tonight, possibly for a couple of days. The kiddos are so thrilled to all be together. And, they are determined to see the New Year in for the first time this year! We'll see if they can stay awake that late...I hope that everyone has a FUN & safe night!

Happy New Year's Eve!!

Family Gathering

2011-12-31T21:57:00.000-05:00

What a challenge it was getting all those cousins to pose together! They get along great, but did NOT want to crowd close together for a photo!

Silverware Humor

2011-12-30T17:37:00.000-05:00

There was a vendor at a local craft fair this fall, who was selling items that she had created - jewelry, wind-chimes, key-chains, etc. - out of pieces of antique silverware. It was all beautiful and very creative. When I saw this one, I got such a kick out of the tongue-in-cheek humor of it that I just had to buy it for my husband for Christmas. He thinks it's really funny and has put his keys on it, even though it's really too big to fit comfortably in his pocket, which I think is very sweet of him.

The Best Gifts are Homemade!

2011-12-30T08:46:00.000-05:00

I cook A LOT, and I have an extensive collection of spices 'cause I never know what I'm going to need for a new recipe. I've never had a good place to put them, so they have always been a mess in a kitchen drawer. Not anymore! My husband made me a spice rack for Christmas!!

Boyz & Birdhouses

2011-12-29T17:18:00.002-05:00

My husband helped the boys build me birdhouses for Christmas, while I was away on my business trip to New Orleans. I LOVE them!

This morning he mounted them each on a pole in our yard.

I can't wait to see who sets up housekeeping in them this summer!!

Disbelief

2011-12-28T06:50:00.000-05:00

She couldn't believe that Auntie M would actually give her the lamp that she so admired! Yes, my oldest step-daughter loves everything 70's...she's a displaced hippie, born 30 years too late!

A New T-shirt for Everyone

2011-12-27T06:44:00.000-05:00

In April, we are going to take a trip to Tennessee to visit my sister & her family! I had a friend draw an image of the 7 of us driving down the highway in our Suburban, and we surprised the kiddos with screen-printed t-shirts (made by Hot Colors in Norway, Maine) for Christmas. At this point, they are trying to figure out what the t-shirts say and what it means to them. Shortly after I took this picture, there was LOTS of jumping around and screams of excitement! We are all super excited about this trip!!

I do believe that I have created a monster...

2011-12-26T11:23:00.003-05:00

Our younger son asked for, and received, a camera for Christmas. Immediately after opening it, he called for a pause in the festivities so that he could load it with batteries & a memory card. Then, he started calling out directions for poses, and every time someone opened another gift, he made them wait until he took a picture of it! It was too funny! My husband just shook his head and asked me if I knew who he was acting like? "Ummm...me?" I replied, sheepishly.

I'm not sure where to begin...

2011-12-25T17:54:00.005-05:00

There are so many memories, so many stories, so many songs...I had no idea it would be this hard to lose my uncle today. I thought I was prepared. After all, he has been sick for a while now. Somehow, that doesn't seem to be helping.

As usual, I turned to my pictures, and I decided to cry over my photo albums. I found the first picture that I have of myself with him, and then the most recent one, taken at our wedding a few months ago.

As my step-daughter so eloquently put it, we are 'devastated' this evening. But, we also know that he is no longer in pain and is resting easy now. We will miss him very much.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T10:11:00.002-05:00

We hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday!!

He Really Was Here!

2011-12-24T09:56:00.003-05:00

It looks like Santa enjoyed his snack...

He even left the kiddos a note, which my son read out loud for all of us to hear.

He was so proud to be able to claim that he was the one who made those yummy Chocolate Chip cookies. 'Course as far as he's concerned, there is no other type of cookie!

Just Passing Thru!

2011-12-23T22:43:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I think I should have been a gypsy...lately the road has been calling to me. I think it's because of our yucky weather and knowing that there are still several months of winter left to go. This isn't my camper, but I love the sentiment on it!

White Fuzz Balls

2011-12-22T19:18:00.004-05:00

Lily & her little goat buddies, Heckel & Jeckel are enjoying our mild winter. They are still able to graze on the lawn in December!

Rosebushes? What rosebushes?!

2011-12-21T19:26:00.003-05:00

I caught our goat, Heckel, in my flower garden the other day. He was happily munching away...

Another Great Bumper Sticker

2011-12-20T16:44:00.003-05:00

I try very hard to apply this slogan to my life. Obviously, it's not realistic to expect to have fun all the time, but if I'm not happy, I do try to do something about it. There have been times in my life when I didn't make changes, and I regret that. A few people have commented (With some jealousy, I might add.) on how could our business trip to New Orleans look like so much fun? Well, it's because I work with a wonderful group of people. When my job gets tough, I remember them and realize how lucky I am to work where I do. My work-family makes all the difference in the world to me. Thanks, guys!

Good Ol' Andy

2011-12-19T07:29:00.003-05:00

I apologize for the horrible picture, but I promised you a story about Good Ol' Andy, so here it is...

We were wandering around the French Market in New Orleans on Thursday afternoon, when we came upon a line-up of mule-drawn carriages, waiting to give tourists a spin around town. I, of course, had to stop and visit each of these critters and give them some loving.
One of them was a very noticeably elderly mule named Andy. I commented to his driver that he must have been working for more than a few years. The driver said that he had, but that Andy had plenty of years left in him! I agreed, but asked, out of curiosity, "Just how old is Andy?" "Sure, he's old, he's 14," replied the driver, acting offended. I just looked back at him with a raised eyebrow, thinking to myself, "14 isn't old. I do believe he's more like 40!"
One of my friends told me afterward that he was ready to get me out of the fight that was about to start - he was sure that I was going to open up that mule's mouth and prove the driver wrong! I'll tell you what, I was sure tempted! I hate it when someone assumes that I am stupid. But, I'm sure that he gets lots of comments from less knowledgable folks that might think that Andy is too old to be working. Quite honestly, steady work will keep an equine young! I hope that Andy stays healthy and keeps right on pulling a wagon 'til his final days.

Beignets

2011-12-18T10:24:00.003-05:00

I brought a little taste of New Orleans home with me. What a yummy breakfast we had this morning!

I had never seen one of these before...

2011-12-17T08:25:00.003-05:00

What a fun way to tour the city!

Gingerbread Houses

2011-12-16T08:12:00.003-05:00

These gingerbread houses were amazing - the attention to detail was incredible!

They were on display under ornate Christmas trees spread throughout the Marriott's lobby.

Working Girl

2011-12-15T08:09:00.002-05:00

We saw lots of 'working girls' on Bourbon Street, but I think this one was the most nervous - she was trying to paw the shoe off her hoof! I spoke to her driver and he said that although she has been a driving mule for many years, this was one of her first days carting tourists around the city. She'll settle down once she gets used to her new job...

My View this Week

2011-12-14T08:00:00.003-05:00

I am currently living on the 19th floor of the Marriott on Canal Street, enjoying a great view of the Mississippi River and part of The Big Easy!

In the center of the photo, you can see Harrah's. We spent a couple of evenings wandering around the casino. The building itself is beautiful, both inside & out. As a finishing touch to their Christmas theme, there is actually a snow-making machine above the door. We were walking in at the same time as some women from Waco, Texas and they were getting such a thrill out of the snow falling down on them. After watching for a while, I finally got up the courage to play a game of Blackjack. It didn't take me long to lose the little bit of money that I was playing with, but I had a great time doing it! Apparently, even though I have taught the kids simple math by playing Blackjack for pennies, I still don't know enough about strategy. Oh well!

Conference

2011-12-13T07:48:00.003-05:00

This is why I am in New Orleans - a DOE (Department of Energy) conference on the benefits of weatherizing homes. There are over 3300 people here, representing each state in the Union, several US Territories and tribal nations. It is amazing! What a great people-watching opportunity for me, as well as a great way to learn how to do my job better.

36,000 Feet in the Air

2011-12-12T07:30:00.005-05:00

Did someone actually do this? Is that why they had to post this warning on the wing of the airplane?!

Today my job is flying me & several of my colleagues to New Orleans, Louisiana, for a conference.

Hanging the Wreath

2011-12-11T06:08:00.001-05:00

This year we didn't make our own, but bought them (1 for the door & 1 for Lazy) from the Paris Elementary PTO, which held a Holiday Festival & Craft Fair yesterday morning. The girls & I really enjoyed checking out all the offerings of the local craft makers. I got the funniest gift for my husband and can't wait for him to open it on Christmas Day!

All Lit Up!

2011-12-10T18:03:00.003-05:00

My husband finished putting up the Christmas lights this afternoon - the house looks awesome! I love it when it's all lit up, and will be very sad to take the lights back down in January.

Lazy in Lights

2011-12-09T18:47:00.003-05:00

This year, I even decorated Lazy! (Maybe you don't remember our horse statue?!)

Putting their heads together...

2011-12-08T18:31:00.002-05:00

It's nice to have an older brother when you need help with your homework!

Best with chicken...

2011-12-07T20:14:00.004-05:00

A few months ago I was looking for a quick and easy way to cook some chicken for dinner. I came across a recipe for Chicken Marsala and have been making it regularly every since. Even our pickiest kid loves it!

Best when warm...

2011-12-06T20:10:00.002-05:00

What do you do when you have over-ripe bananas? Make bread, of course. YUMMY!

Heart-Leaf Philodendron

2011-12-05T20:19:00.000-05:00

I figure this must be one of my happiest, healthiest plants. It just keeps on growing, and has even started to climb up the ceiling. My husband figures that eventually it will take over our bedroom, like in the movie, Jumanji.

Starry Lights

2011-12-05T17:16:00.002-05:00

We have been busy decorating our house for Christmas, both inside and out! The deck looks great with these starry lights strung all around it. It makes me smile!

Cards

2011-11-29T19:35:00.000-05:00

This was the scene that I came home to this evening...

It was great - they were having a blast playing a card game & enjoying each others' company. Of course they were supposed to be doing homework, but at least they weren't fighting.

Making Rank

2011-11-28T20:08:00.000-05:00

The boys both earned new ranks at tonight's Boy Scout meeting. They are now a Tenderfoot Scout & Star Scout, respectively. We are so proud of them!

An Old Friend

2011-11-26T20:30:00.005-05:00

3 years ago I photographed this horse pulling the Oakhurst Dairy wagon...we saw him again today, pulling the same wagon, in the Oxford Hills Christmas Parade in South Paris! We found out what his name is...it's Eagle.

Girls, girls, girls...

2011-11-25T16:39:00.001-05:00

My niece is visiting this weekend. Of course, the first thing they had to do was saddle up Lily!

Bedding Down

2011-11-24T08:17:00.005-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Here's just one of the many things that I am thankful for - living in the country, with wildlife just out my front door...

Remember the doe that I showed you last spring? Well, she had twin fawns this summer and the group of them has been hanging out in our pastures, keeping Lily company. The twins' father has also come by to visit. He's quite an impressive looking fellow, but will only come out of the woods after dark, so I haven't been able to get a picture of him. I've gotten quite a few pictures of the fawns and their mother because they do come right up next to the house.

This morning we stepped out of the front door and couldn't believe our eyes! They had actually bedded down right there next to the house last night! You can see where they were digging for grass, and in the closeup picture, you can see where they actually laid down to sleep. I'm impressed that they trust us that much, to sleep so near...and I hope that they find a safe place to hide from the hunters during this final weekend of hunting season.

"Thanks, Mom!"

2011-11-23T16:46:00.002-05:00

"Uh, guys? I didn't actually put that in there for you to stand on!" The poor little goats' legs are too short for the amount of snow that we got today!

Snuggle-Bug

2011-11-22T08:50:00.002-05:00

The kids all love to snuggle with Rusty and he loves every minute of it!

Just a dusting overnight...

2011-11-18T07:27:00.000-05:00

Science Project

2011-11-17T20:22:00.002-05:00

We went to the Middle School tonight to see all the 7th Grade science projects, each of which dealt with an issue regarding environmental awareness. We were so proud when he was engaging strangers as they approached his project board and answering their questions. He did a great job!

1st Green Egg

2011-11-16T06:12:00.002-05:00

Remember the Americauna chix that we got last spring? One of them laid her first egg yesterday! He was so excited to find it waiting in the nest when he got home from school!

Porky Porcupine

2011-11-15T20:17:00.003-05:00

The boys had a visitor this afternoon. They called me at work, all excited, and wanting to know where my camera was...there was porcupine eating beside the house! He let them get really, really close before he got nervous and headed up a tree. I kinda wish that they didn't get so close, but I guess they didn't get hurt, so it was okay. They thought it was a great visit!

Cat Car

2011-11-14T19:56:00.006-05:00

I saw this wicked cool car out my office window this afternoon and I just had to have pictures for the blog! Fortunately, one of my co-workers was willing to take my camera out to get these shots. Thank you! I LOVE this moving promotion for the Humane Society of Knox County, Maine. Someone had a great idea...

A Silkie & Her Egg

2011-11-13T10:46:00.003-05:00

We just watched her lay that egg!

Way too cool!! I haven't heard the word 'awesome' said that many times in a long while. She is very excited to have been able to see that happen. Me too! That's only the 3rd time I've watched it, even though I've been raising chickens my whole life, 'cause the hens are usually quite private about their egg laying.

5th Way to Cook Eggs

2011-11-13T08:44:00.001-05:00

This morning we made 'Egg in a Hole' - one of my favorites, which I hadn't eaten in years!

This One's for YOU, Uncle Lucas!

2011-11-11T19:19:00.003-05:00

THANK YOU to all our soldiers & veterans!

Campin' out...or is it in?

2011-11-10T19:24:00.002-05:00

No school (or work!) tomorrow! Whoo hoo!!

So, tonight we are letting the kiddos 'camp out' in the downstairs' family room, watching movies 'til they fall asleep. They're psyched!

First Flower This Morning

2011-11-09T13:24:00.003-05:00

It's always been more of a Thanksgiving Cactus than a Christmas Cactus...

We're going to enjoy a great display this year, though. It is covered with buds!

Poached Eggs

2011-11-06T07:48:00.002-05:00

This morning the girls learned how to make poached eggs - 4 different ways to cook eggs under their belts now! Good thing our hens are good producers! That's a bantam egg, by the way. A perfect size for a girl who wasn't sure she was going to like poached eggs. She did!!

Our Kind of Day

2011-11-05T20:56:00.002-04:00

It was a beautiful day to spend outdoors, playing around the farm with the kids.

Both kinds - 2-legged & 4-legged! Lily got lots & lots of attention, the goats & chickens entertained us with their antics, and we got a few projects around the farm done. Just like busy little squirrels...we're getting ready for winter...

Typing is a Challenge Today

2011-11-03T17:25:00.002-04:00

I had to wear a bandage on my index finger because my sweet little AlyCat bit me! I'm not sure that I blame her though. I was shoving a pill down her throat. I might bite someone if they did that to me too!!

Snow Man

2011-11-01T09:16:00.003-04:00

Not to be out-done by his step-sisters, my son built a snowman to go with their snowlady. One of the girls took Rusty out to meet him...

Fun Trick-or-Treating!

2011-10-31T09:25:00.000-04:00

Our Snow Lady

2011-10-30T19:16:00.003-04:00

I can't believe we had a full fledged snowstorm overnight! We got about a foot of wet, heavy snow - perfect for making a snowlady!!

1st Day of Hunting Season

2011-10-29T07:33:00.002-04:00

I would hope that no one would shoot our precious Lily by mistake, but every year we cover her in blaze orange, just in case. Better safe than sorry!

Inside His Locker

2011-10-28T06:42:00.000-04:00

Last night we visited my son's school to discuss with his teacher how things are going in class. So far, so good! I asked him to show me his locker, and this is what he did! He loves to make me laugh!!

Oh no!

2011-10-27T20:04:00.002-04:00

That's not dandruff...

Her 1st Eggs

2011-10-16T09:48:00.002-04:00

This morning we told her she could make her own breakfast - she is so darn proud of herself!

Breyer Bathtime

2011-10-15T09:37:00.000-04:00

My horse figurines got a bath tonight! I'm so glad that they are now squeaky clean...as are the twins!!

Big Mike

2011-10-05T09:49:00.000-04:00

My friend, Harry, who owns several gorgeous Belgian horses, let the kids all into Mike's stall so that they could pet him. This is why they call draft horses "Gentle Giants". There aren't too many horses that would tolerate those rain ponchos in such close proximity!

Milking Parlor

2011-10-04T09:48:00.001-04:00

Here's something else that we don't usually get to enjoy at the fair because there is always such a huge crowd. We not only got to watch the process in the milking parlor once, but twice throughout the day! The kids were fascinated. 'Course I loved it best when the cows would look over at us....I wonder what they were thinking?

Fly Tying

2011-10-03T09:44:00.001-04:00

Because there were so few people there, thanks to the horrid weather, the kids were all able to get right in and tie flies for fishing! Normally, it is way too crowded! They were so pleased with themselves!!

2011 Fryeburg Fair

2011-10-02T09:35:00.001-04:00

It was wicked cold & wet, which made it perfect weather for hot cocoa...

All Tuckered Out

2011-09-17T11:55:00.004-04:00

I just got back from another great ride on Lily. I had to pull out the phone camera 'cause she kept yawning over and over again...totally over-acting since we really didn't go that far! And when I put her back into her pasture, she took off full-tilt, so she actually had plenty of energy left. She's too funny!!

He's 11 Today!

2011-09-13T19:01:00.001-04:00

Birthday boyz get to drive the hot-rod!!

Siblings

2011-09-06T19:58:00.002-04:00

My mother's sister, taking a picture of my new husband and I, with my brother and our sisters.

Family Tree

2011-09-05T19:46:00.001-04:00

That tree turned out to be perfect for our crazy family to pose in for a group portrait!

Our Family

2011-09-04T19:41:00.000-04:00

Our Perfect Day

2011-09-03T19:51:00.003-04:00

We wouldn't change a thing about our wedding today.

The weather was hot and sunny, everyone was relaxed, and we all had fun. It was perfect!

1st Day of School

2011-08-31T06:26:00.005-04:00

I can't believe he is starting Middle School today. It doesn't seem possible that he is in 7th Grade! He's excited, but also very nervous about all the challenges that he will be facing this year. I know that he'll do great!

His younger brother isn't nervous at all. He is very ready to tackle 6th grade! However, this is the first year that big brother isn't on the same bus & that made him very nervous. I don't think he was expecting to feel that way, until the bus came and he got a bit choked up.

Here's an old picture of the boys & Haley, starting Kindergarten & 1st Grade, back in 2005. Wow, have they changed!

The girls were with their mom this morning, but she sent me a picture. Don't they look ready to take on the World? Go Girls!!

State Track Meet

2011-08-13T18:07:00.003-04:00

Today was the Maine State Track Meet! The kids were so excited and nervous this morning, although a bit tired since we had to leave the house by 5:30 a.m. Ouch! They all did GREAT in their events and had a really, really fun day. We are so proud of them for not only qualifying for this big event, but following through and doing their best! What amazing athletes they have all become over the course of this summer. I look forward to many more years 'cause they are already anxious for the next season to start in May...

It's Finally Gone!

2011-08-09T19:21:00.001-04:00

Now we can tear down the run-down shed that it was in...

Between Lily's Ears

2011-08-08T15:43:00.000-04:00

Everything looks better from the back of a horse!

Playing in the water with Lily!

2011-08-07T16:35:00.003-04:00

What FUN! I'm so glad that we sent Lily away for training. She's back to being the horse that I knew & loved so much before the crazy freak that she was this spring. Yesterday afternoon each of the girls had a fantastic ride on her - by themselves! No lead rope involved, although I did leave it on her neck so that I could grab it if necessary. It wasn't. She listened to their every command, but only when they cued her properly. Now they can really learn to ride. Yay! Plus, I enjoyed a ride through the woods on her too. As a matter of fact, I'm headed out to ride her right now...

Quick! Get under the umbrella!

2011-08-06T16:25:00.001-04:00

It rained periodically throughout the Qualifying Meet, but that didn't slow the kids down a bit...it just cooled them off, which was a good thing considering how hot & sunny it was in between the showers.

New Friends

2011-08-05T16:19:00.001-04:00

Qualifying

2011-08-04T16:51:00.005-04:00

Oh, the drama! Today was the qualifier meet for the upcoming Maine USA State Track Meet. If you didn't make it into the top 4 today, you won't go to that meet. 2 of our girls had back-to-back events early in the morning, and both of them qualified by placing 2nd & 3rd consecutively. That left one more sister who hadn't even competed yet, and who was getting very worried about whether or not she would be able to go to the State Meet too. She cried several times throughout the morning, and I told her over and over again that it didn't matter because as far as we were concerned she was already a winner as long as she was having fun and tried her hardest in her upcoming events.

She came up to me again, just before her 800 meter race, wrapped her arms around me and started sobbing, telling me how she couldn't do it and how unfair it was that she wasn't going to be able to go to 'States' and her sisters were already going. I pushed her away and with tears in my eyes told her that I was done. I was tired of consoling her because she obviously wasn't listening. I told her that if it meant that much to her, then she needed to earn it and she was going to have to do better than her best. I am not the type of parent to push my kids to win, but in that moment I felt that's what she needed. I told her flat out that if she wanted to go to States that bad, then she had better remember how to count and if there were more than 3 girls in front of her, then she needed to pass them! She was shocked to hear this coming from me, but it dried her tears and hardened her resolve. You know what? She's going to 'States'...

Lily's Home!

2011-07-31T13:28:00.001-04:00

She seems very content, and pleased that her pasture has grown up so much while she was away at 'Summer Camp'. The kids are thrilled to see her - both 2 & 4 legged.

Many hands...

2011-07-30T12:50:00.001-04:00

...make light work! The kids are building rock walls around my flower beds. They look awesome!!

Sisters

2011-07-29T20:52:00.001-04:00

New Rear-end

2011-07-28T20:48:00.004-04:00

This week we had a new rear-end put on our Ventura, which makes it run so much better! The new chrome cover is all shiny, which attracts my Muscovy ducks & guineas.

Ancestry

2011-07-27T06:37:00.000-04:00

One of the annual traditions during our reunion is walking over to the family cemetery. Here you see one of our twins 'meeting' her great-grandparents...the kids really like to read all the headstones & hear all the stories...we need to get them written down before our memories fail!

Fun on the Trampoline!

2011-07-26T06:38:00.000-04:00

A Milestone!

2011-07-25T18:54:00.001-04:00

30 years of marriage...and still able to kid around with each other - that's something to celebrate!

BIG DOG!

2011-07-24T20:03:00.002-04:00

Diesel, the English Mastiff, came to the family reunion yesterday in his very own car...

Good Sportsmanship

2011-07-23T11:39:00.003-04:00

Here you see a vicious head-to-head battle for the finish line between the twins! I can't wait to see the time because I'm sure it will be blazing fast - neither of them wanted to let the other one win! Of course, only one could win, but her sister took it very well & just shrugged her shoulders because she knows that she's not the one with the strongest competitive streak. And that her sister would kill herself trying to win. But, she grinned because she didn't make it easy for her!!

Personal Strength

2011-07-22T10:47:00.005-04:00

I think this is what I like the best about the kids competing in track - they get to learn what they really can do; sometimes more than they ever thought possible! While our oldest daughter was competing at the high-jump, they called her over to run the 800 meter race. After running a very tough race, she had to go back to the high jump and finish competing there. But, since she was the last of her age group to compete, she had to do all of her jumps one right after the other! I felt so bad for her because she was so hot and exhausted, but she kept throwing herself up over that bar until she just couldn't do it anymore...

My son was incredibly helpful, bringing his step-sister a bottle of water and an ice-water soaked bandanna to help cool her down...

Track Meet

2011-07-21T19:38:00.007-04:00

I don't know if you happened to know, but the temperatures here today were in the upper 90s (Farenheit). I am not complaining 'cause I LOVE hot weather! However, the kids had a track meet today, so the heat was a factor. Fortunately we were prepared with spray bottles, ice-water soaked bandanas and lots & lots of drinking water. We had a great day and I just couldn't be more proud of my kids.
My son showed his team spirit by running in a relay race, even though he had already competed in 3 events. And then he helped me by supporting his step-sisters while they competed in their events, by bringing them drinks & other items to help cool them down. When I didn't think he could get any kinder, he let his oldest step-sister borrow his sneakers because her sneakers were hurting her feet! So, there he was walking around barefoot while she ran around in his shoes...

To be continued...

HANG ON TIGHT!

2011-07-20T19:34:00.002-04:00

Our oldest daughter, climbing the fake tree at the Waterford World's Fair on Saturday evening, not the least bit scared, but pretending for the crowd. She crazy about thrills - bungee jumping, rock wall climbing, flying trapeze, etc. I just think she's crazy!!

Tradition

2011-07-19T20:23:00.003-04:00

On Saturday we went up to Paris Hill Founders' Day & toured the awesome automobile collection that is on display there. I asked the kids to pose in front of the carriage from "Gone with the Wind", one of my personal favorites...
Check out the photos from 2006 & 2008! I can't believe that the boys have grown that much!! Our family has grown too, which is a very good thing.

The Best Kind of Kiss

2011-07-18T20:38:00.002-04:00

Right on the super-soft nose of a horse...

Coach's T-shirt

2011-07-17T07:05:00.001-04:00

The 8 & under girls LOVE their coach - she's a great leader for them!

Stretching & Yawning

2011-07-16T07:03:00.001-04:00

Looks like some of the kiddos didn't get enough sleep!

Encouragement

2011-07-15T20:21:00.002-04:00