Horse Camp - Wagon Wheel in Grapevine

The girls started horse camp yesterday once again! They have been talking all year about going back to Wagon Wheel to check on their camp horses, Maggie and Gwen. Kerri was excited to find Maggie is doing great. She really bonded with her "special" horse who is blind in one eye last year, so she requested to ride her again. Kadi was also excited to check on Gwen and her baby, only to find out Gwen was never pregnant (have no clue where Kadi got the idea she was) and that they sold Gwen. Bummer. After a minute of holding my breath and silently praying to God to help Kadi keep her emotions in check, Kadi's earth shattering pout quickly turned to a smile as she asked, "which horse do I get?" Thank you, Jesus. Shorty! What a great pair they should be!

The girls are paired with their helpers (Kerri - Breana/ Kadi - Ashley) and off they go to fetch their horses from the pens. Kadi walks up with Shorty, and begins the brushing process. She speeds through it as she is so anxious to lead Shorty to the arena.

Up walks Kerri. Something is wrong. My tough as nails, giddy with excitement little girl is crying crocdile tears. She swears Maggie doesn't remember her because she stepped on her foot and left it there for 15 secs. Remember, Maggie is blind? You have to stay out from under her. She recovers, and makes fast friends again! They struggle a bit getting Maggie ready for the arena, but they make it just in time for a couple of go 'rounds before the trail ride.


I was amazed at the things they recalled from last year. Kerri's helper is actually shorter than she is, and they had a bit of trouble with the saddle, but all in all, the girls did great. Kerri rode English, while Kadi rode western. Ah, my girls! So much alike, yet so different.

Today was another great day. Maggie and Kerri got off to a better start. They were fast friends today and Maggie obeyed every command. Kerri is so compassionate it makes my heart swell. Shorty tried to run away from Kadi; however, Kadi was a quick thinker and wrapped her lead rope around the pole when she realized she wasn't as strong as Shorty. Her instructer was extremely pleased. Great horse sense. Two other campers didn't fair too well as they both fell off their horses.

Kerri and kadi still have 2 more days of camp! check back for updates!!

Kerri goes to Camp!

Imagine the squeels. Imagine the bright, twinkling eyes. Imagine the broad, sweet smile. You know the ones I am referring to. She was in rare form as she bounced up and down with excitement as we pulled up to camp.

The family is sleepy eyed with the preparing, but not Kerri. She is raring to go. Hurry up! Boy did she turn bossy. We were a few minutes early, so we stood in line and visiting with a nice lady who lived in Marshall in the 80's. Her daughter was a couple of years older than me, and we were in dancing together. It is such a small world.

The doors opened, and in ran Kerri to more lines. It didn't get her spirits down. She once again begins her bouncing movements and the giggles as the shy little girls hiding behind their moms watch with interest.

She met Lexi standing in line, and her mother and I began to visit. They live in Graham, Texas and even know where the big town of Throckmorton is. Kerri informed them that her dad went to school there when he was a boy. What are the chances of meeting someone from Marshall and Graham within 10 minutes? WOW! What a camp!

Visiting seemed to make the line move quickly, and we were soon off to her cabin. Thank goodness for the internet, as I had pre-registered for most and avoided all the other lines! Go Mom!

Cabin 12 was the appointed home for Miss Kerri for the weekend. More squeeling as she walked in and noticed 10 bunkbeds! OH MY! That is 20 campers in one cabin! I am quickly imagining the squeels turning to grumps on my next arrival. Kerri chooses the top bunk of a bed all the way up next to the wall. Yes, it would be the hardest to make, but with a smile, I say no problem sweety, I will make your bed. :)

She quickly gets her suit on to go to the BIG SLIDE, and we are booted out the door with a kiss.

The car ride home was fairly quiet except for the occassional bet between Cole and Kadi. Kadi bet that Kerri went down the slide 50 times, and Cole bet 10 due to long lines. It would soon be determind via Kerri on the trip home that it was only 3 due to the long lines!

The weekend passes with swim meet for Kadi and Kidnapping for Cole, as well as Indy Races for mom and dad. It is once again time to pick Kerri up for camp.

Suprise! That sweet, precious giddy girl has turned into the red faced, crabby monstor sporting crocodile tears! Yep! No sleep in Cabin 12! We load her belongings as fast as possible, as I assure her she is not in trouble for breaking her face cleaner (Aunt Lisa - we need to order more) and that she will be much better after a nap.

She tells us great stories about Molly, Skipper, Elizabeth and herself riding the lazy river, sliding down the slide, attending Worship, taking Holy Communion, hiking, playing in the lake and on and on! She got the most emails of anyone at camp thanks to Mimi and Granda! The excitement was back, but with a slow southern sleepy draw! Night Night kerri! She was fast asleep before the left the camp grounds! I quickly checked her camara and was bummed that she took so few pictures. I will post them here.

Up next for Kerri: Horse Camp and Girl Scout camp. Check back soon for more summer highlights and pictures!

Kerri and Skipper walking to worship. (notice the syrup on her skirt! YMMM) I love this look on Kerri! So Sweet! I know they were having a BLAST!

Skipper (pink headband), Molly (short hair) & Elizabeth (blue shirt) Her hang out buddies at camp!

Cole - may 26 Pt 2 (pictures)

Hot tub chaos (this is actually half of the people that were in it!)
Dancing around the hot tub
American Idol King and Queen
Dancing with the strobe lights.
Entertainment was provided by Ms Ciera Miller

Elementary School is Over for Cole - May 26

School's Out For Summer!

Fifth grade has been just one big D - Different, Difficult, Damaging -- need I go on? Cole has struggled for a large part of the year, and while I place most of the blame on him, I do see flaws in our system. Brian and I step into the 5th grade hall for our regular parent/teacher conference on what I would call a normal day. Cole had prepared us that the news wouldn't be so swell. "Mom, I might have a B this time," he said. We can deal with that. And while we are sure he can do better, a B is still good, right? As we are waiting our turn, his gifted/talented teacher walks by and asks, did he pass? WHAT? Of course he did! Didn't he? As it turns out, 2 weeks prior he had 5 ZEROS in one week and had an "F" in the class. This is an "A" student who reads on a 12th grade level, who doesn't act up in class, who hadn't been absent, etc. Why wasn't I called? Obviously something is going on with him, but if I am not informed of the warning signs, I can't help him! Communication People! Oh, it's his responsiblity? Okay, let's just kick him out and let him get his own apartment all the responsibilty lies on him. He doesn't need me anymore, right? NOT!

These teachers expect them to perform at the collegiate level. No, I do not mean academically, but I do mean emotionally and psychologically. One day (fourth grade) they are given their assignments on a daily basis both orally and written on the board, and the next they are expected to check the board (that is located behind them, I might add) and write their assignment down without any reminders from the teacher. What? The comment was made that they do this everyday-- they should just know. They don't need to be reminded. Hmm. Not 3 minutes following that statement, the phone in the classroom rings. Who could that be? Oh, the cafeteria? It seems our ever so perfect teacher forgot to turn in her lunch count - AGAIN! Aren't you required to do this every day? Shouldn't you just KNOW WITHOUT ANY REMINDERS? You aren't in 4th grade any more! UGH! I was pulling my hair out.

Anyway, this stuff was not what I really wanted to get into, but once I get started, I just get so mad! I nearly ruined my relationship with my son in the 5th grade! Isn't that supposed to be what happens in high school? HA!

I told Cole, if you make it out of the 5th grade I am going to throw you the biggest party you want! And, he did make it! He even placed in a writers competion and got a trophy for this taks test! So...PPARRRRTEEE!

About 25 kids came to our house from 7-10pm. Dad hid out in the bedroom watching the Mavs play while I solicited chaperones to help me! Swimming, Dancing, and American Idol was on the agenda. We had an Idol King and Queen. The kids voted and Jackie was the proud recipient of the Queen's crown, while Mark was our King. I have never seen so many kids in a hottub in my life, nor do I remember dancing provocatively in the 5th grade! Yes, please pray for me as we enter Middle School! I am sure I will need it!!! PS I have pictures to accompany this, but can't seem to get them posted here. I will add them in an additional blog entitled Cole - May 26 pt 2

Kadi's Swim Team - June 3

Kadi joined the swim team!

Can you guess which swimmer is her?

As many of you know, Kadi decided not to continue with gymnastics as it was extremely difficult for her. She needs to be active to help her keep mobile and work her joints, so swimming it is! SHE LOVES IT! I was afraid she would complain that is was too hard -- they swim solid laps for 1 - 1 1/2 hours per day! WOW! I don't think I could do that! Her practice schedule is Monday - Thursday, and she has her choice to swim 7am-8:30am OR 7pm - 8pm. We usually try for the morning unless we have a conflict!

Meets consists of Medley relays, up to 3 individual events, and end relays. They last from 8-12ish.

She had her first practice meet on Saturday, June 3. She arrived at 7am to "warm up." It tires me just watching them swim. For the medley relay beginning at 8am, she swam the free stroke (front crawl) helping her team acheive 2nd place. She only competed in one individual event for her first meet and boy did I get scolded for that! (I signed her up earlier in the week). Her event was the 8 and unders 25M Free Style , and she did extremely well. I was one proud mama! Here she is reaching the finish line!

I am continously amazed at her confidence and self esteem! God sure made one special child when he created her! I thank Him each day for allowing me to be her mother!

Upcoming - she is continuing to work on improving her free style and breast stroke. She will learn the back stroke next. Say a prayer for her as she will be dealing with those internal rotated shoulders! I have no doubt she will conquer all!!!

I know Kadi would love for you to come to one of her swim meets if you can. Most of them are at the YMCA just down the road.

Her Swim Meet Schedule:

June 10 @ Northwest (ours)

June 17 @ Eastside

June 24 @ Northwest

July 1 @ Northwest

July 8 @ Northwest

July 15 CITY @ Wilkerson Grines

July 20-23 State @ Frisco

**You have to qualify for the city and state meets