First day of school

Tomorrow's the big day. Jack is headed back to St. Thomas for his final year of preschool. I questioned sending Jack last year and I really am glad that I did send him. I think that last year was a time of adjustment for both of us. We kind of needed last year just to get used to the separation. I have high hopes that Jack will get right back into the swing of things this year and be really prepared for next year!

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After searching and searching we (I) finally found Jack

a suitable backpack (or Jackpack as my friend Amber called it).

I could not resist.

It could be the last year that Jack will carry something like this and

I had to take full advantage!

Jack's hair has gotten so blond this summer.

We had put off cutting his hair with hopes of

keeping the blond around for as long as we could.

With school just around the corner Jack went to see his

buddy, Miss Amanda Ginder, for a back to school do.

BEFORE

AFTER

Last Thursday night Jack and I went to St. Thomas

for his open house.

Jack was very happy to see his teachers from last year, Mrs. Bergbower and Mrs. Pilman.

Here's Jack last year on the first day of school.

I cried, he cried.

It was pretty tough.

I'm already getting a little teary thinking about tomorrow.

It's so hard to let your baby go.

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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

I used to be little, but not anymore.

Tomorrow I'll get up and walk out the door.

It's great to be big, but I'm scared as can be.

My tummy's in knots. Do you want to know why?

I'm thinking that maybe, just maybe I'll cry.

When Mom leaves the school and I'm there all alone,

I'm thinking that maybe I'll want to go home.

But wait--Mommy said I'll play lots of new games,

and meet lots of friends--I can learn all their names.

The first day of school, oh there's so much to do!

There's painting and books and a big playground too!

I used to be little, but not anymore

Tomorrow I'll get and and walk out the door.

I'm going to school--it's the first day you see.

It's great to be big!

I'm glad that I'm me.

My boys

Jack and Harrison

last Sunday before church sporting

their H & J shirts that Mam made for them.

Barney Frank, I think I love you

The Prince turns 9 (months)

Harrison is nine months old today.

Look at that mouth full of teeth.

6 of 'em and working on more.

Harrison is crawling all over the place, pulling up and has even made it up the first step on our stairs. Sleep at night is still an issue. After many nights of being up 6-7 times I have started to let him "cry it out". It's been hard, and we are not there yet, but things are getting better.

Harrison is a pretty big boy. I'll know for sure what he weighs after his 9 month check-up next week, but my guess is 50 lbs. (at least that's what it feels like after carrying him around for any period of time)

Uninvited guest

Look what Jack found swimming in our pool?

Apparently this turtle scaled the fence to come over for a little dip.
I was immediately convinced that it was a snapping turtle and did not want to get it out of the pool (even though eventually the turtle would probably die from the chemicals in the pool--you know it kind of makes me think what those chemicals do to a human).

Luckily this turtle chose a Wednesday to come over.

The one day of the week that Cliff comes home.

Cliff came home and got the turtle out. It was not a snapping turtle.

I swear, we are living in our own little safari world in the middle of town.

Media Night tonight

Media Night is tonight.

The festivities begin at 6 pm, but the Athletic Boosters will be set up by 5:30 to sell our wares.

Come by and see us to make sure you get the latest in Newton Eagle's gear.

We'll be set up in front of the concession stand.

T-shirts, 3/4 length baseball style t's, hooded sweatshirts, hats, car decals, place mats (yes, I said place mats (they are really cool, you gotta see 'em), quilted orange and blue bags, personalized Newton Eagle football jerseys, all for sale this evening.

Longaberger consultant Sherry Hemrich is also joining the mix this year. Longaberger has come out with some baskets with orange and blue trim. Perfect for the Eagle, Illini, or Bears fan. Stop buy and place your order tonight and the proceeds from the sale will go to the Athletic Boosters.

If I recall correctly, last year there were also porkburgers for sale.

Ahh.....porkburgers

Overnighter in French Lick

Last Wednesday the boys and I met Cliff after he got off of work and headed to French Lick to the new hotel with an indoor water park. We had a FANTASTIC time. I gave it two thumbs up. It was only about a 40 minute drive from where Cliff is staying. French Lick is such neat little town. I can't wait to go back.

Besides the water park, the hotel also had a Chuck E. Cheese style game room.

I'm good at skee ball. Really good. Olympic level good.

Most sports that I excel at require a token or a quarter.

This game was as close as any of us will probably get to spinning

the big wheel on the Price is Right.

Deal or No Deal game--F U N

Overall it was just a great time. Prince Harry was just a joy.

Jack had a ball. He can't wait to go back.

A day at the beach---Jasper County style

A couple of weeks ago Jack and I along with the Farleys, Schafers, Zumbahlens, and Baltzells headed to a sandbar on the Embarras to enjoy a nice afternoon at the beach.

Who needs to go to Florida when you have this?

Catch of the day

back to the Farley's for some hot tubbin'