Sunday Snapshot: {21}

I'm not entirely sure how this happened.

Because I'm pretty sure I was just curling her hair for a Nutcracker performance.

But, according to the calendar, my firstborn turned 21 this past week.

I did not get many pictures of Kaelee on her big day. Shoot, we were lucky to squeak in dinner & presents. Her birthday fell on "Meet the Team" night, which meant we all had to put a little hustle in it since she is a cheer coach at the high school & had to be there. We followed along for fun!

Kaelee is a busy girl. She's in her junior year of college, majoring in early childhood education. As I mentioned, she's also a cheer coach at the high school for football & basketball seasons, & she car-hops at a local drive-in. Crazy.

Yes, I insisted on all 21 candles on the cake!

The little ones LOVE their big sister, Kaelee! Not only does she give good squeezers & read them stories, but she has a stash of goodies in her room that she's always sneaking to them. ;o)

Kaelee is determined to make Kaya a cheerleader, which Kaya is totally into.

Just before we left the stadium, I was able to get a picture of her with Kyler. Now, could someone please tell me when this happened!? I looked at this picture, & Kyler is now taller than Kaelee??? I cannot take it. The time really does go by so fast.

I love you, Kaelee, & I love watching your story continue to unfold!

P.S. I totally blew it on Kearsten's last birthday, so I owe her a Sunday Snapshot soon! Rugby season is just beginning, so that could make for some interesting injuries pictures.

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Going for Bestest Mom

Do you ever have days where you feel like you ran in circles & didn't accomplish a darn thing? Those days seem to be the norm much too often for me, but today I'm feeling like I did something!

Oh, yes I did!!! I canned 22 quarts of peaches & had enough to turn out two big pans of cobbler, too. I sent the older kids a text & told them I was working hard for the "Bestest Mom Award". I mean, really, I earn the "Meanest Mom" one all the time, so just once, I'm goin' for the prize here.

I am no domestic goddess by any stretch, but I grew up watching my mom & grandma can all kinds of things. I'm a bit of a nostalgic person, so doing this again (I have canned a couple times with my grandma, but never by myself) was good for my soul.

And having some yummy stuff when all is said & done along with possibly earning that elusive "Bestest" award is pretty sweet, too.

Back to School & Other Stuff

We have successfully started back to school around here. Kameryn is a sophomore this year, Kyler is a freshman, & Kade is in the 5th grade. K'Tyo had his preschool open house today, will have a trial run next week, & then officially start after Labor Day. Bless his heart, he is so excited! Every morning he comes down wearing his new shoes & backpack. I will post a picture of his first official day. :o)

Kade

Kam & Kyler

This has been quite a week. Kaelee turned 21 (I will be sharing pictures in a Sunday Snapshot post), Kami got her drivers' license, school got going, college classes started, & tonight is football (I LOVE Friday night football!!). Kade is a ball boy again this year, & Kyler is a student trainer. Kaya & I are just trying to keep the new puppy under control, & Joe is trying to stay out of the doghouse for bringing said puppy home. ;o)

Life is busy, but I love it! Happy Friday, friends!!

Sunday Snapshot: {One Last Hurrah}

The kids head back to school this week. Kameryn will be a sophomore, & Kyler will be a freshman. They asked a few days ago if they could have some friends over before school started. Well, you know how I love me a full house of kids, especially a full house of kids doing fun kid stuff. Now, these are not the greatest pics, but I had to capture them quickly b/c I was getting the rolling of the eyes from Kam (you know, "Oh, Mom"), but then I reminded her that if I was busy with the camera, it would keep me from getting my groove on to the sweet music playing. Yep, she decided she was down with the pictures....

You will note the puppy sitting on my son's lap. This is Ella, the result of a conspiracy against me. That is a blog post for another day.

K'Tyo was all about the corn hole. Heck, he's all about the party.

I love this girl, but I really suspect that she has some pyro tendencies.

Hey, DJ!

I'm still waiting for someone to offer to make Momma a marshmallow. I'm thinkin' if I offer to go share some dance moves again, I might just get one to keep me from not bustin' a move.

As of a few minutes ago, they were still at the volleyball, but it was getting a bit more serious. It's getting dark, too.

I think it's time for me to go snag that marshmallow!

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I'm Still Here

Thought I had better check in since it's been a little while. The yuckiness that I was experiencing last weekend has made its rounds in the whole family, so that's consumed a bit of my time along with trying to get ready for back-to-school next week.

There's also been a conspiracy taking place in this home against Mommy that involves a 4-legged, furry addition to my workload friend. Mommy lost, so I'm sure there will be more to post on this topic in the near future.

Finally, we are still in full combat gear as I briefly mentioned here. I know this continues to be vague, & I'm sorry for that, but I'm hoping that I can share the story soon b/c we would love to have specific prayers.

Now, totally off topic, but here are the pictures from Kaya's 3rd birthday party that I promised!

She's not bashful about playing rugby with the boys!

Kaya with her Great Grandparents

Kaya with Grandma & Grandpa (my parents)

Coming Home Day {3 Years}

In all honesty, I am feeling really yucky today (boo!), but I could not let this day go by without mentioning that it was 3 years ago today that we got the call for Kaya.

It would have been so easy to say no.

It was so worth it to say yes.

The journey to this little girl has changed our lives forever.

Thank you, Lord.

More birthday pictures from Friday will come when I feel better.

Here, she is sporting her new (& now favorite) tank top from big sister, Kaelee, who is a cheer coach!

Not Enough Room for Words Wednesday