TAKS attack avoided

Reagan (14) and Keaton (11) were very nervous this year about the state tests they had to pass in order to be promoted to the next grade. Reagan was very concerned about the Social Studies portion of her test, while Keaton was beside herself with anxiety about the math test. Remember, Keaton essentially skipped 5th grade so she has huge chunks of missing 5th grade information she has never been exposed to.

But they did it. Reagan passed all of hers and got "Commended" in Reading and Social Studies while Keaton also got Commended in Reading. However, the biggest news is this: SHE PASSED THE MATH TAKS! You just don't know how wonderful we feel about it all.

You go girls!

Totally random product endorsement

Oh. My. Goodness. You really must try a Wendy's Toffee Coffee Twisted Frosty. Seriously, it's completely delicious and not the least bit fattening. Well, half of that last statement is kinda true. But anyway, just try it!

School programs: all. most. done.

I feel like every day the past two weeks have been nothing but school programs and/or awards days. I guess with a large family I should know to expect it this time each year, but somehow I'm always surprised at the number of times my presence is required at schools in May and now June. I do love it...not the constant trips to multiple campuses, but the look in my children's eyes when they see me there. Makes it all worth it!

Hayden's awards program was this morning. He was thrilled to walk away with the All A Honor Roll award and the Language award.


















Reagan was totally surprised to receive the Volleyball Award this morning at her awards assembly. She truly had no idea.














Sisters, biggest and littlest, were present and cheered her on.













Congrats to all my award winners!

Lake break

I interrupt this school program season to bring you a few pictures from our Labor Memorial Day weekend at the lake. I've got so many pictures that it will take me several blog posts to get to them all. The whole time at the lake was so incredibly wonderful, the kids are begging to go back.

The view from our cabin.












Hayden a little excited about his jet ski ride.















The latest in boating fashion.













Even little sisters want to look hip.

















"I won't smile 'til I finish my apple."

















Keaton hanging on for dear life.












After watching her navigate a jet ski, I've decided she's not driving a car until she's 30.












Mr. GQ.

















Reagan hoping we would speed up the boat.












Just plain sassy.

















Landon was told to find a stick to roast his marshmallow for smores. He found one alright.













Anything tastes better when you cook it yourself.

















"See Mom, I told you my stick would work just fine.........Okay, so can somebody hand me my marshmallow."

Field Day fun

I took 112 pictures. Only I would take 112 pictures of an elementary school's field day. Since it's late and I'm exhausted, I'll give you only the uncaptioned (is that really a word?) highlights.

A mini graduation with maxi cuteness

Landon had his pre-k graduation ceremony this morning and it was enough to make any strong momma a little misty. They pledged, they sang, they had donuts. AND he got the math award. LOL! I laugh because no one in my family (and I mean no.one.) has ever gotten a math award because we all pretty much stink it up when it comes to math. So WHOO HOO! Way to go Landon!

Holding the Bible during the beginning of the program.














Mrs. Donna, Landon's teacher.

















He's just the sweetest boy. He makes me proud every single day.

Elvis has left the building

Keaton's music exploratory class was part of her school's choir program tonight. They had to research popular pop icons and then present important facts regarding the person. Keaton's group studied Elvis and Keaton was chosen to perform as the King himself. She was quite convincing.



















While Hayden sat and watched every second of the choir performance, Landon and Peyton decided life was too short to sit there, so they got very busy.




















Thank you. Thank you very much.

Show stopper

Hayden's second grade class assisted in the kindergarten graduation ceremony recently. The program was outstanding and Hayden couldn't have been more proud as he strutted his stuff on stage. As we left the building that night he beamed, "That was totally awesome!"

It definitely was.

Abundantly blessed birthday

A friend called me to say she scheduled a job interview for me, that I should meet her at this place at 11:00am so I could be introduced to the person doing the hiring. I showed up at the appointed time, resume in hand, and met my friend. We walked into the room for the interview and SURPRISE! It was a birthday party...for me! The most wonderful people were there. The most inspiring words were spoken. The most tears I had shed in a long time. I wish I would have had my camera because it was so beautifully decorated, pink and green. We laughed and ate and laughed some more, and the gifts kept coming.

I haven't ever had a birthday party with so many wonderful gifts.












Yes, I am.