Summer Has Begun

Good Friends, Good Times

What would our vacation be without having a little bit of Wheelock? We really do enjoy spending time with our good friends. We laugh together, eat together, share together, and will even swim in the pouring rain together (actually Matt will swim in the rain with the kids). After spending some time at The Grand Cypress we all went and checked into the Wyndham and had fun at the pool there too.

Spring Break

We had a great time on our Spring Break . We took the kids to the same hotel we were at a couple weeks before. They had a blast and were blown away by the pool with the caves. We got there Monday night and met up with Matt, Kris, and the boys for dinner. Tuesday morning I could hear the girl's talking quietly and Corin tried to say "Mommy the sun is up" but I didn't move. However, it was not long until their excitement could be contained no longer and Rodger and I were awoke by "WOW the Waterfalls are on MOMMY the waterfalls are on!!!!" It was time for the pool:)

We Have a Bike Rider, Ladies & Gentlemen!!

Rilian woke up this morning begging us to go and get the bicycle pump from Grandpa's because she wanted to ride her bike today without training wheels. She waited and waited she was determined to try today. Well, dad said that it would be up to me to teach her (that lasted a whole two seconds until he popped up and joined in). On her FIRST push from daddy, she was off and riding. I was amazed never have I seen someone learn so quickly. She handled it like a pro and was even turning around in circles it was amazing!!

Yes! The Rumor is True

Well, as many have heard, here is the proof that yes, my husband cooks!! Not only has Rodger been doing laundry and washing dishes he is also cooking many nights of the week. I know I am a very lucky, fortunate, and extremely grateful wife. It was hard to relinquish some of these tasks and quite strange really, but I have a partner and he is great at doing tasks and getting them done (in a timely matter, may I add) So, I thank God for this wonderful blessing and also a huge thank you to my husband. BTW, we had Steve and Starla over for dinner and he cooked fillets which were excellent. So, be ready to come over and chow with us!!!

Nothing Like Baking a Cake

Rilian went grocery shopping with dad tonight and she had a few ideas of what she would like to add to the list. Of course, the great two dollar deal for a whole bag of Popsicles could not be passed up and then came the cake mix. Daddy said she wanted to buy the premade $20 dollar cake but he had to put a halt on the spending and instead opted for the cake mix. Now, mommy can count on one hand the number of times she has baked!! However, we were going to try. It was great fun and of course the best part, licking up the bowl. We will see how our cake turned out tomorrow for Sunday dinner:)

A Much Needed Getaway

With the help of a good friend, I was able to arrange to have the kids spend the night over their house and plan to have an evening alone with Rodger. Around 4 o'clock I surprised him with the news and we quickly hopped on Priceline and got a room at the Hyatt Cypress Gardens Resort. It was spectacular with exotic birds in the lobby and hot tubs inside of caves it was just what we needed.

Corin's 4th Birthday

Blue/Red Belt

Aslan was promoted to his next belt level. He is now officially a Blue/Red belt. Aunt Debbie and Grandma were able to be there to watch him take his test. He did a great job!!

I Know! I Know!!!

Thank you to my blogging friends who have been on me to update. I am excited to say I just received my first laptop on Saturday. ( a surprise from my wonderful husband!!) I was using a very old computer that took FOREVER to download pics and videos,so whenever I knew I needed to post it just weighed on me because I knew it would take forever!! So,now I just need to get my pics onto this computer and I'll be back in business.

Corin's Preschool Christmas Program

First Baptist Preschool presented "The Story of Jesus" this year. It was beautiful and quite a production to pull off with around 100 students. They did a fabulous job. They knew their songs and motions and sang their very best. Corin was a little shepherd and sang "Silent Night" in both English and Spanish and then ended with "Joy to the World". As always we enjoyed having Grandma and Uncle Eddie and then Corin's Mr. Matt and Ms. Kris!! Thanks for coming guys.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

The story that goes with the four Christmas trees.
If you have read my husband's blog lately, you will discover that he has a hard time getting rid of things. I do not share the same hardship of throwing out old things, except when it comes to Christmas. (thus our collection of trees). The first tree pictured below is the newest member. I purchased this for a great deal last year when I was tired of stringing lights on the tree. It is pre-lit, fabulous, and bigger. This is decorated green and gold to match the room in which it sits (living room). As a side note, you will see that every room of my house is a different (Martha Stewart) color which my husband (& some of his friends) loving refer to as an "Easter Basket."

The second tree was the very first tree we bought. It is several years old and had to be assembled branch by branch. (which is clearly why I needed a new one). I let the kids assemble it. This is decorated silver and plum to match the room in which it sits. (dining room)

Now this one is quite sad looking I know, but my sister-in-law was going to throw it out and I just couldn't part with it. So, I adopted it and it now sits next to the fireplace and is decorated blue and white. (Now Deb does not know just how old this is--somewhere around 25+ years) Aslan wanted to do this one by himself.

Our last tiny little tree is in the girl's room. It is pink and purple with a few "My Little Pony" ornaments hanging on.

Yeah!! Decorating Time!!

We could not wait for the first day of our vacation because we had three days before we had to do anything. So, we had lots of time at home to decorate for Christmas. We made Daddy get the tree out first thing and the girls and I went to it. We carefully placed each ornament in its own special place. Corin continued to say "It's just beauuuutiful Mommy." I love that and this time of year.
After we were done with the first tree (we have three other trees in our house) the girls had the need to decorate themselves. With Stickers:)



I love the look of determination on Corin's face!




Don't mind the mess in the background. We were building castles.
(a must for all decorated princesses)

The First Competition

Cutest Little Indian

Corin's Thanksgiving Luncheon was Friday. Since she is in the three year-old class, she gets to be an Indian. She sang "One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians..." (actually she only did the hand motions, it looked as if she was taking it all in). We had around 300 parents and family in attendance. Quite a big crowd.
She did count out loud with the rest of her class, ten Indians in Spanish and then sang the second song. Of course, I thought I recorded all of that song and realized when I went to turn it off I never turned it on!!!! So, sadly disappointed I do not have a cute little video to post.
She was so cute and we had a great lunch together. (I always forget to take a picture of the lunch and decorations) It was really beautifully decorated and when Corin and I were done she was a big helper. She helped me very carefully take down all the wall decorations. Thanks, Corin





I love my little Indian!!!

My Little Cheerleader

I couldn't wait for this day so that I could post it. Saturday was Rilian's dress rehearsal for her cheer competition. Rilian wanted to be on the All-Star team this year and she has worked so hard to be her best. I am just so proud of her! Her first competition is this Saturday and we are super excited.

Rilian with one of her coaches (who is also on the Senior Team)


The 2008 Edge All-Star Mini Team


Rilian and team-mate, Maci Leaphart


Here is Rilian in her 2008 routine. During the short two
minutes, I could not hold back the tears. My little girl
is growing up!!

Veteran's Day Program

Aslan auditioned for the fourth grade chorus this year. He made his momma so proud when he wanted to sing!! He really has a sweet voice and every year asks if he can sing in the Jr. Heartland Idol competition. One of these days we are going to have to let him do that.
His first chorus performance was Monday for Veteran's Day. They performed several songs, gave gifts to the veterans, had a speaker, and then a slide show. It was very nicely done. Good Job, Aslan.

Women of Faith

I was able to go to Women of Faith this year with Grace Church. This is the church that my brother-in-law is the pastor, our best friends are the associate pastor, my best friend from Ft. Lauderdale and a load of other friends all attend. I had a blast!!! This was a great rememberance of the first time I got to know the Wheelocks and this time was no exception. I got to know the youngest Wheelock (who is now my favorite). God is good and even though there were women all over the place, I still was able to have deep meaningful conversations with my friends (and a few fun ones--right girls?!!)
I have determined I want to be like Patsy Clairmont when I grow up!! This conference has some of the neatest and talented women speakers in the world, and just listening to them you feel like you are becoming a better person (I'm sure the Holy Spirit has something to do with that!!!)
Thank you ladies for such a great time and to through in an added bonus-- my sister broke away from her family and met us for dinner Friday night. I could right a whole blog just about my sister and I probably will!! I love you, Stacey and I' so glad you got to come!!!


My beautiful friend, Lori!!!


Me surrounded by Wheelocks! AAAAHHH:) Love you guys!


My absolutely stunning baby sister, Stacey!!