Who IS this kid?!?!?

Okay, so ya'll have seen me admit before my "perfectionist" tendencies... one of which has to do with my blog-posts. I like to post everything in chronological order, although even when my posts "post" and you view the blog, the order is a little backwards. So I am totally going against my "tendencies" for this post... but once again I am sooooooo far behind, and I just HAVE to get this post and these pictures up!!!

For the last year and a half, Caiden has been growing out his hair and sporting the "shaggy" look. We've had occasional trims when it's gotten too long and I couldn't see his eyes, but for the most part, we've let it grow! Tyler and I would've bet money that he was going to cut it last year during the summer, but NOPE he survived. I think it was mostly because he spent most of the summer in the DRY California heat and had constant access to my parent's pool. But regardless, he survived the summer and hot NC fall with his long hair. About a week ago, we experienced a heat wave here in NC. Caiden came in from playing outside dripping with sweat, and announced, "I think I'm ready to cut my hair. It is TOO HOT!!!" So I quickly called up our hair-dresser and made the appointment. Yesterday was the BIG day, and I made sure to take these BEFORE pictures....



Due to an extremely busy evening, I wasn't able to get AFTER pictures yesterday. However I took some first thing this morning after we styled his new 'do.







Caiden LOVES his new hair-cut and so do we!!!!!! I haven't seen his eyes and ears in sooooo long. My handsome boy is BACK!!!!!!

Tale as old as time.....

FINALLY!!!!! Here is the post I have been wanting to post for soooooooo long now!!! As ya'll know, Madi was in StageStruck's Premier performance of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast". We have never been a part of a production like this before, and I'm not sure if we ever will again. I can only describe the kids, crew, parents, and the entire experience itself as simply "MAGICAL"!!!!!!!! I've been looking forward to this show for over a year now, and even told Mom about it way back in March of 2008, so that she could plan a trip out for the event. And boy was I glad she was here!!! I don't think any of us would have survived the "craziness" if she hadn't been here to help!!! I was so happy and proud to have her here, and to be able to share not only a FANTASTIC show with her, but to share what's become such a HUGE part of mine and Madi's lives with her!!! She even got in on the action and played a HUGE part in the construction of the "Little Shakers" costumes that I ended up making. THANK YOU, MOM!!! I couldn't have done it without you!!!!!

Here is a little "montage" I put together this weekend. These are just a few of my favorite pictures that I took during the production. These pictures do not do the amazingly talented kids, or the parents who worked tirelessly to make ALL of the breathtaking costumes and sets justice, but I hope you enjoy!!


Madi, the "townsperson"


Madi, the "Fork"


Here is one of my favorite numbers in the entire show "Be Our Guest"... it was truly a sight to see on-stage... all of the dancing plates, napkins, and utensils!!! It's a little long, but SOOOOOOO worth view!! Madi is the "fork" that chases Lumiere off-stage!!!


Although at times it seemed like we were LIVING at StageStruck, the end result was soooo worth it, and it's an experience that Madi and I will never forget!!! BRAVO!!!!! to the cast and crew!!!!!

Caiden's 8!!!!

In the midst of BEAUTY and the BEAST, Grandma's visit, Soccer, and life in general, we somehow managed to find time to celebrate Caiden's 8th birthday!!!! Because we were soooooo busy (so busy that we ended up present shopping on his birthday while he was at soccer practice!!!), his celebration carried over into the next day. I always make cupcakes on the kids birthdays for them to take to school. However, this year Caiden had soccer practice on his birthday so I gave him the choice of cupcakes at school or after practice. He chose practice!!! And it was so cute because after practice I called the team over and told them I had cupcakes for Caiden's birthday, but they needed to sing to him first. I really wasn't expecting a bunch of 10 and 11 year old boys to agree to that, but to my surprise, on the count of 3 they all gave Caiden a very rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday"!!! After practice we headed home and had a wonderful Taco Bell birthday dinner, and opened presents. On Saturday we actually went out to eat at McCall's BBQ (Caiden's choice) and celebrated again with cake and Ice Cream! Even though it was kinda crazy/hectic, I think Caiden had a great 8th birthday!!!

The theme that seemed to surround his birthday this year, was Star Wars and Soccer!!




Yay!! Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie from Grandma and Grandpa!!!


Another action figure to add to the collection...


Caiden asked for a "Clone Trooper" cake this year. So this is my attempt....

I never could have done it without Tyler's help, though. I baked the cake, he cut and "molded" the Clone Trooper, and then I made and colored the frosting and decorated it!

Happy 8th Birthday, Caiden!!!!!

Jump Rope for Heart

This year's "Jump Rope for Heart" event took place on a Tuesday, which meant I could go!!! Yay!! It seems like the last few years it has been on a Mon., Wed., or Fri., so I was very happy that I could go this year. And at the kids' school, they only allow 2nd graders and up participate, so this was the first year that both Madi AND Caiden were able to jump! Kamrynn tagged along of course, and had fun "jumping", too!!

Fourth Grade was up first, and I barely made it. I had to take my Dad to the airport in Raleigh that morning and rushed home as quick as I could to see Madi jump!!!








After Madi was done jumping, Kami and I went home to eat some lunch and "freshen" up before we headed back for the 2nd Graders!!!




Kami LOVED the Hula-hoops!!!




A BIG "Thank You!!!" to everyone who helped Madi and Caiden out!! They were able to raise $100 together for the American Heart Association, and they couldn't have done it without you!! They received their "prizes" the other day and couldn't wait to show them off!!!



Crazy kids!!! :-)

Cutie-Pie

I love taking pictures of all my kids, and maybe it's because Kamrynn isn't in school yet and she's always around, but I really love taking pictures of her. And she loves having her picture taken. She is always saying "Mommy take a picture of me", and she'll sit and pose until I tell her "That's enough!" Her facial expressions crack me up. I recently bought her the CUTEST hat, and of course had to take some pictures. I may be biased, but these pictures were just TOO CUTE to not share!!! Enjoy!