Auction for Education

Every year our school has an Auction for Education (this year hosted by close friends; Vettels & Cheasicks) that we attend. This is a fundraiser our church & school have to raise money for all religious programs. But, any time you get a bunch of Catholics together, you know there will be some good drinking involved! And when drinking is involved, people are always more generous with their money!!! This years theme was the 80's. We had such a good time dressing up. Jim dressed up like Devo, while I dressed up like the Robert Palmer girls. The auction did a great job of raising just over $95,000.

Jim & I

The Devo Group: Chris, Jim, Todd, & Mark

The Palmer Group: Carol, Me, Sharon, & Kevin

Sharon, Me, & Carol

Finally did it!

Sean has FINALLY learned how to ride his bicycle with only two wheels! At the age of 6, it is about time. For some reason, he is a cautious one, so we weren't surprised it took longer. But, we didn't even have to do anything. He was just ready. We pulled down his bike, he jumped on, needed help a couple times, and then he was off. By the end of the night, even after it was dark, he kept asking if we could go out and ride our bikes some more. Then the first thing he said when he walked in the door after school was, "Mom, can we go for a bike ride?" He is loving this!

Mexico - Riviera Maya

Jim & I had an amazing time in Mexico with 38 friends. We had the most beautiful weather, enjoyed the sun, partied lots, ate lots, and relaxed lots! We spent one day touring the Mayan Ruins in Chichen Itza. We are just so lucky to have such wonderful friends!

Happy 6th Birthday, Sean!

Hard to believe that my "baby" is SIX years old already:( Because he is my youngest, I always think of him as being so little. When Lauryn (my oldest) turned 6, I thought she was getting so big. It's hard to watch them grow up so fast. We sure have enjoyed every year!

Year ONE:

Year TWO:

Year THREE:

Year FOUR: (with a dirty mouth!)

Year FIVE:

Year SIX:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Seaners!

3rd Place

Well, after a wonderful basketball season & only losing one game all season... The boys came in 3rd place during the tournament this weekend. They played 5 games this weekend & despite being tired, they looked great.

Here Zach is, making a basket. He had an awesome quarter during the 5th game... One basket sinking after the next. It was just what we needed, to get ahead after being down 8 points! Within a matter of 2 minutes, Zach made 10 points to get us ahead. Jim & I were pretty proud:)
Here's the team after being rewarded with their 3rd place medals.

And just when we thought basketball was all done, Zach got asked to be on a traveling basketball team until baseball season starts up in April. So, we'll be busy watching & possibly traveling to see him play some more.

Season's come to an end

Lauryn will be finishing up with her swim team this week. The season started in September & we cheered her on at a couple meets this year. She did great, but is looking forward to the break & softball starting up.

Zach will be playing in his basketball tournament this weekend as well. His team has done really good, so we're expecting to be playing up until the end. But he too is looking forward to baseball starting up soon. He tells me baseball is his favorite sport. It's definitely the one I enjoy watching the most!

D.A.R.E.

Lauryn's 5th grade class just went through this awesome D.A.R.E. program, to educate children about drugs and help teach them the tools to say No. The kids all talked about how much they really enjoyed the program and officer Todd Lundgren. It was very fun to see their enthusiasm for choosing to be "drug free". So once the program was over, the children were asked to write an essay as to why they will remain drug free throughout their lives. Then, the top essay's were chosen from the class and would be read at the D.A.R.E. graduation. So Lauryn worked very hard on her essay and got it in early (since it was due while we were in Orlando). Well, her essay was one of the five chosen out of the 60 students. So, yesterday was the big day. She got up in front of all the students, parents, and families to read her essay. She was very nervous, but did a wonderful job. Here are some pictures to show off her important day! Reading her essayHalf the class, while singing a DARE song

Laury, Jim, & I

Our Trained Dog???

Okay, I have to be honest... The first few days we got Libby home, she was doing wonderful! But, each little day brings on more & more of her previous bad behaviors. Although things are still much better, we are now struggling when people come to the door & with her jumping up on my counters when she thinks no one is watching. So, if you come to my house, know that this is a work in progress. We might be slow to opening the door, as we are trying to calm Libby down. And then you have to ignore her, so she realizes you are not here to see HER!

All in all, she is a wonderful dog & all we ask for is a loyal companion. She sure does a great job at that! She loves attention and will do any asked behavior for a treat. So, we'll just keep working with her and as she grows older, she'll learn more and more every day.

Alright... Off to the dog park:)

Our Trained Dog!

While we were gone in Orlando, we sent Libby off to a boarding obedience school in Little Falls. (free advertising - Willow Creek Kennels) We just got to pick her up this past weekend & she is doing well & happy to be home. They took the puppy right out of her! She is so much more calm. The door bell ringing is no longer a wet greeting... I can make dinner without her paws checking things out on my counters... She lays on her bed while we eat dinner, instead of having to be put in her crate... She sits, heels, comes, and lays for us very easily now. She is doing wonderful! We are thrilled to have her home with us & she is getting much needed love.