Mama's favorite, Kyle's not so sure...

Back to Apple Valley Schoolhouse and back in time. Kyle's name: Jacob. His family had four kids and they lived in a barn. His attire, pioneer gear-sort of-if you don't count the Old Navy Jeans and Oxford, but we tried. Mama's favorite field trip. Emersion into the times. The kids learn how to make butter and biscuits (grinding their own wheat), how to care for leather, sew, do laundry, make a fruit crate and create toys out of left over pieces of everything. As for Kyle, he wasn't real impressed. He said he liked the laundry and making the crate-that was it. Such a boy, it appears he didn't inherit his mother's love for history!
This picture cracks me up. This is how excited he was to sew a marble pouch. LOL!

FUN RUN!!

So this entry comes with a disclaimer....once we get to an event Karly is often hard to track down. I have lots of Kyle pictures and yet almost none of Karly girl. Kyle checks in with me, Kyle needs to know where I am just as much as I need to know where he is. Karly.....well.....I usually can find her from a distance chatting away with someone and perfectly content with no idea as to where I am. Miss confident and independent. End disclaimer.

RCSD Foundation Fun Run. A school district fundraiser which focuses on raising and spending funds for technology. Blue Oaks had a great turn-out, highest school representation for this 5K run. We had kindergarteners all the way to Grandmas and Grandpas pinning on their numbers for the cause. Families from within our district were also joined by local runners just looking for the next race. It was so cool to see familiar faces cross the finish line. Kids proud of their accomplishment and teachers running along side of them. Parents giggling their way in and even some huffing and puffing with a grin. Loved the community of high fives and cheers along the way. A bringing together of people for schools, health and smiles!

Kyle before the race and ready to bring it!
I caught a glimpse of Karly at the start line with her peeps!
Kyle really enjoys a good run. Even with an ankle still bothering him a bit, he came in at 28.02.
Kyle's pal Carson, who has quite the talent for running...came in under 23 minutes.

Bottom of the Ninth

Nine years old! Where does the time go? When I was pregnant with Kyle, while I didn't care at all about his birthdate because he was such a miracle in and of himself, I did think early June was a perfect time of year for a baby. Not too hot of weather while I was pregnant, no near holidays to compete with...but now I kinda feel bad for him that his birthday is surrounded by end of the school year and sports season stuff. We've found it's a tough time to get together friends, as family calendars are packed, add school stuff and playoffs for baseball and there isn't much time left to celebrate a single person. Team parties abound. Class parties inevitable. Busy, busy.

So while we've put off his "party" whatever it will be for a later date when friends are actually looking for something to do over the boring summer, we are so very blessed to have Kyle and his place in our family. He is one GREAT kid and life just wouldn't be the same without him!!! Happy Birthday baby!

Memorial Day Weekend

Life is crammed packed right now, but here are some great shots from Memorial Day Weekend. The kids are really starting to grow into the next phase of life. Karly the pre-teen who is really taking everything in and learning a lot right now about people and relationships. Kyle who is ever so much like his dad and wanting to do, help and learn what his mentors model.

The weekend itself was a great reprieve from the stressors Spring always brings. Good for everyone to slow down a bit and for some good quality time together.

I Don't Get It?

WHY? I don't get it! Why don't people step up? Why are so many content to watch the scramble without helping? Many willing to help an hour, on their terms but so few willing to help carry the load or do the least desirable job because it's the greatest need. Do people not see that if everyone does their part, no one is overwhelmed? That a team can score more points, raise more funds, ward off an enemy, help more people, defeat disease, bring freedom of people and voice to democracy......

Is it that people don't believe in themselves? Perhaps no confidence or belief in the contribution they can make. Do we get so focused on what we think we cannot do that we don't even try to find out what we can? "Argue for your limitations, and sure enough they're yours." --Richard Bach?

I rarely blog to vent...but today I am disappointed with people and some of them friends. I wish they could see their potential as I do. I wish they could see the needs and do what they can -not what they want. Do I realize that life has challenges, yes. Are there season of life that one should say "no"....YES. But perhaps the "no's" wouldn't hit so hard if there were more people to say yes in the first place. I'd love to study this subject further. Why is there a 20% rule? What is it that compels some and not others? We need all types of people, so I do not mean to pass judgement. I just find it really interesting.

Perhaps I wouldn't take this so hard if I didn't have a piece of myself that wanted to say "no" myself. But then the "why" kicked in and I said yes.

Hooping it UP!

It's a fundraiser and exercise all wrapped up in one! This week, Kyle took it to the hoop in the Staff vs. Students basketball game. The principal along with seven other teachers took on eight 3rd-5th graders and the results were a great mix of fun. Lots of laughter, some skills, some team work and a cheering crowd with mixed emotions. Students loyal to their teachers, but throwing in a hoot for their siblings and pals as well. No telling who really won, but I can assure you-it was a winning event for all.

As for Kyle's ankle, if you are wondering.....he favored it a little as he tread up and down the court, but he said that it didn't bother him at all. Typical male. He also said, "I'd play that everyday if we could".

Ah, the science fair....

The very words "science fair project" quicken the heart rate of any parent. Why? They are never as easy as we wish they would be and they seem to carry on and on and on. Nonetheless, Karly worked quite independently on her project until the last week or so when mom and dad had to step in with a little helps. Karly studied the accuracy of eye witness accounts and how the are effected by gender, location to subject and time of report. She learned a great deal about what works and what doesn't work when interviewing witnesses and as always she smiled her way through.

As for Mama, she's glad to see this story board walked out the door today! COMPLETED it is!