Kenzie inducted into The Thunderbolt Society

On the last day of school before Christmas break Kenzie was inducted into The Thunderbolt Society at her school.  This honor is given to a select few each month from the fourth and fifth grades based on academic performance and good character traits.  Kaden and I were able to attend the ceremony.

 There were a few extra in the group this month because some were missed the month before.

 Kenzie received a certificate and a pencil.  She will also be invited to a special in-school carnival at the end of the school year for all Thunderbolt Society members.

Kenzie and her Alloway Creek Intermediate School principal, Mrs. Doumont.

Congratulations, Kenzie!  We're proud of you!

"I feel so alone!"

This year Kenzie rides the "late bus" by herself. She was feeling very alone this morning!
I never received a postcard saying when Kenzie's bus would arrive like I did for the other children. It was so late, I was beginning to wonder if they knew they were to pick her up!

After 15 minutes of standing, she had to sit down to wait for the bus!

Finally! With the oldest six at school and Kaden still sleeping, I had almost an hour to myself. I wasn't sure where to begin! I had a short chat on the phone with Dottie, folded some laundry and did a little decluttering. I also started writing the thank you notes to those involved in helping Dad through his illness, death and his funeral service and burial. My goal is to write some each day until I have them all done. It's hard. Writing those notes is emotional, my heart aches and the tears flow. I miss my father.

Kenzie's Choral Concert

Last week Kenzie had her first choral concert. We wanted Nana and Pappy to see what they were missing, so I recorded two of the songs. Kenzie was very much aware that I was taking pictures and recording. A few times the camera shakes because I'm laughing at her looking at me!

Kenzie didn't want me to put this second video on the blog because she was paying more attention to me than to her music director! I still think it's cute, and we all love the song!

Oh, those crazy kids!

It was all Ashton's idea. I suppose it started with a thought of "Wonder what would happen if I scanned my face?" The first time was funny enough to try it again, just with a different look the second time. Ashton then got Kenzie, Kassie and Brady to give it a try.

I wonder if Brady could see afterward from leaving his eyes open during the scanning process!

Oh, those crazy kids!

Kenzie joins the church!

Kenzie turned eight years old on June 6th. Dale baptized her on Sunday, June 22nd. Kenzie's former Primary teacher, Corky Dimura gave a talk on baptism and our dear friend and neighbor, Virginia Reid spoke on the Holy Ghost.

Afterward we provided a meal for those who attended the baptism. Kenzie wanted barbecue, chips and dip! We also had baby carrots with dip and a variety of desserts, including Brady's muffins. Kenzie had a wonderful turn out. She was especially pleased the Nana and Pappy could attend.

Kenzie's Achievement

The phone rang Friday evening while we were eating supper. We let the answering machine get it. Later, this was the message we heard: "Yes, Hi! This is Mr. Rudisill calling from Rolling Acres Elementary. This message is in reference to Kenzie Eyler. Today Kenzie was chosen to be in our Rolling Acres 200 Club. It's a very exclusive club where only 200 students get to be a member. These are students who are picked from random teachers. They're picked because of they're just great models of what a student should be in our school, following the rules, participating, just being good citizens. So we just want to say congratulations to Kenzie and also congratulations to you for having such a fine young daughter." He then left contact information if we needed to know more. Kenzie keeps telling me not to erase the message!

Good job, Freck-a-doodle! (My nick name for Kenzie because of the many freckles on her nose!)

Is it broken?

This evening, just before supper, Brady was sitting on the couch. He got up for a brief moment and when he did, Kenzie took his seat on the couch. When Brady returned he expected his seat back. Instead of asking nicely, he grabbed a hold of Kenzie and pulled her off. She somehow landed with her butt on her ankle. Of course she cried, moaned, groaned and claimed she couldn't walk, etc. The children can be very dramatic at times, so it's often hard to tell if they are truly injured. Kenzie didn't let up and when I took a look at her ankle 15 minutes later, it was indeed swollen and difficult for me to look at. Not only do I not like the site of blood, but grossly swollen ankles as well! Dale called Dr. Rapp, who just so happened to be in the office tonight, and said to bring her right in. From Dr. Rapp's we went to the Hanover Hospital for x-rays. The results were inconclusive. She was told to stay off of it for 48 hours. Dr. Rapp will consult with the radiation doctors and call me sometime tomorrow. Looks like Kenzie's Thanksgiving vacation from school has started early!
Kenzie waits for Dr. Rapp to examine her.

Waiting again. This time for x-rays.

Junie B. Jones

Tomorrow Kenzie presents her first "book talk" for Character Dress-Up Day. She chose to be Junie B. Jones from the book Junie B. Jones is (almost) a Flower Girl by Barbara Parks. She needed green ribbon/bows around her head and waist. I found 2/3 yard of green material in the remnant bin at Wal-Mart for one dollar. Kassie made the bow and sash.

Kenzie did her written report earlier in the week and has been practicing her oral presentation. She said she is sort of nervous, but I'm sure she'll do fine!

From sandbox to swimmimg pool

I couldn't resist adding more pictures of the children having fun in our "new" swimming pool!

I also couldn't resist adding more sprinkler pictures!

Avery

Bryson

Hair flinging

This afternoon the kids converted our sandbox into a swimming pool. Soon after it was finished, the hair flinging began!

Kenzie and Ashton

Brady gives it a try. Look at his eyes! LOL!

The next picture shows the winner of the hair flinging contest, (if there was a contest)!

Fling that hair, Ashton!

Free movie

Today while Avery and Bryson were at Cub Scout Camp, Kassie, Ashton, Kenzie, Kaden and I went to the Gateway Theater to see this week's free movie. (Brady decided he wanted to stay home.) Although we already own a copy of this movie, and the children have seen it several times, it was my first time seeing it. Watching Mouse Hunt caused me to laugh out loud more than once!

Surprisingly, Kaden did very well in the theater. He watched a good bit of the show. Have you seen this movie? After the vacuum cleaner filled with sewage and then burst, Kaden let out a squeal and clapped his hands!

Our "new" playhouse

Yesterday my friend Cynthia gave us their playhouse! I've been wanting one of these for Kaden, but couldn't justify the money to buy one. I didn't have to pay for the house, just part of the materials for the foundation.

First the children put down the black weed block.

Next came the sand.

Daddy shows us his technique for leveling the sand.

Brady, Avery and Bryson work together to lay the pavers. (The pavers were free too, they came with the house!)

One, two, three, LIFT!


Everyone had to have their turn sticking their head out the chimney. Kassie is attending Youth Conference at Wilson College this weekend, or I'm sure she would have had her head out the chimney too!