Weekend Musings

Every time Dakota's football team wins a game they do the Falcon Jacks. It goes: "F-F-FAL-C-C-ONS, Falcons, Falcons, Falcons, hey!" It's kind of a fun tradition and the fans look forward to seeing the excitment from the boys of a job well done. This past week we've got to see the Falcon Jacks three days in a row. Dakota was invited to play on the Freshman team because they were 3 guys short. Although, not a freshmen, it was good for some playing time. He played really well. Several of the 58 points were from Dakota blocking and the running back following right on his heels. Because of his success Thursday he started JV today. Once again playing well. It's good to see him grow as an athlete.

Dakota found himself a date to the homecoming, not only ours; but Mapleton's too. We went to get his shirt and tie tonight because once the week hits, it is hard to find extra time between practice/games, youth activities, and work meetings. She is wearing hot pink and black, so is Dakota. I bet he is going to look great! We ordered the corsage today and he will have his first official formal dance. I can't wait to take pictures next week!

White tie for one of the dances maybe. Or just for dad to steel.

We Did It, We Each Won a Ribbon

Kayla's ribbon! Great job Fidget!

My ribbon!
Monster bag of cotton candy to celebrate!

We were each successful at the Ashland County Fair! Kayla won third place in her class and receive a white ribbon. I received fourth place with my buildings picture. None of the others places. Not to shabby for a first time effort!

Going to the fair brings back such youthful memories. I was a big time 4-H farm girl growing up. I entered sheep, pigs and horses in the animals barns. I also did photography, cooking and sewing projects. Yep, I was a go getter back then. I even entered the Fair Queen contest my Senior Year and was on the Fair Court in 1992. That was the best week ever, no school for an entire week. We attend all the 4-H contests and passed out ribbons. We also go in all the show for free. We got to meet Ronnie Milsap and Tracy Lawerence. (who was a big country singer back then). We loved it.

Tonight wasn't as fun as those times, but it was fun earning a ribbon again. Can you believe it's been 18 years since my last ribbon. Wow! Time flys.

Ashland County Fair Entries

Black and White Youth

Kayla's Wild Animal: Polar Bear at Columbus Zoo

Building Entry: Fort Michilmackinac in Michigan

Water Entry: Grand Sable Lake, Grand Maris, MI

Human Interest Entry: Lake Michigan

Kayla and I decided to act this year instead of saying we should have entered something into the fair this year. We entered some pictures. Yesterday we spent the day trying to get this ready. We went to Walmart to get our pictures printed. Then went home to mount the pictures because I forgot to bring the mats that I had with me. Just as well, I got home and the mats I bought had an 8.5x11.5 hole instead of an 8x10. (that was stupid) I didn't pay much attention to that I guess.

So back to Walmart to buy the right sized mats. They were sold out. We ended up buying clearanced frames with mats to get what we needed. Kyle didn't complain one bit. Thankfully.
We went to his shop to mount the pictures so we didn't have to go home again. Then off to the fair.

We took the pictures in to the hobby barn and got them tagged and entered. The volunteers loved our water picture and Kayla's wild animal picture. After all is said and done if we get 1st place ribbons we will win a $7 premium. Kyle said, "I don't think you'll make up what we've spent today if you win." Oh well, it was an adventure at least. Wish us luck!

No More Brace Face

Kayla really needed braces. Her front top teeth, one went in front of her bottom teeth and the other went behind her bottom teeth. She had to have oral surgery to place a chain inside her gums and tooth to put things into place. She has been a trooper through this whole process. I hope she finds it worth the time and effort. We know from me that her wisdom teeth need to come out right away so that she doesn't ruin her orthodontia work like I did.

10:50 am 9/13/10

Display Board at Dr. Gregg's Waiting Room

11:30 am 10/13/10

Kayla got her braces off today. She is so happy! She has been counting this day down for several weeks. She looks great. I told her how lucky she was, I got my braces off one week after school pictures my freshman year. She got hers off one week before school pictures her freshman year. Dr. Gregg told Kota he isn't far behind. So we'll be getting his off shortly.

I got the best deal out of this, I got to take the day off from work. :) I got to sleep in until 8 am and decorate the house for fall. I also get to work on house cleaning and grading papers. It is a beautiful day to not be at school. I actually enjoying working around the house. It has been a busy weekend with football games and stake meetings, so not much got accomplished here this past weekend.

Bouncing Baby Boys

I don't know I think this one smells worse?

Did you just taste that diaper?

Rookies!

Brittany is due in mid-October, baby number 2.

Michelle is due in late October, surprise baby #4

We had a double baby shower for two women at our church tonight. It was so much fun. We sat and played games, the biggest hit was the candy bars in the diapers. But we sure laughed at the other games we played.

The moms went home with a great assortment for their babies. And lots of memories.

It's amazing the seasons of life...Some are begining and others coming to a close. I am very grateful for our seasons of life. Even with all the trials.

Labor Day Bliss

 We had a picnic at my Mom's Sunday after church. Mom made her yummy banana split dessert.

Kyle had to look at the breaks on the car. They need a new line because he blew them out. I'm glad he can fix that kind of stuff.

What a great day we had. We went shopping at Lodi Outlet Mall to get the boys some jeans, they both wear the same size now. Guess they'll get to share; Kyle will look more like a teen. He looks so good after losing weight. (still jealous) When I try on clothes I just get to grimace.

We got Kayla her homecoming dress. Her and her friends decided they would go regardless of whether or not they had a date. I'm glad about that. It would just be a "friend" date anyhow. Boy is it hard to find a modest dress. We had to buy a wrap because there is nothing with sleeves. We are going to look to see if we can find a fancy cami or see what grandma can do when she is down the begining of October.

Finally, I put up my apple purchase today. I made a pie, 2 pans of apple crisp, 4 pans of apple dumplings and some applesauce. Kota asked for the pie, he said he's never had apple pie at home before. He's right, I usually only make dumplings Grandma Beninghof's way because they are quicker and easier. Hope it tastes as good as it looks!

Fireplaces, Apples and Football

We were invited to a co-worker of mine's house for an outdoor cook-out. He made ham and bean soup in his outdoor fireplace and hamburgers on the grill. Yummo! I want Kyle to make me one of these when we start our patio project. (Hopefully next summer!) Doesn't Kyle look great. I'm jealous of how much weight he's lost. I guess I'm going to have to get in gear and catch up. Wish mine melted away as fast as his did.

My neice Malea testing the gigantic Courtland Apples at Scenic Ridge Fruit Farm. Isn't she adorable!

My sister Amy's children.

These apples are huge. I'm going to make our traditional apple dumplings. Then I'll freeze some so we can enjoy them in the winter too!

 Today was pick your own Mcintosh or Courtlands. We went for the courtlands because they were bigger! Bigger dumplings!

She's a natural.

Look at the size of that one.

The trees were loaded. It was so much fun. It brought back memories of going to the John Johnson Farm and picking apples for the welfare system of our church. We had so much fun going up there and picking apples. The best part was getting to bring home bags of apples for $2 a piece. Even though Scenic Ridge's apples aren't $2 a bag we still had a good time.

It wasn't a winning weekend for our Falcon boys, but they sure played hard. Friday night we played the 2nd place team in the State. This was the first time we've had a team like that in our line up. The boys lost, but they played respectably against a state championship team. Apparently Delphus St. John has won many championships since the 80s. We lost 7-35. The scored the 2 touchdowns 2 minutes before half time and the other 2 touchdowns in the 4th quarter.

Our JV lost 35-41 against Mansfield Senior today. They played hard as well. Mansfield got the upper hand when they sent in the freshman squad and our other boys couldn't regain the touchdown. Overall, it was a well played game too. Better luck next week against Loudonville.

Dakota once again was showing us that he is getting to be a better athlete. He was right there to sack the quarterback several time, just a second or two too late this week. Nice effort though.

Scenic Ridge Fruit Farm has nice vegetables too. We picked up a couple of butternut squash (my favorite) and some decorative gourds to start our fall decorating this weekend. I love decorating for fall. It's my favorite time of year.
Kayla found a fun looking goard!

A Penny For Your Thoughts

Just thinking about how much I love my family. It was a swealtering day at the big O today. I had to go for an ultra-sound tonight sweaty and stinky. ...(seems all is well with that) and I couldn't help thinking how lucky I am to have all these blessings. I came home from my long, sweaty day to my husband cooking steaks on the grill. My kids having homework done and we enjoyed a meal around the table all together. (doesn't happen much lately)

Then we went to Kyle's cousin Steve's and swam in his pool and cooled off. It doesn't get much better than that! I forgot my camera or I'd have pics for you to look at.

Then we are topping off the day with hot fudge brownie sundae. (I'll just eat a little one.) I've got to be good with my sugar intake!