Kudlas sKoop

February Meals

2012-01-30T15:51:00.007-05:00

You will notice that I repeat many recipes that were eaten last month and once in a while I throw in a new recipe. Remember that the "AL" stands for allrecipes.com
Mon Jan 30 chicken potpie
Tues Jan 31 b-ball game
Wed Feb 1 chicken strogenoff
Thur 2nd BLT's
Fri 3rd senior night-b-ball game
Sat 4th Pizza
Sun 5th Super bowl-wings
Mon 6th slow cooker chicken tortilla soup
Tues 7th Tacos in pasta shells -AL
Wed 8th spaghetti and meatsauce
Thur 9th crock pot Pot roast
Fri 10th Pizza
Sat 11th Bratts
Sun 12th no peek chicken
Mon 13th crockpot mexican chicken
Tues 14th Valentines Day-steak
Wed 15th chicken lasagna
Thur 16th out to dinner -my birthday
Fri 17th Pizza
Sat 18th grilled cheese and tomato soup
Sun 19th chicken and broccoli-AL
Mon 20th Potato soup-AL
Tues 21st chicken Parmesan casserole-AL
Wed 22nd Baked porkchops -AL
Thur 23rd baked slow cooker chicken-AL
Fri 24th pizza
Sat 25th
Sun 26th
Mon 27th
Tues 28th
Wed 29th

GO GREEN

2012-01-13T18:21:00.000-05:00

Most times you would never hear Go Green come out of the mouths of the Kudlas family..with only one exception...when they play Georgia. We could not say no to these tickets. The Outback Bowl was in Tampa, Florida on January 2nd. Aidan and I ventured down to Florida for the awesome triple overtime game in which MI State WON! My Grandma lives 30 miles from the stadium and my Uncle and Aunt were in town from Michigan, so we also got to visit family.

My Uncle Bill (my dad's oldest brother) and my Aunt Denise.

Outside Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

MI States coach leads the players into the stadium. You can only imagine what Aidan's eyes looked like as he watched them walk in.
Enjoying swim time at Great Grandma's pool.

These are times that I will never forget. We made some awesome memories!

Monthly menu

2012-01-12T07:18:00.003-05:00

There are some people in the past that have requested me to send them ideas from my monthly meal plan or just the meal plan itself. I have decided to post it monthly, thanks to my Aunt Denise who gave me the idea. If you have any questions or are interested in a recipe, just message me back and I can give you them. If they have an "al" by them, it means that it comes from allrecipes.com. Awesome website for any recipe. I will do a better job at posting it the first of the month. You will also see some blank spots. During basketball season, many evenings are spent at a highschool and many have hospitality rooms with food in them. Then, I don't have to cook anything. Sometimes our business gets in the way, ie we are running late..and then we just pick something up, but this is rare. I also have notes when I am gone and I have to make food ahead of time. Fridays are most always pizza. Whether it be store bought frozen or picked up from a restaurant. You will also see lots of crock pot dinners-these save my life. One more note-I always add veggies (my kids LOVE raw veggies) and either a fruit or bread, maybe both.
ENJOY!
Dec/Jan 2012 (Brad gets paid the last Friday of the month, so our grocery budget is based around that)
Tues 28 chicken wings
Wed 29 b-ball game
Thur 30 b-ball game
Fri 31 chicken florentine casserole -al
Sat 1 chipotle crusted porkloin-al
Sun 2 (in FL-make ahead) easy chicken noodle soup-al
Mon 3 spaghetti (in FL)
Tues 4 BLT's (in FL)
Wed 5 chicken and rice bake
Thur 6 beef strogenoff
Fri 7 pizza
Sat 8 chicken Parmesan casserole-al
Sun 9 grilled hamburgers
Mon 10 baked chicken nuggets
Tues 11 left over chicken taco soup
Wed 12 broccoli cheese soup
Thur 13 slow cooker pulled pork-al
Fri 14 pizza (out of town)
Sat 15 (make ahead-out of town) chicken potpie
Sun 16 Lasagna (out of town)
MOn 17 slow cooker Italian chicken alfredo-al
Tues 18 tuna pitas
Wed 19 goulash
Thur 20 slow cooker chicken tortilla soup-al
Fri 21 pizza
Sat 22 slow cooker chicken and dumplings-al
Sun 23 sloppy joes
Mon 24 slow cooker chicken strogenoff-al
Tues 25quesadillas
Wed 26 mac and cheese and hotdogs
Thur 27
Fri 28

2012

2012-01-01T19:53:00.000-05:00

Christmas Time

2011-12-30T16:10:00.012-05:00

Merry Christmas to everyone!

We are back to the swing of things in the Kudlas house. After 1 full week back to school, we are back in the groove. The little over 2 week break was much needed and we enjoyed every minute. This is long post with LOTS of pictures, reviewing the last 2 1/2 weeks.

The kids enjoying some baking. We took cookies to our neighbors and to the local fire station.

Brad's JV basketball team came over one evening to have dinner, exchange gifts and play some games.

The next day we were off to Dad and Mom's for a much needed 5 day vacation. Mom always has fun activities planned!

Baking with Grammie

Picture time for Aidan

Aidan is a bit camera shy.

Carsyn's turn. I went a little out of birth order.

With Papa's hat on.

Brenna's turn.

We love to go bowling on Christmas Eve.

I am laughing pretty hard at this point. The bowling totally knocked Carsyn out. This kids sleeps anywhere, including the bowling alley. Here she is in Brad's arms, smiling with help Daddy.

Bubble bath time and Grammie and Papa's big tub.

Christmas morning. You can't see, but they are busting to get downstairs.

I think Brad is a bit excited. The kids got him the Michael Jackson Wii game. If you don't have this or have never played it, you are missing out. It is so addicting. It is going to the beach with us this summer!

More pictures you ask? Of course! It is Christmas time and my kids are just so cute!

Carsyn had to have her new jeep for her dolls in the picture!

Sweet sisters. They love each other...most of the time.

Uncle Drew and the kids

Grammie, Papa and the kids

My wonderful, goofy family!

Patience

2011-12-19T15:50:00.003-05:00

I am not afraid to tell you that I am not the most patient person in the world. I never have been a patient person and my mom and dad would probably tell you that as well. It is something I pray about everyday and is something I am constantly working on. Of course there are certain times of the month where I am more patient than others (ladies, you know what I am talking about)!

The other day while running errands, I met my match. You know, the one that has the same problem as you and you realize, "Whoa, now she has some patience problems!" I was at the Christmas super store, aka Hobby Lobby and if you don't happen to visit there during the months of November or December, you don't know how crazy those registers can get. It was around lunch time on a Tuesday, which is even busier. (A side note...I don't have any children with me...they are all at school...I am not in a hurry!) There are 4 registers open and probably 4 people in each line. This lady comes up behind me, by herself, with a handful of items in her arms. Within seconds she rolls her eyes while saying, "I can't believe how long I have been waiting....seriously, why can't they open another register?!" To which I just smile and turn back. She continues to groan and moan....for the next 2 minutes. She announces.."Can we open another register?!" They call for another person to come up front. We are now 1 person in front of me before I check out. The new cashier asks for the next person in line and I don't move. There are people now behind me. I am fine. I am not in a hurry. I am being PATIENT. I really don't want to stand in line, but I am doing just fine. I say to someone else to go ahead. The lady behind me (being the nice lady she is) insists in front of the whole Hobby Lobby that I go up to the new cashier because I have waited the longest. I say calmly, "No thank you, I am working on my patience." I don't know if she liked that so she went to the new cashier.

Although this seems quite silly, it is something especially during this time of the year we all need to humbly work on. This is something I teach to my children everyday. "Be patient." Have a little more patient." As I walked to the car I had a smile on my face knowing not that I was the most patient person in the world, but that I was doing something I try to teach my children to live by.

A few things I have learned:
1. If you are in a hurry getting somewhere or getting something, you will not be patient in ANY circumstances.
2. If you are not organized, you will not be patient.
3. If you are tired you WILL NOT be patient.
4. If you are hungry you will probably not be patient.
5. If I don't pray about having patience most likely I will not be!

I pray that this lady was just having one of those bad days and was in a hurry, hadn't slept the night before or hadn't ate lunch or wasn't a praying mom. Maybe I taught her something by just standing there? Maybe!?

This 8 year old

2011-12-05T11:20:00.000-05:00

There is so much I would love to say about this 8 year old. I think you will find out a lot about him in this yearly interview I love to give the kids. I love being this 8 year olds mommy!
Mommy (M)-What is your favorite color?
Aidan (A)-Yellow, well actually maze because it is Michigan's official school color.
M-What is your favorite food?
A-Mac and cheese with hotdogs...still. Why do you ask me that when you already know? (I ignore him and move on.)
M-What kind of food do you dislike?
A-Nothing. (He is telling the truth...the kid will eat anything!)
M-What do you want to be when you are mommy and daddy's age?
A-A NFL player and any kind of coach or teacher in high school
M-Where?
A-Michigan or Georgia

M-What is your favorite subject in school?
A-I love history and social studies. We just finished talking about Indians and history of Georgia.
M-What do you like to do with your sisters?
A-It depends...I guess we like to play "store."
M-If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A-Germany because I haven't been there in a long time and Australia because I love their accents. (Me too!)
M-What do you love about church?
A-We always get candy and make cool, creative stuff that goes with the story.
M-If you could be an animal, what would you be?
A-Cheetah because it is fast like me.
M-What is your favorite thing to do with me?
A-Go out to dinner.
M-What about daddy?
A-Nerf gun fight...when you aren't home. (Interesting...I will have to check into this!)
M-Do you want to get married some day?
A-Yes
M-How many kids would you and your wife have?
A-3
M-Who is your best friend?
A-David for a boy and Sydney for a girl
M-What makes you unhappy?
A-Notre Dame
M-What makes you happy?
A-Family and friends!
M-What is your favorite song?
A-Since we are listening to Christmas music, I would say that.
M-What is your favorite thing about your sisters?
A-They are smart and sometimes funny. (He squeezed that one out!)
M-What is your most favorite memory from this year?
A-Winning the Super Bowl!
M-What do you think Mommy does all day?
A-Work around the house and drive us around. (Right on about that!)
M-What does Daddy do all day?
A-Drive then work.
M-What is your favorite restaurant?
A-Sal's (A great local Italian restaurant in downtown Cumming.)
M-What are you looking forward to most in 2012 as an 8 year old?
A-I don't have to ride in a booster seat! Thank goodness!

My mom and dad made him this cake for his birthday. He just loved it!

Casts are nasty when they are taken off, especially this one!

Aidan and 4 of his best buddies. They are all on his football team and play basketball and baseball with him as well. One rule in our house was that he couldn't have a sleep over or spend the night until he turned 8. The boys had a blast and believe it or not, I couldn't hear them after 10:30 pm and they came running down for breakfast at 8 am. Not bad for our first sleepover.

Happy 8th Birthday, Aidan Bradley! We couldn't be more proud of you! You make our heart smile everyday!

November came and went

2011-11-29T10:30:00.001-05:00

Here is the play by play of the last month or so....

Carsyn and her best buddy, Aidan with his cast the morning he had it cut off.
Carsyn playing soccer.

Bren and her co-ed soccer team. She is number 4.

Our QB, Aidan running the ball at a Jefferson game.

Bren and her gymnastics team performing at one of the local elementary schools promoting physical fitness.

Not only are we on the 2 week of no internet and I sit at the library typing...but the month of November flew by. I remember when Aidan was about 13 or 14 months old and running around a basketball court and picking up anything he could get his hands on and either throwing it or putting it in his mouth. I thought to myself, "When will this crazy, busy,exhausting time in my life be slowing down and changing?" Now I know the answer. NEVER or at least not anytime soon. As I watch moms and dads frustrated or excited for that matter over the "stage" of life they are in, I would say to them if I could..."Just when this stage is done another one starts and you will miss the one before." I know our schedule is busy. Some of you reading would say that we would have a crazy schedule. I would say that I love the time and stage we are in. We won't have it for long. So here I am looking at the week in front of me. Aidan has his 8th birthday this weekend, we still have football even though Aidan still has a cast on his hand (his team was invited to play in the State championships in Atlanta the second week of December), Brad has basketball games, I have my moms group (Birds on wire...which I LOVE), school, school and more school, gymnastics, gymnastics meets and performances. No, I really wouldn't change a thing. My life is not a bunch of cherries nor do I ever pretend it is, I just feel blessed to be in this stage of life. I love my family and they make it all worth it! Here is just a glimpse into MY crazy life.
6am-alarms go off. Aidan, Brenna, Mommy and Daddy's. I roll out of bed with my hair sticking up everywhere and not being able to see a thing. I stumble to the bathroom for my glasses and bathrobe. It is freezing in this house. Although today it is 35 degrees tomorrow is going to be 65 degrees. What do I send the kids to school in? A jacket? A sweater? I just hope they don't leave it at school.

6:15am -kids are downstairs dressed thankfully and hungry for breakfast. I spill a large cup of juice I had poured for myself. It is everywhere. I don't know how it got on that back door?6:40am-breakfast is over and the kids are off brushing teeth and getting their chores done. Aidan and Bren find something to fight about. I ignore them. Is that bad?

6:50 am-Aidan, Brenna and Brad are off to school.

6:55 am-If I am lucky and the kitchen is already clean, I make myself some breakfast while Carsyn is upstairs changing and making her bed.

7:15 am-Some color time with Carsyn. She is my crafty child. Loves to color, cut, glue, etc. The only problem...she makes a huge mess.

7:45 am-clean up Carsyn's mess.

8 am-Jump in the shower and clean up my crazy hair. For those of you wondering, Carsyn is in front of the TV watch PBS. I don't care. Curious George is one of my favorites.

8:35 am-Off to take Carsyn to school. This happens 3 days of the week. The other two...trust me...we find things to do.

8:55 am-Drop Carsyn off at school. Boy it is quiet in my car. Carsyn sang "5 little monkeys" all the way to school.

9 am-work out about 2 miles from Carsyn schools at one of the recreation areas. One of my favorite parts of the day. While I am working out, I watch some news..or just "Live with Kelly." Every other Wed, I am at The Nest with Birds on a Wire.

10:30 am -any errands that I need to run without Carsyn I complete then or I just go sit in car rider line and read a good book. I just finished reading the Tim Tebow book with Aidan and now I am reading the Jaycee Dugard book.

12 pm -Carsyn is finished with school and we eat our lunch I packed while running any other errands we had to do. Carsyn falls asleep while eating and her food goes flying all over the car. Pit stop to vacuum at 12:30pm

2:20 pm-pick the other two kids up from school. First words out of my mouth. "Hey my loves. How was your day?" Their first words to me, "We are hungry!" I am thinking, "Didn't I just feed you?"

3pm-7:30 Evening activities. This is where our schedule starts a get a little hairy. Mondays, Aidan has basketball, Tues/Thur the kids have gymnastics and I coach. Wednesdays....ummm that would be NOTHING, Friday mornings I coach and then in the evenings we have basketball. Brenna and Carsyn's soccer just finished, which made shuffling even more complicated. Want to see the cutest thing in the world? Watch 3 year olds play soccer!) This is our schedule when it is raining and we don't have football. Don't ask about trying to fit that in. Not sure where that did fit in, but we managed 3/4 days a week. Snacks are given and smiles are on their faces.

8pm-We arrive home. I really didn't feel like stopping for gas. I hope I have enough to get to the gas station tomorrow morning?! Many later evenings I have prepped dinner, so it won't take me long. That would be on a perfect day. You know how many perfect days I have? I won't answer that. While dinner is being finished...

Showers for the older two. One goes upstairs, one goes downstairs. Carsyn jumps in the tub. If Daddy is home, he does all the bed time stuff. He has always done that and I NEVER complain!

8:30pm- Aidan is still saying he is hungry after he eats dinner. When will that boy stop eating? Where is he storing all that food? How will I be able to afford to feed him when he is 13? Whoa! Too much to think about!

8:45pm-They are in bed. Books have been read.

9pm-I crash on the couch and watch TV with Brad. I don't care if I watch TV with my husband for quality time. I am not talking, he is not talking, I am not fighting with children. I am happy.

10 pm-I make lunches for the next day and get everything around for the morning.

10:30. Brad is already snoring in bed. You remember the first favorite part of my day. This is the other. The time when you head hits the pillow.

Rinse and repeat for tomorrow.

God has given me this life and I love every bit of it, good and bad!

What is your day like?

Superbowl champs

2011-11-06T10:25:00.005-05:00

The time finally came. 4 day a week practices since the middle of July and 11 games won and 0 loses. It all come down to this game.

The end result....scan down to found out....

This is typically what Aidan does before the game. We arrive about 1 1/2 before game time for him to prepare. Call it a "zone" or whatever. He was focused!

After the game both teams said a prayer. Jefferson was a rival all season and it was nice to see everyone come together like this.

The 2011 NGYFA 7 year old Superbowl Champions.

Mom, Dad and the family. Notice the tape on his his left hand....we thought he had jammed his finger during the week of practice for the game. There was swelling, but no bruising. Brad and I knew something was going on with his hand/finger because the swelling was not going down. Coach wrapped just one piece of tape around it to "trick" his head...it worked. He didn't feel anything until later in the evening when he told us his hand/finger hurt still. So Monday we were off to Children Healthcare of Atl. Sure enough it was broken. Just below his ring and pinky finger on his left hand. 19 carries for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns. I guess his hand didn't slow him down. He is one tough kiddo.

Aidan is so proud of these 2 trophies. Back to back Superbowl wins!

Time to skate

2011-10-22T07:38:00.005-04:00

When we asked Brenna what she wanted to do for her birthday, she didn't hesitate to tell us that she wanted to go iceskating (and get her nails done, which we did on her actual birthday). A few months back, I found a pair of double bladed iceskates at a local consignment store. They were like brand new and were a size larger than what Brenna wears and the best part was that they were only $7.00. We don't have any organized birthday parties in our house anymore, so when my parents came into town to celebrate, we headed off to a rink they now have in Cumming. We have a family tradition to iceskate on Christmas Eve, so the kids were excited to go a couple times in a few months.

Here is my dad with Carsyn.

Bren and the new skates.

Mom and Carsyn

Brad, Aidan and Bren.

Our smiling birthday girl.

Brenna and I taking a pass on the rink.

We had a bast, but were all a bit sore the next day!

Interview with a 6 year old

2011-10-20T07:37:00.006-04:00

Brenna and I were finally able to sit down this week and go through our yearly interview. She loves to talk just about anything. She always adds a bit of spice to anything she does. This is one of my favorite pictures of her. This shows everything about her personality.

She is 3 and loving every minute of it.

Mommy (M)- What is your favorite color?

Brenna (B)-Gold, because I like it and that is it!

M-What do you want to be when you grow up?

B-A dancer

M-What is your favorite thing to do at school?

B-Play on the playground.

M-What is your least favorite thing to do at school?

B-Learn and read. (I give her that look...) and then she says, "Well, I don't know." (What did I tell you about that spice?)
M-What is your favorite thing to do at church?

B-Sing

M-What is your favorite food?

B-Mac and cheese

M-What makes you happy?

B-Mommy and Daddy! (How sweet is that.)

M-What are you looking forward to most about being 6?

B-Reading. (Isn't that her least favorite thing to do at school?)

M-What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy?

B-Go on date nights.

M-What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy?

B-Going to get our nails done. (She did this on her birthday and she got to pick a friend to go with us. It was so cute!)

M-What do you dislike?

B-Potatoes

M-What is your favorite thing about Aidan?

B-That he plays football.

M-What is your favorite thing about Carsyn?

B-That I can play with her!

M-What is your favorite thing about Mommy?

B-She cooks me dinner.

M-What is your favorite thing about Daddy?

B-He goes to work. (I talk to tell them that Daddy is so special because he supports the family so mommy can stay home with them...so I guess that doesn't seem so mean. She really is a daddy's girl!)

M-Would you rather be a dog or a cat?
B-Cat

M-Why?

B-Because cats chase dogs. (Just so you know, we don't have cats at our house, just 1 old dog!)

We love this girl! Even with all that spice she adds to our life...we just couldn't imagine it without her in it!

6 Years

2011-10-19T07:37:00.002-04:00

Happy 6th Birthday to our sweet Brenna Caroline! This sweet girl is growing up so fast. It seems much faster than Aidan is. Maybe it is because she is a girl. Yesterday as I was watching a video of her when she was 2 1/2 singing "Jesus Loves Me," I got tears in my eyes. While at the doctors office today, I couldn't believe it was 6 years ago today that my midwife told me that this little peanut was ready to come. Even though it was 3 weeks early, our Brenna had other things in mind. That is exactly how she is today. She does things in her own time and her own way! She is our "social butterfly" as we like to call her. Makes friends with anyone who walks through the door and anyone she meets. She cares and loves people with her whole heart. She hates to see people hurting or afraid. She may be stubborn, but she certainly is not at loving others.

Happy Birthday "little bean." We love you!

Fall is in the air

2011-10-17T07:36:00.004-04:00

While my parents were in town this weekend to celebrate Brenna's birthday, we headed to one of our favorite places about 10 minutes from our house. I will let the pictures do the talking. (I did have to keep some out, because they will be our Christmas pics.)

The boys of fall

2011-09-29T14:20:00.004-04:00

I should say it is football time in the Kudlas house...but it has been all football since July. We are just finishing our last regular season week of practice with our 8th game coming up on Saturday. 7-0 going into the last game which guarantees another 1-3 more weeks of playoffs.

This boy amazes me everyday. He lives and breaths this game. I can tell you that he has a football in his hand all day except for school, but you might not believe me. The truth is he does have a ball in his hand everyday, all day, except while in class at school. At recess, you will find him with a ball in his hand.

When you spend 4 days a week with these boys, they start to become our other family. Some of these boys he played with last year, some he played against. Many he played baseball with all summer. To tell you these boys play well together would be an understatement. You would have to just see it to believe it. To see them playing on a football field, you wouldn't believe that they were still just 7/8 year old boys. The second they walk off that field, that are giggling, laughing and acting like those typical 7/8 year old boys. It really is a joy to watch them play. These boys are Aidan's best buddies. Their families are our family!
We have had some wonderful supporters come out to the games. One of Aidan's favorite people is his small group leader (now off at college at GCSU), Cailen. She and her boyfriend (who is a football player) came to watch a game.

Huddling around the team after a game.

Praying before an early morning, foggy game in Pickens Co.

Our other huge fans...

Papa and Grammie.

And of course, Uncle Drew!

At North Hall, Aidan walking out with 3 of his linemen. You think Aidan is tall, you just come out to one of our football practices/games and you will see that he is the middle of the pack.

After the toughest game this season against Jefferson at Jefferson..both teams were undefeated...nobody had scored on either team and we came out with the WIN. Aidan got offensive all star of the game.

What a season boys! We can't wait to see what the post season brings!

(If we are friends on facebook..please check out some of the photography from this season taken by 3 of our moms. 1 word-AWESOME!)

Also, we have one last regular season game and it is this Saturday, Oct. 15th at 10:30 am at Veterans Memorial Park in Dawsonville. We would love to see you come out and cheer these boys on!

Apple time

2011-09-19T14:19:00.001-04:00

One of the best things about living in Georgia in the fall driving up to the mountains to pick apples. Off to my favorite apple orchard Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge. Our friends the Jarrard's went along with us to check it out. I am sure more apples were eaten between the 7 kids, but I did manage to pick 3 bags full and I plan to head back in the next couple weeks for some "Pink Ladies."

The girls

The boys

On the baking agenda... apple pies, apple sauce, apple bread....

And we are off....

2011-09-13T14:21:00.007-04:00

The kids and I (yes I competed) in another sprint triathlon on September 11th.
An emotional day for so many people. I remember everything about that day 10 years ago. I was a newly wed in our first apartment. I remember what I was doing, what I was wearing, the smells in the room and what the weather was like. It truly feels like it was yesterday...but how the years have changed. Being with family and being outside was our way of remembering.

Aidan and Brenna did awsome once again! Here is Aidan finishing the race. He placed 2nd only by 15 seconds. Awesome job!

Brenna is the one in the blue suit with googles. She finished 1st!

At transistion Brad was able to help with her shoes.

Here she is finishing!

My team was awesome. I was originally training to do the whole triathlon by myself, but trying to get in a full bike and running everyday got to be a bit much. My friend Kristy asked if I would help out in a team and I said absolutely! I did the swim part and ran to the transition and tagged Lowell (his kids do swim team with my kiddos and he is a seasoned biker) who did the biking and then he tagged Kristy (her son played football with Aidan last year and baseball over the summer with Aidan) and she ran. We finished 2nd behind an all male team. I think we did pretty darn good. I personally had my best swim time!

Two chicks and a rooster at the finish line.

The kids and I at the finish line.

Besides my wonderful husband...this sweet girl was our biggest cheerleader!

Minus 1

2011-09-12T14:18:00.000-04:00

Look what happened Labor Day when we met my grandparents for lunch.....

Over the summer Carsyn had hit her tooth 2 times. One time while we were in Florida on vacation and then when we were at the basketball gym watching practice, she was running around and fell straight into the floor. She was due to have her first cleaning at the dentist, so off we went (I was more nervous than Carsyn because you 1. just don't know how they will react to the dentist with x-rays..cleaning etc. and 2. I didn't know what he would say about the VERY loose tooth). Carsyn was a pro. She let them do a full set of x-rays, cleaning and fluoride treatment (yuck). Our wonderful dentist said not to worry and that even though it is completely detached from the root and will fall out, he didn't know when it would. Well, luckily she didn't swallow it while eating, but instead was elated that the tooth fairy was going to visit. So it 4-5 years we will see a full tooth smile. For now we like to call her our Georgia hillbilly.

My grandparents and 3 of their 12 great grandchildren. They loved being there for the momentous event!

Our sweet Carsyn started school the day after Labor Day minus 1 tooth. It sure does make for a great story!

JJ

2011-08-30T12:17:00.003-04:00

For those of you that don't know the 6 member of the Kudlas family, let me introduce you to JJ. She is our 13 year old black lab. JJ was our first "baby." Brad saved her from a not-so-pleasant roomate at college in 1998. She has been our dog ever since...And of course dogs get old...they get old pretty quickly. For labs, 10 years is considered old. The reason why you don't see much of JJ is because Aidan is highly allergic to dogs (and cats) ever since the age of 2. So when JJ was 8 she was moved to an outdoor dog. This is something she has adjusted to well. She has never has been a dog to wonder or leave the house. We have never had to put her in a fenced in back yard to get her to stay around the house. Lately (the last year) all she has done is layed around...expect when the UPS or mailman comes up the driveway. JJ does not like when men/women in uniform come close to her brother and sisters. Although now that has turned into any caretakers we have come to the house while we are gone. She is becoming a cranky old women! Needless to say, she is great with the kids. I would say that she would do anything for them!

Not being able to walk very well or hear, Brad and I have been increasingly aware that she is near the end. While getting ready to leave the house for a football game on Saturday (Brad had already left the house), JJ got a burst of energy and chased our neighbor cat through our woods injuring her spine severely. I found her laying on the neighbors porch looking up at the cat with scraps on her legs. After lifting her (she weighs over 3/4 of my weight) into the childrens wagan and pulling her home, I made her as comfortable as I could and left. On our way to the football game I talked to the kids about what may happen next and really didn't expect to see her alive when we got home.

Good news was she was still alive, but needed some serious help. With a call to a vet, we were told to try to hold off until Monday to see if anything changed. Still no eating, drinking or taking bathrooms brakes, we loaded her up in the car to take her to a new vet. Blood test came back all negative and she was just as heathly internally as she was when she was a puppy, but the spinal injury was pretty serious. They gave her some wonderful drugs to help with the pain and inflamation.

As of today, she is walking around well, eating and interacting with the kids.

Thanks go out to the wonderful vet in Cumming and to everyone that were thinking and praying for us that weekend!

We don't know how much longer she has, but at least she is out of pain and the kids can enjoy her for a bit longer!

Hoops

2011-08-25T09:22:00.002-04:00

This week has been a bit stressful for me. I feel like I have been jumping through lots of hoops. Hula hoops to be exact. The ever changing, circling hoops.....
This is more of how I felt this week. When Sunday comes...I will have a little relief and be able to take these off.

10 Years

2011-08-18T07:41:00.003-04:00

Happy 10 year Anniversary Brad! When I think back to the last 10 years it feels like it has flown by, but when I actually think of the 10 years and what all has gone on in our lives, 10 years is a long time.

10 years has been 3 moves..1 across the country.
10 years has been lots of wonderful trips and vacations. The best 2 were to Europe.
10 years has been 3 beautiful children.
10 years has been countless memories of lots of laughter and some tears.
10 years has been walking by each other sides through deaths of loves ones and difficult jobs changes.10 years has been the best years and I am looking forward to the next 10 years. Looking forward to the next 10 years seems hard to imagine. I will have a senior in high school. We will be preparing our 1st born for college...not to mention preparing for Brenna to get her drivers license. I guess that puts 10 years in perspective.
God has blessed us more than we could imagine and we look forward to seeing what He has in store for us in the next 10 years.

Back into the swing of things

2011-08-12T11:29:00.010-04:00

If you know me well, than you know that summer is not my most favorite time of the year. Yes, I love being able to go to the pool anytime, or go on vacation, or sleep in, or watch how my children's skin goes from white to brown sugar, but I don't like how much my husband is gone and I don't like not having a routined day. Now, you might be saying, "Isn't her husband a teacher?" The answer is yes and no. For those of you that are teachers now days...there is no time off if you want to survive financially. I am proud to say that my husband works hard...at all his jobs, but this makes our summers crazy. I don't care that our schedule is busy during the school year with football, cross country, basketball and gymnastics just to name a few things we do all year, but I do look forward to dinners together even if they are at the football field or basketball court.

With school starting yesterday, I am finally feeling relaxed and ready to tackle this year. We are blessed to have the children in one of the best school systems (Brad works there as well) and I am proud to send them there everyday. Aidan and Bren are loving their new teachers and classes. Carsyn is ready to go starting after Labor Day.

As for our crazy summer...I will try to recap it the best I can. I have a bit of an addiction of taking pictures...so there are a lot to pick from.

In June Brad's niece Brynlee came into town from California for a few days while my brother in law Mark and Amanda took a vacation. She kept us busy!
We spend many days and nights in June and July at the baseball fields. Aidan made the All-star team for the 7 year olds and they did so well a Districts they were invited to the State tournament.

Aidan plays 2nd base.

His whole team. We are so grateful for the coaches that volunteer their time for these boys. They have taught Aidan so much! Many of these boys play football with Aidan and the head coach also is his defensive coach in football.

Both Aidan and Brenna did excellent on swim team this year. I really believe this is the best thing for your children to do in the summer. It teaches them so much more than how to be a fast and solid swimmer. If you have the opportunity to have your children swim on a team..even if it is for the summer, you should totally do it!

We were finally able to take a vacation at the end of June to Orlando. Although it was a vacation for the kids and I, Brad had to bring two of his high schoolers to compete in Nationals for FBLA. They were both recent high school grads and did awesome with the kids. I am not a Disney person..so we did Sea World. Love it! Even though it was nearly 100 the days we were in Florida, we had a blast!

One of the highlights from the trip...getting to ride in a helicopter. The girls went together and the boys went together. Here is our little co-pilot.
With a brief stop back in GA, we headed onto to South Carolina for a week of total relaxation. Mom took us to the fabulous Charleston one day. After walking 1 mile to the top of Ravinal Bridge, we stopped to take a picture.

Meeting the horses that took us on our city tour.

Beach time is all I have to say!

My kids love the sand. Can you tell?

A big deal in the Kudlas/Belt house. This is our Carsyn Joy swimming on her own. Horray!

One Sunday afternoon in our front yard.
Brad's older brother, Devin came into town with his kiddos for a few days. We usually only get to see them 1 time a year, so we had a great visit.

I had an opportunity to take the kids to the Atlanta Falcons training facility to watch them practice for about 3 hours. It was awesome and this little boy was in heaven!

My sweet kiddos yesterday on their way back to school.

Now, time to take things a bit slower!

3 little fishies...

2011-06-25T17:42:00.004-04:00

My 3 little fishies (I will call them A, B, and C) are hard at work....
We are about 1/2 way through the swim season and their goggle eyes and tan lines prove it.

My "A" little fish is shaving seconds off his time every time he gets in the pool. He swam a 50 yard free in 45 seconds today and got 2nd overall vs. 25 7/8 year old boys. He swam at 25 yard free in 19:04 and placed second overall vs. 46 7/8 year olds. I guess swimming 70 laps a day at practice is helping.

My "B" little fish is not only amazing her mommy and daddy, but her coaches as well. When I pick her up from practice everyday, she has gone farther and learned more in that one hour! She hasn't looked back after placing 1st in her first race. She is working so hard, "B" is eating like a horse and sleeping like a rock. She is looking forward to racing her brother soon!

My "C" fish is my cheerleader fish. She has gone to every practice and every meet to watch her brother and sister to cheer them on. The coaches can't wait for "C" to show her stuff in a couple years. As for now, she is learning to blow bubbles.

"A" and "B" fish

"B" fish
"B" fish and a close buddy "I" fish swimming next to her.

"C" fish helping sissy get out after race.

Pink swim cap="B" fish

I love this picture of Coach Stephanie, with Brad and "C" fish as "B" finishes her first race.

Yeah!

Ready, set, GO!

breaststroke

Go my little fishies!

The Gorge

2011-06-10T10:31:00.003-04:00

For the nearly 10 years we have lived in Georgia, Tallulah Gorge is one place I have always wanted to hike. It is located in the Northeast corner of Georgia. Not far from the North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina boarder. It is not for the casual walker or hiker. It has some serious stairs and trails. A good practice hike would be Amicalola Falls. We chose Memorial Day weekend to drive up and meet my parents who came in from South Carolina. Let's just say it was a bit HOT that day! Our kiddos are ready to head out west. This was quite a hiking journey for all of us...but so worth it!

Believe it or not, this is not where Carsyn spent all her time. She was awesome about hiking in the 90 plus heat!

Mom and Carsyn

One of the top over looks.

The hikers themselves.

One of the magnificent views.

Another view.

The suspension bridge we had to cross while heading down into the gorge.

One of the many falls. This one is called bridal veil falls.

After descending over 500 stairs. Now time to head back up. You actually have to get a permit to hike the floor of the gorge. You also have to be much older and be one of the first 50 people of the day to receive a permit.

We packed a nice picnic lunch to have and then went out to dinner a local restaurant near by. I can't wait to visit this fall!

Golf

2011-06-06T12:18:00.002-04:00

Many of you know that my brother is a Golf Professional in Augusta, GA. Check out his blog and all this going on with him at Augusta Junior Golf.

33 years

2011-06-03T10:51:00.002-04:00

Happy 33rd Anniversary to our wonderful parents/grandparents!

We love you!
Brad, Alex, Angie, Drew, Aidan, Brenna and Carsyn

Happy Birthday

2011-06-02T13:38:00.003-04:00

My mother-in-law would have been 63 today. She is having a better birthday party where she is now, than what she would be having is she was here. Even though I never got to meet her, we see her everywhere. We know that she is smiling from heaven, especially when she sees her 8 grandchildren!

Ups and downs

2011-05-20T10:44:00.006-04:00

Spring has always been my favorite season, even when the weather changes dramatically. Here are a few examples...

1. We made it through the tornado's of the southeast, hiding our family of 5 in our closet as the power was lost for nearly a day. I did not take any pictures that night..call it a bit of fear on my part. We were blessed to only have a few branches on the ground the next day.

2. Rain makes beautiful flowers and a garden grow. Brad of course has worked really hard in our gardens to make the beautiful, including planted another vegetable garden. We are excited to taste the first veggie that pops up. 3. It is always so hot and humid the week of the kids gymnastics jubilee. This year it was in the 50's. Much more comfortable for the fans watching! Here are my 3 babies. Best friends. I love it!

Aidan and one of his good friends from school, Gracie.

4. This crazy weather pattern we have been in the last month. We had a week of intense heat..90's plus and then a week of 50's and tomorrow it will be back in the 90's. I don't know how to dress the kids when they leave for school. The girls wanted to read some books outside (which they do frequently), but they had to take a blanket with them early this week.
5. Warmer weather mean a couple things...school ending. Carsyn's last day was yesterday and Aidan and Brenna finish on Wednesday. We are so blessed to have a great school system and wonderful teachers. The kids love school and hopefully that will continue as they grow. Here is a picture from Aidan's class party today. They all signed each others t-shirts. The lady on the right Mrs. Sallie Power is his teacher (she is one of Brad's old students). She has been out on maternity leave with her first baby and filling in for her is the wonderful Miss Allen who is on the left. And the other thing....our summer schedule starts Monday with swim team practice.

I am off to take a walk while the weather is nice. Who knows when it will change again?

Dogwood festival

2011-05-07T11:44:00.003-04:00

I have always wanted to go to the Dogwood Festival for as long as we have lived in Georgia and as of this summer-that will be 10 years. We have no children in strollers (which is such a pain in a huge city to get around), so we road the train downtown and walked a few blocks to Piedmont Park. Brad and I completely fell in love with this park. If we could purchase a condo in this park we totally would. It is a place that the Kudlas family will visit often. Even though the Dogwood trees were past bloom, the whole park was beautiful and booming with visitors. Now onto the pictures. I think they explain themselves.

Gymdawgs

2011-05-01T10:34:00.002-04:00

This was a great group of girls this year. We had so much fun and I am so proud of how well they did considering all the obstacles they had. We have 4 seniors this year. 2 of which I have coached since they were 11. I will miss them as they journey off to college next year.
Congrats Forsyth Central Gymnastics on a great year!

Interview with a 3 year old

2011-04-19T10:34:00.004-04:00

I sat down with Carsyn this morning to have her answer some questions. Her brother and sister are at school, so I thought she would love to sit down with her momma, Right? Wrong? She said she was busy. I asked her busy doing what? She said, "I am taking care of my babies." After a while she joins me and answers some questions along with her babies.

Mommy (M)-What is your favorite color?
Carsyn (C)-Ummmm Blue.
M-What is your favorite food?
C-Mac and cheese
M-Why is that your favorite?
C-Cause you put hotdogs in it.
M-What is your favorite song?
C-Jesus Loves Me.
M-What is your favorite thing to do at school?
C-Ummm....I...color
M-What do you want to be when you grow up?
C-I want to sing songs. (I was convinced she said she would want to be a princess, but a singer, that is interesting.)
M-You want to stand if front of lots of people and sing songs?
C-Nodding her head she says, "Yes."
M-What is your favorite thing to do with your brother and sister?
C- Playing with my babies. (Big surprise?)

I had a few more questions, but like any other 3 year old, she was to busy playing with her babies. This is a girl that stands her ground. She knows what she likes and what she wants and she isn't going to change that. Last night when leaving her Easter concert at school, Brenna gives her sister a complement, "Carsyn, I love your beautiful dress. Your bow matches perfectly." (This is totally Brenna!) To which Carsyn replies, "Thank you, Bwenna. I don't really like your dress." Trying not to laugh because she was just being honest, we had a conversation about tact with a 3 year old. We just love that about her. She is also our physical touch child. She would rather be in her daddy's arms than playing with her beloved babies. She find comfort in her brother's hands while riding in the car. In her eyes, he could do no wrong. Many times when I tell her I love her she says, "I know." I say this every year, but she truly is a JOY! We are so much in love with this little girl!

Birthday girl

2011-04-18T10:35:00.000-04:00

Happy 3rd Birthday to our sweet girl, Carsyn Joy!
We love you and are so blessed to be able to be your mommy and daddy!

Springtime

2011-04-16T12:00:00.001-04:00

These are a couple things I think of when I think of spring (besides allergies and stuff noises).....

1. Baseball-
Aidan is playing for the Reds team. My little athlete is having fun learning more about the sport of baseball. Mommy doesn't like all the rain cancellations and postponing, but I guess that comes with the sport. 2. Riding bikes-This is Brenna's HUGE accomplishment during spring break at Grammie and Papa's. She learned how to ride a 2 wheeler. Carsyn is also loving her hand-me-down bike from Brenna. A bike with training wheels. She went up and down their street more than 20 times on that thing.

Dance away!

2011-04-16T10:33:00.000-04:00

Brenna had a father/daughter dance in February that she was counting down the days to go to. Since it was during basketball season, Brad was going to be a bit late. I called my brother, Drew and he was more than happy to take her! I think her favorite part besides dancing, was the chocolate fondue fountain. She was on a sugar high that night and in the morning comes down for breakfast and said, "Mommy, I think I overdid it last night."

An accomplishment

2011-04-15T10:33:00.004-04:00

Aidan had an exciting gymnastics season this year. After lots of work and many hours in the gym he was able to compete level 4 this year. He worked really hard all season at improving his scores from meet to meet. At state he was rewarded with 4 place on the Vault. I know during the off season he is going to work just as hard to try to get to level 5. With some transitions in coaches at the gym, we couldn't be more proud of how hard and determined he has worked!

Miles

2011-04-15T10:15:00.005-04:00

The start of many posts in the next few days to catch you up with what is going on with us. We were finally able to fix what is going on with the desk top...well more like mask the problem, so I can import pictures from this computer.

Anyways, a couple months ago this happened to both of our cars. The first one to go over was the Jetta. We bought that car about a month after we got married in 2001. It has 70 miles on it.

The Monterro we bought in 2005 and had 99,000 on it.

We are taking donations for the "Kudlas car fund" anytime you would like!

The goings on

2011-03-22T22:14:00.002-04:00

So this is what is going on and why I have been MIA. Our internet is not working on our desk top in our kitchen even though we have wireless, but we get it on Brad's work laptop anywhere in the house. When the laptop is home, I get to get onto the internet, but I don't store any of my pictures on his computer..so it takes to much of my time to transfer photos from one computer to another.
Here is a run down of what has gone on in the last month...
1. Birthdays...Brad and I both had a birthday..my dad and mom were able to come into town to help celebrate.
2. Gymnastics...my season with FCHS is in full swing. I always talk about moving a cot into that gym and move in, I think I just may.
3. Gymnastics..Aidan had a tremendous first competitive season, placing 4th on the Vault in the state of GA in Boys level 4.
4. Enjoying this wonderful weather...minus the ugly snot that forms in our childrens noses.
5. Brad is interviewing for a new job tomorrow at noon. So nervous for him, but so excited about the possibilities. It is due time for him to get this job. For those of you that know our family well...you know exactly what I am talking about.
6. Baseball has now started. Aidan is doing great and has enjoyed meeting some new boys. He hit his first homerun tonight!
7. Enjoying some competition with my husband and children as we compete to see whos NCAA basketball bracket has the most wins. Shhhhh, I am winning!

I know

2011-03-04T08:18:00.000-05:00

I know I have been gone for a while. More to come soon!

Katie

2011-02-15T18:00:00.001-05:00

Katie is dancing with Jesus today! We are all sad here including her precious 2 kids, but know now that she is in no more pain! Thanks for all your prayers!

Please pray

2011-02-15T07:28:00.003-05:00

Check THIS website out that will explain everything. My heart is hurting for Katie's two sweet babies. This community loves this girl and we will miss her dearly!

The house that built me

2011-01-28T08:12:00.009-05:00

Back in November while in Michigan for a wedding, I was given the opportunity to go in the house that I grew up in. The first house my parents bought was on Peachtree Street in Portage, Michigan. It was 1983, the economy was very similar to how it is now...awful, with interest rates soaring to 15%. My dad had a job with The UpJohn Co. and my mom was a stay at home mom with 2 toddlers. I was 3 1/2 and my brother was almost 2. We lived in this house for 9 years. When I was 12 and going into middle school we moved across town to fit 2 growing pre-teens and so my mom could teach swimming in our backyard.
While in the Portage area, my mom, brother and I went to visit some dear friends of ours who still live on Peachtree Street, across from our old house. As we sat there in the living room catching up, all we could see across the street was our old house. Sitting in my mom's arms was my sweet Carsyn Joy sleeping. Beside her sleeping on the couch was Brenna. It was so surreal to be looking at my childhood house while looking at my children sleeping in my mom's arms. So I said to my brother, "What would you think if we went over and ask to come in and see the house?" My mom didn't want to, because she just wanted to keep the memories in her mind the same as when we left in 1992. So after a little bit of encouragement from our dear friends (who tryed calling their neighbors, but they couldn't find the number) my brother and I walked across the street to our old house.

This is an "All American" type neighborhood. Middle class houses with tree lined streets and sidewalks. Most of these houses were build in the 1960's. Many of them re-done and remodeled to keep up with the times. When we visit Michigan yearly, we try to drive through our old neighborhoods. This time was different. We were out of the car and walking towards our old house. Things seems smaller...the sidewalk...the trees...the street...or maybe that is because I was smaller when I walked these streets last. As we approach the house, I ask my brother, "Do you think they will actually let us in?" "Are we crazy for doing this?" The owners that moved in after us added not only central air to the house (No, we did not have air conditioning. We had lots of fans), but a front porch which changed the look of the house. I think my feelings walking toward the house were so raw, because I lived in this house during the same time my children are living in now. What are their memories going to be of our house? In 20 years will they come back and look at this house the same way I am looking at my old house? I saw myself learning how to ride a bike down in the cul-de-sac, running around the yard with a bag of frozen peas (one of our favorite summer snacks), sliding down the side hill when we got snow and all those pictures Mom took of us out front before my dance recitals. I use to think that walk to the bus stop was so far away...now it just feels like it is a few steps down the street.

After 1 knock on the door a young lady answered the door. We explained who we were and she gladly let us come in after recognizing my brother. Her and her husband are graduates of the high school that we also graduated from. They had some mutual friends and participated in some of our youth group functions. They have 2 daughters under 2. It makes me happy to know that 2 young children are living in the same place that I have so many wonderful childhood memories.

Looking around without feeling like I was snooping or invading their space, I was able to look up the stairs, down into the family room and into the kitchen. They use the different rooms for different purposes than our family did. While talking to them about memories from the house, I think they found in interesting to know different things that happened in the house. They moved into the house only a few years ago and while taking off the 80's popular wall paper in the dinning room (which I can't believe lasted that long) they found my brother and my hand prints. They didn't put together who it was until that day we were there. She so did not want to paint over the wall to try to preserve the memory. I know when leaving markings of our kids at our old house, I always wonder if someone sees that and wonders who was there before them. I thought that was so interesting. The only huge thing that changed was that they remodeled the kitchen and upstairs bathroom. The kitchen looks great and is much more practical for today's busy family. As I look at the kitchen, I look through the back window into the backyard and notice the playground my dad spend many hours building still stands. The swings, monkey bars, fire pole, fort, sandbox (with new sand) and bar are still being used. My brother and I had stood in the holes in the ground that supports the wood beams. We slept in that fort over night during those warm summer nights. I practiced my bar routine on that bar. We swung on those swings during the summer until the lightning bugs came out.

After about 30 minutes of reminiscing on memories, my brother and I thanked the family for letting us come in and invade their space for a little bit and we headed back across the street. I don't blame my mom for not going in. You don't really want to see how other people have changed the house you loved for so long. I guess I just overlooked that, because my memories are so strong of what it used to look like. This is exactly what I wanted to do...leave with just a memory.

Why am I writing about this? This song by Miranda Lambert inspired me. Everything about this song I can relate to. Please take some time and listen to it. I think many of us have a house from our childhood that is like this song. I only hope that the memories from our house bring as much joy to my children as that house on Peachtree gave to me. It truly was the house that built me!

Snow day

2011-01-12T18:45:00.004-05:00

What I mean is snow DAYS! Day 1, day 2, and day 3 were spent doing lots of this....

And this....

And this...

What are we going to do on day 4 and 5? I think you will find the Kudlas kids + daddy outside playing. Mommy is getting lots of work done in the house. Although all of this has been so much fun, by Saturday I will have had enough. Back to school for everyone on Tuesday!

2,600

2011-01-09T19:40:00.009-05:00

2,600 Miles to be exact. That is how many miles we traveled over the 2 week holiday break. Normally this is not so much for the Kudlas traveling crew, but doing this for the 3rd time in 6 months was a bit much. The first 450 were to my parents house and back home for a day, before leaving for Michigan for a week for yet another wedding. Although it has been a lot of traveling and quite a bit of money spent in gas, we have enjoyed every minute to spending all this time with family. I also couldn't ask for better traveling partners...I would have to say they are the best. Our little rascals have put up with sore bumms, having to change into jammies at 11pm at a rest stops, eating lots of McDonalds, and the best part is playing with their 8 cousins. We won't be returning to MI for a while and we only hope we will have some visitors come our way in the next year! First stop was Grammie and Papa's in SC. All 3 of the kids battled the flu bug for 8 days while all this went on. With high temps and low appetites, we spent most of Christmas enjoying many movies, lots of popcorn and sleep. Many of our traditions had to wait until next year. Here is what we did do.... We did exchange jammies on Christmas eve. It is so nice to wake up on Christmas morning in nice new jammies. I even found matching ones for the girls babies. They were thrilled!

Christmas morning is so much fun to watch the kids faces. We started a new tradition last year that worked out great. We take the kids skiing sometime around the holidays. That is their main gift from us and then they get a few others. Carsyn got some dress up shoes.

The three of them got a key board. We are going to be searching for a good piano teacher! The best part of these is in that blue box. Can you tell what they are?

Notice anything new on Aidan's face?

The family.

Mom and Dad with Allie Gene and my brother with his new baby, Stuckie.

While GA got a white Christmas...SC stayed dry until the 26th when it finally snowed. The kids were out that morning to play.

The result...

After returning home for one day, doing laundry and then headed out for Michigan. Our first stop...a ski resort. Sunset skiing is the best and is the best deal! Carsyn stayed with my cousins, Mom and Dad. I think next year she will be able to join us!

My best childhood girl friend was back in MI visiting family. Her and her husband are pastors in Florida. It was great to catch up with her and her family.

The one thing we ventured up to Michigan for was my cousins wedding. They got married on New Years Eve. It was kind of surreal to see my little cousin Sarah get married. I remember being able to see Sarah two hours after she was born. There were a lot of happy tears shed that day. We are so happy she found a wonderful guy like Josh. He is an officer in the Army and will be deployed to Afghanistan this time next year. They are both in our prayers as the next couple years of their life together will bring lots of happiness along with lots of trials. This is my favorite shot as Josh sees Sarah for the first time.

The whole fam. No that isn't my dad's hair...just a goofy hat. Many of the kids had enough of the pictures.

Father daughter dance. My Uncle Steve has such a wonderful speech...made us all cry. When Brad and I were leaving the wedding, we only pray our relationship will be that strong with our daughter when the time comes to give them away.

Later on that evening we went to my Aunt Shelly and Uncle Rob's. The kids love to play at their house and LOVE Great Aunt Shelly's goodies she always has made for the kids.

Before we left at midnight on New Years, we let the kids get some energy out and play with their cousins while the adults played games and hung out. Sadie and Brenna are the best of friends. She misses her so much!

We arrived home at 1PM the next day, just in time to watch Michigan football get beat! What a fun filled 2,600 miles!

Its finally done

2011-01-02T17:56:00.001-05:00

If you haven't seen THIS on my facebook page, please take around 13 minutes to watch it. Brad worked really hard on this while we traveled over the holidays. It is a great keepsake for years to come.

Wishing everyone a very HAPPY NEW YEAR. We are having some computer issues, so I will try to update soon.

A weekend of celebration

2010-12-11T10:35:00.004-05:00

Aidan's football team had the honor to play in the state football playoffs last weekend. It just happened to be on his birthday. I don't think if you had told him in July when football started, that he would be playing football on his birthday...he probably would think you were crazy. Chosen by the state as one of the top 8-6 year old teams, they were invited to play in a state tournament against the best of the best. Because of the temps being as cold as they have, we have had to practice inside. The team we played is an "all star" team from their region in Macon and only play with 8 boys on the field (which in my opinion is not football...you play with 11 boys in football). Anyways, we wanted coaches on the field and to have that, we had to drop down to 8 players. Huge difference for our boys. We ended up loosing the game, but the second play of the game this happened......

Yes, that would be Aidan scoring a touchdown on this birthday. Even though he rushed for over a 100 yards, they came up short. No person could have given him a better birthday present, than to score a touchdown. We are so proud of how hard he has worked. Mommy is sure glad she doesn't have to sit over 8 hours a week at football. I think the girls think the same thing! Until next year.....
Aidan and his shirt. Can you find Dawson Co. Aidan thought it was pretty cool that they were at the top.

The Kudlas family isn't doing any formal birthday parties anymore (at least for a few years), so this is what Aidan chose to do after we had lunch at O Charlies.

This time with family is so precious. I don't want to waste it with silly parties and lots of gifts. These memories they will hold so much more!
Carsyn even got to bowl this year with a little help from Daddy and Grammie.

When we got home, he opened gifts from the fam.

And ate the requested oreo icecream cake.

What an awesome weekend filled with lots of memories.

Happy 7th Birthday Aidan!

Interview with a 7 year old

2010-12-05T09:00:00.003-05:00

Before we start the interview, Aidan insists on looking at the questions and answers from last year. He was denyed access..so the interview begins...Mommy (M)-What is your favorite color?

Aidan (A)- Yellow

M-Why?

A-Because I like Michigan and it is better than black.

M-What is your favorite food?

A-Your mac and cheese with hotdogs and peas in it.

M-What food do you dislike?

A-Grilled kabbobs, because of the huge onions.

M-(Not known to Aidan, but I hate the onions too! I only put them on there to help season the meat.)

M-What do you want to be when you grow up?

A-Football player is what I am thinking about in college.

M-What about after?

A-Teacher

M-Where?

A-1st grade at Coal Mountain.

M- Wow, you have really thought about that. What college do you want to go to?

A-GA State

M-WHAT?

A-Well, because they had a first year football team this year and they were awful and I can make them better.

M-And?

A-Of course, Michigan.

M-What do you like about school?

A-Math and special projects.

M-(They are traveling around the world learning about Chirstmas in other countries.)

M-What do you like to do at home and with your sisters?

A-Playing with my football characters and finding Jackson (this is our "elf on a shelf"). I also like to play soccer with my sisters.

M-If you could take a trip anywhere, where would it be?

A-To Germany, because it has been a long time since I got to go there and see Alex.

M-Tell me about Upstreet at church. What do you like about it?

A- It is fun, because I got Cailen for a small group leader again and we learn lots of things about the bible and about giving to others like this summer we raised money for Haiti.

Like I say every year, this boy amazes us everyday. His determination, drive and love for life inspires us! God has blessed us and we are blessed to be this boy's mommy and daddy!

My baby at 7

2010-12-04T19:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Happy Happy Birthday to our 7 year old,

Aidan Bradley!

Love you little man!

It was a cold one!

2010-12-01T11:04:00.003-05:00

We have finally started to thaw from our trip to Michigan. You may be thinking, "Yeah, but it is really cold here right now." Not even close. After living here almost 10 years, I can not handle Michigan cold temps. It was about 26 everyday, and the windchill was in the teens. This is unusually cold for Thanksgiving, but nevertheless, WOW it was bitterly cold. Day 1-3 of our vacation, we went to my parents in SC where I found this sweet pea.

The girls and I drove to Michigan with my brother and mom. Day 4-8 we spend somewhere different every night visiting people or wonderful hotels. The girls were GREAT. I never once pulled out the DVD player while traveling. They were my dream girls while on this trip. It made up for how tired I was! Here is our Thanksgiving table in Michigan (before dinner), graciously hosted by my cousin Ben and his wife Jesse and their 3 children children. We had 30 people at dinner. Lots of memories, lots of laughs!

I woke up with my cousin Karen and went black friday shopping and it was snowing. By midmorning it looked like this.

Our main reason for going to MI was to attend my cousin Daniel's wedding. Here is his bride Shelby and her father walking her down the isle.

The wedding was in our old stomping ground of Kalamazoo, MI. It is always so great to go back and see old friends. Here is Uncle Drew dancing with Carsyn.

Our last day, we went and had a nice lunch with Grandma Janet and Grandpa Kudlas (and watch MI football get beat).

It was a tiring trip, but so worth it. 4 more weeks and we head back for another wedding.
After driving all night, the girls and I arrived home just in time to help finish Aidan's cake for his football banquet. It turned out pretty cute and was a huge hit.

A continuation...

2010-11-30T10:52:00.002-05:00

To explain more on Aidan's football season...
This newspaper article was posted in the paper last week while we were in MI.

We are so proud of our little man. Praying for his safety and for the teams safety as they travel into Atlanta this weekend to play some difficult state ranked teams.

Good luck TIGERS!

Champs

2010-11-20T08:59:00.003-05:00

As most of you have seen on facebook...Congrats to the Champs! Not only have they exceeded expectations, but made history in Dawson County. More to come later...but for now here are a couple pics from that day. The girls and I are off to Michigan for the week. Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Play on

2010-11-12T10:54:00.003-05:00

It has happened! We are so thrilled for Aidan and his team. MANY people said they couldn't do it...not even one game. They proved them all wrong. With a little faith and determination in these little boys, anything can happen! Good luck boys! We are so proud of you!

The annual trip

2010-10-22T10:55:00.005-04:00

Our annual trip to Kinsey's Farm. Love this place and LOVE the pictures I get of the kids here!

Interview with a 5 year old

2010-10-20T06:00:00.008-04:00

I decided to ask Brenna the same questions as last year to see how much the answers have changed. Surprisingly, many of them have not changed. Check out here to see last years interview. Her personality has not changed since I carried her for 9 months. Her spirited, always moving, never a dull moment, wants to be on her own time little girl is still the same.

Mommy (M)-What is your favorite color?

Brenna (B)- Pink

M-What do you want to be when you grow up?

B-A ballet dancer.

M-What is your favorite thing to do at school?

B-Play on the playground. (You think this will still be her favorite in high school?)

M-What is your favorite thing to do at church?

B-Eat snacks. (They do always have good snacks at BBCC)

M-What do you learn about at church?

B-Moses and stuff.

M-What is your favorite food?

B-Mac and cheese and peanut butter and jelly, but not in the bread, in the wrap.

M-What makes you happy?

B-Mommy and Daddy. (She really can be sweet!)

M-I know you like jokes. Can you tell me a good joke?

B-Why did the chicken cross the road? (Yes, this is the same from last year.)

M-Why

B-He didn't make it across the road because he was hit by a car.

M-HA HA!

M-What are you looking forward most to being 5?

B-Being at Aidan's school (she already is, but has been looking forward to that since she was 2) and riding a bike without training wheels.

We love this girl! Today in my ladies bible study I was asked to picture my children in 10 years and what kind of relationship I would like to have with them. It scares me to think that she will be 15 one day and learning how to drive! I have no doubt in the world that she will be a wonderful young lady, still making her Mommy and Daddy so proud!

Birthday girl

2010-10-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy 5th Birthday to our Brenna Caroline!

"Higher"

2010-10-18T16:10:00.005-04:00

Carsyn says, "Higher!"

Apples

2010-10-09T11:50:00.002-04:00

We were so excited to go apple picking this year because I finally found an orchard that grows MacIntosh in Georgia. It is a common apple grown up north, but because of our warm temps it is hard to grow down here. That was all that was grown at our family orchard in Michigan and I have missed baking without them for the last 9 years. Until now...this is the orchard that we have gone to for blueberries and cherries this year. I would TOTALLY recommend the extra drive to Blue Ridge to check it out. NO extra hidden fees in the tractor ride and no other silly attractions, just a good ole 3 generation family farm with an awesome orchards and general store. Check them out at Mercier Orchards.

They grow dwarf trees at this orchard. No "Johnny appleseed" trees. This was they can grow more trees and more apples are produced. Also a great thing about this is that your children can pick the apples and you don't have to do all the work. Here is a delicious mac waiting to be picked.

I think Carsyn ate 5 herself. They were huge and delicious!

Both bags we picked are gone and now we have to go back.

1st day for #3

2010-10-01T10:21:00.005-04:00

I realized I never put a picture of Carsyn on her first day of school (which was nearly a month ago). Opps! She is going 2 days a week from 9-12pm to the same pre-school that I sent the other two to. Her fabulous teacher, Ms Christy is one brave women to teach 7- 2 year olds. She of course is loving school and loves her friend. I was so proud of her for being awarded the Godly Character award for Love on the second week of school. It was presented in front of the school at chapel time. How can you not love this girl when you see this smile.....

Just the two of us

2010-09-28T12:53:00.003-04:00

Aidan and I had the house to ourselves this weekend. The girls headed off to South Carolina with Brad to go to my parents house. Brad ran an adventure mudrun race on Saturday morning with my brother and dad. We had lots of fun back home. Friday night Aidan made a fort in our bedroom.....

Saturday morning he had a game in Hiawassee up in the mountains. What about this view from their high school stadium? Amazing!
Can you find my son? Number 10? No that's because even though he rushed for over 150 yards that day and scored 1 touchdown, they always had 3 boys all over Aidan. He spend many minutes under the pile. I am so proud of how he is overcoming his anxiety!

The rest of the day we spent in Helen. We ate lunch down by the river and enjoyed window shopping, listening to music and buying some fun goodies.

I love times like these. With his 7th birthday quickly approaching, I know times like these are going to be few in the future.

I love this boy!

Great

2010-09-22T13:27:00.004-04:00

Great Grandparents is what I mean. My Grandparents (on my mom's side) usually stop every year on their way back down to Florida. We had a nice dinner and then took the kids to the park to throw the football around and to go swimming for the last weekend. On a side note...don't know why the pool is closed now because it has been in the mid 90's all week.

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL????

2010-09-07T10:08:00.006-04:00

It took a lot of convincing on the part of Brad and Aidan for me to let my baby boy play full tackle football. It is the most intense activity he has ever done. They mean business when it comes to football down here in Georgia.

Meet our Dawson Co 5/6 year old Quarterback......

Brad said he should have retired after this game after 3 carries for 210 yards, scoring 3 touchdowns and 3 extra points. Our boy is determined!

Take a break at half time.

An assistant coach talking to him at half time.

Aidan also plays "safety" during defense. The only time he come off the field is during half time. How does he do it?
Aidan is on the far right of the picture defending the intense Towns Co. Sister loves on her brother after a game.

I guess this makes me a football mom! Didn't think I would ever say that!

The perfect Saturday

2010-08-22T13:08:00.002-04:00

It is 8:30 am already and we have no children in our bed on this Saturday morning. What in the world is going on? I can hear some giggling and then a knock at the bedroom door. 3 children walk into our bedroom with the biggest smile on their faces. They had made us breakfast. Breakfast in bed. On our plate was 2 waffles (pre-made) and a peeled orange all made into a smiley face on our plate. I glass of delicious juice was in a couple of a wine glasses. Aidan said, "Since you are celebrating your anniversary today, we thought we would make you breakfast in bed." By this time, my mouth was open in shock, amazement and pure joy. We enjoyed our breakfast in the peace and quite. About 15 minutes later, Carsyn and Brenna come in to take our plates to the kitchen. We layed in bed until 10:30 am. I came out into the kitchen moments later to find the kitchen all cleaned up. Dishes were washed, dried and put away. Could this really be or was I still dreaming? Did my 6, 4 and 2 year old do all this? They were all upstairs playing in their playroom. We ran up to give them hugs and kisses. My smile did not leave my face all day.

Later that afternoon, Brad and I went to an early dinner and to a movie all with a babysitter who had volunteered to watch our children. Free sitter? Really? Talk about a perfect Saturday!

Happy Anniversary

2010-08-18T13:14:00.002-04:00

To my best friend. It has been a great 9 years! Here is to all the memories.

I love you!

The end of Summer

2010-08-15T15:48:00.007-04:00

The week before school started, we took a trip to Michigan to visit family. Even though the trip was much faster than we would have wanted, we had so much fun seeing family and relaxing as much as we could. We miss our cousins and now that many of them have children, our children love having so many cousins to play with. I have 7 cousins on my mom's side of the family. Between their children and our children, there are 11 great grandchildren from the age of 6 1/2 to 6 weeks. There is not a dull moment!

My cousin Isaac driving the golf cart with 6 of the kids.

My cousin Ben's oldest Sadie and Brenna are best of friends. They are 2 months apart.

My cousin Sarah just got engaged as well as my cousin Daniel just with in the last month. Both of their weddings are toward the end of the year. This is Sarah's fiance, Josh. He is an officer in the Army and graciously let Aidan wear his dog tags around the house. Aidan told me when he left that he wanted to be "just like Josh when he grew up."

We got to visit Brad's dad at a yummy brunch.
A trip to Michigan would not be complete with out visiting my favorite place in the whole world. Brad and I agreed that if we had the money, this is where we would build a vacation house. Perfect weather, perfect place!

My mom and her sister enjoying a good laugh!
The 11!

Aidan, with the youngest John, Brenna, Sadie, David, Jimmy, Tyson, Sam, Carsyn, Stew and Jaxon.

Brad and I with my brother, my 7 cousins and their significant others. (Josh is not in the picture due to some Army training)

The whole family.
We were blessed to be able to go to my cousin Britney's wedding. Britney is my only female cousin on my dad's side. It was a beautiful wedding!

My Aunt and Uncle walked Brit down the isle.
Britney is a high school teacher in Saginaw, MI and her husband is a police officer.

The happy bride.

My dad, my kiddos and that bride and groom.

My Uncle Rob (dad's brother) and Brit dancing

We miss them all lots and can't wait to see everyone in November!

Back to school

2010-08-12T09:21:00.003-04:00

We are back to school!

Alarms went off at 6 am Monday morning and these two jumped out of bed! Mommy on the other hand was a bit slower considering the long day I had on Sunday. (More on that in a later post) I am so proud of these two. Aidan is thrilled to be in 1st grade. He has done such a great job this week at watching over his sister and making sure she feels comfortable at school. Brenna started pre-K at the "big girl" school...Coal Mountain elementary. So loves being able to finally ride to work with Daddy and Aidan in the morning. She loves her teacher and loves all the new responsibility. Carsyn and I have been enjoying these last few days together, although she a bit sad she doesn't have her playmates.

Blink

2010-07-22T14:39:00.006-04:00

Listen to this

and listen to this

before you read the rest of my post. I just heard this song on the radio and it has perfect timing in my life. I will be the first to say how fast life goes, especially now that I have children, but God has taught me this summer that I might not quite get that concept....until now. Some things have happened this summer to some friends and family to make this point all to clear. Not only are these stories of what is going on, but also prayer requests.

We were running late one morning to the swimming pool to drop Aidan off for swim team practice. Aidan hates being late! Today I was glad I was! We live about 4 miles from the pool and as we come over the hill in front of the pool there were many fire trucks, ambulances and state troopers. There had been an accident about 5 minute before that. A motor cycle and a truck/trailer. The truck was turning left into the swimming pool parking lot and the motorcycle was going straight. The gentleman on the motorcycle hit the trailer and was killed right in front of the swim team and coaches in the parking lot. This 22 year old man was going to be a father in a few months.

Brad's assistant cross country coach is a huge runner and triathlete along with his wife. They are members of our church and are actively involved there as well. They have children in high school and middle school. His wife was in a bike crash and sustained brain injury and is now re-learning to walk.

My grandma Regis (Mom's mom) is in her mid 70's is active walker, traveler, seamstress and retired nurse. Her and my grandfather split there time between Florida and Michigan. Overall she is in fantastic health and has an amazing amount of energy. (She has to for her 11th great grandchild was just born.) She got a cold this winter that turned into pneumonia. After round of antibiotics and returning to Michigan for the summer she started having short term memory loss. After doing some tests, they revealed that she may have had a minor stroke.

A close friend of our family, in fact we call her Georgia Grandma, is a loving wonderful women who has accepted our children as her own. Her middle daughter is on Brad's basketball team. Through all the hard time you go through as a coaches wife, she has been nothing but accepting, respectful and loving. I don't have enough words tell this wonderful lady how much she is meant to me in the last year. This summer she found a lump in her breast. It is cancer. She will have a mastectomy tomorrow, followed by chemo.

The summer was the 15th anniversary of the death of Brad's mother Carol. We were able to spend a couple hours on that day to drive around Brad's old stomping ground of Spartenburg and reminisce on memories of her and his brothers. We also just happened to find a letter Brad wrote to a friend about 6 months after his mom passed. For some reason it was never sent. He was a hurting and angry 16 year old. He knows how far he has come since that day and it is even more amazing to see it!

God is holding all these people in all these stories in His arms. Through all the good and bad times He never lets go. We just have to trust Him!

Feeling HOT, HOT, HOT

2010-07-18T11:49:00.004-04:00

I don't remember a summer being more hot than this one. We have spent lots of time in and around water. Check out what we have been up to...

Hope you are staying cool in the hot summer sun!

THE beach!

2010-06-30T09:03:00.002-04:00

Ahhhh the beach! I love going to the beach...especially with 15 teenagers tagging along (for a basketball camp) with their families, 100 degree temps and LOTS of people. Ok, so it was a week long fully expense paid trip and we really did have a blast. So many wonderful memories, however I would like some cooler temps. Is 80 to much to ask for?

Here is a view from one of our balconies.
A view from our other balcony. This resort had tons of pools, access to the beach and a water park to go with it.

Some of the girls on the team.

Some family shots. It was so bright and HOT...we should of taken these in the evening. O well, still cute!

On the beach where we spent most of our time.
Here are some shots of Brenna during the week.

Loving the waves...

Sweet sisters
Our little model.
2 holes in 1 back to back on our night out to go putt-putt.
Next up is Aidan...
He is part fish...
Oh how I love this boy!

The castle that didn't quite make it because of the tide coming in.

2 holes in 1 for Aidan too. Maybe we should invest in golf lessons? Maybe we should ask their Uncle Drew first!

Mommy made a shot.

Last but not least, Carsyn Joy

I love this pictureand this one...

Cheese!

The summer is flying by. Enjoy every minute you have!

Bye bye

2010-06-17T16:06:00.003-04:00

To the beach we go...be back in 10 days!

Cherry picking

2010-06-14T06:59:00.001-04:00

I found this great orchard in Blue Ridge that has U-Pick just about anything during the appropriate season. Mercier Orchards is AWESOME! We just had to go cherry picking last weekend. They are delicious. We are heading back to pick blueberries in a couple weeks and then apple picking in September. It is great because you don't have to pay to be there, just pay for your fruit (and some of their yummy homemade icecream and apple bread)!

Cousins visit

2010-06-08T12:35:00.008-04:00

Our nieces were able to come for a visit for a week. We were so excited to be able to see them after almost 2 years. The kids were counting down the days until they could see there cousins.

Kaia is 5 going on 15. She reminded me almost everyday that she in now in 1st grade (she will be in August). Her and Aidan are 10 months apart and both enjoy being the "mommy and daddy" of the group. Kaia loves to talk and I mean TALK! If you ever want to know what is going on with her, her family, friends, the guy at the store last week, etc. she will let you know. She loves everything girly, but loves to run around with the boys. Brad and I along with the kids pray for Kaia everyday and that with all this transition happening in her life that God will protect her, keep her safe and that Kaia would always know that He loves her and cares for her.

Zoe just turned 3 yesterday. Her and Carsyn are 10 months apart as well. This girl loves to be loved! I would be fixing dinner or folding laundry and she would run up, wrap her arms around my legs and give you the biggest, tightest hug. She was always up to something (what 2/3 year old isn't). She loves adventures and reading books. She fit right in since our family is constantly going and we love to read. She is a smart girl and I can tell the ache of the transitions in her life. We pray that God will comfort and protect her and that she will always know that He loves her.

We were blessed to be able to have them stay for over a week at our house. I would have to say that our life stayed pretty much as on time and busy as it always is even having a 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 year old. Meal time and bathtime/bedtime took the longest. It wasn't long before everyone was knocked out and sleeping because of our long adventurous days. Even though I loved every minute of having kiddos running around all day, I sure did love around 8 pm, when all were asleep and I could lay down on the couch and rest.

Day 1

Since Aidan was still in school this week, we tryed to do something every morning and than have something to do with Aidan when we picked him up from school. Today was Amicolola Falls. I explained my expectations of all of them in the car and we did not have 1 problem with behavior or disobeying. Here are Brenna, Kaia, Carsyn and Zoe....

Zoe hiking...

They all climbed the first 175 by themselves. Old Aunt Angie wasn't about to climb the next 400. I don't think so!

All the girls....

Day 2

Strawberry picking...need I say more.....

We made some delicious frozen jam later that day and now I have about 20 jars of jam to last me the rest of the year. YummO
After picking Aidan up we were and explored by one of my favorite river spots in North Georgia. The kids enjoyed watching people play in the river and fish.

Day 3 was after school and with Uncle Brad. It was the 1 1/2 mile hike to the top of Sawnee Mountain in Cumming to the Indian seats. The kids did awesome and we did get a bit of rain on the way down. It was a nice way to cool off.
I finally got in one shot with everyone here at the top looking north.

Aidan and Kaia on top of the mountain.

Day 4

We went to Chestatee Nature Preserve outside Dahlonega. It is a an animal and nature preserve that has many awesome animals that the kids can see up close and personal. Totally beats driving to downtown Atl to the zoo.

This Emu was so friendly.

A beautiful Peacock coming to say hello.

Their favorite was the grizzle bear.

We had to stop at our family favorite fudge shop in downtown Dahlonega. Chocolate covered pretzels for all!Day 5 and 6

We went to Poole's Mill Park in Forsyth County. A beautiful 100 plus year old bridge is a great place to take pictures. We had so much fun we had to go back the next day.

Here are Kaia and Zoe...

My 3 babies....

All 5 of them...

My brother in law, Devin got here Friday afternoon just in time to go back to Poole's Mill on Saturday and do this.....
and this....
and look at this.....

and play this.........
and just hang out with his brother and all the kids.

We had an absolute blast!

We were so sad to see them go on Monday! We wish they lived closer so we could do this all the time, but for now we only hope that it is not as long to see them as last time!

Warrior Dash

2010-06-03T12:42:00.003-04:00

A couple weekend ago we drove up close to Dillard, Georgia in the Northeast GA mountains for Brad's second race this year. This one was called the Warrior Dash. I could have stayed all day watch the different people and their costumes start all day. Every 30 minutes on Saturday and Sunday they would start 100 new people. Lots of running, obstacles and mud. Here is Brad before....

Coming out of the lake during the race.....

After the tires.....

Over the walls.....

The kids were so proud of their daddy!

After....

I always tell Brad that it is a gift to be able to run as far as he does everyday and be able to coach other kids how to run better and faster. I sure couldn't do it!

He ran this one in under 20 minutes putting him in 20th place out of 500 men in his age group and placing him 100th overall out of 5,000 people. I am sure proud of him!

End of year shows

2010-05-21T11:03:00.008-04:00

(sorry for the delay in posts...I am having issues with the formatting of the pictures.)

Tiss the season for end of year shows. My parents were able to come into town and watch the kids perform during this busy weekend. Friday, Carsyn had her last gymnastics practice. I took all these during that practice because I didn't know how well they would turn out on performance day. She is so excited for "nastics" as she calls it and LOVED performing in front of all the people. Her teacher, Ms Sandy is retiring and we will be sad she won't be here anymore. All 3 of my babies have had her as a teacher/coach. She does such a great job with the kids. She will be missed! Brenna's dance recital was on Saturday afternoon at Forsyth Central's theater. This was her second year of tap and ballet. She only had 3 girls in the class all year. Ms. Cindi her teacher combined the older girls into the same dances so that way they would have 6 girls during the show. It turned out great and the girls did fantastic. The whole theme to the recital was Alice in Wonderland (the old version). We were able to get front row seats and Brenna caught our eye right away and gave us a huge smile. She is our little performer!

The girls backstage.

Brenna Caroline
Tap time...

The 3 girls.

Gymnastics jubilee was on Sunday afternoon. I was able to get all three kids to be scheduled in the same show, so I didn't have to go 3 times. Carsyn performed with her "Mom and tot" class, Brenna with her "Mini team" and Aidan is on the boys "Pre-team." We are so proud of how hard they have worked all year!

Running

2010-05-06T08:16:00.003-04:00

Brad has always loved to run. I guess you have to love to run to coach other people to run! After a stressful basketball season ended in February, he decided he wanted to train for some races and loose some weight....30 lbs to be exact. He entered the "Biggest Loser" competition at school in hopes of winning that cash prize. Of course they were playing with percentages and with Brad not weighing in overweight, the chance would be greater that he would win. He would have to loose around 15 %. This would bring him back to 5 lbs under the weight he was when we got married. With major health problems looming in his family, he thought that this would be the chance to be more aware of what and how much he was eating. He worked so hard at this everyday, running 1 or 2 times a day and doing a workout at night. The end result...he lost 25 lbs. (the weight he was over 9 years ago when we got married) No, he did not win the competition...but he only lost 3rd place by 1 lb. When he puts his mind to something, he doesn't let down. He has really made a lifestyle change. I am so proud of him! These are some pictures from his latest race. Look for more later this month of another one he is doing!

Before the race with Aidan-

The race was at a Northside Hospital in Cumming and race to a local rock quarry to the finish line. There is a lookout at the quarry.
Just finishing and checking his time of 22:12!

Time to party

2010-04-21T07:22:00.005-04:00

This picture explains the rest......My parents and a couple close friends were able to make it out on Sunday to celebrate Carsyn's birthday. We had a garden themed party and had to barbecue because of the fantastic weather.
I made the cake this year and I was pretty happy with how it turned out. We didn't have any left after my team came over that evening...so I guess everyone thought it was tasty.

Carsyn blowing her candle out.
This picture...well..... the baby my parents gave her is a bit animated to say the least. You can tell by my face.

This girl is so happy.

The kids put their hand prints on a pot they could take home with tomato seeds.
Hamilton, Mark and my dad working on his pot.
Hamilton and Carsyn
Ana Lora playing outside.

Love this picture of Ana Lora's brother Hudson climbing the playset outside.
This picture cracks me up. This is what always happens when you try to take pictures of a group of kids.

What a wonderful day it was!

My baby is 2!

2010-04-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY CARSYN JOY!

Can it be that my baby is 2? Where has the time gone?

What a blessing and a "joy" she is to our family.

We know that God as some amazing plan for her future!

Spring is here with a top 10

2010-04-16T18:26:00.000-04:00

Here is the top 10 list of what to do or what happens when Spring arrives
(from the house of Kudlas)

10. Hose and wash down all the pollen from your decks, cars and just about anything that is outside.

9. Buy your self some kleenex, because even if you don't have normal allergies, you will now. After living in Georgia for 9 years Brad has suddenly developed spring allergies. Yuck! Because of these sweet little buds, we get runny noses.

8. Try to get some landscape work done. During spring break with had 16 yards of mulch, a pallet of sod (seen below), rocks and dirt delivered to our house. Is this a repeat from last years spring break? We ALWAYS are working on something....

7. Time for the birds to sit on their eggs. This one has chosen our house in the same spot for 3 years even though our neighbor cat perches on our front porch in hopes she will get a "taste" of birdy.
6. Grill out. The Kudlas fam grills out year round. Here is Brad's new favorite toy! Chargrilled on one side, gas on the other. YUM-O!

5. Time to clean pollen again. It has only been an hour, but my back deck is covered again.

4. Get rid of things you don't need. Some people call it spring cleaning. I call it, "getting rid of junk." The kids are getting great at this....you have to make it fun. Now our garage is 3 scooters lighter.

3. Enjoy time outside.........with a box of Kleenex. Georgia is absolutely beautiful this time of year, expect for all those yellow cars.

2. Plant a garden. Veggies are our best friend, are they yours?

1. Spend lots of time with family and enjoy His beautiful creations.

What do you like to do when spring arrives?

Easter

2010-04-08T15:51:00.003-04:00

The week before Easter is always filled up with lots of fun things to do. One of them is to visit Brenna's school for their Easter party. The kids participate in an egg hunt which is always a great time for a picture. She is growing up so fast! This is her last egg hunt at this school. Carsyn's turn is next year.We drove over to my parents for the weekend. Aidan is staying for the whole week to enjoy some Grammie and Papa time for spring break.
Aidan decorating some Easter eggs.....We did our own egg hunt at my parents this year instead of battling with crowds of people. The kids had a blast.
Grammie and the kids

This Easter Sunday, more than ones in the past have made me realize the importance of these times together as a family.

I love these three babies. Although they are difficult to get to look in the same direction to take 1 picture, they still make me smile everyday!
Papa, Grammie and the kids.

What is going on?

2010-03-25T20:48:00.002-04:00

Not much! It has been a while and quite uneventful. I would love to say that there has not been any snow since my last post, but there was....Monday we got snow. Nothing stuck to the ground, but it was snowing hard enough to stick to my windshield of the car. I would say spring has sprung, but I just don't know! Yesterday it was in the mid 70's and today it was back in the 50's and raining. I do really love the rain. It is great for our flowers, great for washing my car, great for washing Georgia red clay off children's shoes and roads and great for growing my grass, which we can't cut because our lawn mower has 2 flat tires. Brad realized this week that the growing grass was out of control and then realized that the lawn mower would not make it through the nearly 1 acre of grass we have to cut because of the 2 flat tires. Guess who has to find a repair guy to come...yeah me! So Sears is coming out tomorrow to tune it up and replace the tires and I will attempt to cut some of the grass tomorrow, because Brad is out of town. Seems kinds of easy...not so much in our yard in the woods on a hill. Our neighbors might just get their weekly entertainment by watching me try to not tip the lawn mower over.

We will see. Maybe I will let Aidan cut it since he has more experience than me. All I have to say is, thank goodness for having a wonderful husband who loves to cut the grass!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Random

2010-03-12T16:27:00.003-05:00

During the week of Brad's birthday we got another large snow fall. My lillies are about 5 inches out of the ground and they really hope that was the last snow fall. Don't I live in Georgia? What is up with all this snow? ALL the kids have had a blast in the snow. All meaning Brad too. These are my gymnasts this year that I coach from Forsyth Central HS. We had a dinner/social last week. Julie, the other coach and I have so much fun with these girls. After 6 years of coaching, this group is definitely the most close to each other. They may not be superstars, but they have made coaching a JOY! I love these girls!
My mom and I hosted a baby shower in South Carolina for a good family friends daughter. Kristen and her husband Jeff have recently moved to SC from Michigan. I painted letters for the baby's room. They turned out cute!
Kristen and my mom.

The pace in the Kudlas house tends to slow in the month of March. We are looking forward to spring coming! More random pictures to come. Have a wonderful weekend!

I love this man!

2010-03-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

Happy 31st birthday to my wonderful husband! I am so proud to have him by my side for this crazy life journey we are having. I am blessed to have him be the one that loves me and loves our children! He has had one tough year with school, basketball and family stuff, I am just so proud with how he handled himself.

I love you Bradley! Happy Birthday!

(below are some pictures from this years b-ball season and one picture of his latest favorite thing to do with the kids!)

30 years

2010-02-16T11:19:00.004-05:00

Can it be? Am I 30 already? My parents would have to say that these 30 years have flown by. Now being a mom, I know exactly what they are talking about.

My day started off with the kids and Brad serving me breakfast in bed. Not for the first time this weekend. They did it on Valentines Day as well. How blessed am I? Although we had to spend the day at our last basketball game for the season, we had a wonderful day spending it as a family.

All of my sweet babies and my wonderful husband made me this cake for my 30th birthday. I loved it and it tasted yummy!

How could I ask for anything more?

Brad gave me this funny card...You know you're turning 30 if.....

.....you ever had a mullet, "tail," or side ponytail.

.....you have used a Commodore 64.

.....you owned a trapper keeper.

....you can name all the members of New Kids on the Block.

....you remember when fast food burgers came in styrofoam containers.

...you had a crush on Zack Morris or Kelly Kapowski from Saved by the Bell.

Hope that gives you a good laugh!

Carsyn's big day

2010-02-15T13:26:00.000-05:00

We got Carsyn's first hair cut today. She got about 2 1/2 inches cut off. Bye bye sweet baby curls and hello big girl. It almost made Daddy cry! Although she doesn't look happy in most the pictures, she did not move the whole time while sitting in the chair.

Valentines Weekend

2010-02-14T09:40:00.004-05:00

This is what we (or the weather) have been up to the last week.....

Yes, we live in the south and no these are not repeat pictures from January. It really did snow again on Friday. My parents and my brother we able to make it in later in the evening for a combo Valentine/birthday celebration weekend.

We did a little bit of this....
And a whole lot of this......

We even went to Dave and Busters for some yummy dinner and games.

Hope your weekend was full of snowy fun!

Encouragment

2010-02-11T12:16:00.003-05:00

Our family (particularly on Brad's side) are going through some tough times in the last couple weeks and it will continue to be a struggle over the next year. Some of you may know what is going on. Please pray for Brad and me and our guidance in how we can help the situation. We know that God is telling us to be the light in the situation, we just don't know how to go about it. I can't give out details now, but I will keep you all updated. As for now, please read these lyrics to this song and watch the video. I hope it brings you encouragement like it brings Brad and I.
Thank you all for your prayers and support!

Love is not a fight by Warren Barfield (you may recognize it from the Fireproof movie)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsnIHUQTp5U&feature=related
Love is not a place
To come and go as we please
It's a house we enter in
Then commit to never leave
So lock the door behind you
Throw away the key
We'll work it out together
Let it bring us to our knees

Chorus:Love is a shelter in a raging storm
Love is peace in the middle of a war
And if we try to leave, may God send angels to guard the door
No, love is not a fight but it's something worth fighting for

To some, love is a word
That they can fall into
But when they're falling out
Keeping that word is hard to do

Chorus:Love is a shelter in a raging storm
Love is peace in the middle of a war
And if we try to leave, may God send angels to guard the door
No, love is not a fight but it's something worth fighting for

Love will come to save us
If we'll only call
He will ask nothing from us
But demand we give our all

Chorus:Love is a shelter in a raging storm
Love is peace in the middle of a war
And if we try to leave, may God send angels to guard the door
No, love is not a fight but it's something worth fighting for

I will fight for you
Would you fight for me?
It's worth fighting for

10 Tips

2010-01-31T20:25:00.005-05:00

I have been asked many times as to how I stay so organized and "sane" while taking care of 3 children, while supporting my husband as a teacher, drivers ed instructor, basketball and cross country coach. Sometimes I don't know, but I do know I pray A LOT! Here are some tips straight from the Kudlas house. No, I am not a professional, I am just a mom who trys really hard at being the best wife and mom I can possibly be. My life can be a bit chaotic and crazy at times. Patience is not one of my fortes, but these tips help us get by. I hope they help you as well!

1. Meal plan! The last few days of the month, I plan for the next month. This not only saves you time, but money at the grocery store.
2. Pick out childrens outfits for the whole week. I have little cubbies that hang in their closets and Sunday afternoon I get everything out including pants, shirts, underwear, socks, hair bows, etc. That way in the morning all they have to do is grab it and get dressed which leads me into the third tip...
3. Give your children responsibilities. Trust me, they are old enough! Carsyn is almost 22 months and is learning to get herself dressed among other things. Of course the other two have it down. Don't under estimate how smart they are and how helpless they will act when faced with a challenge. Lots of encouragement and a sticker chart might help. My babies have daily chores they do including making their beds, brushing teeth, emptying the dishwasher and garbage cans. Carsyn is learning most of these as well. This only teaches them the importance of responsibility and being part of a household as well as making your life a bit easier.
4. Limit your laundry. I do laundry ONLY ONE TIME A WEEK. I have a day that I spend the majority at home (which is not much) and we get all the laundry done in that day. The kids have learned to sort laundry with Brad the night before laundry day so that when I wake up it is ready to start. I usually have 2 loads of darks, 2 loads of lights, 2 loads of whites, towels and sheets. This saves LOTS of energy and time in the long run! We have 5 people in our family. You can do it too!
5. Have containers become your friend. I have them everywhere to keep stuff organize. See previous post. This includes my car!
6. Keep toys out of main living area. If you don't have an extra room to put toys, get a container. There are lots of cool ones out there. ;)
7. I have a giant wipe off board calender in our kitchen as we are walking out the back door with everyones monthly schedule on it. I thought life was busy when our children were babies, but it only gets busier. Everyone has their own color and it takes me about 10 minutes to put up at the end of each month. I keep a copy of this in my purse as well. On it we have practices, bible studies, doctors appts., etc.
8. KISS-Keep it simple silly. My life may seem "busy" to other people and don't get me wrong it is "busy" having both parents coach sports, but it works for us and our life for the most part runs smoothly.
9. Don't be afraid to ask for help. This has taken me a while to learn. I have some wonderful babysitters and fantastic parents specifically at the basketball games that love our children and help out anytime.
10. Last but not least...........Like I said before, I pray...A LOT!

I would love to hear any tips you have that makes your life go a bit smoother! Have a wonderful week!

Some well needed change

2010-01-21T15:52:00.013-05:00

You all know I love this kind of stuff. All the stuff that I get to ORGANIZE! If I could do it for a living, I would! I know some of you think I am crazy for loving to organize, but to me it keeps my life running smoothly! These are just some of the projects I have worked on the last few weeks.

The first one was that we finally got the girls "big girl" room put together with the highly anticipated bunk bed. Carsyn and Brenna are loving their new beds. I am a firm believer in if you think your kids are ready for something, don't hold them back! I was getting more nervous about her falling as she climbed out of her crib nearly every morning. (And for all you sceptics...yes, I did have it on the lowest crib setting.) Carsyn has definitely been ready for a few months. We bought it and Brad had to put it together and paint it. It gives them so much more room to move and play. We love how it all turned out.

The other large project we completed was finishing the play room/guest room/craft room. I wanted to make it comfortable for guests, but also a usable, practical space for the kids to play in (with organization) and a place to hold all my stuff. We still have some art work of the kids and some art work I have of Brad's as a child to get frames and put up. I also have the whole top shelf of the kids play area to work with. WE LOVE this space now! My hubby did a great job building all this stuff!

Another huge project was more of a gift to my brother from my mom and I. He lives in Augusta where he works as a Golf Professional and doesn't have much time to decorate his house. Mom and I headed over for a 4 day weekend and painted his WHOLE house. Lets just say I am done with painting for a while! Not only paint, but put up curtains, organize all his cupboards, laundry room, bathrooms, etc. My dad was crazy enough to say he would watch the girls for the weekend. Brad and Aidan stayed home and hid. The girls had a great time with their Papa! Here are some before and after shots...
Kitchen before-

Kitchen after-Drew's bedroom before-

Drew's bedroom after-

Guest bath before-
Guest bath after-
His finished bath-

Family and dining before-

Family room after-

I am off to take a nap. I am exhausted!

SNOW DAY!

2010-01-09T17:45:00.005-05:00

We have had a fun weekend at home due to the snow and ice everything has been canceled. School was let out early on Thursday and Friday school was closed. The kids spent much of the morning and afternoon freezing...I mean sledding in the freezing cold. We are talking around 15-20 degrees. Afterwards, they would all run in for hot chocolate and a snack and then run back outside.

Have a great week! Stay warm!

All things Christmas

2009-12-31T09:59:00.006-05:00

Hang in there with my as I have a lot of pictures to post. We just did so many fun things during our 2 week break, I could not decide what to post, so I will do a little bit of everything. After we left skiing in Gatlinburg, we drove to my parents in SC. We always spend Christmas we them and have many fun traditions.

Here are the kids (Carsyn in this pic) making reindeer food on Christmas Eve.

Carsyn and my mom on Christmas morning with their new jammies on. We open one gift on Christmas Eve and that is always new warm jam jams as we call them in or house.
Brenna enjoying some new people for her dollhouse from Papa and Grammie

Aidan and some new legos.
Carsyn and her gift from Papa and Grammie. Her very own chair! (I want one!)
One of the gift we got my parents from the kids.
Our annual sitting by the tree pics. Carsyn being cheesy in her new chair.
Aidan Bradley

Aidan and Daddy

My girlsBrenna Caroline
My 3 babies

The girls of the house including my parents dog Allie.
Another yearly tradition of ice skating. Carsyn hopes next year she will be big enough. As for now, she will get a ride with Grammie.

Uncle Drew and Brenna
Aidan and Daddy
Then off to bowling. I don't know why we hadn't done this before with the whole fam. We had a BLAST!
No one said you can't get dressed up to go bowling!
The first of the week we drove up to Chattanooga to meet our new niece who was in from California. Brynlee Ann is our newest addition and her cousins, Aunt and Uncle are so in love with her. We wish we lived closer. We went to the Tennessee Aquarium where she quickly decided to take a nap in her Daddy's arms.
Carsyn looking at the fish.
After waking up she is was all smiles!

Happy New Year 2010 to everyone!

Adventures in snow and skiing

2009-12-30T11:55:00.000-05:00

We just returned from our fun filled adventures in the snow and to my parents for Christmas. This was the children's only gift for Christmas from Brad and I and they were told that Santa is only filling there stockings. Believe it or not, they were totally fine with that, even on Christmas morning, they were excited just for those gifts. Their papa, grammie and Uncle Drew had gifts for them as well. One reason for all this...do I really want more stuff in my house? Ummm NO! Do they really need more stuff in our house? Ummm NO!

This time spent as a family was priceless!

So the adventure began the Monday before Christmas as we were finishing up a basketball tournament in North Georgia. (which btw, NFHS girls WON..HORRAY!) We left around 8:30 pm and the drive was going to take 2 hours to Gatlinburg, TN. We had to drive straight through the Great Smokey National Park (30 miles) and it wasn't until we got 2 miles into the park that we noticed large gates in front of us. Yes, that's right it was closed due to snow and ice. The snow had started to appear on the sides of the road about 1/2 earlier, but nothing extreme. So we had to take a detour. The only way...east to Ashville. You are probably thinking no big deal....well once we hit Maggie Valley, NC there was at least 3 feet of snow and we are dealing we switchbacks on either side of the town. The great idea would be then to jump on I-40 and head west towards Knoxville, but we already knew between Ashville and Knoxville the interstate is closed due to a rockslide. Thank goodness the kids were now sleeping! So more back roads we had to take. Thanks to a good old fashion map (gps' don't come in handy in these times) we finally arrived at 3:30 am. That is a 105 mile detour (over 50 miles we were on snow covered switchbacks at did not go over 25 miles/hour) and 7 hour drive instead of a 2 hour drive. Our hotel never looked so wonderful!

Here is everyone in the gondola heading from downtown Gatlinburg to the ski resort.

Looking at the roads below.The only other thing that put a kink in our trip was that I got really sick. I mean what mom has time to get sick? I surely don't! I haven't been sick like this in 6 years. No toilet visits thank goodness, but just about everything else. This is the only picture of me before I got sick. While I was the only one who had my own skis and thrilled to death that I finally got to ski since it had been 10 years...of course it had to be me to get sick! A week later, the antibiotics are finally making me feel better.
While the kids were in ski school, Carsyn took a nap..outside. It was beautiful weather in the mid 50's and sunny and plenty of snow to go around.
Enjoying a snowball fight.
This ski school was the best. Aidan and Brenna were in a class with 4 other kids and they did all kinds of activities for them to get use to the boots and than the skis. By the time ski school was done, they were ready head out on the slopes.
Only thing they really worked on was unhooking and hooking up your skis. Aidan and Bren were pros by the end. Here is Aidan getting ready to head up the chair lift for the first time.
Aidan is on the left and Brad on the right.

He had such great control and I can't even count how many times we went up and down these slopes. He might be able to beat me next time. ;)
We did a bit more practicing with Brenna before Brad took her down the big slopes. We thought she might be a little bit scared or hesitant, but she was not. I felt like death by the time Brad took her on the chair lift and she went down the same mountain Aidan did by the end of the day. Horray for Brenna! (For those of you wondering (MOM), yes she did have gloves, just not in these pictures)
A great snowplow or as they called it, their "pizza slice."
Downtown Gatlinburg on our way back from Hardrock Cafe.
Enjoying some pool time at our hotel.
On our way to my parents in South Carolina, the road through the national forest was finally open. Here is one of the pull off spots. Absolutely beautiful!
To give you an idea of the mounds of snow on the road. There was snow all the way until Spartenburg, SC.

So many wonderful memories! This might have become a yearly tradition without all the detours and sickiness.

We hope you all had a wonderful holiday time spending it with those you love celebrating the birth or our Savior!

Santa and all things football

2009-12-17T09:41:00.003-05:00

This is as close as Carsyn would come to Santa. She is hiding behind Grammie's legs in hopes that the candy canes they were giving away would just appear in her hands.

We had breakfast with Santa at Aidan's school and then got to sit on his lap. Brenna was all smiles this year.

Aidan's birthday cake that my mom and dad made. This kid is not joking about his love of football!

We took the kids on the train down to the Georgia dome to watch the highschool football finals. Gainesville vs. Peach Co.

Both girls fell asleep!

Once we got off the train and into the car, they all fell asleep.

So I am going to break from football and show you some of Brenna's dance class. I guess a good football player takes dance too?

Last but not least, Aidan's class wrote 2 Christmas skits and invited all the families to come in with breakfast on Thursday morning and enjoy the plays. They did a great job. What am I feeding my son? He is a huge kindergartner! O well. Guess that makes for a good football player!

Have a wonderful Christmas! We are off on a family ski vacation and than to my parents for Christmas. See you when we get home!

Interview with a 6 year old

2009-12-09T19:37:00.009-05:00

Mommy-What is your favorite color?
Aidan-Red, purple and orange
Mommy-Why those colors?
Aidan-Purple is the color of daddy's school and I just liked red and orange for a long time.
Mommy-What is your favorite food?
Aidan-Mommy's mac and cheese with hotdogs in it.
Mommy-What is a food that you dislike?
Aidan-Brown pears and red peppers
Mommy-(who would want to eat brown pears?)
Mommy-What do you want to be when you grow up?
Aidan-In college? I want to play football in college.
Mommy-What college do you want to go to?
Aidan-Georgia

Mommy-What about when you are mommy and daddy's age?
Aidan-A coach, coaching football.
Mommy-Where?
Aidan-In Detroit
Mommy-(What? Where in the world did he get that?)
Mommy-First you have to finish school. Do you like school?
Aidan-yes
mommy-What do you like about school?
Aidan-Math, but I do love recess.
Mommy- So you want to be a football coach. Does that mean you want to be a teacher as well?
Aidan-No
Mommy-What is your favorite thing to do when you are at home and not playing football?
Aidan-Play my new games like Operation and play with my football field characters.
Mommy-If you could take a trip anywhere, where would it be?

Aidan- Utah to go skiing Mommy-(he has got skiing on the brain because we leave in 3 days to go skiing for their Christmas gift.)

Mommy-What is your favorite thing to do with your sisters?
Aidan-Play baby Joy.
Mommy-(don't ask...long story)
Mommy-Tell me about Upstreet. Who is your small group leader? What is your favorite thing to do in Upsteet? What do you learn about?
Aidan- Cailen is my small group leader. The word search is my favorite part and we learn about Jesus and that he wants to be our friend.

We LOVE this boy! He makes us smile everyday! Hope he made you smile as you read this!

6 Years and counting

2009-12-04T07:17:00.005-05:00

Today Aidan turns 6.

5 seemed so old to me, but 6 is now closer to 10 and that seems weird to me. Moms just think of these things.
These years are flying by faster every year.

He makes us so proud everyday!

I found this pictures looking through my computer. It was taken a few years ago in Florida. A small moment in time.

Happy Birthday to our little man!

We love you!

Thanksgiving vacation

2009-11-30T19:39:00.007-05:00

The kids and I had a wonderful time at the beach! We stayed with my childhood best friend, Leslie, who lives 3 miles from the beach in Atlantic Beach. I wanted to tour around the area and do a little bit of education stuff for the kids. They did an awesome job traveling and being easy on Mommy! Our first trip was to downtown Jacksonville to the river front and a great children's museum and out to lunch.

Another trip we took was to an old island slave plantation, Kinsley Plantation. We had to take the car on a car ferry. I got a kick out of GPS. It took the direct path of the boat over the water. The kids thought it was pretty cool.

The slave quarters.
One of Jacksonville's top 10 places to visit. Angie's subs was YUMMO!
Of course we had lots of time for the beach. It was hours of play time for the kids. I sat on my beach towel and they played for over 3 hours with out me saying anything like, "Don't touch your sister!" "Be quiet." "Stop fighting." "That toy is going in time out." Needless to say, we had a blast!

Another small trip we took was down to St Augustine. Being the oldest US city, there were many sights to see including this 13th century Spanish Fort.
This beach between Jax beaches and St. Augustine was a picture of heaven. The sand fascinated us at this beach. As you can see, not soul in sight!
It was all shells. The kids found so many awesome full shells. They thought it was cool. Mommy's feet were killing her after an hour.
Then onto SC to my parents for Thanksgiving. Brad met us there as well as my brother. Some cute pics from the photo shoot we did.

Have a wonderful and blessed week!