The New Hopefuls

Soccer season is now over. It actually has been over for a couple of weeks, I have been so slow on getting it on the computer!!! I know T-man had fun, as for the Princess, well, I have to believe that she had more fun playing ring-around-the-rosies in the middle of the game. It was quite entertaining to watch, but a little embarrassing as a parent. T-man absolutely loves the game and has quite the competitive edge. He averaged well over 1 goal per game and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. As for the other child, we were so excited when she finally kicked the ball during the last game!! She did pretty good prancing along following the crowd around the ball but wasn't very good about getting in there. I just don't think she cared, surprise. The Little One seemed to even enjoy kicking the ball more than she did and could even dribble it (by default, the ball just seemed to stay right in front of her every little step she took) for a good ten feet. Brett informed me that I am now an official Soccer Mom and he is even ever more grateful that we made the jump to the minivan this year so we could fit the mold.

For Those Who Asked

It really isn't that great, but good enough for a PARTY!!!

'If you were a fly living in the * Neighborhood, you would quickly learn what makes this neighborhood so special. Going from house to house, wall to wall, you see the sorts of things going on that brought you here in the first place. Landing on the circle of * Way you might observe a movie being projected on the garage of the O'Very's as they host their annual back to school block party. Flying upward and onward, next you might come to the Bigler's house to see everyone pitch in laying sod so their kids will have a yard to play in. Soaring high above the streets, you will see a number of people out walking, but none getting very far because there are so many people out to stop and chat with. Then the smells of delicious food might lure you to the Jamieson's house, they just had a new baby, and the neighbors have brought in meal after meal to keep them fed for weeks. Afterall, there were only 16 babies born within one year, a small undertaking for the women of the neighborhood to provide meals for others. But the most amazing and surprising fact would be that this neighborhood has only been in existence for less than two years. It surprises you the way everyone has learned to show each other love, service and hospitality so quickly and willingly. There must be something special about this neighborhood especially since they have let you, the fly, be a part of it for so long. This is truly a neighborhood who looks out for each other, who cares for each other and who delight in the moments of getting to know each other. This is why the * neighborhood deserves an ice cream party. To give us one more reason to celebrate the joys of being neighbors.

Weekend Family Fun

This past weekend we headed to Idaho for a few days and had a family reunion. We went to the reservoir on Saturday, had a picnic at the Park on Sunday, had a Fondue and Chocolate Fountain party on Monday, and left on Tuesday, but not before we had homemade potstickers from my sister-in-law who is from Taiwan. This is my kids favorite trip, and the absolutely hate coming home. I think it has something to do with the fact that we don't see them for a few days and they can do whatever they want. They literally disappear outside or to a toy room and entertain themselves with all of their cousins. After all, there were only 20 there, plenty to choose from.

Slow Churned Neigborhood Salute

"Dear Winner,
Congratulations! After reading thousands of letters from people coast to coast telling us why their neighborhood deserves a memorable ice cream block party this summer, we are delighted to announce that your Dryer's Slow Churned Neighborhood Salute contest entry has been selected as a grand-prize winner!
Now, it's time to spread the word to your neighbors and plan your summer block party!"

That's right. I won this on-line contest and I am so excited. Brett was making fun of me for even trying but it is going to be worth it!!! I get 12 cartons of ice cream and 4 boxes of ice cream bars all courtesy of Dryer's. I also get A Party in a Box that includes everything to have the party-invitations, marker, scoops, bowls, spoons, disposable camera...you get the drift.

I know all of you are wondering how I won. I am just an amazing writer, what can I say, after all, what keeps bringing you back to my blog (ha, ha)? NO, really, it was a writing contest as to why you think your neighborhood deserves a party. My neighborhood is awesome and my neighbors make it what it is so it was easy to write about. In return to winning, I must thank all my neighbors for giving me the desire to write, and as a result, we will celebrate in September by eating ICE CREAM.

Tie for the Guy

Kid 2 brought home a paper tie for Father's Day on Sunday from church. Brett was laughing as he handed it to me to read.
The tie said:
The thing I like most about my daddy is that he: "Pops out from behind bushes and scares me".
I'm not quite sure what Brett has been up to lately, but he claims he isn't popping out from any bushes. I tried to ask her about it but she ignored me. Maybe some day I will understand.

Google Reader

Want to check out just updated blogs without having to go into every blog to see if there is a new post? I was somewhat of a doubter of this program at first, but it really does save time. It is called Google reader. You have to have a gmail account. Just log into your gmail account and at the top of the page there are some thumbnails for different options, just choose reader. Unfortunately, you do have to add all the url links, which is why it took me so long to do it, but it really works. I found that if I went in to where are all my links where anyway, under customize, that I could just copy and paste them. Then, google reader just tells you which blogs have new posts, you mark all as read and then you move on. Thanks Dave for the useful info.

Movin' On

It is hard to believe that my baby is going to kindergarten in just a few months. It really dates me. We had his preschool graduation last week and I had a hard time getting the pictures to my computer, but I finally did it!!! The kids pictured with him are the little kids he carpooled with from the neighborhood that he has become really good friends with. We are going to miss the carpool next year-we will just have to get them together to play. He was so happy that Jakers made it back for graduation-which means Jakers is doing so much better. He is in REMISSION-YEAH! The other picture is of him and his cute teacher. She was so kind and caring, but kept great structure in the classroom. We are going to miss her as well.