Nerd Day

It's Red Ribbon week and each day of the week is a fun dress up day at school. Today is nerd day.

Nia was a little worried about dressing like a nerd. When she saw the clothes I picked out for her she was not about to go to school looking like that. I explained that everyone would look nerdy so it was no big deal. She agreed to my suggestions.


Ian was cute too until I realized he was too sick to go to school. He had his pant legs rolled up, one part of his shirt tucked in and the other out, socks with sunday shoes on and our plan was to part his hair down the center with a spike at the top.

Fall Fest

Nia was selected by her classmates to be the second grade Fall Fest candidate. She was so excited! When she told daddy her news, she said, "Daddy, I'm the Homecoming Queen". Well, not really. A picture was taken of her and her partner, Ethan Parsons, and put on a can. The cans were put in businesses around town for supporters to put money in. The can with the most money, Wins! So.... they didn't win. She looked so beautifully gorgeous!

Happy Birthday Ian

On October 5th, Ian had a birthday!! He made it 5 Years and we are praying for many more! He is a Great Kid! Happy Birthday Ian!

From: Mema & Papa

Kori, Kaden, Luke, Ace, Nia, Zech, Emmy, & Hannah

From: Kaden Valerio

Kodah: 3 Months Old

Kodah is a wonderful baby!!! So happy - all smiles! My other two were good but not like this! He is growing so fast though! Took him to get shots and at 2 and 1/2 months old and he weighed 18 lbs. To put that into perspective, size 0-3 month clothing is up to 12 lbs. and 3-6 month clothing is up to 16 or 18 lbs. So... he totally skipped 3-6 month clothes and went right into 6-9 month.

NO!!! NO!!! NO!!!!

If you are new to my family, you might not understand why this is such a big no no! Our other two are 7 & 5 and STILL sucking there thumbs! If anyone has any recommendations on how to get them to quit, please make a comment! The agony and torture we have all gone through!!! No way we will allow Kodah to follow in their footsteps! It's cute right now but not for long!!!

When the Kids Get the Camera!

One of my kids favorite things to do is take pictures with my camera! Here are a few of their masterpiece's! Along with some friends - scary huh!

taken by Ian

taken by Ian

taken by Kori Swaringentaken by Hannah Mosley

First Day of School 2009-2010

Moving to a new town, getting used to a new house, attending a new school, joining a new church, making new friends, and learning new rules. All worth it!


Nia spent 4 years of her 7 year life in Oklahoma. So moving, naturally, was a big deal to her. Well now, 2 months into school (yes that's how far behind I am on blogging) she is LOVING it. She loves her teacher, she loves her new friends, and she thinks it's cool to have cousins in her class.

Not excited about sitting in between two boys!

This is Ian's first year of school!!! We knew going in that we would have some issues being that Ian is very competitive, active, aggressive, energetic, and touchy-feely. And yes, we have had more than a few problems. He is not a mean kid he just plays rough. We have him on an incentive plan: 5 days in a row without getting in trouble and he gets a toy. First try: 2 good days! second try: 4 good days! third time a charm. Now for a new goal: 10 good days to get another toy (nothing expensive for sure). Hey, whatever works, right! He is improving! Learning new rules is not easy.

Today they had a crazy hair day. Here are some pictures.

Friends Over

They have had some friends over and have been over to a few friends houses. It is much easier to do this in a small town because Romeo and I went to school with a lot of their parents and are more comfortable letting our children go over. Although, the kids in these pictures are our next door neighbor's kids! We didn't go to school with them but have known them for 6 years and are good friends.