Aladdin Jr.- A Success!

Iago- the sort of evil Parrot

Kira-the narrator- and Aladdin

Kira and Jacob with Jafar

Jacob- gong,gong boy

What a play! It was so fun and entertaining- and a great success! The seats were sold out every nite and the kids all did GREAT! But, I have to admit, I am glad that the late nights and driving are done- for now. It was well worth it. God has blessed us with very talented children...

Jacob's in the Spotlight

Happy Birthday to Jacob!

WOW! A bow and arrows!

Shooting......shooting....

BULLSEYE!!!!

It was a very busy week for our big guy. He spent three days at boy scout camp, every nite at either Karate, VBS and/or play practice. On Friday, we actually squeezed in a birthday celebration! He had a party with some of his friends on Saturday. I am just awed by how big he is at some times and so small at others, how confident he is, and what a HAM! He is still our cuddler- climbing up in our laps whenever he gets the opportunity (although I don't have much of a lap at this point). We are so thankful for our little brown-haired charmer.

Crazy Weather!

Monday was crazy! There was sunshine, then storm then sunshine then OUTRAGEOUS storm! They reported hail the size of golf balls and they were not kidding! And these were not just falling out of the sky, they were hurled by very strong winds- putting holes in siding, breaking windows and denting cars. If you go to the Rhoderick blog you will see pics from the tornado damage. One skirted right around, or above, Mascoutah. Thankfully, everyone that we know is okay with minimal damage. The boys found a new little friend after the havoc of the storm....

On a humorous note...Cody came downstairs the other day and said he was a Pastor! (top pic) I don't know where the outfit came from as our pastor dresses in jeans and a casual shirt.?

Always something new...

After two years of asking to do karate, Jacob is finally taking some classes! He is LOVING it and is doing very well. The real challenge was finding an affordable class and one that fit our schedule.

The other bit of exciting news is that Kira qualified to compete at the American Kids National Competition in Branson, MO.! She performed two songs at the state competition- Jesus and Gravity by Dolly Parton for the Gospel genre and Concrete Angel by Martina McBride for the country genre. The country song is the one that she qualified with. She performed the best that I have ever seen her!!! We are very proud of the work that she has done and how far she has already come in the little bit of time that she has been working with the group. I am so excited by the potential that I am seeing in her! So much fun! God has really blessed her with a talent that I think we are only seeing the beginning of right now....

Cody is having fun playing T-ball but wants to participate in everything that everyone else is doing also. His energy continues to abound and I am constantly struggling with directing it- he is so helpful and sweet.

Sara is happy to follow everyone and watch. Although, she said that she wanted a turn to sing on stage with the microphone. I just wonder what would have happened if she actually had that opportunity?

He-e-e-ere's Oliver!

Yes, Ang, we changed his name AND finally named him after a year. He used to be Ang's cat and she had named him Cupcake- poor thing. Now, we as a family, have finally agreed to call him something besides Cat or Kitty. This pic makes me smile so thought that I would share...