I forgot to get a picture of Jesse's first day of school (he was able to go back yesterday). Sorry. :( But I do have a slightly humorous story...

On the way to school, we had prayer time and Jesse's prayer went something like this...

"... and Lord, help me to have a good first slash third day of school." I couldn't help but chuckle. :)

I forgot to express my heart of DEEPEST GRATITUDE to my mom who is loaning me her (very nice) little camera until I can get a new one. Thanks, Ma!!! :)

Close-up of the cheeseball :)

Notice the little cheeseball... I told all the kids to get together for a picture and he wiggles his way right in there, turns around and yells "DEEEE!" Made us all laugh...

All 5 of 'em!
Jesse's being a good sport and wearing a smile (and the un-matching clothes that he slept in), Kate hasn't brushed her hair and picked out her own clothes (that's her favorite shirt, by the way - Misty bought it for her and it says "girls rock" ~ see post for 3-14-08)... and the next post will be a little story about that little shrimp b/t Sam and Isaac...

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!! Sam's in big bad Junior High (7th grade) and Isaac's in 6th. Jesse is in 4th grade this year but he is sick today - on his first day. He's very disappointed. :( Hopefully we'll get a "first day of school for Jesse" picture tomorrow morning.

Here's a cool action shot that Isaac captured

Okay... look at this picture for a minute and then hear me say very emphatically... I CANNOT BE THIS OLD!!!! Look at him! He looks so... BIG! I remember a picture of my brother Sam that looks almost exactly like this (if I can find it, I'll post it)... and now Sam's all grown up and has a BABY of his own!! Lord, help me!! It's all going way too fast!!!

Great Grandma brought popcorn to Sam's first soccer game. I don't know if she knew that it's Ben's absolute favorite!! Here they are... sharing so nicely. :)

I'm not sure what the story is behind this picture - but it's cute.

Great Grandma and Grandpa bought a house w/a swingset in the back yard... and left the swingset for their great grandchildren. I think it's so sweet. :)

This is Kate at the church picnic on Saturday... thoroughly ENJOYING Icees and Cotton Candy. Mmmm...

(p.s. - Thanks, Faith B., for letting me steal your pic) :)

Isaac is my baby-lover. Here he is adoring his new baby cousin, Eliab. Awww...

Who me?
I'm just the innocent cute little baby brother...

"Mom - look what he did!" (and Ben just keeps eating his popsicle like nothing ever happened)

Jesse says "hey, wait a minute!"
Look at Jesse's popsicle now - I'll bet he'll think twice before sharing w/ Ben again. Oh, and notice the wet spot where Ben's sitting. This popsicle time came right after some wading pool time. I didn't get a chance to put a swimmer on him b/c he DIVES into the wading pool w/ his clothes on as soon as he sees I'm filling his pool. He has no fear of water (unfortunately). So the diaper's a little water-logged obviously.

Jesse - it's so nice to share

This series of pics just doesn't show the "live experience" very well... this is Ben's version of wrestling. Isaac lies on the floor and Ben just FALLS on top of him squealing. It really is funny!

Here ya go, Ame -- a "sweet new daddy" picture. :)

He really IS beautiful!!

Priceless...