Evolution of the Puffball

For those of you who know Madi, you know she always has her hair up in a single ponytail. Over time, it has become known as " The Puffball", her signature style. In fact once about a year ago, I gave her a different hairstyle for the day and Madi's good friend Chloe, who saw Madi everyday, walked right past her at the park while asking the question, "Where is Madi?" I am sad to report that "The Puffball" has grown so much it is no longer puffy but droopy, so we had to change her style. So enjoy the pics from through the years and her new style will be revealed at the bottom of the post......

And the new style is.........

TWO BRAIDS!!

Michael Staying Busy

Michael is such a hard worker and always has been. Lately he has been even busier with studying for his upcoming boards. Madi took the time to snuggle with Daddy while he studied.

Madi at the "Pumpkin Patch"

Well Fall has finally arrived here in South Texas, well somewhat. We are down from the 100's and 90's and into the low 80's and occasionally the 70's. This is my favorite time of the year and despite what the temps say outside, come Sept. 21st, my decorations are up. I do miss a good pumpkin patch. You know the ones where you take a hayride out to the patch to pick your pumpkin. Then ride back and partake of the apples, cider and all the wonderful and unique looking gords to pick through. Well that doesn't happen here. CC's version of a PP is pumpkins trucked and you pick one. Madi had one of these at her Parent's Day Out. She was just so proud of her little pumpkin.

In the Patch!

Next to Mrs. Scarecrow

The pumpkin and her goodie bag

Madi in front of her cubbie with pumpkin.

Well one day we can hope to return changing leaves and coolness in the air, but for now we will just enjoy Corpus' version.

Madi trying on Costumes

While at Doris' house the other day, Madi proceeded to try on several costumes that Doris had made for her children throughout the year. Madi loved every minute.

Trying this Again

Gosh, I have really been terrible at this. But, once again I have been inspired by my friend Cyndy. I look at her blog about twice a week and she is really capturing what is happening in her family and I want to have that same account of our family life. So I am going to try once more at this blog thing.

Lately we have been so consumed with football season and we love it. Marcus plays on Thursdays and Mykayla cheers on Fridays. This past week varsity beat Calallen which was huge. It was white out night so we all had on our white shirts and waved our white towels. It was a great game from kick-off until the last second. Marcus' team lost but he still played a great game

Michael and I were able to purchase a new camera, so we hope to be documenting quite a bit. That's it for now. Hopefully it will get better from here.

Still Moving

This has been a very long week. I have been moving for a week now. I thought it would be a great idea to move "a little at a time" but man is it a drawn out process. I am finally down to the last 2 rooms. Not much left to do, but I am so ready to be done.

The new house is great. Felt like home from day one. There are items everywhere, but I know it will get put away and things hung up eventually. I have connected more items this week than I ever have before. Washer, Dryer, Fridge water line, computer.....Michael always takes care of these things. I will post pictures when it is coming together.

Marcus has opening day for baseball today. There is a carnival, lunch and then a game. There has actually already been one game and the team looks great. As soon as Michael is back, he will take over the head coaching position.

Speaking of Michael, he is due into Corpus this coming Tuesday the 31st at 1:00. I have been so busy that I haven't had time to really let it sink in that is finally coming home after 8 months. Madilyn tells me everyday how excited she is for her Daddy to come home. I am curious to see how she is going to act with him once he does get here. The others are excited as well, just a little more low key about their emotions.

Well the cup of coffee is gone, so that is my sign that I am to log off and keep on unpacking. Until next time.....

Keeping in Touch

From much inspiration from my good friend Cyndy, I am starting this blog. It will be a great way for our extended family to keep up with what is going on in our world and to document our lives. My intention is to update it once a week or so, but no promises.

Right now all the kids are asleep and I am up early and not having very much sleep. There is just a lot going on in our world right now. I have homecoming signs to make, the house to pack, the new backyard to prepare to lay sod and the usual....laundry, making meals, cleaning etc.....so instead of doing all that, I do this. Oh well....

Michael will be arriving in San Diego this Friday. I wish we could be out there to meet him, but it is just not feasible. Anyway, he will be pretty tired and he has lots of golf to play for the short time he will be there. I mailed his clubs to him yesterday. After serving in Iraq for 7 months, it was the least I could do. Now, I just hope they arrive safely.

The kids are on Spring Break this week and are very helpful. Mykayla helped me and a friend paint Mackenzie and Madilyn's room at the new house. They now have a very pink and purple room. But that is what they wanted, so of course it happened. Marcus is busy with play practice. He is involved with the One Act Play at his middle school. He is in fact the lead male role. At the end of the month, they will compete against other middle schools. They won first place last year. He enjoys it so much and quite frankly very good. Mackenzie is going with the flow and Madilyn, well, she is just into everything.

We are anticipating Michael's return to Corpus in about 13 days. I get very teary eyed when I think about it. Kind of overwhelming. I know the transition will be smooth but I am so looking forward to his company. We will take lots of pictures and update this blog with them so we can share.

Well I should get busy. I hope you enjoy this as much as I hope I enjoy keeping it updated. Until next time.