Lots to post!
I have a lot of pictures to add after our very busy week! So....starting with last weekend...I got a phone call from my bff Min (he he...I just had to say that) who let me know that her car had a flat tire and she couldn't come over my way to see a movie like we had planned. Who came to the rescue you ask? SuperSpouse!!!! (That's Mike.) He volunteered to drive our crew over to Plymouth and then keep an eye on all three kids while Mindy and I headed off to the movie. So here are some pictures of the kiddos under the watchful eye of SuperDad (That's Mike too.) Madeline and Timothy had lots of fun; they always do when they get to see Cora =)

Here's Cora having some lunch from Uncle Mike, and then Madeline, Timothy and Cora making sure every toy that is in Cora's collection gets its fair use!


When we returned, Mindy was delighted to find that her little gal had survived, and even enjoyed, her first babysitter! (first other than grandparents that is...) Good job, Mike =)
Our little technology man (Timothy) got a hold of the digital camera and went on another photo taking spree while we were sitting around chatting. So here are some of his high quality photographs =)

We were able to have some of our friends from church over last weekend as well, and they have a son about Timothy's age. The kids always have fun running around together, and here they are playing some Wii and a little bit of computer.

This was a big week in some other ways too. I started back to school. I'm only registered for one class and a research project. However, the one class I am taking is physical chemistry. So, you can all start praying for me now and continue until I take my final exam on December 12th! This is the last science class I need for my degree, and definitely the toughest! I'll also be doing some genetics research with the geneticist at IU South Bend, and I may even make my way over to the big world of Notre Dame because we are partnering with some of their researchers.

I started classes, and Madeline finished soccer. Her last game was Thursday night, and it was great! Mike has been an awesome coach, and no, I am not in the least bit partial; he really is! The team had a great season and it was fun to watch as the players became more confident and played as a team more and more throughout the season.

Here are some pictures of the "mighty condors" warming up before their final game, lined up with Coach Mike afterwards, and a couple of Madeline with some of her buddies from the team.

Here was the big surprise, well, for the kids anyway! My mom and dad...affectionately Mimi and Papa to the kids...came up to see the last soccer game of the season. The kids were tickled! We all went out to Chili's afterwards (thanks mom and dad!) and enjoyed a meal together before saying goodbye.
We've had a busy week and we're looking forward to a weekend in Ohio with Mike's mom and dad, so I'm logging off and packing some bags for now!

-shannon

Quick note...
I just wanted to let everyone know that I added a link on the side of this page to my friend Joanna's blog. She just started medical school out in Oklahoma...a long way away for a lifelong hoosier! She's hoping to keep people up to date with how her journey through medical school goes, so if you're at all interested check it out by clicking here.

Great First Day!

The kids had a great first day of school! Both of them loved their teachers, everything went smoothly throughout the day, and they were happily reunited in the front lawn of Nappanee Elementary when all was said and done!

They both had school lunches and their favorite part was the flavored milk, strawberry and chocolate, for Madeline and Timothy respectively. They are ready to go back tomorrow for another day with their new (and old) friends.

Timothy met up with his friend from soccer after school, and it wasn't long before Sissy made her way out to us. We drove through the bank and got some suckers, and we headed home to make some peanut butter cookies for daddy.

What a great day. Thanks for all of your prayers, which I know helped make the day go so smoothly!

-shannon

First Day of School!!!

Well, they did it! Madeline is back at Nappanee Elementary for SECOND GRADE and Timothy started KINDERGARTEN this year! I can't believe how fast time has flown by since they were the most beautiful babies in the world....they are getting so big!

Madeline is super excited about starting back. Her teacher's name is Mrs. Dodson, and she couldn't wait to meet her and get started. She got out a paper and pen and started doing math facts at the table while I made breakfast. "Just for practice, Mom!"

Timothy's teacher is Mrs. Miller, and she is super sweet. In her welcome letter she wrote that she believes children are a gift from God and asked that we pray for her, our child and the class. I love her already =) Timothy went right into the room and sat in his seat and then yelled across the room as I was leaving, "Bye , Mom!" I'd say preschool got him more than ready for this big day. (Thank you IU South Bend Child Development Center...we love you guys!)

I let the kids pick what they wanted for breakfast. They both wanted bacon (Aren't you proud Papa?) Timothy had some jelly toast and Madeline had some eggs. As you can see they are both excited. Timothy even got out of bed by himself this morning. Quite a feat for this very genetically predispositioned night owl!
I have taken this picture of Madeline every year on the front steps. I can't believe how she has changed over the past three years....so grown up!
Here she is on her first day of the first grade...
Here she is on her first day of kindergartern...
Here is Timothy's front steps picture. He was a bit excited....just couldn't contain himself =)
This is my favorite! I know Timothy has a big sister who will look out for him at school. They'll have to ride the bus from latchkey in the morning to school when I start back to my classes. I am so grateful that Madeline considers it a privilege and not a pain to look out for little bro!
When we got to school, Timothy had to stop at the car in front of us to let us all know that it said, " www.IN.gov " Thanks, Tim.
Here is Madeline in her classroom. You can't tell because she is smiling graciously, but she was embarassed that I came in with her and wanted to take her picture. She was a good sport though...I figure I'll take advantage of that while I can.
Here is Timothy by his locker. He is super proud that he can open it all by himself and put his Diego bonus backpack in it!
This is Timothy in his classroom. The little girl sitting by him goes to our church and is such a sweetheart. She always greets him when he gets to the Sunday school room and did the same when she saw him come in the classroom. She is super friendly, and I'm sure that knowing he had a friend there made it a bit easier for Timothy to sit down and get busy.
Here is a video clip I took while the kids were eating breakfast. They were so excited about starting back. I'll probably take another short clip when they get home so you can hear how the day went.

Hope you enjoy the video and the pictures. I'll post more tonight....maybe!

-shannon

Falling Behind!!!

I admit I have been falling behind with blogging. When you have as much going on, and you take as many pictures as we do, it is hard to keep up though!

Well, I will start by saying that last week we were able to go spend the afternoon with my dear friend Nicole who is off to medical school at the University of Pittsburgh now! I am so proud of her and have been so blessed to be able to call her friend. I know that God has amazing things in store for her, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this young woman who is so passionate about serving God. You can check in on her by reading her blog.

We spent the afternoon chatting by the pool, which the kids loved! It was a gorgeous afternoon, and we enjoyed our time in the sun. Here are some pictures of the kids all wrapped up in their new beach towels. (Madeline's is a princess one with a crown on top, and Timothy's has Mickey Mouse ears....too cute!)


Last Thursday Mike officially turned 30! We had our friends Kevin and Mindy (and Cora too!) over for the soccer game that night. Mike has been coaching Madeline's team, and they are having a fun season. Here are some pictures of Madeline on the field and in the goal. She has learned a lot and is both stronger and more confident than last year. It is fun to see her growing and enjoying soccer with her dad!

Timothy isn't so into the game this year. I turned around at one point and found him climbing up the fence like he was "spiderboy." He does enjoy playing with the other kids on the sideline, so that is fine with us. Maybe next year he'll be up for joining the team.
One thing Madeline and Timothy both love is Cora! They love her so much, and Cora usually has a good time with both of them as well.

Here is one last picture I took at the soccer game that I love! Madeline and Timothy may pick at each other once in awhile, but these two are crazy about each other, and they have been since Timothy came along. We are truly blessed to have such great kids!
After the game we headed back home and had a little cake and a couple presents. Mike finally got his first pair of crocs....now he's stylin' like the rest of the fam, or lookin' like a dork in garden clogs, depending on your perspective ;)

Well, that's what I have for now. The kids start back to school next Wednesday so I am sure we will have plenty of first day of school pictures!

-shannon

Surprise!
The surprise was on Michael when we went to Ohio this weekend! We had a surprise party at his parents' house to celebrate his 30th birthday which is coming right up! (August 2nd) We had a great time with family and friends from Mike's hometown, and really did surprise him. He assures me that this had more to do with the fact that he hasn't yet acknowledged that he is turning 30, than that we were overly crafty in our scheming. The street was lined with cars, and some guests walked in the same time as the birthday boy, but they did a good job of covering, and he wasn't suspicious in the least! After we got things started, we grilled out some burgers, had lots of good food and finished it off with a chocolate peanut butter ice cream cake...YUM!It was fun to visit with friends and share old stories...one guest remembered sending Michael to the principal's office! (I know! Can you imagine???)

Madeline had fun playing with my cousin Sophia. They set up shop under the ping pong table, had ice cream cake and played dolls together.
Timothy stuck with me for most of the party, but then became the unofficial photographer!
Here are some of Timothy's pictures from the party....not too bad!

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We had a lot of fun celebrating Michael's first 30 years....I am proud of you and love you, Mike!!
-shannon