Can You Hear Them? School Bells are Ringing and the Girls are Screaming

 

The week before school started I took my girls…my little girls…to their orientation.  Before arriving they were still my lil’ kindergartener and 2nd grader, but after they turned into these big 1st and 3rd graders….ugh!!  I can’t believe they are SO big!!  Here we are posing for the camera at orientation…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~sweetness and craziness~yep that’s my girls!

In the days following orientation, we got our supplies and backpacks all packed up and ready.  They each got they’re toe nails done, hair ready, outfits picked out…..we were ready!!  Well they enjoyed the shopping and seeing their school buddies, but when the realization of school bells ringing….alarms ringing…..and structure hitting our lives again, they were NOT happy campers!!!

But it’s gotta be done…..and now that we’ve been there for a couple of weeks things are getting easier….THANK the LORD!!

First day of 1st grade and 3rd grade (I got the stomach virus that 1st morning and so Daddy stepped up and took care of everything)….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And for our teachers we got them a ‘lil something too….

I got this idea from pinterest.  The cup had “Sharpie” pens and “Smartie” candies in them.  Too cute!!  And I think the teachers really liked them!

So the bells are still ringing but thankfully the girl’s screaming is coming to a halt. 

~Soccer Girls~

Cora Jane had a great season with Upward's Soccer program!  In March, she started on a team with only a few friends and little confidence in her soccer abilities.  At her last game, I watched as she went on the field with new and old friends, and an attitude that could take on the world!  She definitely isn't the aggressive player-but a team player-always ChEEriNg her teammates on.  Cory and I are super proud of her and all she accomplished thru her soccer experience.

Vera Kate really blossomed in her first soccer experience!  The first game Vera Kate shocked us all with her passive attitude...almost scared of what to do.  However, over time and practice this tough chica conquered the soccer field with her go-get'em attitude.  Not only was she more aggressive, in her last games, but she gained an encouraging attitude to all on the field.  To watch your child respect and acknowledge other team's accomplishments is a HUGE reward for Cory and I!

We had a blast playing soccer!  And I think its safe to say we will be back next year!  Thanks to all the coaches and directors of Upward for making the season a huge success.

God is good…….ALL the time,

~jct~

Upward Cheerleading and Basketball

 

This year the FBC of Alma started the Upward program in the community.  We are SO excited to be involved in this program!  For the first time they are offering cheerleading for the girls and basketball for the boys.  And in the spring they will offer soccer.  We can’t wait for soccer to get here!

What a blessing to be apart of a positive, encouraging, Christian, athletic atmosphere.  The girl’s have coaches who are not only teaching them Christian characteristics through cheerleading, but are showing them these characteristics in their lives.  As a Momma, I couldn’t ask for a better situation. 

Both Cora Jane and Vera Kate enjoy cheering on all their friends who are playing the game.  And they are encouraged to cheer for everyone….not just one team. 

Needless to say its a great asset to our community and I really look forward to seeing how God is going to use Upward Sports in our area.

View Full Album

As you can tell, there is lots of fun…..lots of noise……and lots of friends at our games.

Cora Jane, Trey, and Vera Kate

 

We look forward to a lot more games this next month!

"Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people."
   Psalm 3:8

God is good……ALL the time,

~jct~

Cora Jane’s Class Christmas Party

CJ’s class showing off their new vests they all received for Christmas from Ms. Mims

 

Caraline and CJ had each other for their Christmas exchange!  Such sweet girls….such sweet friends.

 

God is good…..ALL the time,

~jct~

Little Hunters

The first weekend of huntin’ season was a busy one!  Not only did we have to get ready for the big hunt but we stayed our first night in the new house too! 

We did manage to get the girls in a stand…the most important thing!  They love to go huntin’ with me and their Daddy!  VK and her Daddy saw lots of deer but no keepers.  As for me and Sissy, well, we didn’t see anything!  But we had lots of fun learning all the new games on my blackberry!

We LOVE takin’ our girls huntin’ and can’t wait for our little man to go too!

God is good……..ALL the time,

~jct~

My Birthday Gift

The beginning of October was my birthday….my 30th birthday!  It was an extremely special one for more reasons than one. 

Cora Jane and Vera Kate both had made professions of faith for our Lord.  On this day, October 3rd, they both were baptized!

Cora Jane had made her decision and asked God into her heart awhile back but was too scared to get baptized.  She isn’t crazy about water getting on her face and was worried the water would go up her nose.  Our pastor, Brother Donnie, even told her she could wear her mask…hehe!

Vera Kate had made her own profession of faith during this journey with Cora Jane.  We convinced Cora Jane that with some practice (in the bathtub) we could ease her fear of the water.  And that’s exactly how it happened. 

   Vera Kate, Marlee, and Cora Jane

The day was filled with lots of friends and family.  We were and are all so proud of the decision the girls have made.  God continues to bless our family with His love, grace, and mercy.  I feel so rich in His gifts…….my children.

View Full Album

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  Mark 16:16

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,The fruit of the womb is a reward.  Psalm 127:3

~jct~

ACA Future Cheerleaders

 

Its the week of September 6th and the girls are participating in the school’s CHEER CAMP!!!

Since school started I get asked at least once a day about CHEER CAMP and how much longer they had to wait!!

View Full Album

FINALLY, our week came and Cora Jane and Vera Kate couldn’t have been more excited!  So everyday after school their fearless leaders, the Varsity cheerleaders and coaches, would teach this group of 26 girls how to cheer on our EAGLES!!

View Full Album

The girls worked HARD all week long and their payoff finally came at the Pep-Rally!  The girls got to cheer during the most exciting thing at school….can you feel the excitement?!?!?  And as if that wasn’t enough….they got to cheer during half-time at the home game that night!!!!  Wahoo!!

Future Eagle Cheerleaders

View Full Album

 

View Full Album

The Game……

View Full Album

was AWESOME!!!

God is good…………..ALL the time,

~jct~

Cora Jane’s Birthday Paw-ty at School

 

What a fun day we had for CJ’s birthday!! 

Cora Jane loves all her friends at school!  She had to have a party with them on her special day to celebrate.  She is so blessed to have such good friends and teachers at her school.

For CJ’s party we had a Puppy theme.  She really likes loves puppy dogs.  So for our big girls party we did puppy plates, napkins, cups, the whole works!

View Full Album

I had a great time planning this little pizza party.  There are only four in her class and so that makes it easy to do extra stuff for them.  Their little goody bags were the paw cups I found that coordinated with the theme.  I stuffed the cups with all sorts of things with puppies on them.  And then I found this ribbon that I’ve had for forever and it matched perfectly!  (I love it when I get to use stuff I’ve got in my craft clutter!!)

 

View Full Album

But it doesn’t matter what the decor looked like, what the goody bags had in them, or what we ate.  All that matters are the people that we get to share it with!  And Cora Jane is one blessed little girl to be able to share it these friends!

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:9-10

God is good…..ALL the time,

~jct~

Happy Birthday Cora Jane!

Happy Birthday Cora Jane!

We are all so VERY proud of you and who you are becoming!

You are a great Sissy, beautiful daughter, sincere friend, and special little lady!

Momma, Daddy, Vera Kate, Lila Rae and Whitman all love you so much and we are so blessed to have you in our lives.

Here are some of our favorites of Cora Jane and her SEVEN years!!

God is good....ALL the time,