Ben, Becky, Kara, Kiersten,and Evie

Stallion Cup

First, I have to document Kiersten and Evie's cute career day outfits. I always want to remember that time that Evie wanted to be a baker and Kiersten a house designer.

Kara qualified for the Stallion Cup at her school, and we got to attend the ceremony to see her be recognized. It's basically the honor roll.

It was not a terribly long ceremony, so I was glad about that. Ben was going to meet us there, but there was no parking anywhere close, so he decided it would be too hard to walk that far on his broken foot. Honestly, by the time he made it into the building, he probably would have missed the presentation, so it was for the best that he just meet us at home.

I was very proud of my Kara bear. She tried so hard to get good grades this year.

It's nice to see your kids being proud of their own accomplishments.

Evie and Kiersten both said they want to get the Stallion Cup when they are at Selvidge too.

Remember when I said Kara's wrist healed quickly? That's her behind the table.

They were very pleased with themselves.

Love Bites

We had a happy Valentine's Day this year. I always love my people, but it's fun to go out of my way to make sure they are reminded in the most glaring way possible.

Even sweet Jingles got a little something.

Malt balls were in the gumball machine this year.

I wanted to make sure we had something Ben would love, so rice krispy treats were the answer.

Evie wanted her picture taken in her pretty pink dress. Her hair was a mess from being at school all day, but I don't think she noticed.

Treat time had to be quick so we could get dinner in before going to sports.

It doesn't take much for them to be excited and happy. They always love whatever little gift I find.

We had a dessert calzone this year, and it was supposedly in the shape of a heart.

Yum Tum pizza heart. The girls are less and less excited about the heart shape, but always down to enjoy some pizza.

February Fouls

Poor Kara fell on her wrist during a basketball game and got a hairline fracture in the growth plate. I had a nice afternoon at the ER with her, but the good news, is it healed up fast, and she wasn't out for a month even.

The ER is a sucky place to be, but I'm always glad to have someone taking care of my babies.

A happy picture to counteract the sad pictures above.

A week after Kara's mishap, Ben broke his foot playing basketball as well. I was tempted to pull Kiersten out of her basketball game to be on the safe side, but I let my rational side win out, and she played. He still coached the game, and then took Kara out for her daddy-daughter date.

Later that night, the girls got all dolled up for the sweetheart dance. I thought Ben would not want to go, but he insisted he'd be fine, and only dance a little. He chose lovely dresses for all of them to wear.

Evie always wants to out-fancy everyone. Kiersten gives her a run for her money.

I couldn't get over how grown up Kara looked that evening.

They all had a fun time, injuries and all.

While they were at the dance, I headed out to music trivia. My group dressed in grunge style, so that was not too hard to figure out. Ben didn't like the way I did my makeup, though.

We had some fun in the photo booth!

After the sweetheart dance, Ben showed up at the trivia, and I was so surprised. He really is such a good sport and a fun guy. We went to a bar afterward to celebrate a friend's birthday, but we didn't last long. Poor Ben had a rough day, so I was not about to complain.

The 13th Little Bear

Kara decided to turn 13, so we decided to celebrate. I hear 13 is kind of a big deal.

Jingles was my midnight helper/streamer destroyer.

Eventually I got it done. I was proud of this one, I have to admit.

It was just Kara and me for an exciting pancake birthday breakfast.

She loves fresh strawberries on her pancakes.

After school and before Tae Kwon Do, she got to open her gifts. She really wanted to go to class that evening, so everyone would have to do 13 push-ups in her honor.