Feeling On Top of the World

Well, there hasn't been much news here lately, I have been under the weather and have been on an antibiotic for a week, but slowly getting better.  Katelyn made the school basketball team and Jon somehow got suckered into helping coach! We will have our first game the weekend after Thanksgiving.  Josh did not make the school basketball team, he did get over it, but was extrememly disappointed.  He is still planning on trying out for baseball in the spring.  The holidays are quickly approaching, and I actually feel like I've got it together, I have a plan, a plan that might work! I am have done some shopping (without having to dip into savings) Our holiday plans are coming along, I have even ordered our christmas cards and hope to get them in the mail the Monday after Thanksgiving.  I have my Black Friday shopping plans in the works.  Heston wants anything and everything from Santa, and has asked me text him the circled stuff in the ad. Katelyn wants an American Girl Doll and Josh wants internet (which he is not getting) instead I think I will get him an Itunes gift card and money...(hope he doesn't read this, oh yea, he doesn't have internet!)
We had a Sunday School Social (party) at our house a few weekends ago, it was fun, we had a fire pit and bon-fire, we roasted marshmellows and made s'mores-we had perfect weather! In fact, it was so good, they asked if they could have the Christmas Party at our house.  Of course, we said they could.  That is planned for December 1 (early in the season we know, but due to many being in the christmas production at church, we had no other choice!) Hope all is well. We'll be posting pics soon--until next time

Proud Momma Alert

I recently received a note home from the guidance counselor at Josh's school.
It informed us that since Josh scored so high on his TCAP (95% or above in certain categories )(standardized test last year) that he has been invited (by Duke University/Talent) to take the ACT/SAT this year.  While it costs $73.00 to take the test, he is interested in doing so and it will give him valuable practice and he will get lots of info he will need to choose a school, apply etc.
We are really proud of him.

On a sad (well more just disappointing) note, Josh did not make the basketball team this year.  His coach said that he was a wonderful kid yada yada, but for whatever reason, still chose to cut him.  He is disappointed but since this week is fall break, his mind has been on playing with friends-really anything NOT school related!

Kate and Heston are doing good-Kate goes camping this weekend with the girl scouts (like real camping...roughing it camping) Heston has 2 more weeks of football -- then we are done! We are looking forward to a little break with no kids in sports...a much needed break for mom and dad. :)

The next few weeks we will be busy preparing for a sunday school "social" party at our house- a bon fire, smores, hotdogs etc for our fellow class mates and their families.  I love getting the house clean and looking its best and this gives me some motovation to tackle the to-do list!

I know I title all posts "busy busy"

 Here we are at our Church's Connection Sunday...It is a special sunday that displays all the different classes to the newer members have an idea of what class(es) they might want to become a part of-a MUST for a church our size

 Here is Heston playing Football at the UTC football stadium...Findley Stadium 2012

 Here is a close up of sweet pea (see those freckles?)

Here is me and Jon on Connection Sunday
(our theme was Prom: Time of our life)
Ok, I know I don't have any pictures of Katelyn, not that I don't take any, just that they haven't been turning out well.  I promise to get one soon!
Katelyn is busy.  She is in girl scouts and is really enjoying it.  She is currently NOT playing softball for many reasons, all of them too long to share on a blog, but she doesn't seem to be missing it...so I guess the break has been welcomed. She lost a tooth last night. In fact, Jon held her hand and I pulled it (I thought Jon was going to pass out!) So the tooth fairy came for a visit which made Heston very upset.  I ended up taking (briefly) Katelyn's Dollar away to get him to stop crying (it was picture day at school so I didn't want his eyes all puffy and red) He has not lost any teeth yet and he does NOT think it is fair that the tooth fairy visited Katelyn and not him. 
Heston is having a little trouble adjusting to Kindergartin...he just gets so tired.  The other day he told me he wishes that we weren't so busy...kinda made me sad (and we just have a few weeks left in football-thank goodness)
Josh is wrapping up football and next week has basketball tryouts and exams, so say a prayer.
Josh's school was vandilized last week and he had to miss 2 days of school for clean up.  Things on that front are pretty much back to normal. All the kids are testing well on standardized tests as well as their regular school work, even Heston! They have fall break the week on 10/8 so I will be taking a few days off work to play with them...the Holidays are quickly approaching and I am trying to come up with creative ideas for all.
Oh and Josh is getting braces on January 2nd (he will be in treatment for 30 months!) Raising kids costs a LOT of money!

(I guess everyone already knows that-)

New Beginnings

Well, Monday, August 13, 2012 the kids started a new school year.  I, for one, was not ready for summer to be over....I was happy to have all 3 kids out of full time daycare....Jon and I just got a more than $500.00 a month raise!!
Josh started 7th grade and is currently playing first team offense for Loftis Middle School JV team. He plans on trying out for basketball and baseball, when the time comes, of course...
Katelyn has started 2nd grade (the grade Josh was in when we made the move from Texas to Tennessee).  Her teachers name is Mrs. Smith, she is a Christian and she is already thriving in her class...bringing in a 105 on this weeks spelling test and a "practically perfect purple" in behavior and class participation.  She is also playing fall softball and will be joining in the girl scouts with her first meeting this Thursday.
Heston has started Kindergarten and yesterday asked his teacher why they didn't take naps.  The boy is tired!  Overall, he is adjusting well. He too is doing great. His teacher is Mrs. Wheeler (who is in physical therapy for a recently broken leg) and she too is a Christian.  He is playing football too, and for the most part likes it!
Here are their mug shots from the first day of the 2012-2013 school year...

Overall, all of the staff and teachers that the kids have had are, in fact, true Christians.  They even make homework and athletic considerations on Wednesdays for church.  We have been and are blessed since they attend public schools. 

Softball - Out with a Bang

Chattanooga Stars 2012
Note * even Heston made the picture!

 Kate hitting- she was in a bit of a hitting slump prior to this set of games...slump is OVER!

 there she is: the one jumping up and down because they WON their Championship game

 There she is with her Championship T-shirt

Here is the team wearing their CHAMPIONSHIP shirts...which was followed by ice cream, even if it was at 10:30 at night!

Kate learned a lot this season and she loves the game. I guess she will also be playing this fall.
Heston is a mess - he has declared that he is NOT playing baseball since he cannot hit the ball as far as Kate and Josh...trying to explain to a 5 year old that he will get better and that he just isn't as strong as they are is NOT going well.
Both Kate and Heston have had LICE this summer. It is the devil! Very hard to get rid of and has seriously stressed us out. Until now, we have never encoutered this horrible horrible THING! They got it from daycare...nuff said.
Josh has football tryouts for school next week.  Hope he is ready for hard work! I am not sure he knows what is in store for him! He has grown a full inch since May 29th. He stands at 5'4" tall- a whole .5" taller than his momma...to which he is very happy! I also took him to the orthodonist a few weeks ago...he will need a LOT of work (about 3 years worth...) more on that later when I know more!
We have 3 weeks of summer left. It has flown by and I AM NOT READY FOR IT TO BE OVER!!
I guess that  is it for now!

Summer is flying by

Whew! Summer is going by so fast, before you know it, my babies will be starting another school year whether I like it or not.  The kids are having fun in their summer camp. We have had a little mishap, Heston got real sunburned the first day they went to the pool.  We worked out our concerns and all is back to normal.  Everyone is enjoying a break from homework and school assignments, so much so we haven't even started our summer reading projects.  Next week I will be taking a week off from work to be with the kids for a "staycation". Hopefully you will find us by the pool and eating ice cream everyday.  Josh is off to Texas right now with grandsherry and granddad.  He is having fun, and I am sure being a little spoiled.  Kate is enjoying softball.  We were at the ballfields all day (til like 11 pm) on Saturday.  I asked her yesterday if she was liking it and smiled and said yes.  Josh finished up his baseball with his 13/14 yr old team last week.  We start back to school August 13th, which is too quickly approaching.  I noticed this past weekend that I haven't even taken any pictures this summer, the days are just getting by me.  Jon had a good 33rd birthday on Saturday, He is making a list of what he wants to spend that birthday money on.  There is no other new here...so til next time, Cheers!

Ending the 2011-2012 School Year

 This is Josh's Letter from his School for acedemics
He has won several awards and gift cards as well as making honor roll all year

Here is Heston, my baby, on Kindergarten registration day.

A lot is happening in the Davis house this month.
We have had some happy news and some sad news.
At the end of April, Jon's aunt Carol was killed in a car accident and his Uncle Johnny was seriously injured.  We were saddened by this news and they have been in our prayers.
On a happier note, the kids have done well in school this year and have just 1 week left until they are out for summer break. YES, summer starts on 5/18/12!!
Josh has been asked to play in basketball tournament and has been having some practices after school this week.  He is still playing baseball and will continue throughout most of summer break for a rec league team.  The coolest part, is that his team is made up of people from our church!  He will also be attending sports camp the week of 5/21 (football and basketball)  I also have his first orthodontist appointment scheduled for 6/13--to get a game plan on his teeth!
Kate is doing GREAT in softball.  She is catching fly balls, hitting the ball when she bats...making home runs! She seems to really be enjoying it. She has done well in school this year and has also enjoyed girl scouts.
She is ready to start her summer camp and their summers should be fun!
Heston is all registered for Kindergarten :( sad face from momma
and he is soooo excited.  He will also be attending the same summer camp as Katelyn and is looking forward to that too.  His preschool graduation is on 5/31
Jon is enjoying his new job.  It is sooo much better!
There isn't really any news from my end...For Mother's Day my Mom and I are going on a little trip to Atlanta tomorrow to do some shopping...mostly at IKEA for Josh some new furniture...
I hope to update again soon with more pictures of the kids...

As Promised!

Gatlinburg, Christmas 2011

Easter 2012

Katelyn (in sunglasses) getting her trophey from her softball tournament last weekend (4/1/12) & Jon


Jon and Kate January 2012

Kate on her 7th Birthday, with friend Grace getting their nails done








Josh-opening Mavericks Basketball (collectors ball) from Nannie Christmas 2011-Gatlinburg

Josh on his 12th Birthday

Heston-Fall Baseball 2011

Heston with Friend Aiden at the park the weekend before his 5th birthday

Kids halloween 2011--

Josh-TX Rangers baseball player

Kate- Bat woman

Heston- Red Power Ranger

Well, I know these Pictures go way back! Sorry for none til now.

We had a wonderful Easter and did a lot around the house and a LOT of yard work...so much I am sore!--but the yard looks great! We are staying busy with baseball for Josh and softball for Kate. Heston is enjoying just playing around during the games, the only thing he is bad about is wanting to buy stuff from the consession stands!

Last week the older ones were on Spring Break and we all had a nice break! Mom kept Kate all week and Josh for 2 days. He decided to go on Wednesday and he ended up helping Granddad with yard work (and got paid) so he went back Thursday to earn more money! Now he is saying he wants to go there everyday this summer - to work--he even has how much he could make a week all figured out...problem is, there isn't that much work to do!

One Day...

One day, I promise to post pictures!
A brief update:
When we saw Kate's ortho, her infection was gone! so we are on track and all is ok. She goes back on 5/16 for a normal checkup--also paid off the ortho bill today...so nice!
Josh did make the baseball team for Loftis Middle School. He is playing well and is doing fine.
Both kids made the honor roll at school this last 9 weeks. Spring break is the first week in April. I am looking forward to the break in homework, making school lunches, etc. (I'm sure they are too)
On Tuesday, 3/20, I took the kids to their well-visits with their Dr.
All are fine, healthy and are TALL...big shocker, I know.
Kate is finally done selling girl scout cookies! On Sunday 3/18 she went to the circus with the girl scouts and had lots of fun.
On Saturday 3/24, we are registering Kate and Heston for Camp Big Fish, a day camp (basically daycare) for the summer. It is held at our church, but is open to the community. I am hoping they have fun and that it prepares Heston to eating a "sack" lunch everyday (we take our lunches to school everyday) I was just going to register Kate, but it is WAY cheaper to put both kids in the same daycare (camp) than have them at 2 different places. So I will just pull Heston out of his daycare a little earlier than first planned, but no big deal really...
Jon and I are fine and we are hoping to make a quick trip to Texas soon.

Kate is playing softball and Jon is coaching, the team name is the Glitter Girls, colors are pink and black...Jon was thrilled...(ok maybe a little less than thrilled, but being a good sport about it)

We also made it through the Month of birthdays.
We'll start with Kate, I took her and her friend Grace to get manicures, then to eat at McDonald's and then shopping...just to Hobby Lobby!
We then had cake and opened gifts...she had a good day

Then Josh, poor Josh! (I'll get to the "poor Josh" in a minute)
The weekend before his birthday, he had some friends spend the night. I sent Kate and Heston to spend the night with mom and dad, so he and his friends could have real fun! We ordered pizza, had cake and ice cream and all the soda one could ask for. He had fun.
Then comes his "real birthday"....that morning Josh had to catch the bus to get to school. I woke up a little late and woke him up and got in the shower. Normally, he gets right up and starts getting ready, then I get out of the shower and see him off to the bus. Well, I get out of the shower and go to find him, and he is still in the BED asleep. We went into panic mode. I got him up, dressed and out the door in about 10 minutes flat...only to yell at him as he's leaving, that if he misses the bus, I am going to bite his head off...(yes, super cool and under control mom, I know)
I went on about my morning and while brushing my teeth I realize it's Josh's birthday. I felt horrible!
I immediately start calling the school to get a message to him, a simple but oh so important message...Happy Birthday, Love mom
He got the message in first period and it was only then that he too realized it was indeed his birthday. He had a baseball game later that day and I went to that, picked him up and took him to buy cupcakes and whatever he wanted for dinner...(maybe a little bit out of guilt, but mostly because I love him)

AND FINALLY HESTON
Heston is the last of the kids birthdays and even my dad manages to have a birthday on 3/9 (right in between Josh 3/6 and Heston on 3/12)
Heston has to wait his turn and it is pure torture for him. All weekend we "pretended" he was already 5. I took him and his best friend Aiden out to play for the day. It was a beautiful day so we went to McDonald's, then to the park and then to our house to play and eat cake. They played about 4 hours together and Heston opened gifts for 3 days....He got a new DS (his died and HAD to be replaced) He also got money, Giftcards to gamestop and toys.
Yesterday I picked him up from school and he told me that I forgot to take him to Disneyworld! For a while we have talked about making the trip when Heston turns 5 but he is scared of people in costumes...so why spend the money when he is going to be scared? We are planning to go one day, just not yet.

Happenings

Well the kids went to the dentist last week and NO cavities were found! Yeah! An infection in Kate's gum was found by her orthodontist on 2/13. The long short of it is: if the infection doesn't go away soon, then we will have to take out her appliance and essentially start over. So we started praying! Her Dr. told me what to do in order (to try) to get rid of the infection, steps which we followed faithfully. Since her Dentist apt was the next Monday, he called her Dr. and asked him to clean it good and check it out. So Monday 2/20 Dr. Rowe decided to put her on an antibiotic and again, told me what to do at home. Today, 2/27 we go back to the orthodontist to see if the infection is gone, and if not, what we should do about it. I do believe it is a lot better and am optimistic that we will be ok.

On another note, Katelyn's teacher has been out on maternity leave and just came back! She was so excited and her days at school seem to be better!

Josh has been in baseball tryouts for over a week now and hopefully soon we'll find out if he made the team. Katelyn is signed up for softball and her first practice is tomorrow 2/28.

Heston is ok too, he dreamed a lot last night and even talked in his sleep, First time ever for that! He is very ready to be 5! I can't believe my baby is about to be 5, just doesn't seem possible.

Josh is having a birthday sleep over Friday night. We plan on having pizza and cookie cake for the boys. During this time, I hope to take Kate out and have Heston spend the night with Grandsherry. Kate would too, but she has to be somewhere early on Saturday morning--girl scout cookie booth sales! Fun Fun...for her but NOT me!

Oh and one other thing, I have applied for another position within the county. It is a completely different job in juvenile court, but pays a lot more--I just want God's will, His provision and guidence--Hopefully I will know something soon!

A Little Update

Kate is just fine! I took her to the Dr. on Tuesday, Feb 7th and she ran several tests that all came back normal. While Dr. Shumaker was asking questions it came to light that she is NOT liking the substitute teacher. Her "normal" teacher has been out on maternity leave so the substitute...while it has been the same sub it still has left Kate in a bit of a funk...after telling Kate that she only had 12 school days left before Mrs. Parker comes back she perked up. She also complained about her group table and how one boy in particular was really bothering her. I talked to her teacher and she moved Kate to a new group, since then, she has been oh so much better! We signed Kate up for softball last weekend and hopes she enjoys it this time as much as last fall.

Heston has been a little under the weather with some congestion and cough. He did run a low grade fever on Friday, but it didn't slow him down any. We can't get Heston to committ to playing sports this spring - he loves soccer and we might sign him up whether he wants to or not.

Josh and Jon went to the ballfields yesterday in hopes to prepare Josh for middle school baseball try-outs soon. He went to a pitching practice and caught for the pitchers and did really good! We are hopeful he'll make the team. If not, then he will play rec ball.

Jon and I are going to a marriage seminar this weekend and have a full day Sunday with church, a surprise party for a friend and girl scout stuff with Kate. Cookies are supposed to come in this week too, so I am sure I will be busy with that too.

Kate goes to the orthodondist today just for a check up and ALL the kids go to the dentist on Monday (2/20) for check-ups and cleanings. Pray we have no cavities!

We are supposed to get a little snow tonight so I do expect schools to be delayed or cancelled tomorrow. We'll see. It has been a very mild winter here and the kids are really hoping for some snow.

Busy Busy

Well we have been busy since the new year started. Katelyn and Josh both made honor roll this last 9 weeks and overall, we have been taking it easy. Katelyn is the only child in an activity right now, and that is piano. We will be taking a break in March from that since her piano teacher is having a baby.

Katelyn and Heston have both been sick. Katelyn started complaining of a stomach ache about 3 weeks ago, about a week and a half ago, I had to take her to the er because she had a headache, was throwing up and her tummy hurt (on the right side). After consulting a nurse from her Doctor's office, they told me to get her to the er. After 4 hours there, they ruled it a stomach bug, but told me to get her back if any more pain came within the next 48 hours. Luckily, she did improve and we left it at that. Then, by Sunday night (1/29) Heston was throwing up! this lasted about 24 hours, with a once a day throw up til Thursday! I thought we were over it when, today the school nurse at Kate's school called me to say she thought she has strep throat! We have a Dr. Apt in the morning. She did complain yesterday, of a headache and feeling like she needed to pee-pee but not being able to. This morning she woke up and said that her throat hurt, I sent her to school anyway, only to be called by the nurse by noon :(

To top it all off, Jon and I have been under the weather too, us with the respiratory stuff. We've been coughing, sneezing and had stuffy noses, but we both seem to be doing much better!

We are gearing up for ball season...Katelyn to do softball, Josh baseball and Heston can't make up his mind, so maybe nothing for him til fall baseball!

Katelyn turned 7 on Saturday, as you all know. She had a good birthday, and a special THANK YOU for your cards, calls and presents. On Friday night, Jon took her on a special father/daughter date -they went to eat, then bowling and finally out for ice cream-they had fun!On Saturday, I took her and her friend, Grace to get manicures, then to McDonald's to eat, then to Hobby Lobby for some shopping. They both had a great time. I can't believe she is 7--how time flies. (will keep you posted on what the Dr. Says about Kate)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

Just wanted to take a second to wish everyone a happy new year and to thank you all for making our Christmas so much better with your visits! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the fun and gifts we received this Christmas. It took me a week to find new homes for all the kids' new things!
We still have several days before the kids start back to school so they have had plenty of time to play with all their new gadgets!
On Sunday, Jon and I sat down and made some new years resolutions. I am keeping my list in our family's home management notebook-go ahead laugh at me for having one, but it seriously is a lifesaver for this busy mom!
This year is going to come with some new adventures...the big one being---HESTON going to kindergarten! We are excited, yet a little sad that the baby is just about ready for school. With the savings we will have once he officially is out of full time daycare we hope to do LOTS more traveling--we hope to get to Texas (more cowboys games and rangers games and Fort Worth Zoo going-- and we hope to get to take the kids to Disney - . We are excited about everything 2012 will have to offer us....
We hope you take a second and think about what you want to do this year. Any Resolutions?
Time is really flying by and this year I am going to do my best to remember the kids are only little once and I want them to have the best memories possible - I want to be in their everyday memory making-not on the sidelines doing the dishes! Just a thought for 2012! I hope to get our christmas pictures onto a CD soon so I can post some pictures for you all! Until next time!