The Jenkins Family

Bulldog Basketball

2012-01-14T16:32:00.000-05:00

Carter's basketball team. The Bulldogs are looking good.

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-25T21:13:00.001-05:00

After our morning at home opening gifts then having breakfast, we headed to MD.

Chaos, fun, family and food...nothing else can describe it.

I got a look from Luke like this because...

I told them to stop doing this...wrestling...

Finish it off with birthday cakes for Jesus (made by Grammy)!

Christmas Morning

2011-12-25T09:07:00.001-05:00

No sleeping in at this house...not even waiting for the sun to rise. Up and ready at 6:30, breakfast in the oven and boys ready to start Christmas day.

The big gift this year...Ipod Touch (I spent a little time setting them up and downloading games), they were thrilled!

They also purchased gifts for each other (with gift cards they got for their birthdays).

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-24T21:58:00.002-05:00

I think we now have a tradition...Christmas Eve with Jeremy's family. We have been able to all be together for several Christmas Eves in a row...which makes it a tradition now, right?

We sing and celebrate. The boys love being with their cousins.

This year a special gift for their Great-Grandma Sommerfeld.

And of course Aunt Janine (who seems to be helping with a lot of the pictures to get the boys to smile...which means they get too silly. can you tell?) with Great Grandpa and Grandma Jenkins.

And of course some sweet Brayden moments.

Carter's Duck

2011-12-24T13:32:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve morning. Jeremy, Carter and Luke (along with more guys) went on a hunt for birds.
Carter shot his first duck. He was thrilled (and he continues to tell the story).

Luke was there to make it fun. Adding the final picture of the the ducks kissing.

Later that night, the duck was grilled as part of Christmas Eve dinner...

Zoo Lights

2011-12-23T22:36:00.003-05:00

Headed downtown to the National Zoo for Zoo Lights.
The Zoo is covered in Christmas lights, filled with goodies and the animals.

Free bags, glows necklaces, cokes, etc. See the animals, gingerbread houses, watch the Christmas Lights show with music, a dancing panda in a snow globe, train ride around the tigers and lions. Fun for all.

Christmas Deliveries

2011-12-19T20:21:00.001-05:00

Loading up and heading out to deliver presents in the neighborhood. They love doing this...

Sing and Wrestle

2011-12-18T20:18:00.001-05:00

Sunday morning Carter in the Children's choir.

While Luke is wrestling.

Christmas Time

2011-12-17T20:12:00.000-05:00

A little Christmas before my brother and his wife head out of town. Lots of food and chaos.

Just call him a Wrestler

2011-12-11T19:58:00.000-05:00

Luke that is. He is now officially a wrestler after his first ever wrestling meet.
Three matches. He did not win but he was tough, really getting control in a lot of the periods.

Luke's 1st Wrestling Match from Carrie Jenkins on Vimeo.
Video done by Carter...watch and he does some tricks and commentating.

He was exhausted after each match, even a little tears (from putting it all out there). We are so proud of him for trying sooo hard.

Drive-Thru Nativity

2011-12-10T19:45:00.001-05:00

A cold winter night. The boys and I head out to a live drive through nativity.

We popped lots of popcorn, bagged up some candy, made some yummy hot chocolate and loaded into the car. About an hour wait to make it in but it was fun, we listened to Christmas music and ate snacks.

Once we made it to the top of the hill, we were greeted (from someone of Biblical times) and enter the gates to Bethlehem. Once inside we watched a dozen or so, different live scenes, depicting the Christmas story. We would pull in front of each scene and watch them act it out.

We took turns reading the Bible verses, telling each other what we knew about that first Christmas.

There were also live animals there (donkeys, goats, camels. etc.). Which sparked a particular conversation:
Carter, "Why is donkey a bad word?"
Carrie, "Do you mean the word they use in the Bible for donkey?"
Carter, "Yes, you know the a**."
Carrie (trying not to chuckle), "Yes that is a bad word because of they way people use it."
Luke (just catching on), "Yeah, can we use that word?"
Carrie, "No."
Oh there was still more to that conversation...

Basketball season for Carter

2011-12-10T13:42:00.001-05:00

Basketball games have started for Carter.

New to this league this year (Western Loudoun).

Jump for Luke

2011-12-05T21:34:00.000-05:00

Luke's 7th Birthday Party.

At Rebounderz...an indoor trampoline facility. The kids bounced and bounced; such a fun place. Foam pit to jump into, trampolines on the walls to bounce off of and balls for a little dogdeball while bouncing to fun music.

They were a hot and sweaty after an hour of jumping. Then pizza, cake and arcade.

Bowling for fun

2011-11-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

The day after Thanksgiving was a day for a little bowling.

Jeremy and Carter did pretty well. Carrie and Luke...not so much (Luke was NOT happy with his low scores).

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T19:47:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving at Great-Grandpa, Great-Grandma and Aunt Janine's house.

There was food and fun.

Carter and Papa were handling the dishes (pretty sure Papa was sharing some grand story with Carter). Brayden was hanging out.

While Luke was learning all about Fantasy Football (he was glued).

We tried to get Brayden to smile.

Aunt Janine, Carter and Luke were acting crazy and laughing so hard...yes the picture is blurry they were that crazy (and I have video).

We had family trying to get everyone to smile...being silly.

Elder William Brewster

2011-11-18T19:31:00.001-05:00

The third grade classes of Waterford elementary invited family to a trip on the Mayflower and to take part in the first Thanksgiving.

First the students invited the parents outside for the Mayflower. Seats for the family to "come aboard" and the students in a large V to help with the shape of the boat. The students recited a skit about the troubles of traveling oversees back in the day.

After the boat trip, we headed inside where the students greeted the families and escorted them to their place setting. Then we were treated to a play about those early settlers and first Thanksgiving. Carter was Elder William Brewster.

We feasted on a real Thanksgiving dinner, complete with all the fixings, that the students prepared during the week (only the turkey was done by parents at home). Carter was the most excited about the pumpkin pie they made.

At the conclusion of the dinner, we watched a video. The students made pictures and talked about what they were thankful for and the teachers told a little bit about each students. Super cute video and quite a production to make a very special day.

Map it - Luke

2011-11-15T19:25:00.000-05:00

For American education week, the first grade classes of Waterford (the whole 2 classes) invite the parents into the classroom to create a map of the child's room.

The night before Luke and I searched the house for some good objects to create his room. He had to include superhero stickers since his room has superheros around for decorating.

He loved the glue, he was pretty meticulous in deciding where everything needed to be placed. Of course, he thought his map was the best.

Did anyone know it was hunting season?

2011-11-12T15:19:00.000-05:00

Yikes.

Staying up Late

2011-11-11T08:42:00.000-05:00

Was a good idea but no one followed through.

I think it was only 9:00 p.m.

Port Discovery

2011-11-08T17:52:00.001-05:00

A couple of days off from school. We head to Baltimore Inner Harbor for Port Discovery Children's Museum.

Oh it was fun. A water room, store with working registers and scale, gas station, soccer field, art room, PBS room for singing, diner, and the best thing a three-story tree house with tunnels, slides, rock-walls, ropes, etc.

Hours of fun, then headed to lunch at Hard Rock Cafe.

When it gets too quiet

2011-11-07T18:55:00.000-05:00

You know something is up. A beautiful fall day, Carter and Luke were outside for hours. After few hours, I realized that I had not heard from them. They usually come in and out looking for food, drinks and things for project/game.

I found out what they were doing. A special needs jogger stroller is being stored in our barn (in the back of our property). The stroller is large, too big for Brayden at the moment, about the size for a large child.

At some point, the boys thought it would be a great idea to push each other, and then the dog, down the hill in the special needs jogger. The hill in our backyard is a steep hill. Some how they convinced the dog over and over again to go for a ride.

Telling the dog to load, pushing/running down the hill and the dog bailing at the bottom.

I missed some the best rides, I was running in to get the cameras.
But it looks like the dog might be going sledding this year...

Football Season 2011

2011-11-06T17:49:00.001-05:00

Halloween is best at Masquerade in the Village

2011-11-01T10:24:00.000-04:00

Waterford does Halloween like no other place. The little historic village of Waterford is decorated and filled with candy (no one trick or treats in their neighborhood, everyone donates candy to the village). Probably one of the most anticipated events in Waterford.

Carter was Darth Vader.

Luke was Obe Wan Kenobi (could not find a Luke Skywalker in time).

Brayden was Yoda.

The elementary school decorates several houses, this year based upon story books:

K - Splat the Cat

1st - Magic Tree House, which is Luke's grade a probably some of Carter and Luke's favorite books have been Magic Tree House.

2nd - Skippyjon Jones

3rd - Sisters Grimm, Carter's grade

4th - Gregor the Overlander

5th - Septimus Heap

Those houses decorated by the grades of WES are amongst other houses that have a little movie theater showing old Halloween cartoons, Harry Potter, smoke machines, etc. For the fun this year, Mimi, Papa and Grammy joined us for the fun!

The big deal of the night, Luke's pumpkin won Best of Show! He was thrilled, he printed out a picture and carried it with him to school...would not put it in his backpack he was going to carry the picture for all to see.

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-31T15:25:00.000-04:00

Looking through some pumpkin carving ideas on line, this is what Carter and Luke decided on (I had to deter them away from super gross things). Then we drop them off at school for the carving contest and they use them to decorate the village of Waterford for Halloween.

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-29T21:26:00.000-04:00

A good time of Trunk or Treat at our church. Braving the snow (4-6 inches) but as we headed farther away from Waterford the less and less snow there was on the ground.

Even though the festivities were moved inside the boys still had fun (as Star Wars).

Snow for Halloween

2011-10-29T12:10:00.004-04:00

Snowing outside. Lots. Warm and cozy inside. Making a Haunted cookie House.

Fire going. Dog hoping for any dropped pieces because she did not want to go outside in the snow (we got about 4-6 inches of snow!).

Carter's Circus

2011-10-10T21:01:00.000-04:00

What present to get a boy that is turning 9 years old? Tickets to the circus!
A day with mommy, Carter, Luke and Brayden. Lunch (with soda!) and to the circus.

Had to have some lights and treats. Cotton candy for Carter and mommy. Popcorn for Luke.

Carter's Laser 9th

2011-10-08T22:09:00.002-04:00

Carter is 9 years old.
He hosted his friends to a party of laser tag. We headed out to the Jenkins Farm.

Non-stop action. Non-stop.

Carter had a wonderful time with his friends.

Footbal Season Continues

2011-10-01T13:56:00.001-04:00

It has been a rainy football season. Lots of practices canceled, several games in the rain, and they keep on going and having fun.

Jeremy, the coach. Luke, number 21. (And by the way, I never seem to get a picture of my child carrying the ball, I get too excited)

Carter, number 87.

Alberta 2011

2011-09-14T13:53:00.002-04:00

Jeremy's annual bird hunting trip to Alberta, Canada.
Success.

Family Fun Day

2011-09-04T22:06:00.001-04:00

A day, just the five of us, having fun at a local play zone.

Off to the races. Carter was old enough to drive his car (possibly the slowest cars ever for the kids). Luke joined Jeremy for the fast ride.

Then to a little roller coaster...a rough ride.

Finish it off with the ropes course. Carter went through it with ease, in fact just hanging from things for fun. Luke was not convinced it would be fun, still he tried it.

First Day of School 2011

2011-08-29T12:35:00.002-04:00

Carter in 3rd. He is ready for school. Ready to learn. He said he is looking forward to recess and math.

Luke in 1st. Luke is thrilled to be at school all day...a big step up from half day kindergarten. He is excited to have all the specials, PE, music, art, Spanish, etc. He is most excited for PE, he picked out shoes just for it.

Both Carter and Luke were buying lunch for the first day of school. Luke was nervous about his first time and asked Carter many times how it all worked.

Brayden in preschool. He knows he was heading to school.

First Game of the Season

2011-08-27T13:13:00.000-04:00

Luke's (and Jeremy's) first game of the season under the lights on Friday night. They won! Luke #21.

Carter's game, on a full field, all the rules, all the special teams, etc. It was real football. Unfortunately, the team did not win. Carter #87.

Jeremy did the announcing from the booth.

Luke and Brayden for the cheering section. Luke happy with snacks, Brayden just not happy (so he and I left, thus not many pictures).

School Open House

2011-08-26T14:12:00.000-04:00

Carter and Luke's open house at Waterford Elementary.

Carter wanted to walk in by himself. Luke wanted to walk in by himself. I had to reassure them that this was a time for the parents to meet the teachers too.

All of their gear is ready to go. Friends in their classes and they like their teachers.

Brayden's open house the following day. Not too thrilled with school yet but he will get there!

Football Fest 2011

2011-08-20T17:56:00.000-04:00

Football Season has started. Practice started August 1.
First big thing of the season is Football Fest. A day of scrimmages and food.

Luke's team is the Eagles - D league, #21. Jeremy coaches.

Luke plays with his cousin. Several times after a play you could find them like this:
Apparently, some serious game talk.

Carter's team is the Huskies - C league, #87.

Brayden was there...thrilled for football.

Luray Caverns

2011-08-17T19:39:00.000-04:00

Off for an adventure to Luray Caverns, with our friends the Olivers!

A stop on the road for Brayden's seizure...a stop for Starbucks (the kids got some too) and we finally made it.

Before the caverns we dashed (and I mean the kids ran and the mommies trailed behind, sometimes the kids running back to guide us) through the garden maze. Four stops to get four stamps. I think they did it in record time.

All of the kids were fascinated with the caverns. They stayed right next to the guide the entire time, listening and looking so intently. You could here them with some Ooos, Ahhs, and cool!

Brayden enjoyed the quiet and darkness of the caverns. He rode a long wheelchair lift down and up the flight of stairs to get in and out of the caverns...made my palms sweat a bit.

Concert in the Park

2011-08-12T19:26:00.001-04:00

We headed to Frederick, MD for the day. The lovely Baker Park has children's concerts and activities in the summer.

The boys enjoyed the playground.

Then the concert...dancing and joining the long conga line.

Then there were games and prizes.

A picnic. Then we headed to the dollar theater to see Cars 2.

Go Blue

2011-07-29T17:24:00.002-04:00

Smurfs that is. A brand new movie theater, the new Smurfs movies, with friends. Fun.

That morning, Luke decided to go blue for the Smurfs movie.

The kids did find out (thankfully after the movie) that this theater has special tickets/theater rooms with chairs that move with the movie. The theater entices you by providing a sample experience in the lobby.

The Slide Pool

2011-07-28T17:07:00.004-04:00

This pool was what Luke has been waiting for all summer. Last summer he was not tall enough to go down the slides or do some of the activities at the pool.
Well this summer...

He went up and down, up and down, up and down, climbing the big set of stairs to go down the BIG slides and Carter joined him.

Then he headed over the lily pad crossing, this year he could reach the ropes. First Carter showed him the ropes.

They played in the pool, so did Brayden and of course we all did the lazy river. Brayden loves to be anywhere around water.

Fun was had by all, especially Luke...it was a big day for him, he was so excited.

Loudoun Fair with Friends

2011-07-27T16:31:00.001-04:00

Several Waterford families headed to the Loudoun County fair for Kids Day.
Three hours, only three shows, one game, yummy treats...we never even made it to the rides or animals.
The first show was Fire Safety, then they got to "practice" going through a smoke filled hours. One fabulous Waterford mom purchased fire hats for the boys.

Next onto the animal show. Mouths hanging open looking at the massive iguana. But before, they had to have a snow cone.

Last was a BMX show, Luke requested only flips.

We did hit up one game and we each picked out a snack. Popcorn for the boys, cotton candy for mommy.

Brayden was there showing his support of farming with his John Deer t-shirt.

VBS - Big Apple Adventure

2011-07-22T21:44:00.001-04:00

Our church was transformed into New York City for Vacation Bible School for 300-400 children. Carter and Luke were thrilled. The lobby was Grand Central Station. Tickets booths to sign in. Roads laid down. Street signs. The City on stage. Even that orange fencing. Snacks were NYC street food like pizza and soft pretzels. Kids even got a caricature drawing done of themselves. Lots of great songs. A concert from Us2 (fake rock stars but real to the kids). Luke was thrilled for his first ever concert! The kids got t-shirts, like I ♥ NY but instead said I ♥ VBS. No detail was left out. Carter and Luke has so much fun and were sad for the week to come to end. Most importantly, they learned wonderful songs, Bible lessons and verses...very enthusiastically.

Football Camp

2011-07-21T21:56:00.001-04:00

Football Camp, this week in the evening. The camp for their football league.

Luke is thrilled to finally be in a tackle league.

Zoo with New Friends/Old Friends

2011-07-18T10:44:00.001-04:00

Oh those college days...
We had a little visit from some college friends, the Formans with their three children during their epic road trip. We headed to the National Zoo in Washington, DC for the day.

Then back to the house to play in the pool, dinner, ice cream and even some late night fireworks. Carter and Luke were thrilled to have these new friends (although they claim to remember them from a trip a few years ago). Once kids were in bed, we spent hours sitting around the table laughing and sharing stories...which became more entertaining the later it got.

Pool is fun!

2011-07-13T18:53:00.000-04:00

Well, we are now the proud owners of a pool. A pool in our backyard. Ask us if we like it...well ask after the trauma of having it built is long in the past.

The boys are enjoying the pool. Non-stop action.

The first weekend we could swim in pool became interesting...

First we had a massive storm hit the area...not to mention our pool, that we cannot vacuum yet. So we, by hand and brush, picked out many, many branches, twigs and leaves. Surrounding the pool deck is still mud since landscaping has not happened quite yet, thus lovely Loudoun clay has washed upon our new pool deck and into the pool.

After all the cleaning, the boys rode their ATVs around in the backyard. Having fun but we know to watch Luke. However we did not watch Luke close enough because he ran into the new fence...brand new pool fence, taken out by Luke on his ATV.

We did talk to him about riding safely. He told us, he has already, "fallen off the ATV some but it is okay because I roll away a couple of times and I am fine." Oh boy...

Back to the pool. We are slowly getting to the stage of fully enjoying it. Oh and the dog sneaks in a swim...and will not get out. The dog has not been allowed in the pool or inside the pool gate but on hot days if the boys (Luke really) does not close the gate fast enough, in comes Gander, down the stairs of the pool paddling away.

Garden Time

2011-07-05T18:55:00.001-04:00

Our garden is growing. Carter and Luke are picking and picking...more vegetables then we know what to do with but they are enjoying it.

Fourth of July weekend

2011-07-04T21:59:00.014-04:00

A nice low key weekend (in between the thunderstorms).

Fishing with some friends and playing at the farm.

Fireworks at home (some we picked up when in South Carolina).

Mrytle Beach 2011 - Fun in the Sun

2011-07-01T22:59:00.000-04:00

The boys all did wonderful on the trip. They really loved swimming in the ocean and the pool, made friends, had fun at dinner and all activities...we were tired! Luke declared it, "The BEST!"

Did not like sunscreen or too much sand in their eyes.

Made up games on the beach...made circles in the sand, land the shovel in certain circles for points.

I am sure we will be back.

Myrtle Beach 2011 - Night Activities

2011-07-01T22:26:00.000-04:00

Carter and Luke love a good round of Putt-Putt. Well Myrtle Beach has plenty of place to go.

Carter would concentrate on each putt. Luke would concentrate when he felt like it...shouting out his score when it was good, with fingers in the air...when a bad score not much said from him. Everyone competitive.

Carter and Luke got hole-in-ones.

Of course we had to hit up the go-kart racing. Luke was one of the first ones out of the gate (his first time being big enough to drive by himself)...he looked like a pro but he did take someone out on the track, he said they just were in his way. Carter grinned the entire race, cautiously taking the turns. Jeremy was trying to beat both of them.

Myrtle Beach 2011 - Dinner

2011-07-01T22:12:00.003-04:00

As on most of our vacations, going out for dinner is a must.
In Myrtle Beach there are just so many options.
We did a Japanese Steakhouse (Carter and Luke want this to become a place we regularly visit).

Mexican

Dinner Show. The new Pirates Voyage. So much food that no could finish. Before dinner activities with singing, dancing and tattoos.

Myrtle Beach 2011 - at the Pool

2011-07-01T21:58:00.001-04:00

Where we stay had a large pool, lazy river and games for the kids. We spent most mornings at the beach and a couple of hours in the afternoon at the pool.

Fun in the pool.

Fun with games. Carter participating in the dancing (i.e. Electric Slide and more)

Myrtle Beach 2011 - At the Beach

2011-07-01T21:46:00.003-04:00

Great-Grandpa at the Beach...That is his official name given by Carter and Luke. We went to visit Great-Grandpa at the Beach.

Oh was it a busy time. Lots of time on the beach. Carter and Luke catching waves, swimming all over the place and playing the sand.

Grampy

2011-06-24T20:19:00.003-04:00

We said a temporary goodbye to my Grampy. After a life well lived, he is now home with the Lord.

A lovely church service in the evening and the following morning a grave side service. I spoke at the church service, along with several others in the family. Carter read the Beatitudes by the grave side. The grave side service was breath taking. Grampy served in the army so the flag ceremony and taps were done. Then a friend of the family played the bag pipes, standing under a cross. It was beautiful.

Below is what I shared at the church service.

I am the oldest of John’s three grandchildren. We call him Grampy.

Having a parents that are both only children comes with its certain qualities. One of which is that our family is very small. I did not realize this until a school assignment that required us to draw out our family tree of three generations. I finished mine in a half an hour while others spent hours. Up until that moment it did not occur to me what a unique family structure we had…it was just us. Holidays, actually all fitting around the dining room table. Quality time with each other. Quality time with our grandparents.

I knew Grampy as the cool grandfather that rode motorcycles, had a motor home, traveled with Grammy and enjoyed gospel music. My gentle caring Grampy loved us deeply. Being the only grandchildren, we did not lack from attention and love.

Rumor has it that Grampy was my first date but apparently not the best date because I fell asleep on the way home. Of course I was a little girl and perhaps the date was so exciting that I does off in the car, spending quality time with my Grampy.

Over the years we traveled to Indiana to visit and they to Maryland. And always saw them at Word of Life in the summer. When I was in college in Indiana, he came to our tennis matches and cheered us on. Always there looking dapper with a genuine smile.

During one college break, I stayed Grampy and Grammy. That weekend, Grampy gave me a little book, The Bible Promise Book. He wrote inside, “To Carrie from Grampy on his 70th birthday. Read it and enjoy every word.”

Last week, I was driving home with my three boys moments after a rain storm. My middle child declared, “A rainbow! I can see all the colors!” The older shouted, “I can see the beginning and the end!” This rainbow was magnificent, so bright you felt as though you could touch it. A rainbow that we could see the beginning arching all the way to an end.

I immediately thought about God’s promises and Grampy. Last week we had all been waiting, anxiously awaiting the phone call about Grampy. As I gazed upon this rainbow, it was a vibrant reminder of Grampy’s legacy. There was a beginning and end to his life here on earth but radiating with the promises of God.

As soon as I got home, I pulled out the little book Grampy gave me. I closed the doors to the study, plopped in the chair with a deep sigh and started to read.

Two verses immediately grabbed my attention.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73:26

“We do not lose heart. Even though our outward man in perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For out light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor 4:16-18

Promises that Grampy lived by, passed on to the generations and is now celebrating with his Lord and Savior.

All Star Tournament

2011-06-18T20:12:00.003-04:00

Carter tried out for a U8 All Star Program for our county. Over 110 players tried out and only 30 made it...Carter made it!

The program was in addition to the regular soccer season. The All Stars practiced and played in a tournament. Carter played really well...in control and great at defense...even got a goal.

Retirement for Great-Grandpa

2011-06-17T20:15:00.000-04:00

At huge party thrown in honor of Great-Grandpa Jenkins' retirement, at the age of 87.

At the farm for lots of fun and food.

Brayden even got in on the action with a horse ride (although not too thrilled with the helmet).

Last Day of School 2011

2011-06-16T17:07:00.000-04:00

The last day of school! Carter is done with 2nd grade, Luke conquered kindergarten and Brayden checked off one more year of preschool.

We had to start the day with a special breakfast (healthy things too).

Then onto to school for the final day Carnival. Lots of games and treats...even get to toss pies at school staff and dunk teachers!

What a wonderful school year. All the boys had wonderful teachers, that I adore. The boys did great in school. Luke's reading has taken off and he is enjoying it. Carter's math skills are amazing. They both worked hard and it worked! Got off the school bus for the last time as my little kindergartner and 2nd grader...from a great school year.

Party Like Kindergartners

2011-06-16T16:36:00.001-04:00

One night a party for all the kindergartners (only two classes at our little Waterford Elementary) at Pump it Up...a place filled with moon bounces!

Then morning of the last day of school, the afternooners (aka p.m. kindergarten) gather to play and eat before all getting on the bus together.

What a sweet group of kids! Their tiny little voices, silly imagination and carefree ways are so precious. Oh, how I will miss having Luke at home in the morning.

Those Jenkins' Fish Tales

2011-06-12T23:55:00.000-04:00

We went fishing at the farm.

First a little cook-out at the adorable historic farm house, then head to the pond.

Reeled in A LOT of fish. Carter caught the first big one.

Luke got a couple of big ones but the line broke (I guess it was big) and lots of little ones. And he was reeling it in with his newly healed arm...he was pleased.

Carrie even caught one. The fish tale about this one was that as I was reeling a little fish in, a big bass tried to eat the it...almost caught two fish!

Brayden was supervising.

Field Day 2011

2011-06-10T16:01:00.002-04:00

The boys had field day at their school Waterford Elementary. One of the local high schools sent lots of students over to led the games...all seemed to be water games.

Luke is afternoon kindergarten but on field day went in the morning. Both a.m. and p.m. classes together, first finishing their African masks.

Then on to Field Day activities.

Carter was soaking wet after the first game. This game he had to sit on a sponge to squeeze out the water, so the team could empty out as much water as possible from their bucket.

Hot Day, Cool Floor

2011-06-08T15:51:00.003-04:00

Hot, hot days. Heat index over 100 degrees.
I come out of a room upstairs and look downstairs to find these two.

Apparently the coolest place to be.

Cast off, Brace on for Luke

2011-06-07T14:25:00.000-04:00

Luke's cast came off this morning. He was nervous about the appointment, concerned about how they cut off the cast. He made sure Jeremy could come too.

A few x-rays and things have been healing nicely.

The cast was removed. Yes, it was dirty inside...dirt, pieces of leaves (perhaps from the recent camping at the lake), and it smelled.

I think he thought his arm would immediately feel better and he could use it right away. His arm was very tender and was not feeling great, he seemed concerned that he could not use it yet. He will have a brace on for about two weeks which he can take off to sleep and shower...we like clean.

I dropped him off at school with orders from the doctor to lay low, no sports or craziness, stay off the arm for a bit longer.

Spring Soccer 2011

2011-06-04T20:25:00.002-04:00

Soccer season came to a close for Carter and Luke's spring teams (Carter still has some All-Star practices and tournaments). The season came to a close with one of the longest Saturdays we have had.

8:00 a.m. Luke's Game

11:30 a.m. Carter's Game

2:30 p.m. Luke's Game

4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Carter had 3 small games

Luke played up with 1st graders and did well, several goals throughout the season (although the cast seemed to make him cautious).

Carter has been playing great, lots of control and ball skills, goals and really understanding the game.

Jeremy coached Carter's team (and yes your can see him the pictures instructing/coaching/yelling at the kids)

First Science Fair

2011-05-27T16:06:00.001-04:00

Carter came home a couple of weeks ago with the packet for his first science fair. We looked through dozens of websites for ideas, printed out top favorites and he eventually selected the Diet Coke Explosion.

Find out which candy makes diet coke explode. Carter selected several candies to try (with Luke's input, some based on which ones they like to eat). It was decided to try: Smarties, Sour Patch Kids, M&Ms, Reese's Pieces, Mentos and Skittles.

Carter set up his Scientific Method, hypothesizing that Smarties would explode the most. But Mentos creates as massive explosion, shooting up into the air.

Carter then had to create his board for the science fair. He carefully typed out each piece for his board (oh it was soooo slow and I had a lot of self control not to just do it for him). He created a graph which I did replicate on the computer for him. He worked hard and glued the pieces on.

Science fair day and all the school came to view the projects.

Carter received an A for his first ever science fair project.

A Hot May Day

2011-05-21T15:55:00.000-04:00

What to do when the weather outside is an unbearable 100 degrees and it is only May?

The boys dug out the wonderful Christmas toys (really annoying singing things that their great-grandfather keeps giving them). Line them up one by one, play the songs and dance crazy. After a couple of dances it was requested for their show to only appear in the basement.

Luke has his cast

2011-05-13T16:16:00.000-04:00

Luke has his first cast. He was incredibly nervous before the orthopedist appointment, I think he was worried about them hurting him. The orthopedist carefully unwrapped the temporary splint, poked around a bit, looked at the x-rays. Luke broke both bones in his forearm, between the wrist and the growth plate. One break, in the radius, was all the way through and the other almost all the way through in the ulna.

Luke selected his cast color to be blue. Once the cast was on, he let out a big sigh of relief.

Then we headed to school where his kindergarten class signed his cast. After school he had some treats waiting for him from a sweet friend from church and others in the neighborhood...he was spoiled.

Luke's break

2011-05-11T15:15:00.000-04:00

After school, the boys on the street have been playing outside in the great weather. It was a day to play dodgeball. They were setting up a dodgeball court in our driveway. While they were waiting for a car to be moved (so the car was not collateral damage in the game), they decided to be silly and play duck-duck-goose. It was Luke's turn, he tagged someone, ran around the circle and dove right into a spot. I was standing in the driveway watching them. Luke immediately popped up and said, "It is broke!" He has never broken anything before and he has certainly never declared that he broke something (at least not on his body). His left hand was limp and started to swell. He immediately went inside, not crying much, but wanted to go to bed. He was not acting right and could not/would not move his hand.

We decided to take him to the ER. He was brave and recounted the story of what happened to anyone who asked. Some x-rays and it was easy to see he broke his arm, just above his wrist, in two places.

Right now his has a temporary splint and sling until he sees the orthopedist for a more permanent caste.

AWANA Awards

2011-05-08T21:39:00.001-04:00

Carter and Luke finished up their AWANA program for the year. Jeremy was a leader in Luke's age group. The boys both finished their books, review, a review book and additional memorization of full chapters in the Bible. They were called up on stage and even their ribbons, plaque and certificates.

Even Great-Grandpa, Great-Grandma and Aunt Janine came to cheer them on.

To celebrate their hard work, which has become a tradition, they are treated to ice cream with Jeremy's parents.

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T14:34:00.000-04:00

Saturday night with Jeremy's side of the family. The boys and their cousins are always so good together. The rocks entertained for quite some time.

The Sunday was the five of us, trying to enjoy the day despite Brayden being pretty miserable.

It's like a Zoo!

2011-05-06T17:30:00.001-04:00

Carter's class had a field trip to a local area zoo. I was a chaperone.

Hatteras Style

2011-05-05T15:22:00.000-04:00

Our crew has made it into a publication. Perhaps you were browsing the local Outer Banks magazine and came across the Hatteras Style from Surf or Sound Realty. Open it up and you will find a little article about our fishing trip last year.

After our fishing trip last year, I emailed the boat's captain, sent some pictures and thanked him for a great time. This is what came of that email.

Soccer Season

2011-04-30T15:51:00.002-04:00

Soccer officially started several weeks ago but with the heavy amount of rain, we have not seen the soccer field much this season.

Jeremy coaches Carter's team for the first time not all in Waterford.

Luke is playing on his own team for the first time (he had been playing up with Carter's team) as a kindergartner on a first grade team. Any worries about Luke adjusting quickly went away as he scored two goals...with a victory fist pump and flying, after each goal.

Tooth pulling at school

2011-04-27T15:37:00.006-04:00

We have been working and working on pulling Luke's other big tooth.

When Luke was just a tot, about 2 years old, he fell going up the stairs (not uncommon for him), blood gushing and all. He rushed him to the doctor then to the dentist. At first alarmed that his baby tooth was no where to be found, and after x-rays, the dentist discovered that the baby tooth was jammed back up into the gums. About a year later, that baby tooth made its way back out. A couple of years after that we have been curious as to how it would all play out once the big tooth needed to come.

That baby tooth was holding on like none other and the big tooth was pushing out behind it. Jeremy tried to pull it. Carrie tried to pull it. Carter tried to pull it. Luke tried to pull it. Luke brushed his teeth 10 times day and night in hopes it would help it come out.

One day after school, Luke comes running up with a huge hole in his mouth. He declares that another teacher pulled it out! He was told that a 3rd grade teacher was the best tooth puller around. Luke got to choose two friends to accompany him to the 3rd grade classroom. In front of the third grade class, the teacher pulled out Luke's tooth. Then Luke received a certificate and an envelope with the tooth for the tooth fairy.

I don't think he will let anyone else ever pull his teeth other than that teach. Between the teacher and the special treatment, it made tooth pulling quite exciting.

He was so grateful that he made a card for the tooth fairy and the teacher.

Nuts the Musical

2011-04-26T21:12:00.014-04:00

Waterford Elementary K-2nd graders put on a musical. This year, it was Nuts!

Carter was cast as the Walnut. He did great, worked on his lines and did it all with confidence in front of a full auditorium.

Luke as a supporting role as grass in the woodlands (along with all other K and 1st graders).

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T20:32:00.000-04:00

A day of just the five of us.
Off to church. Then to lunch.

Come home for an Easter egg hunt. Carter announcing each egg he found, while Luke was a bit more stelth, spotting an egg then quickly and quietly gathering as many as he could.

Finish the day with decorating Easter eggs.

A big tooth gone

2011-04-21T14:03:00.007-04:00

Luke pulled out one of his front teeth. The other front tooth is almost ready too. He has no problem with loose teeth. He wiggles them and pulls them out himself. If he cannot get it, he certainly lets anyone try it.

The tooth fairy came and he carried around the money in his hand for the entire day.

What do you mean Rugby?

2011-04-18T13:42:00.011-04:00

I was tending to Brayden upstairs. Carter and Luke playing in the basement. I hear Luke cry (I do not do anything else someone comes to get me...part of having boys). Then I hear Carter comforting him in the kitchen.

I made my way to the kitchen found Luke had an ice pack on his foot. I asked what happened. Here is explanation.

Luke, "Carter told me that we were going to play rugby."
Carter, "That's right. I set up the goals and everything."
Luke (half crying), "Then Carter said go, I had the ball and he tackled me hard. I thought we were going to play rugby and roll around on a rug."
Carter, "I guess Luke didn't know what rugby was."

Take me out to the Ball game

2011-04-17T19:53:00.000-04:00

A beautiful spring day at the Washington Nationals Game. 16 rows back from the Nationals dugout.

Score 8-4. 3 home runs, 3 hot dogs, 3 cotton candies, 2 bags of peanuts, 3 bags of Cracker Jacks, 2 bowls of dippin dots, lots of drinks...hours of fun.

Day in DC with Family

2011-04-04T18:56:00.001-04:00

Jeremy's cousin and family in town...so a day downtown.

A must, to stop at Georgetown Cupcakes (one of our favorite treats).

Then down to the Cherry Blossoms for a picnic and playing.

See a couple floors at the American History Museum.

Smile

2011-04-02T18:49:00.001-04:00

The First Diorama

2011-03-25T18:46:00.004-04:00

Carter created his first diorama for school, depicting a weather system. He decided to portray a flood.

Basketball season 2011

2011-03-05T16:23:00.000-05:00

Carter and Luke finished up their basketball season.

Luke did great at dribbling the ball and always taking the shot (no matter where he was). He favorite part of stealing the ball for a fast break.

Carter became a bit of a leader this year. He liked to take the ball down the court and going for the shot. Jeremy also helped by being the assitant coach of his team.

A tiny bit of snow

2011-02-22T16:20:00.000-05:00

and the boys are out to play. The dog was thrilled. The trampoline is good all year round!

Be My Valentine

2011-02-14T17:30:00.015-05:00

This morning the boys had a special breakfast and treats (no Valentine's peeps, for after school).

Then off to school for the Valentine's Day parties. Brayden and I joined their classes.

Carter was happy with his Valentine's box him made at home with the Valentine's comics from the weekend.

Finally home, spread out all of the cards, read each and assess the candy situation.

Luke's Groundhog Day

2011-02-05T17:18:00.002-05:00

I like his method. The groundhog definitely saw his shadow, bring on spring.

Carter to the Hospital

2011-02-04T13:30:00.001-05:00

Carter started feeling bad last Thursday. He vomited several times. Friday, he was feeling better. Saturday, he played basketball in the morning; on the way home he got sick. Sunday, he stayed home. Monday, he went to school and then to basketball practice. After practice he refused to eat, complained of stomach pain and started crying from the pain. Tuesday he played a bit in the morning but by the afternoon he was doubled over in pain. His stomach large and hard. He would not get out of bed for anything. We called the pediatrician, they told us to go to the ER.

At the ER, they treated him as though it could be his appendix. Blood work, an ultrasound...inconclusive so a CAT scan. Carter is miserable and crying, then forced to drink the barium for the scan. He is crying, "Daddy, pray for me. Daddy, pray for me."

He got the scan, no appendicitis but an enlarged colon. Carter was admitted to the hospital from Tuesday - Thursday. A period of time on IV fluids then onto light diet.

He had many visitors. Lots of gifts, which he showed off to the nurses. His class sent him cards, which he poured over and grinned from ear to ear as he read them all (such a sweet group of kids in his class).

Luke missed him and wanted to stay. He kicked off his shoes and crawled into bed with Carter. According to them to room had a cool bed, awesome video games and good movies. As I was unpacking Luke's backpack for the day, I found his watercolor from art. He painted the hospital bed when visited with Carter. It says "I went to see brother." (the picture will only load into the blog sideways for some reason)

Carter's enlarged colon was from an unknown cause, possibly due to an infection. He is to have minimal activity for several days and slowly introduced a normal diet. His pain is gone and wants to eat.

Luke in Camo

2011-01-29T23:45:00.000-05:00

Carter was home resting from his unexplained sickness. Luke was bouncing off the walls. Jeremy geared him up and they went geese hunting. Deep into a blind, with things to eat (Luke's favorite part of it all), they sat and watched from geese. While the big boys were talking Luke spotted geese coming in and shouted with excitement "GEESE!" just in time for them to get off some good shots.

Another snow day

2011-01-28T13:16:00.006-05:00

The snow and ice made for another day at home. Brayden was playing in his room with his nurse.

I helped Carter and Luke get into all of their snow gear. Moments after stepping outside, Carter got sick. A big vomit on the white snow of the front yard. Luke ran to the door to tell me then to the garage for a shovel; he covered the spot with snow.

Carter spent the day curled up in bed with drinks and a movie.

Luke walked up and down the street looking for kids to play with and without much success. Several of the kids were home sick too. Luke walked our street several times, pulling his sled up and down the step hill. By the time he finally arrived home for hot chocolate, his little legs were exhausted.

Snow in the dark

2011-01-26T22:28:00.000-05:00

About a foot of snow came tumbling out of the sky this evening. Heavy wet snow, the kind that is perfect to play in. Carter and Luke could not wait for the morning so they bundled up and headed outside right after dinner for a couple of hours (and I still had to tell them to come in). I could hear their excitement and laughter while I was inside the house. They launched each other down the hills, chased the dog around, climbed atop the piles of snow that Jeremy cleared from the driveway...all more fun when it was dark outside and staying up past bedtime.

More Basketball

2011-01-22T21:23:00.001-05:00

A busy weekend starting with Luke's basketball at 8:00 a.m. Followed a couple of hours later by Carter's game.

Carter started off the game with free throws, putting in the first basket of the game.

Basketball 2011

2011-01-15T14:29:00.008-05:00

Basketball season has started. Carter and Luke are playing in a league called Upward. Luke is playing with the kindergartners (it is chaotic and adorable). Today was their first game. The final score was 6 to 4. The Little Cobras, Luke's team, won.

Carter is playing with the 1st and 2nd graders...what a difference from the little Kindergartners. Carter did great rebounding, responsible for taking the ball down the court, and helping his teammates. Carter was confident and in control on the court.

Here's too more basketball games...

Carter - Student of the Week

2011-01-13T08:47:00.003-05:00

Carter is the student of the week.

Highlights for being student of the week:

Make a poster about yourself that hangs in the room - Carter sat at the computer and selected all of the photos to describe him. Then wrote little comments about them. He wrote: I play soccer, football and basketball; I have two brothers; I like to go on adventures; I love animals; I like sweet treats, Yum!; I like fishing; I have lots of family members; I am eight years old; and Watch out that turkey is frozen!

You get to choose your job for the week in the classroom - Carter decided on Calendar Helper

Have lunch with the principal - The principal called home a couple of weeks ago to say that she and Carter's teacher were impressed with Carter's math abilities, that he was excelling and to keep up the good work (he is now working on multiplication and liking it)

A certificate

Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-25T21:05:00.001-05:00

An early morning with little boys and their excitement for Christmas morning. First the stockings, Carter and Luke digging in to find all the fun goodies. Then, breakfast, made by Jeremy. While Carrie gets Brayden situated to come downstairs and join the festivities.

After breakfast, Carter and Luke sort out all of the presents, carefully reading the tags and trying to guess what their presents may contain. Before it is time to open the gifts, Jeremy reads from the Bible and prays. Carter and Luke were thrilled to give each other the gifts they had picked out. Brayden snuggled with daddy while enjoying some of his new Christmas items.

After a good Christmas mess was made, we shower up and head to Carrie's parent's home for the remainder of the day. Their house is a mountain of presents, a room filled with people and gifts. Papa starts off the day with a reading of the Christmas story.

Hours of unwrapping the gifts. Then Christmas dinner and dessert (singing Happy Birthday to Jesus).