ACU Homecoming 2009

Well the big weekend came and went, ACU Homecoming! As always it was so good to see friends and catch-up a little on life.

On Friday night we went to the Carnival at ACU and the girls were so excited! Who knew a $5.00 wristband could make Kaylee and Campbell so happy. As in previous years they headed straight for the games so that they could win some toys we could by at any local Dollar Tree, but some how the thought of winning them made it just "The Best!" We also managed to take in a few

jump houses, get faces painted, and hold the May Farm animals. After all of that we finally got the girls to agree to stop and eat at The World

Famous Bean. Unfortunately, we waited a little longer than we should have so most of the food was gone. (Mental note to eat first next year.) We did get to talk to some of our sweet friends The Roses and our kids had fun playing so I would say the evening definitely ended on a high note.

Kaylee and Campbell holding their new friend.

On Saturday I got up bright and early to attend the Siggie breakfast and had a blast with some precious friends. Then I returned home just in time to hop in the car and go to the parade. We saw even more friends at the parade and the girls were so happy to be able to get a little candy while watching the festivities. Kaylee's favorite part of the parade were the floats while Campbell loved the horses. I love that we get to do this with our girls each year. Fun Memories!!

After the parade and a quick lunch we went to the football game. We even managed to score seats near each of the girls' friends so they were both happy to sit through the whole game. ACU went into the game ranked #1 on in their division. Unfortunately, by the end of the game that was not the case. They fought hard but in the end it was just not enough. I know the next game will be better. Go Wildcats!!

I am already looking forward to Homecoming next year and seeing even more precious friends.

Pumpkin Patch Time 2009!!

Since Kaylee had a school holiday today I decided we would get a few things done and have some fun along the way. After a delicioius lunch at Olive Garden and some Halloween costume shopping we went to the DRI Pumpkin Patch here in town to get a few fall pictures. We even talked some friends into coming along;-) I had never been to this Pumpkin Patch before and it was so cute. They had several spots for photographic opportunities, a hayride, lots of pumpkins for sale, and a really yummy chocolate shop. (I refrained but the girls and Cary enjoyed some.) The two things I found most delicious sounding were the chocolate dipped twinkie and the chocolate dipped turtle cheesecake on a stick. I am sure I have gained 10 pounds just typing the words and looking at them today;-)

Here are Kaylee and Campbell with some of their best friends "M" and "A". These four children love each other so much that they have never even had an argument.

My sweet girls!

After a few more pictures, purchasing a few pumpkins for my mantle and kitchen table, and a lot of running around the pumpkins we were off to share the chocolate treats with Daddy at his office. I would say our trip to the Pumpkin Patch was a huge hit for us all!

Projects, Projects, and more Projects

There have been a lot of things going on at our house since school started this year.

Second grade is keeping me on my toes. There have been a lot of projects for Kaylee to do with some parental help involved. One week we had to make salt dough to send to school for Kaylee to make a diorama of hills, valleys, plateaus, and who knows what else.

The next week we had to make a boat at home out of items you would find around the house. The only stipulations were that it had to float and had to be painted with red, white, and blue. Of course, the boat was due the week Cary and I went out of town from Saturday till Wednesday night late so thankfully Papa helped her idea come to reality. When we returned home I purchased paint and helped Kaylee complete the boat before it was due on Friday morning.

She was so proud of her boat and so were we!

The next week Kaylee had to take a camera and photograph 12 things that she thought were interesting. I thought that was hilarious! Have you ever seen what a second grader finds interesting? Here is a sample of the top three...

Kaylee's goldfish.

One of her snowglobes in her collection. Each time Cary or I travel we bring her back a snowglobe from that

place.

Books

Just when I thought I was getting a break from projects Campbell brought home Corduroy from her Pre-K class to have for the weekend. She was so excited to be the first one in her class to bring him home. Luckily for her we had a busy weekend planned so she got to take Corduroy a lot of places. We got to journal all of our adventures and take pictures too.

Campbell with Corduroy at the Balloon Festival! I worked a three hour shift that morning so Campbell and Corduroy came along to keep me company.

Campbell with Corduroy at Ballet class. (I could not get this picture to post correctly so just tilt your head.)

Corduroy also went with us to get my flu shot at Walgreens, to the Wylie football game, and Target of course;-) I think he was probably ready for school on Tuesday so he could get a break.

We have had a fairly quiet week so I am sure there will be some more projects coming home soon;-) Do not get me wrong, I am not complaining about the projects because I love that my girls are getting to experience a lot of hands-on things. I just wish there had been a week in between a few of Kaylee's;-)

Chase Allen Jacobs Balloon Release

In the past week there have been a lot of emotions around our home which have required a lot of crying out to the Lord. We were stunned when we heard last Sunday night that our precious friends (Mark, Chelsea, Kendyll, Carlie, and Abby Kate) had experienced a great loss. Their son (and brother) went to be with the Lord before even taking a breath here on Earth. As a way to celebrate Chase Allen Jacobs his sisters came up with the idea of a balloon release to send him notes of love from those of us left behind who love him. What a wonderful idea!

Last night we went to ACU and met at the Jacob's Dream sculpture with some of our other precious friends and had our own memorial for Chase Allen Jacobs. (Thank you Melissa for using your great organizational skills to get us together.) I was surprised when we pulled up to the site and there was a sea of yellow and white standing around. The girls from Sigma Theta Chi also showed up out of respect for Chelsea as well as all of her sisters who are former or current members of this club. Melissa, Kelly, Dava Lynn, and I were all in club with Chelsea so it was special for us to see their presence as well. It just reaffirmed the bond that was made so many years ago at ACU continues today. What an amazing gift!

After all the balloons were handed out we had a service for Chase that included some songs, reading a precious letter from Mark & Chelsea, as well as several scriptures, and prayers. It was a wonderful time of celebration for Chase and love for the Teague/Jacobs families.

Matt Boisvert reading a note from the Jacobs Family. I thought the words captured on the rock were a wonderful message from God.

All of those present for the memorial for Chase.

Gathering together for the balloon release.

Our messages of love floating to heaven for precious Chase.

This is the life scripture that The Jacobs Family chose for their baby boy:

Chase Allen Jacobs...who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Isaiah 43:7

Mark, Chelsea, Kendyll, Carlie, and Abby Kate,

We want you to know that last night was an experience that our family will remember and hold in our hearts forever. Your faith in the Lord through all of the grief the past week is such a testimony to the love that you have for the Lord. We know that He is holding Chase in His arms and will be till the day we all go to join them in heaven. Chase has already had such an impact on so many lives. Thank you for the gift of letting us share part of our day yesterday in honoring your son. We will continue to lift your family up in our prayers daily. Your family is such a blessing to us. We love you and cannot wait to hug each of you in person soon.

We love you sweet friends!

*In closing after reading this post please say a prayer for the Jacobs family and add them to your prayer list in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead. Sometimes it helps to put a face with your prayers so you can see what a precious family they are here on here sister Cassie's blog.