McAdams

Goats, Rabbits, Squirrels--Oh My!

2012-01-31T21:27:00.000-06:00

Kade participated in our county stock show this past weekend. He did such a good job showing his animals!

With his meat pen (3 rabbits) he placed 2nd in his class.

Kade placed 3rd in his class with a single fryer (1 rabbit).

My mom got this cute shot of Kade and Layton with my dad.

We have had our goats, Lilo & Stitch, since September, so to do well with them meant a lot to us, since we have put in so much time and effort.

Both of Kade's goats weighed the exact same, so they were in the same class. It worked out great though, Lilo placed 1st and Stitch placed 2nd in the class!

Here is Kade showing Lilo.

Kade also ended up receving 3rd place in junior goat showmanship. I was very proud of him for this, because you show against 3rd-8th graders. Here he is shaking the judge's hand after she awarded him 3rd place. The judge mentioned that he had his goat set up everytime she looked at him.

Our county also held a photography contest during the stock show. Kade's picture won Reserve Champion and 1st in the category (Wild Animals). The picture is of a squirrel in a big glass jar and is titled "Glass Jar Diner."

Kade came out great at the premium sale Saturday night. He made the sale with his goat and rabbit project. Kade is very lucky to have wonderful grandparents who support him through buying and adding on to his project! Thank y'all!

I realized after the stock show that I did not get a good picture of Kade with all his ribbons, so I took this behind our barn.

Great job Kade!

Another Museum Trip

2012-01-22T22:30:00.000-06:00

My parents took Kade and Layton to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History on MLK Day this past week. They also went to the FW Livestock Show and Rodeo earlier in the weekend. They had an awesome time swimming at the hotel and visiting the museum. Thanks PaPaw and Babers!

The boys just love this museum--they could go once a month and not get bored!

Huge Bright Lite

Colonial Handwriting

Hula-Hooping

Layton stacking cups

and picking cups up!

Using his weight to lift a bucket of heavy items.

Clint's Metal Work

2012-01-22T21:52:00.000-06:00

Clint does all kinds of neat metal projects throughout the year. I've even started him a blog to showcase his work, but we don't keep up with it like we need to. Recently, a group that he did some work for put a picture of it in the newspaper. All of the designs and writing on the rock are out of metal. Clint drilled holes in the rock and attached the metal. The group, cabin owners at a nearby lake, picked out the design and fonts.

I may just have to start posting on here all of his projects, so that family and friends can see what he does all day! HA! The boys and I are very proud of him and appreciate how hard he works for us.

A New Do!

2012-01-22T20:35:00.000-06:00

The boys needed a haircut before going back to school, so we went to a new place in WF called Sports Clips. They loved it! Take a look at the photos below and you will see why.

Wash and massage.

Hot towel treatment.

Kade & Layton requested a new do, so they got spikes!

Santa Stopped By!

2012-01-22T20:18:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas here in the McAdams household.

The boys got up super early on Christmas, like at 5 a.m. Christmas Eve Clint and I were discussing how our kids must not be as excited about Santa as we were at their age. We have always had to wake the boys up. Well, we had to eat our words this year!

I promise my kids have really cute Christmas pajamas, but do you think they are going to wear them on the one morning of the year I take pictures?!

The boys got just what they asked for from Santa. Kade received a video game he had been wanting for the Wii and Layton got a Nerf gun.

Clint also bought the boys a compound bow.

For the boys' big gift, Clint and I sent them on a scavenger hunt.

Clue #1

Clue #2 was in the dryer! Layton figured it out before Kade!

Clue #3 was in a basket of belt buckles.

Clue #4 was in Kade's tennis shoes.

You can barely make it out, but their big gift was a trampoline! They were so excited, because they have been asking for one for years.

We had a wonderful Christmas 2011. We were able to travel and see everyone also, which made it even more special.

Kade's 4th Grade Christmas Party

2012-01-22T17:00:00.000-06:00

I just posted about Layton's last preschool Christmas party and how it saddened me. As I titled this post, it hit me. This will be Kade's last school Christmas party! Our ISD doesn't allow them in middle school and up.

I was able to attend Kade's party. The parents were instructed to bring their child a $5 gift. I gave Kade a balancing bird. They are amazing! He loved it. You can find them for $2 at Hobby Lobby in the sections around the registers.

Kaders

Kade balancing his bird on the tip of his finger.

Kade and I

Layton's Miz Carol Christmas Party 2011

2012-01-22T16:36:00.000-06:00

Layton had his last preschool Christmas party this past December. I still can't believe he will be in Kindergarten next year!

I was unable to attend, but Clint got to and snapped these pictures for me. Layton had a great time, of course!

What a Blessing...

2012-01-22T15:46:00.000-06:00

Clint's great-great-grandmother passed away right before Christmas. She lived 101 years and touched so many lives, especially Clint's. He loved her so much and will miss her dearly, as we all will.

Here are a few pictures, so that you can see just what a sweet lady Nanny was.

Nanny our out wedding in 1999

Nanny and Kade

Nanny, Kade and Layton

Nanny, Clint, Kade and Layton

This is one of our favorite pictures of Nanny. She was playing with Kade and trying on his coonskin cap.

A lot of Clint's family lives in the Houston area, which is a ways from where Nanny lived in the Texas panhandle. So, we were able to have Grandma Dixie and Uncle Ted as visitors, b/c our house is about halfway. It was fun to have them stay with us, but of course, I wish it were for different reasons.

4-H Nutrition Quiz Bowl

2012-01-22T14:57:00.000-06:00

I forgot to blog about this in November, but wanted to take a minute to brag on Kade.

We began going to 4-H meetings in October. At that month's meeting Kade signed up for the nutrition quiz bowl, which at the time was only four weeks away. He loves game show type things and thought a quiz bowl would be a blast. Well, he was right! We studied the packet of questions and he took to memorizing it better than I could have ever expected.

His team, Baylor A, ended up taking 3rd placed in the junior division, which consisted of 20+ teams. Kade's team really bragged on him saying that there is no way they could have won some of the matches without him. He really knew his nutrition! This is funny, because Kade is the pickiest kid you will ever meet! He absolutely hates anything healthy and only has a handful of likes in the food category!

Church Christmas Program

2011-12-14T23:01:00.000-06:00

Our church held it's annual Christmas program on Sunday, December 11. They have done the same program for over 30 years now! It is so simple, yet absolutely breath taking for so many reasons.

Kade was a shepherd. Layton was an angel.

Layton is the angel closest to you.

I pointed out a church sign today to the boys and asked if they understood the meaning. It said something like, "Mary wrapped the first Christmas present." They, of course, understood and loved the saying as much as I did.

Merry Christmas

Medals Galore!

2011-12-14T22:51:00.000-06:00

Kade's elementary participated in a district UIL (University Interscholastic League) competition on December 7. They competed against five other schools and ended up second place overall, which is definitely something to brag about in my opinion.

Kade competed in music memory, ready writing, spelling and oral reading. He did not place in ready writing. He also did not place individually in music memory, but as a team Seymour won 2nd place. Spelling, in my opinion, is not one of his stronger attributes, but we worked hard at it. He actually was alternate, but ended up on the team when a little boy got sick the night before competition. The team placed first! Oral reading is his favorite event and he won first place in it. So, in all Kade received 3 medals!

If you are not familiar with UIL most of the events allow each school to enter 3 students, so Kade was competing against 17 others in ready writing, spelling and oral reading. Music memory allows 5 or 6 students per school.

The day before UIL competition Kade's oral reading coach/teacher had them perform at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. The parents were allowed to attend too!

Here Kade is on the day of competition. All smiles and ready to go!

Daddy and I are very proud of you, Kade.

Quick Trip to Vegas

2011-12-14T22:50:00.000-06:00

My sisters were in Las Vegas working a booth during the National Finals Rodeo and were kind enough to invite Clint and I out to stay with them. We took off on a Wednesday night, stayed in Vegas Thursday, Friday, and flew home Saturday night. It was nice to get away and spend time together. It was cold and rainy in Vegas, though, and I ended up getting a bad cold Friday. So, even though we were ready to get away, we were just as ready to get home!

The boys stayed with my mom at our house and didn't miss us one bit! I think she was wore completely out when we returned. Thanks for helping out though, Mom.

Here are a few pics from our adventure!

The Christmas decorations in Las Vegas were over the top beautiful! This is a clear glass ornament tree in front of The Venetian. It was beautiful at night!

I think this was inside The Venetian or Caesar's Palace.

Jelly Belly Statue of Liberty at New York, New York

M&M Store

Sunday, Papa Smurf and Skye

The Mirage water show

I think these last two were in The Miracle Mile shops (Planet Hollywood)

This is a chocolate and fondant Grinch. He was about 6 ft. tall!

Love at First Sight!

2011-12-14T13:03:00.000-06:00

One of our Thanksgivings was at Clint's mom's house in Dumas. Her sister, Aunt Jean, was visiting as well. She brought her little dog and the boys loved him to pieces the two days we were together. He was pretty cute! They begged me to take their picture with him. Glad I did, because those were the only pictures I got the entire time we were there!

4th Grade 2nd Six Weeks Academic Pep Rally

2011-12-14T12:59:00.000-06:00

School is rolling right along. Kade will be an elementary student no more, before I know it. At the end of each six weeks Kade's elementary school has an academic pep rally.

The Student Leadership Team helps the principal conduct the pep rally, so here is Kade sitting and waiting on things to start up.

Kade received awards for being on the A-Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance for the Six Weeks, and Student of the Six Weeks for 4th Grade.

Here is Kade's picture in the newspaper for being chosen as Student of the Six Weeks. You can click on the picture and it will open up larger, so that you can read the print.

4th Grade Indian Project

2011-12-14T12:50:00.000-06:00

In 4th grade you study Texas in social studies. During the month of November Kade studied about Indians that lived in Texas. Their teacher required that they group up and create a board that showed their designated tribe's life (food, water, housing, etc.). Kade's group was assigned the Karankawa Indians, which lived around Galveston Island. We had fun working on the project and were pleased with how it turned out. Kade was lucky to have some talented kids and moms in his group. The ocean is made out of spray foam, the sand is brown sugar, the house is pine needles...I could go on, it was a creative bunch!

Student Leadership Team Induction Ceremony

2011-12-14T12:43:00.000-06:00

Kade is a member of the Student Leadership Team at his elementary school. He ran for the office of president in October and was voted in. Their principal had them participate in an induction ceremony in November. The students had to read their roles as an officer and pledge to do their very best. It was a neat experience for both Kade and me!

Veteran's Day 2011

2011-11-11T22:39:00.000-06:00

As Student Leadership Team president, Kade was asked to give two speeches today, Veteran's Day. One speech was to the elementary school at a program they had and one was for our city celebration on the courthouse lawn.

I was unable to attend the elementary celebration, but the school sent me these pictures. His speech at the elementary was similar to his city one, but had some fun stuff in it about 11/11/11/11 (November 11, 2011, at 11:00 a.m.) and trying to say things really fast! Everyone assured me he did a wonderful job!

The rest of the SLT demonstrating how to say "Thanks from the bottom of my heart."

I was able to be at the city celebration, because the high school student body actually attended. I don't brag on my children very much (I have this thing about bragging), but today I was one proud Mama! Kade did such a great job! Unlike me, who didn't get the movie camera turned on fast enough.

Here is Kade reading the speech--just audio.

Thanks to all the veterans and service men and women! God bless you!

Soccer 2011

2011-11-11T21:23:00.000-06:00

Kade and Layton both played soccer again this year. I didn't get a lot of pictures. They only had 4 games to my defense, though!

Kade was on the Raiders and Layton's team was called Kickin' Aces. Layton's team t-shirts were pink, which didn't set well with him the first time I showed it to him. I thought he was going to flat out refuse to wear it, but I eventually got him in it.

Both boys did a great job and scored at least 1 goal out of the four games!

Kade was chosen to be a team captain. #10

Layton as goalie!

Layton is the one in the lead after the ball!

Fire Prevention Winner

2011-11-01T11:01:00.001-05:00

EDIT* I added picture of poster.

Fire prevention posters are drawn the month of October each year. Teachers have the students draw the posters at school, then they submit them to the Volunteer Fire Department. Kade ended up winning 3rd place out of the fourth graders. A picture of his poster is below. He called up Mama Chris and she gave him the idea of Smokey Bear crying in a forest, because of a fire. He is quite the artist, so he went to town with that idea. He put a quote by Smokey Bear at the top of the poster, "Only you can prevent forest fires."

Kade is on your far right.

Trick-or-Treat 2011

2011-10-31T11:40:00.000-05:00

Our town held their trick-or-treating festivities on Saturday, October 29. Layton dressed as Ash, a Pokemon trainer, and Kade went as Fred Flintstone. We didn't shop for costumes until Wednesday (10/26), so our pickings were not the best. Kade's costume is actually an adult XL, but we made it work!

Layton had his Fall Party at preschool this morning. They dressed up as scarecrows, recited a poem, and then sang three songs. Layton has been singing all these songs at home, but this morning he didn't want to perform for everyone.

Jackpot Show

2011-10-31T10:55:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday was a busy day! We left the house at 5 a.m. to travel to a jackpot livestock show. We took both of Kade's goats. It was a big show to us, because there were 10 classes of goats and each class had 10-12 goats in it. Our county show is not that big!

Kade's goat, Stitch, took an 11th place. This was Kade's second show ever, so of course, he was extremely nervous. To Stitch's defense, Kade didn't set him up so well. Hopefully, with a little more practice setting him up, we can show a judge his true potential.

Lilo, Kade's other goat, did great though. She received 2nd place. Kade did a great job showing her too! The first place goat in his glass won grand champion over-all, so Kade got to go back in for reserve champion. He didn't win, but he got more ring time, which is great!

I took this video of Kade showing Lilo.

Mr. President

2011-10-30T15:30:00.000-05:00

At the end of 3rd grade Kade was honored with his classmates voting him a spot on the Seymour Elementary School Student Leadership Team, which is like student council. The SLT is made up of 10 fourth graders. There are 6 girls and 4 boys this year. In October of this year the members were asked which office they would like to run for. Kade chose president, as did two other students. Other students chose vice-president, secretary and reporter to run for. The members had to create campaign posters, write an essay and give a speech to their peers. It was a neat process and I know Kade learned a lot.

Here are two of Kade's three campaign posters. Clint helped Kade create the posters. He definitely gets Daddy of the Decade for that! We went with a McDonald's type theme. The one directly below has Layton as the bodyguard (Secret Service) and Kade as President in front of the the White House. (you can click on the pictures to make them open up bigger)

Kade at the podium ready to give his speech. He volunteered to go first out of nine other kids giving speeches! I was proud of him for that, but so nervous at the same time.

Here is a video of his speech. He did a great job!

Did he win the office of President? YES! He was so excited about the honor!

1st Six Weeks Academic Pep Rally (4th Grade)

2011-10-27T21:19:00.000-05:00

This is Kade's last year in elementary school and his last year for academic pep rallies. He is enjoying 4th grade and it shows!

Here Kade is receiving one of his many awards from Mrs. Exum, the principal.

1. Perfect Attendance for the 1st Six Weeks

2. A-Honor Roll for the 1st Six Weeks

3. Accelerated Reader Award

First Day of School 2011

2011-10-07T20:22:00.001-05:00

School started on August 22 for Kade and me. This is Kade's last year at the elementary school; he is in 4th grade. I am in the classroom 1/2 day teaching 5th grade reading and high school multimedia. The rest of the day I am the middle school/high school librarian. I look at it as the best of both worlds!

Layton began his last year of preschool on September 19. I can't believe he will go to Kindergarten next year.

Layton's 5th Birthday Party

2011-10-07T20:22:00.000-05:00

Layton turned 5 on August 15! It's just so hard to believe! We turned his birthday into a last blast of summer type vacation/event. We rented a hotel room at Possum Kingdom to celebrate his birthday, mine and Clint's anniversary, and a great summer.

He picked Batman AGAIN this year as the theme for his party!

Summer Trip 2011

2011-10-07T14:10:00.001-05:00

This summer we took off towards Galveston, because the boys wanted to go to the beach. My mom and dad, Pa-Paw and Babers, went with us too. On our way we stopped in Schulbenburg to attend a family reunion with Mama Chris and Dennis. It was a lot of fun meeting up with Mama Chris' family. Here are some pics of our trip and a video Kade wanted me to put together.

Schulenburg

We went to the famous Sengelmann's Hall

Mama Chris and Kade dancing

The family reunion was held at a church gathering hall. I loved this sign in the hall (it was a Catholic church!).

Here are some pics of the church. This one is called High Hill and is on the painted church tour.

Galveston - Night #1

My dad vacationed in Galveston almost every summer as a child. He had not been back in 20+ years though, and wanted to eat at Gaido's, a restaurant he loved as a kid.

I think he is eating dessert here!

After your meal, the waitress brings you a dish to wash your fingers off. The boys loved this!

Galveston - Day #1 Headed to the Beach

We stayed at The Hilton, which was practically next door to The Rainforest Cafe. We ran in the cafe real quick on day #1 to see about reservations for that night. The boys stopped for some pics on the cute barstools.

Feeding the seagulls. Layton is headed for safety!

Clint and Layton buried Kade and made him into a merman. You have to really look to see his tail.

Kade boogie boarding. He loved catching the waves!

Night #2

We caught the train and headed to The Rainforest Cafe

The Rainforest Cafe has a SHORT ride you can enjoy while you wait a LONG time on your table. Here is Layton waiting to get in the boat.

All the animals come "alive" every 15 minutes. Really neat!

At night the volcano on top of the restaurant erupts every few minutes.

A clown in the restaurant made Layton a balloon sword. He is chasing Clint with it.

Love it! Kade is mad because we didn't rent a family bicycle to ride.

Mad kid!

Happy kid!

To make up for no bike, we went crab hunting that night.

Here is a crab we found.

Day #3

We went to eat at Willie G's because it was recommended by the locals and in several travel magazines. It was pretty fancy and honestly, wasn't the best.

After lunch we went to an army surplus store that is famous worldwide.

Trying them on.

Next, Dad wanted to go see the hotel that he stayed at as a kid, The Hotel Galvez. It was beautiful. There were actually several brides planning weddings the day we were there!

Day #2 - Back to the beach. I was the only one who wanted to go back with the boys. Everyone else roasted from the six hour day before in the sun! The boys made a boat in this picture.

Night #3

We went to Kemah to the Boardwalk.

Bye, Bye crab and Bye, Bye Galveston. We had a great time.

Mr. Crab in his shell.

Kade

Happy 60th Papa Steve

2011-07-22T14:54:00.000-05:00

Clint's dad, Steve, was at our house on his 60th birthday. So we surprised him with a cake and mini birthday party.

The kids led him into the kitchen blindfolded.

(Kade has a candle in his mouth.)

Old Settlers Stampede & Rodeo 2011

2011-07-22T14:32:00.001-05:00

The 2nd Annual Old Settlers Stampede was held on July 9. It is a 1 Mile Fun Run and 5K race in Seymour.

Kade

Kade received 2nd place in his age group in the 5K.

Layton participated in the 1 Mile Fun Run. Here he is standing with me and has my medal on. My friend, M, and I finished at the same time, so we split 1st and 2nd in our age group.

A and Layton at the rodeo later on in the evening on Saturday.

Layton tried his hand again at the mutton bustin. He's in chute #1. (Grandparents & Aunts, if you click on the pictures they should get larger and you can see up close)

I was behind the chutes and took these pictures.

He fell off the side right at the beginning of the ride. The sheep stepped on him pretty good. You can see that he is mad!

FW Museum of Science and History

2011-07-22T13:55:00.000-05:00

Babers & Pa-Paw took Kade and Layton to Fort Worth for a mini-vacation at the beginning of July. They ended up visiting the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History both days they were there. My parents said it is the neatest place and the boys agreed with them. They are already asking when we can go back.

Radio Disney was having a birthday party for one of the dinosaurs the second day.

This was the Omni Theatre presentation they went to see. Kade loved it and Layton told them he did, but then recanted his statement and said that it actually made him sea sick!

Thanks Pa-Paw & Babers for a fun, educational getaway!

July 4 @ PK

2011-07-22T13:35:00.000-05:00

We went to Possum Kingdom on Monday, July 4. It was very nice, because all the other boats had gone home! We stayed all day long and made lots of fun memories.

Clint and J went up this SMALL cliff to jump off. I jumped the weekend before, so Clint knew there was no walking back down for him.

Clint jumping.

J jumping.

Kids tubing.

Kade knee boarding.

M and I told the kids we would perform a Sea World caliber ski show for them!

Way too much fun!

We were all out about to get on the tube and M catches a fish!

So You Think You Can Dance?

2011-07-22T13:11:00.000-05:00

Layton is our dancer. Here is a video Kade got with my phone of Layton bustin' a move! It is so funny.

Texas Rangers Game

2011-07-03T13:20:00.000-05:00

When we went to DFW on our mini-vacation we also caught a Texas Rangers game. Clint had been to a game or two before, but the boys and I had never been.

We first went to the stadium to take a tour.

We had a good view of Cowboys Stadium.

These are the entrances to the suites.

In the tunnel where the players, umps, etc. walk around and get from place to place.

Batting practice. That is Josh Hamilton. There was a little boy in the cage playing around and Hamilton sat and watched him and told him how good he was doing.

Kade and Clint in the dugout.

We then went back at 7p.m. and caught the game. Texas Rangers vs. the New York Mets. The Rangers won!

Dirk Nowitzki (NBA MVP) threw out the first pitch.

Kinsler. We had awesome seats. We were 7 rows up from home plate.

Hamilton

If you look on the first row, you can see President Bush in the green shirt and Nolan Ryan right next to him. We were maybe 25 yards away from them!

After the game they shot fireworks.

We had a great time and look forward to going back one day.

Fort Worth Zoo

2011-06-26T12:57:00.000-05:00

We went on a mini-vacation to the DFW area this past week. Our first stop was the FW Zoo. Layton had never been and is at the perfect age, so we made a stop.

These pictures are in the bird aviary. You could buy a stick with bird seed on it for $1 and the birds would come land on your stick and snack awhile. Those birds are a lot heavier than they look!

The zoo's special exhibit was dinosaurs. They were all throughout the park and looked REAL! They would move, blink their eyes and make sounds. Here is the Dimetrodon. A full skeleton of it was found in Baylor County, which is where we live.

Dimetrodon

Two bears kissing.

Kudu

Raft Train

2011-06-26T12:39:00.001-05:00

C, Rudy (Skye's dog), Kade and Layton. They are all tied together via their rafts. They swam like this for an hour!

Kick, Kick, Kick

2011-06-23T06:44:00.000-05:00

Layton took swim lessons from my cousin, Julie, last week. I had workshops most of the week so my mom and sister helped me out, but I was able to go the last day and see what all he had learned. He did a great job!

Here is a video of both Layton and Kade diving at swim lessons. Or trying to dive in Layton's case (hilarious!). Kade's clip is fast, so don't miss it. My cousin allowed Kade to swim in the areas of the pool she wasn't using. The video is also a little blurry - it was shot on a cell phone, but I'm not sure if that's the reason or not.

The Cardinals - Kade Baseball

2011-06-20T09:16:00.000-05:00

This was Kade's last year of machine pitch baseball. He played 2nd base most of the season and did a great job. His team came out on top this year, winning the most games, so he was super excited about that. Clint helped coach Kade's team and did a great job too.

The Bulls - Layton Baseball

2011-06-19T22:52:00.002-05:00

Clint and I coached Layton's coach pitch team this year. It was his first year to play baseball and he loved it! Our team was called The Bulls. Layton is a hustler! He wanted the baseball--he would run from third base to right field just to get it.

Funny story: One game when Layton finished batting, ran the bases (we tried to have them only progress one base at a time), and crossed home, he came in the dugout, got his glove and hat, then went back out and played at the pitching mound for the other team. Clint and I didn't even see him do it. The other team's coach was teasing him about being a trader.

Layton is on the bottom of this pile. He has the ball!

Fighting a girl for the ball! I bet she won. She is the only girl in a family of four boys!

You get three pitches from the coach. If you miss it all three times, you hit off of a tee.

Kade's 3rd Grade Wrap Up

2011-06-16T12:55:00.000-05:00

Kade's last day of 3rd grade was May 26! He has had a wonderful year. Some of his accomplishments the last six weeks include the following.

*Commended Performance on both the TAKS Reading and TAKS Math tests! I am ecstatic over this news.

*1 of 4 top Accelerated Reader point earners in 3rd grade. I couldn't believe it, but all four top readers were boys. You don't see that very often these days, it's usually girls. He was treated to lunch with his principal at Subway for this accomplishment. The neat thing, though, was how they got to Subway---in a Limousine!

*All A's on his report card for the entire year! There were only four students that accomplished this in 3rd grade for the 2010-2011 school year and Kade was one of them.

*Seymour Elementary has somewhat of a student council when you get to 4th grade. It is called the Student Leadership Team (SLT) and you gain membership by classmates voting you in. Ten students are placed on the team. Kade was one of the ten--six girls and four boys. He will make a great leader!

*Field Day was held the day before school was let out at the elementary. Kade had a wonderful time and was even pretty good in the potato sack races, as you can tell from the video.

Volleyball with a balloon and a sheet. Kade is in the lime green swim trunks. He is trying to catch a water balloon that overshot the sheet! He didn't catch it--the water went all over his feet!

Kade is on the far right (your right) side.

A-Honor Roll Certificate

Thank you Kade for being a great student and kid! Daddy and I are so proud of you and are thankful you are a good role model for your little brother.

Pepe Le Pew? I Think Not!

2011-05-25T12:15:00.000-05:00

The boys sure wanted to turn him/her into Pepe Le Pew, but I said absolutely not. I think it would be neat, but I don't have time for this!

A baby skunk was by the boys' play set while I was mowing this past Saturday. We found it's nest/hole (I think the mom was killed maybe by our dogs) and put it back in with its siblings.

No, I have not checked on them!

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T15:12:00.001-05:00

We had a fun filled week of various Easter celebrations.

Monday, April 18, Layton's preschool class had their Easter party and egg hunt.

Found some ants in his eggs and told me this is how they were acting!

On Wednesday, April 20, we had an Easter egg hunt at church.

Kade had his 3rd grade Easter egg hunt on Friday, April 22. We had to go to school on Good Friday to make up a bad weather day.

On Easter Sunday the boys woke up to find what E.B. (Easter Bunny's name from the movie Hop) left them.

Layton is going to hate me in a few years for this picture! He said the funniest thing about right here, though. He asked, "The Easter bunny hopped all the way to Allsup's to get me this Big Red?" Kade and I were laughing so hard at him.

Right before church.

We also had lots of Easter goodies sent our way by Mama Chris & Dennis, Papa Steve & Kay and Babers & Pa-Paw. The boys also had Easter egg hunts at Babers' house and at Rosemary's. We have so much candy right now, it's not even funny!

We can't forget the real reason we celebrate Easter though, Jesus Christ!

Kade's 9th Birthday

2011-04-21T22:30:00.000-05:00

I absolutely can not believe that nine years ago on March 20th Kade came into our world. Clint and I are so proud of him and thank God for him daily. He has the sweetest, kindest spirit. He works hard in school and wants to excel. He is such a good big brother and role model. I keep telling Clint that we are basically 1/2 way done raising him to be the man God wants him to be! My how time flies when you are having fun!

We just had a small family birthday party for Kade at the Dairy Queen! He requested an ice cream cake, so I picked him a Reese's Peanut Butter cake up from Maggie Moo's.

Layton & Steven

Kade received some Under Armour shorts and shirts from Aunt Sommer & Aunt Skye. He loves Under Armour, especially their soft t-shirts.

He received two Nintendo DS games he has been wanting.

Happy Birthday, Kade. You will be 18 before we know it!

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-21T22:20:00.001-05:00

We traveled to Ruidoso, New Mexico, for our spring break. The boys had a wonderful time and it was nice to get away for a few days.

We left out on a Sunday morning and drove to Carlsbad Caverns. The boys were amazed (I was too!).

The elevator we rode in to go to the bottom. The gray that you see through the windows is ROCK. You go down about 75 stories into the Big Room.

The formations in the cave are calcite.

Of course, the cave brought the teacher out in me and I talked to the boys about stalactites and stalagmites. There were a bunch of them!

Kade and C (a friend that went with Kade)

Carlsbad Caverns is 56 degrees Fahrenheit all year long, but the humidity reaches close to 100%.

These stalactites were called "The Lion's Tail". It has popcorn calcite on the bottom of it. They really did look like bushy lion tails.

Pool of clear water. There is hardly any water in the cave.

While we were in Ruidoso we did some geo-caching. Here is one cache we found.

The weather was in the 70s each day, so there wasn't any natural snow. We did go tubing, though, at a tubing park that made their snow.

Here is a video of Kade & C tubing.

Clint is the guy in brown and black laying down, ready to take off.

We were fortunate enough to be able to stay at Nede's house, so that was helpful on the checkbook! We also went bowling, ate out a few times, and just did lots of playing and relaxing at the house.

Dr. Seuss - Crazy Hat Day

2011-03-06T13:44:00.000-06:00

Kade's elementary school celebrated Dr. Seuss day on March 2 (he would have been 107!). They were allowed to wear crazy hats. Kade chose the hat Clint and I received from running in The Warrior Dash. He said all the kids thought it was cool!

N & Kade

BB Gun Fun

2011-03-06T13:33:00.000-06:00

Last weekend the boys spent two night with Babers and Pa-Paw. They tried to go fishing Saturday afternoon, but the fish just weren't biting. So, the good ole' grandparents broke out the BB gun and let the boys shoot away. They even set some bottles up for the boys to shoot (no picture of this). Babers said Kade was a really good shot and could hit the bottles easily.

Kadelina

2011-03-06T12:09:00.001-06:00

Kade's 4th Six Week's Academic Pep Rally was held on February 25. Third grade was in charge of the skit. Kade and five other of his male classmates were chosen to dress up as cheerleaders and cheer! Their cheer encouraged their class, as well as the 4th graders to do well on their TAKS tests.

Kade was on the A-Honor Roll for the fourth six weeks. He did not receive perfect attendance, however. He has been pretty sick this year, mainly with a high fever type virus. I think he missed three days in the fourth six weeks.

Kade (on the right) and N

The entire crew. Kade is the second one from the left. He is showing some belly!

Kadelina

The TAKS Cheer! Kade is the blonde on the end.

Co-Pilots

2011-03-05T12:27:00.000-06:00

Here are Goose and Maverick! We visited the airport where my Pa-Paw keeps his plane a few weekends ago. Pa-Paw let the boys loose in the plane. They had so much fun pretending! We laughed a lot at the scenarios they came up with. Who knows? Maybe one or both of them will have a career as a pilot.

Valentine Parties 2011

2011-03-04T17:28:00.000-06:00

Kade's party was on Friday, February 11. I was unable to attend, because I was in Austin at a conference. So, Babers and Pa-Paw went. I did help Kade with his Valentine box, however, before I left. You will notice in the Valentine video below he went with an owl theme. He even put one of those owls that people hang outside (to scare off other animals) inside his box. So, anytime someone dropped a card in, it would HOOT! Kade is so creative.

Layton's party wasn't until Monday, February 21. He had a great time, of course! Layton signed his own name to all of his Valentine cards, which is a huge thing. He wanted each of his signatures to be a surprise to me, so he would not let me help or watch him. After each signing he would tell me, "You can pat me on the back, now." He was so proud of himself!

The boys received tons of Valentine goodies from grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, great-aunts & uncles. They are sure lucky to have all of y'all!

I hope you enjoy this Animoto video. I taught my 6th graders how to use this awesome, free video tool this week and thought I would see how it looks embedded on my blog. If you have something to sell on Craigslist, these videos work great! You might want to let it buffer first, so you don't have to watch and then wait, etc.

Silly Layton!

2011-02-15T12:37:00.000-06:00

If you follow this blog, you probably already know that Layton likes to dress himself, especially in costumes. He really hasn't worn a lot of full body costumes here lately, but has instead began complimenting his outfits with accessories. Take a look at the picture below. He has a winter headband/wrap on that is suppose to keep your ears warm and one of Clint's wild rags. Look closely, though, he is using the headband as a storage facility for a balloon, the balloon pump, a lego and who knows what else. He went out in public like this! Some of you may think that's awful that I allow him to do that, but to me it is an expression of his cute personality. He's only little once!

He wanted a mean look in the picture. I think he was probably some type of superhero.

Pluto the Baby Calf

2011-02-11T19:33:00.002-06:00

Clint took this video with my phone this afternoon. We have a bottle calf that is so sweet & is beginning to be a lot of fun to play with. The boys named her Pluto, because she was with our goats, Mickey & Minnie, for about two weeks in their pen. I thought Daisy would have been a better name, but they insisted on Pluto.

Snow Days

2011-02-11T19:20:00.000-06:00

We have had a lot of snow for our part of Texas in the last two weeks. Our school system has only taken one bad weather day, though. We have had several days of starting late, but only one day of missing school completely. I am not a cold weather person, therefore, I only went outside to feed and tend to things that had to be done. The boys didn't go out much either, because of the strong winds, but I did get these pics of them eating an icicle they found outside.

Baylor County Junior Livestock Show 2011

2011-02-09T17:06:00.000-06:00

Kade was able to participate in the BCJLS this year, since he is in 3rd grade. He showed rabbits and goats. It was a very busy weekend, but well worth it. I could have not asked for a better job from Kade (or his animals)!

This is how we would transport the goats to the mailbox and back each day in order to exercise them. Once we arrived at the mailbox we would let them out and they would run the .7 mile back to their pen. The male goat would actually try to jump back in the golf cart, though--he wasn't stupid--he would rather ride than run.

Thursday, January 27, was spent getting all the animals ready and moved to the stock show building. We were at the show barn from 4:30-11:30 P.M. We were exhausted to say the least, but had Clint a little birthday party when we got home that evening. He claims it was the best birthday a 25 yr. old could have asked for! HA! HA!

My friend, Tina, let us use her grooming room to wash and dry the goats. It was nice and warm in there, plus she had warm water!

Notice the blood running down the side of Clint's head. He and the goat accidentally butted heads!

Layton had so much fun playing.

Rabbits and goats were shown on Friday, January 28. Kade originally had 4 rabbits, which would have been shown as a fryer and a meat pen, but the single fryer ended up getting sick the day before the show. He showed his meat pen (3 rabbits), though, and placed 2nd in his class. He qualified for the premium sale with second place. The goats were shown Friday afternoon. Kade showed in class 2 and class 4. He received 2nd place with his doe, Millie, and 4th place with his wether, Mickey. He qualified for the premium sale with Minnie. The part I'm most proud of, though, is that Kade received 3rd place in junior goat showmanship (there were several 3rd-8th grade kids in this competition). We worked so hard and luckily it all paid off.

The premium sale was on Saturday, January 29. I expect to get a letter in the mail any day from the livestock association saying I broke all kinds of rules.....I dressed Kade's animals up, which is not done in our county. We got a lot of laughs and comments, though. Who knows? Maybe it made our animals bring a little more moo-lah too! I did talk three other parents into doing it with me. So, I guess if I go down, I can take them with me (I really wouldn't do that). Kade's goat was bought by Loving Insurance Agency and his rabbits were purchased by my grandfather, Don Buckalew. I know Kade had several people add onto his animals, as well. We have not received a list, but thanks to all who did. You will receive a thank you, as soon as Kade is notified.

Kade also submitted a picture for the photography contest. He received 2nd place in the scenery category. The picture is of a turkey in the middle of our road. You can see all the colors in the turkey's feathers.

We also could have not made it through the weekend without Mama Chris. She came down on Thursday to help with Layton. She ended up keeping my house picked up, providing meals for us, taking pictures, and was a huge supporter of everyone. Babers, Pa-Paw (my dad), Skye, Uncle Mike, Aunt Lori, Sailor and Uncle Scott, also all stopped by to cheer on Kade. Thank y'all. Next year I will be sure to spread the word so that all of you can come on down--I was so nervous this year, I couldn't think straight. I actually went into Thursday saying we would never do this again...it was so much work...no one wanted to do anything except for me....but listen to me now, next year this, next year that.

YMCA Basketball

2011-01-21T22:04:00.000-06:00

Kade is playing YMCA basketball again this year. I have not been good about taking pictures, but Mama Chris got a bunch for me earlier this month. There are a bunch of them, but most are action shots and show a series of movements, etc. There are a few of Kade's supporters, too! Kade is #5.

Layton loves his i-Phones! Not his really--he will borrow anyone's, though!

Kade is directly underneath the bucket (gray shirt). The next three pictures go with this one.

Kade is great on defense. Here he is all over the guy in blue at the post position.

Kade scrambling for the ball.

Layton can fill your cell phone up with 400+ pictures in no time at all. That is no joke!

Christmas in January!

2011-01-21T21:48:00.000-06:00

We were unable to get together with Clint's mom and stepdad during December, so they came down the first weekend in January. We hung out, opened gifts and went to one of Kade's YMCA basketball games. A great time was had by all!

Kade and his soft, furry winter hat. Elmer Fudd!

Mama Chris baked a batch of her famous Gingerbread Man cookies. They were delicious, and of course didn't last through the weekend.

Layton is grinning in this picture as he opens a present.

Layton and his new monkey pajamas.

Kade and his three goats (tied together) that Aunt Jean made and sent him. We have laughed and laughed at these three Billy Goat Gruffs!

Caught the boys, even Ace, enjoying a video game.

3rd 6 Weeks Academic Pep Rally - 3rd Grade

2011-01-21T21:34:00.000-06:00

Kade did another great job the 3rd 6 weeks of third grade. At the academic pep rally earlier this month he received the following recognitions:

*A-Honor Roll

*Perfect Attendance (Kade has NEVER missed a day of school until Wed. & Thur. of this week. He had high temperature and had to stay home. He was extremely bummed about it.)

*UIL Storytelling 1st Place Medal

*Fighting Panther Award in PE

Way to go Kade! Daddy and I are so proud of you.

4-H Rabbit Project

2011-01-21T21:17:00.000-06:00

Kade will be showing goats and rabbits at our county livestock show this next week. He is enjoying the rabbit project. He willingly works with them each day and hopefully, will do a great job at the show. Layton likes to touch and handle them, also.

Here are pics from one afternoon of practicing with the rabbits. The boys rewarded themselves with a ride in their golf cart!

Bedtime Stories

2011-01-21T21:07:00.000-06:00

Kade has been doing a wonderful job of reading this school year. He usually has one or two picture books he reads each week along with a chapter book. He reads the picture books to Layton right before bedtime most nights.

This is a book that Grandma Dixie sent Layton for Christmas. It was very cute and both boys enjoyed it. Kade even took an Accelerated Reader (AR) test over it the next day and made a 100!

*Kade has Vaseline on his lips--that is why they are so shiny.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-21T10:57:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas! Kade received a Nintendo DSi case and a Super Scribblenauts game (we all are addicted to this game--it really makes you think & spell!) from Santa. Layton received a case for his "hand-me-down" (he thinks it is brand new) Nintendo DS and a game for it from Santa. Clint and I purchased the boys their very own golf cart, which we are all excited about. Growing up in the country requires a golf cart! I had one as a kid and so did Clint, so we definitely thought Kade & Layton needed one. Here are a few pics from Christmas morning 2010.

Now, here are two videos of the boys going out to find their big gift (golf cart) and coming back from their first ride. WARNING! We completely look and sound (especially me) like Rednecks. I started to edit my voice out, but since all my followers are family and friends, I'll just let you see me in the real! HA!

*Be sure and listen to what Layton is saying in the first video. Kade is telling him, "Come on, let's go ride our new golf cart." Layton can't see it yet, so he is asking, "Do we have a golf cart?".

Finding The Golf Cart

Coming In From 1st Ride

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T20:33:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I've been at this blogging thing for two years now. I absolutely love it and look forward to posting each week. Thanks to all of those who read and follow our blog! I pray that you will all have a blessed Christmas a wonderful 2011.

Family Pictures 2010

2010-12-23T20:28:00.000-06:00

We had our yearly family pictures taken in October by JJ Barrington. Here they are!

Congratulations, Skye!

2010-12-23T20:08:00.000-06:00

My youngest sister, Skye, graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing on Saturday, December 18. She went through school in 3 1/2 years, but plans to go back and work on a master's degree. Here are some pictures of the big day!

Clint, Wil, Linda, Don, Kade, Layton, Babe & Harley

The Purple Poo was even in attendance, which the boys loved. The Purple Poo is a secret organization at Tarleton that promotes spirit.

The sun was really bright where we gathered, so everyone is squinting in the next few pictures.

Layton is really into taking pictures right now, whether it be his play camera, a real camera or a cell phone. He had everyone posing both inside the gymnasium and....

outside. He would tell people, "Y'all get together." We got a big laugh out of him.

Here is what Kade spent his time doing while we were taking pictures. I know this isn't safe at all...

After the graduation we went and had lunch. The restaurant even had their menus covered with Skye's accomplishment.

The delicious ice cream cake my mom had Skye made.

Congratulations, Skye! We are all very proud of you and look forward to seeing what else you accomplish in life.

Christmas with Papa Steve

2010-12-23T19:46:00.000-06:00

The boys had an early Christmas with Papa Steve on Friday, December 17. They received clothing, toys and a Pillow Pet. Layton's favorite item is a rodeo play set he received and Kade's is the Pillow Pet. It is extremely soft! Clint and I had to be in W.F. for several hours, so Papa Steve & Kay kept the boys and let them open their presents, therefore, I wasn't able to snap pics of the actual unwrapping of the gifts. Here is a pic I snapped of the McAdams men.

Kade's Christmas Party

2010-12-23T18:20:00.000-06:00

Kade's classroom Christmas party was on Friday, December 17. I was unable to attend his party, also, but Babers took plenty of pictures for me. I get to be the room mother this year, which I'm so excited about, so we planned a snowman theme party.

Kade & his friend, C.

The kids made stockings and filled them with gifts for each other. Here is Kade going through his goodies.

The ornaments another mom and I made for the kids.

The snowman cupcake treat.

This is the adorable Christmas tree that Kade's teacher, Mrs. Stroebel, had in her room.

Cute snowman balloon.

Layton's Christmas Party

2010-12-23T16:50:00.002-06:00

Layton had his pre-school Christmas party on December 13. I was unable to attend, but Babers snapped these pictures for me. I figured Layton would be afraid of Santa Claus, but to my surprise he wasn't.

The Big Day

2010-12-23T15:13:00.000-06:00

U.I.L. is a big thing in our house and I pushed Kade to try out for as many events as he could. In third grade there are four events, so let's just say that we did lots of practicing from October til December 9, the big U.I.L. day. He tried out for all four events and ended up making the final cut in three of them. He participated in Creative Writing, Music Memory and Storytelling. He did not make Spelling. He only placed in one event, but he placed big...he received 1st place in Storytelling. I was nervous since he placed 1st last year, too, that he would have the big head this year, but he didn't. He knew he had to work hard again at it. There were six schools that participated, so that means he went up against 17 other kids!

I coach 5th & 6th grade U.I.L. Oral Reading and had a great bunch of kids this year. I had first and second place in 5th grade and first, second and fifth place in 6th grade. I was so proud of the kiddos and their hard work.

Kade

December 9 was also the town's Christmas parade. Here is a pic of Kade, N, and Layton riding on the fire truck in the parade.

Future NFR Contestant?

2010-12-23T14:54:00.000-06:00

Clint looks forward every year to the National Finals Rodeo. He, of course, doesn't attend the event, but watches it on television each night. Layton enjoyed watching it this year, too. Each night, that it was televised early enough for him to watch it with Clint, he would watch in full cowboy attire. Here are two pictures from one night when he was a bullrider. Clint and I cracked up at the helmet! He figured that out all by himself.

Fishin' in December

2010-12-23T14:46:00.000-06:00

We have had a warm fall/winter, as usual in Texas. My parents took the boys fishing in early December in the Brazos River. They had a great time and caught some fish!

For unto us a child is born...

2010-12-23T14:37:00.000-06:00

I think I said it last year and I'll say it again this year, but our church has the most beautiful, simple Christmas program where all the children participate. Layton was an angel again this year, but Kade moved up to shepherd. Here are some pictures to enjoy.

Kade is the fourth shepherd from the front.

Layton is the angel nearest the camera.

Layton is the back angel.

Layton, turned around, ready to lead the angels out.

Thanksgiving at the Movies!

2010-12-03T12:06:00.000-06:00

I can't believe Thanksgiving has already come and gone! We have so much to be thankful for... We didn't do much during the holiday break. We went to W.F. and had our Thanksgiving meal with my grandfather at Luby's cafeteria. It was delicious! The restaurant was packed, so apparently a lot of people had the same idea--no preparation or clean up!

After the meal, my sister and I took the boys to see the movie MegaMind. It was very cute. Clint ended up having to rush back home to work on some equipment that broke down--that's why he didn't get to go with us. He at least got to watch the Cowboys play in peace, though--no fighting kids and screaming wife--HA!

More Birthday Fun!

2010-12-02T22:02:00.000-06:00

During the month of November, Kade and Layton also attended their adorable cousin, JW's, 2nd birthday party (JW belongs to my cousin, so he is the boys' second cousin). He is absolutely beautiful--if a boy can be beautiful. My mom and dad took the boys to the party, so I didn't get to see him, but I can't wait to get my hands on him at Christmas.

Groovy Birthday Party!

2010-12-01T12:25:00.000-06:00

Kade was recently invited to one of the cutest birthday parties we have ever been to! I wish I would have taken pics of all the decorations and activities The birthday theme was the 70's and the invitation asked that you dress the part. There was even a costume contest for the best dressed boy and girl. Guess who won the boys' best dressed prize?

Kade a.k.a Ziggy

When you entered the party you got a name tag with your 70's name--Kade picked out Ziggy. I teased the birthday girl's mom asking her if she had name tags with Sunday, Sommer and Skye---she had a Skye (those are the names of my sisters, if you aren't familiar with my family)!

Ziggy received a "groovy" top hat as his best dressed boy prize (all the kids voted on this award). He also is holding a cup of candy. He won that in a guessing contest--had to guess the number of candies in the cup. Almost all of the kids invited walked away with a cup of candy!

Kade wore an outfit that my mom has had in her attic for years. I even wore the outfit at one time when it was Nerd Day at school! Mom thinks it belonged to my Aunt Linda. Kade was so funny when he first tried it on. He is skinny for an eight year old, but these pants almost fit him perfect. I explained to him that Aunt Linda or whoever was in high school probably when they wore this outfit. He made the comment that he now knows why adults are always complaining about being fat. He said if they were expected to wear tiny clothes like that, it's no wonder they think they are fat!

Last Soccer Game - 2010 Season

2010-11-30T12:05:00.000-06:00

Our first soccer season came to an end on November 13. We had a wonderful time playing soccer. Clint and I were very proud of the boys and how well they did for their first year. Kade's team missed going to the winner's tournament by one goal!

I was on a shopping trip, so I missed the games, but they sounded good. Clint didn't get any pictures (b/c I had the camera), but a friend took some of Layton. Here he is with his trophy--which he proudly displays all over the house!