Kate's Birthday & other stuff

We celebrated Kate's birthday yesterday -- she turned 8 on Saturday, and had her first 'real' birthday party (with friends, instead of just family!) We had fun -- we had the party at a park, and it was a cool, overcast day -- perfect for running about. They played games like Red Light, Green Light; Duck, Duck, Goose; and Freeze Tag; and then decorated cupcakes and ate them. All the girls seemed to enjoy themselves. Anyway, here's a few pics from the party (though, I don't think I got Kate in any of them...):

At the table decorating cupcakes.
Some of the girls crawled under a table to eat because it had started to sprinkle a little bit. Kate's body is in the back, but I didn't get her head!
My friend Shelly and her 2 kids, except Shelly's trying to hide -- she stayed and helped me with the party!


As for other news...

We've been really really busy. Jim's involved with high school football -- he's the head coach this year for the freshman team, and also special teams coordinator for the varsity team. So, he has practices from 4-6:30 Monday thru Wednesday, and then games on Thursday and Friday nights, plus coaches meetings on Saturday mornings. The kids and I went to our first home game this last Friday, and it was really fun. We'll be going to all the home games to support our team and Jim!

As for me, I've been busy with kids -- I've been baby-sitting my friend's 2 kids while she goes back to work and looks for more permanent care for them. Her kids are the same ages as my youngest: 4 and 2 and both girls, so it's nice -- they all get along decently. Plus, I have Young Womens on Wednesday nights which is a nice break from the kids. :) Kate has piano lessons every Thursday; we decided to have Brynna wait another year before continuing lessons, because she wasn't practicing and she was virtually a drama queen every time she hit a wrong note. I think she could use another year of maturity before trying again. At least I'm hoping that will help!

Oh yeah, and Kate's baptism will be next month: October 10th at 3:00pm for any friends and family who want to attend.

Oh, and I can finally officially announce that my friend, Sharon Schnakenburg, is getting married next month -- October 29th! Woo-hoo! So excited for her (it's been kind of a long wait...) Anyhow, for those who know her... now you know, too. I can't remember her fiance's last name, though -- Jon (something). Oops.

So, that's mostly what's going on with us...