Birthday Party

I just can't believe that seven years have gone by! I can't even call him a little boy anymore, he's just BOY. And before you know it he'll be a BIG boy! Where does the time go? We had a raccoon themed birthday party. Kolin requested this a while ago. He made a raccoon lapbook for school and we learned many things about the "sneaky bandits." The Wild Kratts also aired an episode about raccoons which I'm sure we watched online 20 times. The boys each had a raccoon shirt and all the kids had masks. We had to postpone singing Happy Birthday to watch the last minute and thirty-two seconds of the Titans football game, but once we had everyone's attention we got the candles lit and the song sung. It was the first time ever that I have seen an entire birthday cake eaten! Luckily I had made some cupcakes for Ciocia Sherry's birthday so there was plenty of sugar to go around.
We appreciate everyone making the trip out to our house, hope you got enough of the beef sandwiches and potato soup to keep you full and warm all the way home!

City Retirement Ceremony

Are you tired of hearing about the retirement yet? Well, it was a special series of events for us, but I to was glad when it was finally over. This is Konrad and Kash receiving the first of 3 awards that night. The mayor, the chief of police and the state representative each congratulated Kash on his years of service and gave him awards and even a state proclamation. This all took place at the beginning of a city meeting, then there was a break when we had cake and punch.

( sorry I didn't a picture before it was half eaten)

This is Konrad and several of his coworkers and an old friend (back right corner) that used to work for LaVergne. When he was single he would come to the house and eat dinner with us. The guy on the back row with the black hat and mustache is a Smyrna K-9 handler that Konrad and Kash trained with every other week. It was so nice that so many of Konrad's friends and coworkers came to honor them. It was a special night. My Mom and Ciocia Sherry arrived just in time to see Konrad being interviewed by Channel 5 news.

Department Retirement

Despite the ominous picture, Kash is just coming to get a treat. Still, certainly not what I would want to see coming towards my fingers!
The police department had a small celebration and presented Kash with a retirement badge. Other coworkers gave Kash bags of treats. Kind words were said and funny stories were told. The boys were fired up about all the attention given to Kash. And they must have been a bit jealous because they started making a scene of their own. Luckily this was a low-key event and the chief didn't seem to mind his toes being stepped on by a parade of little feet.

Basketball

Kolin is playing basketball this winter and loving it. I may have already mentioned that Konrad found a really nice outdoor goal and it lowers to 8'. The boys are out there a lot practicing. Kaden is not old enough to play but don't tell him that. He shoots baskets during warm ups, half time and they even let him sit in the "player's only" court side chairs. He is bigger than a couple of the players on Kolin's team. I'm sure we'll see him out there next year. Kolin is doing a great job and has even scored a basket! He has a great time on the court and at practice and he has good (and patient) coaches.

Christmas Adventure

The boys and I are doing a little thing this year called the Christmas Adventure. I downloaded it for from The Homeschool Magazine. First we made a paper chain and then glued Bible verses to each ring. Each day we tear a ring off, read the verse and then go to our Christmas Adventure book. The book is full of facts, stories, recipes and activities. One day we learned where the tradition of Christmas trees came from, then lights, cards, candy canes, poinsettias, you get the idea. We learn about the history of each of these things and how it relates to the meaning of Christmas and how it points us to Christ. The boys have really enjoyed it so far-9 more days to go! This is a picture of us making Crispy Christmas trees. We had so much fun that we made them again for Kolin's basketball team!

Such a Gentleman

I'm not sure how happy he is about it, but this is Kash sharing his rug with Black Cat. Black Cat laid there first so Kash only got half of his body on the rug. Poor guy.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving in H'ville at my parents house. And as is tradition, Mom and I ventured out into the dark of the wee morning hours in search of great deals. To our surprise we seemed to be the only ones out shopping. The stores were not crowded, the had what we wanted, the lines were not out of control and there was plenty of parking. It was very odd. Best we can figure is that all the crazies went shopping at midnight and by the time we got out there at 6AM they were all back home in bed. Anyways, after many hours of shopping and lunch at Chili's we made it back home.

Later that day Ryan, Alice and little baby Leah arrived. I haven't seen baby Leah since she was born back in May. She is the sweetest baby I've ever held. She just snuggled right in. Needless to say I got lots of cuddle time.

Flowers in Pink

Channel 4 was looking for a feel-good piece to air on Thanksgiving Day and when they heard about Kash's retirement they decided to pay him a visit. Mr. Larry Flowers, a reporter, came out to the Rocking K Ranch to interview Kash and Konrad and to show what retirement will be like for Kash. His lead in line was, "from chasing crooks to chasing goats..."

Mr. Flowers showed up well dressed and with shoes to match. It had rained for three days and it was obvious to us that his shoes just weren't what he needed for the job. So being the kind hosts that we are, we offered him mine, the pink ones! And he accepted. He looked so prim and proper onscreen, no one would have ever guessed he was wearing pink rubber boots! Now when I see reporters on TV I find myself wondering what they're wearing below the camera :)

Here is a link to the story if you haven't seen it already.

http://www.wsmv.com/story/16118186/la-vergne-police-k-9-goes-from-chasing-crooks-to-chasing-goats

Veteran's Day Memorial

It has been a busy few weeks and now I am going to attempt to get some blog entries done before I dive into the Christmas rush. I figure it's now or never!
So the first event as of late was a Veteran's Day Memorial in LaVergne. Konrad and all the Honor Guard members dressed in their finest and gave their best at firing off rounds in unison. Bobby (a fellow goat rancher and friend) appeared to be the leader of the group, he called out all the orders.

It was good experience for the boys to see and hear so many people honor our service men and women.

You're Invited!

Kash's retirement ceremony will be this Tuesday, December 6th 2011 at 6:45PM at LaVergne City hall on Murfreesboro Road.

Kolin's 7th birthday party will be Sunday, December 11th at 2:00PM in Murfreesboro. At Kolin's request, it will be a raccoon themed party.