Easter Fun

I finally found time to sit down & figure out how to upload pictures from my new camera.

Below are pictures of the kids (big & small) enjoying our Pre-Easter festivities. McKenzie & Lauryn colored Easter eggs with Lexi & Devon at mom's this year. Surprise, surprise - no one spilled a cup of the dye! That just goes to show there's a 1st for everything! ;)

My dad's girlfriend Mary invited dad's grandchildren over to decorated homemade Easter cookies. She made the cookies from scratch & let the kids help her make the frosting. (again from scratch) Once the frosting was ready, the kids decorated several cookies. I don't know who enjoyed decorating the cookies more... the little kids or big boys???
Kenzie coloring Easter eggs at Grandma Sue's

Lauryn decorating cookies at Grandpa Dennis'

The boys showing off their decorating skills. Don't their cookies look so nice?!

Spring is here!

The Cannon Golf Club is open which means spring is FINALLY here & I am officially a golf widow. :(

With the changes of the seasons, also comes changes in extra curricular activities. The girls Just For Kix season will soon be coming to an end. The girls will perform later this month at the nursing home before their final performance in May. After Just For Kix is finished, they'll have a couple weeks off before their next "season" begins. Lauryn's registered for summer ball & is hoping to get out on the golf course as much as possible. McKenzie isn't registered for anything yet but we're planning to register her for golf & swimming lessons. (Lauryn will take swimming lessons too) McKenzie's also considering volleyball camp, basketball camp and summer ball. It looks like we'll be busy, busy, busy again this summer.

The girls brought their report cards home last week. McKenzie's getting straight A's, not to mention she was student of the month in March. (she's been student of the month once a year since 1st grade) Lauryn's getting all S's or S+'s. (she won't get letter grades (A-B-C-D-F) until next year) Both girls are doing GREAT academically & we couldn't be more proud of them! Their teachers said they're doing good socially too. McKenzie's teacher said McKenzie's THE SWEETEST girl in her class & if she could keep her forever, she would! I'm sure McKenzie's the only child Mrs. Andrews said that about, right?! ;) Lauryn's teacher said Lauryn's a social butterfly (no surprise there!) and is always willing to help a classmate in need. We've always told the girls... you may not be the prettiest, the smartest, or most the athletic person but as long as you're nice, you'll have plenty of friends. It sounds like our words of wisdom sunk in!

I have a some good news about myself. Last Thursday I was invited to a specialized training session at American Family's Regional office. Out of all of American Family's licensed staff, throughout Minnesota & parts of Wisconsin, only 20 of us were invited to attend. We were chosen by our state sales director, district managers or the agents we work for. Those of us in attendance will soon be recognized by the Department of Commerce for specialized training in Property & Casualty (home & auto) Insurance. We've been asked to attend another session this fall for specialized training in Life Insurance. Following that session, we will again be recognized by the Department of Commerce. I am grateful & honored to have been chosen out of so many talented licensed staff.

Jill, Deena & I booked tickets to Florida. We're leaving on June 9 (about 1 week after Timothy's anticipated arrival) until June 16th. I can't wait to meet Timothy & to spend time with JB. Speaking of JB, he turned 1 yesterday. I called to wish him a happy birthday (not that he realized it was his birthday) and just about died laughing as he screamed in the back round. Bridget said that's his new "thing". He just stands there & screams. I think Bridget's going to have her hands full after Timothy arrives. :)

My dad bought me a new camera for my birthday. (early present) I haven't figured out how to upload pictures to the computer yet but as soon as I do, I'll post new pictures. I posted a couple new pictures of JB so you can see just how adorable he is.

McKenzie turns 9!

I can't believe my baby (she'll always be my baby) turned 9 years old on the 22nd. Where did the time go?! We invited our family over for a breakfast/brunch, then my sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces & nephews went bowling. We had a great time! McKenzie was spoiled by everyone but was extremely thankful. She reacted to each gift as if it was the one gift she's been dreaming of her entire life. It was very cute!

McKenzie & one of her best friends, Claire have back-to-back birthdays. They decided to celebrate their birthdays together this year by having a swimming party. There was 19 kids at the party. Being responsible for 19 kids was a little overwhelming but all-in-all the party went really well! I think Jamey was quite surprised to see how 9 year old girls acted in a group setting (lol) but it didn't surprise me. Girls will be girls! ;) I've added a couple pictures from McKenzie's party below.

McKenzie & Claire

McKenzie & Claire's Party Guests


My sister Bridget sent McKenzie a package of Marti Gras beads for her birthday. The beads were intended for McKenzie to share with her class as a birthday treat. McKenzie decided to bring the beads to school on Fat Tuesday instead. She wanted to bring them on Fat Tuesday so she could explain to her class what Fat Tuesday means. She was so excited to tell me that her class got lots attention from the other elementary classes, teachers, and faculty all because of HER beads! Thanks TiTi (a.k.a. Bridget) for making McKenzie's birthday & Fat Tuesday so special!

Its been a while...

Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! And... Happy Valentine's Day! I can't believe I haven't posted since the beginning of November. Whoops! I've been slacking almost as much as Laura Freeberg! (Sorry Laura!)

So let me think... What's changed in the last few months??? A lot! Then again, not much! Lauryn was student of the month in December. She couldn't WAIT for the newspaper to come out so she could see her picture in the paper. It was cute! Kenzie rained on Lauryn parade by telling Lauryn over & over that she's been student of the month TWICE! The girls are going through a phase (at least I hope its a phase!) where they VERY RARELY get along...ugh! I used to brag about how well McKenzie & Lauryn got along but it seems those days are over. :(

Kenzie was diagnosed with Fifth Disease in the middle of December. For those of you that don't know what Fifth Disease is, here's an explanation... Common in kids between the ages of 5 and 15, fifth disease typically produces a distinctive red rash on the face that makes the child appear to have a "slapped cheek." The rash then spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs. Fifth disease is actually just a viral illness that most kids recover from quickly and without complications. McKenzie's "disease' caused her to have a major breakdown at school. The school called me at work to tell me that McKenzie was very upset & had been crying. When they asked McKenzie what was wrong she told them, "I never thought I'd have a disease! I don't want to have disease!" It was one of those "Oh McKenzie (sigh)" moments that we have so often. She's a very softhearted little girl & tends to be emotional. She gets it from me. ;) She & I talked about her "disease" that night & I was able to reassure her she was going to be just fine & she is! Poor McKenzie!

The girls are participating in the Just For Kix program in Cannon Falls again this year. They've had 2 performances so far & did GREAT at both performances! Kenzie looked extremely nervous while she danced & Lauryn sang the entire time. Their personalities couldn't be any different! :)

McKenzie & Lauryn are both in Girl Scouts this year. The girls just wrapped up their annual Girl Scout Cookies sales. Both of them reach their goal of 150 boxes. It looks like I'm going to be busy delivering 300 boxes of cookies at the end of the month!!! Thank you to everyone who bought from the girls!!!

Jamey's going stir crazy (not to mention driving me crazy!) not having worked since JULY! He couldn't work from July 26th until November 1st because of his foot injury (car accident). When the doctor authorized him to return to work, he was laid off (seasonal layoff). He "played" farmer this fall and helped his uncle Mike combine on his farm in Byron. My dad was quite impressed that Jamey could drive a tractor until he found out the tractor was a green (John Deere). The Kimmes' drive red tractors (Case) NOT green!!! ;) Jamey also helped a family friend on his dairy farm. I tell you what... Jamey's smells a whole lot different coming home after spending the day in a dairy barn - phew! I don't think that's a smell you ever get used to! Two weeks ago, Jamey played in the CF Alumni Basketball tournament. His class ('98) took 3rd place. They were happiest about defeating the class of '97 because the class of '97 had about 15 players & the class of '98 only had 7! Jamey lit up the 3 point line both Saturday & Sunday. It was a lot of fun to watch him play! I'm proud of ya Jay!!!

If you've read Bridget's blog, you already know that we're expecting another a baby boy. NOT US - Bridget & Rusty! (had to clarify that!) My dad was blessed with 4 daughters & 3 granddaughters (even though he may not call it a blessing) before his first grandson was born. But since then, its been boys, boys, boys... Ethan, Devon, Collin, JB, Cohen and now grandson #6. I REALLY wanted a girl but am happy for Bridget & Rusty & can't wait to meet the Lil' one in May/June. My mom, sisters & I are going to Floria on June 8th to meet him & to help Bridget (she'll be sore after her c-section), and of course to spoil JB while we're there. Jamey the girls & I are hoping to go down this fall too.

Sorry I didn't post pictures this time. My computer won't recognize my camera.

I promise I'll do my best to post more often. I hope all is well with you! Take care!

Kelly

Proud Godmother

Saturday was proud day for me as a Godmother. My first & oldest Godchild, Lexi went deer hunting for the first time with her Papa Randy & shot one! Lexi said it was a gut shot & Grandpa had to "finish him off", but was she ever excited! I'm not a deer hunter but I'm married to one, so I know how exciting it is to shoot a deer on opening day. Not to mention shooting one your first time hunting. Way to go Lexi! My newest & youngest Godchild, Cohen was baptized on Saturday. I am so honored that DJ & Deena chose Jamey & I to be Cohen's Godparents. Cohen was so good throughout the service. He didn't even cry when Pastor poured water on his head. :) JB, the middle Godchild didn't have to do anything to make me proud. I was just happy to be able to spend the day with him. I know its a little early to be giving out Christmas presents but I figured Saturday was as good as any day to watch JB open a present. Bridget & Rusty enjoyed watching him too because they hadn't seen him open a gift either. He of course enjoyed the paper more than the gift itself, but that's ok. I know his daddy was THRILLED that I bought JB MORE Vikings paraphernalia. Rusty laughs & shakes his head every time JB gets another "MN" theme gift. But hey, we just want JB to know that there's a lot of people in MN that love him! And anyone who knows our family, knows how we love to pick on the ones we love. So Rusty, giving JB all those MN gifts is just our way of saying "We love you!" :)

JB opening his first gift

Proud Godparents of Godchild Cohen Kimmes

JB at Little Oscars - taken just before they left for the airport

Our family keeps growing...

My Grandma Kimmes has been begging my dad for an updated family photo for quite sometime, so while Bridget was "home" last week we took a couple snapshots. Its hard to believe that our family of 6 is now a family of 17 - and we're still growing!!! As a matter of fact, we'll be a family of 18 in 9 short months! Bridget & Rusty are expecting Baby #2! Bridget's not very far along yet but they didn't want to wait to tell us because it was their one & only opportunity (they're done after this one) to tell us in person. We're very excited for them!!!

Bridget's announcement didn't come as a surprise to me because I had a gut feeling she was pregnant. As a matter of fact, I sent Bridget an e-mail a couple weeks ago & asked if my premonition was true. She called me last Monday laughing about my e-mail & denied it was true. So when she announced to the family that she is pregnant, I had to call her out & call her a liar (lol!) which of course caused every one's heads to turn & look at me like I was crazy...lol! So together Bridget & I told the family about my premonition. :)

The Grandkids

The entire family with Dad

Halloween 2008

This Halloween the girls put their costumes together completely on their own. I was so proud of them! Kenzie was Mrs. Clause & Lauryn was a bridesmaid. Kenzie wore the bottom of Lexi's (my niece) dance costume along with other items she found around the house. Lauryn wore Lexi's junior bridesmaid dress from Mike & Jill's (my sister & brother-in-law) wedding. Lexi's dress fit Lauryn perfectly! Its hard to believe Lexi was ever that little!

I passed candy at work during CF Halloween Parade on Friday afternoon, so the girls rode the bus to Jill & Mike's after school & got ready. When I got there, all the kids were raring to go! We all piled into the car & away we went. Our first stop was at my Mom & Bill's. From there we stopped at my Grandma's & aunt's & uncle's houses. After visiting with my family, we met up with my Dad & his girlfriend at our house so the kids could go trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. It was such a beautiful night, the kids had so much fun! They're already excited for next year & can you believe they're ALREADY thinking of ideas for their costumes?! :)

Our beautiful little bridesmaid

Mrs. Clause

Mrs. Clause with a bridesmaid