A Few Fun Items happening in 2014

Jake's brother turned 40 in January. I was finally able to give him his man card in May as weather kept us from traveling awhile.  Lots of ice storms this year.  

Beautiful rainbow outside of Mike and Christie's house.  Can't believe my iphone captured it so well.  Obviously, my nice camera would have been better.  

Birthday celebration for Mike!

Jake's Dad turned 60 May 20!

Kimberlyn found a comfortable place to read and relax.  

On Memorial Day we had an impromptu get together with a bunch of friends.  It was so much fun.  I was slightly worried weather would get us, but that was not so.  It rained everywhere but my house.  While we do need rain desperately, I am thankful we were not rained on these few hours.  It was so much fun.  The dads played Bocce Ball outside.

Blake got to go to Chuck E Cheese on his actual birthday as a Field Trip with his Kindergarten Class

Celebrating with his school buddies

Kimberlyn returned to her original dance teacher Ms. Caren.  We love her dearly.

Jake got his C License!

Blake made a good soccer buddy!

Kimbo has made a good soccer buddy.  She makes Kimberlyn loosen up just a bit.  K was embarrassed to do this.  But she makes Daisy slow down and think thoroughly!  They are a great combo.

Kimberlyn got to call out the 05 and 08 Shepard teams for the ice bucket challenge.  No one wanted to speak and Kimbo raises her hand that she will do it!  I love my little volunteer.  That is how she became a goalie as well.  No one wanted to - ok I will!  May she always be willing to fill in where there is a need.  Amazing team player.

My dear friend Ladydenise is now Kimberlyn and Blake's school counselor.  My heart overflows with joy.  She is a dear friend I have worked with for 6 years.

Kimberlyn got her nails professionally painted for the first time.  They painted an Orchid on her big toe.  So beautiful.  What sweet feet as well.

Challenger Camp - Hosting Coaches from England

Last year we did a British Challenger Camp.  There was an opportunity to host one of the coaches from the camp, but last year we did not seize that opportunity.  This year I did not make that mistake again.  I knew to really make this special we needed to host.  I am so glad we did.  It was such a one of a kind experience. The first coach was named Ryan, and he is from Cornwall, England.  He was Blake's coach for the week at the Wylie Camp.  He and Blake became the best of friends.  We also found out that he and Kimberlyn had the same birthday - just 11 years apart, so we had an unbirthday party at Amazing Jakes knowing they would not be in the same country on their real birthday.  He also attended Kimberlyn's 3v3 tournament in Forney.  It was hot hot hot, and we did not win a single game - but he was there to support Kimberlyn and gave her great advice.  Lets just say this was huge to have him there as he is not used to this kind of heat.  Man, I don't even like it and I live here!  I am kind of surprised we play soccer outside when it is above 100 degrees.  Thank goodness for tons of water, fruit, and frog togs.
Then we got an email asking if we could host another coach as there was a Sachse Camp as well.  I had no idea they were coming to Sachse.  Even though we did not do this camp, we gladly accepted another coach b/c we really enjoyed Ryan.  The nice thing is Ryan knew Michael who was coming and told us he was a nice guy.  They actually crossed paths at the hotel and Ryan told Michael we were a great family.  Ryan was extremely homesick.  He really missed his girlfriend and family back in England.  Michael said he could tell Ryan's spirits were lifted a little after being here.  That really lifted my spirits. I hope that anyone who comes here will find their spirits lifted, even if it is just a little.  Michael was pretty homesick as well.  But we had a fabulous week.  He really enjoyed us and we enjoyed him very much.  He went to Kellar the following week.  We are trying to meet up with him again before he leaves for England on Sunday.  But not sure it will work out.  I can tell you this, I really want to go to England and visit them.  They can make sure we get the full English experience, and we truly feel like we made 2 great friends.  It is amazing, even in such a short time span, that you can meet someone and your life changes for the better.  God designed us for relationships.  So here is a preview of our fun.

This is Ryan Moth from Cornwall, England.  He was Blake's coach and best friend.  

Checking out Facebook together.  Showing Blake his time at Disney World.

Interesting fact: these 2 share a birthday. Both are December 13 11 years apart. Since they wont be in the same country on December 13, we are having an unbirthday party today at Amazing Jakes.
So happy Unbirthday Kimber, Ryan, my cousin Whitney, and Taylor Swift. 4 amazing people born this day. 
My favorite part is Ryan has been talking smack about taking the kids down in laser tag. Then when we get to the ride he says in his British accent, "Ok I talked the big talk, what the bloody heck do I do here. ".

I don't know if you can see them on the screen.  This was a game at Amazing Jakes.  Jake was winning but then started checking his phone and Ryan took over big time.  He probably would have won anyway with the way he took off at the end.  

This was so funny.  B/c Jake weighs so much more than Ryan - Jake and Kimber were getting lapped about 3 to 1 by Ryan and Blake.  Kimber was demanding to be Ryan's partner next.  

Laser Tag!

3v3 Quickfoot Tournament.  It was hot hot hot.  Here is Ryan kicking the ball with Blake.  He also treated him to a snow cone.  

Girls playing Charades

Ryan with the 3 girls who did the Challenger Camp.  We did not win a single game - he said that made the camp look bad.  Ha ha!  3v3 is a different game than the actual game.  

Had a blast with Ryan this week. Coaching Blake, staying with us, Unbirthday party at Amazing Jakes, came to Kimbos tourney, but Just Dance to One Direction might take the cake!

Freaky Fun Friday 

Now our time with Michael Williams.

He really wanted some fish and chips - Red Robin's version passed the test.

At The Londoner!  He loved it as well.  Our sauces are slightly different but he enjoyed them nonetheless.

Then we got to walk around FC Dallas Stadium.  It was a fabulous day.

A Beautiful Time in Burns Flat, OK

Kimberlyn and I had a wonderful visit to Burns Flat, Oklahoma to visit Nana.  She had just spent Sunday - Thursday with her cousins.  I picked her up Thursday and had a quick lunch with my nephews, then we headed to see Nana.  Blake didn't make this trip.  It was a girls trip - plus Blake was supposed to work on bike riding and tying shoes.  Didn't quite work out.  Not his fault - we just haven't had time to really sit with him.  He is close on tying shoes, but it really is too hot to ride bikes right now.  At the end of this visit, Kimberlyn was so homesick.  She was calling and talking to each of us everyday.  She really missed Blake!  Here are a few of our conversations with her (this is before Burns Flat).

Kimberlyn has been gone 1 day to Oklahoma with her cousins. She calls us yesterday wanting to chat with each of us. So sweet! Jake Bruehl wasn't home yet, so she calls him and leaves a sweet message. She tells him how much she misses him and at the end says, "Does Blake know how to ride his bike and tie his shoes now?" She had high hopes for us in 1 day! We are not sure we can tell her we haven't started the process yet. We better get on that today, so we can give her some kind of report.

Kimberlyn and Blake conversation today on the phone a few minutes ago (this is a follow up to a previous status):

Kimberlyn must have been asking Blake if he has learned to tie his shoes and ride his bike yet.
Blake: No. No, I don't know how to ride my bike or tie my shoes but I am going to learn tonight.

Ha Ha! If you tell Kimberlyn you are going to do something -she is going to expect it done now.

Here are some pictures of last weeks adventures:

Got to get a family selfie!

Beautiful scenery on my walk one night!

Picking apples - Kimberlyn thought this was the best thing ever!

My favorite picture!

Beautiful scenery

Cousin Jolene

May family

Nana - can you believe she is 84?!

Here are some thoughts from Kimberlyn.

Kimberlyn has decided we need to plant an apple tree. She says it will help her arm muscles. . When I told her we have 3 mature trees in the back, she told me she can figure it out. There is room. Love her determination and desire to work on her muscles. 

With all the entertainment at our kids fingertips and instant gratification, I am so in awe that Kimberlyn is so excited to see the Hummingbirds that visit Nana's porch - and that she could have picked apples all day. Simple pleasures only God can provide are the best.

Home! You would think we are at Disney World bc that is how excited Kimbo is. So glad she loves being home