AWANA Olympics

Leah and Allie were in the 3 legged race. They started practicing just last week, and Beth (Allie's mom) and I were concerned, because when we got them together to practice all they could do was giggle. They managed to hold it together for the race, and we got some pictures of them and some of their teammates sporting their gold medals after the big win.

AWANA Olympics '08

This is Leah's first year to compete in the AWANA Olympics, and what a fun day we had! The 3rd - 6th grade boys and girls from our church that have been in the AWANA program, and completed the requirements to participate, were able to travel to the Olympic games this year and compete against other churches from the area. To be able to qualify, the kids have to complete 10 sections in their books, that consist of memorizing scripture, or answering questions concerning scripture. We had two teams out of 16 that represented our church. Both teams came in first place, which was very exciting, since Molly and Leah were on opposite teams. It is always fun to cheer for the kids (and the coaches). You can't help getting into the spirit of the games. This is Leah's first race, the baton relay.

Veteran's Day 2008

I want to take a moment on Veteran's Day to thank all of the veterans that are serving our country, or have served our country in the past. I am so very thankful for the freedoms that we have because of them. I was reminded this when I went to the Veteran's Day program at Leah's school today. We truly have so much to be thankful for in the United States of America.

When Molly came home from school today, she brought a paper about Veteran's Day history that I am ashamed to say I didn't already know, so I will share with you the things that I learned. Veteran's Day was first called Armistice Day. This day signaled the end of World War I, which had 35 countries involved, and was fought from 1914-1918. An armistice (truce) was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The unidentified American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery at 11:00A.M. on 11/11/21 and his grave is known as the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier". On that same day, a soldier from France and a soldier from England were buried in their own countries giving special recognition to the end of the war. The U.S. Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to Veteran's Day in 1954. The U.S. government holds its annual Veteran's Day ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Thank you once again veterans for all the sacrifices you have made and continue to make for this great country. God Bless America!!

Our Newest Addition

Meet the newest member of the Kerce family! Her name is Norma Jean Tiger. (Molly wanted Norma Jean and Leah wanted Tiger) So, this is why she has the unusually long name. We went to the animal shelter last Tuesday and she was the one with her paw out of her cage waving us down. So, for a mere $45 cash, we took her home with us. I'm not much of a cat person, so we'll see how this goes. She is currently causing destruction to the back porch where she stays. Every day I'm finding a new plant pot that she has tipped over and spread around. Luckily I don't have much of a green thumb and most of the plants are dead anyway. Just in case you're curious, the following is why we love the name Norma Jean....

The last time we took a trip to the mountains of North Carolina we stopped at a trout fishing pond. This basically consisted of some swimming pools full of dark water and algae that you fish in. We went in thinking that the girls could fish, easily catch some,and we would throw them all back. After we paid and started fishing though, we were informed (we didn't read the signs hanging everywhere) that the fish are "put out of their misery" and you can take them home to eat. :) I think we were all just in awe of Norma Jean and her "humane" ways. This woman was a real man's catch. She would bait the hook after putting a sinker on with her teeth, take care of ending the fish's misery, and then take it off the hook for you. What a lady! So, you see why we are all endeared to the name Norma Jean, or get a smile out of it anyway. Actually, the redneck in me is insanely jealous.

Halloween 2008

Friday morning my friend Valerie called to ask if her daughter McKenzie could come over before school. She needed to get her son, Landen to his pre-k party before time for the girl's school to start. I was excited to be able to take pictures of the girls before they went to school.
















Leah, the French artist and McKenzie the pirate





















I had no idea just what a treat that I was in for to be able to see Landen, the King of Rock 'n Roll, Elvis himself!!! When Valerie pulled up to drop McKenzie off, I looked in the door and there he was in his booster seat. I knew she was pushing it for time, but she had to let him get out so I could get a picture of this, and I will never be sorry.

Valerie told me later that when they got to Landen's school and he went to the front office they had them stop so they could make the announcement over the intercom that, "Elvis was in the building", and when a dad that was at the school told Landen how great his costume was he told him, "Thank you very much!" What a riot!!! All I have to do is think of that when I need to smile.




Landen and McKenzie before school

Fun dressing up

My dad directing traffic at the Fall Festival with the girls

The artist "doing her thing"

Molly, Christy the surgeon, and Leah before the big night

Mean Granny

These are all pictures that we took before the big night. Molly wasn't real sure about dressing up for school, so she played it safe and waited until that night. (Notice the gray eyebrows) I was amazed how much the color of those can change your looks. :)

After getting all dressed up, we went to our church for the annual Fall Festival. Each year our church offers an alternative to the traditional Halloween activities for kids up to the 6th grade. It's always such fun to visit with our church family. Here are some of the pictures from that night.

Ava the ladybug

Leah, Mr. Tim and Christy

Mrs. Connie with her pumpkins

Cooper the pirate

Sarah the Gator cheerleader

Mrs Dorothy Webb with Christy and Leah

Andy and Tabitha Mater with their girls Novalie and Eden

Rex Harrison as Superman

Leah and Audri

This is one of our friends, James. You've gotta love that smile!

Brittany Leis and her 101 dalmations (actually only 5 plus a cousin) with Cruella. So creative!!

The Gurganious tribe, Donna, Anniston, Robbie, Weston, and Grayson

Trick-or-treating

We went trick-or-treating for a short time after the fall festival at church, and here are a few pictures from that.



Molly and Leah with Mrs. Tamara


















Cousin Brody










Madison the mouse (that goes with the princess)




















Wyatt, Cassidy the princess and Jackson as
Bamm-Bamm














Wyatt the cowboy













This is Hillbilly Jason (Madison, Cassidy, and Wyatt's dad) who is looking too much the part. :)

What a fun time we had this year dressing up and having fun with friends and family!