Chef Jake...

Jake's plated cheesecake for the portfolio show



Jake checking out his group's masterpiece

Here he's telling me why chef's coats are made with buttins on both sides

Jake's cooking group......

Jake attended a Culinary Camp at the Art Institute of Indianapolis in June. Here he is pictured with the other members of his group. He had a blast and decided he was meant to be a chef. Now he's deciding where to go to college.... The Chef's Academy or the Art Institute. We went down on the last day of camp and got to sample all of the delicious creations he made. He had a blast and made tons of new friends.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Hello all. Just a short update to let everyone know that we are still on the face of the planet. We have been SO busy I haven't had much time to post. For the last couple of weeks we have been working on our new house after we get off work and in between practices and ballgames. Hopefully, we will make our move in date. It's amazing what a transformation our home is beginning to take. Everything is falling into place.... Thank the Lord. The kids absolutely LOVE being out in the country... and what a great place to raise kids! Thanks to Justin, we can finally see just how much land we have. We really have quite a bit with plenty of pasture for animals this next spring or summer. Once the house is done it'll be getting cold, so any work needing to be done outside will have to wait. This home is such a blessing. Soon, I promise to post pictures. And THANKS to all of our family for pitching in and working right alongside of us. We really do appreciate and love each one of you... and without your help, we wouldn't be as far along as we are!

We're finally "home"

Just a quick update..... WE HAVE BOUGHT A HOUSE and will be moving very soon! We just found out today that our offer was accepted. We are so excited to finally be home.... and our new house is such a great fit for us. I'll post pictures as soon as I can. Here are some of the details:

4 bedroom country farmhouse (could be 5 bedroom)
huge eat in country kitchen
sits on over 2 acres of land
2 plus car garage
huge horse barn
very nice setting

So wish us luck.... we have alot of work to do between now and our move in date. We'll be ripping up carpets, painting, cleaning and MOWING!

Taylor's 11th Birthday...

Taylor chose to have a swim party at Aunt Shannon's house this year. So, seven of her friends came over and had a great time. Instead of a cake, we had a chocolate fountain.... with lots of sweet treats to dip. After eating, swimming, and opening gifts, the girls made a scrapbook page for Taylor.. with a picture of themselves included. It was a great tween girl party!

It takes a village....

To arm wrestle Daddy! Kaitlyn, Jake's girlfriend, challenged Derrick to a competition. Here she is pictures trying with all her might...... The others decide to join in and offer some help!

My Freshmen and my 5th grader...

Every year Jake and Taylor head back to school means another year closer to when they leave the nest. I'm so proud of all my kids. Jake and Taylor have had to overcome some pretty crappy times in their lives but these two just take it in stride and make theirselves better people because of it. They are so giving and so compassionate... it makes me smile to no end. Of course this year Jake REALLY didn't want to pose for a picture (especially outside where someone might see him:) LOL....

Triple Trouble heads to school...

Aubrey, Broc, and Cain headed to school on August 11th. They were so excited to go and I was so happy that this year they are going together! They are in their third week and are doing great! Bedtime is no longer a struggle.... they are happy to rest after having such busy days!