Upward Awards Program

Even though Upward's was officially over, we still had the awards program to attend.  The kids were excited to be recognized, and the girls were anticipating the two cheers they would perform on stage.  (Unfortunately, Hope was sick that morning, and was not able to attend that evening.) 

Each team/squad, including coach's, were on the stage as their team names were called.  Then all the children were seated to watch a performance by Mark Lippard.  From juggling to riding a very tall unicycle, the kids enjoyed watching him!

Volunteer awards were also given out to a cheer coach and basketball coach in each league.  Imagine my surprise when my name was called for the K-2nd grade Cheer Coach!  The sanctuary and balcony were completely full, as I walked on stage trying not to hypervenilate or trip receiving the award. 

All in all, it was a great season.  We look forward to next fall when we can do it all again!

Upward

Upward season has come to an end, and reluctantly, we are thankful.  First, let me explain.  We enjoy working with the kids, and watching/coaching them while they play.  It does however, end up being a long season.  With practices on Thursday nights, and games on Saturdays, we were rarely able to all be in the same location at the same time.  Practices were at different times, and the games were at different times and at different buildings. 

It was great to see how the kids "matured" in their own sport through out the season.  Noah was more aware of what was going on during the game, and knew how it worked and what to expect.  He seemed a little more comfortable out on the court, and even took a few shots.  The girls were more confident even half way through, and could often be found calling the cheers to the other girls.  They definitely have the "voice" for it, I think they were the loudest ones on their squad!  They were quick to pick up the words and motions, and especially did a great job on their pom routine. 

More surprising, was my (Shondra) experience with cheerleading this season.  In the beginning, I was very reluctant about coaching the girls, after all, I have no cheer experience of my own, and not a very high opinion of cheerleaders in general.  The Lord had other things in mind for me...I am so glad I stepped out of my box, and was "coaxed" in to coaching.  I had no doubt I could handle the "spiritual" aspects of the program, the verse memorization and devotional leading.  Only God knew that I would also be able to handle the "cheer" part of it!  I was out there at practice learning the cheers and pom routine with my girls, and actually enjoying it!  Who knew there was a hidden cheer coach talent that was just waiting to break out?

Lucy having fun with the fish!

More Fish...

When we were at the store today, Hope and Faith decided they wanted to use some of their own money and purchase a couple fish and a tank.  They both agreed on a Dora tank, and then each picked out a goldfish.  I thought we should have a third fish, "just in case", so I said I would pick one out also.  Faith named her fish Dora, Hope named her fish Boots, and I named mine Swiper.  I am sad to say that Boots died before we even got it in the tank, so Hope has taken over ownership of Swiper!

4-H Project (Noah)

Noah signed up for a couple different projects for 4-H this year.  One of them was the Pet Animal Club.  In order to be in this club, he has to do a poster on a pet animal that does not have a regular 4-H Club, so cats and dogs were not an option.  He decided he wanted to get some goldfish, and named them Blackie and Nemo.  He originally had a Goldie also, but Goldie died within 2 days of having it.  He is remembering to feed them twice a day, without even being reminded.  While he is at school, if his bedroom door is left open, Lucy (our cat) likes to sit on his dresser and watch them swim around!

Upward Pictures

Valentine's 2010

For Valentine's this year we went out to eat with another couple to a restaurant in Shipshewana, The Frontier Steakhouse.  It was great amish cooking, and we didn't even have to wait to be seated at a table!  In fact, when we got there we went to park the van, and the only spots available were the hitching posts for the buggies.  Matt told me to go ahead and park there, they certainly would not be full by the time we left.  I disagreed, and ended up squeezing in to an actual parking spot.  I was so glad I had found that one spot...when we left, people were waiting for tables, and all the hitching posts were completely lined with buggies!

Power Point Presentation...

This year, in 3rd grade, Noah was required to do a Power Point Presentation on a planet he chose, which was Venus.  He needed to create the power point himself, after doing research which included interviewing 10 people. He then gave a 6-8 minute presentation to a room full of parents and siblings.  He did an awesome job, and had fun creating the power point!

Lost Tooth - Faith

The day finally arrived...Faith lost her first tooth!  She was very excited, and had been waiting for it to fall out.  She first noticed it was loose at school, and had been wiggling it all day.  Of course, later that night, a trip next door to Grandma Weatherton's was necessary.  With a stuffed animal in one hand, and Mom's hand in the other, Grandma barely touched it and it fell right out!  Faith didn't even cry, but it sure bled alot!  She placed her tooth under her pillow that night, and received some money and a letter from the Tooth Fairy!

100 Day

100 Day is a big deal at school, and Faith's class celebrated it on Jan. 26th.  They each had to take in "100" of any item of their choice, and she decided to take in 100 pretzels.  They used their item that day for counting by 10's, and were then able to eat them if they were a food item.  They did 100 jumping jacks and push-ups, with everything that day revolving around the number 100.  The night before we had fun glueing 100 buttons on a t-shirt for her to wear that day!

Hope's class celebrated 100 Day on January 28th, and she had a fun filled day as well!  She decided to take in 100 dried beans, and had fun counting those by 10's.  The night before she picked out her 100 buttons we glued on her shirt, and she even had a button with her name on it!  Her 100 book included a spot for 100 names, and she wrote and drew about her 100 beans.  They even took a class picture that day to remember their special day by!

Quizzing

2010 North Central District Quiz Festival B Flight - 2nd Place

The boys are doing a great job quizzing, and having fun doing so!  This year at the festival they earned a 2nd place trophy!  Once again, like last year, they took turns having the trophy at their house for a week.  Their stats this year may not look like they did last year, but they are still doing a wonderful job.  They all know the answers, and are studying hard, they are just a little slow on the jumping...they are having problems getting their "bottems" off the benches!

What quizzing day would be complete if Noah and Corbin weren't able to get in a little DS time?