PARTY OF FIVE

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas!!

2009-12-25T11:43:00.000-05:00

And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight." From my family to yours, "have yourself a merry little Christmas."

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-26T19:27:00.003-05:00

I'm so far behind on posting that I'm not even going to try to attempt to catch up. I thought I would just pick things back up with Thanksgiving gatherings and go from there. On this Thanksgiving night, I hope that all out there have had a wonderful day spending time with family. Life gets so crazy at times that we sometimes get lost in all the day to day business and forget to count our blessings. Today, I'm thankful that I got to spend the day at my mother and father-in-laws house. I'm also thankful that on Sunday, we got to celebrate Thanksgiving a little early at my moms house. It is always nice to get all the family together to eat, watch tv, eat dessert, discuss what has been going on with all the kids, talk about when we can all find a date that works to plan our Family Christmas, eat again, watch the kiddos play outsides and so on. Below are some pictures taken at my mom's house on Sunday:

Nephew Chase, Great Niece Cailyn, Courtney holding Great Nephew Colton, Makenna, Damon and Nephew Zhenya
Colton showing off his new sunglasses......such a cute little man

Zhenya and Damon spending some quality cousin time together

The little ones outside "finding mischief" in grandmas bird bath!

Now as one holiday comes to an end, time goes on and finds us busy with all the things to come with the Christmas season. The month of December always seems to go by in the blink of an eye with so many things to do in what seems like such little time.

Until next time........Maria

Monster Mash 2009

2009-10-26T14:08:00.003-04:00

Boy has it been a busy weekend! Courtney played in the Monster Mash Softball Tourney in Indianapolis Friday-Sunday with her new Indiana Mojo travel team and boy was it FREEZING in Indy! We played at 6:00 and 11:30 p.m. Friday night, 2 and 8 pm on Saturday and our final game on Sunday morning at 11. That late game on Friday was the coldest I think I've been since I was a kid outside playing in the cold and loving it at that time in my life. The girls did a good job for only having practiced together about 3 times before going to this tourney. It by far was good for them to get their "feet wet" before the season starts next spring. I believe we are going to get in a couple indoor tourneys over the winter to get us ready for season play come April. Here are some pictures I managed to get when it wasn't so cold!

Introducing Indiana Mojo Fastpitch
We were officially voted best looking team by several of the umpires. They just loved the colorful hoodies and pink toboggans!!

They all have nicknames which is so cute. In this picture is Kit Kat, Jenna Bug and Corky

Eating at MCL on Saturday between games to celebrate Emily's birthday

So ready for this

A little action out here please

Waiting on the pitch

Ready for the game

This weekend also ended cross country season for Damon. The team went to semi-state on Saturday morning at Brown County and came up short in order to advance to state. We are all so proud of this group of boys and look forward to making a return to semi-state next season. Below are some pictures I got at Regional two weekends ago where we had a 3rd place finish in order to advance to semi-state.

After the race at Prides Creek

Connor and Damon

Damon and Briona

Damon in the chute at the finish catching his breath

I would also like to congratulate the Lady Vikings Volleyball Team on their Sectional Victory Saturday. We didn't get a chance to see them play due to being out of town for the softball tourney, but will catch them in Regional this Saturday and hopefully be making that trip to state again this year in 2 weeks. Good Luck Lady Vikings!

Until next time......Maria

2009 Cross Country Sectional Champs!!!

2009-10-14T14:22:00.003-04:00

Last night our boys won the cross country sectional at South Knox. We are regional bound!!!! This Saturday morning at 10:00 the boys will be running at Prides Creek in Petersburg to bring home a regional title!! Congratulations boys on a job well done. All the parents and community are so proud and backing you all the way.

Makenna & Karlye waiting on the bus to get to Viking Mart & also on the fire truck
The bus arrives

Ready to get on the fire truck

Making lap around town

Damon came in 9th out of 63 runners and Connor came in 1st. Not bad for a couple Freshman!

The Team holding up 4 fingers as this is the 4th year in a row that BR has won cross country sectional!

Having a little pizza with Coach Perkins and talking about what is to come on Saturday

It is all worthwhile!

Until next time from this one proud momma........

September Wrap-Up

2009-09-28T20:53:00.002-04:00

I know it is a couple days early but at the rate my blogging has been going, I thought I would try to wrap-up this month while I have the chance. I think I'll just bullet some of the things that we have been up to as that might make this a littler easier.

*Second weekend in September we got to enjoy time with friends at the annual Turkey Trot. Needless to say it was nice to relax and have a little fun! We also got to enjoy the annual trip to Holiday World which Jana and John got to come along this year. We all had a blast riding rides and at the water park too. Makenna was tall enough this year to enjoy the water slides so it was fun to go on some of them with her!

*The third weekend in September I got to celebrate yet another birthday.....#36! Wow, I'm climbing that hill to 40 and the way the years go, I'll be at the top in the blink of an eye. The weekend was great as I got to enjoy breakfast with my mom on Friday morning, Texas Roadhouse on Saturday night with Mike and Court (Damon & Makenna were at Grandma & Grandpa Pruett's house), and dinner again Sunday evening with Mike's mom and dad.....not bad for one weekend!

*Volleyball has been going great for Court. She has been doing a really good job and will be in good shape next year for 7th grade. She has a two games this week, one next and yet another the following week to wrap things up for the year. Hard to believe only 4 games left and we roll on to basketball time!

*What can I say about Cross Country......well it has been going AWESOME.....that's what I've got to say about that! The team overall have been such fun to watch this year and Damon.....well he continues to amaze me with this talent he has been blessed with. Despite a little set-back due to strep throat, he is going strong. Ninth grade year has proved to be a good one and all I can say is I'm glad I'm along for the ride! Sure can't wait to see what is to come over the next few years.....well I can wait but you get my point!

*Makenna started dance class this month and it is off to a good start. Her class meets every Thursday for half hour which is long enough to hold the attention of not only her but some of the other little ones in the class. She really is enjoying herself and as I watch her I see Courtney all over again.......amazing!

*Last but not least is Court's new travel softball team.....offically named "Indiana Mojo Fastpitch"......kind of catchy isn't it! We are all very pumped up about this team. Sunday we went to Bloomington for a team meeting and I think we are in for something good! More to come on that later as I'm sure there will be lots to share.

*As for this blogger....well today was spent at the eye doctor as I've managed to get some kind of infection in my left eye. I'm on drops 4 times a day and the worst part....no contacts until Friday!!!! People that know me know I NEVER wear my glasses unless there is an extreme situation.....well I'm at that point until I go back on Friday and get the ok to start wearing my contacts again.

This pretty much sums up September......can't wait to see what October has in store! Enjoy the nice cool weather......Fall is in the air!

Until next time.......Maria

Volleyball & Catching Up

2009-09-07T15:17:00.002-04:00

Wow how time gets away from me. Sure doesn't seem like it but it has almost been 3 weeks since my last post. During that time volleyball has come around and we are in the full swing of things. There are three 6th grade girls that play on the jr. high team. It sure is good experience for the girls so next year when they hit 7th grade (I'm not rushing it at all) they are prepared for what is to come. Below are some pictures from a few of the games:

My little #1 Court.

Up it goes.....

Smack......here it comes!

little rest between games

I have some other news in regards to Courtney I would like to share for those who haven't heard already. Mike took Courtney to Terre Haute a few weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon to try out for the Wabash Valley Sharks 12u travel softball team. They were having try-outs for two Sundays in August and from there selecting the girls to make up the travel team. When they got home, Mike said it went great and Court did a good job doing what she was asked. Mike and I have been talking all summer about taking Court to the next level and finding a travel team for her. In the meantime, we found out about another travel team in Bloomington that was having try-outs too for a 12u travel team. We were told it would be 2-weeks before we heard anything from the Sharks so we decided to take her to Bloomington to check that team out as it is closer to home at an hour away while Terre Haute is an hour forty-five minutes from our house. Last Sunday, we find out she has been selected to play on both teams! What an honor to be asked to play for the Sharks as they recently took 2nd place in the Nationals. The Bloomington Lightening team I believe came in 6th in the Nationals so they did a great job too. After much discussion, we decided to go with the Bloomington team due to it being a closer drive and thought it would be a good place for Court to start. She is so pumped up about this opportunity. They will play in some fall tourneys and also in a couple indoor tourneys this winter in Indy. Please keep Court in your prayers as she soon begins this new opportunity she has been blessed with.

Damon ran the State Preview on Saturday in Terre Haute for Cross Country. I'm happy to say that Barr-Reeve came home with the 1st place honors in 1A for small schools......way to go boys!

Last night, Mike, Makenna and I went to Dave and Tracy's house for a cookout and a boat ride on Boggs Lake followed by roasting marshmellows at Tracy's moms house on the lake. Damon and Court had birthday parties to go to so it was just the three of us. We had so much fun and it was nice to meet Brooke and Neil and their three very sweet kids. They have a boy in kindergarten so it was neat to listen to he and Makenna talk about school stuff.

This week finds us with school pictures tomorrow, Makenna beginning dance class on Thursday, Courtney with a volleyball game on Thursday at Washington Catholic, and Damon running Saturday morning at the Washington Invitational. Also in store later this week is Court going to Bloomington Saturday and Sunday for softball, annual trip to Holiday World and Turkey Trot begins. My oh my.....there is never a dull day in the Pruett Family! Hope everyone is having a great extended weekend!!

Until next time.......Maria

Born To Run

2009-08-21T14:56:00.003-04:00

Well last night was the night.........Damon's first high school cross country meet. It was the Forest Park Invitational and my son, a freshman, ran the varsity boys race!! There was my little Damon out there running against a few other kids his age and grade but for the most part, running against juniors and seniors. Let me just say I was a nervous mess not only for myself, but also for Damon who appeared to be very calm, cool and collected. He was so pumped up for this meet as it was his chance to proove that he deserved to be running on the varsity team and HE DID IT! The race was a 5k or a little over 3 miles and he finished with a time of 18:57 good enough for a 10th place individual finish!!!!! I believe there were 10 teams there last night with boys running in that varsity race and for Damon to be the 10th runner to finish was awesome!! Barr-Reeve as a team received the runner-up trophy falling a little short to Memorial High School. After the race I told Damon how proud I was of him and he told me that he was so nervous during 7th period Algebra mentally preparing for the race. I told him I had know idea how nervous he was as he did a very good job of hiding it from his mom. I think we are in for a great cross country season this year! Below are some pictures from the meet.

The team and Coach Perkins before the race
Damon and Dan warming up before the race

On your marks......get set.......GO!

Heading in the woods

Coming out of the woods

Catch him Damon!

Right after the race waiting on results

Damon receiving his ribbon and medallion, top 10 received medallions so 10th place finish was good!!

Individual ribbon, medallion and team ribbon

Until next time.....Maria

First Day of School

2009-08-13T21:05:00.002-04:00

Well the first day of school has come and gone along with the second and third days. My kids are glad tomorrow is Friday as they are wearing down. It is so hard to get back in the routine of getting to bed early and getting up early and not to mention having to stay after school for cross country and volleyball practice every night for Damon and Court. Makenna is so tired tonight that she asked to go to bed at 8:30....it was still daylight out so I know she is exhausted! This morning she asked me if she was done for the week and I told her one more day to go and she could sleep in on Saturday. All in all I think she is going to be ok. It is a huge adjustment going from precschool which was 2 1/2 hours 3 days a week to all day every day. I remember when Damon and Courtney went to kindergarten it was all day every other day and they were both so tired on that off day. Poor little Makenna doesn't get that break. Tonight was Open House night so we got to go in and see some of the things she has been doing this week and to meet parents of some of the other kids in the class. Here are some pictures I took on Tuesday morning before they all headed out the door.

My big girl......although she will always be my baby
My 6th grader Courtney

Sisters are forever and I'm so glad your mine!

Showing off backpacks

My Freshman.......ugh.......I'm not liking him going to high school at all :(

Momma and her baby girl

Makenna wanted to ride the bus the first day so Court said she was going with her as she didn't want her to go on the bus by herself. How sweet and overprotective is that?? Damon had me take him to school and I went to the primary building to wait on Makenna to get there.

First photo in Mrs. Jacob's Class

Until next time......

Maria

Good Times

2009-08-10T21:24:00.004-04:00

Damon received 2nd place in the 14u Bring the Heat XC race on 7/25 and 6th place overall

Barr-Reeve 10u girls softball team 1st place at the Odon Tourney on 7/26

Mike, Court and I

Damon, Court and Makenna at Six Flags St. Louis on 7/31

Court, Makenna & Damon at St. Louis Zoo on 7/30

This picture taken at Six Flags on 7/31 after riding the Scooby Doo Ride

These swings are going to be so much fun!

Courtney feeding a bottle of milk to a little goat at Grant's Farm in St. Louis on 8/1

Makenna being attacked by a herd of goats at Grant's Farm.........I think she needs more bottles!

Damon has a friend for life

Wow! Where has the summer gone?? As I type this at 9:50 on 8/10 my kids are in bed waiting for tomorrow morning......the first day of school! I still can't believe how it can possibly be that time again. As I tucked my baby in bed I felt such emotion overcome me. She however is so excited about her first day of kindergarten and for that I'm excited for her too. It will be different tomorrow not having a child at home.....they really do grow up so fast. As Makenna starts her big day of kindergarten, Courtney moves on to 6th grade; the last of her elementary years, while Damon begins his Freshman year......the start of his high school journey. I pray that each day is full of happiness for them and that God protects them each step of the way. I'm sure I'll have more to post tomorrow and pictures too! I do want to mention one more thing before ending this post and that is Mike and I celebrated our 17th anniversary on August 8th. I'm so blessed to be married to such a wonderful husband and father. I love you very much Mike and thank-you for everything you do for our family. You always put us first above anything else and I'm looking forward to the many more years with you to come.

Until next time.......Maria

Tooth Fairy Time!!

2009-07-20T21:18:00.003-04:00

Today was a big day for Makenna! The day started with her 6 year check-up at Dr. Ruff's in Jasper to get ready for kindergarten. She did such a great job! Dr. Ruff told her she would do just fine in school.....she is so ready :) From there, she and I went to McDonalds for some lunch and then it was off to the nail salon where we both got our nails and toes done. Makenna had such a fun time and it was nice for the two of us to spend the day together. To finish out her big day, I was downstairs doing some work on the computer when she runs up to me so excited holding that tiny little tooth in her hand. It has been loose for weeks and she has been eating apples quite often just waiting for it to come out. So tonight as the Tooth Fairy makes her rounds, she will be adding a stop on Eagle Dr. to her list!! Below is a picture I took right after she pulled her tooth and also some pictures from the softball tourney on Saturday. Hope everyone has a great week!

Thumbs up for the Tooth Fairy is coming tonight!!
2nd place finish at Loogootee Softball Tourney on 7/18/09

Tyanna & Court

Until next time.......Maria

Summer 2009

2009-07-13T18:37:00.006-04:00

It has been over a month since my last post that there is no way possible I can capture everything that has been going on this summer. I can't seem to come to terms with just how fast time goes......amazing! Anyway, the best I can do is just post some pictures of happenings and tell a little as I go. I will again try to do better with getting updates posted to my loyal readers......two of which told me over the weekend...."will you just update that darn blog"....not to mention any names Angel and Jana! Speaking of the weekend, Barr-Reeve Summer Softball hosted the first annual Jim Miller Classic which had 20 teams entered.....it was HUGE and a HUGE SUCCESS! Thanks to all the teams for coming and to all that pitched in to make this a special event to remember. I'm not going to post any pictures on my blog as I would like all readers to click on the link to the left "Whats Left of Me". This link is Brittany Millers; Jims oldest daughter. She pretty much captures what the weekend was about and why it was so special to her, her mom and sisters. PLEASE READ IT.

Makenna with Ronald
Peyton, Court, Hannah, Annie and Leah......don't mess with the best!

Court with her tropy after the Ireland Tourney

The Team placed 2nd at the Ireland Tourney

Dad is so proud of his girl!

Damon and Conner at the Martinsville Tourney

Getting a little advice from Coach

Damon before game time

Makenna and John attacking the corn on the cob!

July 4th Cardinals vs Reds game.....a little drizzle wasn't going to spoil the fun!

Damon and JP taking it all in.....Cardinals didn't do so well that day so Damon is in shock I think and JP being the Reds fan is thinking "Oh Yeah"

Jana and I keeping dry.......we had fun despite the drizzle. There was a group of 25 of us that enjoyed the July 4th game.

My Corky and I

Baleigh and Makenna....how sweet!

This is great!

As you can tell from the pictures it has been a very busy summer. Damon went to Super Hoops this weekend at DePaw University as this was Freshman boys weekend (wow...that seems wierd typing about Freshman boys....I still can't believe I'll have a kid in high school in a few weeks) for the camp. The team made it to the championship game but came up a little short. This was the first year that Mike and I didn't make it up to watch him play but it was the same weekend as our softball tourney. Damon was very understanding as he knew that his dad and I needed to be in Montgomery.......he was glad he got back early enough on Sunday to do his part to help as he went straight to the concession stand to work after he returned.....what a sweet young man! Hope everyone is having a great summer!!!!

Until next time.......Maria

Time.....Or Lack There Of

2009-06-11T11:10:00.003-04:00

It has been too long since my last post.....bottom line is I've had NO time. This by far has turned out to be the busiest summer ever for us. There are simply too many things it seems happening on any given day that finding time to sit at the computer to blog just keeps getting pushed to the back of the list. I finally decided I needed to take the time to blog as it really is something that I find relaxing. The kids have so much going on and on top of that our screen-printing/embroidery business has just exploded! We have probably tripled what we were doing last year at this time when we were first getting started. Not only are we covered up with continuous softball orders, but it appears that this time of year is when businesses like to have open houses or customer appreciation days and they need t-shirts, hats, door prizes, etc. It is all good though and Mike and I are both very thankful for all the support and words of encouragement we have received from our friends and customers. We have been asked often here lately when we are going to open a place in town. It is something we both would love to do at some point but the timing has to be just right as that is a HUGE jump. We even have one business owner who utilizes our services that has taken on the task of scoping out a place for us.....now that is what I call support! For now though, it is nice to be able to work from the house even though the garage at times looks more like a warehouse than a garage :)

Now on to the kiddos. Damon's schedule has just about exhausted not only him but me too! I'm telling you what, if I were to start a shuttle service back and forth to the school I would make a million quick! Damon decided he wanted to take summer PE to get that credit out of the way for high school. There were two options available....going half day for half of the required PE credit or going all day for the full credit and not have to take it any in high school. Damon decided he wanted to get it out of the way so from May 28-June 19 he has PE everyday from 7:30-4:00. After that is over, he has cross country conditioning from 5-5:45 and from that either baseball practice or a baseball game. If it is a game night, he runs from 4-4:45 and goes straight to his game. June 19 simply can't come fast enough but I know it is worth it in the long run.

Makenna's age group finished up recreation league softball last Saturday. She is not going to play travel ball as this was her first year playing plus she is only 5 and not ready for that yet. I think she enjoyed playing and I could see so much improvement from the beginning of the season until the end. Also, her dad survived coaching that age group too although I lost track of the times that he had to say "Makenna be ready!"

Last but not least Courtney starts her first travel tourney this weekend in Tell City. I'm looking forward to going as travel softball is my favorite part about summer. I'm sure it is due to the fact that Court lives and breathes for travel softball. Starting this weekend we have a tourney scheduled for every other weekend the rest of the summer some of which we will be making t-shirts and other items for too. The only part I don't like about the every other weekend tourney play is that you feel you have your entire summer planned out and before you know it school is rolling around to start again :(

Speaking of softball tournaments, Barr-Reeve Summer Softball will be hosting the first annual Jim Miller Classic at Barr-Reeve July 10-12. This will be an 8u, 10u and 12u tourney. Jim passed away last November from a heart attack on the way home from a Colts game. Jim dedicated 15 plus years of his life to the summer softball program at Barr-Reeve that it only seemed right to start an annual event in his honor. Please get the word out to teams to register for this annual event. Teams can sign up by calling 296-0670.

Until next time.....Maria

Preschool Graduation & Campground Fish Fry

2009-05-25T18:58:00.006-04:00

Here are some pictures from Makenna's preschool graduation Sunday afternoon and also a few from the fish fry at the campground. Hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day!

Makenna saying her lines for the program
Let's sing about the Lord

Receiving diploma

Grandma Mary, Makenna & Court

Best Friends Makenna & Kylie will be heading off to Kindergarten together

Makenna & Ms. April

Makenna with little buddy Drew

Don't spill that juice on Papaw Pruett!

Mom, Makenna & Dad......can ya tell she has had enough with the pictures?

Makenna & Karlye having fun at the campground

Sky, Kirsten, Bay, Court & T in the camper

DK trying to grill and Kim keeping him in line........well good luck with that Kim!

Me & Cathy taking it all in

Jason & Mike getting the fish fry going......Cathy making sure they aren't eating it as they go!

A little football action from DP

Fun times with friends!

Until next time.......Maria

Busy Week!!

2009-05-24T12:15:00.004-04:00

It is that time of year again for my family when things are just....well.....BUSY! There have been so many events that have occured since my last post that I'm going to try to do my best to get caught up. First off, I hope that everyone is having a great Memorial Weekend! The weather couldn't be better and I think we are all in the mood for.......SUMMER! I also want to take a minute to congratulate all those that have graduated over the weekend.......best of luck to all of you! Below are some pictures from events that have kept my family busy.......

Courtney and Blake at Spring Mill on Friday.......don't they look cute together??
5th grade girls at Spring Mill

This field trip business is just.....well.....exhausting!

Fun times at Spring Mill

Morgan & Court at the AWANA picnic Wednesday night

Courtney with her AWANA teacher Gwen. This was taken Thursday at the Awards Program at school.

Court and Blake after elementary awards program.

Courtney and Leah showing off some of their hard work......way to go girls!

Court was one of two 5th graders selected to carry a flag at the start of the awards ceremony.

Makenna singing with the "Cubbies" at the AWANA picnic/closing ceremonies at church Wednesday night. Don't they all look so cute in their Cubbies vest???

Court on 1st base at her game Thursday evening getting a little guidance from her dad.

Ready or not here I come!!

I'm all over this!!

As you can see from the list of events it was something EVERY night last week. I must say I love every minute of it though and couldn't imagine having it any other way. We have one more event ahead of us today yet and that is Makenna's preschool graduation ceremony at Antioch this afternoon at 2:30. I will try to update later tonight or tomorrow with some pictures of that. After her graduation it is over to the Montgomery Campground to spend the rest of the day with our group of friends and to enjoy a fish fry.......I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!!!

Until next time........Maria

Way To Go Damon!

2009-05-15T16:35:00.002-04:00

Today was awards day for the Jr./Sr. High School. The theme was 70's flashback and I must say it was fun for both the kids and the adults. Damon got an award for High Honors for the school year and his dad and I are both very proud of him for all his hard work and effort that he puts in his grades. I'm sure it isn't easy in this day and age being an 8th grade boy playing sports, keeping chores up at home, homework, peer pressure and still being able to achieve what he has for the year. I'm so glad his dad and I were there today for the program as I think it is important that Damon know we both support him in all he does and choices he makes. It is hard to believe that his jr. high school days are almost behind him and that this fall his dad and I will be sending our firstborn on to high school. Damon, your dad and I love you very much and are honored to call you our son!! Thanks for all the blessings you bring to our lives and to the lives of others. Keep up the good work.......this post is for you bud!

With all our love,

Mom and Dad

Weekend Review

2009-05-11T12:30:00.003-04:00

Hope all you moms out there had a wonderful Mother's Day Weekend! Mine was GREAT!! Saturday a rather large group of us went to Bloomington to see the IU vs Purdue softball game. Despite it being a little chilly in the stands we had a great time. After the game we went to Outback for dinner and it was very good. Yesterday, we went to church and after church was over I got my Mother's Day from the kids. Last Saturday while we were in Evansville I got a gazing ball at Lowes I really liked and was told that was my Mother's Day gift. Well I've been wanting some of those white rocking chairs for my front porch for about two years now and yesterday for Mother's Day I finally got them along with a matching white table! I was so excited to get them as I can't wait to spend some time sitting out there relaxing, reading my paper and just taking it all in. Well it sounds good anyway......I just got to make sure I take the time to make it happen! Last night rounded out our day with a Mother's Day cook-out. Mike's mom and dad and my mom came over and we grilled some burgers and hotdogs, had cake for dessert and the kids took the grandparents on a golf cart ride.....fun times!

Tonight and tomorrow night we will be at the softball field as Makenna has two back to back games. Court's game got rained out last Thursday so not sure if it is going to be made up this Thursday or if she will just have practice. Kids are starting to count down the days until school is out.....only two weeks left from tomorrow!

Faith, Court and Mace at the IU vs Purdue game

My rocking chairs and little white table on my front porch

My new gazing ball

Until next time.......Maria

The First Game!!

2009-05-05T18:23:00.003-04:00

Court, Makenna, Briona, Damon, Kalin and Kirsten enjoying an after the game golf cart ride!

Well last night was the long awaited for first softball game for Makenna. She was so excited all day yesterday as she came home right after preschool and put her ball clothes on. John started his new job at the hospital yesterday too and was able to come to her game last night so she was all fired up about him getting to come watch. All in all things went great! There is nothing like watching 2 teams of 11 little 8u girls each figuring it out as they go! You never know what is going to happen next so there is usually plenty of opportunity to have a smile on your face : ) I think the coach was even impressed at how things turned out.......you did a good job out there with the little girls Mike! So, below are a few pictures of the game and from there it is off to Washington Thursday night for Court's first official game of the season! I just love softball!!!!

Yeah! I got on base......big sis Court giving some advice.

This one is outta here!!!

Yes dad........I'm sure I'm ready!

Come on girls......let's do this!

Until next time......Maria

Girls Having Fun!!

2009-05-04T15:16:00.002-04:00

We had a really nice weekend. Saturday we went to Evansville for the day and went to the mall. We got to spend time with Jana and she and I got to do some shopping together which is always fun. My new favorite store is Maurices as I've been really lucky at finding things in there I like. We also got to eat at TGI Fridays.....yummy! Sunday was a busy but fun day. We went to second service at church and from there to Becky's graduation party. She graduated Saturday from Oakland City with a degree in Business Administration......way to go Becky! After that it was off to the softball field as Court had a practice game against the other 10u team to get them ready for their game this Thursday at Washington. The team looked really good and I think we will have a good season to look forward to. Well tonight is Makenna's first softball game so we will see how that goes : ) I hear Court coming in from the bus so I better go for now. Below are some pictures from Sunday. Have a great week all!!

Court up to bat......be ready outfield!
Court and Mace doing some stretches before the game

Kenna and Karlye.....don't they look so sweet and innocent??

Makenna, Becky and Court at Becky's graduation party

Sisters being silly

Until next time.......Maria

The Haircut

2009-05-01T17:24:00.003-04:00

Today after Makenna got out of preschool, she and I went for haircuts. Below is a picture of her new style........look how short it is! I really LOVE it as I think it looks so cute on her. As you will notice from my last post, she had VERY long hair in ponytails and now she has VERY short hair! She was excited about getting it cut short as she does not like having it brushed out every night after her bath. I have to spray a ton of detangler spray on it and it still would be hard to brush out as she has very thick hair. So, I think she made a good choice to go short with summer coming as she will be going swimming and playing softball so it will be easier to brush after swimming and much cooler on the softball field. When we got home today she went upstairs to her bedroom, stood on her bed, looked in her dresser mirror and said, "I love my new hair.......I look sassy!" So there you have it......straight from the 5 year old.

Until next time.......Maria

Makenna's Big Catch!

2009-04-28T18:53:00.003-04:00

Sunday afternoon Mike took the kids fishing out at Darren and Kim's pond for a couple hours. Mike got Makenna a "just my size" pole as she called it and boy did it work for her! Below is a picture of Makenna and dad with her first fish. I thought it was too cute not to share as she is really proud of her big catch!! Hope everyone is having a great week.

Until next time......Maria

Feels Like Summer!!

2009-04-24T20:17:00.003-04:00

Ok, so the calendar says the "official" start of summer isn't for weeks yet but hey, step outside today and you just might get the impression that the calendar isn't always right. What a beautiful day it has turned out to be and looking ahead it seems as though we might have several nice days yet to come. I actually stopped and purchased some geraniums for my flower pots on the front porch today. My husband, the landscaping expert, reminds me every year about this time when I get my "itch" to start my flowers that I should hold off until the first weekend in May to get in the flower planting mood. He as usual has prooved to be right in past years as I've jumped the gun and planted my flowers only to have them attacked by some late freeze. So today I took his advice to not plant in my open flower pots because I'm terrible about remembering to cover them or bring them in under cover when the weather man reports the late season freeze is on the way. I figure if I just stick to my pots on the front porch for now that they just might stand a chance of making it if the late freeze happens to hit!

On another note, I know it has been a couple weeks since my last post and I was reminded of that by my niece in the comment she made on my post from two weeks ago. It went a little something like, "Aunt Ria (what she use to call me when she was a little girl) you really need to update your blog, Na Bug" ( what I use to call her when she was a little girl). She is right as things have been so busy around here that I sometimes forget to stop and take the time to update and next thing I know it has been two weeks! So a few of the happenings going on around here included Makenna's first softball practice on the field last Friday and let me tell you it was interesting! Mike had to pray for strength and patience as starting over coaching 8u softball can be quite the challenge. She had practice again tonight and things I'm happy to report are getting better. Last weekend Damon and Court played their last Gym Rats basketball tourney for the season so now it is moving on to baseball for Damon and softball for Court. This summer will be crazy with 3 kiddos playing ball in 3 different age groups!! Oh yet on another note....one thing I got the chance to do last night was attend a Lia Sophia jewelry party at my friend Jamie W's house. If you've never had the chance to attend one of these parties or see a catalog you don't know what your missing; the jewelry is beautiful!

So, I have a 5 year old calling "mom......mom.........where are you mom and with that I must end this post and attend to my little one.

Until next time........Maria

Easter Photos

2009-04-13T09:08:00.004-04:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! Our day started with Easter service at Antioch and it was beautiful. Keith gave a very nice sermon and the band played and the choir sang. It really was breathtaking. From there we went to the Pruett side of the family for lunch and the traditional egg hunt. The kids had a great time finding all the eggs. After that it was off to the Hudson side of the family for dinner. All the cousins had fun playing wiffle ball outside in Grandma Mary's front yard. Below are a few pictures from our day!

Me and Court
Court with my great niece Cailyn

Makenna checking out her goods

Court hunting eggs

Damon hunting eggs

Makenna hunting eggs

Me with my great nephew Colton

Cailyn and Makenna......best buddies

Until next time......Maria

Vacation Photos

2009-04-10T16:27:00.006-04:00

Thought I would share some photos of our recent trip to Daytona. Pictures are such a great way to remember those special times we share with family and friends.

Man this ice cream is good!

Court soaking up the sun!

The kiddos!

Me and my girls!

John and Damon trying the beach bikes!Makenna and Godmother Jana!

Cathy and Makenna

Sisters!

Doesen't Makenna look thrilled??

Doesn't Damon look thrilled??

This water is freezing!!

You thinking what I'm thinking sis??

Dad, Makenna and Hermit the Crab!

Mom and Dad!

Until next time.......Maria

Vacation Memories

2009-04-07T21:08:00.003-04:00

Vacation in one word was "Awesome". Just Friday I was basting in the sun with 88 degree weather only to look out my window yesterday to see snowflakes in the air.....go figure! Well needless to say the 80 degree weather everyday was nice while it lasted.

We got home Saturday night around 11:30 all of us with tan but exhausted bodies! I must say that this was probably the most relaxing vacation I have been on since Mike and I went to Cancun about 5 years ago. We usually go to Orlando every spring break which is very nice but it is not usually a "relaxing" vacation as we go from theme park to theme park. Don't get me wrong, it is nice and makes great memories but just having the chance for one spring break to sit back and watch the kids explore the ocean and other attributes of Daytona was pure therapy for the soul. Each morning we would sleep in to get much needed rest and hit the beach for the day around 10:30 a.m. From there we would stay out enjoying the sunshine until about 4:00 p.m when we would go back inside to shower and get ready to go out for dinner. I know the one night we went to "Bubba Gumps" we had a reservation for 21 people! It was so much fun having the other couples and families to spend time with and to make memories. Despite a few in the group having some minor health issues during the week I would say all in all the vacation was a huge success.

I'm so glad that our friend Jamie and her girls got the chance to enjoy the week and to just smile at all the beautiful creation God has placed around them. It was so nice to be able to spend the week with the so many dear friends that God has been gracious enough to place in my life and in the lives of my husband and children. For that, I'm so very thankful.

The above picture is of Mike, the kids and I as well as my niece Jana and her finace John. This was taken one evening before we went to dinner. I hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Until next time.......Maria

Daytona Here We Come!!!

2009-03-26T07:55:00.002-04:00

As the song goes "I'm gonna soak up the sun" that is just what I intend to do for the next 7 days! The trip is FINALLY here, the one my family as well as several others in our small group have been waiting for. We are leaving tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 to start out on our spring break "retreat" as I like to call it. We are going to have a wonderful time being lazy, watching movies, playing cards and hitting the beach every day. Our entire small group will be going to Daytona except for Mark and Amy's family and they are going to Destin (we will all miss you guys). This is the first year for my family to vacation in Daytona. Every year since Courtney was in first grade and Damon in fourth, we have gone to Orlando over spring break. Last year when we were in Orlando we drove to Daytona to spend the day with some friends that were vacationing in Daytona and it was beautiful there. One of the families going, Darren and Kim and their kids have never been to Florida so it is awesome that they are getting the chance to get away this year. I know they will love it and their kids are in for such a great time!!

The one thing we all will miss about this trip is not having Jim there with us. You see, just four months ago Jim went to be with his savior in heaven and it has been difficult many days on everyone in our small group to grasp the reality of life without him. Although he won't be with us in body this vacation, his spirit lives within each of us which allows us the opportunity to still have him there with us. I pray that this vacation will be refreshing for Jamie and the girls as they have been through so much and deserve to have the chance to smile again and have happiness in their lives.

Well, there is much to do today such as get the oil changed in the suburban, get snacks at the store, hair appointments for the girls and I and the major thing I haven't even started yet.....PACKING! So, as you can tell, I'd better get motivated and get with it now. I'll try to post some during the week to keep everyone updated on how the trip is going. Please pray for all of us for a safe trip to Daytona and back home.

Until next time......Maria

The Weekend

2009-03-15T18:02:00.000-04:00

What a nice weekend it has turned out to be. Today's weather has been so nice and it sounds as though we have some warm weather to look forward to come yet this week. I'm so ready for it to get warm and stay that way!!

Saturday morning Court had a two hour basketball practice and after that we headed to Evansville for the day and a day it was as we didn't get home until 9:00 Saturday night. My niece Jana and her husband to be one of these days (Jana....how many times were we asked Saturday when you and John are going to get married????) live in Evansville so we got to spend the day with them. Jana is my only niece and to be quite honest about it she is more like a little sister to me than a niece. I'm sure it is due to the fact that she is only 12 years younger than me as she was born when I was in 6th grade. She and I have so much fun shopping together and always hit the mall for the day. It is so funny because we both wear the same size clothes (I always tell her she makes me feel good as after having 3 babies and working REALLY hard to get somewhat back in shape I can wear the same size now as my little niece : ) so we will grab as many clothes as we can and head to side by side dressing rooms so we can throw things back and forth to each other to try on. Saturday we were on a shopping mission for new summer clothes as we are heading to Florida in less than two weeks for spring break and Jana and John are coming with us this year. My kids are so excited about them coming. Damon really likes to "hang out" with John and Court and Jana always have fun together. Makenna, well she just loves to be around them too : ) All in all Saturday was a great day and we got to go eat some mexican food too!!

Today Courtney had a basketball practice game against Washington. Next weekend Damon and Court both will be playing in a tourney at Jasper for Gym Rats and the next Friday we will be leaving for Florida for a week of sunshine and some much needed rest and relaxation!!

I've posted a picture of Court and Makenna on the merry-go-round at Eastland Mall and also a photo of Courts game this afternoon. Hope everyone got to get out today and enjoy the sunshine!

Until next time.....

Maria

Happy Birthday Courtney Marie Pruett!!!!!!

2009-03-11T19:42:00.000-04:00

Today, Wednesday March 11, my Court is celebrating her 11th birthday!!! She is growing up way to fast and beyond her years. What a bright, beautiful, energetic young lady she has become. I must say I've enjoyed every minute watching her grow over the years and I look forward to the years to come as she continues to grow not only on the outside but on the inside as well.

She has had a busy day today with school, a 2 hour volleyball practice after school and church group tonight but yet she keeps holding her head up high like she is on top of the world.

So Court, this post is dedicated to you on your special day from your family. We all love you so very much sweet girl and what a blessing you are!

Until next time......Maria

Silly Sisters

2009-03-02T18:31:00.000-05:00

Last night Courtney and Makenna decided they were going to make up a dance in the basement for daddy and I to come watch. It was so cute as they made an invitation inviting Mike and I to the dance and when we got downstairs they had two chairs set up where they wanted us to sit. Makenna's favorite song is "So What" by Pink and that is what they were dancing to. This song is so fitting for Makenna's personality that I thought it was pretty neat that was the song of choice. I have posted a few pictures of the girls doing their dance complete with costumes.......check out Court's red fuzzy hair!!

Hope everyone has a super week : )

Until next time......Maria

Kindergarten Round-Up

2009-02-27T18:58:00.000-05:00

Today I took my baby to school for kindergarten round up. As we pulled in the parking lot at the school all I could think about was how fast the years have gone. I mean come August I'll have Damon entering high school which will start a whole new chapter in his life, Courtney going to 6th grade finishing up the end of her elementary years and my baby walking in the school to just begin her journey. I thought to myself I can't believe I'm here with Makenna this just doesn't seem right. As most of you might know Makenna could have gone to school this year but due to her having a late summer birthday, her daddy and I decided it would be best to send her to preschool for one more year. We thought being another year older would just make things easier but I'm not sure if we held her out the year to make it easier on her or easier on us to let her go. Problem is, it doesn't get easier on the parent! No matter how long you wait there will come the time for school. The main thing is Makenna was excited to be there and was very confident about her surroundings. The kids all got to watch a short video on school bus safety and after the video actually got to go outside to get on a bus and check it out. It was so cute to hear them all talk amongest one another about starting school. Many of them including Makenna thought they got to come back tomorrow to start kindergarten. It was at that point I realized she was going to do just fine in school as she felt comfortable being there with the other kids and was ready for the next step of her journey in life.

Until next time.......Maria

The Dentist

2009-02-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

Today was Makenna's first trip to the dentist. I've been meaning to make her an appointment for a long time but as we all know time gets away from us and you all know the rest of the story. So we headed to her appointment which was at 3:30 and got in right on time which is a good thing when you are dealing with a very inpatient 5 year old. It was so funny the entire drive she kept asking me all kind of questions like what the dentist was going to do to her, how long would it take, would it hurt and on and on. So, I was glad we didn't have to sit in the waiting room for very long as she would have just been in a state of worry. Myra came out and called for "Makenna" and Makenna said "right here I am". She said "come on mom, lets get this show on the road" and away we went. Myra did such a great job with her telling her everything she was going to do and what all the tools were for, etc. The best part for Makenna was getting to pick out her own toothpaste flavor and which she decided on the cookie dough. She was such a trooper and even had x-rays taken. I was so very proud of her and how she was behaving like such a big girl. When she was all finished she got to pick out her own toothbrush, sticker, pencil, etc and got a little goody bag to take with her for doing such a great job on her first visit. When we were getting ready to leave she told Myra she wanted her to clean her teeth next time and I think that made Myra feel really good coming from a 5 year old little girl on her first visit.

On the way home Makenna told me that going to the dentist wasn't too bad and she was glad I got to say in the room with her. I told her I would always be there for her to make sure she is safe as that is the most important part of being a mommy.......just being there for your kids.

Until next time.......Maria

Happy Birthday Damon and Karlye!!!!

2009-02-23T19:20:00.000-05:00

Due to the fact that I just started my blog last Thursday, I want to back up in my post just a bit to recognize a couple birthdays. Damon turned 14 on February 9th and Mark and Amy's daughter (a couple in our small group) Karlye turned 3 on the 10th. We decided to have a party at Mark and Amy's house with all the couples in our small group to celebrate the births of these two very special kids. It was a nice Sunday evening with temps in the 50's. Mark and Mike took over at the grill with burgers and dogs while Amy and I got all the sides ready. Everyone was able to make it which made for a great time. We enjoyed supper and ice cream cake and presents to follow.

It is both a happy but yet kind of a sad time when your child has a birthday. Happy to see them growing up and becoming their own person yet sad as you look back on the years and how fast time really does go. So Damon and Karlye this post is dedicated to both of you from all of us that love you both very much!!!

Until next time........Maria

Saturday Night

2009-02-21T17:30:00.000-05:00

Tonight, I'm taking Damon and his friend Kalin to see the movie Mall Cop. He has been wanting to go for a few weeks now but there has been a ballgame or something going on. Mike is going to his buddy Darren's house to play cards/poker with the guys in our small group. Courtney is at Bible Memory Camp for the weekend and will come home tomorrow afternoon. Kalin's mom Cathy is going to watch Makenna for the evening so I think all our bases are covered. I'm looking forward to taking the boys out to the movie. Damon is growing up so fast and I enjoy those times far and few between that he and I can just "hang out" together. I know in a couple years he'll be driving and out with his friends but I hope that he doesn't forget his ole mom!

Today was the first softball open gym. Court missed due to being at camp but Makenna got to give it a try for the first time. She actually did pretty good and has quite the arm on her. I went with her and Mike so I could take a few pictures to post. We will see how things go next Saturday and see if she wants to give it a go this summer.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend and remember to think spring : )

Until next time........Maria

Basketball

2009-02-20T18:44:00.000-05:00

Last night Damon and Court both played their last games for the regular season. Damon will be in a tourney next weekend in Jasper and may play a few others. It is hard when they both play the same night as we have to do the ole split as parents so they each have a parent at his or her game. Last night Makenna and I stayed in Montgomery to go to Damon's game. He played WRV and the team came out with a victory. The 8th grade ended the season posting a 18-3 record which is pretty good and a result of many hard practices. Mike got the pleasure of going to Bloomfield to be with Court. Her game went to overtime and they came up a little short. Overall the 5th grade girls posted a 8-5 record for the season.

It is hard to believe that it is time to move on to the next sport. Tomorrow afternoon Court and Makenna both start open gym practices for softball. This should be quite interesting as this will be the first time for Makenna to play any sport. We signed her up for dance class two years ago but that didn't work out so well because you have to stand still, listen and pay close attention.......well needless to say that was a lost cause. So we will see how this goes and take it one practice at a time. Mike will again coach the 10u team that Court plays on and any time left from that I'm sure he will be involved helping Makenna. Damon is undecided about playing baseball this summer. His one true love has turned out to be Cross Country and he will start conditioning for that as soon as basketball is done.

Until next time.........Maria

Expressions

2009-02-20T00:07:00.000-05:00

I have been debating about starting a blog for a long time. There are several people I know that have a blog so I thought what the heck....it is now or never! My main reason for the blog is I wanted a way to express my thoughts and feelings about events and happenings in my life so one day I can look back and see where I've been and where I have come. To give a brief overview of myself, I have been married to my husband Mike for 16 years and I love him just as much today as the day I said "I do". We are the parents of three beautiful children and I would like to take some time to express my feelings about them. First, there is our 14 year old son Damon. There are so many things I could say about this young man but most of all he is just a super person inside and out. His dad and I are so proud of him and he is headed for great things in his life. Second, is our soon to be 11 year old daughter Courtney. "Court" as we all call her in the family is a very outgoing young lady and quite the social butterfly. She makes her dad and I proud in so many ways. Last but not least is 5 year old Makenna. Lets just say she was "cut from a different cloth" as her daddy says. She doesn't have a shy bone in her body, doesn't meet a stranger and sends a new challenge our way each day! She is our baby and is headed for kindergarten in the fall. We love these kids so much. Our lives revolve around being a part of theirs. So, as you can tell, with 3 very active kids I will for sure have many days ahead of me to "express" myself.

Until next time.............Maria