TIME FOR A CHANGE...

A couple of years ago, Rusty and I got the feeling he should return to school for an MBA. However, he was already very busy with work, life, calling in the bishopric. So when he was released from the bishopric last fall, it seemed time to return to school. He had investigated a program through Auburn that required minimal campus time, more online learning. It was the #1 online MBA program in the nation, but only 1/3 of the applicants got in. In January, Rusty set his goals for the 2011, one was to start his MBA (with Auburn being his first choice). He studied, tested and scored well, but he was especially thrilled to get 6 of 6 for the writing portion. This week he recieved his letter of acceptance to Auburn. War Eagle!

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Then there are the younger 3 Speidels: Shea, Asa, & Ivy. Shea and Asa will be attending the new Cherokee Charter Academy while Ivy have been redistricted to an Elementary School just around the corner!

Big academic changes for the Speidels this fall!

HEY CHICKADEES!

"I'm coming to steal your eggs!" calls out the 5 year old. Thanks to Rusty, the masterful builder, we now have the ChickMahal closer to the house for the kiddos (and mom) to care for and play with the girls! I feel soooo loved that my city slicker guy would perform such a 'labor' of love. :)

THIS IS...

This is the Babe who helped me figure out what I want to be when I grow up...A Mom!

This is the Toddler who screamed at swim lessons and vaccuums

This is the little boy who asked to go to the zoo. We promised him a trip to the National zoo, but forgot to inform him it would be a 10 hour drive.
This is the brother who wanted "10 plus 6 siblings" to hug and kiss.
This is the boy who's heart constantly yearns for truth and righteousness



This is the young man who can now drive our cars (with assistance)



Happy Birthday Rett!

I'M GONNA MISS THIS

That's what they tell me and I have come to believe it. Especially when I taxi my kids around for 100+ miles in a day. I'm totally not kidding. Yesterday, Saturday, we ran Rett to his church basketball game at the stake center (Cobb County), then I took him from there to his swim certification for scout camp this summer. After that, we headed back up to Cherokee County. We had to stop by the sporting store to get Rett some bigger, more coverage, Lacrosse gloves. Not cheap, but considering he used his last pair for 4 years, I felt confident we'd get our monies worth. Hopefully at least they'll last him through high school. From there, we swung by the house to convert from basketball player/swimmer to Offensive Attack (Lacrosse). Coach has him trying a new position. Off to Lacrosse practice, thankfully just down the road so I could return to home intermittently 'til pickup. So all this running around made me thankful for time with Rett. In less than 2 weeks, he gets his learner's permit. We are excited to give him that independence. Yes, I said excited! So I'm relishing in this last year of time with him. When he gets his license, we'll try to see to it that he has a designated set of wheels to get himself around and help mom/dad with chaufferring. I have had some of THE BEST conversations with him, when in the car...hence, I'm Gonna Miss those times when I get to lean on his ear or we have a really personal conversations I could have never imagined occurring.

SNOW DAY?

Actually it was an entire week! Here are a few pics from day 1.
When push comes to shove....

Asa getting ready, set, to go:

I'm with Ivy. I like to eat it ("stay away from the yellow")



I think snow is my favorite backdrop for taking pictures of my kiddos. Something about the lighting.

HEAD & SHOULDERS

Asaism alert!

After Dad, the Barber, finished cutting Asa's hair, the Barber sent Asa to the showers for a clean up/rinse with Head & Shoulders. Asa says to Rusty, "Do I wash my shoulders too." BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAH....

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND part 2

So part 2 of our birthday weekend was Rusty's birthday joy...Blue Angels. He LOVES them and they just happened to be in the ATL for our celebratory weekend. We wanted to share this with the kids and our good friends. It was great!