Snow DayS!

This is Senor Snow, made curteousy of the snow days -- yes, days -- that we had at the beginning of the week. The kids loved playing in the snow, drinking hot chocolate, and having their friends over. There were snowmen all over town and it was such a hoot to see all of the fun reactions folks had over our few inches. To you snow warriors it was nothing, but to us it was a nice escape from the everyday. Happy Snow Day wherever you are!

The Heiselt Days of Summer...

Believe it or not... school starts for us one week from today. We've had a tremendous summer filled with food, fun, and family. Just the things every person needs before they head back to the grind. I have so many photos to share, but this is about all I have time for today. Someday soon I hope to post more. Until then... enjoy a bit of our summer.

Hanging out with cousins in Virginia! We were so lucky that Matthan and Brenda were willing to play "hosts" to us this year. We had a great time hanging out with them, trying to eat at the Golden Corral while we were "coralling" our troops, having dinner, and visiting the Aquarium. Next time... it is our turn! Can't wait to have you all in MS. My personal highlight, Eric's new nickname (via Milo)... GRANDPA!

Colonial dancing in Williamsburg, VA! We found a steal of a deal at a resort in Williamsburg. We hope the entire family will come and have a reunion there one day. We had fun in the pool, walking the grounds, playing at the playground, and yes... even Colonial Dancing! (p.s. This is photographic evidence that our oldest children danced and had a great time together!).

Shae -- "Little Mermaid-ing it" in the backyard pool. Shae is her own tv show, non-stop. This is just one of her many adventures. Just love that kid! She is so tan she has a little white swimsuit farmer tan.

Loving those homemade, chocoalte pudding pops! We found a great recipe which we enjoyed this summer. We made pudding pops of different flavors and styles. The kids loved them and I loved watching them eat them.

Hope you all are enjoying your summer! We look forward to seeing your photos too!

Now Introducing... Emoree with... BRACES!

Welll...it's official. After months of hoping, days of planning, and years of wishing... Emoree got braces today. We can look forward to praying she won't break her brackets, making sure she doesn't eat anything she's not supposed to (it is a long list). And (as she says) lots and lots of mashed potatoes. Who wouldn't want that? Feel free to send sympathy cards care of Emoree Heiselt! Luckily, her Dad went through this before so she's got a wealth of experience around her. She is welcoming all prayers in behalf of her teeth.

Volunteering is COOL!

For the last two weekends, Bryton and I have been out in the community giving service. One Saturday, we worked the MSU Garage Sale to benefit students who face calamities and cannot pay their bills. On the following Saturday, we worked the Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament. I am so blessed to have a son who thinks it is cool to volunteer. It probably didn't hurt that he got to drive a golf cart around either!!

The Piano Recital - In Triplicate

Each Spring, the Heiselt children burst forth and play the songs they have been working on with their piano teacher, Ms. Carolyn Rogers for months! It usually coincides at the exact same time when Eric and I think we cannot hear a particular song one more time!

This year the recital was extra special as Shae, Bryton, and Emoree played. Bryton was up first as we thought he had a baseball game (it ended up getting rained out). He played so quickly I didn't even get a chance for a photo (to which he is not very sad -- see face on the boy in the photo with the girls). He did a great job and looked very daper in his suit!

Shae played "Camptown Races" and was up and down so fast it was like a whirlwind. I love how her feet dangle and don't reach the floor! Emoree played "Harry in Winter" from Harry Potter and she did a wonderful job!
The three pianists! At our traditional piano photo. I just love it!
Oh, and not to leave Isaac out. His job was to stay quiet (which he did somewhat well actually) and to keep the church's hymn books in order!

I did manage to get a bit of Emoree's song on video. Eric said listening to Emoree play makes him feel like the father in a Jane Austen novel. He fancies himself sitting around listening to his daughter play the piano forte. Enjoy!

Terrific Two!

Our little guy just turned two and we are loving it (so far)! His vocabulary has spiked, he has already attempted potty work at least once, and he is really showing some of that Heiselt attitude (okay, that part we are working with). Seriously though, we had a great party. Wish you were there! Grandma H. gave punch balloons and they were a big hit (continue to be - thanks Mom!)), Grandma S. gave a wonderful Radio Flyer trike w/hat (helmet) that Isaac loves, and he received a swing for the backyard! What more could a kid want?

The Doggie (or as Isaac calls it, "Woof Woof") cake mde by the talented Eric Heiselt.

Isaac was not quite sure what to do with the cake and then when the candles were lit, I thought he was going to reach out and grab it. It took all of us blowing out the candles, and when we did -- he clapped for us!!

Thank You Aunt Jodie!

This is me wearing my apron Aunt Jodie gave me from Christmas. It really works! I was making snickerdoodles with Mom and I wore it. Thank you so much Aunt Jodie. I love it. Love, Shae. 'Nough Said. Thank you Jodie!

Our Very Own Texas Ranger!

Bryton is on his very first baseball team -- The Texas Rangers. We've had a lot of rain recently, so the team hasn't been able to practice as much as Bryton would like (daily). However, Bryton's coach is trying him out in a variety of positions to help him find his "niche." Bryton's favorite thus far...

The best seat in the house of course -- behind home plate. Do you recognize the catcher in this photo?

Yep! That's our guy. Watch the videos below to see our man in action. Keep in mind, first game, a very small amount of practice, and (most importantly) equipment made for people a bit taller than he is! Despite all the obstacles, Bryton did a tremendous job and we loved being his cheerleaders. Isaac clapped and said, "Bubba yea. Bubba yea. More?"

Life's Simple Pleasures

One day I was in the kitchen and I could hear Shae and Isaac laughing outside. I came outside and saw this...

We had experienced quite a bit of rain. The rain filled up the end of Bryton's b-ball hoop. Shae would stand on one end and jump. Isaac stood exactly over the hole and would get sprayed. He laughed and laughed! Shae stayed dry as a bone and secretly I think she thought it was pretty cool to get to soak her brother and not get in trouble.

For me.. I thought... this is the life. Finding the joy in those simple pleasures.

Photos I Love...

Eric was reading on the trampoline one afternoon and soon found several folks who wanted to read with him!

The three guys I love most in the world!

Ice cream on Sunday nights. When I took this, all I could think of was that there would one day be a time when I missed these...

We went to Cracker Barrell on one of our trips and I took this shot. I think Shae looks like a model (okay, I am biased)!

Bryton in Bente's kitchen making cookies. What a great idea Bente!

Kennedy's smile after she got her backpack -- Christmas 2009. Love all those Rodriguez kids!

Our MSU Easter

Every year at MSU, the President holds an Easter Egg Hunt for the families of faculty and staff. This year, Eric was unable to attend (Family Engineering Night) so Grandma S., Shae, Isaac and I went to the event. Note: Conflict did not allow Bryton to attend and Emoree is way to cool to attend something that has a life-size rabbit in attendance.

This was Isaac's first real "crowd-like" experience so I wasn't sure how he would do. I lucked out though, as we arrived to the event a shuttle bus was waiting to take us to the President's house. Isaac LOVED it! We could have just rode the bus around the entire time!

Hope you all had a great Easter!

Starkville Daily News - School board appt. on tap for aldermen

Starkville Daily News - School board appt. on tap for aldermen

Come see Eric in the news! Wish him luck tonight!

Bully!

MSU's mascot, Bully got up close and personal with us at one of Eric's recent events. I got to go with him as he toured campus with the "Mathletes." As the group was heading back to the building, about 35 little kids came out of the MSU cafeteria and attacked Bully. I suppose it was the first kid on bulldog mauling ever. I really did like being a Bulldog Guard for the day! Go DAWGS!

Our Symbol!

Band memories anyone? As you know, Em plays the bassoon. Not really a marching instrument. So this year, when the 7th and 8th grade band marched in the Starkville Christmas Parade she needed an instrument. What did she get? The symbols. WOW! Those things are seriously loud. I am not kidding, take my word for it!

She had a blast playing and marching. Although it was about 30 degrees outside, Em had three shirts, two pairs of pants, wool socks, hand warmers, gloves, and a body warmer (new thing I found in the hunting aisle -- gotta love Starkville) she was on fire. Those symbols are heavy and they were really moving out there.

Think back to your band days and enjoy!

Good to the last drop!

Now this is what it means to really get into your food! Isaac has these puffs that he absolutely loves. They are the vegetable ones made by Gerber. They smell terrible, but Isaac thinks they are great. They are his special treat and when they are gone, he likes to eat the can clean. He wants to make sure he doesn't miss any. Love that kid!

Merry Christmas From the Fantastic Four!

Are they cute or what? Emoree - 12, Bryton - 10, Shae - 6, and Isaac 20 months. I don't think I could love them more if I tried! Hugs to all of you out there. Gotta love those Christmas sweaters!

A Night in Bethlehem

Last year we attended "A Night in Bethlehem" presented by the Cross Point Church in our town. We had such a great time we decided to go again this year. Although the atmosphere was a bit different, we had an amazing experience. The children sat, eyes wide as Joseph and Mary told them their story. The shepards took us to see the holy family as they shared "the great story" with us.

Following this, we headed over to Timbercove and watched the luminaries in glow as the entire subdivision was alive with lights. We sang Christmas carols featuring the Savior and had a neat family experience. Isaac even chimed in with his sweet voice. It was wonderful!

I just love this time of year. Hope all of you are enjoying the sweet spirit of this season in your own ways.

He's Coming....

Two weeks from today we will be on the road to OHIO for Thanksgiving. We just received approval to take Isaac out of state and we are VERY excited for you to meet him. So get ready for that terror on wheels........... he is coming to a town near you!

Can't wait to see you for Thanksgiving everyone!
The Crew

Football Buddies

Bryton and I are in love with college football. Although we don't have a tv, we follow the games in the paper, via Sports Illustrated, and at the stadium when we can get tickets. This photo is a pic of Bryton and I at the MSU v. Jackson State game. We won the game and had a great time getting wet. I made one crucial mistake. Blue ponchos -- Bryton said, "Mom, blue is for the other team. What were you thinking?" Clearly, I was thinking, "Stay Dry." My priorities are so out of line!

Another Photo

A better picture of the boy! Eric thinks he looked too scared in the first one. Oh, and can you spot the diva on the phone? And, who is hiding behind Isaac?