We're back

Well, the Spicer family is about to embark on a lot of new adventures in the near future, and so we are back to keep everyone in the loop. We don't want you to miss any of our goings on. Most recently was the Northest Middle School band trip TJ and Mom took to Sea World and Busch Gardens this past weekend. We had a lot of fun, and saw some amazing animals. I even got what I consider to be the best picture of TJ I have seen in years!! Have a look for yourself.

Look for us, and our crazy antics on a regular basis. We missed you all.

TJ's first band concert

Maestro TJ performed in his first band concert today. The 6th grade band played 4 songs, ending with Jingle Bells. He has only been playing for about 2 months, but he is doing very well. Take a listen for yourself.

Christmas Craft

TJ and Tyler went to work with Travis today, so the rest of the kids got to go to the kids workshop at Lowe's. This time they got to build two Christmas ornaments. Michelle, Jamison, Jessica, and Paige went with us. It seems funny, but it is easier to help Cole build his crafts than it is to help the older kids! At least he listens!!

A night at the Improv

Emily had her improv night for the Blue Masque Players tonight. "The Blue Masque Players" is the name of the advanced Drama class at Northeast. They had to audition for the class, and got to skip Drama 2, and go straight to Drama 3. Each of the players were in 3 skits. Emily was in World's Worst, Theater Styles, and Remote Control. She demonstrated the world's worst bus driver and the world's worst teacher. Then she did a skit about Bonnie and Clyde in different styles (Kung Fu, Science Fiction, and comedy). Then she was the remote in Remote Control. It was kind of a long night, but they did great. I hope that when Emily makes it to Hollywood, she'll remember all of us "little people".

Congrats Emily!!!!

Well, today Emily found out she made the school play about 9/11. She will be playing Amy. She doesn't really know anything about the character yet. We can't wait to see her acting (on stage, that is)! More details to come, so be on the lookout so you don't miss her big debut!

Happy 96th birthday Grandma Spicer!!

Today Grandma Spicer turned 96 years old. How awesome is that?! The majority of the Spicer clan congregated at the nursing home she is living in to celebrate with her. We all love her and wish her many more years of health and happiness!! This is her with all of her children. Only a woman that special could get all of them in one place at one time!!!!

If you take a mouse to the movies

Well, we read all of the books, but we never truly knew what would happen if you take a mouse to the movies. Katie and Mommy learned the answer to that today. That is because we had the privilege of seeing the play at the children's theater at Imaginon. If you have never been, it's worth the trip!! Here is a glimpse of what we saw...

It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas

Tonight Katie had her Christmas program at Clear Creek. It was soooo cute!! All of the second graders sang, while a few fifth graders acted out a skit. Grandpa Sheppard, Uncle Jeff, and Aunt Freak all came to watch our future performer in action. We all enjoyed it so much, we wanted to share a clip of it with everyone in case you missed it.

I bet you won't miss another!!!

Cookie bagging

Emily and Katie both participated in the annual cookie bagging at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church. It is similar to a cookie swap, except that you don't bring the cookies home. They are all donated to a local nursing home. Each of the girls brought two dozen cookies to be bagged. It organized by Mrs. Biggers (the mayor's wife) every year. After all of the cookies are bagged up, she serves all of the girls hot chocolate and MORE cookies. Here are the girls hard at work.

Happy Turkey Day, a day late

Well, we made it. We celebrated two wonderful Thanksgivings. The food was delish Mary and Jackie!!! Thank You for having us!! Then it was time for 8 plus hours of Black Friday shopping. Jackie and I were at Toys 'R Us before 10:00 last night, and we finished at Walmart at about 5:30. I finally figured out why they call it Black Friday. It's because it's pitch black outside when you go!! I wouldn't miss it for the world, though!! Same time, next year!!!!!

Santa's Wonderland

We decided to start our Holiday season out right --- with SANTA!!!!! We went to Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops. The kids got to get their pictures taken with the jolly old fat man, and even write him a letter. They put it straight into his mailbox, and should soon be receiving an email response. (Don't tell anyone, but I happen to know for a fact that Santa will be bringing some of their wishes.) Hopefully seeing these will get you in the Christmas spirit.

Quartermaster TJ

Hey its TJ here, I just went to Boy Scouts and I was elected Quarter master. Quarter master is the person who is in charge of patrol gear. That means when we go on a trip I take care of the patrol gear (tents, kitchen, chuck boxes). I also received word via my teacher there will be a 3 on 3 basketball tournament. To enter I have to get sponsors for the American heart association. I need at least five dollars to enter. If anyone wants to sponsor e-mail me at Tspicer98@yahoo.com or E-mail my mom.
Hey, it's TJ's mom here. If you have any plastic grocery bags, please bring them to Thanksgiving. Clear Creek is collecting them. They recycle them through Harris Teeter and get money for the school. Thank you for your support.

We're back.

OK. So it's been a little while since we posted anything. But we're officially back. We will be filling in missing time over the next few weeks, so be on the lookout. I am sure mostly everyone knows most of what you've missed, but be prepared to see it in words (and photos). The one thing you may or may not know about of recent is my new found obsession with couponing and saving. Yes, I know, it has been a long time coming. But, oh... my... gosh!! What a rush. Who knew you could get paid to shop?! Yes, that's right. And just in time for Christmas, too. So, you will have to forgive me if I seem a little rude by telling you how much I spent on your gift(s). I more than likely will get it on a HUGE sale, or with a coupon. But, hey, it's the thought that counts, right? Just chalk it up to coupon fever!!

If you build it, they will come....

We went to Lowe's Home Improvement this morning for a kid's clinic. They got to build a snowman gift card holder. All of the kids except TJ got to go. They each got an apron, and goggles to keep. When they were done, they got a certificate and a patch for their apron. Every time they go to another clinic, they will get another patch to put on their apron. We had a good time, and they looked soooooo cute.

Honored

TJ made the honor roll for first quarter at Northeast Middle School. He also received a silver card, which an extra award given for having at least a 3.0 GPA, no disciplinary problems, and no more than 2 absences. It gets the kids a few extra perks each quarter. Sometimes, they will get McDonalds for lunch, or an extra field trip. TJ was honored for all of his hard work, and we were honored to get to see it. Keep it up TJ!!

Weekend Beach Trip

With this weekend having been the last one we could have gone away before school, we decided to take advantage of it. We took off to Garden City Beach again, and took Danielle with us. We were only supposed to spend one night, but upon checking out of the resort, and having lunch, Travis decided to spend another night. So, we checked back in to the same room. We left at 3:30 Monday morning to get back in time for a job he had to be at by 9:00. It was a great way to end summer vacation. The downside to the trip? Travis lost his sunglasses. (The prescription ones) Yes, he went INTO THE OCEAN in the waves with them on. I am sure some whale now has good vision, and doesn't have to squint when he comes up for air. Well, if you can see, check out the pics from the trip.

Pool Party

Who says you can't have fun until the weekend? We spent last night at Dave and Perri's house for an evening of pizza and swimming. We had a great time just hanging out and letting the kids (including the 2 "big boys") in the pool. For once, there was no cooking involved, so even the 2 mommies got to relax and hang out. Here's a peek at some of the fun.

Goofing Off

Emily had a sleepover the other night with Danielle. They asked if they could borrow my camera to take some pictures for Facebook. I guess they had fun, because here are a few of the pictures I found on the memory card this morning.

We love you, Jeff!!!

If you are lucky enough to have Jeff in your life as a brother, or son, or uncle, or friend, you know how wonderful he is, and how blessed you are for being a part of his life. Many of you already heard about the 5 car pile up on I-77 yesterday. But you may not have heard that Jeff was in the middle of it. He got hit by the tanker, and got sent into the truck in front of him, and well, it just kept going. He was briefly taken to Presbyterian Hospital to be checked out. Other than a few cuts and bruises, and 6 stitches in his hand, he is fine. Everyone loves Jeff, and the nurses at the hospital were no different. We couldn't even get in the room without 4 separate nurses telling us how wonderful he is. (As if we didn't already know!!). Anyway, he is doing great, and aside from his truck, nothing is broken. We thank God for Jeff, and are so glad he is okay.

Wanna go to Grandpa's?

Saturday, the question that kept being heard around the Spicer house was, "What time are we going to Grandpa's?". Sounds like an easy question, right? Wrong. With the boys (most of them) going to Grandpa Sheppard's house, and the girls going to Grandpa Spicer's, it got kind of confusing. All of the kids loaded in the car, we took off. The kids go to Grandpa Sheppard's house a lot, but this is the first time they have gone to Grandpa Spicer's house since Grandma passed away. Grandpa (the one who had the girls) took them out to eat at K&W, then to Big Lots to get some school stuff on Saturday. They took Grandpa's friend Barbara with them. Then on Sunday, they went to church, and to the mountains (again with Barbara) to see Grandpa's mother, then to Kabuto's for dinner. The other Grandpa (the one with the boys) just got to hang out. Video games, a swimming pool, a basketball game - what else could boys want?
I am glad all the kids (except Cole) got to have a great weekend with Grandpa. Just don't ask which one.