Blue Ribbon Day

Arielle's first BIG Pony Club event: Carolina Quiz Rally. We traveled to Concord, NC with 2 teams from our stable (Hidden K Stables). The teams competed against other Pony Club teams in events that tested their practical knowledge (tying up horses, grooming techniques, first aid for horses, knowing all the tack & gear, etc). Arielle was the youngest girl that went from our barn and she was in horse heaven. Her team won 1st place in their division and the older girls took 2nd. Way to go Hidden K!

John Mayer & Franti

Isn't this a great pic?! Jules & I both forgot our cameras, of course, so I took this junky pic on my cell. Ah well...we had a WONDERFUL Sista night out. Began at Boba House vegetarian restaurant in Greensboro. We had a super fine meal. Then great concert! Franti got out in the audience and created fun audience participation. John is even hotter in person. I used to wonder how he landed all the celeb chics, now I know :)

The Tobster

Just had to post this fun pic of the "fro" (from Toby lighting the candle on Arielle's birthday)

Young Women Basketball

Ok, for those of you who know me well....I've never been the "team sports" kinda gal. Back when I was in Young Women's I was the one sitting on the stage bored during basketball practices and games. Well, you know what they say about Karma. Guess who got her arm twisted into being Asst. Basketball Coach :) Actually loved every minute of it! We have a GREAT group of girls who were eager and excited to play. My friend Stacie was an awesome coach who taught them many great skills in the short amount of time that we had. Although the girl's didn't win, they played with enthusiasm and sure did look cute in our matching bows & "Ts". I can say my attitude about church ball has officially changed!

Toby also played church ball and he was also on a young team. He had a great time and got in some good workouts, although they didn't pull any wins either. But hey- when these teams get older, they are going to kick booty!

Who Let the Dogs Out?

Jenny, Arielle, Athena, Brooke, Hayley, Jessica

The Humane Society hosts birthday parties, who knew?! Not me, until recently when I ran across the idea on a parenting website. For Arielle's 10th birthday party I gave Arielle a few choices of slumber party, salon party, bowling party & Humane Society and she picked the animals. She sure does love 'em! This worked out great, the girls had a great time, the guy (Rex) from the Humane Society did a wonderful job with them. We got the satisfaction of service too, since when you have BD party each person who attends is asked to bring a small donation from the wish list. Each girl brought a bag of cat or dog food, or kitty litter. The Humane Society educated them a bit about pet safety and the mission of the Humane Society then the girls got to spend a hour with the animals, walking them, holding them and playing with them. I think the Humane Society was happy to have them there to exercise the dogs since they are always short on help. We finished with some jumbo cupcakes from Costco. Arielle said her favorite present was the new stereo we got her for her bedroom. She sure does like to blast her country music!

Sentimental Ramblings about life with a 12 yr old boy

I realized tonight as I looked over my recent blog posts, that they are looking more like a report of vacations and outings. I wanted to take a minute to report on the daily meat of life here at the Dieckman household. My favorite part of the day is when Toby & Arielle swirl in from school, invade the pantry for junk food and mill around the house stalling before doing homework. I remind myself of my mom when I ask "how was your day?". Realizing that doesn't get me many answers, I've resorted to "tell me 3 things about your day". My kids roll their eyes and give me the shortest answers possible, but deep down I believe that if I didn't ask them- they would notice, and miss it. Toby is now taller than me by a few inches, sporting his "skinny" jeans and "skater" T's and is "growing" out his hair into a nice afro-y 70's style. He is on the edge of the preteen cliff about to nosedive into full blow teenagerism. However, he is still the sweetest, most conscientious guy around. I've posted quite a bit lately about Arielle and her horse adventures, but I realized I'd been mum about Tobes, so this post I dedicate to him. He is in between sports at the moment (unless you consider Wii Sports Resort a "sport"), but looking forward to trying out for track in a couple weeks. Just wanted to note that there is more to life around here than daily outings. Lately we enjoy just hunkering down on a winter evening and watching the Olympics together, reading books or watching the Old Testament videos that go along with our church curriculum this year. Yes, the daily downtime with my Tobes and watching my preteens mill around the house is often a highlight of my day.

Valentine's Weekend

Arielle visiting the donkey at the petting barn

Winston getting his groove on at Sciworks

Lincoln listening to his heart ;-)

hoola contest (Conner & Toby)

playing around on the scoot cars (AKA turtles)

The Sloan Crew

Isabelle

Tobes & Conner at Sciworks

The Sloans came to visit for Valentine's Day weekend. We were sorry Steve couldn't join us too. We packed alot into a short amount of time! Friday we started the weekend off with the Lightening Thief movie with the kids followed by "sister time" (shopping & "Bleu" restaurant). Saturday Julie cooked us a nice breakfast, then we headed to Sciworks with the kids followed by Cici's Pizza, then staying in and watching a Chic Flick in the evening. Sunday they had to hit the road early to make their Valentine festivities. Toby & Arielle had a great time catching up with their cousins :)