All the Grandkids minus Ryan Christmas 2008

Back left: Nicole, Grant holding Will, Zach

Front left: Emmy, Katie, Allie, & Jacob

Grant's Science Project

Grant got an A in Science for his model of a cell.

The Householder Household Survives seven 8 yr olds for a Sleepover

Zach turns 8 on December 26th, 2008. Yes the day after Christmas. This is not the most ideal time to throw a birthday party for a child. We decided last year to have a friends party for Zach a few weeks before Christmas so as many of his friends as possible could come. We got 6 out of 8. Not bad especially sine this year Zach wanted a sleepover. For mom, the fewer the better especially when you are talking about 8 yr old boys. The evening was a success. This kids ate pizza & played football outside with a glow in the dark football he got for a gift. They also got to ice their own cupcakes and decorate them and eat them too. John had a fire outside and all the kids roasted marshmellows and made smores. Then it was inside for some playing of air hockey and the Wii. At about 10pm we put in the movie Space Chimps for them to wind down. A few fell asleep before the movie ended. Zach, Scott, and Brady were the last 3 to fall asleep at about 12:15am. All the kids slept on the couches and floor in the bonus room. Cathy slept across the hall in Zach's room so she could monitor any unusual middle of the night activity. At about 6:15am Cathy was awaken by the whispers of a few kids. By 6:45am the whole crew was up and playing the Wii again. Since it was Sunday, everyone was picked up by 9am. John and Grant went to get doughnuts for all. So according to Zach, his party was awsome!

Zach opening gifts

Zach and his buddies

Zach and his buddies

Kids icing and eating cupcakes

Zach's First Confession at St. Phillips Catholic Church

Zach was very nervous waiting to see the priest on his First Confession. He made it through, but did spend some time chatting with Father John.

Zach getting his blessing from Father John after confession

Zach chatting with Father John Sappenfield

Still talking to Father John

Mom and Zach in line for 45 minutes. Zach was very nervous and dancing around.

Ice skating over Thanksgiving Break

John and I took the kids to the ice skating rink over Thanksgiving break. I had not ice skated since I think 6th grade at McMillon Park. But I managed to stay up and not fall on my rear.


Grant and Zach


At first Grant did not want to skate. When he saw how much fun Zach and I were having he put on skates and joined us. Not bad for a first time.

Grant happy to be out there skating


Zach was prepared wearing his Fort Wayne Komets shirt.


Cathy, Zack, & Grant on the ice.

Thanksgiving 2008... We have a lot to be grateful for!

The Householders have had a rough 4 yrs. Especially Cathy, John and Ryan. This Thanksgiving we are blessed to have Ryan living at home spending time with us. Cathy just started a new job, eliminating 95% of her stress and making more money. John is happy because when Cathy is happy, John is happy!

In 2008 we decided to spend time with the family camping at Fall Creek Falls State Park in TN. It is one of my favorite parks. Just beautiful!. Since Ryan had to work and the drive is 2 and half hrs away, we decided to have our traditional family Thanksgiving on Tuesday. The whole family was there and also Ryan's girlfriend Jen. John Deep fried the turkey and we also had stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, green beens, cheesy casserole, rolls and cheesecake for desert. It was all very good!

We left on Thursday morning to head to the park. We set up camp and then decided to go to the lodge for thanksgiving dinner. This is the only place that has a great buffet. So we had all the turkey fixings once again. We were stuffed. We hiked, played games with the kids and sat by the fire the rest of the time. We cooked great food the whole time we were there.
We had a great time.

Cathy in front of camper at night...kids are in bed


Grant and Zach climbed way up high


Cathy, Zach, & Grant

John, Cathy,Grant, & Zach at an overlook


Cathy on Hike


Grant and Zach


Grant and Zach... see them way down there.

Grant and Zach climbed a lot


John, Grant, & Zach having a snack on the top of a huge rock at the bottom of the falls.


Campsite


Grant and Zach playing checkers on a rainy cold Saturday. Checkers was one of many games that day.


Hiking the the bottom of the falls.


Hiking to the bottom of the falls


Zach, Grant, Cathy, & John with falls behind us. We climbed up on a large rock and a stranger took our picture.

Cub Scout Outing

Cathy took Zach to the cub scout hike in Manchester TN. John had to work so Cathy filled in. Grant got to go too. Cathy was the only female there. So what else is new! Did I say that it rained and was cold?!!!


Grant


Group Shot! Notice no women. Could be why I took the picture!


Zach


Grant, Zach and 2 other friends


Zach and his buddy Scott

Cathy Turns 44 on November 14th Yikes!!

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about turning 44. I just had my 25th yr class reunion, one of the first signs we are all getting older. So far, I have not been bothered by any age. But I knew 44 was closer to 45 which is... well mid forties. Which is actually then closely approaching 50... which is.... half a century. Surprisingly, I was not phased about the birthday at all. 44 was not bad and I think this the beginning of a great time in my life. So turning 44 for me is a new beginning. I am entering into another chapter in my life.... Stay tuned and I will let you know how it all works out.


Mom, Grant, and Zach in our Titans attire celebrating mom's 44th birthday.


John and Cathy. John is celebrating being with "an older woman" even if it is only for 7 months.


Cathy at 44


John called Grandma Beauchot (Cathy's mom) to get her home made caramel icing recipe and made it all himself. It was very good. There are very few that can make caramel icing. This is Cathy's favorite cake, Chocolate cake with caramel icing!!!!

First motocross race for Grant and Zach

After a night of trick or treating, we all got up at 6am to leave by 7am to go to Grant and Zach's first motocross race. It was about an hr and half away. The kids were very excited and very nervous. All in all the day was a great one. We spent the day racing. Grant finished with a 3rd place and a 4th place and Zach finished with 2 2nd places. They both got 2 trophies and nobody got hurt. Mom was happy about that.