Upward Cheerleading

Madeline is participating in Upward Cheerleading through our church. She is so adorable! She is on a squad of other kindergarten girls and they cheer for the kindergarten/first grade girls basketball teams. She is nearing the end of her season. She has learned probably 10 cheers and a half time dance. They wear uniforms and have pom poms and megaphones. Chris and I have been so proud to see our little girl come out of her shell through cheer. Here are some pics from the beginning of the season. I'll try to upload video of Madeline cheering soon...













And here's a video of Hannah after Madeline's first cheer game...

Untitled from jen giles on Vimeo.

Madeline's Specials Presentation at School

Madeline had a specials presentation on her birthday. We were invited to come see the kindergarten classes in action, doing some of the things that they do in music, art and gym classes. I LOVED watching her participate in the activities. She has come out of her shell so much this year. 1-2 years ago, she would have stood back with a grumpy look on her face and she would have either had her arms crossed in front of her chest or her fingers in her ears. She used to hate thinking that someone might be watching her sing or dance. But now, she participates, smiles, laughs and has a great time! I was a proud mommy!

Madeline dancing with Jacob from jen giles on Vimeo.

Madeline's Book "Things I love..."

Madeline made this book at school and we think it's SO cute...
It's going in the keepsake box for sure!


"Things I love ..." by Madeline
This is not an all inclusive book, there are many other family members who Madeline loves very much but I thought it was too cute not to post!

My Aunt Chrissy

My DS :)
On the screen it says Dog Dog (with backwards Gs) b/c Nintendogs is her favorite game.

Mom and Dad


Hannah

I love you Very Very Much

Christmas Eve 2009

We celebrated Christmas Eve with Papa and Chrissy. We had a great dinner and fun time opening presents. We ended the evening with a big blizzard that dumped about a foot of snow on Tulsa. Papa had to drive home that night and it took him 4 1/2 hours (compared to the normal 1 1/2). We were grateful for his safe arrival back home and grateful to be snuggled inside our cozy home!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our college "kids"

Chris and I began serving in our church's youth group 4 years ago and I was priviledged to be a D Group leader for an amazing group of girls from their sophomore year through graduation. When they graduated last May, Chris and I along with 4 other dear friends decided to head up the college ministry. I still get to see "my girls" in class and I'm getting to know an awesome group of kids. Trying to lead a group of really very mature and intellectual students is so humbling for me, which is good! It's a character builder for sure! I love these students so much...I like pretending that I'm still close to their age. Anyway, we had a blast at our christmas party and I took a million pictures. But I wanted to post this one just to show you some of our students and fellow leaders

bottom row L to R: Daniel, Allison, Rachel

2nd row L to R: Kelsey, Allie, Beth and Karol

3rd row L to R: Jen, Kathy (leader) and Carolyn

4th row L to R: Monty (leader), Schuyler, Chris (leader), Ed (leader), Zach, Zach and Matt

All the single ladies...

Tonight, I took Hannah and Madeline to the birthday party of our cute little neighbor Nicole. We had a really great time!! Nicole just turned 3 years old and she and Hannah enjoy playing together. She has the sweetest family and they were so kind to welcome us to their home. We made a lot of new friends, we danced, we ate new foods and the girls got to pull the strings of a pinata. Nicole and Hannah got up in front of the whole party and danced to the Chipettes' All the Single Ladies and I was able to catch some of it on video.

Chipettes: All the Single Ladies from jen giles on Vimeo.

When we got home the song was still very much on Hannah's mind so I caught her and Madeline singing it for me. I have a feeling my St Louis family is going to be cracking up - Hannah is definitely being raised with an Okie accent I'm afraid!

Hannah singing "All the single ladies" from jen giles on Vimeo.

Thanksgiving 2009

We celebrated Thanksgiving day at our house this year with the Giles and Culis families. I am so sad that I didn't take a Single Picture! I guess between the visiting, cooking, putting up the Christmas tree, eating, eating and eating I completely forgot about recording the event.

My dad met us in Arkansas at Irene's house on Saturday to celebrate and spend time with Chris' sister and her family. We had our 2nd annual s'mores bonfire which has turned out to be one of my favorite things of the holiday season. We had a great time.

I love this picture of Irene and Madeline making silly faces while getting ready to go outside:

Dad and I (self portrait)
Chris and I
Hannah and I

Cody roasted some ham over the bon fire

My little Eskimo Madeline

Manda, Cody and Zoe

Cody throwing Hannah around outside

Manda, Madeline, Zoe and Hannah

My little eskimo Madeline

Hannah pushing Gizmo around in a doll stroller

And now it's Madeline's turn...Gizmo was being a really great sport :)