Christmas Day

Christmas Morning was very eventful at the Rondeau home. Brandon loves WWII planes and there was plenty of them in the packaging to make him grin. He stated that he only asked for 2 videos and he couldn't believe that he got the whole series,"even more that he asked for". Kate received a New Moon game from Brandon. She also got an 'Imprinted by Jacob' towel. She was so surprised she even cried. It was so funny. This was a great Christmas. Our kids seemed to be very happy this year. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Visiting Teaching

My New Calling

The week before General Conference, I was released as the Young Women's 1st counselor and called as our Ward Relief Society President. Honestly, I am still in a state of shock to say the least. I had only been in Young Women for 4 or 5 months when I was released, I really had a fantastic experience there. I learned many wonderful things while with our Young women. I know that as their leader I was placed there to lead and guide them, but they helped me stretch my testimony too. I am so thankful for them. I am thankful that I was able to spend time with Kate too.
This new calling as Relief Society President. WOW! I hope that I can live up to that responsibility. I am sure that I will be able to do all things thru Him, who strengthens me.

First Day of School

It's back to school time. Kate returned to Milton High School as a Sophmore this year. It is hard to believe that she is starting the school year when she could be driving. She has a packed schedule with Zoology and Biology and Drama and Culinary Arts. She seems really stoked about her year.

Brandon returned to Santa Rosa Christian this year. Brandon is a FOURTH grader. WOW!!! He is so big! His teacher, Mrs. Reisch is really nice. Brandon had a FANTASTIC first day. Yea, school is back in session.

Brandon's Archery

This is an activity that Brandon is particularly good at. I am very proud of him. All of that practice at cub scout camp surely did pay off.

The Great Swing

Kate's also loved the Great Swing.

Leap of Faith

Kate climbed this pole and JUMPED off. She had FAITH for sure. This activity was by far her most favorite at camp.~

Brandon on the Blob

This is the Blob, attached to the water trampoline at camp. This was a particularly fun place, however, Brandon didn't quite get to the end to get catapulted off just right.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Tim! July 9th. 40 years old.

RONDEAU RULES

I Stole these from the Anderson's Blog~ Thanks my Friend, I think it is Fantastic!


Rules of This Household

1. If you are not here for dinner, too bad. This is not a fast-foodplace where the cook is on duty at all times. The cook works full time and does not need a second job.

2. If you make a mess, clean it up. The dishwasher is open 24 hours a day to service you as are the vacuum, broom, and sponge. Please help them to help you by using them. If you need assistance, ask the cook -- she will be happy to give you training on any of the equipment.

3. The taxi service for this household is not on call 24 hours. You must make reservations at least 12 hours in advance. You have two good legs, skateboards, and bikes that are somewhat operational; one of you has a vehicle that works. Use them. By the way, skateboards are to be used on the outside of this house and are never to be used in the living room just because the landing is softer when you fall.

4. We are not a bank and you have no collateral to offer us. Face it: We own everything you have and I have receipts to prove it, so don't ask us for loans. Get jobs! We have them. Try it and you might like it (not so much the work as the money).

5. Curfew is negotiable, but try not to be late too often because it could go either way.

6. Tell us where you are going. GOOD GRIEF! I am way older than you, and I still tell my mother where I am going when I am at her house. Leave us a note or try to form words describing where you are going while we are in the room with you. Honestly, we don't bite unless provoked.

7. You know how to use a phone. Some of you even have cell phones. We like to hear your voice if you are going to be late. You can use a phone to find out what's for dinner, to let us know you made it to wherever all right, or just to let us hear your beautiful voice.

8. No food in your room, the living room, the bathroom, or anywhere in the house other than the kitchen or dining area EVER! How many times do I have to say this?

9. You do not contribute financially in any way, shape, or form to this household, so try to pull your weight in otherways: Clean something, put something away, surprise us by doing it before we ask. Otherwise, you may find yourself financially supporting yourself on the OUTSIDE of this house.

Happy 4th of July

Happy Birthday America! We waved some sparklers for you. We barbequed a couple of ribs, had a pancake breakfast with our Ward, and spent the day with our family. Kate and Brandon had some fireworks at home after Milton's show. Brandon had 2 tanks and a biplane. Kate had a some smoke bombs and a huge smoke grenade. Even some California candles, we thought were supposed to be Roman candles, but were not. Brandon and his friend set up the tanks to fire at the other. It was "AWESOME!!!" I was informed I had to put 3 exclamation marks. Anyway, we had a great 4th. We hope that you did too!

Happy Anniversary

We have now been married 11 years. I remember the morning that I met Tim. I was working at Sacred Heart Hospital. His aunt called him and said, "there is this girl I want you to meet." It was 2am. He was bowling. He came right over. We met for breakfast the next morning. I gave him the "Interview" We had a 2 1/2 hour talk about everything. ~HE PASSED!~ Tim is great, he works hard and he tries hard to make everyone happy. I am thankful for him. I love Tim.

Snorkeling

I took the boys to a snorkeling activity offered at Battery Worth on Fort Pickens. We met the Rangers there and were given instructions and then allowed to snorkel and net the wildlife. The boys caught a collection of hermit crabs. Some of the other varieties of wildlife that was discovered by others today were shrimp, blue crab, minnows, ghost crabs, cone jellyfish, etc. Afterwards we had lunch @ Langdon Beach and then swam in the waves. The water was beautiful and we all had so much fun. It was a hot day. We think we will do it again.~

Swimming in the Pool~ Finally!

They say a photo speaks a thousand words, well... I don't know about that but, let me tell you the story. We tried to go to Sister Fairbanks' pool a couple of times this week and were rained out. When we got there the pool was crystal clear and everyone raced to the pool. Then we saw them, oh my... there are millipedes, dead millipedes in the pool. They are on the bottom. Jeffy, didn't care; he went straight for the water. Brandon, ever handy is just going to scoop them out. He isn't going to let some stinking millipedes ruin his swimming. And poor Jessa was late to the party and has no goggles.
So, after the pool was scooped a couple of times and Brandon decided that it was NO use, we all just swam for fun. The boys had fun diving and jumping off the diving board. Brandon wooed us with his back dive and even tried a back flip, he did good. Jeffy tried a back dive. He is braver than me that is for sure. They splashed and had Kung-Fu splash fights. It was an all around fun afternoon.

Trying To Keep Cool!

Brandon and Mom went to Munson, Today, to try to keep cool. With temperatures topping 100 degrees it is not easy to keep cool outside. Brandon really hates swimming in the lake due to the lilypads but he did a great job diving. We had a "Cool" time.

Our Wednesday Activity

Okay, So we had on our itinerary for Wednesday to go to the Butterfly House and then go to the Splash pad in Navarre. Well, it seems that the Butterfly house is not open on Wednesdays, it is only open Thursday thru Saturday. Bummer. And the Splash Pad ~ well. Jack would have liked it, maybe. Everyone else- not so much. So Jenna and I decided that we would take the kiddos across the bridge to the beach. The water was YUCKY. So much algae and seaweed. Kate said is right. She said it was like swimming in orange juice with alot of pulp. Yuck! We only stayed a little while. We had lunch under the gazebo near the parking lot, trying to avoid grit in the sandwiches. Photos included to show cuteness. It was so hot.

Kung-Fu and Art

On Tuesday, we went to see Kung-Fu Panda at the Ridge Cinema. It was a Free movie. Then we when to the Dragonfly Gallery. It is a local Art gallery in Milton. The children were very intrigued with the different and interesting art that was displayed there. Kate even spoke to them about displaying her photographs there. However, due to the nature of this particular gallery she will have to find another venue for her art.

Big Kahuna - Mediacom Company Party

Tim's company-Mediacom had their Annual picnic at Big Kahuna again this year. We pasted our smiles on and went. ~See, the pictures are evidence~ No, it was fun, no kidding. We didn't stay late, due to Stake conference. We "slided" on the slides that we wanted and floated around the lazy river a gabillion times. We were thoroughly Big Kahuna-ed.

~Thoroughly Modern Millie~

Kate performed in the Milton High School production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. She was cast as the actress "Ethel Peas". Right away "Ethel" is kidnapped by "Mrs. Meers" and sold into White Slavery(Prostitution) over in the 'orient'. Kate did such a great job. I am so proud of her.

EXPLORIUM

On Friday, April 10th, We went to the Explorium in Mobile with The Stewarts. It was the first time that I had ever gone. My kids had been before with my mother and the Stewarts had been before also. There are so many neat things there for the kids to touch and experience. Maybe we can go back again.

EAGLE DAY "TRACK and FIELD"

On Thursday April 9th, Brandon's School had another Eagle Day. This one was "Track and Field" Brandon had alot of fun. Pictured here he is running in the 3 legged race. He didn't win this race, but WE ran together in a race with students with their parents. Brandon and I won that race. YEA!!!! SRCA always puts on a great Eagle Day and this one was no exception. Brandon was such a great sport!

Birdhouse

Brandon was able to make a birdhouse @ home depot thanks, Jenna for letting us know. They had all the tools and stuff there, we just showed up and they gave us the kit and directions and Brandon went to work hammering and glueing. He had fun. He painted it on Sunday, after conference, the roof is red and the sides are blue. It looks pretty great. Home depot gave Brandon a home depot apron and an activity pin with a birdhouse on it. Next month they will build a wheel barrow planter. Brandon hopes to go again. Yeah!

Dinner At the Casino

So we took our kids to 'The Wind' Casino in Atmore on Saturday night for the Seafood buffett. We took the camera in. We took a couple of shots while we were eating. Just recording our fun time. No big deal right? Then the waitress came up and asked us to put the camera away because you can't have cameras in the casino. It seems that they don't want you "Accidentally" aiming the camera lens over on the gaming floor.
Anywho, we have created a monster, Kate LOVES crablegs. It's over now. She will never settle for McDonalds on a date. Hehehe. I think Brandon went to the dessert bar 3 times. You would think that I never feed them.

Camping at Munson

The kids made a campfire using the magnifying glass while we were camping. Brandon was very ingenius. The leaves kept smoking but wouldn't flame. All that was needed was a little "blowing". Kate blew on the leaves and immediately it caught. We had a great time camping.

We went camping in Munson for the Kids' spring break. We had a lot of fun. We bought this Gianormous tent. The thing was huge. When it was all said and done we had 2 Queen blow up mattresses and 2 twin matress in it. It had one main room and 2 side rooms. Really cool. The first two nights the kids had their own "rooms". Then we changed up the sleeping arrangements. How cool is that!
The kids and Tim swam in the ice cold lake each day and I the sane one did not. We had the biggest camping spot, but also the one without any shade ie. no trees. Brandon met some interesting kids while I was at work. We made Boy Scout Dinners in the fire pit. Yummy!! Played games. Kate found out that she really is allergic to camping. hehehe!

Painting Model Airplanes

Brandon received these great model airplanes for

his birthday. His dad helped him paint them.

Brandon just loves WWII airplanes.

Brandon is TEN!

Brandon turned 10 on Feb. 24th. This past Saturday, Brandon had his birthday party. Brandon invited several of his friends over for pizza, cake and a marshmallow gun WAR! We had 11 boys including Brandon, inside the house, because of the rain. Luckily I have tile floors! The boys seemed to really have a lot of fun. They took their guns home as party favors. I think that Brandon's party was a hit! Happy Birthday Brandon

Cub Scouts ~ Blue & Gold Banquet

On Friday, February 27, 2009 Packs 459 and 456 held their annual Blue and Gold Banquet. Brandon earned his Bear Badge and a Gold Arrow point along with the Geography belt loop.

~Pinewood Derby~ Off to the Races!

Brandon sanding his pinewood derby last weekend!

Brandon participated in the Pinewood Derby race this year. This is his 2nd year making a car. The race on Saturday was held @ the Museum of Commerce in Downtown Pensacola, on January 24,2009. On Feb. 7th, Brandon will be racing his car @ the Naval Aviation Museum at the District race. Everyone seemed to really enjoy this race.

*Military Ball*

Kate's friend Nick, asked her to the Military Ball. It was her first formal. She was stunning. It was so cute, when he first saw her, his jaw dropped. I think that my heart skipped a beat. It was priceless. I wouldn't trade seeing that for anything. She said that she had a fun time.

Kate's 15th Birthday

Can you believe that Kate is 15? Okay. Stop it right now, missy! I refuse to believe that I am old enough to have a child who is getting her drivers' permit. Well, if she will study the book. Who knows, she may never study the book..... hehehe. Right!

Kate planned her birthday party this year and had a pretty good turn out. She created this mystery murder. It was fun planning and coming up with plots and murder weapons and storylines. We had homemade pizza and other snacks. Kate's friends were really cool, they played along with her game. I think everyone had a great time.