Thursday, December 20, 2007

Christmas Letter

In lieu of attaching a letter to our Christmas cards, I am simply writing a blog note. First of all, we would like to wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday season. We will be traveling to Texas to see family, and we are very excited (except for the 17 hour drive).
It has been another busy year in our house, and we don't foresee it ever slowing. We added one family member and lost 2 this year. Lily, our labradoodle, was born in January and came to live with us in March. She is a red-chocolate color with a silver face. She is a bundle of energy, and she loves to play. Fred, our crazy cat, passed away in May from a blood clot to his lower body. He was joined in heaven today by Lady, our Australian Shepherd, She was suffering from severe arthritis, and her pain was too much to endure. We are saddened by our losses, but Lily will keep us on our toes!
Jaxon is in preschool at Country Day, and he has lots of friends. All of 'his boys' run up and hug him whenever he arrives. His teachers say he is quite popular, and there are many fights at lunch over who gets to sit by him. His Spanish teacher even said he is the class clown and most interactive one in the class. That's pretty amazing since he has always been so shy. He is currently only taking Spanish class, but he claims he wants to try soccer again this spring (and, of course, baseball in the summer). When you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, he replies, "A Gator football player." Who knows - he could be the next Tebow.
Gracie is in 1st grade and loves it. She is still very social and friendly to everyone. She is in the school chess club, and she takes Spanish class once a week. She also does tap and sings in our church children's choir. Last but not least, she is in Brownie Girl Scouts. If anyone is looking for Girl Scout cookies, she's your girl! She, too, wants to play soccer this spring and possibly softball this summer. She has an awesome memory, and she doesn't let us forget a thing!
Brandi left her job as a Nursing Coordinator at Shands this fall. Her decision to leave was based entirely on family. She took a role working at UFfor a pediatric endocrinologist (Dr. Stalvey is actually Gracie's endocrinologist, so we have known him for 3 years) as his Research Coordinator. She works part-time and is off when the kids get out of school. She gets to work and be Mom at the same time. She is busier than ever, but she is extremely happy. A portion of her salary comes from Gatorade royalties; therefore, drink more Gatorade!!!
Kevin is still the Turfgrass Breeder for UF. He considered a job offer from a seed company in Arizona, but he wasn't ready to leave academia. Tenure is in sight, and that's too much to leave. His first graduate student, Nick, received his Master's this fall. Brian will be finishing up his Ph.D. under Kevin sometime this year. We're not quite sure how we'll make it without Brian & Susan, but we're very proud of the opportunities that await their future as well as Nick's. Nick and Brian will both be missed - they were great guinea pigs for a brand new professor!
We hope you have a blessed 2008!

Love,
The Kenworthys

Lady




Today was absolutely horrible. We put Lady, our 14 year old Australian Shepherd, to sleep. Kev and I adopted her in 1999 from the Ft. Worth Humane Society; she was 6 at the time. She was a sweet, wonderful dog. She never played much, but she was the nicest pooch you could meet. She had been suffering from pretty severe arthritis in her hips and back legs for the past couple of years. Initially, we had been treating her with arthritis medicine. She was doing fairly well until this summer. At that point, the vet put her on pain medicine to keep her comfortable. She seemed to be okay until the last 2 weeks. She started looking miserable, and that isn't fair. We made the decision to end her pain before we leave for Texas (tomorrow). We brought her home and buried her beside the house. In Gracie's eulogy (this will make you smile), she basically said 'Lady, you were a great dog, we love you, and I'm sorry my parents did this to you.' It's okay if we're the bad guys; at least Lady isn't suffering anymore. She has surely found Fred by now (our cat we lost in May), and they are probably giving heaven a run for its money. She will be deeply and forever missed.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Santa

Do you think Jax is a little intimidated by all the women (Jax, Sidney, Kate, Sierra and Gracie)



The kids visited Santa with some of our friends last weekend. Gracie asked for a science kit that makes rock candy, and Jaxon asked for the same thing (he probably just wanted to make sure his sister got what she wanted). We are all very excited about Christmas!


Saturday, December 15, 2007

Bikers



As I mentioned in the previous blog, my children are quite the bikers. Here is proof of the 'speed racers'.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Weather

There are many things that we can complain about, but the current weather here in Florida is not one of them. The last 2 days, Jaxon has ridden his bike (yes, he's a 4 year old without training wheels, and he holds his legs wide-open and obviously off the pedals when he's going down hills...scares me to death!), and I have pushed Gracie's from our house to Gracie's school. Gracie and Jax then ride their bikes home with me chasing after them (those kids are fast). We are all hot and tired by time we get back. Of course, Florida isn't Texas, but it's not too shabby. If only our immediate family didn't all live 1000 miles away, life would be almost perfect.

Tebow

As most of you know, Tim Tebow won the Heisman Award this past weekend. He is the Gators quarterback and the 1st sophomore to ever win the trophy. Needless to say, the Gator Nation is very proud. Not only is he an amazing football player, but he is also an incredibly strong Christian and very family-oriented. We think he is a wonderful role model! With that being said, the kids were playing football yesterday with a couple of friends. The first thing I heard was Jaxon saying, "I'm Tebow; catch me if you can!" He then proceeded to run and dodge Gracie, Renae, and Coleman (who is 8). It is so funny to hear the kids talk about Tebow all the time (Gracie references '#15', and Jax looks for him in every football game). We were at church Saturday night, so we didn't get to watch the award ceremony live, but we recorded it on TiVo. When we got home, we all cuddled up in our bed and started watching (luckily, we didn't know the results, so it was a very pleasant surprise). Unfortunately, the kids had to go to their beds before the winner was announced. Bet you can guess how we woke them up for church Sunday morning..."Tebow won!"

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving

Gracie and Mimi (they're trouble together!!!)

Kev, Poppi, Gracie and Mimi (we had to get Kev in one of the pics)

Gracie with Poppi and Mimi

3 generations (it's a wonder we get along when we're together)

Poppi, Bran, Jax, Gracie and Mimi

Jax, Poppi, Gracie and Mimi

Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful celebration. Mimi & Poppi flew in Thursday afternoon, and all the food was prepared when they arrived at our house. I have discovered over the past few years that I love cooking Thanksgiving dinner! I actually look forward to it each year. This was the 1st year that my mom got to be pampered and not stuck in the kitchen (although she was stuck flying from DFW to Gainesville). She did do all the clean-up, however (with some assistance from Kev); thanks, Mom! I believe everyone enjoyed the meal and togetherness. Gracie, Mom and I battled the crowds and shopped Black Friday. We accomplished a lot, and all of the presents were wrapped by Saturday. Did I mention Kev and the kids had the tree and all other Christmas decorations up for Thanksgiving? We went to an 'open house' at Gloria's Friday night to meet her triplets that live in Austin, TX (a link to their blog is on our site). It was a very nice reception, and the babies are even cuter in person (if that is even possible). Their baby brother is due in January, so hopefully we can see the whole gang again on one of our future Texas trips. Unfortunately, Mimi and Poppi had to leave on Sunday; it was too short of a trip! We are very thankful that they were willing to celebrate Thanksgiving with us; we love you! Oh, Happy 60th birthday, Mimi!!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Jaxon and 'the deed'

For those of you who really know Jax, this story will seem all-too-familiar:
Brian and Susan took the kids to dinner last Tuesday so Kev and I could have a date to celebrate our anniversary. Since it was the week of Thanksgiving, Susan's mom, dad, and brother were also visiting from Texas. Oh, and they took another friend along for the meal (poor Megan, it was her 1st time to meet the Kenworthy Clan). At some point during the meal, Jax said he needed to 'go potty'. Brian took him, and everything was fine...so he thought. When they got back to the table, Jax said he needed to go again; only this time it wasn't to tee-tee. Brian tried to convince him that he really didn't need to go and that he could wait until they got home. Jax insisted that he had to go, "really bad". Brian, the good guy that he is, took Jax back to the bathroom. According to Susan, they returned 20 minutes later and Brian's first words were, "Well, that was embarrassing." While 'on the pot', Jax proceeded to talk nonstop and tell Brian all about everything (including his friends and the holes in Brian's jeans). He then started singing and sang, "Daddy's favorite song" (for the record, it was U2's 'With or Without You', and I can only imagine him grunting while saying, "and you give, and you give" - Jax and Kev heard it on the radio one day; it is definitely not Kev's favorite; just a fun song to sing-along with). Brian didn't elaborate, but we're sure there were many other sounds coming from the stall; Jax knows how to rip 'em. To top off the whole ordeal, Brian tore off some toilet paper and handed it to Jaxon at which point Jax said, "I don't do that." Need I say more?
Major professors sure are tough these days. I think Bri. deserves his Ph.D. right now! Anyway, Kev and I had a wonderful dinner at a Japanese restaurant, and then we got to have a lot of laughs at Brian and Jaxon's expense. Thanks, guys!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Devil's Millhopper


Susan, Gracie, Jax and Brian

Brian & Susan (in case you don't know who they are: 1st and foremost, they would say they are Aggies...we hold that against them, but what can we do; Brian is getting his doctorate under Kevin...how scary is that; Susan teaches at Gracie and Jaxon's former preschool; most of all, they are our friends) took Gracie and Jaxon to Devil's Millhopper on Saturday. It is a large sinkhole, and, according to Gracie, you have to go down 176 steep, stair-steps to get to the bottom. Anyway, Kev and I were able to sneak away to the Gator football game (thanks, Gloria and Brian & Susan); we have decided that sitting in the Touchdown Terrace with the free food and other amenities is the only way to go!

Camping

Believe it or not, Gracie and I went camping last night (and yes, it was cold). It was the first time either of us had ever slept outside in a tent. That's a little embarrassing to admit, but it's the truth. The only reason it occurred last night was because of Girl Scouts. I slept in a tent (I use the term slept loosely) with Gracie and one of her friends, Sierra. Luckily, Kev was our hero; he and Jax brought us an air mattress after they hit the driving range with Jaxon' new golf clubs. We had a nice time, and Kevin is very proud of us (me). The next camp-out is in February, and it is titled 'Me & My Guy'...guess that means I get to (I mean have to) stay home and take care of Jaxon.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Happy Anniversary

Can you believe it? Today we are celebrating our 9th Anniversary! It doesn't seem possible that this whole adventure started with a beautiful ceremony 9 years ago. I think the moves, Kevin's doctorate, and the children have made the time fly. It has definitely been an adventure, but we have loved (almost) every minute of it. As my card from Kev said today, "9 down and many more to go." We have already started planning our 10-year anniversary trip to Hawaii next winter; why do we have to wait?

Sunday, November 11, 2007

New Orleans

We had to visit the former Jax Brewery (someday Jaxon will be proud)

Bourbon Street

We had to experience Pat O'Brien's and their Hurricanes!

Brandi & Susan at Pat O'Brien's

Kev and Bran enjoying their 1st Hurricanes

Kevin and I traveled to New Orleans for his annual ASA Conference. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time. Thanks to Papa and ChaCha for flying out to watch Gracie and Jaxon; we know the kids had fun!

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Happy Halloween

The almost-whole motley crew (minus Jake)
Jax and Gracie

Gracie, the witch, and Ann, the ladybug

Jaxon and his best friend, Sriram

We had another wonderful Halloween. We had friends over for dinner and then our crew (7 children and 7 adults) headed out to pillage the neighborhood. After tricking and/or treating, Gracie handed-out candy for at least 30 minutes. I think she actually likes doing that more than trick-or-treating; she normally gives out all the candy she has collected. She is truly a sweet young lady!

Monday, October 29, 2007

Wedding Photos

I am sending the link so you can view our family photos that were taken at Morgan & Kody's wedding in August (Morgan is Brandi's step-sister) http://www.accent.storefrontphotos.com/. Brandi's dad, Ken, and step-mom, Charla are also pictured. Gracie was a flower girl, and Jaxon was the ring bearer.

Click on George; the password is ken (if needed).

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Gracie Mae

We just have to write a little note about Gracie and how proud we are of her. First of all, she started 1st grade with a wonderful attitude this year. She was presented with the 'hard-working' award for the 1st month of school (she received the 'caring' award the 1st month of kindergarten last year). We then received wonderful news last week. Gracie was tested for the Gifted Program, and Thursday was her 1st day in the class. We are referring to it as a math enrichment class around the house, and we wanted to share our joy. Gracie was also her class 'Souper Kid' last Friday...she's been busy!

GO GATORS (at least Albert & Alberta)

Gracie and Albert

Gracie with Albert & Alberta


The kids and I participated in the The Lymphoma & Leukemia Society's Light the Night Walk. We didn't finish the walk (it was too late...), but we raised some money. We were also there to support our friend, Shelia who was the honoree of our group. One bonus of the night was getting to see Albert & Alberta. Jaxon shook Albert's hand (which is quite an improvement), but he didn't want to be in a photo (can you blame him....he's a big, stinky alligator). For those of you who might not know by now...we are all officially Gator fans! GO GATORS!!! Dont' worry - Kev still has his Texas Tech alumni sticker on his truck, and I am getting ready to put a new TCU alumni sticker on my new van...such excitement!


Fishing with Papa & ChaCha

Gracie & Jaxon sitting on the Cooksey's tractor (which they both later drove!!!)



Jaxon's 1st fishing trip



Jaxon's 1st fish (with a little help from Papa)



Gracie is very serious about catching a big one!



Gracie's catsfish (she's almost holding it)

Gracie and Jaxon were able to take a wonderful, short trip to 'The George', our family ranch in Seymour, TX. We were in Texas for my step-sister, Morgan's, wedding. Both children were attendants and looked beautiful...pics to follow. Kev and I had to miss the ranch excursion. A man who was basically my childhood grandfather (Papa Fred) passed away, and we were fortunate enough to be in Texas for the funeral. God works in mysterious ways!











Wedding and a Date


We recently attended the wedding of Stephanie & Craig Maultsby in Waco, TX. Kevin and Craig were roommates at Texas Tech, and we were very honored that Craig asked Kevin to be a groomsman. We had a great time at the wedding (it's nice getting to go on a date every once in a while). Needless to say, it was a whirlwind trip to Texas, but we were able to see all the grandparents and Kenworthy cousins. All in all, it was a great trip but way too short!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Fun with Kenworthy Cousins

Kenworthy Boys - Joe, Chris, Dad and Kevin

Grumps with his granddaughters - Gracie, Tessa, Kara and Lauren

Miller, Lauren, Gracie, Kara and Tessa (Jaxon did not wish to participate in this photo shoot)

sitting: Chris, Kara, Lauren, Gracie and Tessa
standing: Miller, Joe, Kevin and Jaxon (still not participating)


Kenworthy Clan


We had a wonderful trip to Texas in September for Craig & Stephanie Maultsby's wedding. We were fortunate enough to get to see all of the grandparents and all of the Kenworthy cousins. A big thanks to Grumps & Lynda, Uncle Joe & Aunt Lea Ann, and Uncle Chris & Aunt Sara for watching the kids while we enjoyed wedding festivities.