Sydney's Big Day

Last week Sydney wrote and presented a speech for a Tropicana sponsored speech competition. She placed first in her class and later that day placed first in her pod. About 1100 students participated.

Today was the school competition to see who will compete at the district level.
It was standing room only.

They drew the order yesterday and she ended up going last. The first speech was amazing, and the next one, and the next one. One was about why kids should exercise, another was about passion, one was on civil rights, etc... With how serious the other topics were I didn't know how well received Sydney's topic of why she needs a cell phone would be.

It is FINALLY her turn!


I was so excited she didn't mess up. After an excruciating wait, they were finally ready to announce the winner. After announcing third and second place there was a long pause. Knowing it was probably not going to be Sydney, my stomach was in a knot wondering how she would take it. The emcee said, and first place goes to.... "SYDNEY JONES!" My jaw hit the floor. The roof came off the place with Sydney's class and pod and Spencer's class going crazy screaming for her! Dason and I fought tears of excitement. (It was so cute because he was as excited as I was).

She spots Dason and me for the first time.

Think she's a tad excited? :)

The pod finalists.

They all did a fantastic job!

Sydney was giddy after school. Everyone was telling her (and Spencer) what a great job she did and how she really should get a cell phone now. After school she climbs in the car and says, "I could get used to this!" Spencer answers her with, "I'm a celebrity now!" (She mentions him in her speech). Sydney had a great time, and I am truly just grateful she did her best.

Ever since the Tropicana...

Here in Florida, Tropicana sponsors a speech contest that most schools participate in. Sydney wrote a cute one about why she should have a cell phone. She won first place in her class competition and later that day competed against the pod and won that too. Tomorrow she goes against the whole school.

Sydney's been rehearsing her speech with us a lot (to say the least). Tonight when I tucked Spencer in bed he asked me if I know what's changed in the last few days. I said no. He went on to say, "It's that ever since this Tropicana Speech happened Sydney's getting all the attention around here, and I'm getting none." I got the giggles. Thinking I was laughing because I didn't believe him, he proceeded to repeat how he was getting the shaft in the center of attention department.

If you know our attention-monger Spencer, you'll understand how funny him saying this really is.

Live from Spencer's 9th Birthday

Frosting the Cake

Adding Sprinkles


Singing Happy Birthday

Spencer's Birthday

My sweetie Spencer turned 9 today. For the past few days he has been sick with a fever. As I tucked him in last night he pitifully asked if I knew what the worst thing about his life was. I said, "no." He then said, "It's that I'm sick."

In the morning Spencer's fever broke and he was back to his energetic self for his birthday. Since he'd been well for only a few hours, I kept him home from church. He helped bake and decorate his cake. When that was finished he helped me have dinner ready for the churchgoers.

Frosting Time


Sprinkle Time


More Sprinkle Time


Finishing Touches

His Monster Jam Masterpiece

After an early dinner it was time to sing Happy Birthday.


Rick is lighting the candles. The others don't know Spencer picked out "magic" ones.


Everyone just realized the candles won't stay out.


Spencer is relighting one. (What is it with boys and fire)?


Sydney trying to blow them out.


After having cake and ice cream it was time to open presents.

(Thank goodness for Target clearance toys).

Sydney got him a Tech Deck set.

Grandma and Grandpa Jones sent him an outfit and a motorcycle toy that he loved. Uncle Gary and Aunt Jen sent him Star Wars action figures and stickers.  Also, he was excited that Tiffany called and talked with him on his birthday.

This year instead of a "friend" party he was allowed to choose one friend and do an activity. So the next day, he took his friend Connor who lives a few houses down for dinner and games at -yes you guessed it - Chuck E. Cheese. Since it was a Monday night at 5pm hardly anyone was there. Woo hoo!

Spencer & Connor feeding their tickets.

We are so grateful Spencer got better just in time to have a fun birthday celebration.

Gettin' in the Cake Decorating Spirit Too

Rick's wedding cake


Carrie's Mermaid Cake

Debbi's baby shower cake

Debbi's Hannah Montana Cake

After seeing the amazing cakes that Debbi, Carrie, Samantha, and now Rick have made, I decided it was time to get in the game for Spencer's birthday. Rick took him to the Monster Truck Jam last weekend. Spencer loved it and I knew that was going to be our theme for his cake. It turned out amazing and I must say I think it could be in the cake catalog at the Target bakery. Here is our masterpiece: