Grace is turning 3

My Baby is turning 3 this week. I can't believe how fast the time has gone.

Here are some flash back pictures of my big girl!

4th of July

We spent 4th of July with Family. A cookout at Cousin Bonnie's and Fireworks at Aunt Betsy and Uncle Bill's.

We had such a great time and the kids loved spending time with their cousins. Aunt Betsy bought all the kids nets to catch lighting bugs, The kids really had a blast and have been using them everynight since.

Here are just a few pictures of our day.

Abby's Dance Recital 6/21/08

These are pictures of Abby in her costumes, ( the professional pictures are not in yet ) The girls were so cute. The rehearsal, I thought was long enough but boy That was nothing compared to the actual rehearsal.

since I saw the whole performance for rehearsal, I spent the whole night in the back with Abby and Grace. I came out into the audience when Abby preformed then would run back after. It was so so long That we were all really tired and thankful when it was over but wow, what a memory for David and I. ( Abby Loved every minute of it. )

Avery's Blue Mohawk

Well it's that time again, Avery's Summer Mohawk. Normally I let him have it till Bible school starts but this year I let him keep it longer since there were so many other kids at church with one. This picture is right before his Game and It just happens to be blue to match his team colors.

All that team spirit paid off because he played awesome that night and got the winning game ball.

Potty Trained 6/01/08

Well, Potty training was so easy the first two times I thought for sure Grace would be a nightmare.

This is how it went, I bought Grace new Dora panties and I very casually said to her, When you are ready to wear big girl panties let Mommy know and I will take you to the potty. I Showed her the attachment I hooked to the big Potty and she said ok Mommy. That whole day she did not say a word. The next morning I woke up to use the restroom and to my very happy surprise, Grace is sitting on the potty. That was it, from that point on she has been going in the potty everytime. It has been so easy all three times and I have really heard horrible stories of potty training from other parents but I think what has worked for us is that I wait till they are ready and most important is not to use pull ups ( They are really just expensive Diapers ). We are so proud of her and she is just so grown up about it, She say's the diapers are for Baby Bean when he comes out of momma's Belly.

Above is a picture of Grace helping Daddy. We are remodeling all of our bathrooms floor to ceiling. The kid's wanted to help with everything.

Last Day of School. 5-30-08

Hooray!! I am so excited to have the kids back, I've missed them so much.

I went back and forth between Avery and Abby's class to help out with their parties. The kids and I made Grab Bags to hand out for their friends with goodies inside. It was very exciting but sad to see it end. I cant believe I have a Third grader and A first Grader, Unbelievable.

On Friday Abby Had her Kindergarten Graduation, It was so emotional for me and many other parent's, To see her growing up so fast and becoming very independent, really is incredible to watch. I had the ugly cry through most of the ceremony. This was an amazing day with wonderful memories.

Yippee for Summer Break!!!

Our 10 Year Anniversary. 5/23/08

We celebrated our 10 Year Wedding Anniversary in Gatlinburg TN. We have always said that we would renew our Promises somewhere in the Smoky Mountains, That's what we did. We Had such a fun time, but we always do. Before we left David gave me roses and the kids and I had chocolate made for him at Anthony Thomas Candy. ( The kids love going there for the tour of the factory. ) We have been there many times for a field trip with other home schooled kids in previous years. If you have not been there you really should . We came back Memorial Day and Opened the pool and Had a cookout in the back Yard.

David and I Both feel very lucky to have found each other at a time in our lives when no one else could be trusted. I do believe that things really do happen for a reason, What you choose to do next is really what"s Important. Apart from my children, David is the only one in my life that has ever really loved me, warts and all. We Have had an eventful 10 year's, Some really Great and some not so much but We Truly wouldn't change a single thing!

Oh how I hate Hypocrites.

There is nothing I hate worse then a hypocrite! Someone who gives a false opinion to other's to make themselves look better or to gain something selfishly in return. I know several people like this. They are related,

Which makes sense I guess. They must realize how small and weak they look to rational people.I mean come on, grow some balls. Life is to short to spend it pretending. It really is OK to have your own opinion! Really. It's OK if not everyone agrees with you, that's what makes it your opinion!!! What is not OK - are those people that make excuses for their actions and put the blame on other's. ( I hate to break it to you but it is so obvious who's at fault. Come on there are so many mistakes to choose from and you have left a trail of destruction in your path! ) When you make a mistake, Just admit it. ( and for the love of God Learn from it already ) but don't make excuses or say you did or didn't do something because of someone else. It is so childish.

Peace....

Indian Village 5/2/08

Avery and I went to Indian Village with his 2nd Grade class today.

We made a beaver Dam and got really dirty, We also got to make animal tracks with plaster. We had such a great time there and I loved spending the day with Avery and His friends. I can't imagine being a parent and not wanting to experience all of this with my kid, Seeing his face, the excitement and Interest is really incredible to me and I am so Thankful I was able to be apart of this with him.

OUR ROCKSTAR

It's a Boy!!!

We are so so excited! what more can you ask,

2 boys and 2 girls ( perfect)the new ultrasounds are so cool, we got to watch the baby for 1 hour and the kids were just so Happy.

Thoughts

We have not heard the baby's heartbeat yet because we have been trying to go through this pregnancy in a very natural and relaxed way,( HUH ) Well it was fine until a couple of days ago when we were talking about our up coming ultrasound and I started to panic. What if something is wrong?, With our other children I heard their heartbeat at about 6 weeks and the one pregnancy that I didn't, Had a very sad ending.

Our ultrasound is in 2 day's and It looks as though The kid's have their heart set on finding out the sex. I was apprehensive at first but now that It is so close , I am really excited!


I want to also add that my cousin was killed April 10Th Risking her life for another, I can only hope that when God calls on me that I can leave behind such wonderful memory's and Love to my children as she so obviously did for her daughter. I know an Angel in Heaven and I'm sure she greeted Dianna at the gate and their probably sitting some where right now on a cloud watching GVC. Thank You Dianna for your bravery, I just know Best Maw will take care of you.



SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.The music won't last.

Do you run through each day On the fly?
When you ask How are you? Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done Do you lie in your bed With the next hundred chores Running through your head?

You'd better slow down Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.The music won't last.

Ever told your child, We'll do it tomorrow
And in your haste, Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time To call and say Hi.

You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life is not a race. Do take it slower
Hear the music Before the song is over.

More of Cayden

Here are some more picture's of Cayden. One is of him wearing the overall's we got for him. There is also one of his first bath, that Susi said he was not the least bit Happy about. Finally some with his eye's open!

Cayden 4/11/08

Here is An updated Picture of Cayden. We went for a visit and Dinner over at Susi And Bill's. I think if it's possible, Cayden is even cuter now then the last time I saw him. He has the tiniest facial features and a perfectly round head ( Susi's babies always do.) When we came home David said after holding Cayden tonight that he is getting really excited for our baby, I would have to agree. We are going for an ultrasound at the end of the month and the kids are pretty set on finding out if this baby is a girl or a boy. I on the other hand am not so sure, I never found out the sex of the other 3 kids and it was really exciting to find out at birth but with the kids being older they are much more involved this time and we always make big decisions in our family together so I think I might just be out voted this time.

The kids have been so much apart of the whole process so far. David and I made sure that everyone was OK with having a baby before the final decision was made and they are so excited to be apart of this birth since we are having the baby at home with 2 really great midwives. I am so relieved to know that I will not be forced to be separated from my children during one of the greatest moments for our whole family, It just doesn't make much sense to me, When there is another little person being born It effects every member of the family and I think it makes the kids feel left out of something that is just such a life changing time for all of us.

I know that this is not for everyone and I totally understand that but David and I are 100% sure that this is for us. and I can't wait.

Cayden Michael 4/3/08

My sister Susi gave birth to Cayden Michael weighing 9 pounds and 4 ounces the morning of April 3rd 2008. He is so cute, and by looking at him seems very small that is until you pick him up and boy he feels solid.

Cayden reminds me of his sister Bailey when she was a baby. Big brothers Anthony (aka Peanut ), D.J and big sister Bailey waited eagerly for him to make his appearance into this world and as expected were thrilled to meet him. Above are pictures of them holding their new baby brother and Daddy as well. ( even through Susi looked great after major surgery, I did not add pictures of her for fear of her killing me).

Mommy and Baby are all well.

Congratulations Susi and Bill,

We wish you and your family every happiness.

Easter 2008

We started Easter by Coloring eggs on Saturday Night, It was messy and a lot of fun. ( I recommend the boxed tie die ) It was fun for the kids and had really bright colors. We had a camp out downstairs with snacks and movies trying to stay awake to catch a peek of the Easter bunny leaving all their treats. ( of course they did not make it very long ).

Sunday Morning we woke up and the kids were very excited to see all the special treats that the Easter Bunny and Mommy and Daddy had left for them. We then started our annual Easter egg hunt, which is never dull.

We met Grandma and Grandpa for Lunch and visit and had a really nice time.

It was a Wonderful Easter!

Our Dancer

We got to get a sneak preview of what Abby is working on for her dance recital.Can I just say, She was amazing, Beautiful and perfect and I know I'm her Momma but come on. She really did get only the good parts of David and I. Abby is incredible and I am so proud of her.

Blizzard of 2008

Wow, I can't believe how much Snow we actually got. I Think Hilliard was one of just a hand full that did not get early release from school on Friday, The kids were 40 minutes late and That was nerve racking to say the least.

I sent David to do the last minute Grocery shopping and to fight the crowd That he told me was very big.( I guess their wives didn't believe the weather man either! )

David and I played outside with the kids and built a big hill off the deck to sled on, We then came in and had hot chocolate by the fire.

The kids were thrilled to find out they had Monday off as well, I was pretty happy about it to. We made a snowman that Grace named Fruit head ( hint: He is made with Lemon, Orange and Grapes ) It has been a really fun weekend, One I will never forget and I hope the kids remember forever.

A New Day

I know why the caged bird sings

A free bird leaps on the back Of the wind and floats downstream Till the current ends and dips her wing In the orange suns rays And dares to claim the sky.But a BIRD that stalks down her narrow cage Can seldom see through her bars of rage Her wings are clipped and her feet are tied So she opens her throat to sing.The caged bird sings with a fearful trill Of things unknown but longed for still And her tune is heard on the distant hill for The caged bird sings of freedom.The free bird thinks of another breeze And the trade winds soft through The sighing trees And the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright Lawn and she names the sky her own. But a caged BIRD stands on the grave of dreams Her shadow shouts on a nightmare scream Her wings are clipped and her feet are tied So she opens her throat to sing.The caged bird sings with A fearful trill of things unknown But longed for still and her Tune is heard on the distant hill For the caged bird sings of freedom.



Maya Angelou

Abby and Avery's Birthday!

Abby celebrated her 6th Birthday and Avery celebrated his 8th Birthday.

It is so hard to look at how big they are getting and not be sad at how fast it is all flying by. They were very happy with the gift's they recieved. On each of their Birthdays, which fell on a weekday, We celebrated with their class. We then spent the whole weekend doing fun activity's that was only kid's choice. We ended the weekend with their Grandparents. ( It is Nany's birthday as well) The kid's had a great time as they always do.

We told Nany and Pop that we are expecting our fourth baby! They were happy for us and are as always very supportive of David and I. Our children are very lucky to have Granparents that they love and that love them back.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BABIES!