Ten Days of Sadie- Day 1

She's so beautiful! From the time she was a baby she has just been so pretty.

Jonas Brothers Concert

The reaction when she was told what her gift from the grandparents was....


Her reaction when the Jonas Brothers hit the stage....


A huge thank you goes out to my parents, Aarons parents and both sets of my grandparents for making this possible for Sadie! For her (early) birthday gift they all chipped in and sent her and I to the Jonas Brothers Concert this past Saturday night. We had a blast! And she was OH so excited.
I've posted more pics on facebook, if you don't have a facebook let me know and I think I can email you a link to the album.

Connor's Awards

Connor received:

1. Superintendants Honor Roll (Straight A's all year)
2. Student of the Month
3. Mavericks Club (excellent behavior)
4. Bright Idea Award (classroom participation)
5. Good Reader Award.

On his Reading Diagnostic these are his results on Phonemic Awareness, 3 of 4 is passing, he got 4 of 4. Graphophonemic knowledge 4 of 5 is passing, he got 5 of 5. Oral Reading Accuracy 90-94% is passing, he got 100%. Oral Reading Fluency, min of 60 words correct per minute is passing, Connor reads with 129 words correct per minute. Comprehension, 6 of 8 is passing, he got 8 of 8.
His teacher wrote: "Connor is so far ahead of his peers. Continue to read over the summer to stay ahead"

Words can't express how stinking proud we are of both kiddos. We're looking forward to a great school year with three of them this year!

Sadie's Awards

Sadie with the school counselor
Girls with the Vice Prin.
Receiving her awards from the principal.

Each of the kids had class picnics and awards ceremonies at the end of the year.
Sadie got 3 awards, Principals Honor Roll (A's & B's all year), Excellence in Music, and Considerably Caring award.

I'm alive!!!

I know, I know, long time no post. Things have just been downright crazy lately. What with the end of school, and moving, and doctor visits. Life just now seems to be slipping back into a rythim.
So we'll take one thing at a time.
We have finally moved- we found a 4 bedroom 2 bathroom townhouse for an awesome price. Its in a community so of course we're having to get used to having neighbors so close again, but we're also taking advantage of the perks of living in a place like this as well. The kids are making friends, we have two playgrounds, a basketball court, a volleyball court and a nice pool. Helps the summer go by faster. Before I know it they will be off to school again. We have a 4th, 2nd and kindergartner this year! Can you believe it??
The doctor visits:
Aaron- we can't avoid surgery on his shoulder. All other therapies have just covered up the pain for a while before it just comes roaring back. So probably in January he will take some time off work, and have the surgery done. I just pray that it works.
Connor: Connor has been battling staph here lately. The dr is afraid it might be MRSA. The latest round of antibiotics has made the rash go away, but so did the first one, it just came back faster and worse. So now we hold our breaths and see if it returns. If so, we're probably looking at a hospital admission for him. We pray it stays away this time because he's already looking at probable surgery on his right toe due to a cyst. We'll find out more about that in the next couple weeks.
Me: I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Not much to say about that. It hasn't changed my life any, I just have a name as to why I'm tired and in pain all the time.
I'll save the end of school stuff for the next post so I can include pictures. I'm also going to try and take pics of the house so you can see that too.

Grace's 5th Birthday

We had fun- the kids ate popcorn and cookies for dinner. Two of Grace's favorite things. Its what she requested, so I let it slide. Then a slice of cake, Skype with Gramma and Papa Steve+kids, phone call to Nana, and bedtime it was. Oh, and a scavenger hunt to find her gift.

Saying Goodbye

www.mandyhowephotography.blogspot.com

Happy 5th Birthday Grace!!

WOW! 5!!!!!! I'm having such a hard time believing it, but I suppose its true huh?
5 years ago today I woke up to strong contractions and about 3 hours later, was holding you and nursing you for the first time, then back up in my bed and asleep I went. I loved the homebirth experience, and cling to the fact that I got to experience it once, rather than spend my time wishing I'd been able to do it again. It was such a magical time, and I loved every second of it.
We love you stinker-bell! Hope your 5th birthday is one to remember!

10 Days of Grace day 10

She's a cuddler. As the kids have gotten older, cuddling with mom is no longer 'cool'
Grace still loves to cuddle. With me, with Aaron, with grandparents, etc. She loves to be held and to give and receive hugs.

Happy Mothers Day to Me

I knew Aaron and the kids were planning something special. I had no idea what though.
Tonight him and a friend who was helping him plan went to the store, and when they came back they had me lock myself up in my room for a while. I came out and was seated at our little white table, where Sadie brought me a bowl of chips, and a bowl of salsa, and handed me a homemade menu. Of course I was only able to choose what we really had but it was all fun and games. Aaron sat with me, and Sadie was our waitress. We had fajitas, with all the fixens, and for dessert, she brought me a plate of cotton candy and under it was some resses cups. Two of my favorite things!
It was certainly a night to remember. I love my family and friends, and the thought that went into making the evening memorable for me.

10 Days of Grace day 9

She's thankful. Little things are HUGE to her. And she's thankful for them all.

Happy Mothers Day!!

To my mommy, my grand-mommy's, my aunts, and my Mother in law.
Women who have shaped my life.
Hope its a wonderful day for you all.

10 Days of Grace day 8

She loves to eat. She's not a picky eater and I can't express how thankful I am for that fact!

Happy Birthday Riley!

Today is the 2nd anniversary of Riley's 17th birthday.

I miss him! But from what I hear, he's growing into a great young man!

I love you Bro.

PS: Sorry I know its not the best pic, but its all I can find. You usually hide from me!

10 Days of Grace day 7

She loves being a sister. Big sister, little sister- doesn't matter to her. She just loves her siblings.

10 days of Grace day 6

She loves to sleep. And yes, I love that about her. That means, I still get a nap in the afternoon if I need it. Even if she doesn't fall asleep she loves to cuddle up next to me while we watch a movie. And she's almost always one of the first kids to fall asleep at night- shortly after 7pm.

10 Days of Grace days 1-5

So I'm a bad mom. I totally spaced and forgot to get these posted. So in one big post here are 5 flashback pics.
So 5 reasons I love Grace:

*She's a spitfire. She stands up for herself and then some! She's never the first one to back down. This is completely opposite of me, as I will usually back down even when I'm right just to avoid confrontation. I admire that about her.

*She's the "class clown" She's always looking for a laugh, and more often than not- she gets it!

*She doesn't fit into the 'mold' She defies all labels- she's not a tomboy, but she's not a girly girl either- she is just....Grace.

*Those eyes- we receive so many comments on them when we go out- and I have to admit- I love them too. I hope they stay that color. Simply breathtaking.

*Her love. She loves people. She takes an interest in people, even strangers. I'm always asked- "whats their name?" , "Is she sad?" etc. She notices people, and takes a great interest in them.
Reminds me to slow down sometimes and be more observant of those around me.

Happy Anniversary Steven & Megan!

Hard to believe its been one year already!!! Hope its been wonderful and you have many many to come! (now where is me a neice or nephew?- JUST KIDDING!)

There are no words....

Mommy's Little Rock Star

One of the things Aaron and I got Matthew for his birthday was this little guitar, it plays more current songs, like Allstar by Smashmouth, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Love Shack, and a couple others that I don't remember right now. No words, just music of course- but he loves it. He's even started making up his own songs- his current hit? "I want you" Lyrics as follows: "I want you mommy, I want you daddy, I want you sissy, I want you gammy, I want you george, I want you connor, I want you gace, I want you jojo, I want you nana, I want you pawpaw, I want you teve, I want you gamma, I want you, I want you, I want yooooouuuuu"

I only hear it about 20 times a day lol