Big Girls Don't Cry

The rule in our house is: Ears get pierced when you turn 8...

Leah will be 8 next month!!

So she can wear new earrings that she will surely get for her birthday, we let her get her ears pierced this month! She was very brave:

They were busy, so she did one ear at a time...

Hold your breath...

SO happy now!!

My beautiful girl

Of the three kids, this girl has the most tolerance for pain: she has had the most injuries and surgeries too! Go figure! She is loving this "big girl" privilege...she carefully turns them and cleans them several times a day- I have no fear that she will let them get infected- she is quite diligent with them and is smiling like this all the time!!

Who Let the Moneky's Out?!

School's Out for Summer...
My kiddos have been singing that all day long! I can hardly believe it really is out! I think I just sent them and it was August! It has been a very fast year and they did so great! I thoroughly enjoyed teaching at their school this year- it gave me great insight on how things run from day to day...wow- those teachers are amazing and they work so hard- I just am so grateful for all they did this year with Alex and Leah!
Yesterday was Alex's 4th grade recognition- yes, 4th grade!! I just cried and cried- I honestly remember crying on the first day of Kindergarten and that was last week! I am good friends with his Kindergarten teacher and as she saw him yesterday, it was so sweet- he has come so far in just a few short years. My kiddos will be going to a new school next year, with our move, so it was even more sweet for them yesterday. Alex will be going to the middle school anyway, but Leah will get to be the "new 3rd grader" at her new Elementary school. Celeste will attend pre-school at an entirely different building as well- so that should be fun- 3 kids- 3 schools! I guess we'll figure that out too when the time comes!
So as I was saying...Alex got 3 awards at his celebration yesterday- One for just finishing the 4th grade (quite an accomplishment, I think!) - Another for being a "GOOD" kid- only 8 kids were chosen all together- hand selected by their teachers- he got a gold t-shirt for that- they hung those up all year in the classroom as motivation- apparently it worked!- And lastly, he got an award from the President of the United States! WOW! Only 10 kids got this award - it is special for only 4th graders and they had to achieve over 90% on standardized tests and 90% classroom average as well- so, WE ARE VERY PROUD!!
4th grade was not easy!! His teachers and I don't always see eye to eye on certain issues....but they pushed him academically and that was really good for him- he has really wonderful memories of this year!

Leah finished at the top of her class as well- making the honor roll every grading period! She is very prepared for the 3rd grade- her teacher is wonderful too and I am impressed at how much Leah has grown this year- it was a great school year for her too!
I could not be a prouder mom with these two- they are great students in and out of the classroom- they not once got even a warning for behavior this year at school. I am proud that at school they are on their best, respectful behavior at all times- at home, perhaps not always, but for teachers and leaders- they certainly are and that is a great thing as a parent- at least for me. I love these kids and want them to know how great they truly are!

Here's to an AWESOME summer- we are off to a wonderful start already!

Of all things to break....

Last time we moved, my beloved Pampered Chef Bar Pan got broken....
that was sad...my very favorite pan- BUT, thanks to my mom, I got a new one!!
This move...
it was my camera...
BOO HOO!!
I just got this one, too!! I bought it in December and I really like it!! It is my 3rd point and shoot camera- apparently I am hard on them, ya think?!
The screen got cracked- and I don't know how- it was in a case, IN my purse the entire time, and only I had it!! I am so bummed!! It still takes pics, but like the old times, I can't see what I am photographing until I upload it!! I heard there may be a way to just replace the screen...I need and will look into that!!
I had to tell Dana- that was the harder part- he just looked at me- I said, "it wasn't my fault!!"- he can't believe it happened again- I know, neither can I!! So crappy.

BUT, we are in our house- so life is good...our house is wonderful and we are thrilled to be here- today our internet and phone got hooked up, so I am now catching up on what is happening in the blog world- feel so out of it!
We have had many visitors this past weekend- lots of people like to see what your house looks like days after you move in- apparently!! Just kidding- I LOVE it!! I always wanted a house people could come to and hang out- I don't even care if it gets a little messy- because this is OUR house and we are staying for a really long time- and honestly, having friends and family just stop by makes my heart smile...
life is funny like that- it is the simple things...

SO, I am going to quit whining about the camera and be happy for today- I would be happier if Dana let me buy the camera I really want- but since he bought me this house- I better not press my luck!

Movin on Up...

So Friday is the move date...
I have so much to say, but so little time...
I have been busy packing and sorting and purging...
Oh so fun...
Sorry if I haven't had time to keep up on this blog...
This too shall pass...
I will be back...
With a new house and a new address!!

Life has not slowed down just because we are moving! I have noticed, if not much else, quite the opposite!! I have been teaching, and then working at the house in the evenings- having two places to keep up with is exhausting!! Did I mention 3 kids too?! My word! What were we thinking!! This house is a disaster- so glad no one has stopped by recently! Glad the new buyers haven't requested to come over! I would be so embarrassed! I have managed to make it to all the scheduled events- Alex has started baseball and Dana is the coach- so there goes 3 nights a week! Then I have won Mother of the Year this last month time and time again, for not having grocery shopped (didn't want to pack food!) , so therefore feeding them whatever we have...yeah, they are tired of pasta! So much for that in food storage!
We have managed to go to the indoor water park for Alex's birthday, walk the 5K for Race for the Cure, attend cookouts and help pack other friends (even got a girls night in!), AND I even have pics of those, but not ready for this space yet- time...is there any left out there?! I am so behind on my favorite shows- but that too can wait- for now, packing is my life...
On to bigger and better things...
Wish us luck!!

Oh, and for those of you who asked about the new house: It is in the same town, same ward (our Ward is splitting, but we don't know new boundaries yet), but different schools (same district), so I can still substitute and Dana can continue at his job, and pray for a call-back to this district this summer! (We can hope!)

See you soon!!

Dance Fever

So today, the girls had dance pictures- these are before we went- when their hair was still in good shape! Recital is in just a few short weeks- they are too excited!

Miracles Never Cease...

We went into contract on our house on Friday the 30th of April- the very last day it was going to be on the market! Prayers are always answered...even in the 11th hour!
On Saturday, we put an offer on this one...and it was accepted on Tuesday...we have inspection next week, and pending all goes well, we close on both houses Friday the 28th! Yikes!
I better get packing....

So behind...

I feel behind...I realized how many events I have photographed, but have yet to tell about..like Alex's award at school, and Leah's frame project, and welcoming home Aunt Ivy from the Army, and cool random things, like Dana's flat screen (that he has patiently waited and saved for, for over 2 years)...so, here they are, in no particular order...



I have more to write about, so hang tight...

Popi Makes Life Perfect

Popi left last week...it was so nice to have him visit us again this year- we look forward to his visits more than we ever say...
We love that he spends time with us, playing games, telling stories, playing basketball, and just hanging out with us- this is perfect Popi time! We couldn't ask for better moments than these. When Popi first got here, the weather was WONDERFUL!! It was Spring Break for all of us, and the warmth of Spring was here every single day! We went down to the Shoe and shopped there- buying Popi a new OSU vest- and me a new shirt- always fun! Then to the park with lunch and so much more! We did something every day, but more importantly, we spent quality time with him...these are the moments we remember and will hold on to until next April when Popi comes again...

Every morning, Celeste would set out a yogurt for Popi's breakfast, complete with spoon and lid off- she took such care of him- she would even sit with him the whole time he ate! This girl was melting his heart- I could tell...I wish I had a pic of them together during these moments- but rest assured, she remembers and I know he does too!



Popi went golfing for a week after he got here- and while he was gone, it was cold and rainy...the day he returned, so did the warmth!! It stayed super nice the rest of the week, and the day he flew out, he turned colder again! Must be something about him that brought the sunshine...if only he would stay next time!! Only 2 more years until Popi and GeeGee come back for good- we can count the weeks...but that seems like forever...we hope it goes by fast!

My Favorite Number...12

12 Years...12 Years...it really has been 12 years- I am not kidding...this was just yesterday...A beautiful, sunny morning in Washington DC...
Today, I woke up like this:And these 3 were waiting for me:I guess that is what has happened over 12 years- This is my wonderful life- I could not ask for more- I could not dream of more- and I won't-

thisis Heaven on Earth!

MIA again....

I haven't been MIA on purpose...it's just that it's Spring, and I have been a busy girl and have slacked on this blog...Sorry to those faithful readers (Mom), who look to this for updates on our crazy family...but we are all good...we are enjoying the weather and our time with Popi, who is with us for a few more wonderful days...Dana's baseball team is doing really well, and he is loving every moment of that...I have been teaching, and trying to keep up with some hope repairs- (new back door, yesterday! and some attic finishing today)...so not to worry, I will be back....soon, with fun pics of our time with Popi and new housing projects (the house comes off the market in 2 weeks, and we will be staying in it, spending some time and money to make it as perfect as we can...apparently, we are meant to be here...just wish I knew more about that- any ideas?!