Friday Night Leftovers

My oh my, it's been a while since I posted! 

~ Chase ended his Spring Ball Season with the Rangers last night and we took third place.  Closing ceremonies aren't until the 31st, but we are set in this spot.  He was stuck in outfield all season (except one game of pitcher and 1/2 a game at third base) and despite getting little field playing time, he improved so much!  His batting has gotten really good and he likes baseball.  Hoping our next season we have a coach that's more intersted in all the boys learning and less about being number one.  Sad thing is, had they switched players around, we could have been number 1.  Lesson learned there.  Good news is we are moving on to kid pitch, Chase is super excited!
~ Only 9 days of school left and I am so thankful.  My patience is gone, the kids are done.  We all need a break desperately.
~ Emery's dance recital is a week from Saturday.  They look so cute, I can't wait.  We are changing dance studios after the recital and I'm really excited about that.  I think the new one will be a lot better and she can move on to competition when she's five.
~ Chase and Emery will both be going to summer camp this year. Turns out that even though they have to be in kinder, if a parent is volunteering, there is a wee camp for the little ones.  So, even though I really need a break from kids, I'm volunteering so the Princess can go to.
~ Still love my job, principal, school, grade, etc and still so very thankful that this move turned out the way it did.
~ Chase has stayed on the A/B honor roll all year and is a full year ahead in reading.  Have I said how proud I am of him?
~ My cousin just found out she is having a baby girl in October, so excited for her!!!  There is just something about girls in our family.  Out of the 12 grandkids, 10 are girls, and out of the 14 great-grandkids, 11 are girls.  I'm so thankful to have one of each.
~ Speaking of babies, we just paid the $500 to store our totsicles for another year.  We were seriously looking at a FET this summer, but life is full of surprises and there is a major life change coming June 18th.  Funny thing, June 18 is our 9 year anniversary of Chase's retrieval.  Guess that will always be a lucky one for us!! (more to come on that later, don't want to jinx anything)
~ We have decided to take Emery to Disney World for her 5th birthday in 2014.  5th sounds so crazy.  Of course, Chase will go too!  My cousin and her three girls will meet us and then perhaps some other cousins.  It's going to be awesome (although it seems so far away).
~ Getting my highlights done tomorrow, I look so rough.
~ Two birthday parties this weekend, it's going to be busy.  So thankful to be off on Monday.  I'd say we'd relax, but there are a million things to do.

Hope everyone has a spectacular weekend and wonderful Memorial Day!

****I am grateful for
1) days off
2) 9 days until summer vacation
3) a/c, it's gonna be a hot summer in TX
4) fresh mowed grass
5) ice cold water

Wordless Wednesday: Then and Now

Amazing what two years can do.  <3 p="">
****I am grateful for
1) these two beautiful babies
2) humpdays
3) only 31 more school days until summer
4) church camp!  I am volunteering this year so Emery can go too, they are so excited.
5) the weekend, can't come soon enough!

Get out of the car and give me your keys!

I think if Emery were bigger and could get out of her car seat, she would have car-jacked me today!  She was a little mad that I wouldn't let her go home with Duchess so as we're leaving I hear, "Momma, get of the car and give me your keys! I'm driving!"  I told her if I did that the cops would come, her response, "I'll fight those cops!"  Oh my, I think we're in for it with this one!

****I am grateful for
1) little imaginations
2) tough girls
3) love
4) determination
5) the stars

What happened?

I was looking through old posts on the blog and I used to be so much better about posting.  I laughed and cried as I read post after post.  So many memories, good, bad, funny, sad.  What has happened to me?  I have got to get better about journaling and posting, even if it's just for my benefit.  *Mental Note - even when busy, make time to write down your memories.... they fade so fast!*

***I am grateful for
1) smiles
2) laughter
3) tears of joy
4) tears of sorrow, they remind us to be thankful
5) memories

They should be turning 4 today on Earth...

not in heaven.  Not a day goes by that I (we) don't think of our sweet twins (or Chase's twin).  What would they look like, what would their personalities be like, what things would they love?  But our story was written long ago and so was theirs.  We were meant to be here and they were meant to be angels.  I know without their loss, we wouldn't have Emery and that's a thought I can't bare, but I sure would've loved to have had them all.

****I am grateful for
1) my angels, here and on Earth
2) stories that were written long ago
3) cuddles
4) the rain
5) we are under 50 days until summer vacation = time w/my sweet ones

Wordless Wednesday: Emery and Amia (a.k.a. Amelia)

****I am grateful for
1) cousins
2) bows
3) holding hands
4) best friends
5) love

Happy 8th Birthday Chase!

Exactly 8 years ago, I held my firstborn in my arms for the first time after what seemed like an eternity of waiting, wishing, praying, and dreaming.  I know it's sounds cliche, but I can't believe it's been 8 years.  Where has the time gone and how the heck do I slow it down?  We had a little family dinner and he has his big party on Saturday.  He is so excited that he can barely stand it!  We went ahead and gave him our gifts tonight and I'm pretty sure that we did good.  He was pretty thrilled with the iTu.nes gift cards and the video game goodies, but the mini iPad... that was the icing on the cake!

My Dearest Chase,

For so long Daddy and I dreamed of what you would be like and said many prayers that one day we would finally get to hold you in our arms.  We had so many hopes and dreams for you.  So many wants for you.  8 years ago today, our dreams finally came true and you have given us so much more than we ever thought was possible.  Not a day goes by that you don't make us proud and thankful to be your parents.  You are a blessing to us and so many others.  The world is full of people that love you and know just how special you are.  You are a wonderful son and the best big brother we could ever hope to have for your little sister.  Never forget just how loved you are, just how special you are, just how wanted you are, and just how needed you are.  May today only be the beginning of many more great things to come!  Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!!!  We love you!

Mommy (and Daddy)

 ***I am grateful for
1) those big birthday smiles
2) 8 wonderful years (that have gone entirely too fast)
3) family and friends to celebrate with
4) birthday cake
5) memories being made