'Twas the Night Before 2nd Grade

Tomorrow is a big day for my baby boy, that's not really a baby anymore. It's the first day of 2nd grade at a new school. I pray he has a wonderful day and a fantastic year, makes lots of new friends, and that fear/anxiety stay far away (I have enough for both of us). I'm so thankful that I'm a teacher not only because I love my job, but because I am only a hallway away if he needs me. Lord, please watch over him tomorrow as he starts his new journey, keep him safe, happy, and blessed. Let him be filled with knowledge and love school again. Also, please bless his teacher(s), guide her, and let her have a wonderful year as well. Amen!

****I am grateful for
1) the start of new beginnings
2) new paths to be taken
3) new things to be learned
4) another milestone
5) the hope of a wonderful school year!

13 wonderful years!

13 years ago I said "I do" to not only my best friend, but my soul-mate. It hasn't always been easy, but when I think of things like 5 rounds of IVF, losing 3 precious babies, losing way too many loved ones, or other hardships, I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have by my side. Of course, there have also been so many wonderful moments that we've shared as well, probably more than we should be allowed!!!

I love you Jeffrey and am so thankful to have you in my life. Thank you for being an awesome husband, an amazing daddy, and an unbelievable best friend. Happy Anniversary my love, 13 years used to seem like forever, now it's just a stepping stone in the path of many years to come!!!

****I am grateful for
1) 13 wonderful years
2) quiet dinners just the two of us where we actually get to talk about grown-up stuff (although it almost always turns into something about the kids!)
3) the next 13 wonderful years
4) hearing I love you
5) all the memories we've made, good and bad

4 Years

Has it really been four years since we said goodbye to our sweet twins that were gone too soon? Sometimes it seems like just yesterday and then other times it feels like a 100 years ago. Not a day goes by that I don't think of what they would look like, what their personalities would be like, or what milestones they would be reaching now. I don't think that my heart will ever be the same. I know that things happen for a reason. I know that without their loss, I would not have my sweet Emery and I can't imagine my life without her. But even after 4 years, it still hurts so very bad. One day we shall all be together again my loves.


****I am grateful for
1) my beautiful healthy children
2) my last few days of summer vacation with the kids
3) joy after sorrow
4) clean bedrooms
5) fans

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Somebody in our house celebrated a milestone birthday today! I won't give out numbers, but I'll give out some hints:

1) It's an even number.
2) It's a multiple of 10.
3) It's a multiple of 5.
4) One more decade and he'll be half way to 100! ;o)

Happy birthday to the best daddy, husband, and best friend around!!!

We actually had a little surprise party for him today and managed to keep it a surprise. We didn't tell Emery and Chase just found out earlier in the week. Of course, he almost slipped up earlier today when he said, "I can't wait for the P-R-A-R-T-Y (yes, I know he spelled it wrong)!" My mom laughed and said, "You know your dad can spell, right?" Chase giggled and said, "Oh yeah!" Fortunately, Jeff was in the other room. Good times and great memories!

****I am grateful for
1) school supplies shopping is done
2) a little rain storm here and there (although we need more please)
3) vacuum cleaners (what did they do before these were invented)
4) recliners (I like my feet up) ;o)
5) really dark, cold rooms when it's time to sleep

Friday Night Leftovers

~ Emery is going on 3 weeks with the same ear infection. It's ugly. She's been on 3 antibiotics (still on the 3rd one), 2 types of ear drops and has had it microscopically cleaned twice already. We go at 3:30 to have it done yet again. :o(
~ Despite her ear infection, she's still pretty sweet and happy most of the time (we have tylenol with codeine for when the pain is too bad).
~ We discovered hair mascara this week. It washes right out and only last for two days w/o washing, so I picked up some purple. Both kids had it in their hair. Chase wants red today (turns out Wal.mart says it way cheaper than Seph.ora and now we have red and pink too).
~ I only have two weeks of summer vacation left, where did it go????? Have to go to training two days next week and get all my stuff moved to my new school, so I'm afraid I have very few free days left... sniff sniff.
~ Jeff started his new job this week and really likes it. I'm so thankful for the blessing.
~ Tomorrow is Jeff's 40th birthday. It's funny because I still feel like we are only in our 20's, again, where did time go?!!

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

****I am grateful for
1) squeezing in the ENT for another ear cleaning (if it would just get well then I'd be REALLY grateful)
2) morning cuddles
3) Nana comes home next week from vacation, we miss her
4) birthdays, even the ones that make you 40 ;o)
5) two more weeks of summer, Lord knows they'll fly by