Day 2

So, it's day 2 and I'm not a puddle on the floor. The boys are having a great time - not that I've heard from them ;). Thankfully my mom is awesome with updates and has been sending BBM photos so Craig and I get to see our beauties. They are at the Grand.Canyon today. How cool is that? How many of their friends can say they've been to the Grand.Canyon? Hopefully they don't fall in. I can totally see them daring each other as to who will stand closest to the edge. Can you even do that? Stand close to the edge?

Mom tells me Sterling is only about an inch shorter than his Baba. What happened dad? You shrinking??? I can only imagine what mom and dad thought when they saw them at the baggage carousel. After of course thinking 'those are the two most beautiful boys we have ever seen'.

Yesterday I must admit I was a bit of a wreck. I didn't get to bed until after 3:30am and was up much too early. Craig was emotionally drained as well so it was a hard day. Letting your kids go away is much more fun for the kids than us. In saying that, we have been having a good time together. Not Disneyland fun, but fun.

Craig played football yesterday morning and I fought with the airline and restaurant we had dealt with on Friday. When he got home and told me he was going to take a shower, I thought 'ok, i'll just lie on the couch until he's done then we'll go do something'. Turns out I went upstairs at 4:50pm and he had gone back to bed and was still asleep. Did I mention he got home from football at 12:30? Haha. We obviously needed it.

The hope is to paint the interior of the house this summer. Who am I kidding, the goal is for Craig to paint the interior of the house this summer - I am truly the world's worst painter! The only minor glitch is the inability to  agree on a color and the fact that I think we should rent a sprayer. We have a lot of other chores that need to be done and we will slowly work on them. I realized last night that my kind, loving, gorgeous husband is a chauvinist (which works in my favor as he doesn't think I can do half the chores we put on the list). Oh and that he likes say "by the time I teach you, I will have been able to do it myself". I just told him that's what You.Tube is for.

Wrestle.Mania

On Thursday night, for some reason, the boys decided that wrestling with their dad was a good idea. As a rule, I don't let them wrestle each other (gee Shannon, what do you allow them to do?) as Sterling has about 90lbs on Kaedo and while Kaedo is slippery, I don't want something to happen.

ANYWAY, somehow, this epic battle came to be in the middle of our kitchen and the boys LOVED it. Last night as we were driving home from the airport Craig commented, "geez, I hope Sterling never realizes how strong he is". I said I was surprised, and he was quick to point out that the choke hold Sterling had him in almost knocked him out. 

As I know Craig and K wrestled as kids, I was surprised he was not more adept in evasive maneuvers!

Love Kaedo's facial expressions!

Looks like Craig is being mauled by a bear!

Nice butt, man!

Last Day of School

I have always taken pictures of the boys on the first and last day of school. Here are yesterdays. While Kaedo had school all day, Sterling was only going for his marks and to thank his teachers, but I still counted it as yesterday being the last.

They were both thrilled to be finished as that meant they were one day closer to being on their holidays. Yesterday afternoon was spent getting the last of the laundry done, packing, going through their travel package, giving instructions, explaining how things work in the airport and NOT to joke about anything with anyone.

We were under the impression (the boys and I) that Craig would be working late and so we were so happy that he made it home by 7:30pm and we were able to spend some time together as a family.

Today will be a happy and sad day and I know I will be a wreck at the airport. Hell, I'm crying as I write this. haha. We just know the boys will have the best time ever and they are so looking forward to seeing everyone, especially their cousins.

So, everyone - you know who you are - I am trusting you with the most important things in my life. No pressure! haha.

Not sure what the blog will look like this summer, but I should still have the gnome pictures and I will try to have other content. I have some projects that I want to do, so I will be showing them and Craig and I have some plans. So happy for my little camera.

Lastly, A very special Happy Birthday to Tica! We hope you have a great one and will call in a while.

Grad

What a night! How about this for some absolute gorgeousness? Man oh Man!

Kaedo said he had the best time ever and that's what its all about. 

Mid-afternoon he hopped in the shower and started getting ready for the evening. He did his hair, put on his tux and we got a whole bunch of pictures. As you can see, his sunglasses were a huge part of the ensemble!

He was just so handsome and in a sea of friends who wore blue shirts and ties, he stood out and shined as he always does. We have a ton of pictures of him and his buddies, and him accepting his diploma but as there are other kids in those pictures, I won't be posting them here.

I think what I loved was that he did it his way - he wore his hi-tops, he wore his sunglasses (even when he got his diploma) and he just made it his night. That's what we wanted for him.

While going through his camera this morning, there are a bunch of "selfies" of him with his friends, and I know those will bring him such good memories.

After the dance, I hauled a car full of kids to the After Party where he said he had an absolute blast. I had bought a big cake from Costco and the hosts were kind enough to decorate it with candles and have all the kids sing Happy Birthday to him. He had no idea I had gotten a cake so he was thrilled.

He was so jazzed (and tired and full) when I picked him up and I was just so happy for him.

Now I've got two highschoolers. I can't quite believe it. 

Fourteen

Tell me, how can it be, that my baby is 14? I cannot comprehend it. We had a great day celebrating today. His dad woke him at 9:55am to tell him get up and promptly at 10am the calls began. He especially loved talking to Avery. He said he had "no freakin' clue" what she was saying, but she sounded adorable and hilarious.

To call the kid Moneybags based on all the cashola he got for his big day, would be an understatement. He's loaded and could go out and pretty much by whatever a 14 year would want. Thank you to everyone who sent him gifts. Jessica, as always, your method of delivery was hilarious!

Kaedo decided yesterday that he wanted to go to Montana's for lunch, so we headed over there about 11:30am and had a great lunch. Kaedo had a BBQ Brisket Burger and as you can tell from the mess of his face, it was delicious! The one thing he really wanted was to be sung to. So, we made sure we told our hostess and server so this would happen. You couldn't pay me to wear that hat - but he was thrilled!

The rest of the afternoon was spent hanging out, getting ready for grad, taking about 100 pictures and heading off for the evening's festivities. More on that tomorrow. His birthday has to have a day of it's own!

P.S. We were all so full that we never even had his birthday cake! haha

Yup, You Heard It Right!

This kid is officially a 10th grader! Last test this morning. He was going in with a 93% so he wasn`t too worried. Must admit though, that when I checked on him at 1am he was still up!

He`s thrilled to be done school and all indications are that he made the Honor Roll for the entire year. He will go to school on Thursday to check out his final grades and I will pick up his report card the first week of July.

His dad and I are very proud of him and we are thrilled that he has chosen to move into a higher stream of classes in the Fall. We know it will be more work, but he`s going to do great.

I received an email from one of his teachers this morning, thanking him for the gift we had given her (he picks his favorite teacher each semester and gives him/her a gift) and I thought I would share it here. He's a great kid.

Thank you very much for the end-of-year teacher gift.  How very

thoughtful, especially the environmentally friendly aspect!!  I love it.

It was a pleasure having Sterling in the class.  His positive attitude and

excellent work habits set a great example for other students.  I wish him

the very best next year as he transitions to the Academic stream.  His

organization, ability to meet deadlines, regular attendance and attention

to detail will serve him well.

Week 39 and other things

First thought I should start off with this great picture. The boys were heading out to the movies with Craig and we got the picture taken early. They look so cute. Can you believe that this is the last gnome picture from our edge of the world for 7 weeks? It's all on you guys now - you know who you are!

I thought I would also address my last post briefly as I have been thinking about my mom's comments and her no so subtle way of telling me to spaz down. I am sure Craig feels the same way she does and I know I can always count on her to knock me down should I need it. Mom - that is not meant to be mean spirited - you are right - completely, and I appreciate it when you speak your mind (which is always). It makes me think. While I stand by my vehemence of that post, I trust my boys - completely. They know what is right, what is acceptable and what we expect from them. I know they will make mistakes, but just don't want it to be those ones. Not yet. So, thanks mom, for making me think, re-read, ponder. I will spaz down. A little.

bear with me folks

Yesterday my poor sister was on the receiving end of my soap box and after thinking it about it yesterday evening I stood by what I said but think she was a little a shell shocked by my vehemence. So J, I'm sorry about that. I hope you understand now and know you will when the girls are a little older.

When you have teenagers, the subject of alcohol and drugs comes up. I don't remember drugs being as much a topic of conversation when I was that age, but they do go hand in hand now. When my soon to be 14 year old is telling me of his friends who are smoking weed behind the school and going to parties, I am saddened, shocked and more than a little nervous. 

My go-to phrase is "I can't pick your friends but I can pick who you hang out with", and I have had to use that with both boys this year based strictly on the above.

You see, I am a totally controlling bitch about this. While I have even a small amount of control over my guys, they will not be put in the situation where they are forced to deal with the peer pressure surrounding drugs and alcohol. That includes no parties and no "hanging out". If you don't have somewhere to be, you can be at home. They have the rest of their lives to drink and be merry and have their parents pick them up at 2am because they can't drive home (thanks dad). But right now, they need to be kids. They need to know that there is nothing cool about underage drinking and there is NOTHING cool about drugs, period.

I have told Sterling, and Kaedo, the day they are of legal age, I'll take them for their first beer. No problem. But they have a lifetime of making alcohol induced missteps (heaven forbid) and starting early is just not an option.

Should I be Alarmed?

My young graduate has been invited to an After-Party. You 'heard' right. An After-freakin'-Party. We're not talking in a damp basement somewhere you need a secret password and knock, but OMG, can this be happening already?

Of course I said yes. Of course he's going. Of course I'm sitting outside for the whole time (just kidding). I know the family, although not well, and the daughter and Kaedo have been friends for years.

I spoke with the older sister this afternoon to confirm his attendance as well as ask if it may be OK for me to bring a cake in the hopes of a Happy Birthday Song along with all the grad festivities. The mom will call later and if it's a go, I will order it tomorrow.

He will be shocked and happy, I hope.

Such a wonderful day for him.

Did I mention the top of the invitation says:
" I say After, You say Party" sigh

How's this for a misc. post? Wanted to show you Sterling's new Epipen holder. He loves it. He gets lots of comments. Adults ask him what he did to his leg, kids ask him if its a gun holster. It should be interesting when he goes though security at the airport next week.

Colors of the Rainbow! Misc picture of my guys. They look great, as always.

The boys letting their hair blow in the breeze.

Sterling starts exams today and Kaedo is nearing the end. Can't believe the year is almost over and in less than a week by baby will be 14 and a high-schooler! Yikes!

The Final Countdown

Yikes, I can't believe it - tomorrow is Sterling's last full day of school. Come next Monday, he will be a 10th grader! Thursday he has half classes and his first exam, followed by exams on Friday and Monday and then he is done!

Kaedo is just coasting now. He will go to school the rest of the week - for him and his friends, it's just the social part - no learning is being done. Tuesday he will have no school as the girls spend all day getting all prettiful. We will be celebrating his BIRTHDAY!!!! Woot Woot!!!! and at 5:30pm, heading to his school to celebrate his Graduation. Once the necessities are done, along with our Mother/Son dance, parents have to get the hell out of the school until 10pm. No parents allowed in the gym!

Wednesday he'll probably sleep in and hang out and on Thursday his grad class will be a part of the "Clap-Out" ceremonies. Once that is all done we will be getting everything packed up and ready to go so there is no rushing on Friday.

We've got a busy 10 days ahead of us!

Week 38 and some Father's Day Pictures

I must admit that this is one of my favorites. The Slurpees, the lazy smiles, the sunglasses, the casual arm around the shoulder. Nothing forced, nothing "because we have to". Yup, I really love this one. Can you believe that we will almost be to the end of this cute gnomes weekly life when they return home? We have a new cutie lined up as they have agreed to sign on for year 5. I must admit the salary negotiations were a bit tougher this year and the things they wanted in their dressing rooms were out of control! ha

Yesterday was a a wonderful day for our family. Craig was spoiled, as he should be, with a bunch of books and two very nice shirts and ties. Very handsome. As our tradition is to go for breakfast on Sunday mornings (kidless) and the restaurant we usually go to is so not peanut free, we decided to go to another place as a family and I enjoyed it much more. Hopefully I can convince Craig to go there going forward. We sat much too long, and Sterling drank 5 cups of coffee (yikes), and then we headed out to a movie. I wasn't impressed with it but the boys liked it and at the end of the day, that's what I want. I personally like my movies with a whole bunch of shit being blown up, lots of car chases and smash ups, no romance (if I want romance, I'll go see a romance) and sexy as hell guys beating each other up. Terrible right? I can watch the Fast and the Furious movies all day and all night. That's my idea of a perfect movie. Pitiful, really.

Craig had a few little errands to run and the kids wanted Slurpees, so we did that and headed home to complete the Sunday chores and get ready for Monday.

Without further ado, here are some pictures from yesterday:

Kaedo's 10oz Burger (and only $7.29)

This handsome fella after 5 cups of coffee. To be honest it was 1/2 cup coffee, 4 creamers, 

and 1/4 cup of sugar

It was a wonderful day. We are counting down our time together right now. It seems silly but we only have one weekend left and hanging with their friends is an important thing in the coming week or so. 

Happy Father's Day!

Today's the day to celebrate the wonderful men in our lives, although really, that should be every day. Right? Unless they force you to watch football or something.

My sons are among the luckiest children in the world, as they have the dad they have. Craig has been a hands on, in the trenches, awesome dad since the moment Sterling was born. They take for granted that he has always gone to every game, driven them to every friend's house, picked them up when he'd rather be in bed (but too bad for him, lost 'Rock,Paper,Scissors' and had to go - haha), cleaned up their puke, wiped their bums (and noses), held them when they cried and was firm when they needed it. They don't understand how hard it is to put them on a plane for the summer without crying while hugging them and telling them to have the best time ever. Oh, and not to text in the USA. (he is a tough guy, you know).

My guys don't realize that not all kids have this. Amazing, isn't it? And heartbreaking. I must remember, not all wives are as blessed as I am. Knowing that Sterling and Kaedo have Craig means I never have to worry. I never have to doubt his love for them. I never have to wonder why he isn't doing what he needs to be doing. You know why? Because he always does. He doesn't disappoint. He's their dad - he loves them and he proves it every day.

I thought I would do something a little different today and have the boys post a personal message to Craig. Sterling wants to go first:

Thank you dad, for being there to play catch, to talk to, to wrestle and most recently letting me drive - much to mom's dismay. You ROCK! Stay AWESOME! I love you, Sterling

Kaedo would rather just give words instead of sentences to describe his dad:

My dad is: wonderful, amazing, always there, supportive, the coolest, looks 15 years younger than he actually is AND most of all I love him.  Love you dad, Kaedo

2005

2013

I'd also like to wish a Happy Father's Day to the other men in my life.

Dad - you're the best. Your smile lights up a room and your laugh cheers me even on my darkest days. You are a wonderful man and the best dad I could hope for. Thank you for always being there for me. I love you!

Stan - When I married into your family I knew that I had hit the Father-In-Law Jackpot. If I could bottle you and sell your goodness to all the daughters-in-law that were unhappy, WE would be millionaires. You rock! And I'll never forget the joke you told - hint, the punchline was Mike Hunt!

Kelly - Your blog tells it all. Your love for your boys and your 'want' to give them the opportunity to try all the things kids should try is just amazing. Your coaching, building rinks, teaching how to ride a bike, cook outs and all the other things you do make you a wonderful father. Those boys will never forget it!

So, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the important men in my life. I love you.

Saturdays, Tuxedos and Flowers for Little Girls

This morning I had the opportunity to talk to my mom - love that! She told me yesterday it would only be a 30 minute call as she had 'stuff' to do. 30 minutes my butt, we don't even know what 30 minutes looks like!

After our call, Kaedo and I went out to get the final fitting of his tux for Grad. He looked AWESOME! He had on his yellow high-tops, his shades, and a huge smile. He is going to be the most gorgeous kid there. Stunning! I was going to put the pictures up (of course I took pictures) but I have decided not to as I think posting the ones I take on Grad night will be more meaningful. Instead I thought I would post a picture of the last time he was in a tux:

So stinkin' cute! This was at T and K's wedding. in 2005! Man oh Man!

Late this afternoon I had the opportunity to chat with J for a couple of minutes as well as my sweet girlies E & A who are doing their year end recitals this weekend. My sources tell me E kicked ass last night (like there was any doubt) and my girl A is going to dance her feet off tonight in her first ever recital. I must admit, I would love to see her as she kind of reminds me of a kid who loves to dance, but if there were dandelions on the stage, she would be picking them. Hope J doesn't kill me for saying that. haha. ANYWAY, because all dancers should have flowers, their Amma was kind enough to deliver two specially made bouquets (made by her - they were gorgeous - thanks mom - you ROCK!) from their Anti. Do I get credit for telling her what I wanted on the cards? They loved them, and I actually got to talk to A on the phone. For like 1 second, but still!

We are just chillaxing now, and I can hear Craig watching hockey. The boys have just asked for my credit card and I know Zombies are involved. Never a dull moment here.

Happy Saturday All!

Haircuts and bad pictures

I treated the boys to haircuts at the 'salon' rather than the $10 jobs they usually get. Partially to celebrate grad for Kaedo and because Sterling has so much hair, he really needs someone who knows what they are doing to cut his. I think at the salon they have a little more training - or do at our salon - and have a few other haircuts in their repertoire. Add to that, they both had 25% off emails so all was good. I do think their favourite part is the head massage.

I took some pictures of them, as you can see, but upon looking at them this morning, they are not that great. I am hyper-aware about not getting other people in the picture, as it is a matter of privacy and respect. (although I did with Sterling's 'after' picture but I couldn't pick her out of a line-up, could you?) I do not know their circumstances and would not want to post their picture on my blog. Nor for that matter would I want my kids on anyone else's. Sort of like Face.Book - the boys aren't allowed and I don't want their pictures on there. OK, enough about that.

Here are the pictures - Sterling's face is not that round, I don't think, although I must admit that trying to take a close up of a kid 7 inches taller than you is a little difficult! He does look a bit like a linebacker, doesn't he? Kaedo is handsome as hell and is going to be swarmed by girls at his grad. I also am adding a picture of Sterling before so you can see how much hair he had!

Kaedo's stylist thought the shampoo mohawk would make a good picture! Love it!

Insomnia has been kicking my ass!

Sorry, no post yesterday. Couldn't even imagine posting. With about 10 hours sleep in the last 5 days I have been beyond zombie. Last night I was able to get some sleep, which felt GREAT! So here I am.

 Love this one! Kaedo and I put together some trinket boxes for his school's fun fair which is running tonight, and we put these stick-on mustaches in the boxes. The boys loved them so much, they needed to have them for themselves, so we bought a couple extra. Cheap entertainment at 25 cents ea.

Kaedo has a friend over today as there is no school and Sterling is volunteering at Kaedo's school tonight for the fun fair. I'll be picking him up from school, then he can eat and I'll take him over.

The weather is looking great! Hope you have a wonderful day!

Hmmmm

I think my mom likes these ones best - so this is for you!

1. I LOVE Twit.ter. So much so that I follow 47 different celebrities and or celeb mags. Ya, I know - get a life!

2. I love buying greeting cards and can spend an hour in Hall.mark looking for the perfect one. I only wish I could see the face of the recipient when they open it.

3. I would ALWAYS rather have my kids and their friends at our house, even if it means stocking A LOT of pizza in my freezer!

4. I'm desperate to get back to scrapbooking but I'm scared I won't be able to 'create' like I used to.

5. I love those "You Are Not The Father" paternity test shows. My god, those are hilarious!

6. A friend told me all teenagers lie and we just have to accept it. That's depressing. Oh, and I disagree.

7. I currently have four books and numerous magazines on the go. Craig can't figure out how I keep all the stories straight. It's a girl thing. He wouldn't understand. haha

8. Ketchup (the cutest dog in the world - thanks again, Cheryl - you ROCK), understands everything we say. Honestly. Everything. So Cool. Actually, I think he may understand better than the kids.

9. I would love to start making my hats again but for the life of me I cannot remember how to make them. Is that short term memory loss or long term???

10. If it weren't for the boys, I wouldn't carry a cell phone. 

Week 37

Happy Sunday All!

I must admit that this is a fantastic picture of Sterling. Kaedo looks like he may have been forced into having his picture taken. I assure you, he was not.

Our weekend was spent with kids spending a lot of time making synthisized music on their computers. I'm just a little more grey and Craig has a weird twitch I haven't noticed before.

Sterling has decided that I am to blame for what ails him (all in jest, I promise). He has advised that my 

non-stop eating of peanut butter while pregnant surely caused his peanut allergy and "while I'm at it, let's throw in all the caffeine from those cokes and diet cokes for my Tourrette's" Cute but bratty.

I've got some posts lined up for the week so I'll be trying to get something up here every day. My new little camera has helped with always having it handy for photos.

Lastly, we have purchased next year's gnome and he's a cutie! Wait til you see him.He's a bobble-head. Ha! 

Our travel gnome is already with their gear so you know what that means!!!!!

Short and Sweet

It was a long night last night, with me finally falling into a fitful sleep at 4:02am, and it seems I have been "Mom's Taxi Service" all day and much of the evening. In fact, I am waiting to get a call from Sterling in the next hour for a pick-up. On top of that, Craig is sick - which totally sucks. He is one of those great sick people who never complains, but is just so pitiful I would do anything to help him. Hence, me waiting for the 10pm call from Sterling to start shuttling him and his friends home. Usually that is Craig's domain.

So, as I said, short and sweet.

I will leave you with a quote I think is totally hilarious. PLEASE NOTE: This DOES NOT represent me! lol

I like to have a martini
Two at the very most
After three I'm under the table
After four I am under my host
                        Dorothy Parker

Thursday already!

I can't believe it is Thursday already. Where has the week gone? As we speak I am sitting in bed listening/watching Big.Bang.Theory, thinking it is truly one of the most fantastically written and presented shows on TV. I truly love it and while I have seen every episode, I can sit down and watch the same episode over and over again without ever wanting to change the channel. If you are the only person on the planet who hasn't seen it - GO NOW and watch! Seriously, stop reading and go watch.

Tomorrow Kaedo has a P.A. Day so I am lucky enough to get to spend the day with him. We are both looking forward to it (yes, I know how lucky I am) and have got a list of things we want to do. Much to Sterling's dismay. Haha. I think he asked 9 times if he could stay home. He's not.

The weekend looms ahead (which sounds dismal) and as we have nothing planned and Aquafit is at 8:15am (gack) I'm depressed, as you can imagine. I mean seriously? 8:15am in a bathing suit. With 15 other women who are 30 years older and 100lbs lighter. Ya, depressed. Lol

Seriously though, Craig has football. He's sick right now but will make a miraculous recovery by 1pm on Saturday when football starts. LOL.

Aside from that I imagine there will be random kids in the man-cave, games of basketball, maybe Rummoli if I can make it happen and hopefully Kaedo and I will get in the kitchen and make something.

Happy Thursday!

Arrrrr matey

As I'm sure many of you have heard us talk about Kaedo's french teacher and how every year he puts on a play that literally takes up half the school year in rehearsal, set design and performance.  It is really unfortunate as I don't think Kaeden has learned all that much in those classes except how to paint a tree on a piece of plywood.  At any rate, after months of practice and preparation the class finally performed their masterpiece on Tuesday.  There was supposed to be a daytime and evening performance which would have allowed me to attend as well, but to our dismay they couldn't coordinate an evening routine and as such only Shannon was able to attend.  Now you may be wondering, why in the hell is Craig posting about a play he didn't even see and how reliable is third hand information.  Well I assure you I am wondering the same thing.  It would appear that when one sits down at the computer during the assigned blog writing time they become the author in charge of posting something to entertain the masses.

From what I understand and from the video taken, Kaeden did a great job.  Surprisingly he was looking forward to it, to the point where he was gathering as much pirate stuff as he could for his costume.  Needless to say he was the best looking one there, and the best dressed pirate as well :)  In addition to the pirate performance he also had the opportunity to perform his Wal.mart rap that him and two of his friends wrote for a different class.  His teacher told Shannon that in the 10 years he has been doing this he has never allowed any students to perform their own song, but it was so good he had to include it.  Kaedo rocked the performance and while I'd love to post it, there are too many kids in the frame and Shannon won't allow it.  If you are interested I could upload to Vim.eo and send you a password in an email.  Barring that the following pictures will have to suffice.

Well Played

Today is a day of kudos. One for Emma and one for Kaedo.

First Up, Emma, my sweet niece -
I learned this week that Emma recently chose to become involved with the Earth Rangers Polar Bear Campaign. Her goal was to raise $250 to donate to this cause in order to provide scientists with collars to track the Polar Bears as well as research their diet.

For her birthday party she requested that in lieu of presents, a donation to her charity would be appreciated. She did it (with a little boost from her mom), and reached her goal! She was so proud. I am so proud. To be an 8 year old child and thinking that you don't need presents - you'd rather donate your "gifts". Awesome! Way to go Emma - well played!
***note - Jessica told me I could screen print the page so you could see her cutie avatar but I have no freakin' idea how to do that! Sorry.

And for Kaedo -
We learned today the the Vice-Principal at Kaedo's current school is the one who gave him the glowing recommendation he needed as the icing on the cake for his new school. As I was sitting in the office this afternoon and she told me, I was thrilled. When Kaedo came into the office, I explained that Mrs. L. had given Kaedo the recommendation, he walked right up to her, put out his hand to shake hers and said, "thank you, very much". She, as well as the other teachers/secretaries in the office were so surprised that I just about burst from pride.
Well played Kaedo, well played!

Happy Birthday Emma!

While going through old pictures with Kaedo last night, we came across this one of them with Emma. She was their first cousin and they were so excited to meet her.

SO, in honor of Emma's 8th Birthday today (how the hell can that be?) I decided to post this picture of them.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

We love you!