JDRF Walk

Well, better late than never, huh? The JDRF Walk is this Saturday and it's the walk to raise money to cure juvenile diabetes. We weren't going to do it this year. With financial strains all around us, I just kept thinking it was hard to ask others to donate. But, the kids really want to walk and really it's about supporting our Gage whether we raise a bundle or just a few pennies. So, if you feel like it's your year to donate a few pennies, then go here. It will take you directly to our donation page where you go do it all online. Thanks in advance. last year's walk

Garden Fresh

Charlie's Angel

Playgroup Is In Full Swing

I am so grateful for our little playgroup that Gage is involved in. Vicki has done such a great job of organizing the whole thing and getting us all scheduled out. I am grateful for people in my life who give me a regiment! Today I had it at my house and we learned about water. I think the kids liked the bubble machine the best and it kept them happy for quite a long time - bubbles come from water, right? Anyway, I took this picture of the whole gang together.

I Just Have To Say...

I never (almost never) write anything too personal because for 1.) I can never express myself the way I want and 2.) I read it back and cringe because it's so personal and I don't like how I sound. It's like hearing your voice on an answering machine -yuck. But, today I am not going to erase this one. Although, my hands are sweating right now as I type. I just wanted to write about how blessed I have been with friends in my life. Okay, so cheesy, I know. It's like the people at EFY who would bare their testimony and say how much they loved everyone. I had a hard time with those ones. But, lately I have been feeling like I do have people in my life or have had people in my life that are there for a reason. They practically read my mind and come to the rescue at just the right time whether it be a phone call, words in passing, or an incredible act of service. I am always sad to see the ones that live near me move and I try to act like it is no big deal because I will always see them again. But it is a big deal. I don't like it. I actually hate it. I know - hate is a bad word, but I am using it anyway. I am grateful that I have had time to spend with them and I did get to be near them, but I don't like when they leave. Too many have moved and it's not fun, but I do feel like the time that they were in my life was an amazing (I like that word amazing) blessing that I am grateful for. I don't always keep up like I should - I used to be an exceptional pen pal and with pen pals all over the world- but I do always think of them and wish that they knew how much I love and care for them. I have a neighbor now that will be moving next summer and to think of that makes me want to cry. I don't like that AT ALL. Any of you who have moved on me, I am happy that you are moving on and I love that I was just a small part in your path. Those that are still here, I am going to call you more often and make plans to spend time with you just because. So, when you get a phone call from me, you will know that I am trying harder because I love you and want you know it. I am still sweating and slightly cringing at this post, but I am going to post it. I am just such a wimp. It's hard being a nervous nelly all your life, but as with many things in life, there are always opportunities to grow and believe me, I am always faced with many. So, I sweat through them and show myself nervous and all and say...sorry, this is how I come, so take it or leave it. And, for those that take it - thank you so very much.

Baby Blue

Chocolate Popcicle

Brag Book

Boston's teacher sends home a folder with each child every couple of days. When it's your turn, you get to write a little paragraph about your child to brag. Then, they keep this in their class library and read it throughout the year. Boston's turn (or mine) was yesterday. Here's his page:

Cherry Dress

Gage's Pillowcase (like a blankie)

Photo of the Day

I take too many pictures and I want to post them for journal (photo journaling) purposes, so each day (or every other) I am going to post a photo of the day. That way I can just post photos and not have to write a thing about them!

First Day

Man, this day came quick. Was it just me or did the summer end before it even began? According to Trevor is was way too short. He, of course, being the fourth grader was not as excited to go back to school as he has been in the past. He did want to see friends and I think that is the pull that got him up on that first morning. He has the same teacher as last year (Ms. Doseck) which is great because she is a doll. Boston has Ms. Cantrell and has some of his best friends in his class - Liam, Aiden and Jake. That made going back much easier this year. His teacher seems sweet. We made it through the first week and we are all glad that it was only 3 days long. We all couldn't handle much more of that up early business. I can't watch the Olympics until 1 am and expect to be happy when I get up at 6:30 am. By Friday, Boston had lost it he was so tired. So the weekend had perfect timing. Okay, so naps on Sunday to help us prepare for the week ahead -at least that's the (fingers crossed) plan!

Celebration

For Gage's birthday we took the casual (but very special) route. We had our friends the Gabays over for dinner that night and then the Williams came over to share cake and ice cream as well. Gage helped me make the cake and chose the funfetti cake mix. He is so good at cracking eggs! I tried a new recipe for frosting since he wanted strawberries on his cake and I didn't want to use a butter cream for that. It was a hit. The next day we all went to the park with his playgroup buddies and he shared some cookies and ice cream with them for another little birthday celebration. He is still having a hard time saying that he is 4. He still wants to be 3, but I know in time he will come in this new age like we all have on our birthdays. There's just no choice!

Staycation Photos

Our Family Staycation

Yep, didn't make it any further than Louisville this time for our end of summer family staycation (vacation if you go somewhere outside the city limits). We planned on going with Zane to Nashville for a trip for work, but things didn't work out. The boys were so disappointed because all they wanted was a pool to swim in and a hotel to stay in. So quickly we planned a trip to the Springhill Suites just down the road and they were so excited. It was such a nice hotel with a pool just like the kids wanted. We went out to eat, bowling, to the mall and to the pool at least twice a day. The Gabays met us the first day for bowling and decided to take a little staycation themselves and checked in across the hall. You would have thought the boys died and went to heaven having Maressa to swim with. I think they wore her out. It was funny how we were 15 minutes from our house, but because we stayed 3 nights and didn't go near the house, it really felt like we were far away. I loved it and it was the perfect solution to a family looking for a little get away! Pictures coming soon.

Happy Birthday Gage

Video Game Induced Sleep

It was silent out in the family room. I thought Gage was playing while his big brothers were at a friend's house. Why was it so quiet? He usually jumps and runs while playing. I guess the wii had gotten the best of him. He was wiped out! And, to top it off...the video game was still going.

All Better (turn away if you're squeamish)

We took Mallory to the doctor Wednesday and after having that bandage on for 3 1/2 weeks, I was a bit hesitant to see what was underneath. She was a trooper. The doctor just talked to her while he cut it off and she didn't even move. Initially I was a little afraid of her fingers because the one nail was totally black (and there just for show - not attached -ohhhh) and there were a few stray stitches still hanging around her fingers. But, once I looked closer, I could see they were pink and healthy and no visible scars. It was AMAZING. They x-rayed the fingers and saw that fractures still remained in both, but they would eventually heal on their own. So, he sent us home black nail and all and said it looked wonderful. I am trusting them that it is all wonderful and hopefully the nail situation will be taken care of when the new one grows back. Zane asked if I had black nail polish so that I could paint the other nails to match! Whatever!

Adios Grandma and Grandpa

I took my mom to the airport early this morning, so life is going to get back to normal. No more being spoiled and I can live with that - barely. My mom and dad came in to town last week and stayed a few days before they headed to Cincinnati to visit my brother's family. Before they left we took them to the Frazier Arms Museum. My dad loved looking at all the weapons and exhibits and I would have too if Mallory and Gage wouldn't have been as crazy as they were. But the museum did have one exhibit for kids - Survivor Jamestown - which they loved. You go around making decisions like the early settlers did in Jamestown and see if, by your choices, you could survive your first year in Jamestown. They got to rock climb and zip line. That was the funnest part for the kids although the older boys did love the English swords upstairs too. My parents came back Monday night from Cincinnati and on Tuesday we took them to Squire Boone Caverns in Corydon, IN. It's my goal to go to all the caves in the area -Mammoth Cave and Squire Boone are it so far with Carter Caves, Marengo, Wyandotte, Cub Cave, Lost River, KY Down Under, Hidden River, and a few others still to go - and take whoever is visiting with us. Anyone who wants to help me on this goal can! This was so much fun for everyone although the metal winding stair case you have to go down to enter the cave is a bit freaky. I got a little vertigo going down and just had to take one step slowly at a time. Once down, it is absolutely gorgeous inside. It is said that this is where Squire Boone hid out when he went to rescue his brother, Daniel, from Indians. He and Daniel came back there and built a grist mill near by. They also have a little village set up with candle making, soap making, etc. but that was a little lame and I felt like I was back in Gatlinburg, TN all over again. But, the cave itself redeemed the visit and we all loved it. Mallory fell asleep in my dad's arms and he had to carry her around the entire cave and up many flights of stairs. His arms will remember that trip fondly. My dad left Wednesday and my mom stayed. The two of us got in a few outings on our own for the remaining three days she had here to Hobby Lobby, Panera, Target, TJ Maxx, and to see "Mamma Mia." She also made me a beautiful apron from this pattern. I was spoiled and it was so nice. I have been a little sad because we had no plans to go anywhere this summer and if you know me (a Travel and Tourism Major - yes, it's a real major), then you know that I always have a trip planned or at least one I am hoping to take, but it was so nice to have them here and not have to pack our suitcases and just go around the area. Now, they are back in the glorious non humid weather of San Diego, but I sure did enjoy having them here and so did the kids.

Feeling Good

Just an FYI - Mallory is totally feeling good. She still has another week and a half with her fingers bandaged, but her spirits are so good (too good at times actually). She has already attempted to climb up the same chair and rock it a bit - so someone is always on the lookout for that. She is up to no good, which means she is feeling good. So, now we just wait to see how it heals.