One last post for the month of July.
I feel like I have accomplished something today because I have my pictures all uploaded to Snapfish and I have added pictures and videos to my old blog posts. (Check out the last 3 posts!) I like a sense of accomplishment every once in a while. Now I need to order pictures to scrapbook at our Scrappin' Slumber Party!!!
Caedyn wore big girl training pants this afternoon! No diapers or pull-ups, the real thing! I realized that she hadn't wet a diaper all week except at nap and bed times, so I thought since we were home, why not? She wasn't as excited as I was, but maybe this will finalize the process for her! (Except at night - she pees a lot at night! She can go some naptimes without wetting though. It's the poop that will get us. She tends to time her poop with waking up.)
Eli rolled over again tonight! Gary had him on our bed while he was folding laundry. (Don't worry, he was in the center of the bed with pillows all around!) We went to say prayers with Caedyn and when we came back Eli was awake and on his back! Yay!!
Speaking of prayers, when we pray with Caedyn at night Gary and I each say a short prayer and ask Caedyn if there is anything she would like to pray for. We do a lot of "Thank You" prayers, so she looks around her room which has a mural on the wall, and names random things she sees - bee, butterfly, tree, books, paci, etc. Well tonight she prayed for Cass and Bernie by name. Ironically Dara (Cass's mom, Bernie's wife, and Gary's sister) has been in need of prayers for her family in the last weeks. She is facing some difficult decisions about school, career, and family and she has been under a great deal of stress. It is so funny that Caedyn decided to pray for their family tonight. She hasn't ever really prayed for people before, so I thought it was very appropriate that she pray for them.
Apparently, Sarah's school, McCarthy Teszler School won the LOTS 2 GIVE contest at biglots.com. It isn't posted online yet, but she sent a brief email saying that they won. I will let you know more when I find out. I hope they won the grand prize, $10,000!
I have a new blog to tell you about! Denise was my assistant principal last year, and she has now entered the blogging world! She is such a fun-loving person with a magnetic personality, I can't wait to hear of her new adventures with her two precious children at The Quickel Clan. I will post her link in the blog list on the right with the others!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Random
1. Yesterday I thought of 3 things that I needed to get from Wal-Mart. Now I can only think of 1 of those things - a crochet hook to start some Christmas presents. (I haven't unpacked my old ones yet, or if I have I can't find them.) I have added toilet paper and some yummy trail mix that Lisa let me taste to my list, but those weren't on the list from yesterday.
2. My friend Amanda has an adorable 7 month old, Ethan. Check out her blog, The Cassidys, on the right. Click here to see her family's adorable beach pictures. They are so photogenic! I LOVE these pictures, and thought you all should check them out!
3. My hair is still falling out! It started at the end of June, and people have told me that this is normal after pregnancy, but I am tired of it! Eli is 4 and a half months old, so how long will this last?
4. Eli rolled over a couple of times, but I think only one really counts. (The other time he was propped on a pillow, so he had some leverage.) The night that I went to see Mamma Mia (July 19), he rolled over from his front to his back, and he wasn't happy. He sure is trying really hard though! He has everything over except his shoulders when he tries to roll from his back to his front.
5. My cousin Lisa and I have planned a Scrappin' Slumber Party at my Nana's house, and I am so excited! Nana travels a lot, so her house is available for us to stay up all night and spread out the scrapbook supplies! I can't wait!!!
6. I may never get my garage unpacked and cleaned out because every time I get a minute, I am cleaning what is already unpacked and in the house.
7. Gary and I were talking about the "good ole days" last night. I loved middle school and high school, but I have no desire to go back to that like some people say they do. I don't keep in touch with anyone from high school except to read Erica and Tommy's blog, The Sweatman Family. I know I have changed a lot since then, so I assume everyone else has too. We graduated with close to 600 in our class, but I never run into anyone. That is weird because I still live in the area. In fact, I am within a short walking distance of the school. We didn't even have a 10 year reunion that I know of. That is weird too!
8. Eli has his first runny nose and congestion. He is so funny because when I wipe his nose he holds his breath and goes cross-eyed from watching his nose and the tissue. He is SO cute!
9. Eli hold toys now. He puts everything in his mouth, but we would rather it be toys than his hands. He loves to chew on his knuckles! Could he be teething?
10. Okay so yesterday Caedyn wasn't listening to me, so I said "Caedyn, do you need to go to your room?" She of course said yes! Then she got up and went to her room and pretended to cry until she brought on the real tears. I only let her sit in there for a minute, but it was HILARIOUS! Usually when we put her in time out we sit her somewhere or put her in her crib. So last night when Gary got home, she was doing something else - or not listening - or something. Anyway I said, "Caedyn, go to your room." She did! And did the whole pretend and real crying thing. Gary and I were cracking up! He was shocked that she actually went in there as was I! I swear she acts like she is 4!
11. That reminds me. I had taught Caedyn to tell people she is "One!" when they ask how old she is. Well, last week at my mom's she was acting 4 again and I said, "Caedyn, how old are you?" She said, "Two!" I have no idea where she got that from! She keeps us rolling! This is a video of her at the park dipping her head in the water. I posted a similar video on another post, but the beginning of this one is her telling us she is "Two!"
2. My friend Amanda has an adorable 7 month old, Ethan. Check out her blog, The Cassidys, on the right. Click here to see her family's adorable beach pictures. They are so photogenic! I LOVE these pictures, and thought you all should check them out!
3. My hair is still falling out! It started at the end of June, and people have told me that this is normal after pregnancy, but I am tired of it! Eli is 4 and a half months old, so how long will this last?
4. Eli rolled over a couple of times, but I think only one really counts. (The other time he was propped on a pillow, so he had some leverage.) The night that I went to see Mamma Mia (July 19), he rolled over from his front to his back, and he wasn't happy. He sure is trying really hard though! He has everything over except his shoulders when he tries to roll from his back to his front.
5. My cousin Lisa and I have planned a Scrappin' Slumber Party at my Nana's house, and I am so excited! Nana travels a lot, so her house is available for us to stay up all night and spread out the scrapbook supplies! I can't wait!!!
6. I may never get my garage unpacked and cleaned out because every time I get a minute, I am cleaning what is already unpacked and in the house.
7. Gary and I were talking about the "good ole days" last night. I loved middle school and high school, but I have no desire to go back to that like some people say they do. I don't keep in touch with anyone from high school except to read Erica and Tommy's blog, The Sweatman Family. I know I have changed a lot since then, so I assume everyone else has too. We graduated with close to 600 in our class, but I never run into anyone. That is weird because I still live in the area. In fact, I am within a short walking distance of the school. We didn't even have a 10 year reunion that I know of. That is weird too!
8. Eli has his first runny nose and congestion. He is so funny because when I wipe his nose he holds his breath and goes cross-eyed from watching his nose and the tissue. He is SO cute!
9. Eli hold toys now. He puts everything in his mouth, but we would rather it be toys than his hands. He loves to chew on his knuckles! Could he be teething?
10. Okay so yesterday Caedyn wasn't listening to me, so I said "Caedyn, do you need to go to your room?" She of course said yes! Then she got up and went to her room and pretended to cry until she brought on the real tears. I only let her sit in there for a minute, but it was HILARIOUS! Usually when we put her in time out we sit her somewhere or put her in her crib. So last night when Gary got home, she was doing something else - or not listening - or something. Anyway I said, "Caedyn, go to your room." She did! And did the whole pretend and real crying thing. Gary and I were cracking up! He was shocked that she actually went in there as was I! I swear she acts like she is 4!
11. That reminds me. I had taught Caedyn to tell people she is "One!" when they ask how old she is. Well, last week at my mom's she was acting 4 again and I said, "Caedyn, how old are you?" She said, "Two!" I have no idea where she got that from! She keeps us rolling! This is a video of her at the park dipping her head in the water. I posted a similar video on another post, but the beginning of this one is her telling us she is "Two!"
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sunday Already!
It seems like the pace of summer really picked up once it hit July! I will do my weekly list and add pictures tomorrow! My camera is outside tonight.
1. On the work note, I met the language arts teachers from my new school. They all seem very nice. The training was all week and put my brain into overload. Teachers aren't used to sitting and listening all day long. We like to be up, moving, talking, and at the center of attention every once in a while!
2. I stopped by the Sunshine House and dropped off the truckload of paperwork that is required for Eli and Caedyn to start daycare. I asked my lingering questions and once again felt reassured that I was making a great decision for daycare. They said to bring Caedyn in Friday to let her see her classroom, meet her teachers and classmates, and play for a little while. When I asked how Eli would spend his day, they said he would be on the floor playing, they would sing and read to him and spoil him by holding him. In Caedyn's class they will sing and dance, play outside, and do arts and crafts. In both of their classes they will do sign language. I am really glad about that. Caedyn says please almost exclusively as a sign, and she only says sorry verbally about half of the time, but she almost always signs it. I want to make sure someone will understand her, and it sounds like they will.
3. Eli started eating Barley cereal somewhat regularly. He's not sure about what to do with it, but he will open his mouth. It takes him a little while to figure out that he has to swallow. It is really funny! I think it is so cool to watch a baby learn to eat.
4. On Wednesday and Thursday Caedyn and Eli stayed with my cousin Lisa in her home daycare while I was at my training. Caedyn slept on a nap mat both days with minimal crying. I am really happy about that because that is another thing that will be different at daycare next week. (Yes, they are starting August 4!) At her last daycare she was in the infant room and slept in a crib.
5. Thursday night we got to see our friends, Michael and Kelly! We haven't seen them since June last year when Michael was ordained as a Lutheran pastor. They have just finished their first year at their first church - in Tennessee! We are so lucky that they came through town on their way home from the beach! Check out Kelly's blog entry and pictures!
6. On the way to my mom's this week, I noticed a patch of sunflowers. Well, I guess it is more like a farm of sunflowers. I wanted to get the kids' picture with them because they were so pretty! So Saturday on the way to the park, we pulled over and got some good shots!
7. We went to the park yesterday, and Caedyn had a blast! She loves to swing and will stand in our backyard looking at the neighbor's yard saying, "Swing, swing, swing...." So we had to take her to the park so she could swing! (We are currently taking up a "love to swing" offering in honor of Caedyn and Eli because swing sets are outrageous!) She got to swing, slide, run, hang on the monkey bars, crawl, splash, and dunk her head in the water. We all had fun. Even Eli dipped his feet in the water. Be sure to check out the video of Caedyn playing in the water. It is funny!
8. Today we packed the minivan for a road trip for Sydney's 3rd birthday. Rhonda (Mimi), my mom (Ci Ci), Amy, and Taylor joined me Caedyn and Eli for the hour and a half trip. It was definitely worth it. Caedyn played hard! She jumped and ran and chased balloons. Sydney's birthday was at a great location. Her daycare has a separate building for the after school program, so they rented that building and it had and indoor climber/slide, tables and open spaces for a small inflatable jumpy and plenty of room to run. Caedyn was asleep before we were back on the interstate! I also got to drive through the Winthrop campus, which I love!
9. This is the last week of summer for me and my kids, so I am a little sad. I have a ton of work to do in my classroom to get unpacked and ready for kids. I also have a lot to plan and think through to be ready to teach kids. I am sad this summer is over. Even though I know Caedyn loves "school," it will be hard to get used to leaving her at daycare again. As for Eli, I hope he is as easy-going as Caedyn always has been about new places. I guess we will see! But hey, I still have a week left to go to the library, tumblebus, and bookmobile!
10. Okay, I have saved the best for last! All of you ladies need to find a group of girls for a girls night out and go see Mamma Mia! I went to see it last Saturday night with Amy and Lisa, and we had a ball. That movie is a hoot from beginning to end. Don't take any guys because they would hate it and you would have to worry about them hating it the whole time! It is the best Girls Night Out I have had in a LONG time. If you need a good laugh, go see Mamma Mia. You will want to see it again - I promise!
1. On the work note, I met the language arts teachers from my new school. They all seem very nice. The training was all week and put my brain into overload. Teachers aren't used to sitting and listening all day long. We like to be up, moving, talking, and at the center of attention every once in a while!
2. I stopped by the Sunshine House and dropped off the truckload of paperwork that is required for Eli and Caedyn to start daycare. I asked my lingering questions and once again felt reassured that I was making a great decision for daycare. They said to bring Caedyn in Friday to let her see her classroom, meet her teachers and classmates, and play for a little while. When I asked how Eli would spend his day, they said he would be on the floor playing, they would sing and read to him and spoil him by holding him. In Caedyn's class they will sing and dance, play outside, and do arts and crafts. In both of their classes they will do sign language. I am really glad about that. Caedyn says please almost exclusively as a sign, and she only says sorry verbally about half of the time, but she almost always signs it. I want to make sure someone will understand her, and it sounds like they will.
3. Eli started eating Barley cereal somewhat regularly. He's not sure about what to do with it, but he will open his mouth. It takes him a little while to figure out that he has to swallow. It is really funny! I think it is so cool to watch a baby learn to eat.
4. On Wednesday and Thursday Caedyn and Eli stayed with my cousin Lisa in her home daycare while I was at my training. Caedyn slept on a nap mat both days with minimal crying. I am really happy about that because that is another thing that will be different at daycare next week. (Yes, they are starting August 4!) At her last daycare she was in the infant room and slept in a crib.
5. Thursday night we got to see our friends, Michael and Kelly! We haven't seen them since June last year when Michael was ordained as a Lutheran pastor. They have just finished their first year at their first church - in Tennessee! We are so lucky that they came through town on their way home from the beach! Check out Kelly's blog entry and pictures!
6. On the way to my mom's this week, I noticed a patch of sunflowers. Well, I guess it is more like a farm of sunflowers. I wanted to get the kids' picture with them because they were so pretty! So Saturday on the way to the park, we pulled over and got some good shots!
7. We went to the park yesterday, and Caedyn had a blast! She loves to swing and will stand in our backyard looking at the neighbor's yard saying, "Swing, swing, swing...." So we had to take her to the park so she could swing! (We are currently taking up a "love to swing" offering in honor of Caedyn and Eli because swing sets are outrageous!) She got to swing, slide, run, hang on the monkey bars, crawl, splash, and dunk her head in the water. We all had fun. Even Eli dipped his feet in the water. Be sure to check out the video of Caedyn playing in the water. It is funny!
8. Today we packed the minivan for a road trip for Sydney's 3rd birthday. Rhonda (Mimi), my mom (Ci Ci), Amy, and Taylor joined me Caedyn and Eli for the hour and a half trip. It was definitely worth it. Caedyn played hard! She jumped and ran and chased balloons. Sydney's birthday was at a great location. Her daycare has a separate building for the after school program, so they rented that building and it had and indoor climber/slide, tables and open spaces for a small inflatable jumpy and plenty of room to run. Caedyn was asleep before we were back on the interstate! I also got to drive through the Winthrop campus, which I love!
9. This is the last week of summer for me and my kids, so I am a little sad. I have a ton of work to do in my classroom to get unpacked and ready for kids. I also have a lot to plan and think through to be ready to teach kids. I am sad this summer is over. Even though I know Caedyn loves "school," it will be hard to get used to leaving her at daycare again. As for Eli, I hope he is as easy-going as Caedyn always has been about new places. I guess we will see! But hey, I still have a week left to go to the library, tumblebus, and bookmobile!
10. Okay, I have saved the best for last! All of you ladies need to find a group of girls for a girls night out and go see Mamma Mia! I went to see it last Saturday night with Amy and Lisa, and we had a ball. That movie is a hoot from beginning to end. Don't take any guys because they would hate it and you would have to worry about them hating it the whole time! It is the best Girls Night Out I have had in a LONG time. If you need a good laugh, go see Mamma Mia. You will want to see it again - I promise!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Highlights
It has been a long week! I haven't blogged since last Friday, and that has become abnormal for me. So, I will hit the highlights, but this could turn into a long list. We'll see.
1. I can't believe that I am actually able to post this! My user account on our computer hasn't allowed me onto any secure sites in the last week. I have a sneaky suspicion that we have some spy ware, but maybe I finally got it off! Don't worry, you can't "catch it" just by visiting my page!
2. Last weekend was great. Nothing spectacular going on in Southern Pines, NC but it was fun to get away. The wedding was beautiful. Our pastor's daughter got married to another pastor's son! He seems like a great guy, and I am sure they will be very happy together! The only pictures I took were of Megan dancing with her dad, our Pastor Tommy. Too sweet!
3. Gary and I celebrated our 7th anniversary Monday. He surprised me by having his parents show up to babysit after swimming lessons so that we could go to Bonefish (love it!). He also brought home beautiful roses!
4. Eli is laughing. He loves to be talked to. I started singing “Head, shoulders, knees and toes” with him, and he and Caedyn just laugh!
5. Caedyn and Eli LOVE each other so much. It makes my heart melt to see them smile at each other and love on each other.
6. Caedyn has learned some of her colors, and so now when she sees traffic lights she says “red” or “green.” She is too smart!
7. The kids have had opposite nap schedules this week, so I feel like I have been run ragged! I need a break. I salute all stay-at-home moms! This week has felt so long!
8. Monday I met the other 8th grade math teacher that I will be working with this year. I am really enjoying meeting the teachers at my new school in smaller setting. I don’t think I will feel as overwhelmed on the first day since I will have met several teachers over the summer. Next week I will meet the other language arts teachers at a training session Monday thru Thursday.
9. Wednesday was Caedyn’s last swimming lesson – probably until next year. She did so good. I continue to be amazed! Definitely check out The Swim Lessons Company for all ages 6 months - adult! These pictures are of one of the safety skills they teach this age group. They are learning to find the side of the pool and climb out. Of course I never let go of her - another thing they really emphasize at lessons. These kids are too young to "swim" alone.
10. A couple of years ago my cousins and I would go to the pool and float around for hours at my aunt Kay’s house. Today my cousins (and sister) and I went and brought all of our kids (8 – with 6 under two) and we were all in and out of the pool and house trying to keep kids fed, safe, and happy. Wow, how quickly things change! (Sorry, I was too busy to take any pictures!)
1. I can't believe that I am actually able to post this! My user account on our computer hasn't allowed me onto any secure sites in the last week. I have a sneaky suspicion that we have some spy ware, but maybe I finally got it off! Don't worry, you can't "catch it" just by visiting my page!
2. Last weekend was great. Nothing spectacular going on in Southern Pines, NC but it was fun to get away. The wedding was beautiful. Our pastor's daughter got married to another pastor's son! He seems like a great guy, and I am sure they will be very happy together! The only pictures I took were of Megan dancing with her dad, our Pastor Tommy. Too sweet!
3. Gary and I celebrated our 7th anniversary Monday. He surprised me by having his parents show up to babysit after swimming lessons so that we could go to Bonefish (love it!). He also brought home beautiful roses!
4. Eli is laughing. He loves to be talked to. I started singing “Head, shoulders, knees and toes” with him, and he and Caedyn just laugh!
5. Caedyn and Eli LOVE each other so much. It makes my heart melt to see them smile at each other and love on each other.
6. Caedyn has learned some of her colors, and so now when she sees traffic lights she says “red” or “green.” She is too smart!
7. The kids have had opposite nap schedules this week, so I feel like I have been run ragged! I need a break. I salute all stay-at-home moms! This week has felt so long!
8. Monday I met the other 8th grade math teacher that I will be working with this year. I am really enjoying meeting the teachers at my new school in smaller setting. I don’t think I will feel as overwhelmed on the first day since I will have met several teachers over the summer. Next week I will meet the other language arts teachers at a training session Monday thru Thursday.
9. Wednesday was Caedyn’s last swimming lesson – probably until next year. She did so good. I continue to be amazed! Definitely check out The Swim Lessons Company for all ages 6 months - adult! These pictures are of one of the safety skills they teach this age group. They are learning to find the side of the pool and climb out. Of course I never let go of her - another thing they really emphasize at lessons. These kids are too young to "swim" alone.
10. A couple of years ago my cousins and I would go to the pool and float around for hours at my aunt Kay’s house. Today my cousins (and sister) and I went and brought all of our kids (8 – with 6 under two) and we were all in and out of the pool and house trying to keep kids fed, safe, and happy. Wow, how quickly things change! (Sorry, I was too busy to take any pictures!)
Friday, July 11, 2008
What a Week!
Well we have had quite a week! We had Uncle Gerald's visitation Tuesday night and funeral Wednesday. Caedyn had swimming lessons Monday through Wednesday, and now I need to be packing for the weekend. My mom just left with the kids. Gary and I are going to North Carolina for a wedding this weekend. We are riding up with his parents, and Gary's dad will be here in less than an hour! Am I packed? No! Have I started? No! For some reason I felt the need to blog! I don't have time to add pictures from this week, but here are some highlights from the week.
1. Eli was 4 months old yesterday and as of Monday he was 25.5 inches long and 16 pounds 14 ounces. What a big boy!
2. Caedyn will be 19 months old tomorrow, and as of Monday she was 32.25 inches tall and 27.9 pounds.
3. Caedyn learned some of her colors this week. I was just telling my mom that colors are a hard concept because if I hold up a ball and say "red," Caedyn just says, "Ball!" Somehow this week, she knows colors, especially blue and orange. On the way to swim lessons she was pointing out everything that was blue - cars, trucks, signs, awnings, etc. Then we passed a Home Depot sign and she said, "Orange!" I was floored! I don't really know how she knows this stuff. She is just smart. I don't sit around teaching her all day!
4. Dr. Mac said that Eli can start cereal and baby foods. So he had Barley last night. One spoonful that took 3 minutes to get in and keep in, and he was done. It is so much fun to watch a baby learn to eat!
5. Dr. Mac also said that Eli is LAZY! That cracks me up. She said that since he is a belly sleeper that he should be turning over and to work with him to show him how. I don't really know what she means about that, but we'll try!
6. Caedyn is back on with the potty training. Now she wants to use the BIG potty instead of her little potty. Hey, whatever she wants! I hate changing her poopy diapers!
7. Caedyn remembers everything from her first swimming lessons session and she would be swimming under water if we had a pool to work with her! She also has learned how to climb out of the pool (hand, hand, elbow, elbow, belly, knee, knee), which is one of the safety skills they taught her this week.
Well, I better sign off for now. I have just over 30 minutes to pack! I will post pics later! Have a great weekend!
1. Eli was 4 months old yesterday and as of Monday he was 25.5 inches long and 16 pounds 14 ounces. What a big boy!
2. Caedyn will be 19 months old tomorrow, and as of Monday she was 32.25 inches tall and 27.9 pounds.
3. Caedyn learned some of her colors this week. I was just telling my mom that colors are a hard concept because if I hold up a ball and say "red," Caedyn just says, "Ball!" Somehow this week, she knows colors, especially blue and orange. On the way to swim lessons she was pointing out everything that was blue - cars, trucks, signs, awnings, etc. Then we passed a Home Depot sign and she said, "Orange!" I was floored! I don't really know how she knows this stuff. She is just smart. I don't sit around teaching her all day!
4. Dr. Mac said that Eli can start cereal and baby foods. So he had Barley last night. One spoonful that took 3 minutes to get in and keep in, and he was done. It is so much fun to watch a baby learn to eat!
5. Dr. Mac also said that Eli is LAZY! That cracks me up. She said that since he is a belly sleeper that he should be turning over and to work with him to show him how. I don't really know what she means about that, but we'll try!
6. Caedyn is back on with the potty training. Now she wants to use the BIG potty instead of her little potty. Hey, whatever she wants! I hate changing her poopy diapers!
7. Caedyn remembers everything from her first swimming lessons session and she would be swimming under water if we had a pool to work with her! She also has learned how to climb out of the pool (hand, hand, elbow, elbow, belly, knee, knee), which is one of the safety skills they taught her this week.
Well, I better sign off for now. I have just over 30 minutes to pack! I will post pics later! Have a great weekend!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
My Heart is Heavy
On Sunday night I saw on the news that a former student of mine died on Lake Marion when he was struck by lightening that seemed to his friends and family to be from a distant storm. I looked at the picture of the 19 year old on the screen and could see the 8th grade Korey looking back at me through the same eyes. He had grown up, but it was definitely the Korey that sat in my classroom 6 years ago. As a middle school teacher, I meet a lot of kids. Most I teach, and some are friends and siblings of those I teach. Over the past 7 years I have taught over 400 students. I am good with names and faces, so I would like to think that I would know most of them if I ran into them. But there are some students who stick out to me not because I taught them, but because they taught me. Korey was in a great class of students when I taught him, and he and another boy, Erik, really made an impression on me that year. Korey had trouble in math previously, and I piloted an inclusion class with his group that year. Korey was so excited and determined to succeed, and he did. He was such a hard worker and filled with respect for his teachers and peers. He taught me at an early stage in my teaching that when students are motivated and engaged they can achieve anything. Korey was such a happy kid, and I know that he will be missed by his friends and family.
Monday morning my mom called to tell me that my Uncle Gerald had died. My dad's sister, Aunt Linda had just emailed us last week to tell us that Uncle Gerald would be coming home from the rehabilitation center. It was exciting that he was finally coming home, but also a challenge to help him continue his recovery from home. Needless to say, Uncle Gerald's death was a complete shock to everyone! Uncle Gerald and Aunt Linda have had such a strong faith throughout their lives. A couple of years back Uncle Gerald had a major stroke, and the doctors didn't give him much hope of returning to a normal life. I remember Aunt Linda telling us that they were praying for a full recovery and nothing less. She had such a strong faith that God was going to heal Uncle Gerald, and He did! Uncle Gerald didn't return to his previous job, but he was back in most every other way. Our prayers for healing turned to prayers of praise. I was personally touched by Aunt Linda and Uncle Gerald during that time period. I was amazed how strong their whole family was. Now that Uncle Gerald is at peace with Jesus, I pray that Aunt Linda, Scott, Jenny, Juanita, Makaela, and Jerry will find the strength to rejoice in the memories they have made with my Uncle Gerald and to take his legacy of faith forward in their lives.
Monday morning my mom called to tell me that my Uncle Gerald had died. My dad's sister, Aunt Linda had just emailed us last week to tell us that Uncle Gerald would be coming home from the rehabilitation center. It was exciting that he was finally coming home, but also a challenge to help him continue his recovery from home. Needless to say, Uncle Gerald's death was a complete shock to everyone! Uncle Gerald and Aunt Linda have had such a strong faith throughout their lives. A couple of years back Uncle Gerald had a major stroke, and the doctors didn't give him much hope of returning to a normal life. I remember Aunt Linda telling us that they were praying for a full recovery and nothing less. She had such a strong faith that God was going to heal Uncle Gerald, and He did! Uncle Gerald didn't return to his previous job, but he was back in most every other way. Our prayers for healing turned to prayers of praise. I was personally touched by Aunt Linda and Uncle Gerald during that time period. I was amazed how strong their whole family was. Now that Uncle Gerald is at peace with Jesus, I pray that Aunt Linda, Scott, Jenny, Juanita, Makaela, and Jerry will find the strength to rejoice in the memories they have made with my Uncle Gerald and to take his legacy of faith forward in their lives.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Lazy Sunday
Today we skipped church. We would have been at Taylor's baptism, but they cancelled in since she is sick. So we stayed in today. Eli had a rough day. He cried on and off all day. He has a little bit of a fever, so I am hoping that some Tylenol and a good night's rest will make him all better. Gary let me sleep in today until 8:00 and I got to take a nap this afternoon, so I had a lazy day. I did pick up toys a couple of times today. Gary did a lot of laundry and went out to pick up Mexican for dinner. Caeydn loves her cheese quesadilla and rice every weekend! I added some pictures to the side and birthday counters for the kids. Other than that, I haven't done much today! I am about to download pictures to Snapfish and then head to bed. If you haven't checked my blog in a couple of days, be sure to scroll down to see the cute portrait pics and pics from the 4th!
REMINDER!
Don't forget to vote for the McCarthy Teszler School video today. (Search zip code 29301.) Click here for more information.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Picture Day!
Today we got the kids' pictures done at Portrait Innovations. Of course I don't really like to make things too easy, so we also went to get Caedyn's hair cut. Her appointment was at 11:00, and Miss Susie cut her hair while Ms. Chong entertained her. This was her 4th haircut, but I am going to post pictures from each of her haircuts so you can see how much she has grown.
Her first haircut was in December and Miss Candi cut her hair.
Then Miss Susie cut her hair in March.
Her third haircut was in May. I can't remember this lady's name, but she did a great job too. This picture is of Ci Ci (my mom) and Caedyn after her haircut.
And today was haircut number four by Miss Susie again. We really like her!
So after the haircut we had to get lunch because our picture appointment was at 12:45 at Portrait Innovations across town. So we hit Chick-fil-A. This is the first time the kids have been to sit down in a fast food restaurant. They don't have highchairs and we didn't bring in our travel booster, but Caedyn did really well. When we got done eating, we went out to the van to change diapers and put Caedyn's picture clothes on. Someone should have taken a picture of us. Gary was changing Eli on the driver's seat while I was changing Caedyn on the passenger's seat. It was quite a scene.
Portrait Innovations is our favorite place to get pics, but it takes an army to get them done. Caedyn won't sit still for anything, and she wanted to touch and play with everything. The photographers always amaze me with the shots that they get. It looks like the kids behaved perfectly. My parents came out to the Village to walk Caedyn around while we "shopped" for pictures. There is no way we would have been able to sit down and look at all of those pictures with Caedyn running around, so my parents are the heroes of the day! Here are some of the shots from today.
When we got home, Caedyn was so silly. She slept on the way home and we took our time so she could get a good nap. She was smooching all over me and I was cracking up. She has started kissing really hard and long. I swear I don't know where she gets this from, but if you look carefully you can even see a tooth getting me. It's painful; I'm telling you! But Hilarious!!
Her first haircut was in December and Miss Candi cut her hair.
Then Miss Susie cut her hair in March. Her third haircut was in May. I can't remember this lady's name, but she did a great job too. This picture is of Ci Ci (my mom) and Caedyn after her haircut.And today was haircut number four by Miss Susie again. We really like her!
So after the haircut we had to get lunch because our picture appointment was at 12:45 at Portrait Innovations across town. So we hit Chick-fil-A. This is the first time the kids have been to sit down in a fast food restaurant. They don't have highchairs and we didn't bring in our travel booster, but Caedyn did really well. When we got done eating, we went out to the van to change diapers and put Caedyn's picture clothes on. Someone should have taken a picture of us. Gary was changing Eli on the driver's seat while I was changing Caedyn on the passenger's seat. It was quite a scene.
Portrait Innovations is our favorite place to get pics, but it takes an army to get them done. Caedyn won't sit still for anything, and she wanted to touch and play with everything. The photographers always amaze me with the shots that they get. It looks like the kids behaved perfectly. My parents came out to the Village to walk Caedyn around while we "shopped" for pictures. There is no way we would have been able to sit down and look at all of those pictures with Caedyn running around, so my parents are the heroes of the day! Here are some of the shots from today.
When we got home, Caedyn was so silly. She slept on the way home and we took our time so she could get a good nap. She was smooching all over me and I was cracking up. She has started kissing really hard and long. I swear I don't know where she gets this from, but if you look carefully you can even see a tooth getting me. It's painful; I'm telling you! But Hilarious!!
Happy Independence Day!
I know the 4th was yesterday, but I wanted to wish you all a Happy Independence Day anyway. We had such a fun day! I think that Gary and I have more fun now that we have kids than when we didn't. Or maybe it is just so much fun to see little ones' delight in the small things.
We got up yesterday and packed bags and the van for the Peach Festival parade and the lake. We got to the parade and my cousin Lisa hollered (love that word!) for us to come sit with them. So we sat with Lisa, Danny, Hannah, Blake, Adyson, Becky, Greg, Emma, Samuel, and Anna.
It is so much fun to be with so many people we know. Caedyn loved waving to the people in the parade. She sat next to Blake, and he was too cute. He is 3, and really enjoyed the parade. He especially liked all of the tractors!
After the parade, we headed up to Gary's parents house. The kids both slept all the way there. The heat and excitement was a perfect recipe for a nap.
When we got to the lake of course G-Pop and Grandma (Gary's parents) were there, but so were Dara, Bernie, Cassidy, Granny, and Paw Paw (Gary's grandparents). We ate Shealy's BBQ, played with the kids, and put the kids down for naps. By the time the 3 young 'n's woke up, it was raining and thundering off and on. We waited it out and then went out on the boat.
We got up yesterday and packed bags and the van for the Peach Festival parade and the lake. We got to the parade and my cousin Lisa hollered (love that word!) for us to come sit with them. So we sat with Lisa, Danny, Hannah, Blake, Adyson, Becky, Greg, Emma, Samuel, and Anna.
It is so much fun to be with so many people we know. Caedyn loved waving to the people in the parade. She sat next to Blake, and he was too cute. He is 3, and really enjoyed the parade. He especially liked all of the tractors! After the parade, we headed up to Gary's parents house. The kids both slept all the way there. The heat and excitement was a perfect recipe for a nap.When we got to the lake of course G-Pop and Grandma (Gary's parents) were there, but so were Dara, Bernie, Cassidy, Granny, and Paw Paw (Gary's grandparents). We ate Shealy's BBQ, played with the kids, and put the kids down for naps. By the time the 3 young 'n's woke up, it was raining and thundering off and on. We waited it out and then went out on the boat.
When we got back I took Caedyn swimming off the edge of the dock, and G-Pop jumped in too! Then we went in for supper (Shealy's leftovers!), bathed Caedyn, put both kids in pj's and came home. They were both sacked out by the time we got home. Eli put up a good fight when we got home though.
It is so much fun being with family. Gary and I are so fortunate to have such wonderful families that are so nearby. I have two cousins that live in Rock Hill, and Gary has a cousin in Atlanta. But everyone else is right here. We love spending time with them, and we love that our kids are developing such special memories and bonds with so many of our family members.
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