Just playing around on the computer

I was playing around on the computer and made these cute little books. I have so many pictures to choose from. I wish I could make these in real life. I love scrapbooking but I stress out over making it PERFECT! This was super easy.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Last Day of School

Today was Alex and Olivia's last day of school. This morning when I woke Alex up, I couldn't help but feel giddy myself that today was the last day of school. I was remembering how awesome that used to feel when I was a kid. I wish I could take the summer off!

I can't believe that Alex is going to be in the 4th grade. I also can't believe that next September (2009), Olivia will be starting Kindergarten. Where does the time go? We don't have any special plans this summer. Alex is going to go to a basketball camp at De Smet High School for a week in June and a soccer camp for a week in July. Other than that, they are looking forward to spending the summer at Aunt Jane's. We haven't seen her since she injured her knee back in November.

My plans this summer are to get Alex reading better and tackle his possible dyslexia. He needs to realize that he has learned to read but now, he has to read to learn. This is going to be challenging. He has 3 book reports due by the first day of school in August. I found a new series for him about a boy that has dyslexia - Henry Zipzer. I checked the first book out at the library yesterday. So, we'll see if he likes it. I wish he had my love for reading. You should see the stack of books I have checked out from library that I can't wait to devour. But then, I need to remind myself that maybe he does have that love somewhere inside, but that right now, it's difficult for him to just pick up a book and read. I really need to look into ways to help him master this disability.

My other goal this summer is to work with Olivia on learning her letters and numbers. She is smart as a whip and loves homework. So I don't expect any trouble out of her. I have a huge preschool book that I bought for Alex but never used. I am going to put that book to use with Olivia. It is my goal.

Other than that, I hope that we can get outside a lot. I am really hoping to increase our physical activity and just get outside. Both of my kids love the TV. (They are their father's children!) We still have swim classes and softball to get us through until July. And hopefully, this weather will cooperate and stay warm and sunny!

Happy 1st day of summer vacation Alex and Olivia!!

Here are pictures of the first day of school for Alex and Olivia. These range from 1st day of Kindgergarten to present. Enjoy!

The Carnival's in Town!

As we were on our way to Wal-Mart tonight for some dog food, we spotted carnival rides in the South County mall parking lot. I get so excited when I see these things, even though I can hardly ride any of the rides anymore. I guess I remember how much fun I always had at my school picnic. They weren't that busy so we decided to go in and see how much tickets for the rides cost. We got the family pack - 22 tickets for $20. I thought for sure this would last us a while. Nope, each ride was either 2, 3 or 4 tickets per person - which got them on 4 rides. Olivia and Alex rode on the 2-seater swings and then headed over to the dragon roller coaster. Olivia is so fearless, so amazing! I was not sure how she was going to react. She couldn't get on the ride fast enough. I had Jimmy tell her it was going to go fast. I stood on the sidelines with tears in my eyes watching the smile on her face as she waved to me at every turn that coaster took. She was having a ball. When the ride was over, she was ready for more. Jimmy and Alex rode a ride that sucks you to the wall and spins. Alex loved it. He came off all smiles and laughing saying he felt like his face was sliding off. After that, all three of them rode the Tilt a Whirl. Again, Olivia cackled through the whole ride. She was nothing but smiles at each turn. After that, we were out of tickets. Little Miss Olivia was not ready to go home. She wanted to ride the Dizzy Dragons. So we made a deal that would have to be the last ride. She agreed. Jimmy bought the tickets and off she went to stand in line. She and Alex got on and we told Alex how to spin the dragon. He did an awesome job spinning it. However, Little Miss Fearless, had a look on her face like Are you kidding me? This is all this ride does? She did have a good time but it wasn't as exciting for her. Once again, we attempted to leave once she departed the Dizzy Dragons. I told her to say good-bye to the rides. She turned her back to me and folded her arms. Jimmy went to put her on his shoulders but she refused to open her legs so he had her over his shoulders like a sack of potatos. When we got to the car, I asked her if she had fun. She promptly explained "NO!". I told her she did have a good time but that she was sad she had to leave. I think she is ready for a trip to Six Flags. Even though I will probably be standing on the sidelines holding all the bags while everyone else goes on the rides due to motion sickness, seeing the joy on my children's faces as they ride these carnival rides is pure joy in my heart!! I can't wait to take her to Disney World. I can ride pretty much everything there. She is going to love Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Test Track - she'd probably even love Tower of Terror but I doubt she will be tall enough. She has to grow 1.5 inches by next summer in order to ride the rides I mentioned above. I think I might have to invest in a stretching machine. She won't take sitting on the sidelines with me, holding the bags, she wants to be where the action is!! Again, so fearless, so amazing, that's my Daughter!!

I saw God today!

I woke up this morning to George Strait's I saw God today. It's about the birth of a daughter. The last few lines of the song are:

I got my face pressed up against the nursery glass

She's sleeping like a rock

My name on her wrist wearing tiny pink socks

She's got my nose, she's got her mama's eyes

My brand new baby girl

She's a miracle

I saw God today

You see, I woke up a little grouchy this morning. Why? Because, once again, Olivia was in my bed. I don't get to sleep very comfortably when she joins in because she likes to be right smack up against you. Also, she kept fidgeting all night and anyone who knows me, knows that I can't stand movement in the bed when I am trying to sleep. Finally, at 4:30 a.m. she laid still.

So, waking up to this song just put everything into perspective. She won't stay little for long! So, I hit snooze, rolled over and pulled her close getting in a few more minutes of snuggling before beginning the day. I wouldn't trade these moments with my daughter for anything. Eventually, I'll get my good night's sleep back so until then, I'll keep practicing my contortionist moves.

Oh Nurse!

You know what they say about being a mom, you get to wear all hats!! At 1:30 a.m. this morning, I got to play nurse to Olivia. As I've said in earlier blogs, she visits our bed in the middle of the night. Her little footsteps running down the hall wake me up every time. However, last night she stumbled as she got to the foot of my bed. She didn't cry out or anything but I knew she hit the bed funny. So once she was comfortably in her spot, she kept fidgeting with her foot. I asked her what was wrong and she said her foot hurt. I took her foot in my hand and felt something wet. I turned the light on and yep, blood. It was awful. She cut about an half inch circle out of the bottom of her foot. The skin was hanging on by a thread so I cut it off. It is now an open wound. I cleaned it up, put Neosporin and a band aid on it and she fell back to sleep within seconds. She loves having her head rubbed and Daddy was there to soothe her back to sleep. She amazes me. This 32lb, 38 1/4 inch tall little girl has a very high tolerance for pain. How someone so little could just let cuts, scrapes, fall downs, gouges in her foot just roll off her is beyond me. I have a high pain tolerance and we all know Jimmy does too (hence, falling into a coma with bacterial meningitis) but for someone so small, she is amazing.

Once she fell back to sleep, I then had to contend with Alex getting up. I finally coaxed him back to bed with the thought that he would be tired today during his school picnic if he didn't get back to sleep. So, the morning was pretty rough. Olivia's last day of preschool class was today and she didn't want to miss it. We let the cut air out a little this morning and then put a fresh band aid on it. With her sock on, she walks on the side of her foot. It was against my better judgment to send her but she WANTED to go and celebrate water day and do bubbles and paints. School told her they would take care of her and Daddy told her he would pick her up when it was over and she could go to the picnic with Alex. Such a trooper! So here I sit at work trying to prepare this Lease Summary all the while thinking of her little foot and wondering if she's OK, thinking about Alex and hoping he is being safe and having a good time and thinking about Jimmy spending the day with his kids. I want to be there too!

Another Great Day!!!

Today was another excellent day! We just lounged around most of the morning. Once we got moving, we went to visit the Spear family. Olivia and Brendon played on their scooters and played chalk. Those two play so well together. They really love each other too. JJ asked me today if I thought that one day they might get married. How cute would that be?

Then, we went to Tower Tee for some batting practice. Alex has been a little afraid of the ball during baseball. I guess it's normal since this is the first year the boys are actually the pitchers. Some of those can get pretty wild. I just need to get him over that fact that the pitcher is not aiming to take his head off. His words exactly!! He did really well at the batting cages. Hopefully, bringing out that inner Albert Pujols! Also, Jimmy got both of us involved on a Wednesday night softball team. So now, I play on Sundays and Wednesdays. It is a lot of fun. Of course, Olivia wanted a turn in the cage. I took her to the very, very slow cage that pitches soft balls. She tried to hit it but the helmet was too big and kept getting in her face. She wanted to chase after the ball when she didn't hit it. I had to assure her that more were coming. So, no game today but at least I got some practice in. We had a great time at Tower Tee!!

Tonight, Alex got to try his hand at mowing the grass. I mowed the grass as a kid and so did Jimmy so we figured we would continue the tradition on and teach Alex! Aren't we wonderful parents? ;) He had a lot of help since it was his first time but maybe with a little practice he can do it by himself soon.

Time to get the kiddos in bed and start another week. School is winding down for both Alex and Olivia. Only two weeks until summer vacation. I wish I had a summer vacation to look forward to. I sure could use some R&R.

Sisters!

What an amazing day! Today I feel really blessed! The weather was finally gorgeous! I was up at 9 a.m. running errands. I hate wasting a beautiful day. Alex had a baseball game. We all got sunburned! This year in baseball, the boys get to actually pitch and catch. Needless to say, these games now take 2 hours to complete! Yes, I said 2 hours!! Can you believe it? The boys are doing really well. It's such an amazing journey to watch these boys grow! Alex has been with some of them since Pre-K.

This evening, I got to go to dinner with 6 amazing, beautiful, strong women. My Aunt Debbie Do, Aunt Pammie, Rachel, Samantha, my Mom and my Sis! I love spending time with these gals. We always have a lot of laughs!! My aunt brought me my Grandma's Calligraphy set. I've always wanted to do this and with Lizzie's wedding coming up, I figured there has to be something we could calligraphy! It was so neat to see all the practice sheets my Grandma did while she was learning. What a great memento of my Grandma! I'm so thankful to have these rare nights to spend with my family. It seems like everyone is always so busy and ever since my Grandma passed away, we just don't get together that much anymore. I am so thankful to have a sister of my own who is not only family but also one of my closest friends. So it was great to spend a few hours with my mom and her sisters, my sister and my cousins and just chat and laugh for a few hours!

After I got home from dinner, I promised Alex we would go to the park and try our hand at tennis. After playing tennis on Wii, we thought we would give it a try in real life. Needless to say, we both need lessons but we had a great time. I had to drive to 3 parks before finding one that was completely empty. I knew we wouldn't be able to play with others on the same court. I was right! Our balls were all over that court! Afterwards, we walked over to the playground so Olivia could let off a little energy. She ran her little heart out. She made a friend and those two were up and down and all around!

Such an exhausting, jam-packed, amazingly beautiful and blessed day! I can't wait to do it again tomorrow!!

Tattoos

Alex and Olivia love temporary tattoos. I picked up some Little Mermaid tattoos for Olivia the other day - found them in the dollar area at Target so of course, bargain, had to get them! And of course, she had to put one on ASAP! This made Alex want some too. He found some tattoos of The Incredibles that we had laying around. Olivia couldn't wait to get to school on Friday to show all her friends her Mermaid tattoo. And all her friends ooh'd and aah'd over it! She loved it!! Both of them proudly display their tattoos until only remnants remain after being washed off from swim class or the countless baths. As soon as it's gone, they are back wanting more. It's so funny how a little temporary tattoo can bring them so much joy! But I guess that's the joy of being a child.

So how do explain the joy my husband feels for his tattoo? It's a Celtic cross with Olivia and Alex's name in it. Of course, this one makes him want more. My Grandma once said that when a person gets a tattoo, that's the first sign of craziness! I don't really agree. I've never had the urge to get one myself until recently. My dear friend JJ is getting one on her foot soon. She is getting the awareness ribbon in the colors of childhood stroke. I think it will be awesome and such an awesome way to honor her son. She then inspired me...what about doing something with the awareness ribbons in honor of all those I love? Teal for Ovarian Cancer (my mother-in-law). White for lung cancer (both of my Grandma's). Purple and Blue for Childhood Stroke (for Brendon). I thought maybe putting the ribbons in sort of a flower shape. I just can't figure out what to do so for now, the thought of me getting a tattoo is slowly dwindling. Who know's, maybe one day. For now, I'll just live through my children and feel their joy when they get their temporary tattoos put on!

Times They Are a Changing!

I just got back from spending a few hours at my old work - A.G. Edwards. Now, it is called Wachovia. My former secretary is having a baby next month and I was invited up to celebrate a baby shower for her. I was glad I got to participate in this one since I didn't get to go to her other shower. I loved being able to see her pregnant. She looks great!! It was also a lot of fun seeing some of the old faces again. I really miss seeing my friends everyday. I have built great friendships with some of them. This will probably be the last time most of them are all in one place. As the title mentions, times they are a changing and at Wachovia/AGE, they really are. In May of last year, Wachovia took over AGE. A lot of good employees have lost their jobs. It's really sad! Most of my friends have been placed in new positions thereby leaving the Compliance Department as I knew and loved, just a memory. It was great to get up there to see it one more time. I really loved my job at AGE. I loved the attorney's I worked for. I wish everyone good luck in their new endeavors and good luck to April on her new addition!! Thanks for thinking of me and letting me share in the special moment.

Ordinary Miracle!

Yesterday, when I got home from work, I saw that my beautiful hibiscus tree had 2 new blooms open on it. My parents gave me the tree for my anniversary. I love flowers and tulips and hibisucs are my favorites. I felt so much joy just seeing these flowers. Like there was a new beginning right around the corner. Hopefully, that new beginning is spring/summer. The weather we have been experiencing here is the pits!!

So, last night, we watched Charlotte's Web - the 2007 version. They have been showing previews on satellite for it and Olivia was fascinated by it. I found it at the library yesterday and quickly checked it out. She really enjoyed it. The talking animals were funny to her but I don't think she really got the premise of the story. Needless to say, since I am such a sap, I bawled!! At the very end of the movie, a song called Ordinary Miracle played. Of course, for my sensitive soul, it made it worse. It is such a beautiful song. It really makes you stop and think. So many things around us are pure miracles. My children, my hibiscus tree blooming, the trees, the flowers, the blue sky, the rain (and lots of it that we've been experiencing), just the joy of waking every morning to a new day. So utterly amazing, so beautiful, so miraculous! I thank God for all the miracles in my life!! Sometimes it's the most simple things in life that can bring a tear to your eye, put a spring in your step and a flutter in your heart!

Happy Birthday Dad!!

Today is my Dad's Birthday! My Dad is my hero! My first love! My Daddy! Even at 35 years old, this man still has my heart! I truly enjoy his company. We love to laugh and share inside jokes. I still worry about what he thinks. His opinion still matters. He can read me like a book. I can't lie to him because he can tell just by looking at me whether I am telling the truth. I hope I make him proud.

Every little girl loves their daddy. Some days I miss being that little girl. I miss those evenings when he would come home from work and we would go swimming before dinner. I miss being able to jump in his lap to deliver a kiss on his cheek or a hug around his neck. He taught me to ride a bike, drive a car. He worked hard to make sure I never wanted for anything. He taught me to be a strong, independent woman.

But, one of the cool things about being grown up is watching him interact with his grandkids. When I was in labor with Alex, he couldn't stay at the hospital because he couldn't bear to watch me in pain. After Alex was born, he told Jimmy that he better not do that to his daughter again. Of course, Jimmy didn't listen! Ha Ha! Alex and Olivia love their PawPaw. It's fun to see him do some of the things with Alex and Olivia that he used to do with me. Traditions. When I was a baby, he would put both of my feet in his had and lift me in the air. I would stand there. Trust! Strength! When I had Alex, he tried the same thing. Again, Alex mimiced exactly what I did at that age. Again, trust and strength.

So on this day, I honor my Dad. My hero, my first love! Happy Birthday Dad! I love you!

Happy Mother's Day!!

I love being a Mom!! Alex and Olivia are two great kids!! They both had my heart the minute I found out I was pregnant with each of them! I had no idea how hard being a Mom could be but it is definitely the most rewarding! Despite countless dirty diapers, sleepless nights, temper tantrums, and formula and food stained clothing, these two have brought so much JOY to my life!! These two rely on me for everything and in return, show me what real love is all about! So unconditional.

I taught them their A, B, C's, numbers and colors, and their manners. I read them stories. I kiss boo boos, wipe away tears and give each one many, many hugs and kisses. I wear my heart on my sleeve. Every accomplishment, milestone, every joy, every disappointment they experience just makes my heart explode. I am such an emotional person and these two really have made me feel things I didn't think possible. Such Blessings!!

Jimmy and the kids gave me an iSound alarm clock for Mother's Day. I have been wanting one ever since I went to Atlanta on a business trip and they had one in the hotel. It's an alarm clock you can put your iPod on. It's awesome. I love waking up to the songs on my iPod! Thank you!!

For my mom -- She always has the right words to say, at the right moments, whenever I need them. My mom just is, and always has been, the first person I go to when I have news to share… good, bad, funny, interesting or otherwise. I genuinely enjoy my mother’s company, and her opinion and her approval mean so much to me. I love you Mom -- Happy Mother's Day!

I also wanted to wish my Mother-in-law a Happy Mother's Day! She was an amazing woman who showed so much joy in being a Mother and Grandmother! I wish she were still here! I miss you and love you, Mary!

To my Aunt Debbie - Happy Mother's Day! You are so special to me. You are beautiful both inside and out. I am truly grateful for our relationship! You mean the world to me! My SHERO!!

To my best friend JJ, you are an amazing Mother, GodMother and Friend!! I love you and am so blessed to have you in my life for over 25 years!!

So, we spent Sunday with my family. I love spending time with my family. We don't seem to do it enough! Around this time every year, we have my anniversary, Mother's Day and my Dad's birthday. So we celebrated all three yesterday. We wanted to have "Kite Day" but it was monsoon season yesterday. So we had to postpone "Kite Day". What is "Kite Day"? This is a tradition from when I was a kid. We just get kites and go to the park and fly them -- seeing who can go the highest and playing the game of letting it go and chasing the string. I have fun memories of doing this as a kid with my parents. How awesome is it that my kids get to experience this with me and my parents. So, instead of Kite Day, Liz brought over her Wii. We played tennis, baseball, bowling and boxing. The attached pictures are of everyone playing boxing!! Me and Stevie got TKO's!! We are the Champions!! Mom kicked butt on tennis!! This was a lot of fun!

Such a great Mother's Day!

Happy Anniversary!!

On Saturday, May 10th, Jimmy and I celebrated our 11th Wedding Anniversary! I can't believe how fast time has gone by. There are days when I feel like we have only just begun and there are days when it seems like we have been together forever. So much as happened to us in the last 11 years - we've been through some trying times, some sad times but mostly, we have happy times. We also have two of the best things to come from our marriage -- Alex and Olivia. I couldn't ask for anything more!!

Saturday was also special because my sister went and tried on wedding gowns. Who would have thought 11 years from my wedding day, my little sister would be trying her own wedding gowns on? We had a great day! She found her perfect dress and let me just say it is gorgeous. I can't wait for Bryan to see her!! Olivia also tried on a few dresses. Every dress Lizzie tried on, Olivia told her she was beautiful -- and she was!! Seeing her next to my dad with her wedding gown on brought back memories of my wedding day. I choked up a little bit seeing them.

It was a perfect day!! Thank you Smooch for 11 great years and here's to many more!!

Hi ya Grranpa!

That's a line in the movie Meet the Robinsons. I love that line. Olivia and I have been saying that line since Tuesday. Grandpa (Jimmy's dad) came up from Little Rock for a visit. We love when he comes to visit and we get to spend time with him. He is such a great Grandpa too. He really loves his grandkids (he's got 3 more in Little Rock). Alex and Grandpa spent the afternoon together yesterday going to lunch and then to a movie. Great memories for Alex!! Also, Grandpa brought Olivia a chef hat and apron with her name on it. So adorable and cute. She just loves Grandpa too. I was worried that they wouldn't have a bond or connection because of the distance. Alex and Grandpa are close because they had an opportunity to bond when he lived in St. Louis. But, Olivia proved me wrong from the minute she met that man. She loved him instantly. We always say that Mimi must be standing over his shoulder. But I think she just genuinely loves her Grandpa -- which is awesome!! I am thankful for that. I learned my lesson too and genuinely love my father-in-law. In the earlier part of my marriage, I was a brat. I didn't accept the love my new mother- and father-in-law gave me. It took losing Mary (Jimmy's mom) and Jimmy getting sick and us having to hash out our differences to finally bring us together. I am so glad we did! It makes it so nice knowing it's OK if we disagree and that we can still love each other.

It's always sad when we have to say good-bye. Grandpa is heading back to Little Rock today. We'll miss him! Lots of hugs and kisses and hope to see you soon were said!! Have a safe trip, Grandpa! We Love You!!

National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day

May 3, 2008 was an incredible, exciting and emotional day for us. The reason? It was the first Saturday in May which has been designated as National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day. Did you know that children can suffer strokes too?

Our Godson, Brendon, suffered a stroke before he was born. At 19 months of age Brendon was diagnosed as having suffered a stroke while in utero. As a result of the stroke he has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Right Hemi-paresis, and Muscular Scoliosis. Brendon currently wears braces on both feet and a splint on his right hand. Brendon is two years old and is only able to say a few words. Brendon has a gorgeous smile and spirit that you can see by looking into his eyes. Through all of his frustration he manages to keep on smiling. Ask any one who knows him...he lights up a room.

Since the day of Brendon's diagnosis, my best friend and Brendon's mommy, Jessica Spear, has been advocating and trying her damnedest to raise awareness for childhood stroke. Her efforts seem to finally be hitting the media. Last week, she possibly reached thousands to millions of people regarding childhood stroke by appearing on Show Me St. Louis and the radio. The biggest event took place on Saturday, May 3rd when Brendon received the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Cardinals vs Cubs game. All of Brendon's supporters were out in full force sporting our Brendon's Smile T-shirts and awareness ribbons.

We are so proud of Brendon! He has such perserverance! He is our HERO!!!

Please help continue the effort to help raise awareness for childhood stroke. A link to Brendon's website is posted under "Links" or you can go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/brendonssmile.

For more information on Childhood Stroke you can visit www.childhoodstrokeawareness.org or www.kidshavestrokes.org to see more SURVIVORS.

My Son!

I love my son!! He is my first born. My sunshine!! He definitely has my heart!! Alex is such a sweet, compassionate, caring boy. He is known as the peacemaker among his friends. He is so easy going and laid back like his Dad. He definitely did not inherit my type A personality. Olivia got that one! He is so good to his sister, who can treat him pretty rotten at times. Last night, while we were in bed reading books, he asked Olivia if she wanted to learn to snap. Check out the pictures of him trying to teach Olivia how to snap. Look at the joy on his face as he is teaching her. Can you see it? All his love and kindness. Isn't it awesome! I feel like I don't know the first thing about raising a son. But I think I am doing a pretty good job. He has a great balance. I love to hear his laugh. I love the color of his hair. I love his blue eyes. He is so loveable! He is so kind. I think about what he will be like when he gets older. I hope he keeps all these wonderful traits. I hope he knows how much I love him!