Happy Last Day of School!!!

HOORAY FOR SUMMER!

Here are some pics of my kids with their Teachers this year....

I can't believe how fast this year went!

Zachary will be in 5th grade this fall, Olivia will be in 3rd, and Ethan will be in 3day pre-school!

They are growing up fast and I Love them all SO very much!

CONGRATS on finishing the year kids - mommy is so proud........

Happy Father's Day! (A couple of Day's Late...)

I just want to express a Huge Happy Father's Day for my sweetheart Aaron!!

Also, For my Super Awesome Dad Dennis!!

Where would we be without Dads? Some may say we don't "need a man" to complete us.... I say, Guess what, I DO!

Thank you Dad for being there for me always, and Thank you Aaron for being my best friend.

I don't know what I did to deserve someone like Aaron, but he really is my perfect match in every way. We love to laugh, we both hate yard work, we love to travel, we love movies and music....etc. etc. (I could go on for a while...) We have pretty much grown up together and I cannot remember a time without him in my life!

We are just enough opposite to have some exciting differences too. I am probably making most of you want to barf, but I just am so greatful to him. I am greatful that he wanted to and joined the church, and greatful for his example of strength and selflessness. He always thinks of others before himself. And, I mean ALWAYS. What an example for me and the kids. He listens to me when I get obsessive and crazy, he makes me laugh when I'm grumpy and helps me with our kids all the time. Happy Father's day honey.....You deserve a great day!

As for my dad, I love you big guy! You are a smart, loving, hardworking firecracker of a man!

Thanks for successfully raising 5 fiesty daughters and beating cancer to still be here for us all! You are the best!

Sidenote: I am also blessed to have an AWESOMELY cool Step Father-in-law, and A SERIOUSLY wonderful Father-in-law too! Am I lucky or what??? Totally Spoiled...

2008 Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby!!

Okay, for the first time in three years Aaron and Zack have built a pinewood derby car that didn't come in LAST! (or at least not advancing to the finals) YIPEE!!! See the car below???? Of course it's a Pizza Slice, eh? I'm so proud of him and happy to see him win. It was his last pinewood derby because next year he will be in 11-year old scouts. Such a fun way to finish out Cubs!

Okay, check out that awesome uniform...It takes a good dose of humility and pride in your calling to wear this puppy - trust me.....

He had such a good time at the race. He came in 3rd place in all of the webelos (the 10year olds) and 2nd place in the championship rounds with all the boys ages 8-10. He got a couple of different medals for his shirt and I think he had a good feeling of accomplishment. Aaron and I were cheering like kids!

The other two boys in the final three were two of his best friends Nathan and Dylan. And, of course we all had to cap it off at good ol' Dairy Queen.

For those of you out there who don't know, Zack has struggled with emotional problems stemming from his ADD etc. He was so depressive this last fall/winter we didn't know what to do. He still tends to be somewhat of a negative kid, so winning this and seeing him genuinely smile really took a load of parental stress off of my shoulders. Too bad we all have to pass down such crappy genetic traits eh? So not funny! Anyway, he's a great kid, and I hope one day he grows into a happy, healthy, strong man. I sure love him enough to give it my best try!!

High School Musical!

We had so much fun at the Broadway Production of Disney's High School Musical last friday night. We went with some friends, and Olivia and I had a great time! It was a lot like the tv-version and even had cannon's that blasted confetti on the audience during the finale. She jumped out of her seat and clapped and screamed....I got misty eyed just watching her enjoy the whole experience. Fun Fun FUN!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's day was great! I got a NAP after church (which hardly ever happens....) and the kids all made me very special gifts. Zack wrote me an ABC book all about what he loves about me...It meant so much! He keeps his feelings to himself so this was something he doesn't do often.

I will cherish it always..

We all went to my mom's that evening for a big eating party and celebration - we had fun!

I love my sweet kids and feel blessed and priveleged to be their mom. Also, I'm so greatful for my Aaron who made me a mom, and who is the most wonderful partner I could have ever asked for!!!

Happy mother's day to all my moms, sisters and friends out there - you deserve a great and wonderful day!!!

Mr. Man.....

It's funny, It's just as if he is really a grown man trapped in a tiny body. Lately he seems "at war" within himself a lot. He has so much anger and so much irritation for such a small guy. Ethan is hilarious....But, if he doesn't get his way he can be MEAN. It doesn't usually phase me, but I'm concerned that he may never outgrow this anger he's always simmering. Poor torchured soul!

The other night we were all looking up our Chinese Zodiac Signs just for fun.. The personality profile that goes with them were right on the money for most of us!!!

I was year of the Tiger, Aaron was year of the pig, Zack was year of the tiger too, and Olivia was year of the Dragon!

So, Guess what Ethan was.....Year of the Monkey! So like him. My sister Jennifer has always said he reminds her of Curious George. He's into EVERYTHING even at age 4. Also, he cannot sit still. It said they are thinkers, scientist types, need to know how things worked etc... The zodiac description even had "picky eater" on it! Oh My, it was right on the money...So funny.

He's a great kid! He keeps me on my toes that's for sure. Also, he's sitting right here by me asking me LOTS of questions....So curious!

Dude....I have music and a new background....That took some serious computer savvy on my part considering I'm usually pretty clueless about tech stuff....Yeah!