Don't Faint!

It's not that I have given up on our family blog! You know the saying, if you don't want to do something any excuse will do. Well, that really isn't the case here. I used to be really good at posting when Steve was deployed and the nights were mine! That's when I would curl up on the couch, turn on the TV and type away. Steve has been on me for months (6 to be exact) along with other family and friends, to get back to blogging. I wasn't sure I could even remember my login info and password. But it opened on my first try and my blog is still up, so I am putting aside the overwhelming thoughts of where to begin and I'm just going to post something
(still not too sure where to start??)


The family! Of course, where else would I start, my life does revolve around them.

Here is the most recent fam pic from last weekend, don't be shocked we are at a football game.

College football has begun (not sure it ever ends in this house). But nonetheless, games are in full swing and the males in this house couldn't be happier.

Although you wouldn't know it by Mason's pouting

First Day Of School
Preschool, 1st and 3rd

Mason 3 1/2

Taylor 7

Preston 9

It's a start!

Too good not to post!

Giving Up Chocolate

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly
dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of
dollars for dinner.

I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, 'If I give you
this money, will you buy chocolate with it instead of dinner?'

'No, I had to stop eating chocolate years ago', the homeless woman told me.

'Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?' I asked.

'No, I don't waste time shopping,' the homeless woman said. 'I need to
spend all my time trying to stay alive.'

'Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?' I asked.

'Are you NUTS!' replied the homeless woman. I haven't had my hair done
in 20 years!'

'Well, I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm
going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight.'

The homeless Woman was shocked. 'Won't your husband be furious with
you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty
disgusting.'

I said, 'That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks
like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and
chocolate.'

Tell me this isn't good!

First Day of School: Take 2

Here is Mason on Preston and Taylor's first day of school in August

Mason has had a year filled with plenty of Dr appointments and procedures! Last year at his 2yr appt I expressed concerns about his speech. It seemed as if we were constantly having him seen for ear infections. Tests showed mild hearing loss and he started private speech after numerous appointments. While Steve was in Iraq he had tubes in his ears and that seemed to improve his speech.

In January, after he turned 3, I had him evaluated through our School District. After another round of tests and appointments, we found out that he had a clogged tube (which we have no idea how long it was like that nor did we know that was possible). Again his hearing test showed hearing loss. Fortunately after the tube was unclogged with drops, we got our first positive hearing test since this all began. I was RELIEVED and so happy to say the least.

The evaluation team recommended speech and preschool twice a week. When I got to the car after the meeting I cried. First because I was so grateful for the help available to him and second was for my own selfish reasons, he's be starting school earlier than planned!

This past week Mason had his first day of school

I had to switch out the flag in the front of the house for a picture.
This is the flag the kids stand next to every first day of school!
(The yard doesn't look so nice compared to August)

The preschool is actually at Preston and Taylor's school, he likes that he gets to go to their school and it's very convenient!

He was excited for school. Here he is running up the ramp to the classroom door.

Once we got inside he was a bit more clingy. I stayed for a short while and he was okay when I left. His teacher said he had a great day and he willingly went back his 2nd day.

I must say that I have enjoyed 2 mornings by myself this week.
It's been 8 1/2 yrs since I've had that!
Remind me again,
Why was I crying for my own selfish reasons
when I learned he was going to school 2 x's a week?

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras was a blast last weekend at our friend's party
The Cajun food was yummy, the friends were fun and the beads came without strings attached! (if you know what I mean)

Taylor with her friends

Our friends had the craziest beads!
No Mardi Gras party is complete without a King's Cake

Okay, so I didn't wear gold, purple or green... which I had no idea were Mardi Gras colors!
I did learn a few things about the celebration that I never knew

laissez les bon temps rouler

Our Love Day 2009

Class Parties
Late night preparations for a special Valentine Breakfast

The kid's woke up V-day morning to "Heart Attacks" in their rooms

My little Valentines were so excited to give me their cards and gifts which included
a BIG Hershey Bar, a little bear that lights up and a big stuffed rose (in Mason's hands)

The table was ready and on the menu......

Heart shaped scones!
Taylor burned her little elbow on the pan, but it was in no way going to stop her from helping. She's a tough little girl

After a fun morning together, Steve took the kids to Matt's track meet while I went and was pampered at the salon

I then got to open my gifts from

And Steve got some more threads for his closet... notice the shirt he has on!

I was then taken to a YUMMY dinner at

And a little shopping at Cherry Creek Mall with a very secure man... the picture tells it all
A cute romantic movie

Then home to fondue with Matt and Ashley

A day filled with lots of LOVE!