Graduation weekend

This weekend was a very busy, fun-filled celebration as high school graduation was upon us. On Friday night, I was able to slip off to graduation and see many of my "kids" take that very special walk across the stage. One of the special perks of being a teacher (and some days it doesn't feel like there are too many) is getting to go back stage as the graduates line up. I get to see all of their excited, nervous, happy/sad little faces one last time and hug their necks. This year was extra special for our family as our dear friend Chris was among the graduates. This kid has worked so hard to get to this day and overcome so much to finally be here, lets just day it was a very sweet moment for me to see him receive his diploma! I only cried a little bit, and they were definitely happy tears!

Sunday we had a party for Chris at my parents' house.

Chris and his brother Josh, grilled us some truly fabulous teriyaki. There was way too much delicious food and everyone had a great time. Ryan and Kate ran around with Maddison, Simon, Sylvia, and Naomi until they were totally filthy and completely worn out. It was a great evening to celebrate!

Hey Ryan, where did your cake go???

School's out!!!

Take a tip from Ryan and Kate - put your shades on, sit back, and let the good times roll!

Happy Summer everyone!

18 months!

Wait a minute! We are how OLD?!?
Stand up and do a happy dance, little lady! Today you are 18 months old!!!

Bubba is taking his days of growing older in stride.

special delivery!

We have an awesome new toy at our house! A couple of weeks ago, it was raining cats and dogs and we were cooped up inside. Just when we thought we might die of boredom, we found a giant box on our doorstep with the items I ordered from a friend's Celebrating Home party. And what better to do with a box on a rainy day than cut a hole in the side and make a "club house"?


Since that day, we have tried to move the "club house" out to the recycling in the garage several different times. But that box is just so appealing when we've played with everything else and are starting to get cranky, and then back inside it comes again! Turns out, just like with the big things in life, the Lord provides just the right thing at just the right time. So, I guess we will keep our "blessing" box just a little while longer!

batter up!

checking out the tee
a little batting practice with daddy

run!!! Oops - forgot to drop the bat!

sissy's turn

and a little throwing practice for good measure!

And a new generation takes the field...two new baseball players and one proud coach (I'm pretty sure this is what Matt's dreams are made of)

Thunder fan in the house!

a very happy mother's day

Mother's Day 2011 was such fun that we had to celebrate not just one day, but two (and if you know me well, you know that I like to celebrate for as long as possible - take the birthday week that is "Jess-a-palooza" for example). Saturday morning, Matt took care of Kate and Ryan so that I could spend the morning alone with my mom. We used to do this about every Saturday before the babies, so it was a real treat to get to spend this time with her. We enjoyed coffee, shopping, good conversation, and a yummy lunch (sitting in a booth, no less...oh, how I miss sitting in a booth...not so easy with 2 high chairs!) My mom is a super lady and I really enjoy our time together. She has given so much to me throughout my life and now she is sharing so much time with my kids, it is a huge blessing. And boy, do those babies love her, too.
Saturday afternoon, we drove up to the zoo in OKC to meet Matt's family and start celebration 2 of Mother's Day. Nana (Matt's mom) wanted us all to go to the zoo together, so we were excited to go, even though it ended up being really hot! Of course, this little boy was very excited to ride the train once again.

After the zoo, everyone was ready for supper at Cracker Barrel. Kate and Ryan were very excited to see the corn bread coming (Kate is a corn bread fanatic!) and were equally excited that they got pancakes and mac n' cheese for supper.

By Sunday morning, we were headed off to church, but not before opening up my gift from the babies. They made the perfect choice! This summer I will get to take pottery classes with my dad!!! I am SO excited about this! My dad used to do pottery quite a bit when I was little and was pretty good at it too. He hasn't had the time in years and I have always wanted to learn from him how to do this. We always said that we would, so now we have the opportunity. It was such a sweet gesture on the part of my husband, and I am so looking forward to this time with my dad.

I am so happy to be Ryan and Kate's mama. They are our miracle babies and when I actually stop the running around and doing, and really think about what that means, I can't help but feel tears in my eyes. There was a time in my life when I had to wonder if I was ever going to get to celebrate Mother's Day as a mom, and the Lord has taken my fear and doubt and given me these precious blessings, double what I asked Him for! I hope that all of you see the blessings God has provided for you and if you are waiting on the Lord to move, remember that God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!

hoarding...

one sure fire way to keep your turtle away from your sister and cousin, yet still join in the playtime fun...good thinking Ryan!