Happy Birthday Zack!

We had an amazing birthday celebration today! It started this morning with this conversation:
Zack: "Mommy, am I 4 now?"
Mommy: "Yep! You're 4!"
Zack: "I think I'm a little tiny bit bigger now!"

Then Zack went to school, and got to celebrate his birthday with all the preschoolers and then had special treats with his classmates!
After school, most of his class joined us for lunch, games, gifts and train cupcakes at our house. We had a house FULL of 4 year olds!

Don't they look like they're having a good time??

The train cupcakes were a hit! They tasted really good too!

As seen here, by the birthday boy himself!


Happy Birthday Zack Attack! We love you!

First Grade Patriotic Program

Today, Gabby made her debut in the First Grade's Patriotic Program. She even had her own speaking part! This Mommy was so proud watching her sing. I must confess, there were tears! All the kids did really well.

Might I have a little performer on my hands?

Girl Scout Cookies Presale!

It's a girlscout's favorite time of year. The time when all the world is on the lookout for them! The time when people are literally chasing them down the street with at least $4 in their hands. Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Shortbread, Lemonades, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Caramel deLites, Thanks-A-Lots and Daisy Go Rounds.
How many boxes of each do you want?
Presale starts on Saturday, January 23rd! Call us. We WILL deliver! :)

Quote of the Day #2

Zack: "Mommy?"
Mommy: "Yes, Zack"
Zack: "Mommy, um, when Daddy forgets to come up and give me a kiss goodnight, you tell him, K?
Mommy: "Ok Zack, I'll tell him"

I guess Zack has figured it out.

Quote of the Day

Zack: "Mommy, do you know how big I want to grow?"
Mommy: "No, I don't. How big do you want to grow?"
Zack: "As big as a giant"
Mommy: "That's big! What will you do when you grow as big as a giant?"
Zack: "I'll mush all the flowers and the buildings"

Bitter Sweet

I've been in PA for almost a week with my grandma who is getting ready to go be with Jesus. It's been SO tough to watch her struggle. It's like she's in limbo. We've had moments of great awareness where she answers our questions appropriately, smiles and almost laughs. We've had moments of silent sleep which is so peaceful and we've also had moments of great distress watching her body wretch with seizures.
It's hard to watch and I feel guilt ridden to wish it over. Because that means I wish her to be gone forever. It's a tough spot to be in. We want so much for her to be comfortable. We wish her to be free of pain and suffering. We wish her to be home forever with our Lord and to walk the streets of gold with Pappy.
Even now, I sit in her hospital room, watching her sleep, listening to the shallow breaths and wondering if the next one I hear could be her last. Mommom, I love you so much. Thank you for teaching Gabby how to shuck corn, thank you for playing trains with the boys and thank you for taking me into your world, loving me and teaching me the country way of doing just about everything. I will miss you terribly.

A New Chapter

Our family, extended and immediate is entering into a new chapter. In 1987, my family moved from VA to CA. An exciting time for a 14 year old. Leaving the country setting to move to the hustle and bustle of Southern California. I went through 3 years of highschool and 4 years of college, met my husband, got married and had 3 kids. So, here we are in 2009.
Just a few days ago, my Dad accepted a new job at Patrick Henry College in VA. This time, they are moving without me! We've never been more than 45 minutes from each other. It will be so odd to not be able to call Shasha and say, "Mom, I have to come over and let the kids run in your back yard. I'm about to lose my mind."
Yesterday, I decided to break the news to Gabby, knowing that the news would break her heart. She would need time to get used to idea. She broke down in tears and could barely speak. In between sobs I heard her say, "I'm not going to see Shasha and Papa anymore." We hugged and talked about the trip we're tying to plan to visit them in May 2010.

After I put the boys to bed last night, I went into Gabby's room to tuck her in and I found her drawing and writing. She handed me this:


I think it says it all.

Shasha and Papa, we'll miss you SO much but are thrilled for your new opportunity. While you're looking for a new house, we only have one request. Please be sure there are enough bedrooms for all of us! We love you!