Really Long Catch-Up Edition

Wow! I had good intentions, but this blog is just not my top priority. I don’t know how some moms post daily. It drives me crazy having to wait for the pictures to upload. Plus, I can only load 5 pictures at a time, so after the first 5 load, I have to choose more and wait on those. I am going to try to catch us up to date in this post.

Spring began very beautifully. See these two gorgeous children as evidence? We went to church, played outside, flew kites, and enjoyed Easter egg hunting (but this is not a picture from Easter).

Then April 27^th came along and changed our beautiful spring. Unless you’ve been hiding in a cave or under a rock, you know what I am talking about. Over 300 tornadoes swept through AL in one day, demolishing entire towns, wiping out electricity for days, and killing hundreds. It was a sad day and continues to be a sad memory. I am thankful that our community was passed by, but so many were not as fortunate as we were. We reported t o school late, just to be dismissed early. Kennedy and I had to race to Huntsville to pick Case up form daycare, just as the sirens began going off. We made it home safely. Matt called to say they had asked him to stay overnight at work to help with emergencies. The power had just gone off, and I thought it would soon be back on, so I told him I loved him, put both kids in bed with me, and went to sleep. Cell phones were not working well at all, and I had no radio to listen to. Matt arrived home the next morning to fill me in on the devastation that I had not even realized had occurred. Then he told me the shocker: power could be out for up to 7 days! We spent that day mostly outside, eating whatever we had in the fridge before it went bad. Generators sold before we could get one. Boredom set in, as evidenced by the photo of Case jumping over Mickey Mouse.

My sister came over on Friday, and she and I conjured up a plan to head to the beach. Matt agreed, if I could keep the cost reasonable. Thankfully, my dad got us a room in his hotel family at a nice rate.

We enjoyed a couple of days at the beach, but I think two full days was enough for all of us. That sand just gets in too many places. Case was so cute though. I would take him out in the water, and when a wave came he would say, “Oh! It’s a big one! Don’t get Case!” Kennedy loved the boogie board—so glad Lark brought it along! I am sure that as the kids get older, the beach will become relaxing once again, instead of work.

The school year ended. Can you say best class ever?!?!?!?!?! I am missing those students and their parents so much!

Matt and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary with a little trip to Nashville. Lark kept the kids and bought them many things while we were away. It was my first night away from Case since his birth. It was a fun trip! It’s always a treat to have alone time with my Hub!

Right after our getaway, I began to potty train Case. He was trained with numbers 1 & 2 within 3 weeks! SUCCESS! Yes, he soiled the floor in the indoor mall play area one day, but I eventually forgave him.

In June, Kennedy’s Girl Scout troop took a trip to Alpharetta, GA, to the American Girl store. We stayed at the Marriott there. The hotel offers an American Girl package, which includes a girl check-in area, a doll bed to keep, cookies and milk, breakfast, and a free dessert. Kennedy and her friends held a fashion show that night, and we moms had the best time laughing! My niece Paige went also, and she was honored to be the judge of the fashion show. The next day we went to the mall for some AG shopping. Kennedy walked away with 2 new dolls: one for earning all As during the school year and one for her upcoming birthday. Each Girl Scout received a $60 gift card for selling cookies, so she also bought a few outfits. Plus, I secretly bought a few more outfits for her birthday. We ate lunch at the AG café and had so much fun! We will definitely do it again!

We have learned that Case likes to clean! Kennedy used to also, so I figure it’s only temporary, and I better work him while I can! Case has such a funny personality. He likes to do things his way, and he is not afraid to yell if someone upsets him! He is as good as gold at home, but when he’s out in public, I mostly stay embarrassed! Case loves superheroes, cars, and trains. We are planning his birthday party, so we have begun singing Happy Birthday to him in hopes that he will not melt down when a group of people sing to him at his party and at church. Now every morning, he tells me it’s his birthday. Not yet, sweetheart!

Kennedy turned 8 on the Fourth of July! I can hardly believe it myself! She invited her friend Emily over. We enjoyed cake and ice cream and then went to eat at PF Chang’s for the second year in a row! They rode the carousel, and Case pitched a fit about something that prompted up to leave before the fireworks began. We got home and sat in our drive way, watching the fireworks all around us.

Kennedy is just a precious girl, who has a conscience unlike anyone I know. She tells on herself for everything she may or may not have done wrong. At first I tried to get her to stop. Then I realized if I let this continue, the teenage years may be a little easier. So I just listen and try to make her feel better about whatever she may or may not have done. Kennedy has a heart for God, and truly loves God and Jesus first and foremost. I pray she always has that love and that she works here on Earth to please our Father in Heaven. She will enter 3^rd grade this year, which I just crazy! When she was a newborn, I taught 3^rd grade and told my students funny little stories about her. I never thought the day would come so quickly that she herself is a 3^rd grader! I love that girl with all of my heart. Her smile has lifted me out of so many sad moments! I pray we are always best friends!

Summer has been joyful. It hasn’t been too hot. We have enjoyed relaxing at home, playing outside, going swimming, and eating frozen yogurt on Fridays. And, since April 1^st, I have lost 67 lbs! I have about 2.5 lbs to go! If I’m ever brave enough, I may just post before and after pictures on this blog.

We also went to the lake with friends a few weeks ago, and Case did not enjoy his first inner tube ride. Bummer! I was having fun. He just wanted to swim in the lake. Kennedy had a blast on the tube, in the lake, and on the jet ski! She is adventurous!

They were both exhausted after a day at the lake, and Matt and I were able to capture this gem of a picture when we arrived home. Can you say blackmail?!?!?!

Love & Blessing to All!!!!!