Tuesday

My day started with a trip to the dentist with all three kids.  I am glad to report, we are cavity free!  Ella's dental hygienist came out to talk with me and informed me that Ella had invited her over to our house to swim and have a cookout.  That gave us both a good laugh since our pool is more like a large puddle than an actual pool.

Earlier in our week, Ella started her own business.

Ella is now running a daycare for all the stuffed animals in our house.  We all took turns knocking on her door and dropping off our "children."  She has a wonderful imagination. 

 She even managed to talk the boys into attending her "parents night. "  They were good sports, but didn't make it long.

 This is John after he sat through "parent's night."

 I snapped this through my office window.  She said she had to take Chubby (the bear) out for fresh air because she was having a melt down.  This picture just breaks my heart.

 Two weeks ago we bought the kids a new and improved version of last years "jello pool."  It took us a solid week to fill it up but it was well worth it.

He is so handsome. 

 This pool has been a life saver in my war on boredom!  Marc calls it our redneck riviera.  All I care about, is that it keeps them cool, and off video games!

Happy Summer!

Last batch...

 I  have one more batch of beach pictures that I want to share.  I took so many pictures and I am putting together something special to share later, but for now I just picked a few to share. 

Mindy

Enchanted Forest 2013

This year's theme for Ella's dance recital was "The Enchanted Forest" and it was beautiful.  Even though she was mainly forest animal's her costume's turned out better than I expected. 

The weekend of her recital she seemed a little run down but I just assumed it was because of our busy schedule.  I couldn't have been more wrong.  Saturday night was her first show and she seemed very clingy right before she went on stage.  I knew something was off because Ella is the most independent child I have.  I stood in the "wings" and watched her dance trying not t have a break down from stress. 

The next day she was supposed to perform in a Sunday matinee.  Ella was supposed to perform in three numbers. 

  Since she was little I have always worried about her getting sick during her recital.  I had a bad feeling my little girl was coming down with something.  Sure enough Saturday morning at 6 am she woke up croupy and feeling horrible. 

The only thing she didn't have was a fever (thank goodness).  I  made a quick trip to urgent care and they put her on an antibiotic.  I knew that wasn't going to help us for that day but at least I got a dose in her. 

To sum things up, I gave her the choice of staying home or trying to push through.  I could have turned into one of those crazy stage moms but it just wasn't worth it. However, I will mention that my stress level was OFF THE CHARTS! I gently nudged her enough to see if she really could do it and then let her make the choice. 

 My girl LOVES dance so with the help of Tylenol she made it through THREE routines.  She honestly amazed me! I, once again, stood in the "wings"and watched her dance just in case she needed me. 

She was beautiful...

 

 These three girls have been dancing together since they were three years old.

 My mom bought Ella a recital bracelet for making it through all her dances sick.  Jewelry always makes a girl feel better!

 and so does chocolate... (from nana)

By Monday morning she was feeling back to herself.  However, I am pretty sure the ulcer this recital gave me is permanent! LOL

Mindy

Beach Babies

More pictures from our trip...

Emerald Isle

Saturday we arrived at the BEACH! It feels so good to relax and watch my kids play.  The last two weeks have been a whirlwind, so having nothing to do for a change is wonderful.

I promise to make my way around to posting about Ella's dance recital soon but most of her dance pictures are on my other computer, that is currently at home.

So for now here are a few pictures of our trip so far.

There is your sneak peak!

more to come....

Mindy

Turning 11

Tuesday May 21st John will turn eleven years old!  I am SO incredibly proud of the young man he is becoming.

  I want to treasure the time I have with this sweet child. 

Happy Birthday to my (not so little anymore) John!

 

 

 

Mindy

We are back!!!

Life has a way of becoming so overwhelming that something has to go...unfortunately back in April that meant blogging for me. 

I had kids going in different directions...and just life in general created chaos.  A good chaos, but none the less chaos!

We officially ended our school year today and my preschool is finished as of next week. These are two huge stresses off my plate!!! 

One thing I was determined not to let slip was making the kids homeschool video this year.  I will warn you that it is really long but it is important that one day they can see what their entire year looked like!

Here is the link to the video.  ENJOY!


http://youtu.be/7CjYEcpe3yM



Mindy