The Ringmaster/Magician was on "Saved By the Bell."

Riding "Woodstock Express" without Mom.  :(

Our Weekend

We had a fun weekend, ate too much food, and I paid for it!! Friday evening, we visited The Cone. I think that was my highlight of the weekend! I have lost over 7 lbs from surgery and I think I gained it all back that night!!

Saturday, we went to Kings Island after the rain ended. I mostly watched Matt and the kids enjoy the rides. I did ride a few, mild rides. We watched a different type of Circus/Magic Show. It was really loud which sent Mr. C's sensory issues into a tailspin, but Cinderella LOVED it! I was a big overzealous about walking around for 6 hours and literally PAID for it the rest of the evening. Ouch!!

Matt and his parents took the kids to their baseball awards picnic on Sunday. (I wasn't going to overdo it AGAIN.) They had fun with playing carnival games, winning prizes (see the Michael Jackson hat Mr. C is sporting?), and receiving their tropies. Their trophies are starting to pile up! I need to get a special shelf (or two) to display them. They discovered their friend from school was on another team and that they will play a game with him very soon due to rescheduled games due to heat.

All in all, it was a good weekend!!

Shelter will be rebuilt for Challenger league baseball team

Shelter will be rebuilt for Challenger league baseball team

Cinderella was on tv last night! Check it out!!

Brave One

My daughter rode this scary, adult ride last night! She knows how I feel about this ride and Matt refuses to ride it. A friend from church made an offer to ride it with her if they are in the park at the same time. Well, Matt took the kids last night and met up with B and they rode it together!! Apparently, Cinderella was talking to B the entire time on the ride! When she got off the ride, she was jumping up and down. I fear I am going to have one wild and crazy teenager on my hands in a few years! She is the most fearless 7 year old I have ever met!

Cinderella and Bella

I walked down to my niece's house to chat and Miss Cinderella wanted to come. She loves Bella (and well everyone on the planet does too!) and loves playing with her! I now have puppy fever!!

Bridal Party

Surgery Update

I am doing ok! The surgery went VERY long! I was wheeled into the OR at 1pm and the surgery was over around 5:30pm. I didn't completely wake up until 8pm. I was placed into my hospital room around 9:30pm Monday night and went home around 11am the next day. The first few days were rough, but each day, I am getting better! I ventured outside (in the 100 degree weather) for a few minutes today and have been walking around trying to get my strength back. I should be good as new in 4 weeks and I am so excited to be cured from an awful health problem that has plagued me since I was 16 years old!! I am so looking forward to getting healthy again and begin my new life!! Thank you so much for your prayers!!

Bridesmaids

I am in the center (second from left)!

Blog Break

I will be taking a blog break due to my surgery today. Hopefully, this break is just a week or so break. I appreciate prayers for a successful surgery and easy recovery.

The Wedding

The wedding was beautiful, elegant and simply emotional! Brittany was the most beautiful bride ever and had the wedding of her dreams! The reception was at the Oscar Center and it was gorgeous, the food was the best I had ever had at any wedding, and everyone did well going down the aisle.

A little wedding humor: The flower girls were told to drop the petals. Well, Cinderella took her job so serious and when she ran out of petals mid-way, she told people sitting in the pews "I ran out of flowers!" and then  proceeded to run down the aisle!! She also found it fun the twirl her necklace around her fingers during the ceremony. All in all, she did fine. She loved to dance at the reception and looked like a blonde doll in curls in her flower girl dress.

The hot pink Hummer limo ride was fun and it was the first time that Cinderella and I have ever been in a limo. Mr. C. was very well behaved during both the wedding and the reception. It was such a fun evening!!

In 3 days....

In three days, my beautiful flower girl will be getting married. In three days, I will be one of her bridesmaids and my daughter will be one of her flower girls. It has come full circle. I cannot believe that beautiful 8 lbs 3 oz baby that I held when she was less than an hour old is now almost 23 and is getting married. I have babysat her just about every weekend when she was a baby up through childhood. She's more like a little sister than a niece and I cannot wait to share in her joy on Saturday!! Love you lots Brittany!

Movie Day

Saturday, we took the kiddos to see "Brave." It was a great movie and very action packed! What I liked that it wasn't the typical, boy rescues girl type of movie. In fact, there was no prince in this movie!! Very cute movie and I highly recommend it!

What a day!

Yesterday, Matt had the day off unexpectedly, so we took our two children, plus our 4 nephews and niece to Kings Island. I have been wanting to conquer my fear so I rode Diamondback with my niece. It was awesome and scary all in one! I screamed so much that my throat was raw for a few hours!! We had a fun time despite the heat and the kids cooled off by running through the splash area in Planet Snoopy.

After resting, I went out my sister, niece, niece's cousin and sister's friend for a Ladies Night. We went to downtown Cincinnati for dinner at Montgomery Inn's Boathouse and then a horse drawn carriage through the city. We also saw a concert at Fountain Square and had yummy Graeter's Ice Cream. It was such a fun night of firsts for many of us!! Yesterday was such a nice distraction from a lot of stress and worry.

Lazy Days

We are enjoying a few "slower" days in the middle of some crazy busy weeks. Appointments, wedding prep, and visits with friends have made this week quite busy. Luckily for us, we have Wednesday and Thursday with lots of time during the day to rest. We enjoyed sleeping late today and staying inside due to the extreme heat that is expected. We are fully in summer mode now!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, grandfathers, and uncles!! My children's father is the best father in the world to them. He thinks of the kids before himself and always tries to take them to fun places as much as he can. It takes extra love to father special needs kids and he is one-of-a-kind!

Pool Playdate

Yesterday, I babysat Cinderella's friend E for the day and since we were adding children to the mix, we invited Miss T to join for a little pool fun. Poor Mr. C was very outnumber in the boy population, but I didn't think he seemed to mind! He adores Miss E much to E's dismay!

They swam, pretended to be everything under the hot sun, and then somehow a sprinkler, cup, water bottle, and spoon became apart of the fun.

All the kids had a great time and it was a great way to stay cool in this heat! Popsicles followed the fun.

She is growing up too fast!

Yesterday, we spent the evening at Kings Island. We saw a lot of friends and I saw some of my former students as well. We had just gotten off the Stunt Coaster Ride, when Cinderella saw the Vortex roller  coaster (that goes up really high and has loops and cork screws) she wanted to ride it. We were hesitant at first, but she kept on insisting so Matt took her on it while Mr. C and I rode a few rides.

My baby rode a HUGE roller coaster at 7 years of age! I just can't believe how brave or how old she is getting!! It was fun evening and I definitely needed a mental distraction yesterday. I am just loving summer!

Splish Splash

I bought a fun and very cheap pool the evening of my last day of work at school. The kids were thrilled! So, yesterday we set it up (very easy) and filled with water. After lunch, we tested it. Despite the freezing temps, it was so much fun! It is almost 2.5 feet deep and 8 feet in diameter.....perfect for a family of 4!

Cinderella enjoyed it so much that she stayed in for over 4 hours!! You'll also note her Ariel doll as she stated that mermaids need to swim too!

Wordless Wednesday - VBS

Honk, honk!

It was quite a long day for everyone. The kids were getting out of the bathtub after the first evening of VBS at church, when I heard a very loud honk. I look outside to see a bus coming down our little dead-end street. Instantly, I know who is driving that bus. Quickly, I dress Mr. C and we wait patiently for it to come back to pick us up.

Then it arrives and Mr. C could hardly believe his eyes when the doors open and his bus driver, Uncle Jerry tells him to hop aboard. Inside were lots of neighbors and family! We took a quick bus drive with dogs, kids, and adults alike.

Mr. C  LOVES buses! Besides pianos and 4 wheelers, it ranks up there in the top 3! He has several different little buses he keeps in his hands at all times. I guess his obsession began in Gatlinburg when he bought his first bus.

It was a fun ride and changed everyone's mood this evening!! Doesn't everyone have an uncle who owns a bus and takes you for a ride at 9:30pm??? Summer nights!!!

Fun Weekend

We had a lot of fun this weekend! Friday evening, Matt and I went out on another date thanks to his parents. The date was completely free with gift certificates to Longhorn Steak House, Graeters' Ice Cream (absolutely heavenly!) and shopping! It was nice to enjoy a restaurant without little hands and feet going everywhere!!

Saturday, I helped my sister get her house ready for my niece's Bachelorette Party. We decorated with her wedding colors. We also caught a glimpse of the floral bouquets that everyone will be using at the wedding. They are gorgeous!! We had a fun night with games, food, and much much more!! We made memories that everyone will definitely not forget!!

My niece styled my hair for the party. I will be wearing my hair in an updo with spiral curls for the wedding.
The wedding is now less than 3 weeks away. Wow!! It's going to be such a wonderful day!

Last Day of School

Today was the last day of school at my school. It finally arrived and although I am so very ready to start my summer vacation, I am so going to miss many students. The girls in my class were wonderful this year and as I was looking at them before I passed out the awards, I was getting very teary. I have only a year (9 months) with them to make an impact in their lives. Oh how I wish I made a difference! They are such a good group and I will so miss them!

As a way to celebrate the last day of school, we are going to head to Kings Island this afternoon and evening so I can blow off steam and have fun!!

I have to make the most of June so I have already planned some fun things for my kids and I to do!! Bring on SUMMER!

14 years ago today...

I married my best friend! I cannot believe it has been 14 years! Wow!! Life has thrown us quite a few curveballs and strikes, but we're still standing and I think that counts for something!

Pillow Reading Day

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Today was Pillow Reading Day in my classroom. Cinderella has been visiting our classroom for the past couple of school days. She has enjoyed meeting my class, eating summer birthday treats, and playing with my students. It's so cute because most of my girls swarm around her like bees on honey! She was the center of attention on the playground (and she was the only one out of dress code so she did "stand out.") She loved beach day and now Pillow Reading Day. She will be hanging out with Memaw tomorrow as I have a field trip off campus.

One week from tomorrow will be my last work day until mid-August. I so cannot wait!

Conversations wih Cinderella

We went out to dinner this weekend and while looking at the kid's menu, I had an interesting conversation with her. She saw a symbol + another symbol = answer and she exclaimed, "Look Mommy! An equation!" Wow! I didn't know she learned that in first grade this year!! She amazes me at least once a day with all that she can do despite having developmental delays!!

She is also spending a few days at my school and is enjoying things like Chapel and special fun days with my class. It has been great being able to spend time with her alone. This is the last week of school. It could not get here any quicker!!

One of those moments...

 We went to Kings Island tonight with my sister, niece, and niece's fiance. It was the first time I went with my sister and niece in YEARS! (Okay, I think the last time we went with them, Matt and I were dating or newly married so we are talking over 14 years ago.)

Jeremy (Britt's fiance) was the most popular person tonight and both kids wanted to hold his hand and ride the rides with him. Well, Miss Cinderella wanted to ride home in my sister's car and sit in the backseat with Jeremy. Cinderella states she isn't feeling well. Jeremy asks "Is she going to puke?" The moment after he said that she pukes in the car. At the time, it wasn't funny, but when we put her in our van, we all started to laugh. We're not sure why she is puking, but something is going on with her stomach so we will be taking her to the doctor to see if we are facing acid reflux or something else.

Tonight will definitely one of those moments that we won't ever forget....

AWANA Awards Ceremony

Last night, our church had their first ever AWANA award ceremony. All the children recited scripture and received awards for their participation in Awanas this year. My children were in the Sparks program for grades K-2. Mr. C will move up to T & T next year.

Memorial Day 2012

It's Memorial Day 2012! Time to honor those who fought for our independence! I hope everyone had a wonderful day filled with parades and cookouts!!

School is Out!

Wednesday was the last day of school for my children! I cannot believe summer has begun for them while I have over 2 more weeks to go. They brought home beach bags with TONS of summer activities/toys and food that their teachers bought for them. Each beach bag contained: bubbles, chalk, jump rope, popsicles, water balls, paper, markers, crayons, water balloons, snacks, bubble gum, and much more! Of course all of it was dumped on our floor plus all their school supplies from the year. Needless to say, it was quite a mess Wednesday night!

We went to Kings Island Friday evening and enjoyed short lines and fireworks as the park closed. Yesterday, we went to Indiana for a day at the farm. Today was more interesting as we had a cookout at a family member's home with sprinkler time and cartwheel demonstrations.

Tomorrow we are doing some household duties and another cookout is scheduled at Matt's sister's home. It has been quite the weekend with food and I hope I haven't gained 5 lbs. I'll need a big workout after this!!

Wordless Wednesday

Day 1 and Day 2

Here is what I ate on Sunday and Monday.

Sunday: Kashi Go Lean Cereal with 1% milk

            Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread. cucumbers and carrots

             Chicken Sandwich, salad with fat free ranch dressing

Monday:      Special K Vanilla Cereal with 1% milk

                    Turkey Sandwich with Kashi energy bar, 1 orange

                    Hamburger (plain), coleslaw (1/2 serving size) and cup of veggie soup

Exercise: jumping jacks, walking, pushups, sit ups, lunges, boxing.

Zumba will begin tomorrow!

And so it begins...

The past few days have been emotionally difficult for all of us, especially for my sister and her family. I haven't eaten well AT ALL. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but it is when there is a big wedding in 5 weeks and I need to fit into my bridesmaid dress.

Once reality was staring me in the face (dress), I knew that there were no more excuses. Starting yesterday afternoon, I have vowed to go low carb, organic (as much as possible), and begin my exercise. I started exercising today but started out slow. I did 40 jumping jacks, 20 push ups, 10 lunges, 60 boxing jabs and am getting ready to get my walk on as I head to Kings Island for a few hours.

I will begin posting what I am eating for accountability.

Stayed tuned!!

Heaven's Special Lady

Yesterday, a very special lady went home to be with the Lord. She was my niece's grandmother, my sister's mother-in-law, my brother-in-law's mother, and our next door neighbor. She was an amazing woman who loved to help others in need. She fought a hard battle with a terrible disease and now she is completely healed in Heaven with a perfect body and with her Savior. She will be greatly missed by many. Mr. C loved Brenda and always referred to her house as "Brenda's house." Heaven has gained a treasure although it is so hard for the family back here on Earth. Please pray for her family as they get ready to celebrate her life.

Happy Mother's Day!

I am incredibly blessed that God planned for me to be their mother. I would not have it any other way.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Another Fun Day

This was taken while we were eating lunch and hanging out before the kids' baseball team/individual photos. Afterwards, we headed to Kings Island. We had all of our nephews and everyone had a fun time riding the rides despite the big crowds!! We have already gone three times so we have already "paid" for the passes.

Cinderella was so excited to have her oldest cousin there to ride some rides with her. We have already noted that she is a coaster girl. She would rather ride coasters than the Viking ship or anything that goes in circles or spins. We also discovered that Mr. C. will assume that every ride is scary and will put his hands on his ears on EVERY single ride!! (He started this last year after riding Tower of Terror at Disney World!)

I thought this pic was so cute! We were waiting for the two big cousins and Matt to ride a ride and we were chilling and watching the Drop Tower. Mr. C and Cinderella love having their cousins come to KI with them!

The end is near

The kids have 9 days of school left. I have 18.5 days at my school and I can already feel summer is near! Although this summer will be different than any other summer I have had, I still will enjoy it. Days of KI, parks, and swimming!! It's almost here!

We have another weekend of fun planned with the kids' rescheduled game tonight, working on wedding invitations, baseball team pics, and another visit to KI. It will be less stressful and rushed than last weekend. And sleeping late (if Cinderella lets us) will be priceless!!

Bridal Shower

Brittany's shower went well and it was fun celebrating her soon-to-be marriage. The cake was all kinds of wonderful! There were some sad moments due to her grandmother being in very poor health, but the happiness outweighed the sadness. I can't wait to celebrate her wedding next month! I love that gal so very much!

What a weekend!

Friday evening, we went shopping and Miss Cinderella got to spend the night with her cousins for the first time. She loved it and of course loved to SHARE some funny comments with them.

Saturday morning, I was up and at them too early to finish shopping for the bridal shower. Then it was off to my friend's baby shower. Afterwards, we went to KI with the cousins and had a fun time.

Sunday morning dawned too soon and I helped my sister get Britt's bridal shower decorated and ready. Then we had to clean up afterwards. We just didn't make it to the birthday party due cleaning up. I was exhausted to say the least!!

The kids did remarkably well during their first game! Mr. C chased after 3 balls and Cinderella handled 2. They hit really well as well. Their game was cancelled tonight due to the field being a mess (kind of happy about this) and so they play again Friday night.

Here are a few pics of the weekend!

Crazy Busy Weekend Ahead

I won't be posting until this crazy busy weekend is over. Okay, Friday is Grandparents' Day at my school which is a big deal. Friday night I have to go shopping for my niece's bridal shower gift because I am a slacker. Saturday is my friend's baby shower. After the shower, we are going to Kings Island for the rest of the day.

Then comes jam packed Sunday. Church (possibly) and then it's Opening Day for baseball for the kiddos, then my niece's bridal shower and then a few hours after that is a birthday party that Cinderella is invited to. I think I am going to need Monday off to regroup, but I KNOW that is not going to happen!!