"OHHH, The Drama!!!!!!!!!"

When I started this blog this morning, I was going to post this first picture and talk about all the excitment of getting the twins registered for kindergarten. Little did I know what this day would actually entail. Long story short, Dillan came down with the croup last night, so I took her into the doc this morning to get her some meds. While we were there, we went over Caleb's chart as well. We were talking about what immunizations he was going to need since we are unsure about his health history. Doctor Bob then told me that he could go ahead and get the shots started today since we were already in the office. I asked if we could go ahead and get Dillan's kindergarten shots done as well. (Why not? Let's get it over with...). The nurse came in and the kiddos were being so brave. Dillan volunteered to go first...the nurse told her to sing her ABC's and then it would be all over. Yeah, right. MOMMY was the one belting out the ABC's over all the wailing and screaming. Of course, Caleb saw his sister being tortured and decided to book it out the door while Mommy was busy holding his sister down. I managed to grab him before he made it too far. He then proceeded to claw his way over my shoulder in pure panic (meanwhile Dillan is still lamenting her torture and the nurse looks close to passing out). I managed to pin Caleb down and sing another rousing rendition of the ABC's while he screamed bloody murder. Afterwards, the two of them hugged each other and sobbed for a good 5 minutes while the nurse and I went out for a stiff drink (I wish). THE DRAMA!!! All in all, not the way I had the day planned, BUT the kindergarten shots are over for now (at least for Dillan...we still have to take Caleb in for two more sets...). SO, eight shots later, two Happy Meals, two milkshakes, and a new movie, life couldn't be better! (sigh) I think Moms should also get special awards for days like these...seriously.

"School Performance"...

Charley was chosen to perform her talent show song over the intercom at school....this video clip is for you Gramma!

"We're Proud of You Charley!!!!"

Tonight Charley performed in her first talent show. She did such a great job and we were so proud of her. The principle came up to her after the show and asked Charley if she would sing her song over the intercom at school on Monday. Charley was very excited! Charley, we love you so much and are having a blast watching you experience new things. Can you do us a favor though and stop growing up so fast??????????



(Sorry about the video quality...time for a new camera!)

"Like Father, Like Daughter"...

Charley asked us the other day if we could take her training wheels off. The very next morning we came out to this scene....

"Fun Times"...

The other night, we went and checked out the new BMX course in town. Of course Justin had to try out his skills...

"Talent Show Update"...

Yeah! Charley made it in! If you're interested in coming, let me know and I'll get you a ticket...
She's so excited...

"Count Your Blessings"...

http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2008/04/11/impact.your.world.thai.cnn

I want everyone to take a few minutes to watch the above clip...
Remember to count your blessings...

"Mr. Ole"...

I know most of you out there think I'm probably pretty cheesy for loving a dog so much. I don't know what it is, but this dog has brought us so much joy already. Like I said, it's cheesy, but he's awesome (especially the way he sleeps on his back with his legs sticking straight up). I hope you are with us for many years Ole...

"And the Suprises Continue"...

Charley came home the other day and announced that she wanted to audition for her school's talent show. She said she wanted to sing a song. Much to my suprise, she said she wanted to sing, "You're a Grand Old Flag". WHAT? Of all the songs I thought she would want to sing, this one caught me off guard. Now, flash forward to yesterday at the auditions. As I watched my daughter run on stage and grab the mike, I was gripped with a sudden case of the nerves. I have performed most of my life and have always experienced a little stage fright. Imagine my suprise when I realized that watching my daughter brought on the worse case of nerves yet. Ahhhh, another joy of parenthood...wearing your heart on your sleeve.

Anyway, I watched my 7 year old daughter hop up on stage and belt out the best rendition of "You're a Grand Old Flag" that I have ever heard....WE COULDN'T BE PROUDER OF YOU CHARLEY!!!

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL"...

We sure do miss you! We pray that this birthday ROCKS! Have a tequila on us!!!

"Fashion Diva..."

Dillan's newest obsession....SHOES...

"Dear Anonymous"....

Didn't your parents teach you how to sign your name or did they always sign it for you???

"ARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!"

Ohhhhhh, I'm MAD. REALLY, REALLY, REALLY MAD. My "mother bear" instinct is in full affect. Watch out people....especially if your name is Mrs. U. My daughter had to put up with a bully substitute teacher today and came out of school sobbing. Tomorrow I get to experience my first official meeting with the principle. NO ONE yells and screams at my daughter and gets away with it. So watch out Mrs. U.....your teaching days are numbered....

"Fun with Ole..."

I'd have to say my favorite picture in this group is the one of Justin modeling the new "doggy purse" that Dillan gave me for my birthday. It takes a REAL man to carry a pink purse...YOU ROCK BABY!!! ;-) Charley meeting Ole for the first time...
The blanket made for Ole by his breeders...
Sexy man...
Going for a car ride...
Going to Walmart... Snoozin...

This movie clip is cute too. I love hearing Caleb laugh like this...

"He's Home!!!"

More pictures soon...

"34 Blessings..."

Wow...34 years old. How did this happen??? Whoever came up with the saying that "time flies when you're having fun" wasn't kidding.

In honor of my 34 years in this life, I have come up with a list of 34 ways I have been blessed. Here goes...

1. A loving Savior whose mercies are new every morning...

2. An incredible man who has held and continues to hold my hand in the good times and bad...

3. A family of my own...

4. My beautiful Charley Dawn who amazes me with her gifts and tender spirit...

5. My little man Caleb Xion who has taught me so much about love...

6. My spunky Dillan Reigh who has brought me so much joy and laughter...

7. A Mom and Dad who continue to love the Lord and each other...

8. My brother Dave and his family who bring encouragement and laughter to me...

9. My brother Jon and his family who continue to amaze me with their strength...

10. My sister Joia who grows more beautiful in spirit and body everyday...

11. A beautiful home...

12. A great education...

13. Amazing students throughout the years...

14. The healing power of music...

15. So many wonderful friends...

16. Coffee...

17. Rain...

18. Naps...

19. A wonderful childhood...

20. Peace that surpasses all understanding...

21. Freedom...

22. Bubble baths...

23. The ability to read so many great books...

24. The influence of many great mentors...

25. Chocolate...

26. The power of prayer...

27. Flowers...

28. In-laws who love me for who I am...

29. A loving, extended family all over the country...

30. The gift of creativity...

31. Never being truly alone...

32. Sunsets...

33. Running water, dishwasher, washer and dryer, telephone, computer, television, etc...

34. 34 amazing years in this life...

"Charley's School Dance Night..."

Charley's school has an annual "dance night." Friends and family are invited to come and watch the students perform all the dances that they have been learning for the past few weeks in gym and music class. Here is a little clip of Charley's class...

"Fun New Haircut..."

One of the hip hop teachers at my studio is getting his degree in cosmotology. As part of his training, he cut my hair today and did a great job. He wanted to do something a little different and "edgy". It will take me awhile to get used too, but I think it will be fun...

"Great Weekend..."

This past weekend the kiddos and I headed up to Denver (J was on a business trip). Saturday my little sis and I were able to spend the ENTIRE day at the mall together ....WHOO HOO!!! We had a great time trying on clothes, shoes, jewelry, and trying to locate the nearest restroom. We were able to have some much needed "sister talk" and ended the day watching a great, although sad, movie.

Sunday, we were able to join mom and dad at church and the kids enjoyed having Uncle Dave and Aunt Christina as their sunday school teachers. According to Caleb afterwards, Uncle Dave taught him some interesting facts...one of them being the fact that God has special "fairies" that help him do his work. What are you teaching him Dave??? (We keep trying to tell Caleb that those fairies are actually ANGELS, but he is insistent that they are fairies...) LOL

After church we went to Christina's baby shower and enjoyed some good times with her family and friends. She got so many cute clothes and SOCKS for the newest baby boy. It was a great time and we're praying that the baby comes soon so that Christina can have some relief!

That night, Mom, Joia and I went to the "SHE" conference there in Denver. For those of you who don't know what this is, I HIGHLY recommend it. Here is a link you can follow to find out more info...
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/rebecca.st.james.hosts.she.conference./7460.htm

What a great weekend! I am blessed to have such a wonderful family. Love you all!!!

Joia and I on our "sister's day out"
Trying on some fun stuff...
Fun new shoes!
Beautiful Christina at her baby shower...
One of our many attempts to get a good picture...

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!"

Happy birthday today to my beautiful mother...Love you so much!!!