Good bye Summer:(

Who said school could start!? I feel like we barely had a summer:( and that's with starting later then planned! We begin our year on August18th. I just saw last year evaluations that I forgot to mail out so those went out today and I started reviewing all of my curriculum this week. I think?? its going to be a good year. I am exciting about a new math for Colin and Taylor and a science class that Taylor will be taking. Colin is going to be taking History with Kristen this year I am going to be teaching Katelyn grammar:) It should be fun! Mix in Lauren doing some pre-k stuff and Sadie demanding my time and attention and how could this not be a fantastic time;) Besides the little girls having a bit of a stomach thing everyone is doing well. Taylor has had her last of "I just had major back surgery" excuses and has gotten pretty much back in the swing of things. She is doing so well! we are squeezing the last bit of lazy summer days out, the sleeping in is getting put to a stop and hopefully the thoughts of organization and schedules will keep me motivated as we say goodbye to Summer...

Taylor's doing well:)

For those of you who may have read this in email for another blog...Oops! So sorry I meant to update this blog not your homegroup's! :) Can I blame the lack of sleep?? Just thought I would update everyone...Taylor is doing very well. She is recovering at a rapid rate, she is walking and sitting with no help (now getting up is another story;) she had her first outing in the wheelchair last night, Jonathan and I used several movie passes that we have had for a while to treat the kids to a movie. We saw "UP" and they loved it! I cant fathom how people go to the movies with a large family...I didn't have to pay anything out of pocket but with 5 of us a large popcorn and 2 drinks we would have had to spend 58.50!!! Yes you saw that right almost $60.00! Unbelievable!Besides Taylor's skin being very sensitive to the adhesive and meds. she is really doing so well.In other exciting news, Lauren Pooped on the potty today!!! Although she has been in panties for months now she refused to go number 2 actually in the potty...she did so well otherwise but we have had such trouble getting her to obey ALL the way:) but tonight on her own (which is yet another story;) she went to the bathroom and afterwards found me and lead me by the hand to show off her accomplishment. Oh what delight I had to see pooped...I know but if you only knew what a struggle this has been!!! :) Because it was late tonight when it happened we are celebrating with pink cake and icing tomorrow as promised when this event finally happened! I pray this is the beginning of less disciplines and no accidents.Thank you again for all your care and love for us and Taylor, we so appreciate all of you and are so thankful that God is healing our daughter.

Tomorrow's the day....

I can't believe its almost here...tomorrow's the day. Taylor's surgery time got moved up by an hour so we need to arrive at the hospital at 5:30! She will be in the operating room about 7 hours. Please pray that we all get a good night's sleep and we have a smooth morning leaving. Taylor has had a few special times with some friends these past couple of days, has learned to shave her legs, (quite an experience;) has gone canoeing, been to the beach and is growing up alot...she has had to have more faith in her God then ever before. Its been neat to see her grow in more ways then one these past few weeks. God has continued to be faithful...and has shown it in mighty ways. Please continue to pray for her (and us if you think of it) thank you again for all your thoughts, prayers and care...

13 days...

Until Taylor has major back surgery...Its been 5 years of waiting and watching, and lots of praying. Well God has definitely been faithful to protect Taylor and mend her in some ways but though His infinite wisdom has decided that surgery is our only option to fully correct Taylor's spine. She will have two steel rods fusing her spine together that should need no adjustments and will straighten her back good as new:) We go in on June 29th to Arnold Palmer and will remain there for about a week. Please pray for her as you think of it and for the other kiddos who will be distributed;) Last time we only had little Colin so this time were adding 2 girls who like their mama...Taylor is doing great with the news and doesn't seem fearful in the slightest. We go next week to get blood work and preliminary tests and such. Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers...

I love Pasta:)

Is there any more in there?

Let me see??

Yay! Still some more mommy:)

My Mimi...

We planted a Rose bush in honor of my Papa, after my Mimi was on her knees crying at the Lowes nursery they was no question that we would be in the garden that day:) I miss my Papa... Mimi wanted to make Jonathan a cheesecake, something she said she wouldnt make after Papa passed away, but something in her heart melted for Jonathan (He really is a sweet guy;) and she decided that we would have to make one! After my mom got generic ingredients and they made one, it wasnt to Mimi's liking, "You have to have name brand!" so we made another one, it was much better:)

It's been crazy...

No, Seriously...CRAZY! But I wanted to try to catch up a little bit. I feel like that's all I've been doing is playing catch up. Here's installment number one, Sadie's First Birthday! Wow! A year has really gone by fast and yet it seems like forever. Enjoy the pictures and perhaps I will have another post for you tomorrow:)

More catching up...

So This really was one of the easiest "parties"...the girls really just entertained themselves, I still got laundry done this day:) That was in part due to Taylor's help! Happy Birthday Princess Lauren...We absolutely Love You, how couldn't we you would yell at us if we didn't!

Trying to catch up...

Taylor is 12! Can you believe it?! I barely can. We celebrated her day low key this year and just had a seafood dinner upon her request and ended the night with gifts and cupcakes. She is maturing everyday (little at a time;)and I so look forward to seeing God's plan for her life. Taylor, we love you!!!

Papa...

We have been back and forth to Jacksonville this last week visiting family and saying Goodbye to my Wonderful Papa. He was sent to the Hospital last week and sadly never got to go back home...his earthly home that is. He joined Christ in heaven this morning at 6:45 with my mama holding his hand as he passed. He only recently accepted Christ (that we know of) and we were able to have peace knowing where he was headed. My Mimi and Papa were happily married for 62 years, he loved her with an unselfish love that I respect and want to emulate. He was the very best Papa and gave so much away. What a joy it is to think of him dancing before the throne of Christ. Please continue to pray for my extended family, especially my Mimi, she is one with a broken heart.

Just had to say it....

I have a wonderful husband. I love you Jonathan!

What we have been up to you ask??

How about Puke, Poop, and bleach. That pretty much sums up the last week or so. I know; disgusting but its reality people, and with 4 kiddos and a stomach bug carried straight in from the devil it wasn't pretty. I am not sure what is worse, everyone getting it one by one and lasting for days or if it came all at once. I am sure both have its negatives and negatives;) Anyways, do to God's grace and that He didn't want me to go completely insane, everyone is feeling much better and after 2 weeks of barely any school (what do you do when the teacher is out and she doubles as the sub?) we are attempting to get back on track. I pray for anyone who encounters this demon bug...no I am being serious...it was horrendous. Sorry there are no pictures with this post I will leave those out along with the details of the past couple of weeks;) In the mean time check out this website http://www.boutiqueforaweek.net/ I am signed up and cant wait to get rid of clutter and make some money doing it:)