Finally...a note from me

I'm caught up! I had no idea how many pictures I had taken, but it was a LOT! It feels good to have the blog updated!

We have had so much going on lately in our lives that I have become a "binge" blogger I guess. I hope to be doing better soon. Some of you may not know that Jon has been in college for several months - 18 or so. Well, he is graduating in two weeks!!! He won't be completely done with his school, but he will be able to finally work a full time job - which God blessed him with recently by the way. It has gone by so fast in some ways, but slow in others. We have been through so many transitions in just the past few months life has just been pulling us along. I'm so thankful that he will be finished with the 'heaviest" part of the college classes soon and that he has started working.

The down side to that of course is that I am now losing my Mr. Mom - the one who picked up the kids at school, cooked dinner (most of the time), did the laundry, etc, etc, etc. He has really been a lifesaver for me in those areas. I can't believe how easily he took on the jobs in the first place, but it sure was nice coming home to dinner almost ready and laundry even halfway done....

So, thanks for all you did Jon! I'm so glad you have had the opportunity to go back to college to do what you love! I Love you!

I also want to say thanks to our family for bearing with us as we have gone through these crazy times. You have been super helpful when we needed you and understanding when we haven't had time to be around like we were in the past. We are looking forward to getting to spend more time with you all as things calm down. We love you all!

Caroline's 7th Celebration

Caroline chose to celebrate her 7th birthday by taking her BFF Maddie (and sister - after a little arm bending) to Bath Junkie in Hendersonville. The chose their scents and made lotion and soap...

Love that scarf...

Running to Brixx Pizza for dinner.

Again, the tooth. We need to pull it but it's such a big deal to her - she won't let me near her mouth. I have offered several bribes with no luck. We are seeing Dr. Wendy (dentist) next week, so hopefully it will come out by then...or maybe while we're there ;)

A Little Shade please...

Caroline at Gracie's soccer game last weekend. She forgot her sunglasses, and borrowed Mr. Jon's. I think she would look cute in anything! Gotta love that crooked tooth in her mouth...

More Stella

I love this pic of these two dogs! They're sharing a stick here - Gracie took their picture...

Stella

The girls conspired against me this year for their birthdays. They began telling Jon and me how Jonas is too big for them to walk and handle, so they definitely need a smaller puppy. As a result, we have a new puppy named Stella. Her name came from the TV show about the Jonas brothers, so the dogs' names "go together" Having her around has been much like having a new baby! She is so small that we all think she needs to be picked up and carried around all the time. She is adapting to our house well, and Jonas doesn't mind her biting her tail, ears, paws or anything else she can reach very much at all.

Easter 2010

We had our egg hunt at church this year just like when I was a kid ~ even the same place where I hunted! This is the group the girls were in for the day to hunt.

Andy (cousin), Gracie and Caroline

The golden egg winner - Maddie! What a cutie! I LOVE those curls!

This is probably my favorite picture of the girls from Easter Sunday! Mrs. Jenny made their dresses this year and I think they were perfect!

Gracie's 9th, Rock Climbing

Do I see a little fear in that face? Gracie chose rock climbing for her birthday. We took about 15 of her friends with us to a place called Climb Nashville. I booked the party site unseen and luckily it turned out to be really nice! Those were the tallest rock walls I have ever seen - probably around 30 feet tall - and the kids were wonderful! We even got a compliment on the way out about how well behaved they all were. I was proud of them.

I love this shot of Gracie just hanging out...

Blowing out the candle on her birthday cupcake.

Secret Prayer Pal Dinner

Gracie and Caroline have been participating in a secret prayer pal group at church. They've been having a great time giving and getting thoughtful gifts and cards for the past few months. March marked the end of this 'round' of gift giving, and we ended it with a formal dinner party. They loved getting dressed up for the night. Gracie is wearing a dress that was her cousin Alexa's, and Caroline got to wear a dress that is really special - her dad picked it out. I had sort of forgotten about it, but he chose it as Gracie's easter dress in 2006, the year he passed. Caroline was so proud to wear that dress - it brought tears to my eyes...just a little piece of her daddy that I could give her. Hopefully, all of those little pieces will be enough for her to know about him.

The Incredible Westward Movement

The girls were in the elementary play at school in February! I can't believe it's already April - almost May - and I haven't posted these pics yet! WOW! Gracie was a pioneer mom. She had several lines and sang a song in the play. I was so proud of her - she made it through all the lines and the song with no trouble at all.

Caroline was an indian. What a cute little indian if i do say so...she did great as well! She had lines and a song too. I think they had a great time in the play!

Jonas...

Gracie and Caroline LOVE this dog! She may actually be the best dog EVER! She sits on the couch here and watches all of us in the kitchen...

Caroline is letting Jonas pull her across the wood floor!

Good Dog!

It's been a while....again

Well, I obviously don't have time to publish blog posts on a regular basis.....I have great intentions, great pictures, and lots of thoughts to post, but not much time :)

I will be catching up soon. We have celebrated a birthday and Easter, and we have a new addition to the family to introduce. Details and pictures coming soon! Don't give up on me!!!