Let Freedom Ring!!

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

We hope you enjoy your day and stay safe!

Here at Melanies Mania will be calm and quiet - because my little maniacs don't care for the fireworks. Now don't get me wrong, I did buy a few small packs to light off, because every year I hope and pray that this will be the year that my kids enjoy them... But not likely.

So be safe and enjoy your day!!

Oh and go check out the IDSC on facebook! They are featuring my sweet boy today! As seen above!

Blessings and love!

A lazy Saturday...

Today has been one of those days. A lazy Saturday.
While everyone else is outside being active - going to the beach, mowing their lawn, playing baseball, going for a jog - we are home playing.
I got no chores done, other then the menial homeschooling and meal making.
We played. All day.  Inside. and Outside.
And it was glorious.

I even got my Aspie to join in on the wrestling fun. As I blew raspberries in my sons ear, she was tickling his arm. When I ran around the couch pretending to chase my other son, she sat back and laughed, a gut chortling laugh, one that makes you throw your head back and laugh yourself. As we sat and ate lunch together, my daughter explained to me how her week has been great at school and how much she loves to play kick ball, while my boys hungrily munched on their boxed pizza and fruit snacks. My son showed me how he could fit a million toys into his knapsack, and my other son showed me how his truck made honking sounds. We all discovered together just how many times we could throw a ball into a bucket, and we cheered each other on when one of us made it in. We made popcorn and made a mess eating it. We ran outside to check on the growth of our newly sprouted seedlings and we brought them into the sun....

This is "that time".
You know that time that you want to go back to when your child has drawn on the wall. Or that time when you are so depressed you feel like you cant go on. Or that time you are so angry, you feel like your head could spin round.  This is that time that you go back to. And you smile.

Because you know...

You have done something RIGHT as a parent.

You created a memory. One that will hopefully last until your children are parents. And they sit back and tell their children about a time when Mom took an entire day and played with them. On their level. And there was laughter. And there was happiness.

Isn't that what life is all about? Those small seemingly meaningless moments that actually mean so very much?

Well I know it didn't mean much to them now. It was just mom playing and having a stuffed animal pillow fight or listening to their day or just trying to keep them busy. But it meant the world to me. As I sit here blogging, staring at the aftermath of my torn apart living room, I smile.

A warmth fills me up and a small giggle escapes my lip. (Because for one, I know my husband would have a heart attack if he saw this room). But you know what I see? I see one boy sitting on the couch with his "night night" blankie relaxing after a hard days play, I see another boy sitting quietly on the couch with his toy animal watching television, and I see a daughter snacking on a granola bar, satisfied with her life.

Thats it folks. That is my idea of what my heaven will be. Because it really cant be better then this can it?

This is me and this is my life and this is where I am. And you know what? I am still smiling.

Happy Saturday folks!

We hope you like Jammin too!

My son Dakota is pretty amazing. He has some awesome talents.

He can contort his body in ways no man ever should. He is super flexible and can fold himself in half. I mean, THAT is talent my friends!

He can stick his tongue out further then any human I have ever seen! Gene Simmons has nothing on him!

His voice can penetrate many decibels inaudible to human ears! I mean he is LOUD!

He has this uncanny ability to make friends where ever he goes. I mean people are just drawn to him!

But of all his talents I must admit his ear for music is astounding.
He LOVES to sing... ( at the top of his lungs.)
And he loves to dance... ( shake it!)
But most of all he loves to make music... ( NOISE).

For Christmas we were able to score him a bunch of musical stuff. Which included a cool roll up Key Board, a harmonica and a musical guitar. He has been tooting his harmonica for a few days and busts out the key board on occasion. But on this particular day he had his guitar out. And was singing.

What is greater on this earth then a man and his guitar? When he gets a little older I am going to put him in some sort of musical instrument lessons. I am praying it is guitar! :)

I have ZERO musical ability. None. Zilch. I can only hope at least one of my children will be able to woo me with their song of their soul!

Eh, heres to hoping :)

Merry Christmas from Melanie's Mania

We wish you a merry Christmas!

Here is a quick view of how we spent our day!
We hope you enjoyed your friends and family as much as we have!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!


Christmas Eve night....

And the children were nestled all snug in their beds...

My family at my moms...

My Family at my moms for Christmas Day

Our awesome moustache gifts!!

We moustache you a question!

My Faith - 31 days of Joyful Blessings

Welcome!

Today starts 31 days of Joyful Blessings, where I will be sharing with you the blessings that have changed my life...

I cant possibly start off this journey with out naming #1 most important factor in my life: My faith.

Here is my story:

I grew up in a catholic family, I went to catholic schools. But I never really knew what it was about. I never really took it seriously. I hated going to church - it was so boring. I just went and "existed".  I sang the hymns, I stood, kneeled and sat when supposed to. But there was never any feeling in it. And then my mom got into a horrible relationship. I feel like my life took a sharp left. He abused her... bad... and I watched. I felt like God wasn't there. He wasn't watching over us. He was letting my mom die inside. I hated it, and I hated Him for allowing it. I didn't understand there was a bigger plan working.
Sometimes I like to look back and think, wow, look at what we over came! Its astounding sometimes.
I lived my life as an atheist for a very long time. I had heated battles against Christian friends. And felt like I won them, because I shut them up, they always stopped arguing. But I didn't realize then, that I didn't win and they didn't stop because they had no more to say. I learned that sometimes, as a Christian - you have to digress. I know and understand that now.
Back in 2008, I was going through a very tough time. Financially, mentally, physically. I felt like a no one. A nothing. My husband was out of work. We were so poor. We were about to lose our apartment, we had no food, our electric was getting turned off. We were in a bad spot. I was fighting with my mom, my boyfriend, my kids. This is not where I thought my life was headed. I was so depressed. I thought, if I leave maybe everyone will be happy...
I turned on my internet to check my email to turn on a vacation response, as it was getting shut off the next day, and there was an email from a  friend.  It was simple, just a few words..

"Was thinking of you and felt that I should ask you to come to church."

Keeping in mind, this person never emailed me. We talked on the phone, saw each other in person, but never emailed. Keeping in mind that this person has asked me to church a million times since high school, and stopped asking years ago... Keeping in mind this is the person I would argue faith about all the time.

I laughed at the email and shut off the computer. I started at the screen for a while. and my laughter turned into tears. My boyfriend came out and asked what was wrong. I asked him if he wanted to go to church. He said, "Sure"

I turned back to the computer screen, took a deep breath and turned it back on. I hit reply and entered - Yes. and hit send.

We attended church that Sunday and I didn't burn up in flames! ( I joked about this for months)
Something stirred in me. I cried. A lot.  I felt my burdens and shame leave.

We went back again and again. The first Sunday in June, we attended as usual and the Pastor had spoke his prayer to recommit ourselves to the Lord. I spoke it in my heart and on my lips. And then he asked for those who spoke it - to stand up and profess it to the world. I was thinking NO WAY am I standing up in front of all these people!!  He was scanning the crowd, people were standing left and right. Then the Pastor looked right at me. I felt his eyes burning in my soul! How does he know???  I still sat, he went through the crowd some more, and as he started to look back my way - the Lord gave me a not so gentle push. I jumped out of my seat like a rocket. My Pastor acknowledged me and I collapsed in my seat in a bundle of tears. All the weight of the world left me that day. And I have never felt the same.

Even as hard as it gets, I will never be the same.

As for the rest of the story?

My boyfriend, L.J. and I went to the church for financial help. And we got way more help then that. An associate pastor, agreed to marry us - FREE. In a few weeks!
Marriage! YIKES!!!
His only request was that L.J. live separately from us until the wedding, as God intended it to be. To show we were serious about our commitment.
And we did.
L.J. lived in a place called Calvary house for a month.
We got married December 21, 2009, at my step dads restaurant. In front of family and friends. and of course... God, Himself.

I got a new life that year. Jesus wiped my slate clean with the spilling of his blood a long time ago. But I never felt the impact until then. I never felt thankful until then.

I cannot wait until the day we go to our real home. In heaven.
Wont you join me there?
Its never too late!

A glimpse of a Sunday Morning...

My Morning:

Making my boys breakfast (waffles) I was singing away in my kitchen... I gave them some strawberry milk while they waited for the waffles. They sat and watched me as I sang and danced my heart away ... Between lyrics I would kiss one boy and then the other...

After The waffles were done and the boys were eating, I made my cup of coffee and sat down to enjoy thier company... here is how it went.

D - Mom 
Me - What honey

D - Mom
Me - What babe
D - Mom
Me - Yes, dakota, what is it.
D - boo boo boo boo ( this means potty)
Me - do you need to go potty?
D - no
Me - ok
E - Mom
Me - What Eli
E - blah blah inaudible blah
Me - Wow really that is awesome!
E - Mom
Me - What baby
E - done
Me - you are done already? I just sat down
E - Fusses and cries
Me - Ok I will let you down
D - ( pushes his plate) All done
Me - Sigh, ok boys nice having breakfast with you

Then - They both got down and cuddled on the bench I was sitting on grabbed their breakfasts and started eating, one boy under each of my arms. Oh man, this is heaven! I love them!!

~Blessings to all on this day! Thank you Jesus for my babies...

Sky and LJ are still snoozing by the way so they missed out - especially on my awesome singing!! ;)

Independence Day! No injuries!

We survived Fireworks, with no injuries!
Sky was at her Dad's for the night, so we just had the boys.
I was feeling hungry festive, so I ran to the store to grab some stuff for cheese cake with berries...

And while we were eating, I felt bad that we hadnt purchased fireworks for the boys. But I knew the noise bothered Dakota and I wasnt sure how Eli would do. I did recall having sparklers somewhere...

So I searched under my kitchen sink, where all Sparklers should be stored properly.

I found a few packs. Wahoo.

After the boys had baths we brought them out to the porch barefoot, because every boy should go to bed with dirty feet.

I lit one over the gate to make sure it wouldnt explode from age.

I lived.

So I asked Dakota if he wanted to hold it. I saw the fire burning in his eyes! I handed it to him, explained it was hot. He grabbed it in one hand and went to grab it with the other, Dear Heavens!  So I had to help him hold it and hold his other hand away. Then he tried to lick the sparks. Dear Heavens, whose idea was this?

Then it was Eli's turn.

I handed one to him. He wanted it BAD! But he is too quick, so he had to make due with me helping him. He, too wanted to hold it with both hands... Sigh!

All in all, they loved the sparklers. No one got hurt. Everyone had fun.

And everyone was also in bed by 9pm.

I hope you all had a safe and fun Independence day!

I leave you with our photos of the night!

Baby Celebration for Teagan

So at first glance at the invitation, I thought... What is a baby celebration?? Why not just say shower?

Well I have this totally awesome friend who asked us NOT to bring gifts, but just prayers. And to come to celebrate the life growing inside her.  See, her baby was diagnosed with HLHS. Or an easy term, a broken heart. My friend wanted to chance to celebrate her baby, before... well, before the bad stuff comes.  But what I think she doesnt realize, is just how many of us are out there praying for her and baby Teagan. And our God, well... He is a miracle maker! So I am excited to see the plans he has for their family!

If you are interested in keeping up with her blog or finding out more info on HLHS or her growing family (this is baby Number 8 -or 9 if you count her step daughter!)...

Check out her blog here: YES! They are all Mine!

I wanted to share a few snap shots of this celebration, as we had a HOT   SWEATY   ATE LIKE A PIG GREAT time!

First off, I have to give a shout out to Faithful Cake Creations for making this astounding cake! I mean seriously, look at the little baby foot pushing out! How cute is this!!

We had a great time, with a few mishaps... Dakota hauled butt for the playground, without telling us, right after I took this pic:

Eli had a good time too, as usual. He ate a bunch and then went on the swings with some of our friends! He always looks so serious, but I swear he had fun! He cant wait to meet Teagan to see if they "hit it off"! Wink Wink!

We hope you had a great weekend! I know we sure did! It seems like it is never a dull moment here! Stay tuned for more fun and adventure...

What soccer has taught me so far

Yesterday was Dakota's second soccer practice.

I went hesitantly because he didn't do so well the last time.

This time they gave Dakota 2 special helpers. We know this couple. The husband is an elder at our church and once counseled my husband and attended our wedding. I was so relieved they were going to be working with him. They have seven children. None with special needs. I knew Dakota was about to change their lives. I even mentioned that very comment to my husband. Little did I know God had bigger plans that day.

As I watched Dakota having cooperative and not so cooperative moments, I had to smile. Simply because he hadn't run for me, not even once. There were a few times, my husband and I wanted to run for him. But we withheld and watched. As I was taking photos the Head coach of the entire organization had come over to speak with me.

My heart sank. I thought to my self, Oh no. Its just not working out, I just know it.

These are some of the words he spoke:

I am so glad to have Dakota on our team. I am so glad you let him come back to try again.

I set him up with an elder from our church. He will do great with Dakota.

I can see Jesus, in Dakota's smile.

I feel led to work with him.

Usually I am a floater and run with every team, but I feel pulled to lead Dakota's team.

So I will be personally working with him this year.

I just KNOW Dakota is going to change my life.

And I cant wait for that. You are very blessed.

And with that, my eyes watered holding back tears.

My husband walked back over and I explained to him what the coach had just said to me.

And at that moment, in the middle of the crowded soccer field there was an opening. Dakota and his two helpers were standing there and the head coach got on his knee and stretched out his hands for a hug. Dakota ran the 6 or so yards into his arms. And I. LOST. IT. It was a magical moment between the two. I was wrong about who's life was going to change. And if it changes the coach's or not I don't know. But it definitely changed mine.

I have always known how special Dakota is. But sometimes I forget, just HOW special Dakota is.

I think this soccer thing is gonna work out after all. I can just feel it.

Thank you Lord for putting your hand on my shoulder and telling me its going to be okay. Continue using me as your vessel and allowing my family to change others, to show others. I am A-Okay with this job in life! The rewards are soooooo worth it!

I am officially a soccer mom!

Welcome Eli Simpson Merritt!

March 7th 2011

I went to the doctors for my weekly check on the baby's progress. I was in bad pain, my back ached badly, I was having leg cramps and I had sciatica. I was hoping they would send me straight to the hospital. Dr. Javate was the doctor there that day. He was my fave! He said Wednesday that he would induce me and deliver. SOLD! Since I was already 100% effaced and 2cm dilated, I was ready!

March 9th, 2011

7:00am
Off to St Pete General. Got induced.
During the next few hours, several interns came in and asked if they could watch the birth. I give them permission. I could care less.

1:45pm
I am ready to push. Dr Javate shows up, interns are in place.
PUSHING...
Intern steps in to deliver. I think it was his first delivery. LJ says he was shaking to death.
Eli's head gets stuck. Finally it comes out. Eli's shoulder gets stuck.
PAIN
PAIN
PAIN

2:08pm
Eli Simpson Merritt is born.
He is bruised form getting stuck and he is BIG. Its finally over. He is here.
HAPPINESS

8lbs 12.7oz and 20 1/2 inches

I am in love, again.
He is beautiful!

I start breastfeeding immediately. Then after an hour they rush me off to get my tubal litigation. No more babies for this factory.

5:30pm
When I get down there they pump up my epidural with some heavy meds. And I go under the knife awake.
OH MY GOSH
I FEEL IT.
Mad rush from the nurses, thing on my face," breathe deep " is the last thing I heard, they knocked me out.
Wake up an hour later.
WHERE IS MY BABY?!?!
She is awake.

7:00pm
Sent me back up to my room. I have no idea which way is up. I feel confused and lost.
All my visitors went home. LJ and Dakota were left. Hugs and kisses and they left too.
Just me and Eli. Onward with the breastfeeding.
PAIN
CRAMPS
PAIN


Having babies is NO fun.
But the end result is SOOOOO worth it...

Mommy loves you Eli!

Tampa Bays Annual BUDDY WALK - Raising Awareness for Down Syndrome

This is our 6th Year attending. This is our 4th Year winning a trophy for our shirts. YAY! We got first place this year. God gave me a mind of a genius, haha, just kidding. But he did deliver the idea to me and I ran with it.

So, the idea behind the shirt?

Dakota is going through this "thing". When he gets over stimulated he has these episodes. These episodes look very similar to seizures. We only know they are NOT seizures because we had him tested. Twice. His body stiffens his eyes roll back and he looks, well, just weird. We have gotten pretty used to them. but they happen everywhere, while I am grocery shopping, while we are dining out, when we are visiting friends, when we are at playgrounds. And people stare. They stare HARD. Some of them point and whisper. Some of them look appalled. It makes me feel like a circus freak show. And it isn't fair to my child. And I so badly want to walk up to them and say QUIT STARING, JUST ASK! Ask me what my son has, don't ask me what is wrong with him.
So, that saying, made it to the front of the shirt. IN Very Large PRINT. So those who stare can read it clearly. And on the back, are some of the top things I get asked, when they do ask.

Yes, Dakota has Down Syndrome
No, it is not a disease.
Yes, he is handicapped.
No, he is not retarded.
Yes, he is a sweet boy.
No, he is not sweet all the time.
Yes, we are very blessed.
No, we have no regrets.

You would be amazed at what people have come up and said or asked me. And my son is only 5. Imagine the people who have children with Down Syndrome who are much older. They have had many more years to be offended. When I told a few people about the design for this year, they said, "Well aren't you afraid of offending people?" UMMMM, Are they NOT offending me by staring?? Hmm, just saying...

So, this year we had a minor dilemma with our shirts. The woman who usually does them for us - cancelled. Which was not really a big deal, until it came down to crunch time and I had no idea what I was going to do.

This is when the Good Lord stepped in. Thank you Heavenly Father, I love you !!

An old friend of mine, with whom I haven't spoken to in over 6 years, popped up on my facebook. Saying he wanted to help. Wouldn't you know this man orchestrated a whole deal to get us shirts and have them paid for. He found people who didn't even know our family or know about Down Syndrome, or know about the Buddy Walk, to just donate money. Thank God for having people like that still out there. So a big shout out to all those who assisted us in our shirts this year!

The shirts came out awesome, but do you know what is more awesome??
Dakotas Dream Team DOUBLED in size this year!

Look at us all! What an impact we made! All of these peoples hearts have been softened to Dakota and the Down Syndrome cross he has to bear! How glorious!

If it weren't for all the people in this picture, I do not know how I would survive. They are AMAZING friends through and through! Thank you all for supporting us!

My Grandparents even came! They had just drove all the way down from Massachusetts, the previous night, Were exhausted, but still managed to make it bright and early the next morning! Thanks Nana and Papa L.

People say Ignorance is Bliss. But its really not. Its shameful. You know what is bliss??

Having Dakota in my life.

Thank you God for choosing me to be his mom. I wont let You down!



UPDATE: We made it into the Clearwater Gazette!
http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20101014/buddy.html
Check us out!

It's a ..... BABY!

Yesterday, October 4th, L.J. and I found out the sex of our baby.

Here is what happened - you know it wasn't just as easy as that, right?!?!

L.J. had to work that day, so my mom got to go with me. She says, " I am so excited I could pee my pants." Yes, she really did say that. Yes I really was embarrassed! We went to the imaging place, because my doctors office doesn't do it there. The nice woman who did the sonogram was so kind. Especially with my mother there jumping around like she had ants in her pants. She told me as I laid down that I am not far along enough, and she may not be able to tell the sex. UGH, disappointment, as this is the only sonogram my insurance will pay for. I told her, " I will seriously have a melt down on this table, please try hard!" Then, I added, " No, seriously, I am not kidding." So she is looking around and says, " Ugh, the umbilical cord is in between its legs, I wont be able to tell." UGH, disappointment. So, she gets a call. She says she has to take it because some important stuff was going on. When she got up, I looked at my mom. I took my hand and mushed and pushed and poked my belly. Please, baby, cooperate! She came back from her call, and tried one more time. AHA, she says. Aha, what?!?!?!

Sono Tech: "I see it"
Me: See what????
Sono Tech: I see it!
My mom: OMGosh!
Me: WHAT?!?!?!
Sono Tech: Its a penis!
Me: Praise The Lord!
Mom: ~crying~
Me: ~Tears of Joy~
Mom: I KNEW it!
Me: YESSSSSSSSSS
Sono Tech: Its def a boy!

So there we go...

L.J. and I are having a BOY!

His name will be Eli Simpson Merritt

Eli, because we wanted something biblical, and because of my Mom of course, Elizabeth.
Simpson, because my Dad has no boys, and we wanted to honor him and my grandfather by passing down the name.

Well, Eli, it was so nice to see you. I cant wait for you to see me.

Oh also, they upped my due date to March 10th, because he was measuring big. They said he was measuring 17 weeks and 4 days. I thought I was 16 weeks and 3 days. Interesting. Either I am having a huge baby, or I was further along then I suspected.

So there ya have it!
It's a boy!

Birthdays Birthdays Birthdays!

August is filled with birthdays for my family! Including Dakota's and Mine.
This month has been hard for us financially, LJ hasn't had much work recently. But we aren't sinking... YET! So we opted for Dakota's birthday to just have dinner at Mom's, where we combined my brother, Zach and Dakota's birthday parties together! My brother is now 19 ( OMG) and Dakota is now 5 ( Are you kidding me?).

This is crazy to me, because I remember Zach being born like it was yesterday! Lets relive it, shall we.

Mom and I were moving from an apartment to a house. Mom grabbed a way too heavy box to put in the back of the car. Mom screams a blood curdling scream, I thought she saw a cockroach so I jump in to the back of the car saying, "WHAT?!?!?!" She says, " My water broke." OMG. What do we do, what do we do! We drive to the nearest hospital, Suncoast. She gets checked in, my Aunt Cathy comes racing down to be with us. Me and my Aunt pace back and forth in the room trying to remain calm, I am only 13. Mom asks me to check under the sheet, she feels like the baby is coming out. I obey. I lift sheet, I see a head, I freak out! I bolt! I run up and down the hallway looking for a doctor, nurse, janitor, whoever! Run back in room, I saw no one. Aunt Cathy pulls it together and helps deliver baby, I run back into hallway freaked out, found doc and he finished it up. What the heck just happened here!! Zachary Taylor was born on August 15th 1991. I was so excited to be a big sister! He was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life! Even if he did look like a raccoon! He had blackened eyes from being stuck 'down there' for so long. But he was precious! And I love him! He will always be my biggest little brother!

Fast forward a few years to 2005. Dakota Lee Merritt was born August 14th, shall we relive it? Sure!

Went to Zachs birthday party at Holiday Inn Sunspree, In St Petersburg. Swam around for a while and complained of Braxton Hicks for hours. Decided to go home, wasn't feeling well. I drove. All the way home. With what I thought was Braxton Hicks. Yeah. So we get home get Sky in bed, Everyone was sleeping. 3am. I sit straight up in bed, its time. I am in intense pain. Went to bathroom. Water hadn't broke yet. So I called the doc. He says I am not ready yet, I say I am. He says if I go to the hospital they will just send me home. I didn't listen. LJ and I packed up and headed out. Dusty was staying with us so he stayed home with Sky. Got to the hospital went to put on my gown, and give a PP sample. It was clear. My water broke on the way. Do I know my body or what?!?! Anyways, I get in the room, everyone is called and comes out to the hospital. I wanted my mom and MIL to be in the room with us, and they allowed it. The anesthesiologist had a heck of a time getting the Epidural in, but finally got it. But I was pumped up with something else too, cuz I saw things, crazy things LOL. Anywho, I kept telling the nurses he was coming, they kept telling me no. I told them, yes. they check me and say no again, he is too high. I feel like he is falling out. Finally my doc shows up and said I am not ready, I say yes I am. He crosses his arms leans against the wall, and says well push then. I say okee dokee. I push. He jumps off wall and says Oh My Gosh, get my scrubs. Dakota was on his way. TOLD YA SO! Dakota was born at 8:04am. He was beautiful, and I knew instantly he had Down Syndrome. I was crying out of pure happiness. Everyone else cried out of fear. I never saw so many tears. They took him out of the room, to check and make sure everything was physically okay with him. People streamed in asking if I was okay. I started to panic, whats wrong with him I kept asking. Finally my mom said, honey he has down syndrome. I said, I know, but whats WRONG with him?? That's it, she said. Relief. They brought him back in and I held him and loved him. The doctor came in, while it was just me and Dakota to fill out his paper work. He asked if I was okay. I said, I am in heaven. He says, you are gonna be a great mom. I smile, look at Dakota and say, thanks!

Then back in 1978, I was born. August 22nd at 10:43am. I have no idea what happened that day, you would have to ask my mom. I do know that I had a head full of jet black hair. And I do know, my mom and dad were very excited. I do know that I was very very loved. And still am.

Ironically enough, I share a birthday with my Aunt Karen, and Dakota shares a birthday with my Aunt Doreen. Both on my Dads side. All these August birthdays had me thinking, what month were we conceived was it a holiday or something. It goes to December, the cold month, Christmas. We were Santa babies! Too funny!

Well that was enough reminiscing for one day! Hope you enjoyed!
Happy Birthday to all you August born out there!

School's Out for Summer

Ok, So I haven't really kept up with this blog like I wanted to. Truth is, I am just not that exciting! The past couple of weeks have been uneventful, but I am thankful. We had my youngest brother over last weekend to attend church with us, which was totally awesome! He liked it so much he stayed another night to attend Life Group with us! I was stuck tending the little kids, but he says he had a great time and even participated, which is more then I did, my first time! It was so nice getting to spend time with him! We even bought him a new Quest bible, which he seemed REALLY excited about, in fact he barely put it down! Praise Jesus!

Dakota graduated on Wednesday from Preschool at Sexton. It was bittersweet. It is so hard to fathom that he is going to be five years old this year. My little baby is turning into a little boy. Where has the time gone? Skylar successfully finished 4th Grade and is now in her final year of elementary school. Although she did get one "F" on her report card in writing, which we kinda expected. But everything else was A's and B's. I have decided that I am going to do one day a week through out the summer, of some sort of teaching, so that she doesn't lose track. I decided to start today with bible studies that I found online. Today was the story of Abraham and Sarah having a child at age 99. Skylar was reluctant to go outside to do it, but when we got out there and I started reading - she really listened. When I did the study and asked the questions, she got all of them right. It was amazing! She had 2 worksheets to do and happily did them, Dakota had one to do too. He happily colored his. When I said it was time to go back inside, Skylar wanted to finish coloring her worksheet. All I could do was smile, to see God's light shine in them.

We also went to the Taste of Pinellas this weekend, which was hot but filling. I had so much food, I thought I might burst! LJ scored a t shirt from crabby bills. My mom and step dads restaurant had booths there, so we stopped there first and filled up on their stuff. Then as we started out to try other booths I got pooped on. GRRRRR. Stupid seagulls! But all in all it was a great day! With great food!

So that was my last week in a nutshell. Hope yours was equally as pleasant!