Three Little Ladybugs

2009-04-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!! I know I haven't blogged in awhile but I have been really busy. I am now working at my girls school with 2nd grade SPED and LOVE it!! I always knew God had a reason for placing Lacey in my life and know with my new career I totally understand why!! Also my grandpa died a few weeks ago and we all took it really hard. It is still hard to believe that he is gone and we won't see him again till we all meet in Heaven.. :( The girls are doing good and staying busy with all their activities. Kassidy just started playing machine pitch softball and is doing really good at it!! Haley is cheering & still getting ready for her state shooting team competition. Lacey is just Lacey lol, loving life and showing the world how amazing kids with DS are!! I just love my girls!! Chris & I are doing good just staying busy and praying that this economy picks up soon but I'm sure you all are wishing for the same thing.. Well that is about all for now, have a great Sunday with your family!

Random Survey - just for fun!

1. First thing you wash in the shower? Face
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? Navy Blue (Go Griffins)
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Over & Over again
4. Do you plan outfits? I used to but not anymore
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Tired & sad we overslept for church
6. What's the closest thing to you that's red? a wet wipe box
7. What was the last dream you remember having? It was kinda personal & between just me & Chris lol (sorry)
8. Did you meet anybody new today? Yes
9. What are you craving right now? Pancakes
10. Do you floss? Every night
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? New Years (YUCK)
12. Are you emotional? Kinda lol
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? Yes
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? Both
15. Do you like your hair? Yes thanks Michelle
16. Do you like yourself? Yes
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? Absolutely, it would be a honor!!
18. What are you listening to right now? Oswald (Lacey's cartoon)
19. Are your parents strict? Used to be
20. Would you go sky diving? I have always wanted to but am a little scared
21. Do you like cottage cheese? Heck no yuckkkkkkkkk
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? Yes a couple
23. Do you rent movies often? Off of the satelite but never at the movie store
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room in which you are? My wedding ring
25. What countries have you visited? none other than the US
26. Have you made a prank phone call? well yeah all teenagers do don't they??
27. Ever been on a train? Just the one at the zoo.
28. Brown or white eggs? Both
29. Do you have a cell-phone? Yes I have a LG VU
31. Do you use chapstick? Not usually.
32. Do you own a gun? Yes a couple
33. Can you use chopsticks? Lord no.
34. Who are you going to be with tonight? My husband and kids.
35. Are you too forgiving? depends on the circumstances
36. Ever been in love? Still am...
37. What is your best friend doing tomorrow? I have no clue
38. Ever have cream puffs? don't think so
39. Last time you cried? yesterday watching a movie
40. What was the last question you asked? Is your room clean?
41. Favorite time of the year? Spring
42. Do you have any tattoos? Nope and don't want one
43. Are you sarcastic? I would have to say YES sometimes lol
44. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? Don't think so
45. Ever walked into a wall? I believe so
46. Favorite color? Green
47. Have you ever slapped someone? Yes.
48. Is your hair curly? No usually but when it gets humid it gets that ugly curl
49. What was the last CD you bought? The Zac Brown band "Chicken Fried"
50. Do looks matter? Yes & no.
51. Could you ever forgive a cheater? I could forgive but not forget!!
52. Is your phone bill sky high? Kinda
53. Do you like your life right now? Except for the fact that Chris's work has slowed down
54. Do you sleep with the TV on? Chris has to have it on
55. Can you handle the truth? I handle the truth better than a lie.. I can't stand for people to lie to me!!
56. Do you have good vision? Yes.
57. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? Dislike yes but never hate
58. How often do you talk on the phone? Very often lol (maybe too often)
59. The last person you held hands with? Chris last night
60. What are you wearing? velour pants and Chris's shirt
61. What is your favorite animal? panda bear
62. Where was your profile picture taken? Boardwalk
63. Can you hula hoop? nope & with my hips you would think I should be able to.
64. Do you have a job? Yes I am a ParaProfessional for 2nd grade SPED
65. What was the most recent thing you bought? Dinner last night
66. Have you ever crawled through a window? That would be a yes~~

Couple Share

2009-02-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

♥ Fill it out and let's learn about you and your better half!

♥ What are your middle names?
Mine: Renee
His: Ray

♥ How long have you been together?
Married for 12 1/2 yrs but been together for 16 1/2 yrs

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
we knew each other less than 24hrs before our first date & about 1 month before we were officially dating

♥ Who asked who out?
he called & asked me out the same night we met

♥Who said I love you first?
I am sure it was me lol but don't really remember

♥ How old are each of you?
I am 32 and he is fixing to be 36

♥ Who's siblings do/did you see the most?
Mine

♥ Do you have any children together?
yes 3 beautiful girls

♥ What about pets?
we have 2 dogs,1 cat & a chincilla

♥ Did you go to the same schools?
no we didn't

♥ Are you from the same hometown?
no his hometown was Coushatta and mine was Stonewall

♥ Who is the smartest?
me lol

♥ Who is the most sensitive?
Me most definately

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Hooters or Chilis

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
New Jersey

♥ Who has the craziest ex?
He did

♥ Who has the worst temper?
Him but I'm sure if you ask him he will say me lol

♥ Who does the cooking?
I do but he sure can BBQ

♥Who is the most social?
Me

♥ Who is the neat-freak?
Both of us but I am the one who makes sure it stays clean

♥ Who is the most stubborn?
We both are and I don't see that changing any over all those years lol

♥ Who wakes up earlier?
He usually does for work although when he is off I get up way earlier than he does

♥ Where was your first date?
We went to eat at Western Sizzling and to see Under Seige at the movies

♥Who has the bigger family?
I do

♥Do you get flowers often?
I get them on special occassions.

♥ Who do you spend the holidays with?
My family

♥ Who is more jealous?
he is

♥ Who sings better?
Me but that doesn't say much LMBO

♥Who does/did the laundry?
Me~~

♥ Who’s better with the computer?
Oh that would be me again lol

♥ Who drives when you are together?
he usually always drives when we go somewhere

♥ Who picks where you go to dinner?
we usually both want the same place

♥ Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong?
I have to admit it even if I'm not :(

♥ Who named your pet?
the girls

♥ Who wears the pants in the relationship?
he does but I tell him how to out them on and what to wear lol (just kidding)

♥ Who has more tattoos?
Neither of us have one.

♥ Who eats more sweets?
We both do.

♥ Who cries more?
AHHH that would be me again lol

Seriously!!

2009-02-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

Well this morning started out with a bang or should I say a sputter lol.. Chris got up this morning, got in the shower and got all lathered up. While trying to rinse off the water all the sudden stopped lol.. Our dog rapped her lead rope around the garden hose and jerked on it until she broke the water pipe off at the ground.. So we had to go to my parents to get ready for school.. So after I had to pay the plumber to fix the water pipe we now are among the civilized again and have running water lol!!!

Sooo!!

2009-02-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

Here lately I feel like I am so busy that I can't seem to find time for me! Does that sound remotely familiar to anyone else?? This Thursday Feb. 19 it will be my 32nd birthday and I am wondering where has 32yrs gone.
I look at my girls and I know where the best part of it was but what have I done with the rest of it? Last night as I layed in bed with Chris I thought about all the things in my life that I have done and how they have affected me. The greatest one being the birth of my girls and the joy they have brought to my life, that joy can't be measured. Then I think about the most life changing event and that would have to be the day Lacey was born. If God would of never blessed us with her grace I wouldn't know any of you who read this blog or I wouldn't have gained some of my very best friends. I have had the priviledge to meet alot of great people in places I would of never traveled and I have gotten to love on some of the cutiest & most precious angels. It funny how one little girl changed so much in my life.
I would like to think I am a better mother,friend,wife,and so on because of the lessons I have learned from her & all that she has been through. This blog started out about me and somehow it came around to being about Lacey lol.. I am so grateful for the 32yrs I have had and all the blessing that I have been given within those years. I have a wonderful husband,3 beautiful girls, great parents, and host of friends who are so dear to me.
If you are one of those friends who I don't tell enough or at all "Thank you so much for being my friend and letting me be apart of your lives and the lives of your family".. Life is so good and I have been blessed for being able enjoy it.. What more could anyone ask for out of life than to be surrounded by the people they love~~ I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day~~

YAY Lacey~~

2009-02-14T16:30:00.001-08:00

Well Lacey has been in big girl panties at school since Christmas and has only had a few accidents. Our only obstacle was that she wouldn't poo-poo on the potty :(~~ Well this past week she has been doing sooo good!! So I am hoping this means Lacey is fully potty trained (knock on wood) lol.. She loves being in her big girl panties and tells everyone she is wearing them lol. I am so proud of her and all the effort she is putting into being a big girl. I was so worried that we would be in high school and still in pull-ups!!! It is so funny cause Lacey's ped told me to just ease into it with her and don't push or she would hate going to the potty.. So that is just what I did and now we are POTTY TRAINED!! YAY LACEY~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I just wanted to share that brag with ya'll so please keep your fingers crossed that this is it and not just a short lived phase~ I love you Lacey Bug and keep up the good work!!

Hubby MeMe~~

2009-02-07T04:57:00.000-08:00

I stole this from my friend Renee at Life with My Special K's~

Husband Tag

1. Where did you meet? At my house after a softball game.

2. How long did you date before you got married? 3 & 1/2 yrs

3. How long have you been married? 13yrs

4. What does he do that surprises you? brings me jewerly or plans dates

5. What is your favorite feature of his? eyes

6. What is your favorite quality of his? He always seems to find the good in everyone

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Parker or "daddy"

8. What is his favorite color? Blue

9. What is his favorite food? Mexican & crawfish

10. What is his favorite sport? Football & UFC fighting

11. When and where was your first kiss? It was Oct. 1992 at the movies

12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Cuddle up in bed or go out to eat

13. Do you have any children? Yes, 3 beautiful girls

14. Does he have a hidden talent? Math~~ he does all that oilfield math in his head lol

15. How old is he? 36

16. Who said I love you first? I think it was him lol

17. What’s his favorite type of music? He likes country most but he really likes all kinds of music

18. What do you admire most about him? He works really hard and is very honest~

19. Do you think he will read this? Probably not unless I show him

HUSBAND MEME

1. He’s sitting in front of the TV: What is on the screen? A movie,sports, or American Idol

2. You’re out to eat. What kind of dressing does he get on his salad? French or Catalina

3. What is one food he doesn’t like? Meatloaf

4. You go out to the bar. What does he order? Have in the past & the gets Miller Lite or Corona

5. Where did he go to high school? Mansfield High School

6. What size shoe does he wear? 7

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Marine Corp stuff

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Grilled Cheese

9. What would the Husband eat every day if he could? Round steak smothered in gravy

10. What is his favorite cereal? Captain Crunch with Crunch Berries

11. What would he never wear? Pink.(although Haley tells him real men wear pink)

12. What is his favorite sports team? New Orlean Saints

13. Who is his best friend? Chris Branton

14. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn’t do? Grip LOL

15. How many states has he lived in? 3

16. What is his heritage? Mexican and indian

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind is it? Carrot Cake with frosting

18. Did he play sports in high school? Football

19. What could he spend hours doing? Talking about work or playing poker

A Few BRAGS

2009-01-28T06:59:00.001-08:00

Well I know I don't blog often. I just feel like when I do noone reads them or responds so what is the point. LOL I have now decided to just not worry about it and blog anyway, so here goes.

I have a few brags to start off.
~~ First, Lacey is potty trained and got really high scores on her mid year testing. She scored right there with the "normal" kids in Pre-K. Her vocabulary has grown enormously and now she talks ALL the time lol. The other day she was singing Happy Birthday and I told her my Bday was coming up & all I wanted was a cookie cake. Today she starts singing Happy Birthday to momma. I asked her what she was gonna get me for my bday and she said a cookie cake and a present. My heart just melted, I was so excited that she remembered the cake and added the present all on her own.. Thats my girl!! She has also learned how to pray and likes to do it all the time. We can be in Wal-Mart & she will go let us pray lol.. Gotta love what God does with our angels.

~~ Now on to Kassidy!! She got all A's on her report card & we were so proud of her. Her & Haley both have had all A's since Kindergarten. That is such a wonderful accomplishment and we are so proud of them. At Karate last night she was asked to be a leader for the class. That is a huge honor that is chosen by her instructor and peers. She is about to recieve her advanced brown belt and then the next belt will be her black one. For her only being 9 that is so huge. She went to the dr. the other day and her & Haley are almost the same size. They were only like 5 lbs difference. She is growing up to be a very bright and opinionated young lady.

~~Last but not least Haley.. She has been extremely busy lately. To start off with she had all A's on her report card!! She also WON "Student of the Year" for her school. She worked very hard to achieve this and we are SOOOO VERY proud of her. Today she went to interview for "Student of the Year" for our parish. Please say a prayer for her tonight that she gets it. We find out later this week and I will let you know when we find out. She also competed in the Social Studies Fair at her school & won 1st place. Then she got to go to the Parish Social Studies Fair where she placed 1st again. Now she goes to regionals so we will see how that goes on Mar.7. She did her project on the history of the dairy industry with her friend Brittany. This project was easy to do since we own a dairy farm. LOL They did such a great job on it.. WTG girls! Haley is also getting ready to start her shooting team up again so please pray that she does good and gets to go to state with that.

Well here are a few pictures!! Hope you enjoy them~~

Another Angel gone home!!

2009-01-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

Today I found out that my cousin who has DS died this past weekend and is being buried tomorrow. I am very sad right now and can't seem to grasp that I haven't seen him since I was like 11. Although it has been that long his face is vivid in my mind and I can remember almost everything about him. I know that while we mourn his loss here on Earth that Heaven is richer now for him being there.. So RIP "Pee Winkle" and know that I have always thought about you & will always remember your sweet smile.. I hope you are flying with the angels and sitting with the LORD~~ You deserve it!!

Here is the link to his memorial~~
http://www.legacy.com/shreveporttimes/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=122257452

Blog giveaway!!

2008-12-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

My friend Renee is giving away a beautiful apron on her blog. Go check it out and leave her a comment for a chance to win~~ Here is the link to her blog~~

www.myspecialks.com

A great blog giveaway!!

2008-12-09T15:51:00.000-08:00

This very talented lady is doing a blog giveaway and I am so hoping to win one of her painted pictures. Please go check her out!!

Happy Thanksgiving~~

2008-11-27T05:37:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have not been real good lately updating my blog!! I have alot of pics to update and will try to do some today or tomorrow~~

Happy Thanksgiving~~

My Firsts~~

2008-11-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

I stole this from Renee at !!

My FIRSTS

1. Who was your FIRST prom date?
Chris Parker and it was his Sr. prom. We had alot of fun that night and he proposed to me that night also .

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
Yes

3. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?
Sex on the Beach daquiri and it was really good lol

4. What was your FIRST job?
I was a grocery sacker at Kroger's!! Not a fun job~~

5. What was your FIRST car?
It was a 1995 Ford Ranger; it was white with purple pin stripes

6. Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
Kasey(my cousin)

7. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
Lacey when she yelled I want out of my room lol

8. Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Mrs. Brown and she was also my dads first grade teacher!! Does that tell you how old she was LOL~~

9. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
I flew to Kansas City,Kansas to go to a National Down Syndrome Convention

10. Who was your FIRST best friend and are you still friends with them?
Amy and yes we are still best friends

11. What was your FIRST sport played?
Softball in high school

12. Where was your FIRST sleep over?
Angel's house when I was in the 6th grade

13. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
Chris this morning

14. Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time?
My sisters wedding and I was 9 month pregnant with Kassidy(I looked like a Macy's Thanksgiving Day float)

15. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
Told Chris to turn off the alarm clock

16. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
Clint Black

17. FIRST tattoo or piercing?
I got my ears pierced when I was a baby the first hole and the 2nd hole in my ear when I was 12.

18. FIRST foreign country you went to?
Never been to one

19. What was your FIRST run in with the law?
When my sister and her friends went & rolled someones house and then mooned them. The cops came to our house and blamed all of us. I had nothing to do with it ;)..

20. When was your FIRST detention?
My sophmore year, I got in trouble for chewing gum in the halls.

21. What was the FIRST state you lived in?
Louisiana

22. Who was the FIRST person to break your heart?
James Branch

23. Who was your FIRST roommate?
Never went to college

24. Where did you go on your FIRST limo ride?
To go dancing with Megan for her bachlorette party

Wanna try? Consider yourself tagged!
Link back to me and leave a comment here when you post so I can be nosey... Please?!

Pray for Ethan~~

2008-11-19T16:49:00.000-08:00

My friend Kristen's little boy Ethan is having surgery today and I would appreciate it if you could send him some prayers up to the one who makes things happen. Ethan is just precious and Kristen is a wonderful person. Please pray for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery~~

1 year ago today

2008-10-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

One year ago today my friend Renee began her journey into the blogging world. She is giving away some great things to those who check out her blog and leave her a comment. Go check our My Special K's and see what a wonderful family she has and all the great entries she has made and leave her a comment!!

http://www.myspecialks.com/

2008-10-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

I stole this from my friend Renee who stole it from our other friend Stephanie!! Does that mean we are thiefs lol~~

Guess who I got to visit with!!

2008-10-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

Well this past Sunday I got the pleasure to spend the day with Renee Garcia and her family. We haven't seen each other in over 3 years, although we talk every day lol. I was so grateful to be able to have some fun with the Garcia's. Kennedy & Lacey had such a great time running around the Memphis Zoo. I took lots of pics and will upload them tomorrow. Just wanted to make some of you jealous that I got to love on Kennedy and you didn't lol.. (just kidding lol)

Lacey made the front page~~

2008-10-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

Lacey & I made the front page of our local paper. I did an interview with them about Lacey and what I thought about Sarah Palin.. Below is the link if you want to check it out. I thought the woman who did the article did an amazing job!! Everyone we see, even strangers are like OMG that is Lacey Parker, I saw her in the paper lol.. So I guess Lacey is my little celebrity!!

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080928/LIVING/809270306

Pics!!

2008-09-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here are 3 of the pics from the photo shoot!! I think they turned out so good and can't wait to read the article lol..

Newspaper interview~~

2008-09-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

I got a nice surprise when I arrived home Monday after work. The Shreveport Times wanted to interview me about Lacey's life and what my thoughts were on Sarah Palin. They said that Sarah Palin had brought DS to light lately and they wanted to know more about it and how it affects your family & the people around you. Well I jumped at the chase for people to have a look at Lacey and get to know her.. AND for me to say how excited I am about Sarah Palin running for VP.. The interview went grate and the lady described Lacey as "a bucket full of sassy". I just loved that because it so describes her to a T~~~ After we talked about Lacey for awhile she wanted to know how I felt about Sarah Palins speak and if I believed her when she said " To the families of kids with special needs I will be your advocate & friend in the White House". I told her that I really don't believe alot of what politicians say but I DO believe that she was sincere!! We talked a little more about Sarah Palin and then we talked about our upcoming Buddy Walk. After the interview was over she told me that a photographer would be at our house at 4pm to do a photo shot of our family with Lacey & then some of just Lacey & I. I checked the kids out of school early so I could get them dressed and cleaned up. Lacey was so darn cute and the pics turned out so good. They took some of the family & then the rest was of Lacey & I playing under a big oak tree. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed it~~ As soon as they send me a copy of the pics I will post them. The article is suppose to be out this Sunday so I will copy & past it here. Just wanted to share this exciting news & our day with ya'll~~

Lacey is lovin schoool

2008-09-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

Well this Monday started Lacey's first full week of Pre-K. She is doing so well and loves all the kids in her class & her teacher (Ms.Kelly).. I am so happy that the kids just love Lacey and all want to play with her.. She is the COOL kid and that makes me so very proud. One of Lacey's friends whom she has grown up with is also in that class and the first day I took Lacey in and here comes Will. I told him to be sure and take care of Lacey and to protect her lol. He assured me that he was the "Sheriff" and that I didn't need to worry!! LOL Kids are so funny~~ Here are a few pics from the girls first day~ Lacey wanted to look just like her big sisters! Can ya tell??

I am so very proud of how well she is doing in her big girls Pre-K class with no aid. Her teacher tells me everyday how she pays attention,participates in the class time and loves to do centers. This was one of my dreams for her, for her to be a normal little girl and to be accepted by "normal" kids.. What more could a mother ask for~~

Sarah Palin!!

2008-09-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

I am watching the Republican National Convention and Sarah Palin is giving her speech.. I am already in tears as she promises to be an advocate for our kids in the White House. I truly believe her and am so excited at the prospect of the world seeing what Down Syndrome is all about. Can you imagine what joy the patter of Trig's little feet will bring to the White House?? I hope we get the chance to see that become a reality!!

In honor of "Labor" Day!!

2008-09-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Meme

Just for fun, I copied Renee & Bethany's blogs . In honor of Labor Day, it's about...well, labor. And not the kind you get a day off for, either.

How long were your labors?
I was in labor with Haley for what seemed like forever. My water broke at 4am and I was due to be induced at 6am. I finally had her after 4 nurses were on my stomach with legs & elbows pushing her out lol. In all it was @ 17 hrs..

Kassidy was really fast & easy. I went in to be induced at 5am and had her at
12:15am. So it was 7hrs..(not bad compared to Haley lol)

Lacey came really fast as well, almost before the dr. could get there to catch her. I was induced yet again at 5am and she was born at 10:10am. I only pushed 1 time and she was out. So I was in labor with her for only 5 hrs.(my labors just kept getting shorter with each pregnancy!!)

How did you know you were in labor?
With Haley I was taking a bath to get ready to go to the hospital to be induced when I stepped out and my water broke. Chris thought my bladder was leaking but OH I knew that wasn't it lol.

Kassidy I was induced with 5 days early so she wouldn't be born on Christmas lol.

Lacey~~I went into labor with her at 27 weeks & then again at 35 weeks. Both times the contrations were HORRIBLE~~~~~~~~~~ Finally at 37 weeks he decided to induce me because I was dilated to a 5 and had been for a week. I was afraid I would step to big and she would just fall out lol..

Where did you deliver?
Haley was delivered at Willis-Knighton South in a the labor & delivery unit.
Kassidy & Lacey were delivered at Willis-Knighton Pierremontin the labor & delivery unit. All 3 were in Shreveport,LA~~

Drugs?
I had an epidural with all 3. That is definitely how God intended for us to have kids~PAIN FREE!!!

C-section?
NO

Who delivered?
Haley ~~ Dr. Paula Rembert (she was amazing and Haley was the last baby she delivered) :(

Kassidy & Lacey were delivered by Dr.Chris Gayle (he is wonderful and we are so thankful for him)

Ok that was a nice trip down memory lane lol~~

Hurricane Gustav!!

2008-09-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Well all last week we kept hearing about this major hurricane heading our way!! This hurricane just kept growing larger and it started to make me a little worried. When Katrina hit we didn't have electricity for days. So on Sunday after church we went to the grocery store and stocked up with things we could eat or cook on the grill.. I also made Chris buy like 3 cases of bottled water lol.. He kept saying that it is not as bad as everyone said it is gonna be. So on Monday night we were all hunkered down at my moms awaiting Gustav. We got Lacey to sleep around 11:30 and when the storm hit at around 1am our little angel was wide awake and not willing to go back to sleep until the rain & wind stopped.. Lacey hates a car wash and she always associates hard rain with a car wash. So needless to say her & I rode the hurricane out together watching whatever was on Nick lol.. She finally fell asleep on the floor at around 2pm that afternoon. Finally the no sleeping finally caught up with her lol. Wish I would of taken a pic, it was so cute!! I guess you could say that even though Gustav wasn't as bad as they thought to Lacey is was a category 5. All joking aside we were very lucky that Gustav came into land as a cat. 2 and not a cat. 4.. We got alot of rain & wind but other than a few downed trees that was it.. We didn't even loose electricity, thank the lord! I am still praying for those families down south that weren't so lucky~

Finally!!

2008-08-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well Haley & Kassidy start to school tomorrow, Lacey starts on Thursday! This has been the longest summer to me and I thought this day would never get here lol.. The girls are ready to go back and excited to see all of their friends. We had open house at school last night and the girls all got great teachers. I am so relieved that we got the teachers we wanted and that the girls are excited as well.. They are all asleep right now and their clothes are iron and backpacks are ready to go.. It is gonna be so quite around here lol..

Also, the Haley & Kassidy are playing soccer for the first time and they are having a ball!!! And they are really good too~~ I will post some pics of their first day and of them playing soccer soon!! Lacey loves to kick the ball around with them, it is so cute~~

Faux dinner party!!

2008-08-18T11:41:00.001-07:00

A wonderful friend over at Megans got 47 invited me to attend a faux "Dinner Party." If I lived in Iowa, I would definitely eat dinner with this person at least five times a week lol.. She is a great & crazy friend whom I can always count on!! Check out her blog~~~
Here are the rules courtesy of Barking Mad.

You are going to have a dinner party! Oh yes you are. Well OK, not a REAL dinner party, but hey, if you're so inclined, more power to ya. Anyhow, you're having this swell dinner party and you are going to invite ten bloggers.

Create a post telling us who you are inviting and what about that person's writing makes you think they'd be an intriguing/funny/interesting person to share a meal with. What have you learned about these people through reading their blogs and what would you hope to learn about them through breaking bread with them?

Please Go to Barking Mad if you do this and sign the Mr. Linky saying you participated.

Ok so here is my party list:

I would envite Stephanie at Megans got 47. Her & I have had eaten together in lots of places; Boston,MA*Kansas City,MO*Atlanta,GA*Shreveport,LA!! She is a true friend who is always there to lend an ear and listens to you no matter how long you ramble.LOL She is one of the first person I met from Downsyn.She would bring patience and class to the dinner party and make everyone feel welcome~ She is my daquiri drinking partner and can always make me laugh. She is one of my closest friends and I don't know how I lived without her that long~~
I would invite Renee at My Special K's because she is the first person from Downsyn that I talked to!! She is a very strong and couragous friend whom I thank heaven for sending my way. She is the type of person who finds the best in everyone and gives people the respect they deserve. I am honored to know her & her amazing family.. She has been through alot of trials and always seems to come out smiling. Wish she could bottle that up and sell it.. The world would be a nicer place.She would bring kindness and comfort to the dinner party!! She is also someone who loves to drink daquiris as well..
I would invite Bethany at Life with Bubba & Chicky. She is a very crazy,fun loving, & busy woman!! I have had the pleasure to be in the same town with her on many occasions and have dinner together in lots of places. I love her family and the way they can always make you laugh!! Bethany wears alot of hats and is always busy with her business and kids~~ She would bring laughter & a sense of direction(inside joke) to the party. There is never a dull moment when she is around and we are both spit fires..(sometimes good, sometimes bad). She is also one of my very dear friends~~
I would invite Kristen at The Faulkner Family to my dinner party. Kristen is a must have and I am glad that I have had the priviledge to eat dinner with her in 2 different states. We have also drank some daquiris together on more than one occassion!! She has a heart as that is more than a mile wide and shows it to everyone she knows. I stand in awe of all she has been through and how she always holds her head up no matter what. She is a great friend & mother! She would bring all her lovely stories and her funny stories of Ethan to the party. A must have if you ask me~~
I would invite Diane at Erin & MaryEllen's Excellant Adventures . She is a very strong willed and determined person who I just adore. She was a lifesaver to us on vacation and I owe her for that. I had the priviledge of having dinner & lunch with her family while in San Antonio and had a great time. I love how she stands up for what she believes in and takes action to try to make it right!! She is an amazing mother who loves her kids to the max. She is in college and also teaches Darah at home. I think she could add some sophistication to our dinner!! I am so glad to be able to call her my friend.
I would invite Christina at Kwisteena's Kwaziness. I don't think I have ever gotten to eat with her and would love the opportunity to be able to hear more about Kalli!! Christina is a supportive and compassionate friend. She is homeschooling her kids and I would love to hear more about that. I think she would be a perfect addition to the dinner party. She is fun to talk to on IM and think she could add laughter to the dinner as well.
I would invite Jamie at The Tyron Family
. She is a great person who has 2 amazing daughters. She is strong willed and extremely friendly. I would love the chance to have dinner with her to be able to get to know more about her & her family! She has alot of great stories to tell I'm sure about her girls. I think she would be a wonderful addition to an already great invitation list!
I would invite Amy at The Flege Farm. She is really nice and seems like alot of fun!! There is alot I would like to know about her & her family as well. I haven't had the priviledge to be able to have dinner with her either and really would love to. She seems like she could be the life of the party and you know if she brought Mayson she could teach us a couple of dance moves lol..
I would invite Amy at Down South Musings. She is really funny & fun to be around. I have been honored to have dinner with her once before and it has been to long since then. She has a large family and is a fellow southern girl.. I think we could add our southern charm to the party!! She has the sweetest little boy and I would love to see pics and here more about him..

These woman would make it an amazing dinner party!! I so wish we all lived closer so we could really have dinner together! If I could invite everyone I would but the rules said only 10 lol.. I hope everyone tries this it is pretty fun~~

My nephews!!

2008-08-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

My sister and her boys are in town for their doctors visits~~ Harley is getting his cast off today and Tucker had to be seen for his hand where they removed his hemotoma's..

Please just pray that they both are healing properly.. Also that Harley will be careful after the removal of his cast so that his hip can continue to heal!!

Monday's thoughts!!

2008-08-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking alot about the movie Tropic Thunder this weekend and why I haven't gotten all that mad & fired up. I called 2 of my closest friends this morning and talked to them about it because I just felt I wasn't being fair to Lacey by not being "that" upset.. Both of my friends pointed out parts of the movie that I had never heard of and things I didn't even know about the movie. After reading one of the reviews someone posted on their blog and what the aspects of the movie are I am NOW mad and fired up!! I know that my opinion probably won't change anyones mind but atleast I will have taken a stand for Lacey and all of her friends!! I promised myself that when Lacey was born I would NEVER let anyone make fun of her and I still stand by that..

Not to long ago I had a run in at school with someone who used to be a good friend. He called one of the teachers at my kids school a "R" because he told him he couldn't smoke on the campus.. This teacher was in a horrible accident and has some motor issues. He works with the SPED kids to help them to keep up and not fall behind. I kindly asked this friend not to use that word because it wasn't right. He knows Lacey and about her diagnosis. He told me he wasn't referring to my daughter and that I needed to mind my own business and shut up!! Well I'm sorry that is my business and I will NEVER shut up defending Lacey or her friends.

Myself, friends or family members will not be seeing this movie and it is my hope that anyone who reads my blog will choose to forgo seeing it as well.. There are many references in this movie that go beyond trying to be funny, it is just plain cruel. I think one of my friends said it best when they said Lacey doesn't have a voice yet but her mother sure does.. So I am not going to let the world or the movies define what my daughter is or ever will be. She is a beautiful,smart and fun loving little girl who thank God doesn't know yet how cruel the world can be... I know someday she will and hopefully I will be able to explain this to her in a way that she will understand. That is just my opinion and I hope maybe one day that the world will learn to respect ALL of the people in it!!! Until then all parents of children with disabilities need to take a stand and fight for what it right!!!

A normal day!

2008-08-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

For some reason I felt the need to blog about "a normal day" in our house!!
On Thursday night both Haley & Kassidy had someone spend the night with them(which is just about every night in our house). As I was cooking supper I heard lots of giggling coming from Kassidy's room and I peeked in to see what was so funny!! I opened the door slowly so they wouldn't hear me and they were tickling Lacey and all the girls were telling Lacey how much they loved her!! As you can only imagine it brought great tears of joy to my eyes. I sat on the floor outside the door and watched a little longer(not caring that I might be burning supper). Lacey was having such a wonderful time playing with the girls and their friends and the friends were having fun playing with Lacey.. This was my dream for Lacey when she was born, to be loved and have friends!! Funny how you get the feeling it is always gonna be this way, that Lacey will soon have her own friends spending the night and our house will be full of girls of all ages. I love the fact that Haley & Kassidy ALWAYS include Lacey in whatever they are doing and they always make sure she is the center of EVERYONES attention. I thank God for all of my girls but I am so glad that Haley & Kassidy love being Lacey's big sister!! God is Great ALL the time~~

2008-08-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

This awesome family with a little brother with Down Syndrome made this flyer. If young kids can find issue with the movie how come Hollywood can't?

I am here asking all my friends and family to please boycott this movie.
Please do not let Ben, Jack, Bob and Tom make any money off of exploiting those with developmental disabilities. I am shocked and offended that actors whom I always enjoyed watching are making fun of people who are mentally handicapped. To read more about the premise of the movie, click here.

It is so hurtful. And after reading my friend McKenna's post, I do not think I could say it any better than her. So here is her post:

"Never Go Full Retard? Are you kidding?

This is definitely not the first time I've been disappointed in Hollywood, but I think this may be the first time I am actually HURT by Hollywood. Ben Stiller's new film, Tropic Thunder has crossed the line. DreamWorks Production has agreed to meet with many representatives from disability rights organizations at 5pm Pacific today. To be honest, I don't know what can come from this meeting other than prevention of further damage. I will be very surprised if the scene is not pulled, but the hurt has already been caused. Sticks and stones may break my bones, and WORDS HURT Mr. Ben Stiller, Mr. Robert Downey Jr, Mr. Jack Black, Mr. Tom Cruise, and Hollywood!! My daughter has an intellectual disability and is not able to defend herself because of her age and her cognitive ability. How dare you use her medical diagnosis of mental retardation as an opportunity to put more money in your pockets. Shame on YOU!

The term "mental retardation" is being replaced with intellectual disability because of this misuse. This isn't the first time this has happened. You know those words, "idiot" and "moron." Those once used to belong to people like my little girl as medical diagnosis and we all know what happened to those words. How wrong is it that my daughter needs a new "term" because of the abuse of her medical diagnosis by people of average intelligence? How long until people start taking the new terminology and abusing it as well?

I have an idea....let's just abort every child with a disability before they're born and we won't have this problem! Let's just wipe our world clean of people with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, etc... and while we're at it, go ahead and take me out of that world, too, because I'm 5'10" tall and that's just not "normal!" Everyone with large noses can have their lives spared as long as they get plastic surgery.

My daughter has to fight against this ridiculous ideology that she is "not normal" and "different" and "lucky she wasn't aborted" every day for the rest of her life and I'm going to do everything I can so she doesn't have to fight against the mockery and "harmless jokes" as well!

Race discrimination is off limits (as it should be!) but discrimination against individuals with intellectual disabilities has a green light. ENOUGH! I have usually excused comments that I hear everyday: "I'm so retarded," "what a retard," because I know in my heart they are not intentionally or purposefully directed at someone with an intellectual disability. Well, enough! Intentional or not, stop it! Use it properly or don't use it at all!

Leave my child, my friend's children, and the many individuals in our world who work harder than any of you alone! ENOUGH!!"

Help bring Addison home~~

2008-08-03T15:25:00.001-07:00

Please help my friend Bethany & her family to adopt a beautiful little girl from Russia~~ She appreciates all the donation and prayers! You can view her blog and here is the link : dreamingonanangel.blogspot.com

Look what I got~~~

2008-08-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Our 12th anniversary is this Sunday, Aug.3. Well we are celebrating tonight with a special dinner that I don't know about lol.. Chris is always really bad about not waiting till the occasion to give me my gift!! So I wasn't really surprised last night when he gave me my gift early. I have been wanting one of the endless love circle diamond necklaces and that is exactly what he got me!! I was so excited I had to put it on right away lol!! He is getting really good at this gift thing. For Christmas he got me a new 2 carat wedding ring. I think maybe I'll keep him for 12 more years lol!! Here is a pic of my necklace~~

A Friends post!!

2008-07-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

My friend Renee posted this on her blog and I liked it so I stole it lol.. Sorry Renee~~

Don't Pity Me
By: Joanne Green
Don't pity me
because my child was not born
"perfect", for in his imperfection I have
learned to see beauty that is deeper
than the flesh.

Don't pity me
because my child and I have faced challenges
that have served to forge
a bond much deeper than love.

Don't pity me,
because you could not have done this,
for I thought that too once,
before I learned that through love you can do
a great many things you once couldn't do.

Don't pity me,
my child is the greatest blessing to ever touch my life
I am rich to have him, and richer still for
the experience of knowing him.
And if you are truly my friend,
then you will understand.

And please,
Don't Pity Me.

Tag your it~~

2008-07-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Bethany at Life with Bubba & Chicky and I am supposed to define my life in six words ...

1. Blessed
2. Fulfilled
3. Loved
4. Content
5. Amazed
6. Resilient

Now I'm supposed to tag five more people ... (the rules are to describe your life in 6 words and tag 4 more people, leaving them a comment on their blogs so they'll know they've been tagged). I tag ...

Amy at The Flege Farm
Renee at Life with My Special K's
McKenna at Our Blah Blah Blog
Stephanie at Megan's Got 47

Finally Boston pics!!

2008-07-24T10:58:00.001-07:00

Vacation pics!!

2008-07-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from our vacation to San Antonio and our visit with McKenna & Shylo!!

Waiting on the Sea Lion show!

Lacey & McKenna

Us on the water roller coaster!!

The girls after being splashed on the wall!

The girls!

Oh yeah we did it!!

This is the roller coaster they rode :)-~

This is how we found Lacey when she decided to hide from us !!

The girls at the Alamo!

My favorite pic!

Haley & the girls

Lacey's bday cake McKenna made!

Me,McKenna & Shylo

The gang!!

3 little monkeys!!

Back from Boston,MA!!

2008-07-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

I touched back down in the good ole state of Louisiana yesterday around 3pm. My trip to Boston,MA was amazing!! It is such a beautiful place to visit. There are the most breathe taking buildings there and the old churchs are so pretty.. It is a very clean city with alot of nice people.(excluding the rude cab drivers)

We arrived on Thursday at 2pm and I got to see Stephanie first thing :)!!! After a crazy trip in a cab to the hotel we finally arrived in one piece. Almost couldn't say the same for the 5 innocent people he almost plowed down in the street!! Bethany & her family arrived and we decided to take a trip to eat at the original "Cheers" bar & grill!! Well lets just say that a navigation system doesn't always take you to the right place lol.. After a delayed we were finally at Cheers!! It was a really neat place and we took some great pics there of the girls!! On Friday we toured the city and did some shopping. Man do those people love to shop and almost all the store are extremely expensive!!!!! I loved looking around the city at all the building,statues, and my favorite was the Boston Harbor..There were jellyfish everywhere~~ Friday night was our Downsyn dinner and it was so great to see & meet everyone and their wonderful families. On Saturday we went to the conference and looked at the exhibits and got alot of good info. I got the priviledge to meet Jennifer Graf Groneberg and Karen Gaffeny!! It was a really good day although I just couldn't believe that my trip was almost over :(!! That night we went to the dance and had some fun watching all the kids dance!! On Sunday we got up early and headed to the airport.. It was so hard to say goodbye to all of our friends and those we had just met!! It is so funny how life gives us a group of amazing people who seem to capture your heart and take a important role in your life..
After that long plane ride home I finally saw the faces of my precious family and had a wonderful dinner together!! All in all I had the best time in Boston and can't wait for next years conference in Sacramento,CA!!! I have alot of pics to post but I need to upload them so please check back soon!!

So!!! 2 days left~~

2008-07-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ok I am just sitting here thinking that in 2 days I will be in Boston,MA with some of the best woman I have ever had the priviledge to know. Having said that I am also very sad that my friend Renee G. will not be there.. It has been 2 yrs since we have last seen each other and that is WAY to long.. Although Renee & her family won't be there I will be thinking of them. Also one of my very good friends that I haven't seen in 6 yrs is meeting me in Boston. She lives in New Jersey and is coming up to see me and I couldn't be more excited. I feel like a kid in the toy store getting everything I ever wanted lol.. Alot of my Downsyn friends,Heather and my friend Megan will be together and I know we are gonna have a great time.. My friend Megan is flying with me! She & I are both scared to fly lol.. I am so glad that God brought her into my life also. It is so weird how you meet people for all different reasons but just know your lives were meant to be intertwined somehow. That is how I feel about all the wonderful people on Downsyn and everyone else that I have had the priviledge to meet and call my friends.. Well just wanted to lay that out there lol..

Also, please remember to keep praying for Kennedy Garcia! She is getting better and I know that everyones prayers is greatly appreciated.. I have been sending prayers and lovin her way and to her family as well...

Happy 4th Birthday Lacey!!

2008-07-06T05:46:00.000-07:00

Today you turn 4 and it is so hard to believe that 4 years have gone by already.. It seems just like yesterday that you born and we found out we were in for a "Trip to Holland".. That day is so vivid in my mind and I will never forget when you wrapped your sweet little fingers around mine for the first time.. Your daddy and I were in awe of you from the moment you were born and everyone knew right away what a wonderful gift we had been given. I think back on the last 4 years and all this things you have accomplished and helped me to accomplish and I am so proud of you!!! You are such a smart,strong willed and determined little girl.. There isn't hardly anything that you can't do with the exception of jumping(I hear its overrated) lol... Your sisters got up this morning and the first thing they did was run to see if you were awake so that they could sing you Happy Birthday and get their morning hugs & kisses.. You are so loved and adored by them, I know that they will always take good care of you!!!! I hear you starting to wake up so I am gonna go get everyone up to sing to you!!! Happy Birthday my sweet baby!! I can't wait to see what wonderful things this year has in store for you!! Thank you for letting me be your mom!!! I love you~~

San Antonio!!

2008-07-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

We took a 5 day vacation to San Antonio,TX and man did we have fun!! We left on Monday morning and got there Mon. night.. Our friends McKenna & DJ and the precious kids met us for dinner and it was so good to be able to visit with them. Tuesday we took the girls to Sea World with McKenna,Darah, & Connor. It was alot of fun!! Lacey went home with McKenna while we took the older girls on all the big rides. Lacey really loved spending time with Darah & Connor.. All she wanted to do was love on Darah.(go figure, who wouldn't)..Wednesday we went to the Alamo and the Riverwalk.. We took a boat ride,did some shopping and of coarse we ate lol.. Chris & Kassidy had never eaten at the Rainforest Cafe' so we went to dinner there and the kids really loved it.. On Thursday we went to Six Flags and Lacey stayed with McKenna again.(Thanks so much McKenna for taking care of her) Haley,Kassidy & their friend Stormie had such a blast riding the rides and getting soaked on the water rides.. Chris & I enjoyed ourselves as well.. That night we took the girls to play Put-Putt golf, which I have to say I totally kicked their butts. Finally on Friday we went to The Powell's house and had lunch with them and our other friends Shylo,Randon, & Karli.. It was such a treat to be able to spend the week with McKenna & fam. and then to be able to see everyone for lunch on Friday was great.. McKenna made Lacey a bday cake and she got so excited.. Shylo & fam. bought Lacey a cute animal book and a box of Goldfish.(can you guess what she pulled out first lol)..
I swear the ride home felt like it took forever but I really miss everyone already but am so glad to be in my own bed.. I have alot of pics to post but I will have to do that later once I figure out this new PC lol.. Thanks again McKenna for everything!!!

And we're off!!

2008-06-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

FINALLY, we are headed off for a much needed vacation. We were suppose to be enjoying the outdoors in a beautiful cabin in Oklahoma but plans have changed due to my nephews accident.. We are now off to San Antonio,TX for some fun at Sea World,Six Flags and whatever else we find to do lol.. The kids are so excited and I am getting anxious... Please pray we don't kill each other on this 8 hr trip lol..

Also, please continue to pray for my nephew Harley who is still in the hospital and in some pain.. They think he bruised his pancrease pretty bad and he might have a fracture in his right hip!!!

Please continue to keep Kennedy Garcia in your prayers as she will undergo surgery on Wed. to repair her neck & spine..
Thanks again and hope you all have a wonderful week and a Happy 4th of July!!!

Why does something bad have to happen??

2008-06-29T04:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if anyone reads my blog anymore since I haven't really been able to update but here goes.

We had a church cookout at my parents house yesterday and everyone was having a really good time riding on our rhinos & 4 wheelers. It just always seems like if you have a group of people enjoying themselves that something is going to happen..Well it did~~~~ My nephew Harley was riding on our rhino with a guy from our church and I'm not real sure of the details but somehow he flipped our rhino and my nephew got thrown underneath it.. He was immediately taken the the ER where he sat with my sister & her DH for like 4 hrs before they told them anything.. Finally, they tell them he doesn't have a broke leg but that he has deep tissure bruising and will be in the hospital for observation till Monday.. He was in alot of pain for such a little guy and I hated seeing him like that. Please send a prayer his way... The guy driving the rhino chipped his elbow!!! We are suppose to leave for vacation on Monday so I hope Harley gets out of the hospital and is back to normal.

Prayers!!I

2008-06-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

My Pc fried about 2 months back so I haven't been able to get on to update. Our summer is going pretty well. We are leaving for vacation June 30 and I am so looking forward to relaxing for awhile. Not to long after we get back I head to Boston,MA to meet up with my friends for the National Down Syndrome Convention. Well I have a favor to ask all of you. A very good friend of mines little girl Kennedy is having spinal & neck surgery on Wed. and needs all the prayers she can get..

Please remember to pray for Kennedy & her family..

What a day lol!!

2008-05-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

Well I thought my only problem for yesterday was that I couldn't find the girls the Puma shoes they wanted.. NOPE!!! Chris went to get something out of the refrigerator and guess what if was HOT!!! I called Lowes and they informed me that it had gone out and couldn't be repaired. It was only 4 yrs old, but whatever.. So off we go to Lowes to get another one. Once we get there my DH decides that we need all new appliances because apparently our stove has gone out too... So Happy Mother's Day to me early, I got a stainless steel side by side fridge,dish washer, and stove.. I am so excited. As soon as it all gets installed I will take a pic. The fridge doesn't fit in the hole our old one was in so a carpenter is coming out today to redo it so it will fit.. Well just thought I'd share my crazy day!!

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!

2008-05-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

Ok so have your kids ever wanted something that you thought "Ok that shouldn't be too hard to find cause EVERYBODY is wearing them"??

Well both Haley & Kassidy asked for a pair of PUMA shoes and to much surprise I cannnot find them anywhere... Every time I ask someone where they got theirs I got to that store and guess what they no longer carry them.. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! It is driving me insane.(Not that is a far drive here lately lol)

Sorry for the vent I just needed to get that off my chest!!!

Love the new layout

2008-04-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

First I must say "Thank you" to Rebecca for this lovely new layout!! She does a great job!!

Well on to an update..
On Monday I took over a 2nd grade class for the rest of the school year.. Can't be that bad right?? HA!! I am so tired and OMG at the papers I have to grade. Not to mention my house work is falling behind.. I love to teach but I am used to not having to work everyday, just 3 or so days a week lol..

Other than that everything is good. The kids are all doing well and ready for summer.. Lacey had her IEP meeting this month and she is moving on the regular Pre-K without an aid. I am so excited and proud of her.. She really works so hard at school and follows directions so well.. We already know who her teacher is gonna be and I couldn't be more thrilled. She is wonderful and Lacey just loves her.. Haley & Kassidy are doing good just keeping me running with all their practices.. Our whole family is in a wedding on June 14 and we have been trying to get all that taken care of.. They are gonna be so cute in their dresses.. Haley & Kassidy are both junior bridesmaids, Lacey is the flower girl, Chris is a groomsman, and I am the Matron of honor.. This wedding is gonna be beautiful~!!

I have a few prayer request:
First one is for our cousin Holly Russo. She found out she had breast cancer and 2 days later had a double masectomy!! She started Chemo today and I know her & her family would appreciate your prayers for her.. She is dealing with alot I know!!

Next, is for the Norwood family. They lost their 6yr old son Bryce on Feb.14,2008 and are having a tough time dealing with Bryce not being here.. My heart goes out to them and they really need your prayers..

Last but certainly not least, my friend Renee Garcia's daughter Kennedy is waiting for surgery to repair her instablity of spine & neck.. Kennedy is in remission from Leaukima and has undergone alot in her short life. Please pray for her to have her surgery soon and for a wonderful outcome. They are very special to my heart and I feel like they are my family.. Kennedy is Lacey's buddy and I know they would appreciate your prayers also..

Well I guess for now that is just about all I can think of to say!! I promise to try to update my blog more often.. Thanks for checking on us & God Bless!!

I know its been forever since I have blogged lol!!

2008-03-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

Well we have been really busy lately and I haven't had alot of time to get on the PC and update. SORRY!!~~ Alot has been going on here though. Haley took the LEAP test last week and hopefully she did well. The LEAP test is a pass or fail test and if you fail you have to take summer school and retake the test & pass in order to go to the 5th grade!! AGHHHHHHHH We get the results back in May so please everyone keep your fingers crossed lol.. Haley also got all A's on her report card and we are so very proud of her as 4th grade is REALLY hard..

Kassidy has been busy also with Karate & school. She tested and got her advanced red belt so just 3 belts to go till our black YAY~~~ She is doing really good in school and just got all A's on her report card.. I was looking at her and Haley the other day and I can't believe how fast Kassidy has caught up to her.. They are almost the exact same size lol.. I almost forgot to mention that Kassidy was saved on Thursday and baptized on Sunday. We are so proud that she has accepted Jesus into her heart and life.. Such a big girl decision and she made it without blinking an eye..

Lacey is doing good with the exception of a little cold she has right now.. She had her testing to get ready for IEP meeting and tested in the 4yr old range which is GREAT considering she is only a little over 3 1/2.. We are so very proud of her and she continues to amaze us.. She is talking so very well and I love her little southern accent.( My friend Renee said how could she not have an accent with the mine is lol..) Her hair is also getting so long, it is almost to her butt and is getting thicker(thanks heavens).. I can't believe that her 4th bday will be here before we know it.. That makes me happy and sad at the same time.. This morning she is still asleep which is definatley a record for her considering its 8:45am here and she ALWAYS gets up at around 6am.. Of course I was up at 6am ready for her and didn't get to sleep in.(little stinker)

Our Easter was really great.My sister and her crew came in town Friday. We took ours & my sisters kids to the church Easter egg hunt on Saturday and then we had a bon fire that night for them to make smores.. We dyed 6 1/2 dozen Easter eggs that night and the kids had a blast doing it themselves. You can only imagine the mess they made lol.. Oh well nothing Clorox cleanup didn't fix.. The girls got tons of stuff in their Easter baskets. We went to church and Kassidy was baptized right after the service and then we came home to hunt eggs and eat lunch. After all that we really did need a nice long nap lol.. Well that is about all for now. Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and rememebered the true reason behind it..

Also, could you continue to pray for our friend Kennedy Garcia. She is getting ready to undergo a surgery to help repair her neck and she needs everyones prayers.. They are such a great family that I have come to love and Kennedy is an amazing,strong willed little angel and I know she is gonna be just fine.. But lots of prayers can't hurt~~~

Jamfest Nationals & Haley's first date :)

2008-02-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

We have had a really busy weekend!! Haley had a cheerleading competition Sat. & Sun. and she also had to take her Hunter's Safety shooting test Sat. morning at 7am. Well she started off with a fever early Sat. morning and I freaked as I knew the she had the flu.. Well we doped her up with Tylenol and off she went to her shooting test, which she scored 49 out of 50 YAY!!!!!! Then after she got home from that we had to get her ready for the cheerleading competition. They were competing against 5 other teams and at the end of Sat. they were in 3rd place. They performed really well Sat. but so did the top 2.. After getting her home and letting her rest we got her ready for her first little date lol.. Langston's(the boyfriend)mom Tiffany who I have known forever picked Haley up and off they went to got bowling and out to eat.. Langstons family was there and his mom told him he could take someone and I guess Haley was the lucky one lol..We have been picking on her about it being her first date but I'm sure you all know that we would never let Haley date till she was 21 lol. If it hadn't been someone I had known forever she would of never of gone.. Chris made Langston call him and ask if Haley could go and then he had to come in and get her lol. It was all so cute and innocent..After I took a couple of pics they were off.. She got home and passed out after a VERY long day.. Sunday we got up and got ready for our last competition of the year!! Langston & his mom came to see Haley perform. Haley did so well and so did all of her team..I was so very proud of her and all the girls who had worked so hard.. They came in 2nd place!! YAY~~~~~~~~~ Cheer Nation beat them by 1/100th of a point which to us is a huge victory because noone ever beats Cheer Nation.. After the awards were over we took Haley & Langston to eat at Hooter's.. It was a nice end to a wild weekend~~~ If you made it this far thanks for reading about our crazy weekend.. Go TITAN JR....... Here are some pics from the weekend~~

Haley & Langston~!~

Haley & Stormie on the skywalk~~

She looks like she is on top of the world!!

Haley & her cheer buddies~~

Haley & Langston @ Jamfest!!

NDC TITANS JR.'s!!!

The good & the bad!!

2008-02-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

Well I will start off with bad and end with the good lol..
The bad news is that Lacey now has the flu. I picked her up from school yesterday and when I got her home I noticed her cheeks were red so I checked her temp. 103.0. Just lovely huh??? Think not~~ So we are now also on the Tamflu and alternating Tylenol & Motrin. Also somehow she escaped out of the side door on her way to the gym during school yesterday and her APE teacher is in a knee brace and couldn't run after her so by the time they caught her she was in the parking lot headed to the high school.. Needless to say I was not happy that the janitor left a side door open and that she got out. But atleast she is ok and that is really all that matters anyway right??

Ok now to the good news!!

This morning when Lacey got up she told me she had to go potty. She tells me this all the time and we usually just sit there and she never goes. But this morning she did and I was so proud of her that I gave her gummy savers at 7:30 am lol.. Well about 9:45 she came to me and said she had to potty again and much to my surprise she tee teed again!!! YAY Lacey!!! I am so proud of her and know I am determined she is gonna be potty trained by her 4th bday!!! Stephanie and I were just talking about this yesterday and for her to do it on her own today just amazes me..Now if we can just get on a schedule with her and get this potty training over and done with!!

Thanks so much to anyone who comes on here to check on us and see how my girls are doing... I love ya~~

The FLU!!!!!!! AGHHHHHH

2008-02-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

Well last night as the girls were on their way home from church my parents called to tell me that Kassidy was running fever and had a headache. All 3 of the kids that sit at her table have the flu and my 2 nephew have the flew, so I guess we now have the flew.. I called the dr and he called us in some Tamaflu but that only shortens it :(..

When I got home from getting the medicine I woke Kassidy up to give her some and her fever was like 102.0 and she was completely out of it. She was so diliarious and couldn't focus. It scared the crapt out of Chris.. So if you don't mind guys could you please say a prayer that Kassidy gets over this quickly and NOONE else gets it.. Today was her field trip that she has been so excited about and she has to miss it. Poor baby!!

Pics of the girls~~

2008-02-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would share some pics of Lacey & the girls . Hope you enjoy and can you believe how big she has gotten :lol: !!

These are of Haley & Kassidy at my nephews Mardi Gras bday parade!! They had such a great time!!

This is Lacey with her cute head band on!!

Lacey's school had their 100 day celebration and they had to dress up like 100 yr old women and this is what she looked like..

Lacey thinking she is a cowgirl!!

Isn't this the cutiest pic of Lacey.. I love her in this outfit!!

Mardi Gras B-day party(Tucker my nephew)

2008-02-04T14:50:00.000-08:00

Me & the girls went to Tyler,TX this weekend for my nephew Tuckers 4th bday. My sister did his party in Mardi Gras and it was soooooooo cute. The kids all decorated their bikes or powerwheels up like a Mardi Gras float and the adults stood on the side of the road while the kids drove down and threw beads to us.. They had a BLAST!! I took alot of pics and will post them sometime this week when I am not at work lol.. Lacey really loved all the masks & beads..

Also, I know I haven't really been around much on downsyn or myspace but since I started subbing at the school it has turned into a fulltime job.. I really enjoy it but am having to adjust my schedule to get some free time..

I also need some prayers for a friend of ours little boy who is losing his battle to Wilms Tumor cancer. Bryce Norwood is 6 and is now at home with his family. They could use your prayers and a miracle..If you get a chance please visit his caringbridge site and leave them a message. It is caringbridge.com name is brycenorwood.. Thanks for your prayers I know they really appreciate them..

Then & Now!!

2008-01-24T14:21:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Renee(Kennedy's mom) to do a then & now of my kids so here ya go!!

This is Haley then!!

And NOW!!!

This is Kassidy THEN!!

And NOW!!

This is Lacey THEN!!

And NOW!!

I now tag: Bethany (Life with Bubba & Chicky)
McKenna (The Powell Family)

Can't wait to see some pics ladies!!!

So proud of my girls!!

2008-01-24T13:46:00.001-08:00

Well I have to start off by saying I am always proud of everything my girls do.. But Haley won 3rd in the parish science fair today and had alot of competition.. She now moves on to the state level YAY!!!!!! Now on to Kassidy won has maintained a 4.0 perfect average for the 1st half of the school year. GO KASSIDY!! Haley has also maintained a 4.0 GO HALEY!!!! Now for Lacey who has figured out today that she is a girl and keeps reminding us of that.. She also has learned all of her ABC and can now count 10 and knows almost all her colors.. It never ceases to amaze me at all my girls can do.. Chris & I are so very proud of the smart,loving, and caring girls we are raising.. Just wanted to share this little brag with you all.. Hope everyone is doing well and ready for the weekend...

New Orleans Mardi Gras Competition!!

2008-01-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well this past weekend we went to New Orleans,LA for Haley's Mardi Gras cheerleading competition.. There were 12 teams in her group and they placed 4th. We are so proud of them and they did so well. This was Haley's first time to be a flyer and she was AMAZING.. I will post pics soon so you all can see. Lacey went to stay with my sister in Texas while we were gone and she had a blast. While in N.O. we spent alot of time with Haley & Kassidy, they really enjoyed having us all to themselves. Chris & I went to Bourbon St. on Sat. night and had fun just walking through the French Quarters. New Orleans is a crazy but fun place to be.. Well just wanted to tell you all about our trip..

Happy New Year 2008!!

2008-01-01T06:13:00.001-08:00

2007 was a year full of all kinds of excitement!! We all stayed mostly healthy with the exception of a cold here & there. Here are some of the important things that happened in 2007 in random order as I can't remember dates lol.

Haley made the cheerleading squad and started competing! She also started the 4th grade and has made straight A's on her report card.. GO HALEY!! She also played ball this summer and we had alot of fun with that..

Kassidy is 2 belts from a black belt in Karate and placed 1st runner up in a beauty pagent. She entered the 2nd grade and has also kept straight A's on her report card.. GO KASSIDY~~ She also played ball this summer and we had alot of fun doing that..

Lacey has grown so much this past year. She is talking ALOT and has learned to do so many things for herself (YEAH).. She started Pre-K and loves it and her teachers.. She has also stayed really healthy for the most part. She took her first plain ride in Aug. We went to Kansas City for the National Down Syndrome Convention to see our friends. It was so much fun and we got to meet alot of wonderful people.. Every day she is amazing us..

Our family took a wonderful vacation to the mountains in Arkansas and had so much fun!!

We have prayed for alot of our friends who have been battling illnesses and some have won the battle and some have not.. We are most thankful that Kennedy Garcia is in remission and doing well and continue to pray for Bryce Norwood who is battling Wilms Tumors. I know God has his hands on both of these precious kids and his work will be done..

My dad was in a bad accident which severly injured his back and by the grace of God he is getting better with the exception of constant back pain.. But it could be so much worse so we are thankful!!

Chris's mom died on the Dec, 23,2007 and we buried her on Dec.26,2007. So our Christmas holidays were filled with both saddness and joy!! But she is now in a better place and free from pain!!

I started sub teaching this year and LOVE it!! It gives me something to do while the kids are in school. I just hate that I don't get as much time to visit with friends but atleast I can call my own terms lol..

Chris is doing well just working all the time. We celebrated our 11th anniversary in August are praying for 50 more.. For Christmas this year he bought me a gorgeous new wedding ring and I LOVE it and him so very much. I am thankful that God brought him into my life 16 yrs ago and that we are still in love and making the most of our lives together!

Well these are just some of the things that have happened in 2007 and I hope 2008 brings us and all of family & friends nothing but joy & good health!!

P.S. Please say a prayer for a friend of my sister's little girl. She is 5 and her name is Besti and she has been in a coma since Christmas Eve from viral encephalitis!! Pray God heals her and brings her back to her family!!

Happy 8th Birthday Kassidy!!

2008-01-01T06:05:00.000-08:00

I know this is a few weeks late but better late than never right?? LOL
A few weeks ago my middle angel turned 8 and I remember thinking as I went to get her up for school "where has those 8 wonderful years gone??" That night she had a sleep over with 5 little girls and they giggled and played all night long.. It is hard to believe that she is growing up so fast. It seems just like yesterday I was bringing her home and we were celebrating her first bday now it is her 8th..:( I am a little saddened by this but thank God for every moment of it also. She is growing into a firey,loving, headstrong, and very smart young lady.. So I suppose I have nothing to complain about except she is no longer my baby but are they ever really grown to their parents?? LOL

Happy Birthday Kassidy!! We love you & are soooooooo very proud of you~~ Keep up the good work in school, you are doing fabulous!!

Happy 10th Birthday Haley!!

2007-12-01T05:13:00.000-08:00

Well today my baby is 10!!! I can't believe she is growing into a beautiful young lady and we are so proud of her!!! She is a sweet,caring, and loving young lady.. My heart is full of love and admiration for her.. So heres to you Haley,my first born and the first time I knew real love was when I held you & kissed your sweet cheek for the first time. Thanks for making me your mom and letting me love you for the past 10 yrs.. Happy Birthday!! We love you~~

Sorry!!

2007-11-20T06:19:00.000-08:00

I know I am horrible at updating my blog so please forgive me!! I am really gonna try to stay on top of this lol.. Well alot has been going on since I last posted about my dad. He is doing much better but still has alot of back pain so please continue to pray for him.. Haley is still in competitive cheer and we have been traveling for that.She is getting really good and looks so grown up in her uniform.:( Kassidy was in a beauty pagent last month and got 2nd runner up. We were so proud of her and she looked so beautiful. Lacey is doing wonderful in school and out of school. She is talking so much and learning new words every day. I can't believe she is getting so big so fast, it makes me so sad.
On a different note I can't believe Christmas is on its way and along with that comes Haley & Kassidy's bday. Haley will be 10 ( I can't believe we are in double digits :( ) on the 1st and Kassidy will be 8 on the 20th of Dec. Time sure has flown by and I wonder to myself where did it all go.. Seems like yesterday I was dressing them alike and they were just babies and now they are young ladies.. I am so proud of them for so many reasons. But most of all for being the world's best sisters to Lacey. They really have taught her so much and continue to take care of her daily.. She would rather them help her than me lol.. Well I will post some pics today to go along with this update. I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and remember to give Thanks for all of your blessings. I know I will!!!

Thanks for looking at my pics~~

Pray for my dad!!

2007-07-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

Well on Monday my dad had a really bad accident while trying to load his commercial lawnmower. It turned over on him & had him pinned underneath for almost 30 minutes before anyone heard him scream for help.. It took 4 men to pull the 1500 lbs mower off of him.. 911 was called & they took him to the hospital where they did all sorts of testing.. As of now he has 3 fractured vertebraes and 1 broke one. He also has fractured ribs,a swollen spleen,fluid & swelling around his spine, and a big knot on his head.. He was released to come home today but is on VERY strict bed rest and NO strenuous activity.. They are going to monitor him to see if his fractures or break shifts. If it does they are going to place bone cement in between the break & fractures. He is in alot of pain right now. Please say a prayer for him and for a full & speedy recovery...We are just so thankful that he is alive and not paralyzed..

Ok I did it!!

2007-07-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

Everyone has been begging me to do this so, are ya happy?? LOL I am new to this so bare with me while I figure out how to set all this up... I am the mom of 3 beautiful girls and the wife to a wonderful man for almost 11yrs now.. I will post more soon but for now have a great week...