Exciting News

 

Not only was it the 2nd day of school for Mikelle, she also lost her 1st tooth!! She is very excited for the tooth fairy. She was very nervous about pulling it out. It was just hanging there by a thread. I was afraid she would end up swallowing it, if she didn't get it out. So, she got real brave and pulled it out. Yeah, for Mikelle-

More Pictures

Here is a picture of Madison from the 2nd day of school. Yesterday she received 2 big boxes of clothes from her cousin, Caroline. What a blessing- We have been getting her clothes for 12 years!! Hopefully, Caroline keeps growing for a while. Lol! Madison had a great day yesterday, she really liked her teachers, and had atleast 1 friend in every class. I didn't get any pictures of Miah this morning because my husband locked his keys in the car- in the ignition- so after he finally got the keys out, the battery was dead. So in the midst of getting Miah off to school, my neighbor was over with his jumper cables, etc... and I just forgot. Tomorrow, Miah!

First Day of School

Well to my surprise, it was actually hard watching Mikelle walk away from me into her classroom. She is so excited about starting school, that it just made me happy for her. I think because she is the "baby", "my baby", it was just hard. I held it together, and never let the tears flow, but it wasn't easy. She looks so sweet, and grown up. She will ride the bus home with Miah today. Mikelle is so excited for that. I can't wait to pick them up at the bus stop and hear all about it. I didn't get any pictures today of the other two because the batteries were dead this morning. Mikelle has afternoon kindy, so I was able to charge the batteries. It was a rough morning because we had a major storm this morning. All of the girls were up in the middle of the night scared because of the thunder and lightning. This morning it was still raining hard. Flip flops and rain, don't mix. We are so unprepared for rain around here, it's not even funny. I will try and get some pictures of Madi, and Miah when they get home and add them later. Cant wait to hear if the girls like their teachers, if they have friends in their classes, and all that fun stuff. Right now I am just enjoying the quiet.

MEME

I got tagged. So I have to do this thing called MEME
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/stories about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog




1. The first thing that you should know, is that I have a terrible long term memory. One of the things that bothers me about that, is that I have really had a wonderful life, and I wish I didn't forget so many of the details. One of the good things about it, is that I'm not the typical woman who remembers the day, the hour, and the minute her husband "did her wrong!"

2. I am a very forgiving person. You could call me a peace maker, I guess. Shannon and I always say, that I am not the typical 1st born personality. I am more like the middle child, always wanting to make peace. Can't we just all get a long. I don't do well with confrontation. I usually cry. So please everyone, be nice.

3. I can't stand listening to people chomp. The worst would be at the movie theatre listening to others chomp their popcorn. Omgosh- it makes me crazy just thinking about it. So in order to not hear them, I have to be chewing too- If I could just eliminate that from driving me crazy, I might lose a few pounds. Ha Ha- I really can't stand any noise that continues in any sort of a pattern. For example, snoring, a clock that ticks, popping gum, etc....

4. Parenting is the hardest job on earth. Yeah, yeah, we hear that all the time, but really we are serious. I know that they say, knowledge is power, but sometimes I think we have too many books, ideas, etc. about parenting. I mean, Charles Ingalls and Caroline Ingalls, never had so many decisions to make. Life was simple. Having 3 girls, I have learned that they are all different, just like us adults. And trying to parent them individually according to their specific needs is tiresome. I can admit to the fact that I don't have all the answers. The good news, is I know God does, so I keep trusting Him and chugging along. The other thing is my memory stinks so bad, I already forgot half the battles we have fought. JK-

5. I spent about 15 years in a legalistic church. After almost 2 years of being out of there, and reflecting, I can honestly say that life is so much better. I wish I wouldn't have spent any time there, but God works all things out for His glory. I mean think about it. When men tell you how to live your life, what to watch, what to listen to, etc... there is little to no growth. I could write forever about all my different feelings, but it's not necessary. I really want to move forward in the plan that God has for me and my family.

6. Most of you know that my husband, Charles, is black. So I just want to throw a little something out there, for all you girls who think you are having a bad hair day, or that your hair is so difficult to manage. Quit feeling sorry for yourself. I have 3 girls with more hair than you can imagine. I have been straightening hair today for literally 4-5 hours and we still have work to do on it in the morning. I will post tomorrow with pictures. Especially Mikelle, my baby, because it's her first day of kindergarten.

7. I just had a birthday dinner with some girlfriends last week, and it was so much fun. Let me encourage all you ladies, to take time to spend with friends. Of course it revoloved around food. Thinking of food brings me to some thoughts. I was laughing at Shannon's MEME about making cookie dough. I think she learned it from me. Infact, I would do it right now, but I am out of butter. Once Shannon and I went to Papa Murphys to bring pizza home for everyone. We bought their cookie dough and ate it on the way back to my moms, and then threw the container away outside so no one would know. I wish that calories didn't count if no one saw you eat it. I Lol! I always tell my kids that I better taste their food, to make sure it's not poisonous. They always say, yeah right mom, you always say that...blah, blah... But they always let me. I think they would be disappointed if I didn't.

8. The first kiss that ever freaked me out, was in the 7th grade. Robbie Reagle was walking me home from school, and we came to the corner, where he had kissed me good bye before, but this time was different. He actually put his tongue in my mouth totally unexpected. I don't remember saying much, just walking home stunned. We didn't go out too much longer. We remained great friends, and even went to Senior Prom together. That was my last physical contact with anyone, until I was married. Okay, just kidding! Fooled ya for a minute?

Back to School -

I guess I have mixed emotions about the kids going back to school. The good things are obvious. They are bored, arguing, and watching too much t.v. since it's 108 all the time. I am excited about Mikelle starting Kindergarten, because she is so darn excited. However, the whole half day routine stinks. Atleast it's the last time I will have to deal with it, since she is my baby. The lazy days of summer have been nice. We have had a good break from softball, and able to have fun with family and friends. The girls are looking forward to seeing their friends at school. The hard part is that with the start of school and each of the girls fall ball schedules starting-life is about to get real busy. This was a picture of the girls on the 4th of July. We were out front of the house, letting off some fireworks. Wish me luck for our busy fall schedule, it's rather exhausting.

Girls Getaway Coming Soon

Last night was so much fun celebrating my birthday. Laurie, Dena, Lisa, Mischa, and Stephanie and I all went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. I of course know everyone, but nobody else knew one another. Yet, conversation was easy, and fun. I laughed so hard. Thanks girls. So the next exciting thing on my list is Girls Getaway Weekend in September. It has been the one thing I look forward to every year for the last 5 years. This year we are all going to Seattle, Washington. Can't wait to see everyone. Wish I could drop 15 pounds before then. All the cheesecake I ate last night is not working in my favor, that's for sure. It is Shannon's fault. If she just would have made me a small cake, I wouldn't have been so tempted to eat up all the cheesecake. Ha ha- I just think I will keep this cake joke running for as long as possible. Tonight I was just going through some pictures thinking about the girls weekend-so I thought I would post some fun ones from last year at Aunt Candy's house, in Los Gatos, CA.

Happy Birthday to Me-

Well I was thinking about writing a blog today about the "36" things I am thankful for since I will be 36 tomorrow. Im a little too tired for that. So I thought I would just mention my husband. I am so thankful for him. Since I met Charles when I was 18, that means I have known him half of my life. It's just weird to think about, that we have spent just as many years together as I did with my parents. The second 18 years, went by way faster than the first 18-that's for sure. I love him with all my heart. As you can see, he is gorgeous! But more importantly, he loves God, he loves me, and he loves being a dad. I really couldn't ask for more. So as I reflect on my life, let me just say, I am so thankful for all of the wonderful blessings in my life. Great family, great friends, and I wish great cake! Lol-

Shannon, Shannon, Shannon-

My sister, Shannon, was a little disappointed that I posted such a large blog, and didn't include one picture of her. So, I thought I would take this opportunity to make this blog all about Shannon. There really was no reason for not putting a picture of her, other than the fact that my birthday is in 2 days, and I was home, and she didn't even make me a cake. Why is it that there are so many pictures of cakes that she has made for other people, and crafts that she has done, and so many other creative things, yet I came home with NOTHING. I mean, I am going to be 36 years old, I deserve cake!

So these are just a few random pictures of my sister, Shannon. All I wanted was cake-

Trip to Washington

NATIONALS- Madison's team did a great job at Nationals. They took 9th place out of 36 teams. We had a tough schedule. We opened up the tournament, playing a team called, Synergy. It was a close game, we were leading most of it. Then the same girl, hit 2 home runs- over the fence! We lost 4-1. Synergy ended up being the National Champions. The girls were real sad after they lost. It had been a long day, they won 3 games in a row, before losing their 4th game of the day. Some of the girls on Madison's team are going up to 14-U so they won't all be playing together anymore, so lots of tears were shed.
FAMILY & FREIENDS - Because I am from Washington, Madison had lots of fans there watching her. My high school coach, Ed Maxwell, my pitching coach, John Gay, my travel ball coach, Rhett Hendrickson - all came to watch Madison play. It was a little weird, I have to admit. I am much to young to have my own daughter playing 12-U softball. It was just yesterday, I was doing that- lol! Along with former coaches at the ballpark, was my great family. My parents, my Nanny and Papa, my sister, Shannon, and her husband, Todd. Of course Emily and Colton were there- the best 2 cousins ever. Aunt Judy was there, along with one of my bestest friends, Vikki and her daughter Lauren. Madison liked having a crowd watching her, she played great. At the end of the tourney, Coach Gary, told the team that if he were to give a defensive player for the tournament, he would give it to Madi. I was proud of how hard she worked. Go 90% - inside joke!
ACTIVITIES-Clark County Fair, swimming at Kline Line, cook outs, bubbles, blueberry picking, rock climbing, bungee jumping- these are just a few of the fun things that the girls did on our trip. We jammed a lot of fun stuff into one week. Noni and Papa always make sure to plan lots of activities.

GIRL TIME- i had two really fun nights at home with old friends. The first night was at my sister's house. Vikki, Christina, and Cathy came over with their kids and we had a barbeque. It's amazing every time we get together, how it's so easy to talk, and laugh, and just enjoy one another's company. A couple of days later Michelle and Erica joined us, and we went to Portland for some pizza. The pizza was good but the good times, even better. Michelle told some great stories, while Erica replied, interesting! Just like old times. No one tells a story like Michelle, especially not Vikki- lol!! I love them all lots- All in all the trip home was great and I am so glad and thankful, and truly blessed.