Presidential Award for Excellence in Academics

 My little smarty pants Spencer, received a big award recently. He, along with other 5th graders, 8th graders and seniors, were honored for having above and 3.5 GPA and getting an Advanced score in either math or language on their PAWS testing. He is a math wiz. Todd and I aren't sure where this came from, but he completely rocks with his mad math skills. Along with the fact that he is an extremely studious child and loves to learn. His teacher this year has been remarkable for him.
 Not really sure why my genius of a son pulls this face when his picture is being taken, but he does.... and look how hot his Daddy is :)
 In honoring the kids, our school district also hosted a dinner for the recipients and their families. We decided to leave the girls at home and just take the boys. What a calm dinner it was :) Adam cracked me up through out the night. Poor bugger has no focusing skills, he is just happy, and lets his mind take him where ever it might lead him. He looked at me at one point that the night and said 'Mom, what color are Unicorns when they fly over the rainbow?' To which I reply 'Well Adam, that is a good question, however, we are listening to the speaker right now.' With a smile Adam says..'Oh yeah:)'... I Love how different my kids are and how I can feel so much happiness and joy for each of them at the same moment. Sweet boys of mine.
 Here are all the 5th graders who were honored. Great Job guys!!!! There were lots of proud parents that night.

Report Card Time

 Parent teacher conference was recently upon us and I think it's one of those things that most parents look forward to or dread. I think I need to start by saying how much I completely and totally love my boys' teachers. Love them! Spencer's PTC was just an amazing review of what a great kid he is. He had a 4.0 GPA and was excelling at math. His teacher even said he and one of the other girls in the class were bored with what they were doing, but they also tend to challenge each other when they are working on bigger math problems. I have noticed that the last few years, all of his teacher have instilled some kind of 'love' of a subject in him. His 3rd grade teacher gave him a love of science, his 4th grade teacher helped him to completely fall in love with math and this year, his teacher has helped him love to read. He is reading scary books about vampires and warewolves but still, he's reading and enjoying it. His teacher told us this year that he is just a great kid, you can tell he loves his family and he is starting to blossom with his guitar playing. We also talked a lot about up coming and ongoing programs and events. They are participating in the D.A.R.E program now, the 'birds and the bee's' program soon, and whatever else comes next in a 5th graders life. I am so excited to see all the things he is going to get to learn about. He's a great kid :)
 Now, onto my little Adam. When I sat down, the teacher started to talk to me about how great Adam is doing in math and science. So well in fact that he has become lazy about reading and writing. He is reading at a high basic/ low proficient level. And his writing has been less than stellar and at times seems overwhelming for him. However, his art work/illustrations totally rock. So, when his teacher and I talked about how to help him, I mentioned at home (cleaning his room) when he feels overwhelmed we have to break things down to 'Ok Adam, lets pick up your books, now lets work on your toys, next let's try the clothes, ect.....) She said she would work on that with him and Todd and I have tightened our night time routine to include a little more one on one time with Adam and his reading. Hopefully, if we can build up some confidence in him, the rest will follow. Now that we were done with the 'hard stuff to talk about' she told me that Adam is a joy to have in class. He's extremely funny and always entertaining. She had nothing but good things to say about him in every other aspect. He is also a great kid. YAY!!!!!! I am beginning to think that Todd and I just might be doing ok with all these babies :)

Spencer has BRACES!!!

 A few months ago Spencer had his first ortho visit. It was declared that he has a slight over bite and his teeth weren't completely straight. Although, he has a beautiful smile, with braces, he could have a perfect smile. And so, the adventure begins.
 When we arrived, the Dr. (who is younger than I am) put this green stuff on Spencer's teeth. It's supposed to eat away any slime or gunk on his teeth. I thought it looked cool! Then the Dr. started putting the bands and brackets on his teeth. This was the most
 time consuming part, which was about 10 whole minutes. Then he got to pick two colors of rubber bands to put around the brackets when the wire went on. He choose green and white for his first time.
 Hopefully in 18 months, when all of his friends are starting to get their braces on, my handsome little man will be getting his off. (Right now it's very cool that he has them.) and that smile of Spencer's will go from beautiful to stunningly gorgeous :)

Happy 11th Birthday Spencer

 So 11 years ago yesterday, there was a nasty snow storm in June. I was helping a friend with her kiddo's while she sand bagged the river near her home. After she was done I went home and Todd came home for lunch. I wasn't feeling great. I had been crampy and just feeling yucky, so I went a laid down. Soon, I felt like I needed to go potty. When I got up and started walking down our hallway, my water broke. It massively broke. And I was officially in labor. 15 hours and 2 pushes later, Todd and I welcomed our 8lb. 14oz. 21 inches long, beautiful baby boy. YAY!
 When I say beautiful, I mean beautiful. We had a nurse when we were in the hospital tell us that he was so pretty, he could've been a girl :) Todd was like ...Whoa.. Hey, that's my baby boy. It was so cute. Anyway, we got home from the hospital and really understood how in love we were with this sweet baby. He has had us wrapped around his fingers since day one. He was a wonderful baby. Such an easy little
 man. He has been a logical, smart, easy going child. He has always been very attached to his Daddy. Loves him, looks up to him, wants to be just like him. Everything Todd does, Spencer does. He has been walking in everyone of Todd's foot steps since he could walk. It has been so sweet to see their relationship develop. Spencer is an amazing boy. I love that we talk all the time about world issues. He asks questions all the time about whatever is on his mind. He is a fabulous brother. I have no idea how I would function in a day with out him. He has just been a joy to have in our lives and the fact that Todd and I got to have a hand in creating him, is just icing on the cake. He'a a sweet man.
 Alright, enough about how wonderful my boy is, the good stuff starts now. The birthday presents. This year Todd and I got Spencer a Nintendo DSi. It's the upgraded version of the regular Nintendo DS. This new gaming system is able to take pictures and other cool things :) Adam and Lily got him games for the DSi and Sara got him a case for the DSi. He also got money from friends and family members which he absolutely loved. He was able to get yet another game all by himself. So cool. We had a family get together last Sunday and our niece Janice made him a Lemon Mirage pie. That's his favorite dessert in the whole world. I think he had a pretty great birthday. Happy Birthday to my sweet little man. I love you so very much. I feel blessed everyday to get to be your Mommy. Thank you for being the amazing young man that you are.

Letter to Spencer

Writing a letter for my Spencer's time capsule has just about emotionally kicked my ass. I can't even imagine my sweet little man as a senior. I just pushed his big head out, nursed him, potty trained him, snuggled him when he got his tonsils out, cried when he went to Kindergarten, hugged him when his loved ones died, smiled when he got the same teacher for 4th grade that I had in 5th grade. I'm afraid to blink:( Because, all I did this last 11 years was blink and he is now in forth grade....And such a wonderful boy. Another 8 years is going to go even quicker and I just want to enjoy every minute with him.... Before I blink again and he is leaving for Harvard.

Spencer's Ag Field Trip

 Spencer got to go on an Ag field trip a few weeks ago. Todd got to go with him. Spencer got to learn ATV saftey, how to make butter, power line saftey, how cattle are hauled and many other 'farmy' type things. I think Spencer was a little bored, up until the time that the kids got to hold some baby animals. That's when the fun really started.
 He didn't mind holding the baby duck, but he really loved the bunny. Look at that beautiful smile on his face. He just loved that bunny. As soon as he got home and told me all about it. I love that he enjoyed the animals so much. Anyway, judging from that big ol' honkin' smile on his face, I think although he was bored part of the time, he had a pretty good time holding a bunny on his field trip.

Citizen of the Month

 Spencer got Citizen of the Month this month in Mr. Argyle's class. Isn't he so handsome. I think he loves when his Mother comes to school and takes a ton of pictures of him :) :)
 There were actually 2 from Mr. Argyle's class this month the received this prestigious award. The other one was Spencer's good friend MaShayla. Their teacher didn't read why Spencer was citizen of the month, but I bet it was because he is a wonderfully adorable boy. O' and because he is smart, nice funny, charming, witty and so cute. What a sweet man.
 For this last picture, I wanted to get a picture of Spencer with his teacher. Now, remember, Mr. Argyle was my teacher when I was in 5th grade. For those of you who knew him, you'll see that he looks exactly the same. When we got back to Spencer's classroom, watched the kids finish up for the day. Mr. Argyle has the kids solve a math problem before they can leave. It was great to watch him in action with the kids and to see how the kids respond to him. I am so thankful my sweet Spencer got him for a teacher this year. Mr. Argyle has been able to instill a love of math in Spencer. Quick story about Spencer and his love of math. A few weeks ago, I walked into his room after he was supposed to be in bed asleep. I noticed movement under his covers and was worried about what I was going to find. He is almost 11 after all. I said "Spencer, what ya doing?" He shyly looked at me and showed me his cell phone. I said, "Spencer, who in the hell are you texting this late at night?" He says "Mom, I wasn't texting, I was calculating." I smile at him and told him no more, it was time to go to sleep. I came out to the living room and told Todd that something was wrong with our boy. He was calculating under his covers! We still giggle about that. I hope that his love of math, helps him on his journey towards getting his Doctorate Degree or Neuroscience Engineering Degree and buying his Mama and Daddy a big house in Hawaii :)

OMGosh

 Ok. So for the last several weeks, life has been a little crazy. Nothing to big, but definitely crazy. This post will probably look and sound like I'm rambling...Sorry. I'm trying to fit a whole bunch of things in. So bare with me :) It will all come together. Maybe :)
 So, two weekends ago our whole family of 6 came down with a lovely stomach virus! ALL 6 OF US AT THE SAME TIME! Good hell. Sara got it first and might I say the worst. Then Spencer, Lily, Todd, Me and lastly was my sweet Adam. Todd said our house looked like a scene from the Exorcist. I have never seen the movie, but if it was anywhere near what we were experiencing here, I have no plans of seeing it. Not now, not ever!
 We were all so sick. Sara was by far the worst. She threw up for a week. Didn't eat, nothing. On last Friday, I called her Dr. in Evanston and asked her if she wanted to see her. She said absolutely. So Sara, Lily and I headed to Evasnton. Sara was great on he way over there. We found out that she has a double ear infection, a possible sinus infection, (the only reason why I say possible, is because my tiniest Princess wouldn't open her mouth for the Dr....AT ALL)
 and lastly, because of how sick Sara was, our family probably had a lovely case of Rotavirus. How super fun! Sara was a sick baby that day. Anyway, the Dr. sent me home with a prescription for the ear infection, anti nausea meds and ear drops. (The Dr. said her ears looked terrible.) And after a quick stop at Walmart for her meds, we headed home. Everything was great until we got off the interstate. Sara massively got sick again. I was hoping she would've made it
 home, but alas, she did not. When we got home, I loaded her up with her meds. The antinausea medication was a miracle. She hasn't thrown up since. YAY!!! I was worried she was going to get severely dehydrated. Through all the last week, all she has wanted to do was nurse. And while I don't mind it, my milk supply had gone down the older she gets and the more table food she eats and drinks. So, I don't have a ton of the goods. And she had massively become a Mama's girl. Which I love, but I get nothing done. Just a lot of snuggle and num-num time. (Which really is/ was ok. :)
 Right before our pukies happened we got to celebrate Arlene's kids (Konnor and Kamryn's) Birthdays. I was fun to go hang out with them for the day and see them open their presents. My boys and Konnor have been best friends since before they could walk and Lily and Kamryn are fabulous buddies too. So it was fun. Todd snuck in a band practice somewhere in there too. He's so yummy when he plays his guitar and sings....MMMMM...Yummy! And I guess there's not much else to catch you up on. Just our Bates' Family craziness:)

Long Freakin' Week in Review.

 So, here I am yet again thinking about what a slacker I am, but then again, this week has been a crazy one.

Monday: Not to terribly exciting. Took the boys to school, then Lily. Followed by grocery shopping and house work.

Tuesday: I had breakfast with my sweet Sala in the morning. Todd and I went over to have lunch with Adam at school because it was "Book Fair" week and each grade had a day to invite their parents to come have lunch with then in the yummy cafeteria and afterwards, hang out and look at books and possibly purchase a few. All of that was so fun. I love hanging out with my little man and seeing his sweet face. Anyway, then, later that afternoon, Arlene and I went out for a belated birthday dinner and got to have a grown up meal that was hot, on my plate, I didn't have to share. Then Arleney and I came back to my house and hung out for a few minutes while Todd and Spencer went to Taekwondo. Lily's eyes looks suspiciously pink earlier in the day so, I called her pediatrician who called in some eye drops for her. (Pinkeye rocks.) However, no dance class. She did declare her undying devotion for a young man she has decide is 'the one'. She was going to go to school and tell him they were going to get married after college. (We pound 'marriage after college' into our kids' heads like you wouldn't believe.) Hopefully he understands this and they will live happily ever after. (Why is she so boy crazy at 4?)

Wednesday: I helped out in the Library in the morning. Had another lunch with my sweet Adam and helped out in the Library again at lunch time. Adam is such a sweet boy :) I know there was 100 other things we did I just can't remember.

Thursday: I had breakfast with Sala again (yes, it's a habit) but we invited our friend Misty. We had a ball giggling and sharing stories about our babies. Then around lunch time, Todd and I grabbed Spencer from school (Adam wanted to go to our neighbors house after school instead of skipping a few hours and coming with us) and headed to Evanston. While in Evanston, we got my Driver's License renewed, groceries, lunch and then came the sad, sad trip to the Pediatrician's office. I love our pediatrician. She is just a fabulous Doctor. Lily and Sara were both due for their immunizations. Lily needed her Kindergarten shots, even though we don't send our kids to school until they are 6, she will be 5 in June and can have the shot anytime after they are 4, so we had them done. And sweet Sara needed her 12-15 month shots. Because I am a looser Mom and got a little bit behind with them. Anyway, Lily is 4 and lets say 3/4. She weighs 41 lbs. and is 3 ft. 3 in. tall. She is in the 50th percentile for weight (YAY!) and 10th for height (Really, does she even have a chance here). Sara 18 months and is 21 lbs. 14 oz. and is 2 ft. 6.5 in. long. She is in the 10th percentile for weight (what?) and the 50th percentile for height (again, what?). The girls looked healthy. Sara immediately showed Dr. DePalma how strong her lungs were by crying loudly from the moment she was weighed until we were leaving the office. Lily was very brave and didn't cry through 3 shots. That is until, she got the 4th, nasty MMR shot. But still she was brave and earned her new Barbie Thumbelina movie and proof of valor and honor. Lily has some dry patches of skin on her (imagine that, MY baby has sensitive skin?) but other than that, she was great. Just sad, and then happy because she got a Ariel band aide. Sweet Sara Rose, the baby with the great memory, screamed her face off. But her lungs were great, ears, teeth and whatever else the Dr. was feeling for, was healthy and fabulous. I swear I leave the Dr. office after immunizations feeling like I had cried for hours. I am just emotionally exhausted. I needed a Starbucks run, with a double shot and the girls earned their ice cream cone. (Spencer did too, for being the wonderful big brother that he is.) And Todd, being the ever wonderful Daddy that he is definitely earned his diet Coke. A quick shout out to Barb for the gift certificate to Starbucks, that was the birthday present EVER! Anyway, when Todd and I got home from Evanston, we feed the kids and Todd went to get his mother so he and I could go out on a quick date for my belated birthday dinner. Todd's Mom offered to keep the kids so we could go out. I was pleasantly surprised and happy. We also bribed Spencer with some extra video game time with his Daddy, if he would help with Sara. To which he eagerly accepted and excelled at. Dinner was yummy and the kids were in one piece when we got home.

Friday: Parent Teacher Conference. Spencer's report card were all 'Advanced' except for P.E. and he was proficient in that. Mr. Argyle said that he has really, really done well in math. One of his best students. Seriously had nothing but praise for my big man. Spencer has really taken off with his math stuff. He will sit at home for hours making up him own 'problems' and figuring them out. I have even caught him calculating on his cell phone, under his covers when he is supposed to be asleep. To which I had to come tell Todd that our child wasn't normal and something needed to be done about it. Mr. Argyle told us that this class was a great class. Full of kids who get off the bus ready to learn. That was cool. Adam's teacher, Mrs. Hickey also adores my other little man. He was proficient in everything. He is reading a little above his grade level and is great with patterns. She also said that everyone who meets him, loves him. He is funny and witty. She loves his personality and told us we were blessed to have such a great kid and kids. The only thing he needs help on is returning his reading book completed, to which I replied that he always returns his books completed. It may take him weeks to remember to return them, but they are done :) She also said that he is in a great class of kids. Anyway. He is doing great. Life is good. We did make a stop at the library to grab the books the kids had picked out through the week. We bought a whole bunch of easy reader books for Adam and of course a superhero book, a book about Vampires for Spencer, Lily got a fairies book and Sara got a few hard cover books about puppies (she calls them "Pup-pup dare") and we come home and just kind of hung out, played Scrabble with Spencer and played with the kiddo's.

Saturday: We woke up to about 18 inches of fabulous snow. One of the biggest storms we have had all winter. The boys played a really funny game with Todd called Curses and in the afternoon, he laid down, the kids played and I had a headache. Todd left for a 5 day graveyard set.

Sunday: My sweet neighbor Melynda came over to hang out with me and let our babies play. We both needed some grown up conversation. And the kids really play well together. It was a great day :)

Well, that was my week in review. I swear there are days where I don't think I can fit one more thing into our schedule and this was a whole week of those days. But I love it, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the whole world.

House of Sickies

 My house has been full of the sickies. We have all had nasty chest coldest going on for 3 weeks. I am so frustrated. So frustrated. The girls have had it the worst. But Todd and Spencer have also struggled a little. The constant coughing and stuffy nose along with an off and on fever seems to be never ending. Our fabulous weather has been helping I think. One day it's 50 and beautiful, the next is dumping more than a foot of snow. Spring time in Wyoming is fabulous. Anyway, it's been a few weeks of the sickies. And I am so sick of the sickies. OVER IT!
 This is an adorable picture of my babies getting ready for bed. Spencer is such a great big brother. He loves to read to the kids and help out with that part of our nightly routine. Adam, Lily and Sara seem to love their big brother reading them stories. And since we have been to sick to outside and play or the weather has been to crappy, he has been reading to them a ton. I guess that's not a bad thing though. Sweet babies of mine.

The Birds and the Bee's

 So, there comes a time in every parents life where we have to talk to our kids about certain life issues. Well, mine and Todd's came last Sunday, when at the dinner table, Todd was, for some crazy reason, showing the kids the funniest ways to flip people off. I know it isn't the best topic to discuss at the dinner table but what do you do. Anyway, Spencer started showing us his own vast knowledge of certain hand motions (indicating sex, ie..one hand make a girl part and the the other hand makes a boy part.) Well, Todd and I immediately had to shut that down because there are 3 younger sibling sitting at the table that are definitely not old
 enough to NEED to know what that means. So we asked or more like told Spencer to go to his room and continue to share his vast knowledge on the subject on this topic. It turns out, he knew more than we realized. We filled in the gaps and asked him where he learned all of this, come to find out, it was one of the more 'religious' kids that taught him most of it. GGRRREEAAATTT. So, anyway, in saying all of this, Todd and I have always decided that the best way to talk about most subjects with our kids is through a very open and honest dialogue of conversation. Sex is a big one for us to keep open too. We want them to feel comfortable talking to us about the things they are thinking and/or going through. We want our kids to be knowledgeable and safe. Because while in a perfect world they would find the one and only person they are meant to be with and (I would have some say:) on their wedding night (after a college education) Todd and I would finally tell them all about the Bird's and the Bee's, but that is so not going to happen. Anyway, Spencer being Spencer, asked a few questions that were minor and an yet important and then continued tormenting his little brother. (The phrase 'ugly like your butt' seems to be a popular choice of insult around here. Lovely! ) And he hasn't asked about much else. I'm sure that the time will come where we will be getting a ton of questions, but for now, his basic knowledge of things seems to satisfy him. And he seems a little more grown up than last week:(
But Knowledge is Power. Right??!?!?!?

Bates' Review

 Ok..So I have been really sucky at keeping up on my blogging. I'm sorry. I have been slacking on a whole bunch of other things to be honest with you. I have been struggling with headaches. Really bad headaches. I have always had migraines. Probably 1 a week. Then right after New Years, I started getting really, really bad, pulsating headaches. I will spare you the major details, lets just say, they happen when I'm exercising or um....let's see.... involved in other.. more fun... shall we say
ummmm....activities. Anyway, when I get them, they take days
 to get over. Like I'm hung over. It's miserable. I've had these specific headaches before, when Adam was a baby. The first one I ever got was through weight lifting, and they continued through every kind of activity imaginable. At that time, my Dr. thought that I should have a MRA, which is similar to an MRI, but is looks at the arteries in your brain. It was clear, all but a small narrowing of my Basilar Artery. Which could've been present since childhood. Nothing that would've been causing the headaches. So, when these specific headaches started up again, my current P.A. thought that I should have another MRA to make sure there is no change in the narrowing and/or my brains. When the results came in, they where all clear. My brains are fine....Well, as far as they could tell:) So, my P.A. put me on Topamax, with the hope of controlling the headaches. Yeah Right! So far, I've had a consistent headache that hasn't subsided in a week and I have been so hot, dizzy and lightheaded that I feel like I might pass out. I was even throwing up the other night from it. Plus, my beloved coke, tastes like ass! I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm at my wits end with my headaches and my meds.
 Ok. So, in other news. Todd's beloved XBOX 360 caught the 'Red Ring Of Death' a few months ago. It was divesting to the Bates' Boys. The level of withdrawals at our house can only be described as mourning. When the tragic event happened Todd tried to call and get out old XBOX fixed, apparently it's a common problem, but the lady on the other end couldn't find our house on her UPS system stuff. And Todd was on the phone with her for EVER. He ended up needing to end his phone call and after talking about it we decided to wait until income tax return time and get an XBOX Elite. We can get Netflix movies directly to our machine and it has more memory or something like that.
 It's big and black and I've never seen 3 happier boys in all the world! There was even a Kung Fu Panda game that Lily can play, so she can even be involved. Now, we need to finish the freakin' basement so I don't have to watch those crappy games:) Which hopefully, within the next few sets of days off, we'll get it done. Then all that boy crap goes down stairs. Everything will be neatly organized, there will be a home for all the controllers and all the games...everything will have a place to go. Woot~Woot!
 In Princess news, Lily has been making sure the boys know exactly who is boss. She's sassy!
 She has learned several big words and flings them out there whenever she thinks they need to be used. Such as disrespectful and inappropraite. Todd and I use these words all the time, but hearing them come out of her little mouth is so stinkin' funny. I just have to smile at her and just giggle. Sweet baby girl.
 Sweet Sara has learned the actions, well our family's actions, I don't know if they are 'THE' actions, to 'Itsy Bitsy Spider' and 'Paddy Cake'. But she knows them and will do them with you while you sing. And she is constantly asking you to sing them to you. Well, she doesn't really ask, she just comes up to you and starts the spider motion with her fingers. It's so sweet. I need to get that on video soon.
Anyway, I hope all of you are doing great. I'll try to be a better blogger this week:)

Week in Review

 Happy Valentine's Day to me. What a wonderful husband I have. Seriously. I think I'm one lucky girl. These beautiful roses arrived late in the day on Saturday, while Todd and the kids were visiting Todd's mom. These kid, and I do say kid now cuz I am that old, came to the door and asked if I was Meelee. Well, no I am not, but I am Melea:)
 He then prceeded to hand me these beautiful roses. How stunning. I felt loved and adored this Valentine's Day. What a sweet lover I have. I think I might keep him forever.
 In other Bates news, well, there just isn't much to report. We are still working on recovering from the sickies last week. Spencer is doing great. Sweet boy that he is. It kills me that he is so responsible and so wonderful, but Todd and I have recently had to have a talk with him about 'half assing' everything he does. It's a huge pet peeve of mine and one that seriously needed addressed with him. It wasn't a fun talk but he listened and has been doing a little bit better. I hate having to talk to him about his 'issues', because truly, he is an blessing to get to raise. And he gets the most remorseful look on his face and understands what we are talking to him about. Anyway, I think half assing things is a kids trait, and he will eventually grow out of it. Hopefully soon.
 Adam, Adam, Adam. Words that I say daily. Sweet man. Adam has always had a huge imagination. Lately, he has been working really hard on creating stories and asking 100's of questions on 'what if' scenarios. Like "Mom, what if you could marry Justin Timberlake or Daddy? Who would you marry?" To which I always rely "Adam, Adam, Adam, I would marry your Daddy." These stories and questions don't just happen daily, they happen several times a day. And he is always talking, I mean always talking about an idea for a story or whatever is on is mind. Spencer gets so frustrated with him. I get frustrated with him, because there is NEVER a break. But I love his imagination and his sense of wonder.
 I thought this was an adorable picture of Todd and Lily. He is such a sweet Daddy. And Lily has him totally wrapped around her little fingers and piggies. Lily is doing great. The only thing that we are working on with her is her little bits of attitude. We are very careful with what the kids can and cannot say and do with regards to being respectful. Sometimes it's a face, sometimes it's words, but we do have to keep our little princess in check and try to teach her right from wrong while still allowing her to be herself and express her feelings. Sweet girl.
 O' Sara. Sweet Sara. Busy Sara. Sweet Angel Lamb! I think I am going to find her hanging from the chandelier. In this picture she was helping Daddy tighten up the thingies on the end table. Sweet helper. She loves to follow us around, figuring out what we are doing and just how she can copy us. You know what, it doesn't take her long to figure it out. I think I have said this before but we believe that she is a genius:)