Who let the dogs out?

G is such a dog lover...we had to have a puppy party this year, even if it was two months late. With a new baby and travels, September was the time to have one! We had lots of fun eating out of dog dishes and playing Red Rover, Doggy Doggy where's my bone, etc. Only trouble with this cake is...most the kids vetoed the marshmallows....go figure?!

Yum yum to our tums!

Though we're not having his actual party for
a few weeks, we always love to have a good
celebration for a birthday! T's ninth
was loads of fun!

Birthday fun...

We had a blast swimming at an indoor pool (equipt with giant slide, whirlpool, and a fountain system)!

T is 9 today!!!!!!!!!!!!

T is 9 today at exactly 9:44 am. This gives me pause. WHen did this happen? I can hardly believe that 9 years ago today, I was so afraid I couldn't give him the life he needed, but I was determined to try. And, here he is-a finer little man than I could have hoped for. I should have had a bucket to catch all the tears I shed when he entered fourth grade, but not just because he's getting older and I can see his rapid changes, but because I'm so amazed by him. I can't believe his bravery. He marched into his new school with no fears, just confidence. He made three new friends on the first day. He had a girlfriend by the second. He has already won an award for great behavior. He has already helped someone who needed a friend. I don't know why he is mine, but I know that there are big plans for him on this earth, because he posesses a sweetness and maturity that rarely touches a child of his age. So, today, I'm just so glad to be his mom that I can't stop crying...I'm such a baby-he's more mature than me!

First Day of school for my little ones!

It's a little scary to realize that four years came and went in the blink of an eye, and no less scary to realize I am now no longer the only "teacher" in G's life (besides J, of course). Who knew that having children could make a person so vunerable. I had a brief moment of tears-shoot-I haven't taught her to tie her shoes yet (to which J would say-Kim she has velcro shoes, you're ok) shoot I wish I had spent more time playing rather than cleaning the house (to which J would say-you spend all day with her actually) shoot, I hope she knows that she is a good girl and I love her (which I actually know she believes since she told me she is fantabulous and probably going to get married today). I guess in the end, I know that she feels lovable and capable and those two things will take her far. Still, I can't believe it went this fast!