Blessed Beyond Measure

Dear makers of Toy Story 3, Did you really have to put so much stress into one kid movie? Turmoil, danger, distress . . . really?! Next time, would you please accompany me and my beautiful daughter to such a movie so you might understand the stress a mom endures when her tender-hearted five-year old cries through 45 minutes of the movie and leaves with hives on her face from crying so hard. Sincerely , A Former Fan

Couldn't leave out Nixon's amazing palace! Cute bag for Nixie above and super cool flower jewelry below If I learned anything from my mom, it was the saying, "Hey, I can do that." I honestly hated hearing it as a kid because it meant she wasn't going to buy whatever it was I was asking for- she was going to make it. I have to admit that she usually came through though. Guess it is true that we eventually become our mom's, which is fine by me! I have found myself realizing that I am capable of doing some of the fun projects that I have admired from others. Here are a few of our summer projects. Many more to come . .

I was sad to miss the chance to be with my amazing dad on Father's Day. But, we worked to make it a special one for Bryan. He loved the special meals and most of all loved the banner that Nixon designed and made. Mommy only helped with a little of the assembly. What a great way to celebrate a great dad!

. . . pounds lighter that is. I can't believe that I weigh 50 pounds less today than I did on January 1st. I mean, that is like losing an entire child!! I am so blessed to have found a doctor willing to listen to me and help me through my crazy hormone issues!

B and N took off on the first of what will hopefully become many date nights. Of course, Nixon made it very clear that it wasn't really a date since she would not be marrying daddy. So, she settled on calling it a play date night. Chic- Fil -A hosts a family night every week, and this week was Daddy Date night in honor of Father's Day. Bryan said they had white table clothes on the table and flowers set up. They could choose whatever they wanted and ever had dessert. Nixon even scored a stuffed cow. And anyone who knows my kid knows how passionate she is about lovies ! They had a great time and to top it all off, it was free. You gotta love Chic- Fil -A!!

If you are a teacher, then you understand that I live life in years that span from August to August. When someone asks me what year something happened, I think of it in two years. Like 2009-2010. Which happened to be the most amazing school year I have ever had! I really hated to see the year come to an end. I honestly loved these kids more than ever. Of course, my husband says that I say this every year, but this group seemed to carry a special bond with me. Maybe it was all I went through this school year with the molar pregnancy. Maybe it was the honor of winning Teacher of the Year. I can't really put my finger on it. But I do know, that I am so blessed to go to work each and every day and enjoy what I do and enjoy the people I do it with! I am one lucky girl.

I won't mention how old he is. Or that he is only one year away from 40. Tee hee ! Happy birthday daddy!!