BDS Grandparents' Day 2017!!

I was asked to chair Grandparents' Day, which was a tall order considering it is one of the most important days of the year! I thought it really turned out great, and my committee was truly amazing! So proud of how it all came together!

 

 

 

 

Catching up!!

Oh my goodness! It has been the ultimate delay in catching up on my blog! Excuses, excuses! But I did get a new computer! I am not a huge fan of progressing and new emerging technology and was actually upset I had to get a new computer! I got my other when I decided to quit my job to stay home full time, 7 years ago! Eeeek! Truly, I've just been tied up but REALLY need to get on the ball to wrap up the year!! 

A few latest:

Les has had a staph infection going on 15+ days. Well, I say "staph"... we got a culture of 3 areas (nasal passage, cheek and finger) and determined it was a bacteria known as bacillus?! Doesn't sound tasty, but we are thankful it hasn't been too bad. When we noticed the first sign of infection (nasal passage), we had him on oral and topical antibiotics within 48 hours. We suspect that when he picks his nose at night (every night), he cut the inside of his nose and allowed bacteria to invade and the infection to grow. It spread and it's been a challenge to get rid of. But we got this! I'll go to any and all lengths to get my man healthy again and he's almost there. Poor boy! 

Other than that hurdle, Les has been excelling in pre-school!! His teacher tells me he is above average academically but has trouble sharing and is very skilled at pushing the buttons of his pals. He's a smart little boy, and I think he knows exactly how to get a rise out of someone. Hopefully Jonathan and I can harness this into manipulation for the good of himself and others as he grows up. He certainly has the charm, charisma, intelligence and good looks to persuade in his favor!! He has done very well in his FIRST season of coach pitch baseball! Les is a TOTAL STUD! He can hit the ball like a champ. I think I can confidently say he's a natural! And we are OH so very proud of him. Another long post coming up about the league and DADDY being the head coach! Go, Dad! Les has also gotten back into Tiger Rock taekwondo after baseball finished. He picked up right where he left off! Way to go, Lester D!! I think he's trying to grow up and be too cool, too fast. A couple weeks ago, he walked down the stairs and the first thing he asked was, "Mom, when will I be 18?" Ummmm... no sir. Stop that crazy talk! You are living with me forever!!;) 

Another note of further independence... I walked Ceci into school last month (RIGHT outside the school with teachers around), and another Mom said you might want to go check on Les. He had gotten out of his carseat (first time) and was in the driver's seat revving up the engine! I think I have my work cut out for me!

Joseph has been a complete HOOT! He has been talking... and talking... and talking! He is THE cutest little thing ever and I'm really trying to soak up his "baby" talk before he gets too big! My stars! I can't believe he's almost 3!! Nuts!! He is quite the pistol though! He definitely gives us all a run for our money! WHEW! He has already started calling people names... at the ripe old age of TWO. His go-to cut down is "poo poo baby" or "yucky poo poo baby." If you get called one of those two, you know you are on his list! Jonathan and I try not to laugh but oh my... it's so funny (and cute) when he says "you a poo poo baby!" He also has dubbed himself a "bad boy." Help me now! When you ask him why he did something (or why he didn't) or why he hit someone, etc etc, he says "because I a bad boy" and does so with a confident smirk and pleasantness as if he's enjoying it. I say, "no, you are a good boy" and he says, "no, bad boy!" It is truly hysterical. Even Ceci and Les can't help but laugh! He also tells Jonathan on a daily basis, "I want a beard like you." He, too, is trying to grow up too fast! Say it isn't so! My heart can't take it!!

Ohhhhh sweet Cecilia. And when I say sweet, boy oh boy, is our girl sweet. She wants hugs all day long! She is sweet, loving, outgoing, kind, sensitive, talented, funny, smart and so much more... oh and GORGEOUS! She cares about hurting others' feelings and is always striving to be my helper around the house. I hope Jonathan and I can instill confidence in our precious girl, so she doesn't apologize for things in life that aren't her fault but also continue to keep that positive outlook on situations, friends and people in general. We couldn't be prouder of her accomplishments! She finished her  first season of soccer and had a great time and certainly showed progress all season. She is also taking piano lessons (and loving it and excelling) and an art class that she just KILLS. She is so amazing at art; it's truly her gift. On the flip side, she does have a little diva in her! She's spunky and says some really funny things on a daily basis. I can't wait to see this girl continue to grow up. We are so lucky to have our little preemie thriving and succeeding. I was just addressing her birthday invitations... turning SEVEN! What!?! Barely 10 more years with this girl before college... People always said it passes before your eyes and I'm convinced. It does. My prayer is that Jonathan and I take time to slow down and ENJOY our children, our lives, our blessings. We have sooooooo much to be thankful for!

The beginning of an infection... which would get worse and require three rounds of antibiotics and last almost 4 weeks... 3 trips to the ped, two to derm!

Infection on cheeks now, getting worse... but not getting my big guy down which is what counts!!

My baby boy at a birthday party!

GIRLS TRIP!! Our annual trip to Fairhope didn't disappoint! I love these girls!!

My girl and I just relaxing!

Surprising Daddy at work for his birthday! Note to self: don't show up in the middle of a big presentation/meeting and make a lot of noise in the lobby.

Hands are full; heart is fuller!!

These two making TMNT cookies!! Love them!!

Our annual check up with Dr. Scotty P!!! (Vera's Dad, Brooke's husband). We appreciate him!! Oh, and we all passed with flying colors!

Pool day this summer! Waterses, Pals, Duhons, Hartels, Patties

Another fun girls trip to Fairhope with Chrissy, Taylor and Candice!

Just hanging!

I have been in Junior Auxiliary for 6 yrs and volunteered in several projects we run, but this is BY FAR my favorite... overnight stay in the baby barn at the week-long Civitan Camp outside of Hattiesburg. We stay overnight and help the kids get to sleep and are there throughout the night for any issues or to just provide snuggles while these babies are away from their parents. It is truly heart-warming and heart-wrenching. I adore these children. It also keeps my own heart one of gratitude and love and appreciation. This little boy is Thor. We love Thor every year. 

Amber Keene and I slept with Thor all night. THE cutest.

Papa bought this old 'vette and the kids just LOVE it. They call it the "bat mobile" and the fight to see who will get a ride first! I mean, how cool do they look alongside Papa pimping the bat mobile? I can't wait to show this pic in their high school slideshows... and weddings!:)

Papa and his boys! This is what Joseph does when you tell him to give a thumbs up.

Getting a mani/pedi before school started!:) Lucy Kate and Ceci... divas in the making!

Ceci lost her second tooth at the GYM!!! Oh my gosh!! Seriously at childcare at the gym, Ceci lost her second tooth!

Having one last fun hoorah before school was back in... OBA with our besties Maurie and Forrest and a night at the Kenny Chesney concert. Hot but fun.;)

Had a BLAST!!!

More Tiger Rock for Les! He is a natural at this!!

1st day of 1st GRADE!!!

Sweet Ceci started 1st grade this year (front) toothless and absolutely precious!! She was so ready to get the year going and has done amazing!!

Michael, Ceci, Bennett Blair, Vera  

Jonathan was out of town for Ceci's first day but didn't forget about her, sending her flowers from oh so far away... Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa! 

Carline shenanigans!