Monday, June 11, 2012

Brian's Birthday!

It's Brian's birthday! If you know numbers in sign language, then you'll know how old he is today from this picture!
How old is Brian????
Since his birthday fell on a week day (which meant he was at work all day and Ashley worked tonight until 9:30), we decided to do some celebrating yesterday.

We ran a few errands and did some shopping. Brian bought some golf balls and new shorts to wear while golfing with a gift card from his father. We also went shopping for a new iPad for his birthday... a real splurge for him!


Hmmm.... Which one will help me lower my score?

Then, we had a yummy dinner with fantastic service at one of his favorite places.
Bring on the fried oysters!
While we were at dinner, two of Ashley's friends (one was "J" from today's "Making a Difference") stopped by and left cupcakes on our front porch for Brian. Wasn't that sweet?

Just in case you can't read the blue icing, it says "Happy birthday :)"
He was too busy "playing" with his new iPad that he completely lost track of time last night.
Ashley and Brian using an app to view the constellations over our house.

So, we had cake and opened up cards tonight!

Even our dog, Cooper, got a taste
of the yummy birthday cake!
Yum! Yum! Brielle can't wait to eat some cake!












Happy birthday to my husband! We've spent 25 of your last 26 birthdays together and I can't wait to celebrate another 25 or 50 more!  Love you!!  :)



Monday's Making a Difference

Yes, I know, I know.... It's been a few weeks since I posted a new chapter to "Monday's Making a Difference". Give this blogger a break! I've been crazy busy with Ashley's graduation, family in town, and the clean-up... not to mention the need for a little time to breathe after all of that. Whew!

So, today's "Making a Difference" is about "J" (yes, sorry... another person with a "J").
"J" (October 2011)

"J" is one of Ashley's friends. They met on the first day of school four years ago. They had both just moved to this area and were new students at their high school. "J" is so naturally outgoing and a "chatterbox" that she and Ashley just instantly became friends.
"J" and Ashley (October 2008)
Four years later, "J" is in college, but can still hang out with Ashley regularly. They are now the best of friends and are so good for each other. I couldn't pick a more perfect friend for Ashley.
Ashley and "J" at a Braves baseball game (May 2012)
Although "J" is one of many friends that are always sweet and kind to Brielle, "J" became special to Brielle when she started babysitting Brielle just a few years ago. Although "J" is part-time nanny and babysits many other children, she always tries to make time to be Brielle if I need her.
"J" and Brielle just hanging out ( April 2012)
"J" just "gets" Brielle and isn't afraid of being with her. Quite the opposite. Whenever she comes over to see Ashley, she always makes sure she greets Brielle as well. "J's" positive spirit and energy are a natural fit with Brielle. They can have fun and be goofy together just like a couple of teenagers. That is a precious gift to Brielle.
Brielle making silly faces with "J" (March 2012)
"J" wants to become a pediatrician. She is quite smart enough and determined enough to do it. Her fun personality will make her a great children's doctor. And I know that her interactions with Brielle will help her be just that much better with special needs children when she is caring for them.

"J" has gone through her own medical issues. She has had Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome since November 2005, Celiac Disease since April 2008, and was diagnosed with Neurally Mediated Hypotension in February 2009. She has handled them with dignity, poise and responsibility. This is one special gal!

Want to learn more about her story? Go to: http://livingchronically.blogspot.com/2009/08/our-history.html

Thursday, June 7, 2012

My Little Cheater

After all of the festivities from Ashley's graduation, Brielle and I are finally getting back to homeschooling. With only 10 days left to get done before the end of July, we are in the home stretch!

Today, Brielle was doing a math worksheet (subtraction facts to 13) while I was printing some other work for her to do. I hear her get up from the kitchen table and realize she has gone to her room to get her calculator. The little cheater!

She gave me complaints and few tears as I scolded her and told her to put aside the calculator, but she eventually finished her worksheet. She only missed two of the 50+ problems, so she didn't have any reason to cheat!

That little stinker. Gotta love it.