Anxiously Awaiting ...

This week we are anxiously awaiting a new member of the family. Little Jake Dallon is due on July 3 and we just can't wait to meet him. I am especially excited about this little boy's birth because his Mom has invited me to be there when he comes into the world! I can't even say how much it means to me that Constance has asked me to be a part of this. Constance was only 6 years old when I started dating her brother and seven when I married him. I've watched her grow from a tiny little girl into a woman and now I get to watch her become a mother. I couldn't be more excited!

Hmmm...

These signs just went up on my son's bedroom door. Should I be worried???

Movie Night

Friday evening we popped some popcorn and headed to Movie In The Park night to watch The Game Plan. This was the first time we've watched a movie in the park but I'm sure it won't be the last. It was kind of like going to a Drive In but better. We got there a little early to get a good spot and it's a good thing we did because the entire park was soon filled with families. We killed time, waiting for it to get dark, by playing a few games of UNO. The Game Plan was such a cute movie and it was even better getting to watch it beneath the stars. We are looking forward to watching more movies in the park throughout the summer.

Apology of a Shutter Bug

I know my constant picture taking is the cause of much exasperation in the lives of my husband and children. They see the camera coming out and instantly the groaning and eye rolling begin. I feel sorry for them, really I do. I love to be behind the camera but on the other end of it, I'm not nearly as comfortable. I would probably hate it if someone followed me around capturing everything I did on film. But as much as I feel for them, I just can't stop! I've always felt the need to document our lives. Not just birthdays, Christmas and big events, but the day to day.
I see something, like Austin sitting in the window playing his Gameboy and I just have to capture it. It may seem like an insignificant moment, but to me it's a moment I don't want to forget.I don't want to forget the times I thought, "Wow, he looks so big! When did this happen?" and "Isn't he cute deep in concentration?". To me, my memories are the most valuable thing I have. I know that someday my memories will begin to fade but because I seized these moments with a click of the shutter, they will never be completely lost. Aaron, Austin, Amanda and Lauren, please forgive me. I just want to remember every moment of the life I share with you!!

Opie and Sadie Behind Bars

Our poor pooches, Opie and Sadie spent the weekend in jail. Doggie jail, otherwise known as the dog pound. Because we are living in a townhouse right now with no yard to speak of, we are not able to have them with us. They have been living at Aaron's work where they stay in a generous sized kennel by day and have full run of the entire yard by night. This was working out pretty well for them until Saturday morning when a cleaning crew came in to clean the office and not knowing that there were dogs loose, left the gate open. When Aaron came to work Monday morning, they were gone. He couldn't find them anywhere and couldn't bring himself to call me and tell me my babies were gone. Luckily, sometime later he noticed a card stuck in the front gate that had been left by a dog catcher. Aaron called the number and was told they'd been nabbed not too far from the yard. I'm not sure how the catcher knew they'd come from the fence company but I'm glad he left a card. He was very nice and even brought them back free of charge. I'm so happy they were found! It would have killed me to have them just disappear and forever wonder if they were okay.

My Girl

Contemplative
Lady Like
Imaginative
Beautiful

Hello!

It's been two weeks now since my last post. Every day I wrack my brain to come up with something interesting to write about but the truth is, my life just isn't all that interesting right now. The kids are out of school and we pretty much spend our days lounging around the house, swimming at the pool and visiting the library. My nights are spent reading books or surfing the net and then the next day it starts all over again. I appreciate those of you who are still checking in with me and I will try my best to get myself posting again soon!

$$$$$

Well, it's that time of year again. Time to visit the Dentist. I know those visits are supposed to come twice a year but without dental insurance, bi-annual visits can be a little tough. We got lucky and found a new Dentist we really like. His name is Dr. Yum. Can you imagine the taunting he must have gone through as a child? Austin went first and had his visit last week. No cavities to report but because he grinds his teeth so badly in his sleep he had to have a mouth guard made to prevent any further permanent damage. $$$$$. Today was my turn and I was quite confident I would get away with a simple check up and cleaning. Unfortunately, I was wrong. An hour later I left with a set of nicely polished teeth and several new, unexpected fillings. $$$$$. I'm considering becoming a dentist so I can make back the money I spent on dental work this week.

I discovered today that I am apparently quite sensitive to Novocaine. The dental assistant told me that it would probably take about 2 hours for the numbness to wear off. She was wrong. It took nine hours until I no longer looked like a stroke victim. The left side of my face was completely paralyzed from my eye to my ear to the tip of my chin and my tongue was so numb I could hardly swallow. When I picked Austin up after school he was horrified by my half-faced smile. He begged me not to smile until we left the premises because he is just now beginning to make friends and he really didn't want them to see THAT. This of course made me laugh like crazy which made me look REALLY scary.