Poppi's Personal Style Consultants...

You never know what's going to happen when Tay, Aves, and Syd spend the night at Dondi and Poppi's. Tonight they decided it was high time Poppi got a make-over!

Those are some sinister smiles. I'm not sure I would trust my face with them.


Taylor at work


Averi at work


Sydney at work


It looks to me like he was really enjoying himself.


Wow, girls! Congratulations on a job well done:)

Party Pics...

Saturday was Taylor's birthday party and it was a lot of fun. The kids had a blast swimming while the adults tried to stay cool in the little bit of shade we could find. I realized this weekend that we are entering into a new phase of our lives as far as birthdays go - because for the first time, a majority of the parents just dropped their kids off and left. It was yet another reminder of how big Taylor is getting. Before I know it, she'll be shaving her legs and wearing make-up. Aghhh. Slow down, Father Time!
I started thinking afterwards - and this was the 12th birthday party we've thrown. That's a lot of cake:) But with 3 kids that's the way it goes. Every few months it's that time again. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
So...12 down and many more to go!

Averi's First T-Ball Game...

The things we put our poor kids through:) Little Averi, my "mini-me", was so nervous before her first big game. Her tummy had butterflies in it, and her shy, clingy side came out. But she worked through it and ended up doing awesome. AND had a good time (which is all we care about). The first half she was pretty hesitant. She just stood around with this bewildered, lost look on her face. By the second half she was running for the ball everytime it was hit - and she and Kyler were cracking up about who-knows-what out on the field. It was like watching two entirely different kids. When it was her turn at bat, she smacked the ball and got a base hit (she's so cute when she runs with that big helmet on)! The best part about watching a bunch of four year olds play T-Ball is that no one knows what in the world is going on. It is absolute chaos on the field, and it is so freakin' funny. Maybe we DO need one more practice:) Anyhow, if you need a good laugh come out and watch!


Granna and Averi





Dad "trying" to help


My sweet girl


Good hit!


Averi and Alivia


These two are FUNNY!


Silly girls


Good game

Happy 7th Birthday, Taylor...

Seven Years
Norah Jones

Spinning, laughing, dancing to her favorite song
A little girl with nothing wrong
Is all alone

Eyes wide open
Always hoping for the sun
And she'll sing her song to anyone
that comes along

Fragile as a leaf in autumn
Just fallin' to the ground
Without a sound

Crooked little smile on her face
Tells a tale of grace
That's all her own

Spinning, laughing, dancing to her favorite song
A little girl with nothing wrong
And she's all alone






Dear Taylor,

It's hard to believe that 7 years ago today, we met you for the very first time. I wish I had pictures to post of that memorable day - but that was back in ancient history when all we had were film cameras:) Anyway...on June 18, 2001 at 12:16 PM you were born, and we were changed forever. Honestly, I was a little scared. I had never loved something or someone SO much. I guess that's what becoming a mom does to you.
A lot has happened between now and then:

• We've grown from a family of 3 to a family of 5
• Your dad and I graduated from Tech...FINALLY
• We've moved twice and had 4 different cars
• We lived in D.C. for one amazing summer
• Diddy went to be with Jesus
• Two cousins were welcomed to the family
• You've been on 1 soccer team (didn't like it:)
• You've been in 4 dance recitals
• Granna and Gramps came back to Lubbock

Everyone told us that time would fly. They were right! Your dad and I surely aren't old enough to have a kid in the 2nd grade who can read and write. Looking back, when we had you, we were practically babies ourselves:) Well you certainly are not a baby anymore! And we are having so much fun watching you grow into a beautiful young lady - inside and out.
One thing I've really noticed about you this past year is your self-confidence. You've got self-confidence, girl! And that makes me breathe a huge sigh of relief. I've watched you handle situations with your friends and classmates - and I know that if it was me at your age, even now, I would be a little less sure of myself. You brush yourself off, hold your head high, and keep on goin'! I'm sure it has a lot to do with the "Dream Team" (i.e. your friends and family) that surrounds you with love and prayer. Another gift you have that I see blossoming is your compassionate spirit. You are so kindhearted and concerned about others. From giving away your last 50 Honey Bucks to someone who didn't have any, to taking care of me when I was sick - you really care and want to help. You are an awesome gift to us!
I just want you to know how proud we are of you. We love you with all of our hearts. You are the one who made us "Mom" and "Dad", and that is so special.
We love you to the moon and back!

Love,
Mom

"Look...and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."

Habakkuk 1:5

Father's Day Pics...

Chad and Uncle Jerms (Taylor painted the canvas for Chad's Father's Day Gift)


Connor wearing daddy's hat

Tonsil-Less Taylor...

Yay! Taylor has NO MORE TONSILS:) I have to say that she is braver than me. She went into surgery like a champ. That "happy" medicine they gave her really worked - she was so loopy. It was funny! Chad and I thought it would only be fair if we got some too:) We arrived at the surgery center around 8:30 and we were home by 12:30. The surgery itself was fast. They rolled her back at 9:45 and by 10:15 Dr. Scolaro was telling us how great she did. He said her tonsils were chronically infected with yellow pits in them. Yikes:( When Taylor woke up she was surrounded by all her family. She was shaking and a little teary. She kept saying "Daddy, I want you". She was hurting pretty bad so the nurse gave her some pain medicine. Once it took effect she went back to sleep and got a good nap. Averi was so sweet. She went with Granna until we got settled at home. But she wanted to be with her sissy. She told Taylor "I was big worried about you. I felt so sorry for you."
Yesterday was a long day. All five of us slept the whole afternoon. Taylor was in quite a bit of pain, but ate pretty good. She was hungry and frustrated she couldn't swallow faster. This morning she woke up crying because her throat was so sore. Today she mostly laid around and got some much needed rest. Hopefully it is downhill from here on out. Thank you to everyone who said a prayer for her!

Before Surgery


Taylor on "happy" medicine


After surgery - taking a nap


Sweet Baby


She wanted her daddy

Tiny Dancers...

This past weekend was Taylor and Averi's dance recital. They are always so much fun, but it definitely makes for a long couple of days with 3 performances. This was the first year I've had to get two girls in costume and make-up. It's quite the job.
Averi did so good - and so did Tay. It's funny what a difference a couple of years makes. With Averi, I knew every word and every dance move to her song. All I knew about Taylor's dance was that she was doing ballet. She is getting so big - and doesn't need my help like she used to.
Taylor has been telling me the past few months that she does not want to take dance next year, so I was kinda sad this might be our last recital. But after the Saturday night performance, as we were walking to the car, she said: "I want to do it again - I LOVE dancing on stage!" And then Averi, of course, just agrees with whatever Taylor says. So it looks like we have another year of dance to look forward to!

Taylor and Her Dance Friends


Little Ballerina


Taylor and Madison


Tay and Aves


Averi and Dance Friends


Averi and Emma


"Who Knows the Alphabet?"


"The Counting Song"


After the Show! (Averi was not about to carry her flowers:)

Hey...

Averi's First T-Ball Practice...

Tonight was Averi's first T-Ball practice...and she did GREAT! She was pretty shy at first, but that didn't last long. I think it helped a lot that she knew most of the kids on the team. Not to mention the fact that she had her daddy's undivided attention out on the field to help her learn the rules of the game:) Chad was so funny. He told me afterwards that he almost teared up when he watched her hit the ball for the first time and run to first base. It was too fun! Now Taylor says she wants to play - Ha!Ha!

Dad and Averi


First hit was a miss.


Way to hit that ball!


Out on the field.


The team.


GO DODGERS!