I Never Wanted a Loose Tooth

"Can you glue it back in please?"

she sobbed.

"I never wanted a loose tooth.

Now I don't look like a pretty princess.

People are going to laugh at me.

You better not tell anyone,

this is embarrassing!"

Well, I hope someday she will forgive me because this is just too cute to keep to myself. Right after getting out of the bathtub this morning, Brigitta pulled the towel around herself with her teeth and out popped her tooth. The poor girl, locked herself in the bathroom for 10 minutes in tears. I thought that I had settled all of these issues with her when her tooth first became loose, but apparently not. I gently reminded her of our conversations of the past 2 weeks on the subject of teeth. When she finally came to the realization that the "Tooth Fairy" would be visiting our house this evening she came out to face the world. Her nieces were concerned that she was hurt because of all of the tears, but when she showed them what had happened they were excited and now Arianna suddenly has a loose tooth of her own.

After a few hugs and reassurance that it would indeed grow back, she managed to produce a smile.

National Wildlife Museum

It has been such a long week that we decided to get away.

Our adventure took us to the International Wildlife Museum.

From our Home-School group
we learned that today is
MUSEUM DAY.

Almost the entire family was able to come.

After registering on-line we received
2 Free General Admission Tickets

The tickets were good for
any participating Museum of our choice.



There were several Museums to choose from,

and each family registered for their own tickets.

I loved this sign.

Imagine, a museum inviting you to
touch their displays.

The kids were in heaven.



There were animals from all over the world.





Kendrick's favorite animals were the bears...






...until he saw the Alligator.

There were animals out on display

for the children to interact with.

"No, you can't bring it home with you!"

The Ferret cave was a big hit.

Even Shantell had to give it a try.

Kendrick would tell you that

he is the King of the Forest.

But then Brigitta thinks she is in charge also.

This lion couldn't hardly

sit still for his picture.

As you can see our lion is blowing kisses good-bye.

I guess that means that it is time to go.

Have a Great Day!


If you want to see the animals check out Kendrick's Blog.
He took most of the animal pictures

My Favorite Color, GREEN

After the decimation of my garden over a month ago,

this is a welcome sight.

Tomatoes!

My new strawberry patch.

This bell pepper and tomato plant are about

the only survivors in the garden

after that fateful day.

Winter squash...1 of 6.

So far everything is safe from our puppy. :)

We have also planted:
Onions
Green Onions
Carrots
Beets
Cauliflower
Chili Peppers
and Lots of Winter Squash


We are currently working on expanding and fencing in the rest of the gardens. The things we do for our children! Kendrick is grateful to still have his puppy.

Look for the Good!

We just finished watching "Pollyanna" again for the hundredth time. It is one of my favorite movies and books. I love the way Pollyanna looks at life and then introduces an entire town to the "glad game."

This time however as I watched the movie, a new concept stood out at me. It began with a conversation between Pollyanna and the Minister.


Pollyanna: Do you like being a minister?
Minister: What kind of a question is that?
Pollyanna: I asked my father that once–he was a minister too you know.
Minister (eagerly): What did he say?
Pollyanna: He said he liked being a minister, but it made him sad when people wouldn’t listen to what he was preaching.
Minister: Yes, I suppose every man of God has felt like that.
Pollyanna: Then he read something one day that made him feel better.
Minister: From the Bible?
Pollyanna: No, from a book. He had it engraved on this locket. (picks up the locket and begins to read) If….you…look…oh it makes me cross-eyed everytime I try to read it!
Minister: May I? (begins reading) “If you look for the bad in people, you’re sure to find it, so look for the good instead. A. Lincoln“

I pondered over this quote a lot today. Here is the exact quote from Abraham Lincoln:

"If you look for the bad in people

expecting to find it,

you surely will."

Everyone has faults, nobody is perfect, and yet if you choose to find fault in others, you are the one who loses. You lose out on friends, opportunities and most important of all, happiness.

Instead of looking for the bad, compliment, uplift and accentuate the good qualities in those whom you come in contact with. When you do a magical transformation takes place in your life, for as you seek the good in others you will find joy and happiness in your own life.

Happy Birthday Mar-Kay!

My how the years have flown!

Here is our birthday boy

THEN

...and NOW

Happy Birthday Mar-Kay!

I can't imagine my life without you.

You are my source of strength.

I asked some of the children what they liked most about their Dad. Here are a few of their responses.

• His love for my Mom
• He loves me
• He is always there for me
• He can fix or make anything
• He is always happy
• He never complains
• He makes time for me out of his busy schedule
• His love and compassion for others
• His sense of humor
• His dance moves
• His willingness to put his families needs before his own
• His righteous example

On To The Finals

This weekend Shantell participated in the

Tucson Symphony Orchestra

Young Artist Competition

and was invited back to compete

in the finals in two weeks.

This is a very prestigious honor.

She performed:

Chopin's Concerto in E minor Op.11

Congratulations Shantell on a job well done!

The Day of Celebration is Finally Here

Birthday's are always special occasions. This year Brigitta's birthday fell in the middle of the week and so we waited until the weekend when the family could get together to celebrate. Do you know how difficult it is to wait for your party when you have been counting down for weeks? To make things a bit easier Brigitta was presented with the breakfast of her choice on her special day and permission to open 1 gift.

Strawberry Yogurt Swirl

Apple Raisin Bran Muffin

Sausage

Being able to open one present
kept her content until the official
party day arrived.

This outfit was a gift from her oldest sister, and her two nieces.

Her sister-in-law, Aimee designed her hair.

I can't tell who is more excited,

Brigitta or her niece.

She was so eager to unwrap each gift.

A crown fit for a princess.

It took her three tries to blow out all of her candles.

Does that mean only half of her wishes will come true?

Nora made her this cute dance outfit.

Her special day was worth the wait.

Thanks to everyone who joined us in

celebrating Brigitta's birthday.

Birthday Girl!

It is exciting and sad at the same time watching your children grow, especially when it is your last. It is hard to believe how quickly time passes. That is why it is to crucial to make the most of every minute of every day.

All of our children have been infertility babies with the exception of our first and last. Who knew that turning 40 would be the key to my fertility? It was an interesting pregnancy. I didn't quite fit in with the younger mother's to be and most of the women my age had raised their children. I was the "Mother of the Bride" at seven months pregnant for my daughter Brianna's wedding. I had gestational diabetes and so I was monitored very carefully. The doctor induced Brigitta two weeks early because of complications. After 16 hours of labor she was delivered cesarean because she did a somersault right into breech position. No matter how difficult the pregnancy was, the outcome was well worth it.

We are so blessed to have Brigitta in our lives.

She is the sunshine that brightens our days.

Happy Birthday Brigitta

We LOVE You!

Quick Get-Away

When the temperature is soaring and your stress level is high, it's time for a quick get-away. We took the family up the mountain today to enjoy the cool temperatures and had a great time.

Believe it or not, Padme and Trooper are brother and sister.

Everyone was there except Brianna and her girls.

We missed you Brianna and hope that

you will be able to make it next time.