Galveston

We headed to Galveston for a weekend a the beach. We went with our good friends, the Gilchrists and the Walkers. It was a celebration weekend for Davie's birthday. We like those kinds of birthday requests. So glad we have such fun vacation friends.
Katie and Jesse looking for dolphins. They actually swam with the dolphins that day. It was amazing!
Katie can dig in the sand all day.
Jack loves to boogie board.

So many emotions

I'm rounding the bend, the end is in sight. Hard to believe this journey is rapidly coming to an end. When I started back to school 4 1/2 years ago, it seemed so far away. Now my countdown is nearing the final days. It's an interesting set of emotions I am encountering as I get closer to completing this chapter in my life. I am really looking forward to having a life that does not involve busy busy all day and study all night. It is draining and exhausting and guilt inducing because I never feel like there is enough time for my family. I love learning and have a sincere desire to learn as much as I can while in school. I know that when I'm done I won't have a requirement put on me to attend special lectures and read text books and scientific journals. It will be hard to find the time to make those things a priority when I won't have someone grading my performance. I hope that I will continue to want to learn everything about my field and keep up with all the latest research.

I recently took the Praxis and on the day of the test I was quite emotional. This exam has been the big exam looming over our heads since we first learned there was such a thing way back in undergrad. When the day finally arrived, I knew I had finally arrived. All those who I placed on a pedestal and thought surely I would never know enough to pass such a comprehensive examination represented where I finally had arrived. I was now taking that test, demonstrating what I had learned. This was a big day, a big accomplishment. And I did it. I took the test, I passed and now I'm in the group I had once looked upon with such awe. I am so proud that I have come so far, that I've done this with my family right beside me. We did this together because it took great sacrifice on everyone's part. I know it was so much more difficult going to graduate school with kids at home. But I think that I have appreciated it all the more because it has not been easy. I have also had the opportunity to be on the receiving end of so much service and love. I don't think I really understood how wonderful the people in my life are. I have some of the best friends in the world. So many people who have helped me to accomplish my goals. I will never be able to repay them, but I hope it will make me a more compassionate and charitable person. I hope I am able to help others the way I have been helped. What an incredible journey. The countdown is nearing the end. I am both sad and anxious to see what lies around the next corner.

Snow Day!!!

Katie

Katie's 7th Birthday

Katie wanted a white cake with black stripes for her birthday. She's such a teenager. Scary. It was fun to be home on her birthday for a change. Can't believe she turned 7 this year.

Sydney turns 15!

For her birthday, Sydney decided she wanted to just stay home and do nothing. She didn't want a party, didn't want a bunch of friends over, didn't want to go to the mall or bowling or movies or any of the other multitude of things I suggested. She asked that we have sushi for dinner and watch scary movies. So that is what we did. I think she had fun. I know we all enjoyed the dinner (especially me since I didn't have to cook it).


Justin came over to celebrate with us. He'd never had sushi. What a good sport for trying something new.
Katie worked hard to practice her chopstix skills all night.
I can't believe this was my little baby just 15 years ago.
Katie was so excited to give her a cat collar for her new kitty. She picked it out and paid for it with her own money. She loves her sister
Jack gave her a cool red watch that matches her school uniform. Very blingy.
Guess who the evolution shirt is from. One of the few things she asked for. Funny girl.
Aunt Amy didn't forget. She left gifts in the top of Katie's closet. She gave her a purse with a stylish contact case.
Justin got her the first and last book in her favorite series, Artemis Fowl.
Silver sent her some pillow spray and lotion to help her sleep better at night.


We did a cookie's n cream ice cream cake this year. It was amazing!!!

I love this girl and couldn't be prouder to be her mom. What a wonderful day.