R.I.P. Nala Jean 6/30/96-8/25/12

This morning we unexpectedly said goodbye to Nala. It has been a heart-wrenching few hours and definitely an emotional roller coaster. I noticed yesterday that she was behaving odd, acting very lethargic and not as responsive as normal. I told the kids and Jeff that I was worried and thought this was going to be "it" and she wasn't going to hang on much longer. Jeff left the house this morning around 5am and she was perfectly fine, going out to go potty, etc. Around 6:45 the kids came into our room and woke me up to tell me that she has messed all over the house and was laying in it and couldn't stand up. I bolted out of bed and found her, head on the dining room carpet, spread out with all four of her legs flailing like a fish. She was panting hard and seemed to be out of it. I knew in that moment that this was the day we would be saying goodbye. I called my parents to come collect the kids so they didn't have to witness anymore heartache. They said their goodbyes and went to be with my Mom. My Dad returned and helped load her up in the car and we took her to the vet. The tech confirmed that although her vitals were ok, she had suffered a stroke....all too familiar to the one she had back in December, 2010, but this time, she couldn't regain control of her body and support her weight. I called Jeff and we made the decision together to have her put down as the quality of her life would never be the same and we couldn't, and didn't want to submit ourselves and the kids to such traumatizing circumstances anymore. I went in the back, held her head in my hands and said my goodbyes. With the passing of Nala, I am officially closing a chapter in my life, as I have had her since before meeting Jeff and she has been there right along with me through the roller coaster ride of my college years.

Nala's 15th Birthday

Saying Goodbye

Heart warming....

I HAVE to document this heart warming moment that I just witnessed before me between Austin and Addison. If you know the energy level that surrounds Austin and how utterly intense he can be, you will know why I had to document it. We just got back from the pool and Austin and Addison are playing Super Mario Bros. on the wii(Austin's new daily obsession!) He is so patient with her and allows her to have her own character and tag along with him on his journey. They just completed a world and were so excited with their accomplishment. Amidst their celebration, Austin turns to Addi, caresses her face, looks her in the eyes, and says "I love you so much!" This is the very moment why God allowed us to have children!

Another school year begins

The alarm went off this morning and it was time to start another school year! It seems like the summer flew by at an incredible pace and although I am more than ready to get back into a schedule, I am not ready for the 5:45am wake-up calls and the personal taxi service around the city of Gainesville. Brooke is now in 2nd grade with Mrs. Bates and Austin is in 1st grade with Ms. Ebert(this will be her very 1st teaching job straight out of college). This will be the 1st year in the BRAND NEW, STATE OF THE ART, Elementary building. It truly does have ALL of the bells and whistles and looking back, these kids are more than blessed to be receiving their education in such a phenomenal, high-tech environment. Austin will be a lion again this year, and for the ease of the children with the transition into the new building, his classmates will remain the same from last year....this is so exciting! We are looking forward to an amazing year at PK Yonge!

Go Blue Wave!

Jax Fl. Roc Running Obstacle Challenge

Yesterday Jeff and I ran in our 2nd obstacle challenge race, which benefited Donna 26.2, a charity to help fight cancer. We have a fundraising goal to each raise $50 toward the charity, which we have 1 month to fulfill. It was a challenging off road 3-4 mile course with 25+ obstacles spread throughout. There were multiple MUD pits, multiple walls and crawls, water obstacles(most involved natural creeks, an incline rope wall that led to an amazing water slide, and much more. Every "ROC-Star" got a professionally designed t-shirt, etched Finisher Pint glass, and a cool beverage(BEER.....and I even took a few sips) at the finish line. On one of the 1st obstacles, some type of wall, I sprained my ankle slighty coming down from it. Between that and the fact that I could barely catch a good breath, I wasn't at my best throughout the race, but pushed through. Our finish time was just over 64 minutes, which I was happy with, considering. Here is a list of some of the obstacles that we encountered: Mud Leap, Military Wall, Mud Crawl, Fence Hurdle, Hurdles, Fence Bound, Triple By-pass Water Trudge, A River Runs Thru It, Charlotte's Web, Over/Unders, Tire Stutter Step, Troll Bridge, Mud Pit, Water Bridge, Rope Pull, & Victory Wall. Jenn & Jean Moises ran the race with us as part of Team Married Mudders. It was their very 1st mud run and they did extremely well and I believe had fun doing it! We all wore fluorescent colors to represent the team. I have to say that as we drove up to the race site, which was kind of in the middle of nowhere at a horse stable, we passed a petting zoo, equipped with a buffalo, ostrich, lama, goats, chickens, and other various animals. It was so random, so weird, and so cool all at the same time. It was a fun morning, providing us with some amazing memories and souvenirs, including all the bumps and bruises.

Closing a chapter

This morning as I headed out the door I embarked on my last day as part of the "Trinity Kids" team, closing a chapter in my life that has led me to meet some incredible people and families! It was a bittersweet day as I said goodbye to some incredible people that I have grown to adore, but I look forward to my future and new role as a Preschool teacher in the 4 year old class at Stepping Stones!! When I arrived home from work Jeff and the kids had flowers and a "Happy Retirement" balloon waiting for me, which I just thought was so touching and sweet. Jeff had to go to work, so the kids and I spent a nice, peaceful afternoon at the pool. My Mom was so gracious and had the kids and I over for dinner to celebrate new beginnings, serving my favorite, Hungarian Goulash. I now get to enjoy 2 weeks off before pre-planning begins and look forward to the down time and relaxation!

Superhero Scramble

Last night, Jeff and I ran our 1st ever mud run/obstacle course challenge. We were a part of a team with our friend and neighbor, Luisa.....Jeff being the only male representative on the team. It was called The Legion of Lu....clearly Luisa formed the team =) The SUPERHERO SCRAMBLE was 4-6 Miles of wicked terrain, located at the Waldo Motocross Speedway, with 20+ obstacles including major water crossings and the SUPER SLIME, located at the bottom of a HUGE waterslide! This course is not for the weak....that is for certain! It was so much fun running it with Jeff and definitely pushed me beyond any limits I thought I had. I was able to complete all of the obstacles withe the exception of the final incline rope wall....that was impossible after utilizing every last bit of strength you had completing the rest of the course, not to mention the wet muddy shoes that didn't allow for any traction. After a few attempts, I had to go up the side of the scaffolding to reach the top of the slid. Jeff made it to the top on his own, on his 1st attempt mind you, but got stuck hanging on to the top ledge and couldn't pull himself up.....who could with those long legs anyway!?!? One of the race employees had to hoist him up. We ended up finishing the race in just over 70 minutes. I am hooked now and can't wait to compete in our next race!

Austin turns 6!

Time sure is flying by in regards to the kids! It is hard to believe that Austin is now 6 years old. For his birthday we decided to keep it really low-key and stick to the tradition or having a party every other year. Austin chose to bring his buddy, Reid, with us to dinner. We went to the Texas Roadhouse, a family favorite! I personally think Austin just enjoys being able to throw the peanut shells on the floor and making a huge mess! The highlight of the whole evening was when the waitresses all gathered around our table, put Austin up on the big bull and sang Happy Birthday to him....he was elated! Mimi got to join us at the restaurant as well, so it turned out to be a nice, family evening. We celebrated on another night at the house with Aunt Neekee, eating pizza, and enjoying a Spiderman themed cake. Austin's only request for his birthday this year was Ninjago, so we took him to the Lego store in Downtown Disney and let him pick out a few things. Granni & Grandpi also added to the collection. It is fun to see how his likes change with every year! For Austin's 6 year check-up with Dr. Benton we learned that he was 49.5 inches tall(97%tile), 51lbs(76%tile, and had a 15BMI(38%tile). Austin continues to be the energy that keeps our family in constant motion =)

Live Nativity

I am thrilled that all 3 kids got to partake in the Live Nativity this year. What would make me more thrilled is if I actually got to see them in it, outside of the pics that were taken, but I guess that's the nature of my job. I really do enjoy watching all of the kids get into costume though and the excitement on their faces as they are about to head over to the stable area and then the elation on their faces as they return after their 15 minutes are over. Its a crazy 90 minutes for sure, on my end, but it flies by, I get to see so many people, and I am truly blessed to be a part of it every year.
The characters of choice this year were: Austin as Joesph, Brooke as an Angel, and Addi as an Angel. They were so cute in costume and Addison was super excited to be a part of it! The group of kids that were together with ours was also great as it was, Blythe and Shae Winston, Mikey & William Dietrich, Miles Kamp, and Brooke's friend Deanna, who just adores her! Having them all together in the pics is just priceless and we are so fortunate that Jeff Winston takes such incredible pics to document the event.

Perhaps we should market this new hair product?

So, tonight is the perfect example of how Addison acts when she hasn't had a nap....full monster mode as I like to refer to it. She was sitting at the dinner table and I looked over at her and her bangs were parted down the middle and one side was completely slicked down. Enough time had passed since her bath so I knew it wasn't just water. I asked her what exactly she was doing to her hair and her reply was "(giggle, giggle) the oranges." She then proceeded to dip her fingers in the peach juice on her plate and use it as a hair styling product. What can you do but laugh, and then blog about it?!?

A Date to the Nutcracker

Today, Austin and I, along with the rest of PKY's Kindergarten Village and several other schools, all gathered at the Phillip's Center for Performing Arts to watch a performance of the Nutcracker. Austin was so excited to get dressed up in his "fancy clothes" and I even let him decide which outfit I should wear. I was assigned to Austin and his good buddy, Adam. We were seated in the Mezzanine section of the theater and the seats were similar to where Brooke and I sat last year. The scene of the "battle" was highly anticipated by both boys....Adam being slightly scared of it, but we reassured him everything would be ok. After the performance we headed back to the school where the kids were treated to a special lunch outside, complete with reindeer sandwiches and each received a special Nutcracker from Mrs. Donnelly. It was such a great a morning and I couldn't have asked for a more handsome date!

Happy Birthday Jesus

Last night, Addison and the entire Stepping Stones preschool put on their Christmas performance of "Happy Birthday Jesus." The kids, teachers, and directors worked so hard over the past month and it certainly showed. Rachel, who works in the Stepping Stones office, was so sweet and reserved us seats in the 2nd row, so we had a great view of Addison who was front and center! The kids all paraded into the Worship Center and as they took the stage, and Jan, the Director, began her welcome speech, the aisles flooded with parents, grandparents, etc. who took on the roll of the Paparazzi.....it was crazy watching all of the flashbulbs go off as the volume of the crowd grew. I was sure the kids were all going to get stage fright after that frenzy, but alas, they all kept their composure and Jan got everyone to settle down so the program could begin. I have never been more proud of Addison! She sand every song, knew all of the movements, and did a fantastic job. I think we have a future actress in the family :)
After the performance, the families made their way to the staged reception areas to enjoy the over 800 cupcakes that were donated by the parents....yumm-o!! We then snapped a few photos and took our little Thespian home :)

She was so excited to go, but 1st we had to take a quick pic at home :)