My babies...

Bo
(Hermione Marie 7.5 yrs)

So this week just happened to be Dr. Suess's birthday. How can you not enjoy this cutie dressed up like the cat in the hat? I absolutely adore this little lady. She's grown up so much in the last year. She is a loving sister to her brother and baby sisters. When sissy sent me this text Monday I was so happy. I loved our cuddles and talks a few weeks ago. I'm so proud of you and everything you do!

Bug
(Aiden Jay 5.5 yrs)

Wow big boy, look at those guns! You've grown up so much in the last year. from turning five, getting your first big boy haircut, to graduating to big boy underwear! That 28 weeker, 2 lb little baby is now a big boy in a house full of girls! I love your personality and sweet relationship with Abby. Auntie loves you handsome boy! Can't believe you're in pre- k.

Bean
(Abbygail Jean 3.5 yrs)

Ah the diva. From day one you made your presence known. No one messes with you unless they want to be face down in the mud. you're all girl and let everyone know it. Aiden is your best friend and you his. Being a whole 22 months younger Bug and you had many firsts together. You made the milestone of baby to big girl and let everyone know it. you're a snuggler and love mommy and Auntie but got nana wrapped around your finger. Charlie is your shadow and you love it!

Baby Bee
(Charlotte Shannon 23 mo)

The caboose, you're a whole 21 months younger then Abby. You love the girls and just being with them. Abby is your best friend and you love mommy! You perfected the stink eye before you could hold your head up. You did everything fast because you simply wanted to keep up with your siblings. Love your gumption and drive. most of all I love those big brown bear eyes and sweet face!

Read the labels...

So with my drastic change in diet this year, I've found it extremely difficult to find safe snacks that aren't double in price or run the risk of being processed in the same place as wheat products. This leaves fruit, veggies, and nuts as fast and easy snacks. (especially while I was working at the elementary) So when Heidi and I found dried fruit at the dollar store I was ecstatic. Now I know your thinking, "come on, it's banana chips there couldn't possibly be a problem."

This red, patchy skin referred to as "chicken skin,"this is what is left of the rash I had on the tops of my hands and my inner forearm down to my elbow. Guess who is reading all labels and looking for the gluten free sign before she purchases any food? The culprit, my darn banana chips. They happened to be processed in a plant that processes wheat products as well. Now the rash showed up 8 to 12 hours after I'd consumed the tasty dry fruit. now the painful gut ache and doubling over in pain came within 45 minutes after eating the dreaded snack. Lesson learned, my food must never, ever touch gluten products. This includes cross contamination of jams, peanut butter, or my gluten friendly food and gluten filled items. I made rainbows with my 2-3's class at work out of fruit loops by the end my hands itched so bad I wanted to chop them off. Solution? Lots of hand washing at work, and extreme label reading in stores.

Bye-bye JR Smith Elementary...

So I knew that my last day was coming soon. I guess I secretly hoped that if I ignored it life would 't  continue as usual. I would miss the kids and staff at the school and frankly didn't want to say goodbye. I left with a lump in my chest and a hope to visit everyone real soon. Wish me luck on my new adventure.

I love these Kiddos

bean is a snuggler

Bean and Bug are best buds

I love that Sissy sends me pics of the kiddos. I love these cutie pies and miss their sweet voices and adorable faces. I love my surprise phone calls and silly conversations with  my  diva of a three year old niece.

Be my Valentine....

 

So I'm truly not a huge fan of Valentine's day. Unless your a little kid or married it's just another day. Now the kiddos at Sunny Day knew it meant a fun party and treats. Thursday afternoon S and B's mom came in with a special gift for Heidi and I. She had two dozen roses, Chocolates, balloons, and a necklace and earing set for the two of us.  Her response was simple and touched our hearts, "every girl deserves flowers, balloons, chocolate and something pretty on Valentine's day. So S and B will be your valentines. we love ya!"

I've Gone Short....

Now for the last 3 or so weeks I've contemplated chopping my hair. Between the lice outbreak at the Preschool and the one at the elementary I work at I've had nightmares of being infested with bugs. So when Hoho said she was going to shave her head because her BFF chemo was making her lose her hair I thought, "Why not go Shorter?" Now I've had short hair before. Most of the time I lived in Ogden my hair was too short to put in a ponytail. So when we went to Jill's she asked me how short I wanted it. Personally I was tired of having nightmares about being infested with bugs. So I looked at her and simply said, "Meg Ryan short."

 Task accomplished! I love it. It is the shortest I've had my hair since I was a baby. Thanks Jill!

Compassionate Q-T

My sister Heidi has always been a compassionate, loving, selfless person. The people in her ward refer to her as "Pixie" because she is always doing something to help or support others. There is nothing she likes more then the happiness of others. Back in November her best friend of over 30 years called her and informed her that she had breast cancer. Two weeks before Christmas she had a double mastectomy and in January she started chemo.

So that phone call my loving sister made a promise to her friend. When she started chemo, and her hair fell out, Heidi would shave her head. So Friday night she received the text. April had had her second go of chemo and her hair was now falling out in chunks. Heidi texted her stylist and made an appointment for Saturday afternoon. I filmed the whole thing on my phone. We cannot wait to show it to April.

Sissy I love you and your compassionate, selfless love you have for all. Now you look like a cute little Q-Tip!