Emi is now Sweet Sixteen

Yes, my baby is 16 (yesterday, March 17)!!!!!

 And she still shows her food ...

She asked for Hawaiian food for dinner and then met a bunch of friends at Leatherby's. It was a lot of fun for her. Happy birthday Emi!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woman of the Year Nomination

So Alyssa was nominated at Utah State University for the Woman of the Year Award. I'm so proud of her! She's in her third year of college and working hard to keep her grades up. She's also on the Dean's list. Yay Aly!

Emi's First Day of School

Since I uploaded about Christian's move to college below, it's only fair I show Emi's first day of school ... I don't get to take pictures of Alyssa anymore on her first day ... lol
Doesn't she look excited?

Christian is off to college!

Better late than never at updating our blog. This is Christian heading off to Blinn.
All packed and ready to go ...

Driving into Brenham ...

And the dorms ...

Brotherly love

It just doesn't get easier to let them go!!!!

The Real Moment

I haven't blogged in forever because I haven't downloaded my pictures from my camera. It takes like 5 seconds, but I haven't done it. This past month has been full of memorable moments. Moments that make parents proud!! Alyssa started her third year of college at Utah State (really, 3!!), Christian moved to Blinn College and started practicing with the marching band. School starts this coming Monday for him. And Emi started high school this past Monday. Just in case you missed it: HIGH SCHOOL. I don't like putting 9th graders with the rest of high school because it means they're older than I want them to be. :-) So now my house is completely quiet very early in the morning. Emi has marching band practice after school so I have a full day to work, work, work without interruptions. Wow.

I am so proud of the kids!!! They are growing up to be happy, responsible human beings. The picture above was taken in 1995. Alyssa was 6, Christian 4, and Emi a few months old. Really ... where has time gone. I'm the luckiest mom on earth. :-)

Christian's graduation

The Ward's brought Christian a gift ... so cute!
At the restaurant Christian chose (Razoo's for Cajun Food).
These are not in order ... Outside after the ceremony!
Grandparents waiting before ceremony started ...
The whole group after Christian's graduation. It was an amazing day!! We loved it!

Awesome days ahead

Christian graduates tomorrow. We've had the best week! It's been fun seeing him do his last band end of year banquet, senior presentation, seminary graduation, band concert, etc. Tomorrow, he's officially done with high school.
They're trying to say: Sugar Land 3rd lol
Blurry picture of his concert
With friends at the banquet
Yes, trying to smash a soda can ...
He wanted a picture with all the girls ... ha ha ha

Home Sweet Home

I'm so done with traveling. A family vacation would be okay because that's what I have missed these past two weeks: the family together. Christian graduates in about 3 weeks and it's all too real: my son is leaving home soon. Having Alyssa graduate and leave home was incredibly hard for me. I've talked to other moms and I'm not alone. It's something we all share. But that doesn't make it easier. Now Christian is about to graduate and start his life outside the home. It's exciting and fun and freaky. And a little sad for me ..... but not in a bad way. I know this is part of letting go. I just crave time with my kids. Dain and I have done at great job at spending time alone as a couple (I highly recommend that--no kids and definitely not with other couples) AND as a family. It's awesome. A little bit of my heart goes with each kid. It's bittersweet.

So as the school year ends and the hot season is here to stay, I'm entering yet another time in my life. After all, "To every thing, there is a season", right?? :-)

Happy 18th Birthday Christian!

Christian turned 18 on Friday, May 8. We were gone to the funeral that day so we're celebrating tonight. I can't believe he's 18 already! EEK! These are some of my fave pictures of him:

Jacket

Christian finally got his letterman's jacket and he's beyond excited!

Notice the "Utahman". It's from the U of U fight song by the same name.

Christian Recital

Christian wrote this song for Alyssa when she left for college and chose to perform it at his recital last week.

Christian Senior Presentation

Christian and his best friend, Matt.

School fight song.

Dain and Christian. Yes, I took the picture and it's blurry.


The CHS Marching Band had their last football game for the year last week. During halftime, all members of the band who are seniors were invited to stand in front. The parents were invited to come down to the field and to pin a flower on their kid's uniform. It was SO touching. I'm glad I was wearing sunglasses. I was choking back the tears. UGH. Why do kids need to grow up?? I want them to be little again. But only when I'm in the mood for it, not forever. LOL

Paint Party!

Aly and her roommates at Utah State BEFORE the paint party:

AFTER the paint party:

This is Aly's roommate Carli. Aly and Carli were best friends in elementary school and met up again after all these years.

Marching Band!

It's marching band season!! Christian is already nostalgic that this is his last high school marching season. I think the most positive aspect of moving to Houston (for Christian) was his marching band. He loves it. He has made great friends and it has been a great experience for him.

Here are pictures from him first game. Go Rangers!

First Day of School

(this is me)

It's the first day of school!!! Christian is officially a Senior (EEKK!), Emi is 8th grade (her last year of Middle School) and Alyssa started her 2nd year of college. I have been doing a happy dance all morning. I love having the kids home during the summer, but when school starts, I'm ready for some peace and quiet. Hee hee hee



Alyssa was in the library studying when I texted her and asked her to take a pix of herself. lol



I took these of Christian as he was leaving at 6:30 a.m. He has a full load for his Senior Year. He will be a busy boy this year.



I had to force Emi to smile and stand still. It's so much easier when they're little .. ha ha ha As she was walking out the front door, I said, "One more!" and she looked over her shoulder and said "Moooooommm". HA HA HA So that's what I took!

Marching Band!

Last night, we went to a Drum and Bugle show. It's basically a bunch of professional marching bands. It was fun to watch and some of those groups were very, very good. Christian is in marching band and he starts in about two weeks. Where has the summer gone??!!!!

This picture is from last year. Christian is the first one on the right in the first picture and that's his band playing at a Texan's game.

Drummer Girl

Look at what Dain put in Emi's room this weekend. I have a feeling my life will never be the same (or quiet) again. She's LOVING it! PS: She made honors band for next year (8th grade).

Christian is 17!!!

So Christian is 17 as of May 8th. Happy Birthday!!!!

We celebrated with dinner and a big, yummy chocolate cake with chocolate frosting-his fave (mine too!). Now someone tell me this: How do they grow up so fast? It seems like yesterday that he was a giggly, happy toddler. We love you!

The "A" Team

Alyssa is working this summer with Utah State University's A Team.

They help out with new student orientations. These are some of the hard-working girls. :-)

Here's a link to USU's Soar page: http://www.usu.edu/soar/A-Team/

Emi inducted into Nat'l Junior Honor Society

Our last kid to be inducted into NJHS!!
We're proud of you Emi! Congrats! Love you tons ~