Jessie Thatcher Photography

Several weeks ago we had our 'yearly' family pictures taken.  My friend Jessica is a first grade teacher in Columbus and also does photography.  I have known her since elementary school and she is one of the sweetest people in the world.  I don't get to see her that often but thanks to facebook and e-mail we communicate regularly.  I love it when she takes our pictures for so many reasons..... she will usually spend most of the day with us so we get to catch up, the kids LOVE to see her, and if the kids are getting crazy on me we can let them rest or play and then start back up later.....which means no stress!!!!  Thanks so much Jess.... you are so talented!

Clay loses his first tooth!

About a couple of months ago we started noticing that Clay had a bottom tooth that was getting loose. The precious thing talked about it everyday, wondering when it would fall out and what the tooth fairy would bring. Every time I looked at him he was wiggling it! I remember he came up to me and said "Mom, it's really loose now!". I think I kind of blew him off at first because he had been working on it forever, but after he persisted I finally touched it. It bent down really far and I knew that the time was near! We were eating supper and he started crying that it hurt, I looked at it and it was bleeding. Josh offered to give it a little push, and when he did, it popped right out! I have never seen a child so ready to go to bed. He was so excited to see what the tooth fairy would bring.... and the tooth fairy delivered!

I should note that the same week Clay lost his first tooth, Casey finally was potty-trained! It was sort of sad for me, both of the boys are growing up so fast!

Carrie's birthday

My sister and I both share September birthday's. Mine falls at the end of the month and Carrie's is at the beginning...... we are less than a year apart in age, so for a couple of weeks in September we are the same age (number).

We all planned to meet for ice cream at a little place that is between our houses. Our cousin Dana got to join us too! We got there a little early to set up some balloons and put a little sign out for her. I love my sister so much. She is so good to us.... does so many special things for the kids.... they love her so much too! Happy Birthday Sissy! Glad we got to be a part of your special day!

Weekend in Coolville

Carrie and Grady


my cousin Annie


Ellen playing with Casey


Ellen and Carlie


Clay fishing

4 generations!

Every Labor Day weekend we head in to Coolville for a family reunion. Here are some of the pictures that my uncle Bob took. The bottom picture is of my Mom, Grandma (Gam), sister, myself and the kids. My cousin Ellen is in the picture with Carlie...... Carlie loves Ellen and her sister Annie sooooo much! They even invited her over for a sleepover on Sunday night! Carlie was so excited. I am so thankful for Ellen and Annie..... they take such good care of my kids when we go back home.

It was a busy but fun weekend..... lots of visiting with family which is great...... I love you all so much!!!

Carlie's first day of first grade

Anyone reading the title of this post will realize that I am waaaayyy behind on my blog! These pictures were taken on her first day of school. I was a little nervous, wondering how she would do going all day long, but she did great. I was really sad to see her go.... knowing that this was the beginning of her being gone most of the day for the rest of her life, ugh, makes me cringe to write that! But at the same time, the excitement of summer was definitely wearing off and it wasn't taking much for the kids to start squabbling over things.

Her teacher, Mrs. Stollberg is wonderful. Words just can't express how pleased I am with her school. We were also very happy to hear that Carlie was going to make the transition from kindergarten to first grade with her very best friend Madeline. They were in kindergarten together and have developed a very special relationship!

Carlie and Casey's Carnival Birthday Party

This past Saturday we celebrated Carlie and Casey's birthdays 'Carnival' style! We had tacos in a bag (aka walking tacos to some people), hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn, watermelon skewers, cupcakes, and nachos to eat! Outside we rented a Bounce House and also set up carnival games. Each child had a bag with their name on it and 50 tickets inside to use to play the games. The games included ring toss, quarterback throw, duck pond game, and clothes-pin drop. We also had face-painting, and balloon animals.

The parties always take a lot of planning and hard work, but I really do enjoy having them. I must say, that it wouldn't be possible without the help of my family. My Mom and Dad typically stay at our house on the Friday before the parties and help get things together. Mom always entertains the kids and does chores that I can't get done while I bake the cupcakes and do other stuff. This year Dad helped Josh with mulching the flower beds and yard work on Friday and Saturday morning. My sister is so good to me too! She helps me with planning, and always volunteers to take on things..... this year it was balloon animals! She even practiced making them at her house. (My Mom and sister are always the ones in the kitchen cleaning up after the party is over too.) Gam (my Grandma) arrived early on Saturday to help. She got drinks together, helped with food, dishes, etc. Chelsea (my cousin's girlfriend) came down on Friday with my parents and helped with everything..... kids, food, etc. I can't leave out my dear husband..... I know I drive him crazy while getting these parties together! He always says 'Babe, I promise I'm going to get everything that you need me to get done before the party starts.'...... and he always does.

Thanks everyone for all of your help..... I REALLY appreciate it! And Happy Birthday to my precious, little pups Carlie and Casey.