My little artist

Emma made this for Ms. Fields, one of her teachers. Ms. Fields is getting married this Saturday. I just love how Emma recreated what she saw in her mind when she thought of Ms. Fields on her wedding day!

Fort Morgan/Fall Break 2010

our view at sunrise

Our karate boy now has a green belt!! Yay John Brady!!

John Brady's first karate testing was in April.

John Brady's second testing was earlier this month.

Belt Ceremony

Mr. Holt awarded John Brady with his new green belt.

The GRADUATES!!

Another school year begins

Four years ago my oldest started Kindergarten and this year my baby started. It's tough seeing them grow so quickly, but it also excites me to see what they will learn this year!


John Brady definitely had his own grand entourage walking with him on his first day of Kindergarten at Northport Elementary.





Over at Huntington Place Elementary it was a quick posing for pictures and then Emma and Abby were off to their new classrooms. Abby went to HPES for Kindergarten, but was at NES for 1st and 2nd grade. She hardly remembers HPES so big sister, Emma, has been helping her along. Emma was at HPES for Kindergarten, 1st, and 3rd grade. This year Emma started the 4th grade and the most exciting thing about 4th grade so far is that she gets taught two subjects by two other 4th grade teachers. No, Emma isn't changing classes yet. The teachers come to them. Still exciting though! Plus it is good practice for middle school per Emma. Middle school? I'm going to push that thought right out of my head for as long as possible!

Supporting Gulf Clean Up Efforts

A Snippet from Abby's 2nd Grade Memory Book

Not wearing your seatbelt. Being pulled over by the police. Getting a ticket (a $10 ticket that turned into a $30 ticket--another story!).

Having your kids with you at the time............PRICELESS!!

It's the last day of school!!

Well, it's here. The last day of school before summer vacation. The last day of third grade for Emma. The last day of second grade for Abby. The last day of Pre-K for John Brady. Where did the time go? I say that every year and every year I sincerely mean it. I am ecstatic for the summer break, but a little sad that another school year has ended and in a couple of months another will begin.

While school will start back in August just like every year, one thing will be missing from our schools will be these:

These cutesy, colorful extensions of my children's personalities will no longer be allowed in our schools. Clear or mesh backpacks will be mandatory for all of Tuscaloosa County schools for the 2010-2011 school year. I've known of middle and high schools requiring these and I've also known of some city elementary schools that have this rule. AND I know the reasoning behind this requirement, and I am so grateful for any measure of safety taken to protect my children. BUT MY GOODNESS!! I really hate it's come to this! What's next? Clear lunch boxes?