The day Linnae and Randall got married, May 26, 2012

When Linnae was born I was 7 years old. I pretended like she was mine. As the youngest of 8 children my mom welcomed the help. I’d sit on our little couch in the kitchen feeding her a bottle and would tell her all the things I would teach her to do.

As we grew up we all taught Linnae how to do our favorite things and she excelled at many. By the age of 3 she rode a bike, roller skated faster than all of us. She climbed and swung and played with incredible strength. We called her our “midget might”. At the time we had no idea that the strength she developed would carry her through some rough waters and make her even stronger.

By the age of 7 “Midget Might”, became quite the gymnast. Yet since she was so small I used to carry her around all the time. One day my mom pulled me aside and said, “Please stop carrying her around, it looks ridiculous.”

Since the days I “carried” Linnae, she and I developed a special bond. When I got married and started having kids no one was more excited than Linnae. She couldn’t wait to be an Aunt. There have been several times when I had to be away from my family and Linnae stepped in as Mom. In more ways than one she has “carried” me. Thank you.

Our family has been eagerly awaiting this day for the past year. We are so excited for Linnae to start the next chapter and best chapter of her life. She could not have picked a more perfect person in Randall. His is kind and gentle, kind and quiet. He is the calm to Linnae’s storm. (In a good way, of course.)

Congratulations to Linnae and Randall!

Last day of school

Last week Addison finished the 3's class at UMCDC. The children sang songs and enjoyed cookies and ice cream. Addison loved hugging all her friends, especially the boys!

Addison loved her teachers, Mrs. Maulhardt (Nana) and Miss Hollis.

Karissa finished up first grade by partying all day! As room Mom I couldn't let the last day be anything less than stellar. We had a pancake breakfast followed by sidewalk chalk art. The kids loved it!

Karissa adored her teacher, Miss Thompson. She was a great teacher and created the perfect classroom environment for Karissa.

A trip to the Dentist

Our trip to the Dentist today was super "fun" as usual.  Just so I don't forget for next time I'm writing it down.

Karissa and Addison were placed in rooms right next to each other.  Andrew was in his stroller on the brink of a meltdown. 
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Addison eagerly jumped in the chair and happily talked to the hygienist about how excited she was to be there.  Then the tools came out.  Addison got wide-eyed but was still smiling.  The hygienist moved the chair into place.  Addison loved the chair ride. 

While all this was going on I was shoving crackers down Andrew's throat to keep him quiet and Karissa kept yelling, "MOM!" from next door.

(In my mind I'm screaming at myself.  How lame can you be showing up here with all three kids and expecting it to go well!)

Then it was time to clean Addi's teeth.  Out came "Mr. Tickles" and the cleaning paste.  Addi opened wide and the hygienist was able to clean one tooth before her mouth clamped shut.

"Ewwwww! I don't want anymore." Addison shrieked.

The hygienist and I gently try and talk her through the cleaning process.  Addi's mouth is still clamped shut.  I'm standing next to her with Andrew screaming in his stroller behind me.  I begin bribing.  First I start small with a trip to the Dentist's treasure chest.  Nada.  I then promise a trip to Target to get a Barbie movie.  Nada.  With Andrew still screaming and getting louder and Karissa calling for me in the next room, it was do or die.  I needed to break out the big guns.

"Addison, do you want a new Baby Alive Doll?  Well open your mouth for the Dentist and we will go to Target and get it.  I will even get the one that poops!" I said cringing inside. 

The mouth popped wide open.  I stood there holding her mouth open with one hand and holding her hands down with the other.  Lucky for me the hygienist worked as quickly as possible and we were done.  Well with that part.

When the Dentist came in to check her teeth Addison freaked at "the silver thing".  She was only able to get a few quick glimpses inside her mouth because Addison kept biting down and the Dentist didn't want to get bit.

Karissa was an angel and didn't make a peep during her cleaning. Whew!

Neither child had any cavities, or so I think with Addison.

Oh, what an adventure.  Next time I'll invite Matt along.  After all, why should I have all the fun!