Happy Holidays

We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and an awesome 2013!

RJ's Baptism

On December 9, 2012 RJ was baptized at St. Monica. What a special day. We were blessed to be joined by his big sister, god parents Derek and Jacquie Spearman and his paternal grandparents.

My Shadow and Me

Ms. Dee sent these great shadow pictures of the kids. Big sister is looking out for her little brother.

My Cast and Me

Unfortunately, RJ had an accident on Saturday night courtesy of his big sister. He ended up with a broken arm. But he is on the mend now and in good spirits.

Birthday Wish

Here is my birthday video from Gabbie; totally made my day!

Jersey Day at Daycare

This week's topic at daycare was sports so it would only be fitting to have a jersey day. The kids wore their jerseys and took some cute pictures. Of course this Cowboys fan has to overlook the Colts jersey and just focus on the kids. The group picture is of all the daycare kids:)

Jury Duty

After 14 years in Indianapolis, the jury duty summons finally found its way to my house. The last time I served on a jury was in 1995 in Atlanta:) We found a elderly man not guilty of a speeding ticket:)!!

I made my way to court and of course I was hoping to be dismissed but of course I was picked! My hopes for a 2 hour day turned into a 12 hour experience that included sitting on a jury and deciding a trial.
Without going into to details, I will say it was a difficult day. I am a daughter, a mother and an educator and this case touched on all those elements of my heart. I appreciate the jury process and take it quite seriously. It is a daunting task deciding someone's innocence or guilt and at the end of the day we hope that we make the right decision. At the end of the trial and our verdict was given, I left emotionally spent but knew we had done the right thing.
Although I appreciate the judicial system, I hope to not have to serve on another jury any time soon. It was humbling and honestly very sad to me. There are alot of things in this world that scare the hell out of me for my kids; I pray for a safe journey for all kids; they deserve nothing less.

Smart kids

Halloween Costumes 2012

Our Halloween costumes this year were Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and "Baby Frankenstein"
They were just so darn cute!

Happy Halloween

Happy 1st Birthday RJ!

RJ turned 1 today; It was a rough day, but we have survived. We were in the emergency room at 4am with a stomach virus. We had to cancel his birthday party but he is feeling a little better. Even though we had some extra stinky diapers and a couple of sides of throw up, we are extra blessed to have RJ here to celebrate his 1st birthday:)

Fall Photos

Business Cards

One of my favorite wedding pictures has been placed on Ms. Dee's business cards and advertisements. Aren't we special!

Colts Fans 2012

They are just growing so fast!

We have had some busy weeks and the kids are just growing so fast. At 10 months, RJ is now walking.  Each day he is more confident in his walking and doing less crawling. Oh joy!
Gabbie is making great progress and is quite the little "scholar." She loves doing workbooks and practicing her letters. Hopefully that will follow her throughout her academic career. She started Bible School today at St. Monica and I must admit I was a little emotional dropping her off. She was a little nervous but after a few minutes she was moving right along. After mass, we picked her up and she was pretty happy with her class and looking forward to going back next Sunday.
There is never a dull moment around here; we will see what this week brings.

High Chair Action

RJ sat in a restaurant high chair for the first time this weekend. He did an awesome job!

What a Busy Time

Another school year is rolling around and it is so busy. Richard actually started back to school today and I have a week to go. This time is always stressful for me as we prepare school for our students.
Even more, I am stressed trying to make a final decision about my dissertation. Alot has happened since I started the program,  I completed my two years of course work and passed my comps. Then life happened.....and turned my plans into a funny joke as I am certain God got a good laugh...like I was really in control. Since passing comps, I have had two beautiful children and got married, now where would I have time to complete a dissertation?  I took a leave of absence and now its time to either get it done or walk away completely. I would like to finish but my job as a mom and a wife are far more important than completing my dissertation. The question for me is can I do all these things without jeopardizing any of my time with my family.
I am ok with not finishing....it will be the first. I have never not finished something so that nudges at me a bit but it does not keep me up at night.
Do I know I will appreciate it even more if I get it done...yes but do I actually need it? Today I ask for prayer and guidance so that I can make a final decision on this situation.

Wedding Pictures

Wedding Photos

We have been blessed with great photos. We received these from Mr. Haines.

Peek-A-Boo

Oh That Hair!

The Power of Photography

Our photographer created this wonderful picture for me and I am so grateful. It means a great deal and is truly how I imagined my grandpa on our wedding date. He along with all of our loved ones were looking down from the heavens.

Pure Joy

We have been blessed with some great pictures that were taken by our photographer and friends. This is one of my favorite pictures taken by our awesome friend Andy. I think it shows the pure joy Richard and I felt on that day.

Happy Belated 4th

Here are our little firecrackers

My Girls

When I reflect on my life, I realize I have been blessed to meet some great people. My move to Indianapolis has allowed me to work and build some great relationships. One of those people is my dearest friend Emily. We have worked and known each other for 11 years and if you were to ask Emily she would tell you she thought I hated her when we first met, lol! So much for first impressions; I clearly did not hate her; on the contrary we became great friends and 11 years later, we consider each other family. I can honestly say Emily and Keshia know me inside and out....and have loved me unconditionally through it all. I consider myself very lucky to have these two ladies in my corner. They are awesome friends and sisters!

Luau Day at Daycare!

The kids enjoyed their day and made the most of the hot weather with luau day

My Sister & BFF

My maid of honor was my best friend Keshia. She and I have known each other since 1994. She was finishing up at Spelman and I had just moved to Atlanta for a new job. We became fast friends and 18 years later we are each other's keeper. We have shared the highs, lows and everything in between and I can't imagine her not being in my life. She has been there for painful deaths, celebration of the birth of my children and now my wedding. She is truly my sister and I love her dearly!