it's andrew's time to shine...

Andrew.... the sweetest little boy. I say that about all of them, but they truly are the best.
Seriously.

An Aunt can't ask for much more.....
but she will be having one more soon.... due in May of 2010! I'm so excited to welcome another one to the family.

Here are some shots of him over that same weekend.
He loves his brother and sister...and he loves to swing!

He's beautiful. He is now a little over 1 1/2 and will be 2 in March! My how time flies.

Kate's Gymnastics Expo

That amazing little Kate. She is awesome at gymnastics. She loves it.
Here are a few shots of her.

The last shot is of her sweet little friend, Maggie.

Adorable girls.

Will's Gymnastics Expo

Will's First Gymnastics Expo.....and maybe last.

Will decided to join gymnastics and goes at the same time as Kate.
He loves it and enjoys it.
However, shortly after this little Expo, he decided that the was not doing gymnastics anymore.

He did very well. It was hard to capture many good shots since it was in this huge gym and we couldn't get very close.

They did some on the beam, bars, floor, and trampoline.

two brothers and a chocolate shake...

Aunt Emily went to visit Texas this past month....my how time flies. I thought it was sweet that Andrew was so curious about his big brother Will's shake! Will was awfully nice to share. Andrew loved it.

I know I'm partial, but aren't they just adorable.
I love those sweet boys.

update on life...

Well, it's been awhile.....errr...way too long. It just seems like I don't know what to write about, and when I think of something, I just don't make the time to do it. I used to love using this blog as an outlet, but I haven't thought much about it lately. Life has changed a bit, so I'll give an update.

So, I'm in graduate school at OSU working on my Masters in Special Education. I'm loving classes, and it has me super happy studying again. I have a passion for this, and I'm finally realizing it and working on achieving something I've always desired, post graduate work. Super excited. Sometimes, I even think working on a PhD might be something I'm interested in...who knows. At the same time I started Graduate School, I've switched jobs as well. I'm now working as a Paraprofessional for Jenks Schools and I'm enjoying it. It's hard. There are good days, hard days, and those days that just take your breath away. I'm working with a precious child who has Autism. My goal is to see him succeed in that classroom, and to design a program that helps him find success. I'm very hopeful for this. I feel so much care for this little kid, who isn't my own, but I'm loving watching him succeed. It's incredible. I know I'm in the right place...studying and with the line of work. What I'll do after this, I don't know. I'm also in the process of completing alternative certification so that I can teach as well. Eh... I'm not sure. I just don't have a concrete answer when people ask me what I want to do. Ha! I can see myself working in a school as an Special Education teacher, or getting more education and training and focusing more on Autism and be a specialist in that. I'm also a passion about getting the right services for the families, and advocacy...so I could see myself working for the State Office ensuring quality of services for everyone. And, the list goes on. I have a million ideas in my head....

My brother has started a new job in Tulsa! Insert loud cheering and applause here. Bad thing is that the house hasn't sold yet in Texas, which means Karen and the kids are still there. I'm praying for a quick sale so they can get here ASAP! I love them and miss them. And, they are pregnant with baby #4...I'm guessing a girl with as sick as poor Karen has been. Bless her heart. So, super excited...almost to Tulsa and baby #4 due in May. Can't wait!

I'm heading to Texas this weekend for Fall Break and I'm excited about the fun times ahead. Planning to take the kids to the park, maybe ice cream.... fun things!

And, I got a new hairdo.... bangs! I haven't had bangs since maybe 7th grade.... or sometime a LONG time ago. So, what's a post without a picture. Here it is!

She's 5

She's 5!
It seems like it was just the other day I heard the phone ring.
My mom called to tell me I had a new niece.
Her name was Katharine Ella.
Little did I know that day would forever change my life.

Being an Aunt to Kate made me see things in a new way, and she was the first of the three....and maybe one more!
I'm so fortunate to be Aunt Emily....

And, you will see her beauty in these shots.
Simply, yet classic...Kate.

Swinging. TU Shirt. Sticker. Pink Camouflouge Rain Hat.

No better.

And, I'll leave you one with her attitude. She has days like that too. We all do.

Kate flipping out

Kate turned 5....and she had her party at Gymnastics Center of some sort.....where she flipped out. Literally. 17 flips or so...all the way to the ceiling. The pictures don't even begin to capture... but the video did.

She was impressive.

Will

Same weekend in Texas....wonderful Will. That boy has a heart of gold...I'm serious.
He was sick on Kate's birthday, but he came to the party at the end and was able to do a little playing. Here is a shot of him with his dad...it makes me see the resemblance.
His blue blue eyes....he's going to capture hearts, that's for sure.

Love that boy!

Andrew

It's been a while since I've posted anything.
I keep posting to this blog... but I know like three friends that read it and one family member....

I'll keep on I suppose. It's fun.

Here's Andrew. He's 13 months in these photo's. The first one is of him in the playhouse...the second story, playhouse. He was proud of himself for climbing to the top. He had us on our toes. He also had longer hair...



The next one is of the two of us....the day after he had his real big boy haircut with the shaver....the one that didn't just cut with scissors this time. He looked suddenly much older....

I like him peeking out at me...binky and all. He doesn't get it much, really. In fact, I think I stole it from him shortly after I shot this picture.

Same day.... love his smile..and you can see his locks... he's a sweetie. He's walking everywhere now!

Remember...

In honor of today's memory of April 19, 1995......












I took these in Oklahoma City at the Bombing Memorial one early workday morning at dawn. It was a peaceful time at the memorial and I could sense peace there.

The first picture is of a row of chairs. Simple.

The second picture is of the difference, noticing the child chair.

The third pictures is of the Survivor Tree, with the sun coming up behind it.

Enjoy!

how can it be?

How can it be that time flies just so fast....it seems like yesterday I was snapping photos of his little fingers, his little nose, and his little scrunched up face. Now....
he's cooing.
and starting to communicate like crazy to his mama.
he's a growing machine.
he has the sweetest disposition.
he's the happiest baby.
he loves his big brother and his big sister.
he has the best smile I've ever seen.
he smiles with his whole face.
he smiles with his whole mouth open, and i love it.
he's holding off on walking a bit longer, but he does love those walking toys.
sometimes he stands. but he ususally plops down on his little toosh.
sometimes he whimpers about it too.
he crawls after his mama everywhere.
he is a snuggle bug.
he loves his aunt (which makes my heart grow).
of course, he loves his mama and daddy much more, but i still love that he loves me too.
he's 1 now.
soon, he'll be going to kindergarten like his big sister.
and, it just doesn't seem fair.
i'd like them to all stay little just a little bit longer.

happy birthday sweet andrew.
i love you.

Ah...the sound of laughter...

Here are a few snapshots I took last Sunday of a dear little kiddo...

He has an amazing story, and to hear his laugh and see his smile just made my year!

Elijah, I am so proud of you!