Stinker at 16 months

Just look at this face!
At 16 months, Sam is a stinker. He is mischievous, curious and loud! He still is my cuddly boy when sleepy or sad, but most of the day, he is up to something...whether it be destroying Legos towers, unorganizing my pantry, or scattering shoes....he is on a mission.
He is our first child with lots of volume, so I guess he has figured out how to be heard around here. Most of the time we laugh because he is so darn cute, but we have had to start disciplining as well.
As I type he is walking around with a Kate's backpack on his head and taking everyone's drinks away! No wonder he is such an excellent sleeper! He wears himself out and me too. But, oh how I love this 16 month old - my Sam-boy, the stinker.

three for #3!

Dear Kate,

Happy birthday to my Katherine Joy! What a year it has been with you. I remember so much about your third year of life.....

I remember your face lighting up riding the carousel at Parks Mall.
I remember your confidence as you walked into your new preschool class at Sonshine Club.
I remember your delight as you watched Josie dance at ballet.
I remember your giggles in the backseat when we would pick up Jack from school.
I remember your big eyes as you began swinging on the big swing at home.
I remember your surprise when you saw that Santa Claus brought you a scooter just like Jack and Josie!
I remember when you couldn't walk in the snow because it was so deep and you cried.
I remember holding you every night, reading and singing, and your sweet voice saying, "I love you Mommy."
I remember sitting with you in the emergency room for what seemed like days after your seizure. Praise the Lord everything was ok.
I remember your temper tantrums when things didn't go quite right.
I also remember you learning more and more words so the tantrums became less.
I remember our potty training battles - and your victories!
I remember how much you looked forward to your speech teacher coming to the house on Monday mornings.
I remember your cute little bob haircut with a big bow, and usuallly matching your big sister!
I remember your messy face eating ice cream and watermelon.
I remember a summer of swimming, travels, and new adventures with you.
I remember your hugs, kisses, and holding your hand.

Thank you, Kate, for a memorable third year. You are so big, but you will always be my baby girl. Looking forward to the memories that this year holds! I love the way God made you, sis. Happy 3rd birthday.
Love you forever,
Mommy

a new school year

After lots of prayers, applications, tests, and meetings, we decided that God was leading us to Grace Prep for this new school year. After one week, it already feels like home. This is Will's third year to coach there, and so we have become friends with so many of the families and staff.
It feels so good to know that you are doing the right thing for your kid! Jack loved kindergarten, but he is thriving in the university model school, which is half homeschool, half go to school. He is so motivated and completes his work willingly and happily at home. I also love being so involved in the educating part. Mostly, though, I just love the extra family time this new schedule is allowing.
We thank God for a school that is striving to glorify the Lord by creating "college-worthy character witnesses for Christ!"
It's going to be a great first grade year!

thoughts

It has been almost three years since our firstborn was diagnosed with Hemophilia. In that three years, I have been become the expert on blood disorders. I spend "free" time in the evenings reading about it. I research scholarships, camps, medical bracelets, and case studies. I definitely still have sad moments where I ache for my son and his future. I still cry thinking about what he might miss. But mostly I am determined to help make his life better and fuller.
When he recently broke his arm and we had to spend a few days in the hospital, I found myself frustrated...frustrated that it was taking some nurses so long to find his veins, frustrated that no one seemed to be listening to me, his advocate. I remember thinking multiple times - "if only I had the training, I would do such a better job than you, and you, and you."
So, I am going to do something about it. I am not the type to wait and around and let things happen. I make things happen. For about a year now I have been thinking about advancing my medical knowledge and going to nursing school. I have a Bachelor of Science from A&M, so I have most pre-requisite courses. I don't know how long it will take. I don't know how we will pay for it. But, I am going to do it for Jack, and for all the families out there like us who need good pediatric nurses.
Please pray for us as we make plans.

happy birthday to this guy!
he is my dad, the kids' beloved doc, and dr. kennedy to many.
he is the rock of this family. he is quiet, generous and hard-working.
he loves God, his family and his country. he can always be found wearing his Aggie baseball cap and is completely loyal to his alma mater! he loves unconditionally and never changes.
we thank God for you, dad!

alleluia

It's fun when songs "come back around." When I was little, one of my faves at church was "Alleluia." (aka Shake a friend's hand!) This year we sang this old tune at our VBS, and the kids have been singing it every day since! Here they are performing it live on the deck of the Perkins cabin in CO! They led us in worship before Daddy led a devotion on Sunday morning.

July in pictures

1. Jack has been to 12 Rangers game so far and has a goal of making 20.


2. We took a trip to San Antonio to see our Davis family, and made lots of memories! Fiesta TX, backyard play, sleepovers are just a few of the fun times we will remember. Thanks, guys! Our kids always look forward to our summer trips to SA.






3. We took our first annual trip to the Perkins cabin in Estes Park, CO. Wow. Our little family, plus super Doc and Mam made the 15 hour trip in their Expedition. Jack loved going to the top of Pikes Peak. Josie's favorite memory was feeding the chipmunks. Kate could've played all day in their miniature cabin playhouse. And Sam, sweet Sam, despite his cold, loved walking around their carpeted cabin. We only have hardwood floors, so his walking really took off! We are already looking forward to next year!






4. Jack got his big red cast off after 5 weeks, and will be wearing a smaller, blue one until August 19th. He continues to be a champ, and we couldn't be prouder. Lots to look forward to for this guy....swimming again, fall baseball, school starting in a few weeks!



5. "All the bodies" got together in College Station for the Donaldson reunion. So many cousins = fun and wild times. We walked around campus, visited a lot, swam in the indoor pool, and ate good food together. This tradition is quickly becoming one of the kids favorites as well.


Our favorite part about July was being with our beloved family. They are truly our best friends. We thank God for the Davis and Kennedy families! Here's to an equally great August....