I’m officially a driver!

I passed my (3rd) test!

I got a “very good” with a smiley face from the examiner. Only two errors.

A Vic-tory out of seeming defeat. I got failed the day before by a small debatable offense. I said “hells no” and planned to walk in without an appointment the next day.  Thank God it worked out perfectly, He even arranged for me to get the sweetest driving instructor and an easier driving route. TYJ!

A BIG thanks goes to Doug Spencer (my driving instructor) who went above and beyond to ensure that I would pass my test.  And Sam Peck who patiently had me drive around town on our day off and sometimes skipping his exercise time to help me get more practice. And also to our co-workers who supported and covered slots for us.

God bless you all!

Kyla lost her first tooth today! She asked me to pull her tooth out after it had been wiggly for almost a week. She was very brave.

Here comes the tooth fairy…

I’m going to need a tooth fairy budget.

After praying with my girls for the night, Shani says a quick prayer for daddy not to crash (he’s traveling to some meetings) then pipes up that she wants to pray for Claire too. She then proceeds to pray all on her own:

(Shani:) Jesus please bless Darren and Claire, keep them safe when they do their job, and please be with them and help them to remember to brush their teeth after their job. In Jesus name, amen.

Shani update: PINK is her new favorite color.

Kyla, Brooke and Ella participated in their ballet school’s Spring show.

Kyla and Brooke were baby bees.

Kyla did very well, I’m so proud of her.

Kyla front center, Brooke second row left.

Tada! (and that’s only half the “bees” that were on the stage)

Ella was a pirate. A very pretty one.

Har! Har!

Julia and I :

Both flirty and coy.

I’m observant.

She’s a conversation starter.

Quiet.

Speaks her mind.

Shy.

Outgoing.

Both wild and crazy.

Both enjoy a moment of quiet.

Both enjoy: beaches, rain, sunshine, cute little babies, kittens, food, drinks, dancing, and guys…of course.

I miss you!!!

Sam’s Birthday. I love you babe!

Saint Patrick’s Day (for the first time)

Claire’s Birthday.

(some of these pics are just a collection of the past year or two)

HERE ARE THE PHOTOS FROM 2009 FAMILY BIRTHDAY

My photography starts on page 11 and ends on page 17.  For pictures of the sports look on pages 12-16. Enjoy!

(PS  Thanks for sorting them Doug!)

I love his photography! These are some of my favorites:

Willow Cascade

Spring Crops

Old Bridge

Under the Willows

Ye Old Pub

Exhilarating

The Fox Inn, 1568

Evening Sun

Canal Boat

Spring – New Life

The Island

May all your Christmases be merry!

Click the image for a peak at some of the pictures I managed to snap in the merry mayhem that was Christmas morning.

The other day Shani got an inspiration to make a card for Boo. Today she wanted me to make sure it’s in a safe place where she can find it to give to Boo when she visits.

Shani: Mommy how you write “Boo”?

Me: B-O-O.  Did you write it Shani?

Shani: Yes. B-O-O-O

Me: just two “o”s Shani.

Shani: But Boo needs three from me.

Kyla: Does it take a long time to drive to Boo’s house?

Me: Yes.

Kyla: But if we go on “family day” and take books and toys and be good in the car we can visit her, right?

(Can we Boo?)

Dictated by Brooke, Kyla, and Shani

The birthday girls!

Shani: I’m three now. My friends, Carly, Violet and the Nichols came to my party. We danced and played games. I had mermaids, sand, water, a coconut tree, and 2 dolphins on my cake. Opening my presents was my favorite part! I like my barbie, Selina.

Kyla: I turned 5 years old. My friend April and her brothers came to my party. I was very happy to see them. Katie and Julian were there too. We got to eat cake and ice-cream. Renee and my Mom made the cake. I made the the coconut tree on my cake. I cut paper to make the leaves, and glued coconuts in them. Then I put cheerios on a stick for the tree trunk. My favorite present was my little pink lap top.

Brooke: I’m 5 years old. My friends Carla, Violet, and Danni, came to my party. I liked playing the balloon games. The balloon volley ball game was the most fun! My cake was pretty with all the mermaids and the baby dolphin. My Mom made goodies bags for all the kids. My favorite present was my doll stroller.

Thank you all for coming to our party and for the lovely presents! We had a great time!