Limping To The Finish Line

How are we not out of school already?!?  This post should be about the last day of school and awards ceremonies and all that good stuff.  Blah.  You'll have to wait until June for that post.  We are still in the full thrush of the school year with KPREP testing finishing up this week.  I have literally, physically and mentally surrendered to the school year.  At this point, it's every man for him/herself in my house.  Part of the reason my brain has shut down is because of the million other events happening in our lives.  Some of you know that I am working full time at SKyPAC and have been since last October.  With my new position came a change of location to the Capitol Arts Center which is currently 'managed' by SKyPAC and about a block up from the facility.  It was a transition leaving SKyPAC and all my co-workers there to work in a remote-facility (although nostalgic - I can't tell you how many plays I saw there during my childhood) with very little contact day to day aside from the education team which consisted of me and my friends Zac and Andee.  Long story short, the EDU team recently moved back down to SKyPAC upon the completion of our last youth theater event in May. I have been organizing and sorting all of my materials and enjoying seeing all my co-workers daily, having conversations, laughing, meeting new people and the list goes on.

Karson finished up her final round of shots for 6th grade.  Let me tell you…it has been a dozy getting all the shots done for Gardasil vaccine.  The 6-month follow-up (3rd and final round) for Gardasil and Hepatitis A made her super nervous.  She got anxious on the way to the doctor and got so worked up, she started crying when we made it into the exam room.  I did my best to comfort her but knew it wouldn't help much--she told me she didn't know why she was crying.  I told her she had just worked herself up and that it would be over quick (and it was) - bless her heart.  I am GLAD it's over.  The nurse said something to me about a follow-up for another shot she'd had a while back - don't even remember - it's a 'new' follow-up that she needs to have in 5 years.  I said, she'll be a teenager then and can make that decision on her own.  I wasn't about to talk to Karson about MORE shots. We.Are.Done.For. Now!

Karson completed her first year at 212 Academy. There was a 6th graduation and 5th grade showcase on May 2.  Karson made some wonderful friends from other schools at 212 and keeps in touch with them through text and InstaGram - thank goodness for social media =).  We are fortunate that she has the opportunity to participate in this wonderful academy through Warren County Schools.

- Karson and 212 Teacher Ms. Sheffield - 

Testing Excellence Awards took place last Monday.  Karson received distinguished scores in Science and Language Mechanics and Proficient scores in Math and Reading for the 2012-2013 school year.  She was bummed because she was only shy a few points of having a distinguished in Reading.  I think it's made her more aware for this year's round of testing, and hopefully, she will achieve her goals of all distinguished.  She's my over-ambitious one!

Waffle House is the place-to-be on Saturday mornings.  Wear a jacket because you'll freeze!  OR, in my case, wear two, because your 9-year old will steal yours!

 Matt and I had the opportunity to see The Addams Family Musical which was the last show in our Broadway series this season at SKyPAC.  I sadly admit that I haven't been to as many shows at SKyPAC as I would like.  When your husband has two full-time jobs and you have three kids and all their extra curricular events, there's not a whole lot of 'extra' time.  I'm practically a taxi service as soon as I leave work each day.  With that being said, every one of the Broadway shows that I have had the privilege to attend, have been wonderful!  It is entertainment in its truest form, and I would encourage everyone to look into our Broadway season package for the 2014-2015 season.  It's an exciting line-up!  After the show, Matt and I also had the opportunity to eat at the new Mariah's restaurant.  If anything, I think their food has improved with the move.  Everything was delicious especially the Galaxy Pie which we ate every single bite of.

Every person should be required to spend at least a few hours each week with a 4-year old.  Abby Kate is my "adoptive" 4-year old.  If she's not taking a SELFIE on her plastic cell phone, she's in full costume or talking your ear off about something interesting. Love her!

Miles reading his newest "Goose Bumps" chapter book.

 

My mother-in-law Debbie retired from Alvaton Elementary School this year.  There was a retirement celebration in her honor last Wednesday.  She retired with one of her best friends Jane Kirby.  Both of these women deserve a round of applause and pats on the back for a 'job well done'.  I can only hope and pray that my children have teachers like them at Plano.  Congratulations Debbie!

It was a family affair and we took up quite a bit of space in the library.

I have made a new best friend at church - this lil' sweetheart is attached at my hip when she's at Community.  (Again, you need some 4-year old's in your life to keep you grounded).  My niece Elizabeth gave her life to Christ and was baptized by her dad on May 4.  Isaac has mentioned being baptized on more than one occasion.  I know all I have to do is give him the green light, and he's ready to go.  Do I think Isaac is a believer? Yes.  Do I think he trusts in God? Yes.  Does he know the importance of baptism, how it will/should shape his life? Has his heart been pierced with a conscience that makes him want to be baptized?  I don't know.  I am gradually seeing a 'mature' side to him that makes me consider it.  Karson was only 8-years old when she got baptized, and he is an entire year older than her.  We'll see =). 

I got to celebrate the birthday of a very close friend this month.  Lisa is more than a friend to me, she is a sister.  Although we aren't related by blood, I feel that special bond with her.  I admire her servant heart and willingness to make everyone feel special.  We celebrated with her last Monday, ate dinner at The Olive Garden and noshed on a Brewster's cake at the pool house.

 We spent Saturday of Memorial Day weekend at Nolin Lake. I made a Wal-Mart run early that morning to grab some floats, Isaac a new life jacket and snacks. $100+ dollars later, we were ready to go, stinkin' Wal-Mart.  We got to the cabin a little after 10 and met up with my sister and her family and my parents.  My Mamaw wasn't able to come down from Louisville because she has a bad case of pneumonia.  I know she was disappointed.  It wasn't the same without Mamaw there begging us to eat and ready to get a card game going.  The lake crowd was slim at the Pogue Compound.  There has been a Baby Boom in the family - two of my cousins recently had babies and another one is due any day.

Charley Grace Pogue - Born to Jackie and Stacy on May 19, 2014

Kyle Randel Mastin - born to Randy and Lyndi on April 15, 2014

 A few of my cousins were able to make it to the lake this weekend along with my Uncle Jackie and Aunt Lois. We took our two pontoons out among the MASSES of speed and ski boats whizzing around everywhere.

One of my Wal-Mart purchases - the Island float which managed to get popped somewhere between the cabin and boat.  I guess that's what happens when you allow the kids to tote a float.  Thank goodness for those water proof patch thingies.

We spent almost the entire day on the lake - made a pit stop to the beach close to Moutardier, two stops to the dock for ice cream and candy, tubed, jumped off some rocks, snacked on sandwiches and chips, jammed to some tunes (including the famous "Turn Down for What" - YouTube Video Remix) and enjoyed a gorgeous day in the sun.  I am thankful that summer is almost here!  Bring it on!

Mothers Day Tribute to My TOTS Who Made Me a MOM

To Karson - although I gained roughly 70 pounds while pregnant and morphed into this odd amoeba of a person with swollen feet and ankles, I somehow managed to produce this beautiful 6 lb.,  12.25 oz. baby girl.  Your dad didn't let me cradle you long before he swooped you up, swaddled and hurried you out to the waiting room to show you off to everyone.  The first great-grandchild and grandchild on BOTH sides of our families, you have never wanted for anything.  I can't tell you how many baby 'thank you' notes I had to write.  Your life has been a blessing.  As I watch you slowly growing into this lovely young lady, I am constantly proud of the decisions you make.  You are confident, driven, dedicated and work hard at everything you commit to - church, academics, sports, Instagram =).  You are truly beautiful inside and out, and I admire you so much!  You make being your mother easy and wonderful!  I am very proud of you.

To Isaac - (same pregnancy story) although I gained roughly 70 pounds while pregnant and morphed into this odd amoeba of a person with swollen feet and ankles, I somehow managed to produce this beautiful 7 lb., 9.75 oz. baby boy with Donald Trump hair which curled and grew all over.  Growing up with only a sister, I never knew what it was like to have a brother in the house.  Boys weren't familiar territory for me unlike your dad who grew up with four of them.  It was love at first sight when I met you on January 25, not only for me, but for your sister Karson.  You got more kisses and snuggles from her than anyone else.  She was always concerned about what her 'lil' bud was doing.  You were the BEST baby - completely content 99% of the time.  I'd plop you down in Karson's room, and she would keep you thoroughly entertained stacking toys in your lap or bringing you a sippy cup.  You drove her crazy in the bath with your constant splashing.  She loved pushing you in your electric swing and simply taking care of you.  You have had two mothers in your life =).   I see myself in you in many ways.  I authored books as a child, one fort was never enough, a picky eater, puzzle lover, hesitant to try new, scary things (like food and roller coasters), wanted to create movies and videos all.the.time, and the list goes on.  You and I are soul mates.  I am blown away by your ability to write, create and problem solve.  You are smart and headed straight for the NBA draft.  Hopefully, Lebron will still be playing when you're selected. You are my precious child full of love and laughter!

Thanks for "knowing" me - so much straightforward information in one sweet document.  This Mother's Day, you were the child who couldn't wait to find me the perfect gift, two new puzzles.  You asked Dad to take you to Barnes and Noble so you could select just the right one.

Isaac didn't make it to church last Wednesday night when the kids worked on Mother's Day cards.  Ms. Katie took pictures of their arms for the painting.  Since Isaac wasn't there, his didn't have an "arm picture".  He attempted to make me a painting but didn't like the way it turned out so he drew me another picture.

To Miles - Your dad and I knew we wanted more than two children but we weren't actually trying for a 3rd child when we found out we were pregnant with you. I had actually just gotten back into my pre-pregnancy clothes when the positive line showed up.  I called my pregnancy buddy Melissa, who I knew would assure me that she was also pregnant, but there was nothing but silence on the end of the line followed with "no way" and maybe even an "are you crazy?"  I can't remember, but I felt completely lost and uncertain. I had a 1 year old and 3 year old demanding every bit of my attention.  How in the world would I manage a newborn baby? Again, gaining roughly 70 pounds while pregnant and morphed into this odd amoeba of a person with swollen feet and ankles, I somehow managed to produce this beautiful 8 lb. baby boy who Karson had dubbed as "Barbara" because she was convinced you'd be a girl.  You completed our family and have been a trooper.  I know it hasn't been easy being the 3rd child (and actually the 5th child in the grandchildren pool).  You learned early that taking turns and sharing meant survival.  I love how much you embrace life and each day.  You cannot wait to play with your friends and everyone loves you.  Your smile is the highlight of my day - when you wake up, grin and then ask me if I'll fix you some pancakes.  I love being your wonderfull mom and am thankful everyday for that positive pregnancy test =)!

 

I love all my Mother's Day homemade cards, notes, gifts.  Thank you Miles for the new hot pink lawn chair!

From body wash to new garden gloves, my family sure has spoiled me this Mother's Day.

To my Mom - I am super thankful to have had a mother who can rock a bee hive in 1969.  All kidding aside, she is my best friend and someone who is always there when I need someone to listen.  She gives the best advice and is always in my corner no matter what.  She went to every game, every program, every awards ceremony, when I was a child/teen.  AND, she is currently at every game, every program and every awards ceremony that my children have.  She is so supportive and loving, and always says 'yes' even if she doesn't feel like it =).  I love my mother and am thankful my kids have such a loving Meme!  Happy Mother's Day!