From Couch to 5K...

Well, I officially start training tonight for my first 5K race. As most of you know, my little sister is an avid runner and has participated in a ton of races. I have gone to a couple to help show support. At one of them I made a deal with her that I would run at least one 5k this summer. I figured it would be a good way for me to get in better shape, and since I am 30 now, I really need to work on maintaining my girlish figure. For those of you who know me, know I have NEVER been a runner. However, I figure there's a first time for everything, right!? I am pretty excited about it, but of course my attitude may change after actually doing it. As of right now, I am going to remain positive and have an open mind. I'm very happy that I do have my sister helping me because I know she will push me to give it my all. And who knows, by this time next year I may be training for more 5k's or even a 10K. Or maybe I will be back to just watching on the sidelines... only time will tell :)

We Will Sing, Sing, Sing...

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20

Praise and worship has always been my favorite part during church service. Singing to the Lord and glorifying his name through songs fills me with joy. It's in those few moments I feel completely connected with God and like I am standing in his presence. Last night, my church held a rare evening service of just praise and worship. We sang a lot of great songs, and you could definitely feel the Holy Spirit move through the sanctuary. On my way home I found myself still singing in my car. It was definitely an incredible night and makes me thankful that I live somewhere I am able to sing praises to my God freely. Thank you Lord, and I will continue to sing, sing, sing...

Andrew's in Heaven, He just turned 7...

It's hard to believe, but my first born turned 7 years old today. His birthday is not only a special day to him, but to me as well. For his birthday marks how many years he has graced me with his presence, and also how many years I have been a mother. I can still remember the first time I felt him move in my womb and what joy it gave me. That joy has yet to cease when it comes to daily life with him. His cheerful attitude and adorable grin still melt my heart every day. He's starting to help out around the house with a little housework. He also loves helping with his little brothers and sister, and they all look up to him so much. As for school, he's doing great! Ever since his first parent-teacher conference back in preschool, I never fail to get rave reviews from his teachers. His school work comes back with 100% on it and he's even been put in an advanced reading group. His good behavior has even given him a few opportunities to eat lunch with his principal on stage. He's also doing pretty well in sports. He plays soccer in the fall and spring, and baseball in the summer. He even gave basketball a try this past winter, and can't wait to play again next year. He's been begging me to let him play flag football, so I think we are going to give that a try in the fall. This year, he has gotten involved in the church we started going to last summer and goes to their Wednesday night program called Kids Konnect. There, he can earn badges for reciting the weekly memory verse, leading prayer, being helpful and various other things. Every Sunday and Wednesday he is eager to get to his class to hang out with his newfound friends and listen to more stories about Jesus. He's definitely my little people pleaser, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Happy Birthday Andrew!!!

30 is the new 20, right!?

As much as I have been dreading it, I turned 30 this past Friday. My little sister Megan thought it would be a great idea to throw a little birthday party for me at Burdicks to celebrate with my friends.

My sister Megan and I...

Me and my bestie, Tammy...

Me with my favorite martini, the Burdick Blizzard. It was very yummy and a great drink to kick off the night!

Everyone that came thought it was appropriate to celebrate my 30th by buying me drinks and shots. Of course, my first shot had to be done with 2 of my best friends, Megan and Tammy...

Now on to some tequila, mmm...

Ok, so it made me cringe a little...

A birthday shot with Amanda...

We stayed there for a couple hours eating, drinking and hanging out. Around 10:30pm, some of Megan's friends from work met up with us and decided we should give Shakespeares a try. Unfortuntely, a few of my friends had to call it a night at that point and they went home. However, the rest of us headed out to celebrate a while longer. A few more people met up with us there as well to celebrate.

Me with my little brother Matt...

Me with the Auntie Anne girls ~ Deanna, Deidre & Megan...

After hanging out at Shakespeares a while, a few of us decided to head on over Monaco Bay so I could dance a little bit before the night was over. Megan put in a request for the people playing the pianos to sing happy birthday, so I got called up to the stage and proceeded to get embarrassed. Thankfully our friend Kendra agreed to go up with me and I got to know her on a whole new level ;)

Me on stage with Kendra...

Us doing head, shoulders, knees and toes per request...

We pretty much stayed there til close before calling it a night! All in all, it was a great evening and a perfect way to celebrate the transition from my 20's into my 30's! Here's to another great 30 years!!!

Side Note - After this year I will never admit my age again, so keep track if you would like to know my true age from this point on :)

Can it be? Aaron is 3...

My baby boy is 3 years old! I've definitely adopted the motto "expect the unexpected" when it comes to this kid! It started right at birth when he came out a boy instead of a girl like we had been told at his ultrasound. Then, throughout his first year he seemed to progress really slow with everything (rolling over, crawling, walking). I know that kids learn at different rates, but I was still concerned. By the time he was 16 months, I called a local education service to evaluate him. When they did his testing, I was told he was quite a few months behind in both his fine and gross motor skills. He started speech therapy and special education right away. It was great because not only was it free, but his teachers came to our house once a week to work with him. It's amazing how well he did and how quickly he caught on with everything! Within a year, he had caught up with other children his age and tested out of both speech and special ed. These days you would never know he had help with either because of how much he talks and the stuff that comes out! He repeats everything that everyone says, including the not so great stuff. Recently, his favorite has been "you meanie" to someone whenever they bother him... something I believe he picked up from his older brothers! He's gotten a lot more independant and wants to do everything on his own! He is still a momma's boy and LOVES to snuggle, but would rather be wrestling with his older brothers or chasing them around. It's funny too, because when Andrew and Austin were his age, they were all about playing with their Little People stuff. But because of his two older brothers and their interests, Aaron's favorite toys these days are Stars Wars and Indiana Jones little lego sets we have. He also really likes driving his Thomas trains or matchbox cars all around the house, and even makes noises while doing so. He'll always be my little pudge munchkin and I wouldn't trade him for the world... or a girl ;) Happy Birthday Aaron!!!

Birthday Bonanza...

This past Sunday was Andrew's, Austin's and Aaron's joint birthday party. This year it was a unanimous vote from all 3 boys to have it at Jungle Joes, again. I was rather pleased with their decision because the employees there do EVERYTHING and I am able to just sit back, relax and enjoy watching the boys in action with their little friends. And since their birthday party there last year, they have added a few new things, so it was almost like going to a new place still. For the first hour, everyone got to bounce, jump and slide on all the inflatable fun!

My Birthday Boys ~ Andrew, Austin & Aaron

Aaron coming down a slide...

Austin climbing all over the place...

Andrew bouncing with his buddy...

Right before moving us all into the party room, our hostess rounded up all the kids so we could get a nice shot of the whole group...

Once in the party room, everyone got to first enjoy pizza and pop. After that, it was on to the rest of the birthday festivities. And we all know, no party is complete without a little confetti fun!

Once the boys made a mess with that, it was time to sing Happy Birthday! Of course, I had to get a shot of the boys with their cake before we could dive into it...

Singing...

Once the candles were blown out, it was on to the presents. The boys got a lot of fantastic toys, movies, books and even a little money...

Overall, it was another great party and the boys had a blast! Thanks to everyone who came and helped make my little guys' party so memorable! And to those who couldn't make it, you were greatly missed... especially the Damico family! I can't wait to see what next year has in store for them!