Happy Birthday DJ

Some fun pictures of DJ over the last few years... not in chrono order, but mostly they are...

Rays first playoff game ever.... Fall 2008
Gator Football 2008


First day of 1st Grade

First day of 2nd Grade

DJ and Halle first day of Kindergarten

DJ, Halle, baby Addison

DJ loves Star Ws.... Darth DJ

DJ, Halle Addie Christmas 2006

New Years Eve 2007

First day of 3rd grade

BMOC---First day of 4th grade:)

I can not believe it has been 10 years since little DJ came into our lives... Forever changingthe way I look at the world... He is one of the most caring children I have ever meet and is always a champion for the underdog. He is large in stature and large in spirit. DJ is a gifted student and excels in many school subjects.... I could go and on. He is a woderful son and brother! We are lucky to have DJ in our family....

FALL Football at the Burton's

It has been a busy fall for our family... First, Crystal has a new job teaching PE at the kids elementary school! It is the perfect prat-time job for a busy mommy! I am now a certified Pop Warner Cheer Coach and am coaching Halle's Tiny Mite cheer squad--something so out of my comfort zone, it has been a little stressful:) Halle cheers, DJ plays, and Addie is always happy to come along for the ride... She loves football and cheers with Halle during her games, and for DJ!

It makes for some busy weeks, chaotic weekends, but it has been great to watch the kids grow in so many ways. Gator football started again, so weekends are packed full of some awesome football!!!

Santa Fe Pop Warner Raider Football and Cheer

DJ's Santa Fe Pop Warner mitey Mite Team... He is #91

Halle a Santa Fe Pop Warner Tiny mite cheerleader!

DJ and Halle

Halle before cheering at DJ's game!

First and second day of school

Hair crimp cuteness

So, after our trip to Utah this summer, I discovered the "New Hair Crimper"... I think it is probably two years behind, but we don't do a lot to our hair in humid Florida. Addie and Halle had me crimp their hair before church on Sunday. They looked adorable!!! Ok, so pictures to follow!

SUMMER FUN!

Well, summer has been a lot of fun thus far!!! The kids and I went to Utah for most of the month of June. It was a great time for the kids to hang out with their Grandma and play with their cousins and friends in Fillmore. I realized how much I missed the carefree laidback attitude of the small town. It was so nice to let the kids "be kids" and go outside and play, go for walks, hang out with buddies around town without my constant concern or hovering. It was all very relaxing!

I had the BEST time on a girls weekend trip to California with the FOXES of MHS--my oldest and dearest friends. I laughed and giggled more on this trip than I had in a very long time. We had not all been together for a number of years, but oddly, it seemed like we picked up right where we left off... These incredible women know me better I know me at times, and me them. It was a wonderful time and I hope to celebrate our bond of friendship again soon!

I was also able to meet up with my college roommates in Vegas. I missed seeing Mel, but it seems fate had other plans with all the sick kids that kept her away. I hope to see her soon and catch up with her! It was just nice to be around good friends and to remember all the fun crazy times we had together! It was the cherry on my sundae!

I had hoped to do more yardwork at my mom's, but it didn't happen. Something about me and a chainsaw on a ladder seemed to scare people--that and the close proximity to the power line, but I got a lot done, and Cara should be able to finish the mulch this summer!

I came back to Florida with a renewed sense of self and with such clarity of thought. While I was in Vegas actually, I was offered a new job here in Florida. I had interviewed before I left, while I was on vacation and came in to make it official once I was back in G'ville. This was the answer to my prayers and I am so excited about the future! I will be teaching PE in a private elementary school, and taking some masters classes!

This is abbreviated and seems to be a lot jammed packed in here, but I will add more thoughts and pictures soon!

Life is good!

Black Heart Halle is a pirate matey's... Let's party!

Halle celebrated her 6th birthday this past weekend with friends and family. She had a pink pirate girl theme and we walked the plank into the blue lagoon... It was a fun day, and yes I was dressed as a pirate--and I be in costume with me verbage too ye land lubbers...

Addie in her girl pirate shirt and swim suit...

Halle getting a pirate tatoo from Nikki

Halle and Sarah with their "treasure boxes"


On the Treasure Hunt... Yes I was a pirate and yes it did get hot!


The start of the treasure hunt



Cake and napkin


Cake by Jessicca Romney... It not only looked incredible, it tasted better than incredible! Thanks Romneys!