Cloud Shapes

There's a dolphin in the upper right hand corner.

We spent some of the afternoon admiring the clouds. Some have shapes, some are just pretty.

Sunshine rays through the clouds make for a beautiful sight from Heaven.

There's a crab in the middle on it's own.

Kailee said there's a horse running. Gracie said it's a fish looking the opposite way.

Great Grandparents saying hello.

This looks like a person laying down.

A turtle going after a fish!

The flying dragon!

Sunshine on a cloudy day.

Happy Birthday Kailee Joy

Now.

Then.

It's hard to believe that 8 years has passed... Kailin JoyAnnalice let me review the last year of your life. You have nearly completed second grade! You learned how to ride your 2-wheeler with stability! You got your ears pierced but recently decided you didn't like the way it felt so you're not wearing any earrings as of now. You have learned how to count money, multiply, add and subtract double digits and you are beginning cursive writing! You are also in your first (of what I believe to be many) play, it's called "The Weather Show". Your teacher Mrs. Whitfield & the other 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Rice are directing. You are playing the part of the Rainbow- color Red, Student F and your 1 of 2 kids with "Mr. Bolt". We cannot wait to see you acting for the first time in an "off broadway" production. (Don't worry it will be recorded for future reference.)

 You have more smiling and happy days than sad ones. You have gone to slumber parties (over night in a hotel with Audrey's mom), you have been a good friend (you didn't get upset when Olivia got the part as Dr. Emma for the play), you have been a sweet sister (sharing your toys with Gracie & teaching her how to ride her 2-wheeler), and you have been a fantastic daughter (helping mommy since I've had surgery and being so concerned about me.). You are an amazing daughter Kailee... I know I keep saying it but it's true! You have accomplished so much in your short 8 years... and I cannot wait to see what this next year will bring! You make good decisions all the time, you are always cautious and considerate of others; honey these traits are remarkable and I'm so proud of you. Daddy and I were so blessed the day God gave you to us, we had no idea the life we would have together and we pray that everyday we do right by you and help guide you into being the best person you possibly can. I think you're are just that; striving to be the best person you can be! One day I hope you read this and think; wow I did do a lot for only 8 years old... it's remarkable, you're remarkable!!

Here's you loot list from your birthday just in case you ever wonder:
Grandpa & Grandma Spalding: Lalaloopsy's (Fireman one & small ones that are super cute), a pink plastic wallet with $20 - $1 bills so you can buy books.
Aunt Stacey: Mermaid Lalaloopsy
Aunt Gina, Ben & Makenna: A new purple dress
Auntie Faith: A Lalaloopsy too!

Uncle Bryan, Aunt Dody, Jordon & Autumn: Lego Friends and Xia Xia pet crab with a home!
Shawni Thelen: Fairy book & Fairy cupcake stuff
Gracie: 2 - Littlest Pet Shop Flamingos!

Grandpa Lou & Grandma Deb & Uncle Lou: Dream Light & A headband maker kit (plus Grandma Deb decorated their house for you with balloons, squirt guns, jump ropes & CANDY!)
Uncle Josh, Auntie Angela, Jordy & Abby: A pretty dress with earrings
Daddy & Mommy: Chipmunks CD, Kids Bop 20 CD, Wii Games: Birthday Bash & Barbie Pups, 2 books Flutter & Ballerina Book, Hello Kitty DS game, Black tank dress outfit, Eiffel Tower shirt, and webkin Peace Sign Unicorn.

Can it be...

...that Kailee is turning 8 tomorrow? Tomorrow morning at 8:21 a.m. exactly will mark 8 years from the day she was born. My water broke at 11 a.m. today 8 years ago, I was standing in Burger King waiting to get a cup for water so I could go get a manicure/pedicure that Jon bought me for Mother's Day. I was just waiting and all of a sudden; I felt a gush... and I knew. I will never forget the looks on the faces of those at Burger King who were working and those who were waiting for their food. They kept saying let us drive you (keep in mind the hospital was within walking distance) but I drove myself over to the doctors office and then they walked me over to the hospital at 12:30 where I was admitted. Since I wasn't contracting they knew it'd be a while but they couldn't let me go home to get what I needed since I was already there. So, admit me they did and I got the low down on how it will all work (for the second time because we had just finished up birthing classes). To think it wasn't until tomorrow morning that Kailee was actually born. It's amazing how quickly the time has passed... tonight we are having a very small (2 friend) party for Kailee. Mommy is still recovering from surgery so having just 2 friends we figured would be easiest and best. These girls are so sweet, kind and respectful I know that it will be a perfect evening of painting, playing and movie watching!

Gracies Mothers Day Gifts

This was supposed to be given at the Mothers Tea but because Gracie had pink eye we missed out but she was still able to do the projects! She has such a great teacher! Jodi Rogier we appreciate you!

Not so bad...

...compared to the last two surgeries; my sassy's this surgery from yesterday on mommy's knee was a piece of cake! I am not in hardly any pain and really haven't had much in the way of medication to curb it either. This pain is tolerable and I have to say that makes me quite happy, especially since Kailee's birthday is coming up so quick!! Hard to believe that little K-K is going to be EIGHT! Say what! This seems impossible to me! You have been really good my little Sassy's helping mommy out and being so concerned. I am so blessed to have two sweet little darlings taking such good care of me. Yesterday, Grandpa Lou was here when you got off the bus. He let you both play outside, ride bikes and scooters. He even managed to get the stuck bunny off the roof too! Grandpa Lou is the best. He let you make sock puppets and that had you both so entertained... and smiling still this morning when you talk about it. Grandma Deb was sick with a bad cold... but she's on the up swing so that's good. I'm so glad that you had fun with Grandpa Lou. We are so blessed to be so loved. xoxo
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Update: 5/17/12
Mommy is doing fantastic today! I can't walk on the leg quite yet but no medicine is needed! I have made Kailee's birthday treats for school (Rice krispy treats drizzled with chocolate). And I made the cupcakes (the kind with a special something in the middle) for the small little party Friday night! So excited for your 8th birthday Kailin Joy!

PTO Earth Day Tree!

Thank you to the Ottawa PTO for the cool pine tree that was given to us for Earth Day! Woot woot for taking care of Mother Earth!

Baby Birds!

 We witnessed the hatching of these baby Robin's today! They were coming out of their shells right as we were watching! We watched through the boards on the deck as the nest is right under the deck. We didn't stay long watching because we wanted the mama to come back to her new little hatchlings! They are so cute!! So small and just amazing we were able to witness it! The Sassy's were so impressed!

2-Wheel Wonder!

 Yeppers, Gus-Gus has the hang of riding that two-wheeler baby! She is beyond excited!! We are beyond proud!! Go G. Go!

All I want for...

...Christmas is my 2 front teeth!

Mommy's Day

Mommy is loved a lot!

Dearest Sassy Spalding's,

Thank you for all the Mommy's Day goodies! I love my flowers, cards and pictures! I cannot wait until the family portrait comes soon! You are so sweet to think of mommy! I love you my Sassy Girls! 

xoxo

Mommy

Updated: 5/15/12
Here's the other part of the mommy's day gift!

 

Another Grandma Debbie Day

Last night (May 11th) my little sassy's you stayed the night at Grandma Debbie's & Grandpa Lou's so daddy & I could celebrate our Anniversary together. However, we didn't really go anywhere we ended up buying steaks and shrimp, getting a movie and relaxing. It was nice to have some quality time together but we missed you so much. Your sweet little voices fill the house with joy. We love you so much. xoxo

10 years ago today.

 Today our Sassy Spalding's is Daddy & Mommy's 10 year wedding anniversary! We got married at the Cross in the Woods (where we go to church). Over the last 10 years Daddy and I have grown up together... not that we were young when we wed but we have learned a lot about one another over the years. After 10 years of wedded bliss, we have learned: 1) it's easier to be happy than it is to be right. 2) it's not about how it is done; as long as it gets done. 3) no one is perfect. 4) there's more than 1 way to get a job done. 5) never say never... always stay open to the unexpected because that's what's bound to happen. 6) always kiss goodnight. 7) be flexible. 8) find the good something in every day. 9) happiness is what you make it. 10) marriage is hard work, but worth it all if you truly love the person.
The picture below is the most recent one that I could find of Mommy & Daddy (it was taken on the day of Great Grandma's funeral) we are not smiling but you should know that even when there's not a smile upon our faces; we are together, we love each other, we are connected and rely upon one another. Our life together is forever enriched my Sassy Spalding's because of you! You complete our family! xoxo Daddy & I will have another 100 years of happiness, we already know it!!

The "Wrap" Curl

 Last night we tried to do Kailee's hair in a "Wrap" curl. We wrapped her hair around the head band. It was very easy.

 However, my little sassy moves around too much in the morning and it came out in the night. So next time we might trying using bobby pins. We are also going to do rag curls... maybe Sunday night! K-K loves her hair curly!! (I mean seriously look at the cuteness going on with you my little sassy! Adorable!!)

PHO 107 Final Pictures

Close Up

Leading Line

Portrait

Summer Bucket List

Here's the list of must do's we've come up with so far for the 88 days of summer (that does include weekends).
1. Kite flying
2. Strawberry picking
3. Camping
4. Going to the water park in Mackinaw
5. Swimming in a pool
6. Going to Bay View Beach
7. Going to Petoskey State Park Beach
8. Going to Young State Park Beach
9. Going to Camp Petosega Beach
10. Dipping our toes in Lake Superior (this is a far fetched one... but maybe?)
11. Planting flowers
12. Playing at Central, Ottawa, Sheridan and Lincoln's playgrounds.
13. Having a picnic with our friends.
14. Going to listen to the music in the park.
15. Spending the night at Grandma Debbie & Grandpa Lou's.
16. Eating dinner on the deck
17. Sleeping in (Mommy)
18. Pick up litter any time we see it.
19. Get crafty and make some outside projects like a sculpture for the yard.
20. Play the wii. (Mommy said only if it's a rainy day)
21. Go walk the hiking trail at Petoskey State Park
22. Walk along the Bear River.
23. Get a pizza and go play at the water front park
24. Go fishing
25. Go visit our cousins
26. Have friends over to the house to play in the sprinkler.
27. Look for beach glass
28. Go for walks
29. Go for bike rides
30. Wash the car.
31.  Make popsicles
32. Get mini-basketball hoop out and play
33. Go bowling
34. blow bubbles
35. finger paint
36. Go to the library
37. Create an obstacle course
38. Feed the ducks
39. Do a 3-legged race
40. Play frisbee
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41. Go to the wooden park in Boyne City.
42. Climb Barn Mountain
43. Go to the water fountains in Charlevoix
44. Go to the Gaylord Community Pool
45. Scrapbook with Mrs. Whitfield.
46. Plan a trip with Miss Kelly, Gavin, Ashlynn & Alynna
47. Go camping with all our friends
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48. Get a dog. (Daddy said NO!)
49. Roll down the grassy hill
50. Play in our blow up pool every day.
51. Catch butterflies
52. Go to the concerts in the park during lunchtime
53. Go for walks to the library.
54. Go to 7/11 for slurpees
55. Get paint brushes and buckets of water to paint pictures on the driveway
56. Try a new fruit.
57. Make shish-ka-bobs
58. Take golf lessons
59. Make a fairy house under the deck
60. Ride our bikes!
61. Do yoga
62. Go to the skate park
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63. Mommy goes to be with Auntie Tab while baby Grant is born!

Yep Again!

Another surgery on the knee... Minor but still surgery! Next Tuesday, May 15 there will be another wrapping of the leg and keeping it rested until it's healed from whatever procedure Dr. Rubert does to repair mommy's knee. Hopefully the healing time will be quick and fast and not hurt for long. Thank you for your prayers tonight my little Sassy Spalding's. Your prayers mean the world to mommy. xoxo

The swollen knee... blah!

Lazy Sunday

 This is a lazy Sunday in the Sassy House of Spalding!

 Our lazy Sunday involved lots of snuggling, ds playing and too much thumb sucking!

 

Happy Birthday Uncle Lou!

Happy Birthday Uncle Lou!
We love you so much!

PHO 107 Silhouettes

This is my favorite picture!

Mystery Socks

Tonight while playing Cinderella Gracie discovered that there are no matcheded to these socks. There was a too giant, too big and too medium. So the conclusion is that the washer or dryer has ate them socks!!!

Feeling Better

Poor Gracie hasn't felt well the last 2 days. Fever and stuffy nose had her down and out. She is finally back to her normal hungry Gus Gus self, thank the Lord!!

April to May

 Gracie created these for her calenders... April Showers ... Bring May Flowers! Look at that handwriting and how she spelled the words CORRECTLY! Woo hoo for Gracie!!