First 6 Months of 2009

I don't often recall times in public like this but this year has been very busy already. SO many things have gone on this school year and I think about some of the most important moments that have happened so far this year. School is ending and my son will become a 5th Grader!! Little Missy K will be in First Grade! OH MY! However it's other times I think of when so many of you lent me an ear, supported me through all kinds of decisions and were really there for me during March - the hardest month for us as a family. I know my MIL had so many other family members praying for us then as we really battled each day with Kate. If you have not seen these pictures before then enjoy!

January - We visit Disney and see Alice and the Mad Hatter



Myles builds Mission Santa Ines



Kate TOUCHED Ladybugs!! We never thought we'd see the day our Sensory Integration Dysfunction girl would ever even think of touching any critter.



March - Kate becomes ill with a Strep Infection in her blood causing HSP. She did not have strep throat.





Then, it became WORSE. She was in great pain, had swelling, was unable to walk for 2 whole weeks, and was out of school for 3 weeks. Doctors didn't find out what was causing it (Strep) until 2 whole weeks had already passed.





Kate did work her teacher sent home for her.



Kate was finally cleared to go back to school and the day before she returned, she learned how to ride a two wheeler without trainers!



Myles turned 10! We took him to Red Robin. You can see older brother, Jeff, hamming it up with them. (he's 20)



April - Myles goes go Camporee with the Boy Scouts and learns how to shoot arrows!



The Boy Scouts have Blue and Gold



May - Kate turns 6 and we invite friends.

Megan



And Twins Karla (glasses) and Karmen



June - Kate becomes a Word Master! That means she knows all 100 sight words of the Kindergarten standard. That is Dr. Chaffee the school Principal with her.



Kindergarten performs for the parents. They perform in lieu of having a "formal" graduation exercise. Kate is in the front row on the far right. The two people sitting in front there are Kinder teachers Mrs. Hickerson (left) and Ms Kirby.



All the Word Masters as shown below wear paper sashes. It's easier to spot them in the group above. Below it's Karla standing with Kate. They are wearing outfits for their dance of the performance. Kate is now up to 250 sight words. The standard for First grade is 300 sight words.



Kate with her beloved teacher, Miss Nelson. When Kate was sick, it's Miss Nelson that Kate cried for and whom she missed the most.



Aside from our families, I would like to thank a few people who really helped me out this first half of the year.

Ericka - whose almost daily conversations really brighten my day. We share the same birthday! It's amazing how alike we are. I can't wait for you to come back to Orange County to visit!
Monica - who offered modeling services when Kate was sick and unable to model for me. Your girls are my favorite models!
Shannon - Kate's teacher, whose guidance with Kate and her abilities really lead me on the right path to keeping BOTH my kids academically happy. I have found in you a friend and will missing saying hello each morning even with just a wave from the gate. If you need an extra hand next year, just call me.
Gillian - Always available with answers to my questions, boutique or not!
Therese - you have been the most special to me. We've known each other for 8 years and I am so glad! I can't wait for our boys to meet again and for our girls to meet for the first time! I hope every day that I will hear that you will be coming back to the states. Soon! I know it will be SOON!

Thank you so much for spending time with me. It's back to work with more designs coming!