Wow, didn't realize it had been so long since I posted last...

Our 10 Year Anniversary Renewal of our vows went well. Needless to say, I think we surprised more than a few people when we came out sword fighting down the aisle. We had a good time with our family and friends though. To see more pics of the ceremony go here (cut and copy in your browser): http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=720374a20a4e16432f762628e38c6d8e

As always, things have remained busy here. However, Dan and I recently decided that it would be better for our family if I went back down to one day a week at work again. It just seemed pointless for me to work four days a week, and bring home the same amount of money as I would if I was only doing one day a week (we wouldn't have to pay childcare or as much gas money). So despite some disagreeances within our outside family members, we choose our children over my working. I'll make the same amount of money and spend more time at home with our kids. Seems reasonable for now.

Looking at the last post....Nathan potty trained in just a few days and he's been doing well with that...although, we do have issues with the "every bathroom needs to be explored" idea. If I go to three different stores in an hour, he has to visit every restroom. And granted, he does go in every bathroom that he visits - but it does get a bit old after awhile. He's developing his own little personality lately and has been known to argue his point quite vehemently. Hence, reason number one that either Dan or I need to stay home to correct our children.

Cody passed fourth grade and will be starting 5th grade in late August. He was so proud of himself - and rightly so. And yes, the picture with Andrew and Nathan does show Cody's ability to tie up his brothers. He's been a tremendous help over the summer - although he does egg the other two on at times. Hence, reason number two for one of us finding a way to stay at home and raise our children.


Andrew made leaps and bounds in kindergarten this year...but not enough to pass him. His math is good for his grade, but his reading is behind. Right now, he is on track to repeat kindergarten. However, he will be reassessed on the first day of school and we'll see from there. We've accepted that he will probably repeat kindergarten next year. He is still having articulation issues with his speech as well, but together with the speech therapist at school - hopefully his speech will continue to improve. Hence, reason number three.

Dan is still working at the same shop about 15 minutes from our house. Business is slow with the economy the way it is, but he's doing as much as is available...and some occasional side work here and there.

My grandmother has been in and out of the hospital over the past month and a half. She is in a weakened state and mom is trying to get her to eat right. However, she is used to eating the way she is used to eating and its been a battle between her and mom to get her to eat properly.

Mom has been diagnosed with having scleroderma antibodies. It's a rare disorder where her immune system will attack her organs and/or joints.

My brother Joe is now on a trip across the country with a few of his guy friends. They don't know where they are going or what they'll see. They have very little money and they are depending on the kindness of strangers along the way...should be an interesting trip....