Easter Chicks

Here they are all dressed up for Easter (I'll dress them alike for as long as I can, which won't be much longer - I know). They were oh so cute! It was a great day - we went to church with Scott's family, and then had my parents over for lunch and watching basketball (I think we all could've done without the latter....). All in all, it was wonderful, and it means that we're that much closer to warm weather. I can't wait!!

Spring Break '08

We didn't have much planned for spring break this year since we just went on vacation in January, but the break from school was nice for all of us (especially me!). On Monday, we met Jill and Lauren for lunch and shopping. Then I took the girls to see College Roadtrip (a real tear-jerker for anyone with kids still at home). We stayed at home Tuesday and Wednesday, and the girls made a "spa" for their stuffed animals. I regret not taking a picture of that because there's no way I can describe it in words. You couldn't even see the carpet in Payton's room because of all the "stuff" they drug out from closets, the attic, the toybox.... For someone as obsessive-compulsive about organization as I am, it was my worst nightmare. I just didn't go upstairs for a couple of days, and then they had it cleaned up by Wednesday night (that's when I regained my sanity). We left Thursday morning and went to Branson with Stacey, Lauren, and Alyssa. We left here around 8:15, and the plan was to go straight to Silver Dollar City and spend all day there, and then shop on Friday. Well, plans changed a little when we got there and the car line to get in to the park was backed up for miles! It was opening day, and we later heard that they had expected 6,000 people that day, but ended up with 15,000! We changed shopping to Thursday and went to SDC first thing Friday morning. It worked out perfectly! We were there when they unlatched the chain to let people in and rode several rides before lines even started forming. The weather was beautiful, and we all had a great time!

Holland for President!!

Hey, even Hillary had to start somewhere...

So about a month ago, Mrs. Voss, the girls' principal, sent home a note to all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. She said that she was choosing students to be on the very first Shaw student council, and if anyone was interested, they needed to write a letter to her explaining why they wanted to be a part of it and what changes they would like to see made in the school. The note was sent home on a Monday and it said "Submit your letter to me by next Wednesday and I'll make my decision next Friday". We just assumed that meant that she had basically a week and a half to brainstorm and write her letter. So, over the weekend Holland got really excited about it and spent about an hour coming up with ideas and typing it up and took it to school on Monday. Well, the very first thing they do at their school on Monday mornings is a pep rally. At the pep rally, Mrs. Voss got up and announced all of the kids that she had chosen for student council and asked them to come up on stage to be recognized. Holland cried. She had no idea she had missed the deadline. So........ long story short, her teacher told her to take her letter and give it to Mrs. Voss anyway. We didn't ever hear anymore about it until yesterday. Holland got in the car after school and said that Mrs. Voss had decided weeks ago that she wanted her to be a part of the student council, but the note she had written herself to talk to Holland was buried on her desk and she had just found it! Holland was beyond excited. She was one of only two 3rd graders chosen, and there were only about ten students chosen altogether. Anyway, here is a copy of the letter she submitted. The ideas are all her own, and I only helped a little with how to start paragraphs, how to close it, etc. Yes, "hydrator" was all her. I had to look it up to make sure it was really a word....

Holland loves her Pawpaw

Holland had a writing assignment recently at school, and it was to write about someone you love. Since Pawpaw's birthday is on Valentine's Day, she thought it was only fair to choose him. Her paper is actually hanging in the main hallway of the school because her writing style was exceptional. I just happened to see it when I went to have lunch with the girls last week and thought I'd take a picture and post it for all to see. This one's for you, Pawpaw.

Happy 40th Anniversary!

My parents in-law, Alaine and Randall, have been married for 40 years today! Your commitment and devotion to each other is such an awesome example, not only to me and Scott, but also to Holland and Payton. When you stop and think about it, how many of today's kids can say that their parents and both sets of grandparents are still married? Other than being a faithful christian, there's no greater legacy that we could leave behind for them.

So, on your special day we want to say, "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY" and "CONGRATULATIONS"! We love you guys!