My Sweet Emily

Tyler and I have been sick for a few days. Tonight was the school carnival, and we were both still too sick to venture out. Gavin and Emily went to the carnival with a neighbor. They both came home, loaded with prizes and super excited! Tyler was sleeping in my bed, and Emily ran in, woke him up, and gave him

EVERY SINGLE PRIZE

she had won, along with a note that said, "I love you Tyler. I really do. XOXOXOXO, Emily". I love little moments like this! It's comforting for me to know that even though they act like this most the time...

they still care about each other!

Gavin's first day of school

My little man started Joy School yesterday. I had debated sending him to pre-school, and believe it or not, actually lost sleep over trying to reach a decision. I am not sure what's wrong with me, but I just couldn't send him. Something suddenly hit me that I'm almost out of kids. I have come to realize that once you let them go, there's no getting them back. I decided to hang on to him for one more year and just let him do a Joy School with a few of his buddies.

He has looked forward to this day since the kids went back to school. Every night he asked me if he got to go to school tomorrow, and was sorely disappointed when I would say no. He was ecstatic when I told him that today was the day. He spent lots of time organizing his pencil box and back pack.

Front, L-R: Jaylie, Ty, Seth

Back, L-R: Emma, Gavin, Parker

He LOVED his first day. He came home and said, "Mom. I didn't even get bullied." I'd like to see what happened if someone tried to bully Gavin. I'm pretty sure it would only happen once. He listened to stories, frosted cookies, practiced his writing, put a book together, and finger painted - kind of. He was pretty grossed out about the whole process of putting paint all over your fingers, so he used a paint brush instead. He had a great day and can't wait to go again next week.

Starting 'Em Young!

The last couple of days, Kate has insisted on wearing this apron.

When I saw her vacuuming, it was just too much to resist :)

Syracuse for Sight 5k

My good friends and neighbors put together a 5k run/walk to benefit one of my friends little boys. He was born with a vision impairment called Ocular Albinism, a rare eye disorder. This race was put together in order to provide special computers in the library, as well as a large print book section. I thought it was a great opportunity for me to support such an amazing little boy, so I signed up.

This race was a lot of fun. I had tons of friends running and volunteering. Those involved did such an amazing job! It was well organized and very professionally done. Hats off to all of those who worked so hard for such a great cause!

I ran the race in 29:15. I had set a goal to run it under 30 minutes, but was really hoping to make 27 minutes. Although I accomplished my goal, I was pretty disappointed in myself for not finishing quicker. About 1/2 mile into the race, my shoes began bothering me. They were too loose. I thought I could make it through, but quickly decided I'd be better off stopping to re-tie them. I continued on my way, and they were way too tight. I had to stop again! Lesson learned... test my shoes BEFORE I start racing. I probably only lost about a minute, but in a 5k, every minute counts.

Next up, the half marathon on October 9th :)

Happy Birthday Dear Cari

My sister celebrated her 40th birthday last week.

I had to add this picture of my cute niece, Lexie. She and her friend bought these cat shirts, and she is so proud of hers. You'll notice in a few pictures down that she's in a different shirt. That's because Cari made her change her shirt before she'd be in a picture with her. Too funny.

Grace picked out a princess crown for her mama. A pretty fitting gift ;)

Bree made Cari the cutest card I have ever seen. I wish that I would have thought to take a picture of it.

Lexie made a purse for her mom. What a bunch of talented girls!

Guy threw Cari a surprise birthday party last night, and what a party it was! She was truly surprised! I was disappointed that I had left my camera in the car, so I didn't get a picture of her reaction.

Guy hired a band, and they did a fabulous job. They even got all the girls involved! Bree and Grace played the tambourines, and Lexie and her friend played the maracas.

The fam.

Front (L-R): Lexie, Cari, Grace, mom, Ty, Bree, Aunt Sharon

Back (L-R) Steff, Roy, Janice (Guy's parents), and Guy

Me and my siblings.

I loved this video. All night long, Bree sat and watched the band. Towards the end of the party, she went in and got her guitar. A few minutes later, she returned with her amplifier. The band invited her up for one last song. I love the stars in her eyes. She was in heaven, and it was a great performance!

Happy birthday, Cari! Thanks for being such a great sister!

My Addiction

Hi. My name is Steffanie, and I am addicted to new school supplies. I swore this year that I wouldn't buy more because we still have plenty of new supplies left over from last year. But when I went to Walmart, I couldn't find the strength to resist.

When the kids got home from school, I was SO EXCITED to show them their new supplies for home. Somehow they just weren't very excited. Tyler said, "Mom. I don't need any more scissors." They just don't appreciate a new box of crayons like I do.

Here's what I ended up with:

• 6 notebooks
• 3 pair of scissors
• 10 boxes of crayons
• 6 boxes of markers
• 6 boxes of colored pencils
• 400 index cards
• 2 pink erasers
• 14 gluesticks
• 10 pens
• 106 pencils

I've only made one trip to Walmart, so I'm sure there will be LOTS more to come. Oh, and, uh, if you wouldn't mind, let's just keep this between you and me ;)

Back to School

The kids started school this morning. I always hate to see the summer end, but they were ready to start. Tyler and Emily were really excited, there was no anxiety this year, which made it so much easier to send them off.

We started the morning with the traditional sweet rolls.

Emily was so excited to pick the best looking roll to frost.

Tyler, on the other hand, a little sleepy.

I think he stayed up too late last night reading.

I love the back to school pictures.

New shoes.

Good luck to the both of you. I will miss you, but I know that you will do great this year!