DANCING WITH CINDERELLA

Today Madelyn and Jarrett danced during both church services. Along with several other daddies and little girls they danced to Steven Curtis Chapmans, "Cinderella". It was absolutely sweet! A couple of months ago Madelyn asked Jarrett to do a father/daughter dance with her. She has been taking a dance class at our church once a week. He thought it was a dance you went to, you know like a little prom or something. He happily agreed to do it, not realizing that it was a dance in front of the church. A couple of weeks ago he got a call about a practice for the dance. He thought it was strange that they had to practice for a "dance". Once I cleared up his misconception he wasn't so sure he wanted to do this. Getting up in front of people is not really his thing. But he knew he would break Madelyn's heart if he didn't do it. So today was the big day. They were just precious and it is something that Madelyn will remember forever!

We our gearing up for the move but took a break last night and hung out with some friends. The kids had a ball playing outside till dark.

Madelyn and Kennedy spend most of their time together spotting each other in gymnastics. Watch out Olympics here comes double trouble!

We have also been swimming a lot! Nathan has to wear his plugs and band for another six weeks.

Madelyn, what can I say, you look good climbing a tree in your dress!

Oh, sweet little Sophie!

I just couldn't resist taking pictures of her!

POOR NEGLECTED BLOG

I know, I know, I haven't blogged in FOREVER! Our life has been eventful lately. Our house sold, then unsold, then sold again today. I got a job teaching 3rd grade in Owasso. Here is a little more of what we have been up to:

The above pic is of our friend Max. The kids have been taking swimming lessons this week. They have learned so much and have had a blast!

Nathan has to wear this head band because he had ear surgery last week.

Madelyn and Kennedy, aren't they adorable!

We went to Silver Dollar City!

Nathan before his surgery to remove his T- tubes and patch his ear drums.

The kids have had a blast hanging out at Grammy's and Grampy's house on Skiatook Lake. They are dynamite tubers this year which just thrills their daddy's heart.

I have been trying to keep the kids out of the house as much as possible so it can stay picked up since it is for sale. I am amazed at how by moving a toy outside makes it so much more interesting. Doesn't Madelyn look thrilled!

We have had lots of friends over and a lot of popsicles eaten.

So there you have it, a short update on the short family.

A little of this and a lot of that

Our lives have been a whirlwind lately. I have been subbing a lot at Nater Bug's school and I have really enjoyed working in the autism class. Beaded Kreations, my little side jewelry business, has been busy lately. I seem to spend my nights stringing bracelets.



Jarrett went with Madelyn's kindergarten class to the Zoo. Her favorite part was riding the school bus.

Nathan and Madelyn went to a roller skating birthday party. It was their first time to ever roller skate. Madelyn picked it up pretty quick. Nathan wanted to give up after the first time around but eventually we got him to try again.

We went to Dallas for my big sister Karen's surprise 40th bday and for my nieces first birthday. It was a fun weekend with family. Madelyn loves her aunt Liz and hardly left her side.

My bro Steve is such a goof!

Before Nathan's piano recital.

Because of all the rain the kids have had to get creative with their indoor play. They made a "Hotel for Dogs". They even had an indoor toilet for their pets. Madelyn made signs and sign in sheets.

Madelyn slept through most of the piano recital.

Nathan did a great job at his recital. We were so proud of his accomplishments. One of Nathan's physical therapist was there to watch her son and just couldn't believe that the little Nathan she used to work with was playing the piano. Next week we are off to OKC for the state competition.

Hanging out with cousins in Dallas. Don't judge me for letting Nater Bug drink Dr. Pepper. I swear he only had 3 sips.

And the best thing that has happened this past month is I have a new nephew, Cash. He is so stinkin cute!!! He is an answer to prayers!

HAPPY EASTER

We decided that this year we would plant our very first vegetable garden. Grampy came over to help us and give us his expertise. I don't think we could have done it without him. Jarrett planted onions, green beans, cucumbers and 3 different types of tomatoes. We can't wait to see everything grow! Thanks Jarrett for doing this with the kids!!

Nathan was quite the helper.

The kids learned all about soil, manure and the spacing of seeds.

Madelyn liked planting the onions and labeling the wood posts.

I got to hang out with Jakey Pooh! (My friend Traci's little boy) Is he not the cutest thing??

Madelyn had her walk a thon at school.

We went to Kennedy's Spa bday party at Classroom Corner.

Our family had our annual Easter Egstravaganza at Aunt Kim's house. Grandmama helped the kids decorate Easter cookies and Easter cookie baskets. Nathan ate the icing, Ella poured half a bottle of colored sugar per cookie, Ty had fun eating the cookies, and Madelyn, well she just did what she was suppossed to. It cracks me up to see all their different personalities.

The dads were in charge of egg dying. They were smart and had them do it outside. Ty dyed his fingers and mouth instead of his eggs. It was hillarious.

Then it was time for the egg races. Last year Nathan cried the whole time. He couldn't get his egg to stay on the spoon and he lost. Two very frustrating things for a child with aspergers. This year was a whole new story. He did great plus he won, so that helped a lot!

Then it was time for the men to race. Let me just say that there was some serious cheating going on.. I will not mention names because you know who you are. By the way, dad, I was very proud of you for paricipating this year. You certainly held your own.

Next it was time for the Easter Egg hunt. The kids had fun opening the eggs. There was some serious trading going on.

Goofy Cousins!!

Cousins and best friends!

Kim and I have the same camera and we were trying different ISO settings. We had fun taking a ton of pics but we are seriously clueless! We need to take a photograpy class.

The Easter Bunny came and he delivered! The kids each got a new swim suit and water bottles for their lunch boxes along with candy, bubbles, and a jump rope. Our Easter Bunny is very practical.

Nathan and Madelyn and Mia ready for church. Madelyn was very excited that she found a dress that came with a matching doll dress. She carried Mia all around church today. I love it!!

And the very, very, best part of this weekend was welcoming our friend Jorge home! He is still sick and is trached but he is Alive and we are overcome with Thankfulness to our Heavenly Father for that. He is truly the GREAT PHYSICIAN! We pray that he continues to get stronger everyday.