I love my mom and dad

I have to say I am very thankful for my parents. For the first time in almost 10 years of marriage, Garr and I are sick at the same time. It's not easy to take care of 4 kids when neither of you can get off the couch! My mom has been awesome. She cleaned up all the dishes from supper last night, brought hot tea and blankets to Garr and I, took care of Danny, and gave the girls their bedtime snack and story. And was at it again this morning before she went to work. Abby asked her if she was going to stay home from work to take care of her today! Thanks Mom!

Today is my Dad's birthday. I love my dad. I am so thankful to have had him all these years and to be able to be so close to him. He stopped home before heading out to a call at the hospital this afternoon. As soon as Danny sees my dad, he gets so excited. Dad was running behind but he still picked him up and spent time playing with him before he left (you should have heard Danny giggling!).

God really blessed me when he gave me these two wonderful people! I love you Mom and Dad!

Happy Mother's Day!

I just want to say "Happy Mother's Day!" to everyone. I had a really special, laid-back day. I woke up to a love note on a paper plate (who needs fancy cards?) and some gifts. Garr bought me flowers and a beautiful silver charm bracelet with hearts on it and matching earrings. Very special and a surprise since we don't usually exchange gifts (to save $$). Then the girls sent me on a treasure hunt for my gifts from them. Emelyn made me a diamond shaped pin (painted clay) and Abby made me a bracelet with a pipe cleaner and beads. They also both gave me cards and notes that said "I love you" and "You are the best mom ever." Oh and Liv decorated a flower pot and gave me a flower and a tattoo. =] I got to lay down and take a nap with Liv and Daniel this afternoon. The rest of the day we just hung out and spent time together as a family. It was a very special day. I am especially blessed to have these children to love. So thankful.

A kind word spoken

A letter to the editor, Smyrna/Clayton Sun Times

Wednesday May 7, 2008

Smyrna Police show compassion

by Joan MacKnight, Smyrna

Several weeks ago our next door neighbor died during his sleep. His daughter had forgotten her key so she called the police department to gain entry to her father's house. Officer Garr Owens was the first on the scene and immediately comforted the daughter and asked permission to gain entry using the least intrusive way. Throughout the evening other police personnel were on the scene, but Officer Owens kept the daughter informed of everything that was happening.

I witnessed Officer Owens be caring, sensitive and very informative during a very emotional time. Many times that the police were involved with the Bon Ayre community they were helpful and caring and we are thankful for their services.

Abigail's 7th Birthday, April 23, 2008

Abby had a great birthday. She chose to have an afternoon out with just Mommy and Daddy (and Daniel!) rather than a "friends party." We had such a great time! We went bowling and Abby beat both of us the second game! The people working there were so great. We intended to buy lunch there, but the grill was closed when we got there. When we inquired about ordering in a pizza, they offered to make it for us and gave us a pitcher of Sprite (the only soda Abby likes) on the house. Then we asked if we could purchase a bowling pin as a souvenir for Abby. They gave her one, complete with Happy Birthday stickers, balloons, and 2 goody bags (which Abby gave to her sisters since they couldn't come with us - very sweet). After bowling and pizza, we went to Picadilly Castle - a local playground. Abby and Garr ran around and played, while Danny hung out with me in the Moby Wrap. Then we walked the grounds and I let Abby take pictures with our camera. She actually took some nice ones of Garr and I - we almost never get pictures of us together!

After the playground, we came home to pick up Eme and Liv from school. Then we had a family party for Abby that evening. I made macaroni and cheese (her choice!) and hot dogs for dinner. Abby had helped me make her birthday cake that morning. Actually, I helped her! She made it herself, I just supervised. She loves to cook/bake. So she had a chocolate cake with chocolate icing and Barbie decorations. Then finally, she was able to open her presents (she waited patiently all day long!). She got a Nintendo DS from us, along with a game. Then we gave her the quilt I was making. She was so excited. I had her journal a few days later for school --- "My favorite birthday gift is..." I thought for sure she would write her DS. But she finished it with "the quilt my mommy made for me." I was so surprised and happy.

Here are many pictures from our day. Happy Birthday, Abby!

"Good morning, Birthday Girl!"

Abby and her bowling pin

Watching Abby bowl

All tuckered out
Emelyn, Olivia, Abby, and Justin
Abby and her quilt

Adventure Aquarium

Emelyn's second grade class took a field trip to Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ on April 21st. Garr rode along on the buses as a chaperone, while the kids and I rode up with my friend Shara. We had a fun, albeit quick, visit. Here are some pictures of our day.

Ready to go! Sammi, Abby, and Liv

Emelyn - touching sharks!
Abby
Eme, Liv, Abby
The kids loved the "touch a shark" exhibit

Our girls and kids from Emelyn's class

The seal
In the shark tunnel

Outside the Aquarium
Sammi, Liv, and Abby
Me and Shara
Liv, watching the sharks

Highchairs

Still haven't had a chance to post pictures, but will try to this week - Promise!

For those of you whose children use highchairs - I need your input! I haven't used a high chair since Eme was a baby. We used boosters for the two inbetween b.c of space. I went shopping for one today and they seem so expensive to me! $100?? Am I cheap or what? Anyways , wondering what your thoughts on them are... Is cheaper just as good for what it's used for? What do you LOVE about the one you have now? Any comments would be appreciated! Thanks!

A new discovery!

I just discovered that Garr's hair is going white! Too funny! He's not even thirty! Do you think it was adding a fourth child or the police work? Maybe living with Mom and Dad!! =] Anyways, silver is sexy so I don't mind! I've always loved the thought of us growing old together and I guess we are just getting an early start!

Daniel is getting so big. He is enjoying eating like a big boy - squash yesterday for the first time. We were having a picnic at the park last night and Garr and I were eating and talking while the kids played. We looked over at Daniel in his seat and he was making chewing motions with his mouth - like he was trying to eat too. So cute! His newest 'trick!' He is getting so fun to play with. He is starting to laugh out loud and giggle.

On Monday of this week we went to Adventure Aquarium in Jersey. On Wednesday, it was Abby's 7th birthday! So I have tons of pictures and will try to get them posted this weekend for everyone to see.

Congratulations to our friends Ryan and Katie, who are expecting baby #2 in Dec! Whoo-hoo!