Havin' a little fun!

I was never a rebellious teenager or young adult. I've never had the desire to rebel or act out against authority. I was always too serious. I wanted to be perfect and act perfect and never mess up! But I turned 30 this year. And something clicked in me. I realized that this is my life and I am going to LIVE it. I am NOT going to constantly worry about what other people think of me or how they think I should be living my life. I am going to make my dreams happen (buying a house!) and I plan to enjoy my life. Yesterday, I did something just a little drastic that has been a whole lot of fun. While getting my hair done, I had her put two pink streaks in my hair! Why not? It looks cute and it's summertime! Time for fun! It will grow out or get cut out eventually. But for now, I am enjoying this little bit of craziness in my life :) I told Garr yesterday, "You're only 30 once!" I never did anything like this as a teen or in my 20's - I'm tired of being totally serious. Life happens way too fast. I think someday I will look back and laugh at myself and be proud of myself for "living on the edge." Lol! Enjoy!

ok, this isn't a great picture -

but it shows the pink streaks better -

they can be covered by the rest of my hair

when I want to look serious!

Garr MMA

Garr has been studying jiu-jitsu, KFM, Filipino Dumpag, and MMA for about a year and a half now. He tries to go train a couple times a week. He would like to go more often, but due to his work schedule and family schedule, he can't. He does love his training though! It amazes me how much my husband enjoys working out. Every day he does some kind of workout - sometimes twice a day. He lifts weights, rides his road bike (~20 miles each ride), trains in MMA, and runs occasionally too. Being a police officer, it's very important for him to stay strong and in shape. You never know when he might have to chase someone on foot or wrestle someone to the ground. And his training has definitely paid off in his work. I can't tell you how many guys he has been able to subdue because of his jiu-jitsu training! Recently (in May - I'm a bit behind - have you noticed?) he received his blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I am very proud of him - I know he works hard! (the blue belt is the 2nd out of 5 belts in jiu-jitsu.) He trains with Sensei Allen Sachetti at Dauntless Practical Martial Arts.

Mr. Sachetti and Garr

The guys receiving their blue belts
Garr receiving his blue belt from Mr. Sachetti

Ama and the girls

While sorting through photos on my camera, I came across this one taken in May when Garr's mom came for a visit. Isn't this a great photo? They look so cozy together :)

A Day in the Life...

To start out the day...

get a drink, put on bike helmet, watch Wiggles

play peekaboo with mama while getting dressed

Say Good Morning to Grandad

pretend to drive the tractor
laugh at sisters
Eat lunch while wearing pink glittery cowboy hat

Let Grandad have some fun wearing pink glittery hat too

busy morning - ready for naptime

take a ride on the tractor with Grandad

go on a walk with Grandma and Grandad

watch a little more Wiggles after bath

(Daniel turning TV on)

have some snuggle time with Abby before bed
night, night baby Daniel

Abby and Liv - end of school

I posted a few days ago about how great Emelyn did this year in school. Well Abby and Liv did great also. They also had high A's all year long and excelled in every area of school. We just got a letter in the mail that Abby has been accepted into the Gifted and Talented program for next year. Here are some photos of them at the end of the year.

Olivia Grace

Olivia and her teacher, Mrs. Ross

Abby and friend, TJ
If Abby looks a little weird in this photo, it's because TJs Mom and I are making jokes about using these photos from each school year in their wedding montage someday! lol

Abby and Mrs. Kelly - one of the best teachers ever!

Stellan

Please pray for baby Stellan again. He has been admitted to the PICU with SVT today.

Eme - end of school and a museum

The school year ended recently and all our girls did great! They all made honor roll throughout the year. Emelyn was given the Citizenship Award for her class - we were so proud of her! She is a wonderful kid! Her teacher said she was always willing to help out the other students even if it meant pausing in her own work. I was able to attend a field trip with Eme to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. We had a fun day! Eme's bff, Kaeli, and her mom also went. Here are some photos of the girls that day and also the last day of school.

Emelyn holding her award - she looks thrilled doesn't she?

Eme and bff, Kaeli, at the Institute

Our group of girls at the museum

Eme trying to lift Kaeli using a pulley system!

This was not easy but it was fun!

Eme rockclimbing

Mrs. Diggs, 3rd grade teacher

Eme and her other bff, Ash, at their chorus concert