Church Fair

St. John's Fair was last weekend and Emerson got to ride a few rides, play a few games and eat some ''fair food". $50 later we drug her home. Since when did church fairs get to be so $$$...

Kids Fest and Fest For All

Last weekend we attended Kids Fest held at the River Center and then went to Fest For All downtown. Emerson always likes to have her face painted or "Paintface" as she calls it. Then we stood in line to take a picture with Dora and Boots. But the most fun of all was her and Isabelle rolling down the hill at the Old State Capital. I can remember doing the exact same thing. And I am sure my butt was up in the air like that as well.

"Let It Shine" Ceremony

Friday Dunham held the "Let It Shine" Ceremony for the PreK and Kindergartners. This is where they highlight a specific virtue that each of the kids posses, read scripture corresponding to that virtue and then award the kids a certificate. The kids are so excited to get their "award". So fitting that Emerson's virtue was being enthusiastic. She i always excited to start the day and all activities and she never gives up trying. So cute and spot on!

Easter 2011

Denny and I attended a wedding in Austin, Texas Easter weekend, so Easter was a little crazy for us. We flew back in on the first flight in Sunday morning. Here are a few pictures of Em from Easter.

Colored bubbles and a Jessie Doll. She is so excited!

This is Emerson's Easter Party at school. They made some pretty great crafts and of course had an Easter Egg Hunt.

These are the 12 eggs she found. They each had an egg carton and the wholes had been numbered to 12. The kids had to find eggs that matched each number so it was truly a "hunt". The kids got into it.

And of course we had some fun snacks at the party. I got that edible grass (YUCK, TERRIBLE, GROSS) and made the nest on top of a chocolate and vanilla butter cream cupcake. Most of the kids ate the jelly beans, asked that we take the grass off and then ate the cupcake. I do not blame them one bit. The grass is disgusting, but it looks cute.

Happy Birthday

Happy 41st Birthday Denny!And in honor of his birthday AND Cinco De Mayo, Emerson and I made these Margarita Cupcakes and his favorite Chocolate Cinco De Mayo cake. We took them up to his office today after school.

With a heavy heart

I guess it is ironic the last post is of Baker. It has taken me a week to be able to sit and compose myself enough to post this. Some of you will certainly get the lose we feel and some of you will not. If you don't get it, I hope you will one day allow yourself to feel the unconditional love that a dog gives. It will change you like nothing else.
We said goodbye to Baker last Saturday. We held him as he went to sleep and still can not believe he is gone. The house is so silent without him. Of course we have the laughs and giggles of Emerson running thru the house, but no Baker chasing after her. Emerson is handling all of this in one of two ways. She is either very matter of fact about it all and shows no emotion or she is hysterical. Wonder where she gets that from? Time is helping us all, but is still extrememly difficult to be at home without him.

In Your Heart

My body is gone, but I am always near,

I am everything you fell or hear.

My spirit is free, but I will never depart,

As long as you keep me alive in your heart.

When I became frail and weak,

And pain kept me from my sleep.

I know all did, what must be done,

For this, my last battle, couldn't be won.

You will be sad, I understand.

But don't let grief, stay your hand

For on this day, more than rest,

Your Love and Friendship, will stand the test.

Please do not mourn for me,

I am still here, as you will see.

I am on your side, each night and day,

and within your heart, is where I wish to stay.

My body is gone, but I am always near,

I am everything you feel or hear.

My spirit is free, but I will never depart,

As long as you keep me alive in your heart.

Authors Unknown

Briarbrash Creole Baker

December 14, 2002 - April 16, 2011

The other kid

The birds have been giving him hell lately. He killed one of their friends last week and they have lots to say about it. He stood like this for at least 45 minutes and did not move. Makes my neck hurt just watching him.