Madelyn's First Day of 1st Grade

Yesterday Madelyn started 1st grade! I can hardly believe that my first born is becoming such a big girl!

Leaving the house for school! Look at Maddy's cool shoes! Her backpack is pretty cool too!

In class, ready to start her first day of a brand new year!

Lexi Ann-Marie

Lexi Ann-Marie

Born 7/28/2009 @ 9:58 pm

9lbs. 3oz. 20" long

My step-sister's new baby girl!

Meeting Maddy's 1st Grade Teacher

Today we got to meet Maddy's 1st grade teacher Mrs. Betts and boy did we hit the jackpot! Not only does Mrs. Betts seem like a very enthusiastic and fun teacher but she also just redecorated her room! Sponge Bob is her new theme! SCORE! Maddy LOVES Sponge Bob! Maddy really enjoyed checking out her new classroom, meeting Mrs. Betts and some of her new classmates! I'm so glad that Maddy's school gives us this opportunity to get comfortable all the changes of a new year!

Maddy checking out the reading area!

Maddy is at the Team Patrick table!

Internet Island!

Mrs. Betts made jelly fish to hang above the reading area! Maddy, her new classmate and Mikayla are checking things out!

Ha ha!

Let's Dive Into First Grade!

See ya Monday!

Madelyn's Got Attitude!

Today was Madelyn's first dance class of the new year! She takes lessons at Attitudes in Dance here in Venice under the artistic direction of Ms. Connee Winslow; under the instruction of Ms. Fran Fredrick who coincidentally owned and operated La Danse Academie in my home town of Joliet, Il. for 30 years. From age 5-16 I danced for MaryAnn Corcoran, Ms. Fran's competitor and friend. Last year when I began researching local dance studios I was thrilled to find out that Ms. Fran had retired here in Venice and taught ballet & tap at Attitudes! It really is a small world! Our first year was a lot of fun and with 1 year of lessons and 1 recital under our belt, Madelyn and I are ready to take on year 2!

Madelyn's dress requirements have changed. No more pink leotard and pink tights, she looks like a big girl wearing a brand new black leotard and pink tights!

I'm so glad that Maddy enjoys dance. Just like her Mommy!

My Mikayla is Growing Up!

Today Mikayla is 26 months old! Earlier this summer she turned 2 and yesterday was her 2 year check-up with Dr. Johnson. (Yes, this appointment is somewhat belated; a nurse made a scheduling error earlier this year that set our appointments slightly off track.) Anyway, Miss Mikayla who has ALWAYS been an easy baby to examine, had a 5 alarm meltdown the moment she laid eyes on the sweet, friendly, patient Dr. J. Mikayla wouldn't let us weigh her or measure her height so I measured her here at home and emailed him the stats. Mikayla put up a good fight but Dr. J was still able to determine that Mikayla is right on track developmentally for her age. She's maturing emotionally, physically and socially. She's talking well, sleeping well and eating well despite her recent opposition to certain foods. Thankfully she didn't need any shots and won't need any until she starts Kindergarten! (Which seems like a long way off... but that day will inevitably come!) Barring any other unforeseen family illnesses, Mikayla won't have to see Dr. J until her 3 year check-up.

Mikayla at birth 6/13/07, was 8 lbs. 20 1/2 inches long.

Mikayla today striking a glamorous pose 8/13/09, 28 lbs. 36 inches tall.

Lauren & Gregg's Bridal Shower

This past Sunday was my sister-in-law Lauren & her fiance Gregg's Bridal Shower. We hosted it at Turtles Restaurant on Siesta Key where we had Madelyn's Baby Shower 6 1/2 years ago! Turtles has a lovely room on the second floor which overlooks Little Sarasota Bay. Turtles has a Sunday Brunch menu that provided us all with 10 different entree choices which also included a mimosa or bloody mary. Everyone enjoyed a tasty meal, a beverage and a gorgeous view!

It wouldn't be a bridal shower if there weren't games and prizes. Before brunch we took a 15 question quiz that the happy couple created called "How Well Do You Know Lauren & Gregg?" Then we played Bridal Bingo (Thanks Allison for this wonderful idea!) and enjoyed a piece of cake while Lauren & Gregg opened their many gifts!

Lauren, Gregg, his Mom and her best friend Christine.

Little Cam the Ring Bearer and Auntie Allison the Maid of Honor!

Lauren and her best girl friends! Jess & Amanda are my fellow Bridesmaids!

My big girls Madelyn & Mikayla -the Flower Girls- enjoying their new coloring books!

Everyone had a great time, especially the guests of honor Lauren & Gregg! In less than 2 months they will be wed! Our families are very excited!

Tagged: What Makes Me Happy

I have been tagged by Lauren, here are the rules:

1. Mention and link back to the person who tagged you.

2. List 6 little things that make you happy.

3. Tag 6 other bloggers and let them know "they're it"!

1. The first thing that makes me happy is my husband Mike. We've been married for 10 years; together for 14 years. Although the stresses of life can weigh us down sometimes, I feel like all of our challenges make our marriage and relationship stronger. He can make me a little crazy at times but I still love him to pieces, he is my soul mate, he makes me happy and I hope that NEVER changes.

Our wedding day March 6th, 1999

Mikayla's birthday June 13th, 2007

2. The second thing that makes me happy are my daughters. I always knew from a young age that I wanted to be a mom. I am so happy that God blessed me with such beautiful and healthy children. Being a parent isn't always easy but the joy they give me everyday is indescribable.

My girls & I July 2007

3. The third thing that makes me happy is my very large blended family. Between Mike & I we have quite a brood that we belong to! Although my parents are divorced and I am an only child I am certainly not a lonely child anymore... My Mom has yet to remarry but my Dad has. I have a Step Mom and 5 step-siblings ranging in age from 22-13 and my oldest step-sister Nicole just gave birth to her 1st baby girl Lexi earlier this week! My Dad and his family live in Atlanta and are able to visit us in Florida a couple times a year which always makes me happy. My Mom still lives in my hometown of Joliet, Il. where she takes care of my aging Grandma. Sadly, it's been 2 years since I've seen my Mom. I really miss her and nothing would make me happier than for her to visit me, Mike & our girls here in Florida... or for us to visit her again in Illinois... Then, there's Mike's family, the Schuth's are a joy to me. Mike's Mom & Dad have been married for 35 years (maybe 36?) and he has 2 younger sisters; Allison is married a great guy, also named Mike and just recently they blessed our family with their 1st son Cameron... and Mike's youngest sister Lauren is marrying her longtime boyfriend Gregg in just 2 short months! Our families are growing by leaps and bounds! It's been a gift for me to be part of the Copp, Tait and Schuth families. I love you all so much!

My Mom & my girls September 2007

My Dad & step family Fall 2006, pregnant with Mikayla.

The Schuths March 2009

4. The fourth thing that makes me happy is my cat Gringo. I adopted him right after Mike and I got married, he is the sweetest cat in the whole world!

Look at those mits!

5. The fifth thing that makes me happy is my best friend Jackie. She and I became friends 10 years ago when we were both working at Dillards. We are truly 2 peas in a pod. Our birthdays are back to back so we have a lot in common. (cancers through and through) Jackie is like a sister to me, she's always there for me, even if it's to listen to me gripe about my day. Her friendship is a blessing, I don't know what I would do without her!

Bestfriends forever! Jackie & me!

6. The sixth thing that makes me happy is time to myself. I have been a stay at home mom for 2 years so time to myself helps me preserve my sanity! Whether it's uninterrupted hour on my computer or a trip to Target or the beach, I truly need and love having time to myself! I wish I had more of it! That would REALLY make me happy! :)

Tag you're IT!

1. Lyndsey

2. Jasmine

3. Jana