It's been too long!!!!

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Well, my many apologies for how long it's been since I've last posted...life has gotten in the way.....We've been crazy busy....We decided, as a family, to pull up our downstairs hardwood flooring and replace it with the same walnut flooring throughout....we even took a class!  Well.......never again!! We can say we did it...but YIKES that was a lot of hard work and 3 weekends of non stop laboring...including Jesse and Claire.  I've never seen 2 kids work so hard...very proud!!

 By the end of the first day, Jesse new how to cut and score tile, and Claire was the best spacer layer ever!

 in the midst of all the chaos in our home, we were thrilled to learn that Jesse won Christian Witness and we were just so so proud!

 Weekend 2 was pulling up the hardwood in the entryway and dining room.  Turned out it was glued down by the hardest glue on planet Earth.  So we rented a mastic stripper and Lance and my brother Tommy got that glue up after 6 hours of hard hard work!

 Almost done.....

 Finally done!!!! The next time out floors need redone, there will be a for sale sign in our yard!!

 Finished product in the living area...

 and the dining room......

 Dying easter eggs with cousins George and Gracie was a blast!!! Even Jesse enjoyed it (he'll never admit it!)

 Our Easter was spend, as we do yearly, in Jackson, MS for several family reunions and the Hollingsworth Annual Golf Tourney.  Jesse, Lance, and team had a blast and won 2nd place!

 In addition to our whirlwind of a weekend, Jesse turned 14!!!!  I can't believe it, but am so proud of how he's turned out thus far.....

 Easter Egg hunting!

 Yes, she uis fast, and yes, she did win the money egg!

Well, we have TONS of wonderful things coming up soon (hint...confirmations and graduation to name a few), so I promise to post again soon!!!  Love, Gretchen

Happy Adoption Day.....and Happy Snow Day!!

 Well, we woke up to 5 or so inches of white powdery snow today and Claire was thrilled...not only for another snow day, but because it's her 8th adoption day!  How the time has flown!  What an absolute blessing she's been in our lives.  Her teacher anticipated the inclement weather, so she is splitting her time between school work and outside playtime!   We plan to watch a movie later, and she has requested a popcorn bar for snack....I think I can pull that one off!!  Happy Adoption Day sweet girl!!

Brrr..... and Yay!

 It was 12 degrees when we left for school yesterday, and Claire the eskimo was bundled up and ready for school! 

On the same day, Jesse received his acceptance letter to SBA.....too fun!  Can't wait to see what the future hold for this young man!!

Very Proud.....

 Jesse was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society this morning in a lovely ceremony after mass.  We are proud of his efforts this year, with  his maturity and drive that have evolved so much since last year!  He was joined by both sets of grandparents, and Claire's class even got to stay and watch him as well!  He will wear that pin with pride!! 3 more months and he'll be ready for high school (we hope!!!)

It's Been Too Long!!!

 Well, I am so so sorry for not having posted since Christmas! We have been sick around here and I'm just now feeling up to catching up!!  Lots going on around here!

 We decided to take a stroll on the Riverwalk on a pretty day and Jesse decided to show off.....

 Ms. Fashionista with her fuzzy sweater and scarf from Aunt Cathie and Uncle Charlie

 Jesse at The Zoo ice skating.....worked up a sweat

 Claire in her red in honor of seeing the movie Annie with Grandma and Mom!

 Jesse doing what he loves....putting stuff together!

 Claire asked for a few sewing lessons over Christmas break, and it turns out, Claire loves sewing and seems to have a knack for it!  She insisted on wearing reading glasses (with no lenses) and those are now her "sewing glasses"!  I had her make pillow after pillow, and now that she's mastered that, she is moving on to skirts....will post on that soon!

 With our friends The Wadovicks skating at the zoo over Christmas Break

 Claire's first 3 pillows. ....

 Jesse after receiving his Principal Honor Roll Certificate....way to go straight A Jesse!

 Claire and mom chaperoning the New Years Dance for 4th and 5th Graders....Claire took up money and had a blast doing it!

 On of my Etsy copycat crafts......

 Aunt Gretchen and Gracie having lunch with the 4K class!!  Had a blast!

 We took a 4 day trip to Miami for a big conference and I got to tag along!

 Enjoying the view in between meetings!

 Luckily, my best friend Margaret lives in Hollywood, Fla. right near where we had the conference, so we got the pleasure of hanging out with her and her husband Joe during the trip!  Had a blast and was treated to lots of great food!

 Claire after invading my closet.....

 My first painting ever from a girls' night out at Pinot's Pallette!  Had a blast!

 Claire showing off her Valentines that she will give out next week in class.....popcorn is underneath the cards.

 Baking it up with mom!

Claire's most recent pillow made for her brother.....

Well, lots going on soon, so I promise to post again soon!!

Love, Gretchen