tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2140396625199033742024-02-06T21:59:09.069-05:00ONE DAY AT A TIME....Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-1052425264810599852013-03-17T18:10:00.000-04:002013-03-17T18:10:38.424-04:00Jingle Bell Run December 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
Instead of the having a Arthritis Walk in 2012, our small committee decided that an actual run would be better for our area and since the Arthritis Foundation has the Jingle Bell Run, we thought we would give it a try! It was a complete success and everyone loved it. Everyone enjoyed the Christmas theme and since this was an actual timed race, we were able to attract a lot of runners. I was on the Committee again and in charge of obtaining Sponsor's. Overall, we raised over $37,000 and had 347 registered runners! For a first time event, I think the outcome was great! We now have a local Arthritis Branch director and I can only imagine that this event will keep growing year after year. I will leave you with a few pictures from the event. I did not get to take as many this year as I was actually helping to register runners etc and was very busy :)<br />
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This was Ayla at our Local News Station, we had a small segment on the news and she passed out candy canes to everyone!<br />
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This was a our local news anchor Spencer Adkins as our Emcee for the run. By the way John won Second place in his age division!!<br />
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Ayla and her friends!<br />
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Little Yoda brother, Brennan!<br />
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Raise Your Hands Against Arthritis- you better believe we always WILL!!</div>
Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-52042233059462829002013-03-17T16:38:00.001-04:002013-03-17T18:03:45.612-04:00Where we are today<div style="text-align: center;">
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Ayla has still been in medical remission since she started her Enbrel. We are coming up on almost five years with no major problems. She complains of her neck hurting every now and again and she is fatigued more than the average child but other than that we have not experienced any major problems with her Arthritis. As far as being sick is concerned, with her low immune system, she has had her fair share of illness for sure this Winter. She missed about three weeks of school with having back to back strep. We were very lucky that she did not have to go into the Hospital. She gets every virus coming and going, whether its viral, bacterial, you name it and she get's it. She recently just got over the stomach virus and she has had impetigo about three times. She is still taking weekly injections of Enbrel and Methotrexate. We have actually been able to switch the Methotrexate by mouth so that has been helpful. We have tried the past two years to wean her off of the Methotrexate before Pre-school and then again before Kindergarten without success. Every time we get down to the lowest dose, she starts to flare. The picture below is her left knee in a flare when we tried to wean her the first time. We had to start a round of oral steroids and then increase her Methotrexate again. It has now been over a year since we last tried and everything has been going great. We go back to visit her Rheumatologist in a few weeks so I am anxious to see what she wants to do.</div>
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Ayla is getting older now, she realizes it is not normal to get injections every week and she sometimes asks me "why" and my answer is always the same, " Because you are special and God made you this way, he knew you would be able to deal with this where as other children might not be able to as well as you." I tell her that she was born this way you know like the Lady Gaga song, "Baby I was born this way" and then we start singing and dancing! She just smiles and is happy with that. We have also just learned recently that her "Bunny" the one she has had since she was a baby and sleeps with every night has "artheritis" too..lol. I talk to her all the time about how important it is to raise awareness and participate in the Arthritis walk, the Jingle Bell Run etc so that one day we might find a cure for this disease. She sometimes says, "Now what's a cure again", lol, and then I explain it to her...again! She prays every night that her Arthritis will go away for all of the children that have it and that she will not have to wear glasses anymore, lol. We are so blessed, she is a God loving child and is always praying for someone or something. Thank you Jesus for this special child!!!</div>
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Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-33054726713788589712013-03-14T21:06:00.001-04:002013-03-14T21:07:38.516-04:00Arthritis Walk September 2011<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow, I can't believe it has been so long since I have updated my blog. So many things have happened since then, I am not sure where to begin. I first would like to say that our first Arthritis Walk in 2011 was a success. With only a very small committee and with no local Arthritis Foundation contacts, we were able to raise around 25, 000 if I remember correctly. It was a beautiful day and we had around 160 walkers! Ayla was an Honoree as was my mother who also has Rheumatoid Arthritis. Our team was " Ayla's Angel's", we were about 50 walkers strong and raised around 2,000 dollars. Although I knew even before the walk that one of my life long goals would be to raise awareness for this disease, the feeling was definitely confirmed after this event. I know this cause is something that I will always be devoted to! So I will leave you with a few pictures from this wonderful event!! </div>
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Ayla accepting her Honoree Award</div>
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My mom accepting her Honoree Award</div>
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My mom and my sister</div>
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The Family</div>
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Ayla and big brother</div>
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Ayla's friends showing their support!</div>
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Great friends of mine!</div>
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My sister</div>
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Ayla and Uncle Dunc!</div>
Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-1235659077248996732011-03-28T14:05:00.001-04:002011-03-28T14:16:03.522-04:00Ayla's Arthritis Journey Video and Arthritis walk Information<div style="text-align: center;">Please watch Ayla's Journey with Juvenile Arthritis and then take a moment to either register for the walk or contribute a donation! Please help us find a cure for this disease!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-a10E4D5XHQ?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe><br /><br /><br />I am so excited to announce that the First Annual Arthritis 5k walk/run will be on September 10th at 10 am this year! I encourage all of you to go <a href="http://2011charlestonarthritiswalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=475431&lis=1&kntae475431=3C249F46BAD9409AB2AB6BC8BBD4628F&login=t">here</a> and show your support by either registering to walk or by making a donation. If you are from this area and do not have a team please feel free to walk with Ayla's team, "The A Team". It costs nothing to register, the race is donation only. If you raise $100 you will get a free t-shirt. There will also be different awards given out throughout the day, every person that is registered will have a chance to win!<br /><br />This is so important to me and I am working hard to make sure that this will be a successful walk! I know September is still several months away BUT it is very important that we start forming teams and getting donations now. If anyone has a business and would like to be a sponsor of the walk, let me know, I would be happy to meet with you. I would like to offer your business a unique sponsorship opportunity to reach new audiences, build consumer loyalty and be part of the Arthritis Foundation Tradition. The Arthritis Walk provides visibility among affluent consumers and the prestige of affiliation with a recognized national organization. Additionally, sponsorship is a great advantage to enhance employee morale, consumer satisfaction, and a community presence! The Arthritis walk is the Arthritis Foundation's annual nationwide signature event that raises funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability! </div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-80470228484095106132011-03-09T14:01:00.004-05:002011-03-09T14:49:13.309-05:00Ayla's Rheumatology appointment and EXCITING NEWS!<div align="center">Ok, wow, I realize that it has been too long in between posts but this Winter has really been bad for us. With the exception of the last two weeks, someone in our family has been sick (including myself) for the past 8 weeks! We have had the flu, croup, respiratory infections, strep throat, stomach virus... you name it and someone in my house has had it. I am so ready for the warm weather to get here, it can't come soon enough :)<br /><br /><a title="IMG_2281 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5512853748/"><img alt="IMG_2281" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5512853748_8f2e003682.jpg" width="374" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Ayla had her Rheumatology appointment a few weeks ago. She was actually excited to go so she could give Dr. Huggins a Valentine treat! Ayla made her a card and took her candy. She really likes Dr. Huggins and has always felt comfortable with her. We are so blessed to have such a great provider for her. I honestly can not say enough for Cincinnati Children's Hospital, it is a WONDER facility and I am so thankful for the care that we receive there! I just wish it were not almost 4 hours away :( it makes for a long day that's for sure!<br /><br /><a title="IMG_2282 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5512258709/"><img alt="IMG_2282" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5512258709_ed4bb892f7.jpg" width="374" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ayla's appointment went well. She is still doing well and her labs look great so we decided to start decreasing her Methotrexate. If all goes as planned, she should be off of it by August when she starts Pre-School! She is and will still be on Enbrel for at least another year, she still complains of neck pain occasionally, but at least we are headed in the right direction!<br /><br /><br />So for the exciting news, this Month marks the third year since Ayla was diagnosed. One of the first things I did when she was diagnosed was check into seeing if our area had a local Arthritis Walk. I was so eager to advocate and raise awareness for this disease, most people do not know that Kids can get Arthritis too! I was upset to learn that my state did NOT have a walk nor did we have a local Arthritis Chapter. I called the nearest chapter and discussed starting a walk with the person who is over the walks. She encouraged me to try and get a committee together and to actually start one in my area. I was excited about this opportunity but was let down pretty quickly. I could not get enough people interested and it was such an overwhelming task for me because Ayla was not yet in remission and less than two years old and Brennan was only a few months old. I decided that I would have to wait until there was a better time.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">(This is Ayla on the day of diagnoses, three years ago, so precious!)<br /><br /><a title="IMG_0180 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5512856582/"><img alt="IMG_0180" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5512856582_b9da7d98a8.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />So out of the blue a couple of weeks ago I get an email from a local young lady wanting to know if I was interested in helping her with getting an Arthritis Walk together. What? Really? I was so excited and what an answer to prayer. I have wanted this for three years now! Her niece was diagnosed with arthritis two years ago at age three so this is very close to her heart as well. So we had our first committee meeting last week and we are having our FIRST ARTHRITIS WALK/RUN on September 10th, 2011! This is a HUGE task but one I am ready and willing to take on. Our main focus at this point is getting sponsors and raising money. I know a few of my fellow JRA moms have experience in this area so PLEASE I am willing to listen to any advice that you can give me! Erica, you out there..lol!!! I am just so excited for the opportunity to raise money and awareness for the Arthritis Foundation! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">These next few months will be so busy but SO worth it! Let the advice begin!!!</div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-6551530174352329042011-01-10T23:16:00.005-05:002011-03-09T14:01:16.293-05:00It's A New Year<div align="center"><a title="001-10 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5391562806/"><img alt="001-10" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5391562806_6bf75d6e11.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br />I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas! I love Christmas and this year was no exception. The kids had a blast baking cookies, singing Christmas songs, decorating the tree, seeing Santa and of course opening their gifts! We were able to help two families have a Christmas this year and for that I am so grateful :) At times, we didn't know if we would have the extra money to do it but God is GOOD and HE always provides!<br /><br /><a title="002-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5391625494/"><img alt="002-1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5391625494_ae606b5a64.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="005 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5391628434/"><img alt="005" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5391628434_587c4509ca.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />I always talk to the kids about the real meaning of Christmas and how it is much better to give than to receive. They are three and four so I know that they do not completely understand yet BUT they will one day. Okay a funny story. As I was putting out our Nativity Scene, I was explaining about baby Jesus, how he was born in a manger, how Christmas is his birthday, etc. After I was done Ayla looked at me and said, "so they waved the magic wand and Jesus was born", so that is what she got from the story. Her magic wand for some reason always seem to end up in our conversations. I guess I will try again next year, lol!<br /><br /><a title="021-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5391570242/"><img alt="021-1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5175/5391570242_4978439a28.jpg" width="500" height="374" /></a><br /><a title="006-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5390966033/"><img alt="006-1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5390966033_7ebd99aa97.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a><br /><br />The few days before Christmas were busy as usual! We celebrated Christmas with our good friends and neighbors on Wednesday, on Thursday Kaleb had his friends over and they exchanged gifts, on Christmas Eve John's parents and Grandmother came over and on Christmas Day, we celebrated with my family. The kids were completely exhausted by Christmas and they were not interested in letting me take too many pictures, they were completely over it at that point! So here are a few pictures of our Holidays! I am looking forward to what 2011 will bring, hoping and praying that all of you have the best year EVER!<br /><br /><a title="010-5 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5391603494/"><img alt="010-5" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5018/5391603494_f8d328aa4c.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><a title="030-3 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5391607106/"><img alt="030-3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5391607106_dbc94f56ce.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><a title="052-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5391013699/"><img alt="052-1" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5391013699_17c380ba08.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><a title="019-3 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5390969381/"><img alt="019-3" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5390969381_133fc369d8.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><a title="028-2 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5391587900/"><img alt="028-2" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5391587900_62745a50f6.jpg" width="335" height="500" /></a><br /><a title="009-4 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5391579596/"><img alt="009-4" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5391579596_1a89501a0b.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a><br /><a title="051 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5390991269/"><img alt="051" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5018/5390991269_56358e54eb.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />Happy New Year to everyone, I am expecting nothing but the BEST in 2011!!</div><p></p><p> </p>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-23682887053573359972010-12-21T21:08:00.003-05:002010-12-21T21:28:07.933-05:00Favorite Christmas Recipes<div align="center"><a title="scan0001 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5281968534/"><img alt="scan0001" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5042/5281968534_6f156889b7.jpg" width="500" height="364" /></a><br /><br /><br />I hope everyone is getting ready to have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I just started baking a few things this evening and thought I would share a few of my favorite recipes! Please share one of your favorites with me too, I love to make new recipes BUT they have to be EASY,lol! Someone on fb just gave me this recipe a couple of weeks ago because I mentioned that Kroger already had Cadbury Creme Eggs and that I was going to be in trouble..hehe... so thank you Sharon for sending me this recipe!! I just made it tonight! I have not tasted them yet, but they look awesome! If you like Cadbury Creme Eggs (like me) then you will love this recipe!<br /><br />Cadbury Creme Egg Brownies<br /><br /><a title="brownie by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5281367095/"><img alt="brownie" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5281367095_5dbbee7359.jpg" width="500" height="374" /></a><br /><br /><br />6 Cadbury Creme Eggs<br />430g (~15 oz) Cadbury Bournville chocolate<br />45g (~1 1/2 oz) sugar<br />115g (~4 oz) butter<br />140g (~5 oz) flour4 eggs (original recipe called for large, I used medium though)<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />3/4 teaspoon baking powder<br /><br />Method1. Pre-heat the oven to 325ºF (170ºC).<br /><br />2. Grease a 9 × 13 inch pan with butter.<br /><br />3. Pre-mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl (you will not need to fit anything else in here).<br /><br />4. Gently melt the butter, Creme Eggs (not the real eggs) and chocolate together. This is easiest to do in a double boiler, or bain-marie.<br /><br />5. Hopefully, the melted mixture will become smooth and silky. It did not for me. If this doesn’t melt correctly, but instead, after mixing, is more of a soft fondanty consistency, don’t despair, mine went like this and it was still fine after the next couple of steps.<br /><br />6. Remove the chocolate/Creme Egg/butter mixture from the heat, and mix in the sugar. The original recipe said to use a whisk for this step and the next, but my mixture was too thick for that, so I used a spoon.<br /><br />7. Wait until you think it’s cool enough that the eggs won’t cook (it should not be very long if you didn’t overheat the chocolate), and add the eggs one by one, mixing each in thoroughly.<br /><br />8. In three batches, gently folding, mix in the flour (with the baking powder and salt from the bowl you premixed them in earlier).<br /><br />9. The mixture should now be smooth and silky, quite thick, but thin enough to pour.<br /><br />10. Pour the mixture into the pan you greased earlier. Pour into the middle, and it should run into the corners. You can use a spoon to flatten it out if you need to. If it’s not flat on top, or you just want to get some aggression out, lift up the pan and drop it on the table a couple of times to even out the top.<br /><br />11. Place the pan in the centre of the pre-heated oven.<br /><br />12. Cook for 30-40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a cocktail stick or chopstick into the centre of the pan. When you remove it, it should have moist crumbs all over it, but no hint of actual liquid batter. If the stick is covered in brown batter, it’s not done yet. If there are no crumbs at all, you’ve left the brownies in for too long!<br /><br />13. Remove from the oven and leave in the pan for two hours on a wire rack to cool (I know, I know, but it’s worth it!).<br /><br />14. Cut into squares as you serve. If you don’t want to eat it all at once (or maybe just can’t eat it all at once), leave the remainder uncut in the pan covered in cling film to seal.That’s it! You probably won’t be able to not eat it when it’s fresh, but I’d say it definitely tastes better after a day or two.<br /><br /> My other recipes are on a post from last year so click on the highlighted link for more of <a href="http://lesli-onedayatatime.blogspot.com/2009/12/holiday-recipes.html">my favorite Holiday Recipe's </a>including "Winter Chex mix" which is my ALL TIME FAVORITE.. makes a great gift to give as well!! </div><br />If anyone decides to make any of these, let me know how you like it.. you REALLY have to make the winter chex mix, I promise you will LOVE IT.. I know how everyone loves the "puppy chow mix" well this beats that hands down..lol...do I have you interested now?Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-65774450347289308942010-11-11T15:12:00.003-05:002010-11-19T15:24:38.217-05:00An update on Ayla's Arthritis<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">A very long day at Ayla's Rheumatology appointment!</div><div align="center"><br /><a title="003 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5189792501/"><img alt="003" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1289/5189792501_78d49c1957.jpg" width="374" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="004 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5190393574/"><img alt="004" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5190393574_4d915985fb.jpg" width="374" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Wow, It has been a while since I have updated about Ayla's condition. Since starting on Enbrel injections last year, she has been doing wonderful. The plan was after being on the Enbrel and Methotrexate for one year without ANY signs or symptoms of arthritis, we would start decreasing her medicines and eventually she would be medicine free. Well, I honestly believed that would happen BUT we have learned recently that the arthritis is still affecting her little body. Over the summer she had complained of her left knee hurting every now and then and if she hits it or moves it a certain way she will complain. She does not like to walk long distances and will ask to be carried because she will say her knee or feet hurt. There is a little fluid on her knee but not enough to be a major concern. She also has just recently started complaining of neck pain, mostly when she is looking down while writing, working a puzzle, coloring, etc. I tried to ignore it as first and was in denial about it being arthritis, but now she tells me at least once a day that her neck is hurting. We had an appointment with her Rheumatologist last week and it was confirmed that she does indeed have arthritis in her neck. She also had Physical Therapy after her Dr. appointment and the PT did all kind of measurements and exercises with her neck and said that her range of motion for her neck is not where it is supposed to be. Although I knew it already, it still broke my heart to hear. I was so looking forward to taking her off of the medicines or at least decreasing them so her little body could have a break. The Dr. told us that having arthritis in the neck was very concerning to her. We are not allowed to do gymnastics etc, until her neck is showing some improvement :( The PT gave us some daily exercises to do for her neck and some for her hamstrings as well. The muscles in her legs are tight so we need to work on this and try to get her muscles stretched out. We also have a shoe lift for her to put in her right show because due to the inflammation in her left knee, that leg is longer than the right and it throws her off while walking, etc. I am ok with this, I was assured this will eventually resolve itself!<br /><br /><a title="002 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5189789671/"><img alt="002" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1301/5189789671_6f9f12d8fa.jpg" width="374" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="007 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5190396442/"><img alt="007" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1036/5190396442_0518ef5b74.jpg" width="500" height="374" /></a><br /><br />I am really heart broken over this, I know it could be worse but it still hurts when it is your child and when you have to watch them cry and plead with you to NOT give the shots every week. At times, I lie in bed at night and cry thinking of what these medicines might do to her body in the future. It breaks my heart that she may have to deal with this her WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE, she was diagnosed as a baby, it is just not fair. I wish there were some way I could take her place. So as of now the plan is to stay on the same medicines, we actually increased the dosage so she is taking the max dose for her weight. We will re-evaluate everything when we go back in February. Until then we will still have our eye appointments and routine lab work to make sure everything is okay.<br /><br /><a title="002-4 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5189861623/"><img alt="002-4" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1043/5189861623_c59dee567b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="006-3 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5189865115/"><img alt="006-3" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5189865115_57a5003318.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="010-2 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5189857703/"><img alt="010-2" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1296/5189857703_7d120693b4.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />I am sorry for being such a downer with this post, but some people just don't "get it". For example on Halloween, Ayla walked half way around our subdivision and then wanted her Daddy to carry her, she did not feel like walking. So as John is carrying her someone passing out the candy made a smart remark like, "isn't she old enough to walk herself", I was very proud that John did not say anything back, because he definitely wanted to. I was thinking to myself Lady if you had arthritis and it is cold outside, your body may be hurting you too but I didn't say it, just kept walking. Another JRA mom says it best on her blog, <a href="http://thearmstrongjourneywithja.blogspot.com/">"Our Journey with Arthritis", </a><br /><br />"Some of you may think that arthritis is no big deal. It's not cancer right? How can it possibly be a life threatening issue? Cancer kills people, arthritis does not. Can I tell you how WRONG you are? If you have a healthy child, be thankful. And while you are being thankful for your healthy child(ren) please say a prayer for the children that are not."<br /><br />Anyway, I am a positive person most of the time, but we ALL have our moments! Here are a couple of pictures of me and the kids at the beginning of the appointment (remember its almost a 4 hour drive)<br /><br /><a title="005 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5190393778/"><img alt="005" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5190393778_13f8e00b0b.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="016 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5190407108/"><img alt="016" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5190407108_433486f7dc.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />and here is one towards the end..lol<br /><br /><a title="013 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5189808265/"><img alt="013" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5189808265_f1b828ff66.jpg" width="500" height="374" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Even though there are some people who do not fully grasp what we go through or what "Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis" means, I know there are alot of you that are praying for my sweet Ayla, I have support from family, friends, and other JRA moms I have met, and for that, I am very thankful! </div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-37360178486710397982010-11-11T14:45:00.005-05:002010-11-13T18:09:01.236-05:00Trick or Treat ( a little late)<div align="center">The kids had a great time this year, they actually "got it" for the first time and it was sooo fun to watch! Brennan was the trick or treat pro, he was the leader of the pack and was always first to say "trick or treat". He is so funny, one lady passing out candy had grey wavy hair, the first thing he said when he walked up to her was "George Washington", omg John and I could not stop laughing, it was hilarious but she had no idea what he was talking about. He knows what all the Presidents look like, lol.<br /><br /><br /><a title="040 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5172583849/"><img alt="040" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5172583849_0734ee9da4.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a><br /><br />And here is my Prince and Princess!<br /><br /><a title="001 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169802744/"><img alt="001" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1250/5169802744_eb7eedee0b.jpg" width="500" height="325" /></a><br /><br /><a title="009 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169208591/"><img alt="009" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1383/5169208591_bc2da9707c.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="012 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169212223/"><img alt="012" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/5169212223_48353a030e.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br />So Ayla changed her mind a few hundred times about what she wanted to be for Halloween. She wanted to be a cheerleader for the longest time because Kaleb's girlfriend is a cheerleader and she loves going to games and watching the cheerleaders. Of course I try to steer her in that direction as well since I was a cheerleader at one time (many, many years ago ) After I searched forever and finally found her a cheerleader outfit she then decided she wanted to be a princess. She wanted to be each and every one of them but finally decided on Ariel. Her Mama Sandy had bought her the gorgeous Ariel dress for her birthday so Ariel it was! She did however get to wear her Cheerleading costume at a Halloween Party on Saturday night so it all worked out!<br /><br /><a title="021 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169215793/"><img alt="021" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1201/5169215793_910bc3208e.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="032 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169819718/"><img alt="032" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1252/5169819718_dc565c8842.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="038 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169827286/"><img alt="038" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1337/5169827286_1ca3b52d7d.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="042 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169833956/"><img alt="042" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1440/5169833956_09d83f7746.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="052 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169853464/"><img alt="052" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5169853464_07648306bf.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />Brennan did not care what he was, he still doesn't get that part so we decided to make him "Prince Charming" and I have to say he pulled it off very well! What a handsome Prince Charming he made!<br /><br /><a title="044 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169837570/"><img alt="044" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1360/5169837570_2d4a47ea41.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="007 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169205037/"><img alt="007" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1201/5169205037_1c34db29e7.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br />While we were out trick or treating big brother Kaleb decided that he wanted to get in on the fun. We were in stitches laughing when we saw him walking down the street in his bathrobe and wild crazy hair. He said this was his "just got out of bed look",lol.<br /><br /><a title="045 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169840684/"><img alt="045" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5169840684_2e7fc71118.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="048 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169841748/"><img alt="048" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5169841748_db68964a41.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a><br /><br /><a title="050 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169248281/"><img alt="050" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1396/5169248281_bfe7608942.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="049 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169845580/"><img alt="049" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5169845580_515c4000b5.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />The kids got enough Candy to last until next Halloween, our subdivision gets around four hundred trick or treater's so it is a ton of fun. Our neighborhood is nice because there are so many young kids right now, Ayla's best friend Hilary lives only two houses down. Most of the pics are all neighborhood kids and friends! It was such a fun night, I look forward to many more in the future!<br /><br /><br /><a title="056 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5169857392/"><img alt="056" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5169857392_9393a9a89a.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> </div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-45518901100822291002010-10-25T23:55:00.004-04:002010-10-28T16:03:32.408-04:00My baby is THREE<div align="center"><a title="027 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5121393713/"><img alt="027" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1252/5121393713_8fa95aec26.jpg" width="500" height="337" /></a><br /><br /><a title="006 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5121512656/"><img alt="006" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/5121512656_a67c55c531.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><br />This past Sunday we celebrated Brennan's third birthday with friends and family. On October 18th, 2007 our family was finally complete when God blessed up with our sweet, precious, baby boy, Brennan Gage. I am so sad that my baby is now a toddler, I try not to think about it too much because it makes me sad. What a year, my first born will be graduating and going to college and my baby is now a toddler. I am just thankful that I am blessed with three amazing children whom I love more than anything in this world!<br /><br /><a title="011 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5120918783/"><img alt="011" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1051/5120918783_b213e69d19.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="020 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5120928745/"><img alt="020" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1421/5120928745_5f7b004f83.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="023 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5121536446/"><img alt="023" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/5121536446_9b3f5d5346.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><br />Okay back to the Birthday boy! He is a mommy's boy for sure and he loves to be loved on, lol. He is the only one out of three that will just sit on your lap and let you cuddle and love on him. He still sucks his thumb and carries his "wankie"( aka his blue blankie) everywhere. He sleeps all night and takes naps occasionally. We have not made the switch from his crib to a big boy bed but we need to do that soon. He loves food, books, music, cars, trains,computers and his Iphone! He loves the Disney movie "Cars" and knows all of the character car names. Of course he has most of them :) He also has the talent of learning a song only after hearing it a couple of times. He can belt out Amazing Grace like nobody's business...lol. I will have to try to post a video of that, it is too cute! Every night before he goes to bed he asks to say his prayers and sing Amazing grace. He is really NOT into sharing these days, and his favorite word at the moment is "mine". This is a daily problem at our house because he basically wants everything his sister has even if she had it first. Hopefully this phase will pass soon! Oh I forgot to mention how smart this kid is..lol not to brag or anything but he is a little genius!! </div><div align="center"><br />(These pictures are soo funny, when we told Brennan to blow his candles out, he wasn't sure how to do it so he was making the "f" sound, it was hilarious!)</div><div align="center"><br /><a title="012 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5120922407/"><img alt="012" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1246/5120922407_e91e6fb200.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a title="013 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5120925353/"><img alt="013" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1047/5120925353_893a5b29a3.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a><br /><br />Brennan, you have a heart of gold, you are always concerned if you think someone is hurt or not feeling well. There are not enough words to describe my love for you. I am so excited to see your big, beautiful blue eyes every morning. You always greet me with a huge smile on your face. I am so sad that you are growing up but at the same time excited to see what the future holds for you. I KNOW that you will do great things! Please always remember that even though Mommy loves you so much, Jesus loves you even more!!<br /><br /><a title="034 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5121999040/"><img alt="034" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1230/5121999040_46502804ce.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="036 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5122002812/"><img alt="036" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/5122002812_f7cfe56575.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Best Friends</div><div align="center"><br /><a title="043 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5122006354/"><img alt="043" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1335/5122006354_620a3dfe00.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="055 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5122027734/"><img alt="055" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/5122027734_cc0671d55c.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a><br /><br /><a title="044 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5121407017/"><img alt="044" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5121407017_320768a185.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="047 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5121410119/"><img alt="047" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1240/5121410119_86a2659433.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="048 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5121412603/"><img alt="048" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/5121412603_6ab35f796e.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">Here is the dance portion of the party with Ayla and her friends. They were dancing to Justin Beiber.lol!!</div><div align="center"><br /><a title="060 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5121429085/"><img alt="060" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1390/5121429085_43829e0435.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="050 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5122017926/"><img alt="050" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/5122017926_f73ed930e1.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="051 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5122021480/"><img alt="051" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1156/5122021480_a14b96721d.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="054 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5121423015/"><img alt="054" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1096/5121423015_2ec363f8a8.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">Thank you to our friends and family who helped to make this day so special!</div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-19117502159862202842010-10-12T15:08:00.003-04:002010-10-12T15:13:32.745-04:00Today is World Arthritis Day, Show Me Your BLUE!<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">ARE YOU WEARING YOUR BLUE TODAY?? WE ARE!!<br /><br /><br /><a title="030_picnik 1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5075576065/"><img alt="030_picnik 1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/5075576065_8f0a08220f.jpg" width="500" height="344" /></a><br /><br /><br />Arthritis is a painful disease that affects over 46 million Americans, including about 300,000 children. Can we count on you to "Do Blue"? Please remember to wear blue to raise awareness so that someday we can find a cure for this disease! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-41274244386954029772010-10-11T14:25:00.004-04:002010-10-11T14:35:11.724-04:00Brennan knows the Presidents!!Brennan is like a sponge, he soaks up everything, lol. Seriously, I am not just saying this because he is mine, (well maybe a little) but this boy is smart!! He learned all 44 Presidents in three weeks. I am so proud of him. He is still two, almost three! Remember he knew and could recognize every letter of the Alphabet at 22 months :) He has known all of his shapes including, hexagon, pentagon, octagon etc since he was a tiny thing!! We are doing the "My baby can read" program right now and I am looking for State flash cards so I can teach him the states next! So here ya go, my little genius saying the Presidents. This is truly hilarious to watch because of how he pronounces some of them!!<br /><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2Ag0SiERAnc?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2Ag0SiERAnc?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-79746662831307431572010-10-06T23:36:00.003-04:002010-10-07T00:07:03.188-04:00Four and Sassy<div align="center"><a title="002 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5058656572/"><img alt="002" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5058656572_d23f6dd9d0.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br />These pictures were taken on her actual birthday (August 31st). We got up that morning and she wanted to wear her cupcake dress. I thought it was fitting especially since I took her to the bakery and let her pick something out! Daddy of course brought home a few presents for her to open as well.<br /><br /><a title="010 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5058052931/"><img alt="010" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5058052931_a70c4f6aeb.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="006 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5058050481/"><img alt="006" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/5058050481_5f023eb06b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />I wanted to note a few things that I forgot to write about on my last post. Ayla loves to help me with household chores. She makes her bed just about everyday and she loves to help me fold and put up clothes. She has to get them just right when she folds them or she will start all over. Speaking of clothes, everything has to match including her socks and underwear. She once cried after we put her to bed because her panties did not match her night gown! She likes to get dressed up and wants me to take pictures, she will say, "take my picture like this" and she will continue to do all sorts of hilarious poses. She calls me "girl" a lot and the way she says it cracks me up. She says, "get over here girl" or "come and help me girl". She just started calling Kaleb "boy" too. Today she said, "My boy is home", I need to go see my boy" too cute! Oh and I will NOT correct her when she pronounces her favorite cereal as "yucky yarms", of course it is "lucky charms" but the way she says it is much cuter..lol!<br /><br /><a title="005 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/5058047119/"><img alt="005" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5058047119_630dd6f1c2.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br />She is such a blessing, I just wanted to share a few thoughts while I still had them. I have so many posts that I am working on including what my sweet precious Brennan has been up to and trust me you will be very surprised!! Ayla also had a visit to her Rheumatologist a few weeks ago so I will be updating on her JRA soon.<br /><br />I have been missing blogging and all of my blogger friends, I hope to get back into the swing of things very soon.. soooo much to talk about!<br /></div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-407699710268456582010-08-26T23:55:00.004-04:002010-08-31T00:08:42.934-04:00Happy Birthday Princess!<div align="center"><br /><a title="45603_1568045082254_1269258804_31642191_1790418_n by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4944029368/"><img alt="45603_1568045082254_1269258804_31642191_1790418_n" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4944029368_aba93637be.jpg" width="395" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Today is my sweet Ayla's 4th Birthday!!!! We actually had an early birthday party for Ayla over the weekend. Her birthday is August 31st, but she wanted to have a pool party so we had it a little early. She requested a princess birthday party with a princess cake, so of course that is what she got!! It is rare that a day passes where she does not have a princess dress on with a tiara on her head and a "magic wand" in her hand, lol, so a princess party was a perfect choice..lol. The only thing she has been asking for lately is a scooter, so we bought her one (with a helmet and all necessary padding of course!). The really neat thing is that she started swimming under water for the first time at her party. She has been on the verge of swimming all summer and after watching a couple of her friends swim at her party, she finally did it. I was so proud of her, she basically taught herself since she has not had lessons, etc. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a title="115 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4940267184/"><img alt="115" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4940267184_0f75857b5e.jpg" width="500" height="313" /></a><br /><br /><a title="034 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4940190808/"><img alt="034" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4940190808_7d23f5cdf7.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br />At four years old Ayla is such a sweet, caring and loving little girl. If she thinks you are hurt or not feeling well, she will just rub your face and ask you over and over if you are okay. She still loves anything to do with babies and animals. She plays Dr. with all of her animals and babies and says that she wants to be a Dr. when she grows up and take care of the sick babies. She loves to sing and dance and can learn a song just by listening to it a couple of times. She loves taking care of her little brother and is constantly trying to teach him new things.<br /><br /><a title="073 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4940247588/"><img alt="073" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4940247588_0361713ca2.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="050 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4939622307/"><img alt="050" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4939622307_0018a275f0.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />She loves to learn and has been doing "school work" everyday and working on reading. She has a larger than life imagination and can make images out of anything. We have a marble tiled floor and she will always find images in it and point them out to me. She does this with her food alot too! She loves that she is a big sister and ALWAYS says, " I can do this but Brennan can't because I am BIG and he is little", we hear this no less than ten times a day,lol. Of course she loves her big brother too but sometimes she thinks she is his momma and tells him to "get off of his game and clean his room", hehe, not sure where she got that from :) Did I mention that she has a great sense of humor!! She is definitely a girly girl and loves to wear dresses, makeup, jewelry, perfume, high heels, etc and I love it! She is so much fun and I am so glad that I have a manicure and pedicure partner for life!! </div><div align="center"><br /><a title="059 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4939638335/"><img alt="059" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4939638335_85130291b8.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="025 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4940186450/"><img alt="025" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4940186450_209931598c.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />Last but not least, she is BRAVE, COURAGEOUS and STRONG and doesn't even know it! She has been through alot over these past four years but her spirit remains unbroken. I love you more than you will ever know my sweet, beautiful little angel. I thank God every day for letting me be your mommy!<br /><br /><br /><a title="128 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4940270640/"><img alt="128" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4940270640_c17ae02c78.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />Happy 4th Ayla,<br /><br />Mommy and Daddy love you mostest :) </div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-68722978917507711892010-07-29T15:50:00.002-04:002010-07-29T16:19:31.817-04:00Summer DaysWow, I can not believe that August is almost here and that the Summer will soon be over. We have had a blast this Summer and I hate to see it end. We have been doing the typical Summer activities, going to the pool (everyday), cooking out, spending time with our friends, traveling etc. Basically staying busy and not sitting down until 9 or 10 at night. Hence, the lack of blogging on my part! Actually the only reason I am blogging now is because the kids are taking a nap which NEVER happens anymore!<br /><br />Oh, the last post I was talking about losing weight, I am proud to announce that I have lost 15 pounds!! I feel so much better already and I still have 15 more pounds to go! John, Kaleb and I have also started working out together everyday. We found a program like cross-fit that combines cardio and weights and we have been doing that for 3 weeks now. Our friends who are also our neighbors, are going with us as well. It is a nice break from our every day routines and we actually look forward to it!<br /><br />Kaleb's birthday was yesterday. He is 17 now and will be a senior in High school. I am so sad that my baby will be graduating. I honestly can not think about it for long or I will start to feel depressed. He is such a great son, I am so very blessed to be his Mom. The only problem that we do not see eye to eye on is him keeping his room cleaned. I guess if that is our ONLY problem, I should not complain :)<br /><br />Ayla and Brennan are doing great! They both are growing up so fast! Ayla has almost taught herself how to swim. She can do it in the baby pool but is afraid to try in the big pool. Brennan thinks he is as big as everyone else and will only go in the big pool. He has all the little girls taking care of him and holding him at the pool and I have to say he enjoys the attention..lol. He is as smart as ever, no one believes me when I tell them he is two!<br /><br />I will leave you with some pictures from the 4th of July. We had a cookout at our pool, it was a day full of food, friends, family, games and FINALLY fireworks!!<br /><br /><br /><a title="018 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4776921463/"><img alt="018" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4776921463_bd230cbb70.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="053 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4777597218/"><img alt="053" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4777597218_876736cb1b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="051 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4776959857/"><img alt="051" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4776959857_867d128bcc.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="057 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4776966167/"><img alt="057" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4776966167_50a3a8f982.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="060 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4777607716/"><img alt="060" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4777607716_1d76dc0260.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="064 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4777611192/"><img alt="064" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4777611192_33dde22e30.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="063-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4777024025/"><img alt="063-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4777024025_1cd3136ddc.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="034-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4777019607/"><img alt="034-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4777019607_7f668056e7.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="025 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4776925999/"><img alt="025" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4776925999_91333355e5.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="013 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4777547012/"><img alt="013" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4777547012_b193502c2a.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="038 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4777579840/"><img alt="038" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4777579840_62433f3342.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="032 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4776938715/"><img alt="032" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4776938715_5623784813.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="031 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4777565512/"><img alt="031" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4777565512_7ee91a49a2.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />and before the fireworks!<br /><br /><a title="072 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4776989413/"><img alt="072" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4776989413_b634524d91.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="074 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4776993763/"><img alt="074" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4776993763_bfb8d9d49b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="075 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4777630612/"><img alt="075" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4777630612_e193e69450.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="080 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4777010117/"><img alt="080" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4777010117_4f129e084c.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />I apologize for all of the pictures, but I am sure Grandma and Grandpa are happy :)Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-1353846750097104762010-06-05T23:51:00.004-04:002010-06-08T15:56:04.087-04:00A little breakI know I have been MIA lately but I felt that I needed a little break from the computer. Every once in a while I go through periods where I get a little burnt out. I was getting to the point to where all of my spare time was spent in front of the computer and I just felt that I needed a change! Since summer is here, we plan to spend more time outside and at the pool so it looks like my poor blog will suffer even more.<br /><br />Last week was spent getting ready for our subdivision garage sale. Ayla had a ton of fun. She was my little helper, she wanted to take and give out the money! We also baked cookies and sold them, so she was in charge of that. She had plenty of toys to keep her occupied, I was pleasantly surprised that she did not get upset when we sold her toys! Of course I did tell her that we would take the money and buy her "bigger" toys, so that may have had something to do with it!<br /><br /><a title="001 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4682714468/"><img alt="001" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4682714468_dc5e5b0b8a.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a title="007 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4682606771/"><img alt="007" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4682606771_e2843b3cd3.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />We have also spent many days doing this. The weather has been beautiful lately so we take advantage of it as much as we can!<br /><br /><a title="007 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4682718796/"><img alt="007" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4682718796_79586b03c8.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a title="009 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4682089939/"><img alt="009" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4682089939_f07cfe9615.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />My mom just retired from her job of 20 years (maybe more) so I am very happy for her! She has worked hard all her life raising her children as a single mother and she deserves to relax now and not worry about working. She only lives a few minutes from us, so I am sure we will be seeing a lot of her this Summer! Her work had a retirement lunch for her a couple of weeks ago so my sister and I were able to go and be there with her. We love you and are so proud of you! Of course Ayla had to open all of her gifts!<br /><br /><a title="020-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4673807800/"><img alt="020-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4673807800_fdf53caebf.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="031 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4673147853/"><img alt="031" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4673147853_1a53730180.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="026 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4673766254/"><img alt="026" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4673766254_37575b7124.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="032 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4673152151/"><img alt="032" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4673152151_c8701419c7.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="012-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4673175901/"><img alt="012-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4673175901_389e2122b6.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="009-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4673803634/"><img alt="009-1" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1297/4673803634_d26affca64.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="038 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4673779850/"><img alt="038" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4673779850_e8f42a1b42.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />I guess that's it for now. Oh and I started a diet, it will be two weeks on Tuesday. I lost four pounds last week but have not weighed myself for several days. I was weighing myself everyday and getting upset because it was not changing so I just decided to put the scale away..lol. I am on a 1200 calorie a day diet and I have been going to kickboxing 2-3 nights a week as well as walking 2-3 miles every night. I am really determined this time and I hope I can lose at least 25 pounds by the end of August when we go to the beach. I put on an extra 20 pounds since Ayla and Brennan and It has been very depressing for me. I am hardly in any pictures with the kids because I hate seeing how terrible I look. Anyway, hopefully this will all change....SOON!! I hope everyone is having a great weekend!Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-77203796354176798972010-05-23T22:24:00.002-04:002010-05-23T22:53:44.513-04:00Movies, Bracelet and Dolls<div align="center">I started this weekend out by seeing "Letters to Juliet" with my girlfriend. Okay ladies, you MUST see this movie. It is the romantic " only in the movies kind of romance" that us girls go gaga over...lol. If you like romantic comedies, then you will definitely like this movie! Oh and Dear John is coming out on dvd Tuesday so I can't wait to watch that too!!<br /><br /><a title="LettersToJuliet265 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4633740295/"><img alt="LettersToJuliet265" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/4633740295_439c4c989e.jpg" width="265" height="390" /></a><br /><br />On Saturday morning I scored this Fisher Price Loving Family doll house and accessories for Ayla at a yard sale. She LOVES it and has played with it all weekend. The best part is I only paid $20 for all of it. It is in perfect condition with not even a scratch. She loved it so much that she has been asking for a car to put her "family" in, so of course Mommy took her to the store today so she could get a car for her family!<br /><br /><a title="001-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4633491229/"><img alt="001-1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3331/4633491229_5e990949a4.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="003-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4634095884/"><img alt="003-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4634095884_db6aebd59d.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />On Saturday Ayla and Daddy had a date to go and see Shrek at the movies. I snapped a few pictures before she left. And yes she always picks her clothes, shoes, necklaces etc when she goes somewhere. She is also very particular about everything matching! She actually had a purse that she took too! She stuffed all of her doll house figures into it, I guess they wanted to see Shrek too!<br /><br /><a title="005-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4630573224/"><img alt="005-1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3355/4630573224_9d436e1baf.jpg" width="335" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="009-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4630580848/"><img alt="009-1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/4630580848_d4d94431f1.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="012-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4629981795/"><img alt="012-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4629981795_3cd6c39bd0.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />Last but definitely not least I received all of these goodies in the mail this weekend. I joined a bracelet swap over at Maria's blog, "<a href="http://maria-kilgore.blogspot.com/">Two Hearts Made Four</a>" and Maria and I ended up being partners. She was so sweet to send me this pink beaded bracelet (which I love) and some other goodies for the kids. Ayla was so excited about the princess socks, she loved everything and kept saying "Thank you" over and over. Thank you Maria, you are too kind, I am so glad we have became friends!<br /><br /><a title="001-2 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4633503647/"><img alt="001-2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/4633503647_8840d3542c.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> </div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-74631022173097704742010-05-18T15:50:00.003-04:002010-05-18T16:35:49.518-04:00Kaleb got his License!Okay I just wanted to brag on my first born, Kaleb finally got his license yesterday and I am so proud of him! It has been a long time coming, right after he got his Lerner's we had a ton of snow and bad weather and then he broke his collar bone and was out of commission for over two months. Soooooo now he can run errands for his momma and I am so excited...hehe!<br /><br /><a title="003 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4617127626/"><img alt="003" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/4617127626_13c493122c.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a title="004 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4616513725/"><img alt="004" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/4616513725_a8ba51a9d6.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="005 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4617129168/"><img alt="005" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4617129168_e7abaea36a.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a title="007 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4616516155/"><img alt="007" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4616516155_c1b4a12a48.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><br />I really feel like I have been out of the blogging loop lately. I have been so exhausted at night (when I normally blog), that I have been going to bed instead of staying up late blogging and reading the blogs that I follow. I hope to get caught up with everyone tonight (fingers crossed). I am sure that you all know that it is impossible to do anything during the day especially when most days my children do not take naps. Anyway, here are a few pictures to show you what we have been up to lately!!<br /><br /><a title="003 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619823686/"><img alt="003" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/4619823686_c3bd685a3d.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="001 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619819288/"><img alt="001" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4619819288_e011286105.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="004 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619214275/"><img alt="004" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4619214275_80f5c341b6.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="006 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619830102/"><img alt="006" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4619830102_eff2513313.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />We let Ayla use sidewalk chalk for the FIRST time last week. I know we are bad parents, but she really had no interest until now. After she made a mess, I mean drew lovely pictures on our front porch, she went to ride her brand new bike that Daddy just bought her. He surprised her last week on "shot" night and she loves it. She rides it every day. She can pedal it all by herself and she actually rode it around our subdivision the other day for a mile and a half!!<br /><br /><a title="001-2 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619626124/"><img alt="001-2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/4619626124_664a482561.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="014-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619629260/"><img alt="014-1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/4619629260_ce8b23f5b1.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="017-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619632620/"><img alt="017-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4619632620_f9e49f3a99.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="010-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619021523/"><img alt="010-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4619021523_57658d0df1.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="019-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619028977/"><img alt="019-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4619028977_8ef2ef830e.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="018-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619656368/"><img alt="018-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4619656368_0794d309f4.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />Here she is on her new bike!<br /><br /><a title="023-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619665276/"><img alt="023-1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/4619665276_76162894c4.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="025-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619036249/"><img alt="025-1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4619036249_1a22fb0884.jpg" width="483" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="028-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619660694/"><img alt="028-1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3381/4619660694_3e93c9cb6b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />Lastly, we went to a local Armed Forces day Parade on Saturday and the kids had a blast. They were decked out in their red, white and blue and were waving flags the whole time. They were so cute and they didn't mind the candy that was being thrown at them either!! Brennan actually made the news!!<br /><br /><a title="004-2 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619600988/"><img alt="004-2" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4619600988_2ed4839dd7.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="021 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619003583/"><img alt="021" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4619003583_8cb9a77e45.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="017 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619612084/"><img alt="017" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4619612084_6632b771de.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="014 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619604188/"><img alt="014" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4619604188_3e1ed12ea4.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="016 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4619608002/"><img alt="016" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4619608002_e559083c67.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />I hope everyone has a great week. I am excited to watch American Idol tonight and the Biggest Loser! AI is down to the last three, I think the final two will be Crytal and Lee. Either one winning would be fine with me. They will both get a recording contract I'm sure! The Bachelorette starts next week...yippee!! How funny, a commercial just came on for Kings Island (an amusement park) and Ayla said, "Look Mom, super cool"...oh how funny, three going on 16 I tell you!!Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-90847586563402211032010-05-16T22:24:00.002-04:002010-05-17T14:52:16.156-04:00Hollywood Studios<div align="center"><br />We had an awesome day at Hollywood studios. We spent the entire day there and had a blast. We got there early so the kids were able to see all of the characters again. The Rock and Roll roller coaster, Tower of Terror and the Toy Story ride were among our favorites. This is the first year that Kaleb has rode any of the roller coasters, so it was a lot of fun! They have a variety of musical shows that the kids loved as well. All of the guys went to a stunt show while the girls went to watch "The Little Mermaid". Oh and they have the best parade, I think it was called the "Block Party Bash", where for thirty minutes the Disney Pixar characters have a huge dance party in the street. It was a ton of fun an the kids loved it. Ayla even decided to get her face painted for the first time ever. She has always been scared to do it but after she saw her friends Ella and Makena do it, she wanted to join in on the fun. She picked out the "Tinkerbell" face and all day long she kept saying, "Mom am I still Tinkerbell", it was sooo cute!<br /><br /><a title="053 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607291951/"><img alt="053" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/4607291951_f4b1a4c168.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="058 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607293679/"><img alt="058" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4607293679_3a6d235dc5.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="061 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607906488/"><img alt="061" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1233/4607906488_5e19033b4c.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="042 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607283777/"><img alt="042" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/4607283777_064d1536e5.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="037 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607280421/"><img alt="037" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4607280421_da52ca62d8.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="046 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607899048/"><img alt="046" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1302/4607899048_7ae779a647.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="004 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607253959/"><img alt="004" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3355/4607253959_c7db6f6881.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="003 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607251035/"><img alt="003" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1268/4607251035_6d2d880a37.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="007 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607866756/"><img alt="007" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1176/4607866756_df2e716e84.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="017 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607260349/"><img alt="017" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1223/4607260349_f6a67c440d.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="015 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607868676/"><img alt="015" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1059/4607868676_c3a3ebf602.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="065 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607298847/"><img alt="065" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1145/4607298847_1bc05ae8ee.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />The "Block Party Bash"<br /><br /><a title="079 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607308295/"><img alt="079" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/4607308295_0a2989e2fc.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="081 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607310339/"><img alt="081" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1211/4607310339_f5e60fd862.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="078 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607915722/"><img alt="078" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/4607915722_c1ecd33862.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><a title="073 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607303653/"><img alt="073" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4607303653_339e2ffb91.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="077 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590557449/"><img alt="077" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4590557449_3f166acb28.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="090 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607929868/"><img alt="090" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4607929868_01f7b73585.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="087 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607317289/"><img alt="087" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1303/4607317289_6894299d07.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="085 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607925150/"><img alt="085" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/4607925150_8e0757224b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="082 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607312493/"><img alt="082" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/4607312493_c52dfc37cd.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />For lunch we had reservations at the Prime Time Cafe. It is a great 50's style restaurant that has black and white TV's at most of the tables. The TV's played clips of the 1955 sitcom "Father Knows Best" and the original "Mickey Mouse Club". The waitresses were so funny, if you had your elbows on the table, they would kindly remind you to get your elbows off of the table. They are known for their delicious fried chicken, meatloaf and pot roast cooked the way "Mom" used to make it.<br /><br /><a title="IMG_1083 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4616307166/"><img alt="IMG_1083" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4616307166_d466ed9e20.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a title="IMG_1081 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4615691861/"><img alt="IMG_1081" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4615691861_4c2ca6625d.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a title="032 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607887102/"><img alt="032" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4607887102_f4990c3be7.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="031 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607884280/"><img alt="031" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1220/4607884280_e5d8ac8e1c.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />Brennan was hanging over his high chair playing his I Pod....don't ask, I have no clue!<br /><br /><a title="030 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607271341/"><img alt="030" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1189/4607271341_097a8f31d2.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />After a long day, we decided to go to Down Town Disney and eat dinner at Wolfgang Puck Cafe. By the time we got there Brennan had ruined the shorts that he was wearing (for the second time). As I went to change his diaper I realized that we had ran out of diapers. So everyone starts walking all over Disney to try and find a diaper. With no luck, one of us comes up with the idea to find someone with a child close to Brennan's size and ask if we can "borrow" a diaper. Omg it was so funny, all of us stalking all of the moms that were passing by. Finally someone was kind enough to loan us a diaper. Brennan still did not have any shorts because they were wet and I had already bought him one outfit that day because he ruined the first one he had on, so I just took him in with a diaper and shirt on and THEN....as we were eating he threw up everywhere....so I just took him outside while everyone else finished eating. He was a MESS, but thankfully he felt ok after that. We finished the evening by doing a little shopping, the stores there are fabulous and they have the LARGEST Disney store I have EVER seen. It was great, the kids loved it. There was a Stitch Character on top of the store and every few seconds he would spit water out of his mouth. The kids thought this was the funniest thing ever. We must have sat there and watched it for at least 30 minutes. It was a very long day but Hollywood Studios is definitely my favorite part next to the Magic Kingdom of course!<br /><br /><br /><a title="094 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607933022/"><img alt="094" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1100/4607933022_97119a3f7d.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a><br />Here is Stich spitting water....<br /><br /><a title="098 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607939740/"><img alt="098" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1036/4607939740_871339a0d5.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a><br />and the kids thinking it is soooo hilarious!!<br /><br /><a title="099 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607332465/"><img alt="099" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4607332465_d20e55fd4e.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a><br /><br />Oh and just for fun, look at ALL of these strollers....<br /><br /><br /><a title="024 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4607873282/"><img alt="024" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/4607873282_f9414256ab.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a></div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-91021353567746039442010-05-12T15:42:00.003-04:002010-05-12T16:15:30.384-04:00The Magic Kingdom<div align="center">So after our character breakfast, we headed over to the Magic Kingdom. I will never forget the look on Ayla's face as we entered. Her jaw just dropped open, she was so amazed by everything. As soon as we got there, the parade was just about to start so we got a good spot and watched our very first Disney parade. The kids loved it. It had all of their favorite characters and at the end of the parade the characters got off of the floats and danced in the streets. Ayla and Brennan were both out there dancing but I didn't get any pictures because I was with them :)<br /><br /><br /><a title="049 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4601448993/"><img alt="049" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1329/4601448993_bf54cdd560.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br /><a title="059 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4601459381/"><img alt="059" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1003/4601459381_869601aaf0.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br /><a title="054 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4601589015/"><img alt="054" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4601589015_bd72251594.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br /><a title="051 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4601452051/"><img alt="051" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4601452051_a4c7cda360.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br /><a title="060 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4601463775/"><img alt="060" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1002/4601463775_f60554f1a4.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br />After the parade we HAD to go and see the princesses. Ayla and Brennan were both in awe of them because they were so beautiful. I was not sure if Brennan would go up to them or not but he was so sweet, he went up to them and would gently place his head on their shoulder. It was the sweetest thing ever. He called all of the princesses "Cinderwellwa", he is so dang cute!!!<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><a title="084 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4601491679/"><img alt="084" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/4601491679_4de4462b79.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br /><a title="076 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4602164846/"><img alt="076" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1351/4602164846_c1c67df9bd.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br /><a title="075 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4601477709/"><img alt="075" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1263/4601477709_717b61f7f9.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br /><a title="074 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4601556723/"><img alt="074" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/4601556723_0ba58ce6a2.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br /><a title="078 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4601484755/"><img alt="078" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1408/4601484755_fc4fa2d7b9.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br /><a title="079 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4601487853/"><img alt="079" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1225/4601487853_b964553377.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br />We grabbed lunch at the park and took the kids on several rides before we went back to the room for a little rest that afternoon. Their favorite rides were Dumbo and It's a small world. Brennan LOVED It's a small world, their is so much to look at and he was literally amazed at everything. Needless to say, we rode these a couple of times!<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><a title="066 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4602178266/"><img alt="066" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1357/4602178266_96e747331b.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br /><a title="065 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4602080816/"><img alt="065" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4602080816_09d034ca89.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br /><a title="105 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4601567465/"><img alt="105" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1145/4601567465_7016cae414.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">We met our friends at Disney who are actually more like family, and Ayla loved hanging out with Ella and Makena! It was their fourth birthday while we were there, so we celebrated all week. Mama Sandy had bought them all matching shirts, they looked so cute! It was so great going with a group of people because we ALL got to ride rides. There was enough of us that we could take turns watching the kids so everyone could enjoy the rides. </div><div align="center"><br /><a title="095 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4602183384/"><img alt="095" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1042/4602183384_a4ccda48ef.jpg" width="338" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="090 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4601494529/"><img alt="090" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4601494529_52b52e2962.jpg" width="500" height="338" /></a><br /><br />To end Day one, we ate Dinner at our friends Hotel, the Contemporary and then spent the rest of the night back at the Magic Kingdom. I think we got back to our hotel around 10pm. It was a long and exhausting day, the temperature was in the high 80's I believe. Overall we had an awesome day at Magic Kingdom! For the rest of the week whenever we were at a different park, Ayla kept saying that she wanted to "go to Disney", I kept telling her we were at Disney but she didn't understand. The Magic Kingdom was Disney to her..lol. So I think it was her favorite park, of course, right?? </div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-8957301557472013272010-05-10T20:53:00.004-04:002010-05-10T21:38:04.773-04:00Mother's Day, Ayla's Garden<div align="center">These were the best Mother's Day pictures I could get!<br /><br /><a title="025 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4596706425/"><img alt="025" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1273/4596706425_3c1e5f1cfd.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><a title="026 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4597326682/"><img alt="026" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4597326682_42ab7240ef.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="028 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4596726187/"><img alt="028" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/4596726187_bdd209c144.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="027 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4597338130/"><img alt="027" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1075/4597338130_a3b0236462.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />I hope all of you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Momma's</span> out there had a wonderful Mother's Day. We had a great day. John's parents, grandmother and my mother all came over for a little visit! John surprised me with this Willow Tree collection. I had mentioned a while back that I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">would</span> love to have these and he remembered and bought them for me. Thank you sweetie, I love them and I would LOVE to have the Willow Tree Nativity set ONE DAY too...just saying..<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><a title="001-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4597344996/"><img alt="001-1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/4597344996_f2e7d61ea0.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />Isn't this the perfect Mother's day gift. The couple is named "Together", for those who have found their true partner in love and life. Then we have the little boy named "Inquisitive child", which is definitely Brennan and the little girl is named " Spirited Child", which again describes <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ayla</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">perfectly</span>. The older boy is named " Heart of Gold", which represents my oldest son Kaleb. He absolutely has a heart of gold and I have said this many times!<br /><br /><a title="DSC02833 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4597345846/"><img alt="DSC02833" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1239/4597345846_2cd67e7666.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />Kaleb had to work all day so I did not get a picture with all of my little loves, but when he came home from work he gave me a gift. This is the first time he has actually went out and bought me something with his own money so I was very surprised to say the least. When I opened it up, it was a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">pandora</span> bracelet. I couldn't believe my 16 year old did that for me. I was so happy and proud of him it made me tear up a little. Of course I did ask him if it was real, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">hehe</span> and it was, he HAD to show me the receipt. Anyway, I just thought that was the sweetest thing ever! I love all of my children so much, I am truly blessed to be their Momma!<br /><br />After everyone left, we helped <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ayla</span> plant a "garden" as she says. She is always wanting to plant something, she has all the tools to do it, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>, so John took her to Lowe's this morning and they picked out some vegetables to plant. We planted, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tomatoes</span>, carrots and green beans. I really hope everything turns out, if not, we still had the best time working on this together. She loves to water the flowers, so we thought this would be fun for her to do everyday. We usually buy flowers and plant them on Mother's day but it was freezing this weekend so we decided to wait for a better weekend!<br /><br /><a title="021 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4596714953/"><img alt="021" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/4596714953_bb1cb853cf.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="012 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4596691109/"><img alt="012" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1182/4596691109_d45fc1d210.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="018 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4596703165/"><img alt="018" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1383/4596703165_44539e2a62.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="015 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4597314068/"><img alt="015" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/4597314068_acbf000a51.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">It looks like we have a lot of work to do!! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><a title="024 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4596720231/"><img alt="024" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4596720231_dc9d0d4fc3.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a> </div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-25761127020213478232010-05-08T23:21:00.003-04:002010-05-09T00:13:42.317-04:00First Day of Our Disney VacationFirst I wanted to show you a few pictures of Coronado Springs where we stayed. I had mentioned before that we did not spend much time there, and although the resort is nice, I think I would want to stay somewhere closer to the Magic Kingdom the next time we go. The only bad part was waiting on the bus every morning and evening. It was a minimum of 30 minutes to go anywhere on the bus and most nights it would take us at least 45 minutes to get back to the room. We would definitely consider staying somewhere with access to the monorail because it is just much easier with young children, especially when you have a double stroller. We actually met friends at Disney (there were a total of 13 of us) and they stayed at Bay Lake Tower (which is awesome) and it is within walking distance to the Magic Kingdom so we spent a few afternoons there, it was much easier than going all the way back to our room.<br /><br /><a title="007-2 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4585064468/"><img alt="007-2" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4585064468_238481acab.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />This is the little area where we would eat breakfast every morning!<br /><br /><br /><a title="012-2 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4584442849/"><img alt="012-2" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4584442849_48d0710ddf.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="IMG_1118 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4584426615/"><img alt="IMG_1118" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4584426615_779032d331.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a title="IMG_1116 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4584424935/"><img alt="IMG_1116" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4584424935_fbd4eba711.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a title="004-1 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4585051800/"><img alt="004-1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/4585051800_7d69a8cf9c.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br />On our first morning, we had reservations at the Polynesian for a character breakfast with Lilo and Stitch, Pluto, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. We had an awesome time at breakfast, all of the characters came to our table and spent a lot of time with the kids. They took pictures and signed autograph books. The food was amazing and it was overall a great experience! At one point all of the characters formed a conga line and danced around the dining room. They passed out maraca's to the kids and had the kids dancing, it was a lot of fun! Brennan was not afraid at all. He just jabbered in his own little language to all of them. Pluto was so funny, he got down on his knees and chased Brennan around. It was so cute, Brennan was just laughing! If you are going to Disney and want to do a character breakfast, I would highly recommend this one. Our friends that we were with have been to Disney many, many times and this is their favorite one by far!<br /><br /><a title="002 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590968064/"><img alt="002" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4590968064_b4ccc4ce63.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a><br /><br /><a title="007 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590351687/"><img alt="007" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4590351687_c99ef3b9a3.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="008 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590975952/"><img alt="008" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4590975952_b023590f0b.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="015 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590979204/"><img alt="015" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4590979204_c6fd667e5a.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="027 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590372265/"><img alt="027" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4590372265_142fa38738.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="028 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590375365/"><img alt="028" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4590375365_02503294ef.jpg" width="500" height="254" /></a><br /><br /><a title="024 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590366011/"><img alt="024" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4590366011_453e8797ba.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="025 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590989538/"><img alt="025" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4590989538_dedb8c75e7.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="021 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590362821/"><img alt="021" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4590362821_6da6155fe6.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="034 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590382901/"><img alt="034" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4590382901_66131a191f.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="037 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590389989/"><img alt="037" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4590389989_aca2e4d3c2.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="035 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4591007106/"><img alt="035" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4591007106_23893c639e.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="041 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4590393675/"><img alt="041" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4590393675_446475e442.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /><a title="045 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4591017138/"><img alt="045" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4591017138_f689946045.jpg" width="500" height="334" /></a><br /><br /> Day ONE to be continued, lol...................................................................................<br /><br />p.s. Hope all of you are having a "Happy Mother's Day", you ALL deserve it!!Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-36820255782481189052010-05-06T15:02:00.005-04:002010-05-06T15:55:47.191-04:00We are HomeOur Disney vacation has finally came to an end and we enjoyed every minute of it. The kids had such a great time and we made memories that I will never forget! Ayla cried when I told her we were leaving Disney to come home! We got home late Monday evening and I have been trying to get caught up on sleep and laundry. The kids did great on the plane, they actually enjoyed it. It was a little rough for Brennan the first and last 10 minutes on the plane because you have to turn off all electronics and so he was not happy that he had to turn his phone off..hehe! We stayed on Disney property, so the Disney "magical express bus" picked us up at the airport and took us to our hotel. We stayed at the "Coronado Springs Resort", the property was gorgeous, we stayed in what was called a "cabana" that looked out over the lagoon. We did not spend much time in our room, we were on the go from 8 or 9 in the morning until at least 10pm at night. The last night we were there, we actually didn't get back to the room until 1am, so needless to say, we need a vacation from our vacation..lol! Here are a few pictures on the plane, I plan to blog about each day at Disney, I am still getting pictures uploaded onto the computer, it will be hard to narrow them down to only a few, as I only took 400 pictures..lol. The plane pictures are not great because they were taken with my cell phone. Can't wait to see what everyone else is up too!! Tomorrow we are driving 3.5 hours to Ayla's Rheumatolgy appointment. I am praying that maybe we can start to decrease her meds! Wouldn't that be awesome!<br /><br /><a title="john and aypa olane by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4584964534/"><img alt="john and aypa olane" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4584964534_6be749574b.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a title="mommy and brennan plane by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4584987746/"><img alt="mommy and brennan plane" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4584987746_b38856af42.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="IMG_1063 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4584999684/"><img alt="IMG_1063" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4584999684_d75832efc3.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />There he is, doing what he does best!!! My little I-phone genius!!Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-61015491422823571522010-05-01T00:20:00.000-04:002010-05-01T00:20:33.992-04:00Seven Year Old Singing Amazing Grace-AMAZING!<div>Someone sent this to me on FB and I had to share. This little girl is only seven years old. I had chills the whole time she was singing. She is simply A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PIQl6ygRqhw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PIQl6ygRqhw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div>Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214039662519903374.post-77166246718325409112010-04-28T08:58:00.000-04:002010-04-28T08:58:07.069-04:00Wordless Wednesday<a title="001 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4558088669/"><img alt="001" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/4558088669_4a7c43bab3.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a><br /><br /><a title="002 by lesliwright, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37113542@N03/4558723002/"><img alt="002" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/4558723002_c816a2b24d.jpg" width="500" height="335" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Oh boy, I think I might be in trouble!!Leslihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11652365701516479512noreply@blogger.com15