Blast from the past

My friend Megan had this site on her post with pictures of herself that cracked me up...her's superimposed much better than mine! Anyways, it was fun wasting some time playing around with this...

Which look best suits me!!??

1974

1962

1972

1950

1988

The circle of life

All life begins...we become alive.

We die...all life ends.

It's in between all this we learn from others and pass the torch on to the next generation and the "circle of life" starts all over again. Life is a road with some bumpy patches, but hopefully for most of us the road is a smooth one and the odd bump doesn't deter us.

These are my paternal grandparents...G&G Fitzgerald.

My grandfather's life is now over.

My Gpa died this past Sunday. We are all so grateful it was a quiet and calm death. None of us knew it would be quite so imminent, but nonetheless it was peaceful.

I miss him and am so sad to hear of his passing, but am ever so grateful I was able to recently see him while I was in Utah last month.

He was quiet with words, but his love was strong.

I'm grateful for my religion and beliefs about life after death...to know that I will see him again brings such joy!

I'm sorry I had to miss his funeral today. I would have loved to see ALL my family!

I am hoping one of his new duties now is to somehow help find our delinquent child

(that I believe is missing from our family),

and usher him/her quickly down!!

The circle of life will recommence...

so I will say good bye Grandpa, I love you, and stand in awe as the miracle proceeds.

__________________

On to the other spectrum in the circle of life...

The "round" continues as my sister-in-law joins the ranks of pregnancy on my husband's side now.

(Landon's brother and wife)

Tyler and Mandy just recently announced their pregnancy!!

We are so excited for them!

As you can see their adorable twins are almost 8 years old.

They have had their share of difficulties in parenthood while dealing with the struggles that exist in a child with disabilities. They are amazing parents and I look up to them so much! They are so patient and loving...it takes special people to take care of someone with a handicap.

(mental or physical)

They are racking up their blessings in heaven. I'm sure they have experienced many blessings as a family here on earth as well!

CONGRATS!!!!

I can't wait to see all my new nieces and/or nephews this next year!!

The circle of life is a marvelous thing.

the best I could do

Everyone has such adorable pictures of their kids on

The first day of school!

They are happily smiling,

with excitement exuding from their grins.

Here is my adorable kid on the first day of preschool!

where'd he go?

I was laughing so hard at Tanner today!

Tanner went to this preschool last year...so he was excited to start again.

Yes, he actually was excited!

You can see the smile poking through on some pix.

He was just

sick of ME taking pictures.

I'm glad he is able to attend such an awesome preschool, and he gets to be in the same class with his cute buddy Rylee. They are going to have a blast.

outside adventures

People think one child is SO easy. Yes, in many ways it is easier than having 3 or 4 or 5 or more kids...but in the entertainment arena it is NOT.

It is REALLY hard to entertain a single child ALL DAY LONG,

while trying to accomplish other tasks.

I can't tell Tanner to go downstairs and play with his siblings for awhile...he can't go next door or down the street to play with neighbors because we don't have neighborhoods like the rest of the world does...we don't have a park in our neighborhood either (or even nearby)...and most of his friends are in school or have to take naps...

so it is

ME

and only

ME

that is required to stimulate and entertain my 4 year old for 12 hours a day :)

Don't get me wrong, I love it. I love my time with Tanner and we have fun.

Some days are just REALLY long.

Luckily he starts preschool tomorrow! YIPPEE. Fun times for both of us!

Today was a lot of fun though!

The weather was perfect and we had fun playing outside all day.

First off he spent some time riding his new scooter from G&G Fitz. He was sooooooo funny about it.

He went really SLOW, and wanted to wear his new helmet he got as a separate gift

(with armor/shield/sword)...because he said

"it's reawy dangewus!"

Then he found dad's golf clubs and smashed some bugs!!

He rode his bike for awhile...

...and then he played in this tent!

I bought this a few weeks ago when Target had their outdoor stuff on sale for 75% off. It was normally $30 but I got it for $7. It's really cute and he had fun.

The sun was shining.

The air was cool.

Smiles all around!

It was a good day :)

Holy Batman!

We caught the Batman Fever!!

In my previous post below, Tanner snuck into his bday gifts early and found the

Batman suit

which he obviously hasn't wanted to take off for days. I used to be so embarrassed going to stores with him dressed in silly attire. Now I think it is hilarious and just smile back at the people that laugh with me, and just smile back at the people who glare!!

Tanner has been wishy washy in wanting a

pirate party, or

scooby doo party, or

Batman party...and even a

Star wars party.

Well, we obviously decided to go with the Batman theme since it sounded fun.

This is how you pull off a cheap Batman themed party

the night before!!

Stay up super late and cut black polyester material (that you bought earlier that day)

into strips, for the kids batman capes.

Find free clip art on-line and make copies.

Use as decor.

Fill your decorated goodie bags with appropriate themed toys such as Batman socks, pens, stickers, dry erase boards, and fruit snack packs.

Cut out the cardboard batmans from the snack packs to use in an upcoming game.

Punch out batman logos from the pen package, then

go to sleep because you are too tired to finish.

Wake up early enough to finish preparations and as you eat your eggs for bfast, cut out batman masks from your black card stock.

Add ribbon to sides and tie around kid batman heads.

Color your frosting so it matches batman's colors.

Finish arranging the decor, go shower, and enjoy the day!! ________________________________

PARTY TIME

Kisses to those who couldn't make the party!

4 years old!

Cutest batmen ever!!

Lined up for pin the face on the joker.

Time to eat cupcakes!

Spitting the candle out!

Opening and enjoying every present.

Burning off some energy...which batman is the fastest!!??

Be proud of your batman, even if he is the last and has no competitive drive!

(we'll be working on that one)

Thanking all our friends who came, and thanks to

those that sent bday wishes and gifts...we love you all!

Being grateful we have such great friends,

and grateful we have each other as a family!

Happy Birthday

Batman Tanman!!!!