HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DUANE!!!

Duane's 36th birthday was Friday and to celebrate we went to Tokyo Live. Sophie had never been to a Hibachi restaurant and she thought it was the neatest thing. They really play up to kids when they are at the table. We even got to catch (or TRY to catch shrimp in our mouths). By 8:45 she had had too much excitement and she kind of crashed but Duane and I had eaten so much that we were getting tired and sleepy as well. I guess we are just getting too old! Happy Birthday , Duane! I love you! (That's actually kind of awkward because I hardly ever call him Duane but I didn't want to put something mushy on my blog).

ANDREW the ARTIST

Andrew's teacher submitted some of his artwork in the Lafayette Parish art competition (I don't know the official name) and he won 1st place! We are not sure of the details as we are waiting to get some info from the parish but we are very proud of him!! Andrew is a very talented little boy and he is so super smart that it is scary. I hope that I will be able to help teach Andrew how to channel his talents so that he will be able to better communicate with others.

LOOK MA! NO CAVITIES!

I went to the dentist today for the first time in 15 years. Yes, you heard right....15 years. I have been having a toothache and I found out that it is related to some sinus problems I have been having lately so that was very good news as I was expecting the worst like having to have my tooth pulled or a root canal. The REALLY good news is that I didn't have even one cavity and no tartar and I don't even use fluoride!. The dentist was amazed. I hate going to the dentist so much but if you are in the Lafayette area I highly recommend Dr. Ann Laurent. She and her staff are so nice and attentive. They are totally focused on keeping the patient stress-free and the office maintains a very spa-like atmosphere (complete with hand paraffin treatment and massages while you get your teeth worked on). I am totally considering getting my teeth whitened and you can be sure that I will go to Dr. Laurent to get the job done.

OUR SWEET BOY

I am so completely heartbroken to say that Bryce left this world yesterday. I am so happy that he has gone on to glory but I am extremely saddened for those who no longer have him here on earth. He was a shining beacon who brightened the path of everyone who knew him. He touched so many lives in his short time here. Please pray for this sweet boy's parents, siblings and extended family as they cope with the reality of this loss and recover from the last 18 months battling cancer. I believe that Bryce ultimately won that battle as he walks now with loved ones that have gone before him. We will see him again one day and what a happy day that will be!!

LILLIANNE IS 2 YEARS OLD!!

Lillianne turned 2 on February 7. She is such a smart and curious little girl. She loves to sing and dance and play with her brother and sister. She is thrilled when her Daddy comes home and throws her up in the air. She loves for her Mama to hold her and kiss her head when she has a boo-boo. She is a big talker and has to comment on everything. We love her so much and we can't wait to see all the wonderful things she will accomplish in her life. Here are some pics from her birthday with her cousin, Karlie, who is two weeks older. There is one of her and Sophie at the same age wearing the same birthday dress. Mama really knows how to recycle. Happy Birthday, Lillie!!

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!

We are not big Mardi Gras-ers but we LOVE King Cake!!!!

KIWI INGENUITY

The kids were bored one Saturday so Duane made this car out of a computer box. Lillianne is the designated driver as Andrew is obviously otherwise disposed.

GIFTED...???

Sophie was recommended for testing for the district Gifted and Talented program at school. She scored well enough on the exams to be admitted to the program and she will begin getting special instruction next week (so now I guess I have two kids in special ed!). In the fall she will change schools so she will be with gifted peers for most of the day and I am so excited about that because the new school is the same school the Andrew goes to and it is so much closer to my house. We are going to save a ton of money in gas and save so much time. It really is a blessing for us to be able to have the kids a the same school.

MARDI GRAS QUEEN

Sophie was chosen as the Mardi Gras Queen for First Grade at J.W. James Elementary. She and her King represented the green Mardi Gras color (I have no idea what that means but she was super excited about it). She got to walk in the school parade and throw beads to all the kids. It was alot of fun and filled my Mardi Gras quota for the year . Here are pics and a short video.

DANCING QUEEN

Lillianne is a dancer. She has danced since before she could walk. When she was a baby she used to dance on her knees. Here is her latest creation. Check out the lip-synching!

BEFUDDLED BY LOST???

Ok...I'm as "LOST" as you are. I have no clue what went on with that episode last night. If you want a great recap and some very interesting commentary and theories visit www.darkufo.blogspot.com . He has the best LOST site on the internet. He's a real genius with alot of time on his hands. Check him out.