An important part of our week is to have a dance party in the kitchen before school. It usually ends up being on Fridays --- for obvious reasons. This week was particularly stressful in our house. Kennedy took the iLeap at school; I had a lot of work keeping me at a higher-than-normal stress level; Chris was overwhelmed. So today's dance party was *just* what we needed.















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Handmade cards

We're big fans of homemade cards in our house. Yesterday, for Chris' birthday -- the kids proudly gave their daddy these carefully written and hand drawn cards.

Kennedy always uses the most loving language. :)





And at 4 years old, Brady draws the most adorable pictures!!


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2012

We're a quarter the way through 2013 and I simply cannot believe the time has flown by so fast. 2012 was a complete blur and I don't think I blogged but a handful of times. SO much happened last year that there was no time to post. And once I get behind, it seems impossible to catch up. So I'm going to hit the high notes:

1. I bought a business. Yup, that's the reason it took this long to remember that I had a blog to help keep up with our family life and document it for the kids. It was the biggest venture I've ever taken on and Chris was right here with me to support me every step of the way. It was a long, drawn out process... very scary ... completely overwhelming, but on April 4, 2012 - I became a business owner. Over the last year, I have worked harder than I ever thought imaginable. Long hours, stressful clients, big sales and the occasional loss were so much for me to grasp. Sometimes, I still wake up and pinch myself and ask "Did that really happen?" Being able to work from home and be here when the kids finish school has been so worth it, though. But many nights, it's right back to work after we wrap up family time. ;)

2. During the same year of this crazy business venture, I decided to finally get healthy. I woke up sick and tired of feeling overweight, unhealthy, and unattractive. I hired a trainer, started working out 3 times a week ... which turned into 5 times a week ... at one point, I was working out 7 days a week. It kind of became an addiction. I am happy to report that one year later, I'm still on this healthy lifestyle. It truly became a new way of life for me. Oh -- and I ran a marathon (on a sprained ankle!) to celebrate this January.

3. Chris was promoted to a "Supreme Court Justice." Okay ... not a real judge, but that's what we call these limited positions in the company he works for. People die in these jobs because they are that coveted. He has worked so hard for his company and I am so proud of him for his accomplishments. When he's not traveling, he gets to work from home as well. It's nice to be able to have both parents at home sometimes.

4. Brady and Kennedy are doing so great. They're learning more and more each day at school. Kennedy is working her tail off in 3rd grade to keep all As and Bs on her report card. Brady is going to go to a pre-kindergarten program next year so that he can get a little bit older before he starts elementary school.

THOSE were the big things for 2012 ... so now I can get back to frequent posting of pictures, funny stories and how we're making memories. Whew!

Leisure Saturday morning

These mornings are rare. We usually have birthday parties, soccer games...or I usually have had training runs.

Not today. :)

We were able to enjoy Saturday morning family time. Breakfast was scrambled eggs, bacon, toast ......then Connect 4. :)


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Back to a school

I keep promising to log everything that happened in 2012......... but I have yet to actually sit down and do it. :/

So I will start with this cutie pie. Today is her last day of holiday break. She's been out of school for two and a half weeks. So today -- we had a date. A few errands, a special prize for watching Brady and another 4 year old while me and another mom went for a run, then lunch at the spot of her choice.

Isn't she precious!? :)


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THREE posts this year?

Holy wow. So in doing a little research for work, I logged onto my blog and realized I've only posted THREE times this year. T.H.R.E.E. I'm ashamed. The purpose of this blog is to print it into a book to remind me and my kiddos of their "growing up" years. They've done QUITE  bit of growing this year, but time has definitely gotten away from me. I am committing my self to a rather lengthy post this weekend to catch us all up on the LaPierre happenings. And there have been A LOT of happenings. Stay tuned.

Valentine's Day 2012

Valentine's Day -- in my humble opinion -- is a commercial holiday where retailers want you to buy expensive cards, chocolate, gifts, flowers, dinner, wine, etc...etc...

I'm NOT against a day showing love... I just think that I should be doing the very best I can to show/tell my loved ones how I feel every day.

So Chris and I do small things for the kids, like putting love notes on their doors while they're sleeping:

(Kennedy's door)


(Brady's door)


...and they each got a sweet shirt to wear today. They had heart-shaped cinnamon rolls, school parties, and ate candy and goodies until they had upset tummies.



(Kennedy and his Valentine, Aubrey)


(Kennedy and Kaitlin)





SOMEONE IS EXCITED!!!!


As for me and Chris --- we had an uneventful evening. We wrote each other love notes and lounged on the couch an watched TV. Pure bliss. :)

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