Oh my! Payton did a wonderful job with her program Thursday night and again, Friday morning. She had to recite a part (she was Clara Schumann) and she also sang Amazing Grace (and signed it). Her class also did a little ballroom dance that was amazing! She loved walking across the stage receiving her diploma. Emily Hunt made a video w/pictures of the kids throughout the year and also had their baby and toddler pictures. It was hard for me to watch that – not the fact of Payton growing up – but realizing that I won’t get to sit and do this with Parker. Especially when I saw the boy pictures. Again, my heart ached. It made me long for Parker…and it also made me long for another boy….

Aaron and I have a teenage boy currently staying with us…we were talking as Aaron was doing the dishes (he’s awesome!)….wondering how big Parker would be as a teenager..how big he would be now…

Well, she is actually 1 year and 1 month old, but we just celebrated her birthday Saturday. We knew all the family would be up for the auction – so it was perfect timing.

The day started with Payton’s last tball game – yeah! I’m so glad it’s over…early Saturday mornings for something she didn’t enjoy. I’m glad that she finished it though. Aaron was the coach and I was team mom – so we were a little committed.

We then had family pictures taken – ALL our family (at least the ones that we here). Thanks Melody for being our photographer and putting up with the chaos.

Then our friend, Jeff, dedicated Paige in our backyard. We have had such a struggle finding the perfect church (is there one?) – and again, all our family was here. Thanks for doing this Jeff!

Party Time! Paige loved her chocolate cake…it dripped out of her nose for the next 2 hours (and I won’t mention the diaper situation – ugh!). Grandma Fine gave Paige her bday bath (tradition that she has done with all three of our children). Paige had wonderful presents (and gift cards to Toys R Us to get more) and actually stood up for about 20 seconds on her own.

Payton’s last day of school is Friday – I can’t believe kindergarten is over already. Maybe it’s because we missed half the year – but I have a feeling that I’d be saying the same thing if she started from the beginning. She has a “program” tomorrow night and then her graduation is Friday morning. After that we are going shopping at Toys R Us and then enjoy Daytona Lagoon with passes she earned at school. She has already started her list of things to do this summer! I’m so excited!

So, did I mention that with all the chaos of Saturday – that that was the 6 month mark of Parker’s passing? Aaron actually mentioned it to me that evening…I’m the one that always remembers!! Maybe it was God helping me not to until Paige’s special day was over.

Payton and I went to Parker’s Place yesterday and put a pinwheel in his vase…she finally let me take away the Easter Basket. This day was harder then most days that I go…not sure why?

Paige and I went and met the new family that we are adopting for Parker’s Pals and delivered toys to some other kids on the floor. We are so excited to help Elijah and his family. Keep updated on parkerspals.org on ways that you can help!

Wow – what an amazing and blessful (is that a word?…is should be!) night! After about 6 weeks of preparation, my auction committee (3 of us!) pulled off a fantastic fundraising event. We had over 160 silent auction items and over 25 live auction items. The energy was flowing, people were giving, friends were mingling – I couldn’t ask for anything more. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us. Special thanks to Briana and Lisa for all of your hard work. I’m mentally and physically exhausted and I know they are too.

The auction was a huge success which will help us expand our outreach to other families…thank you!