TheDPGang

Thanksgiving 2009

2010-02-08T18:56:00.000-08:00

We alternate Thanksgiving between our parents each year. This year we had Thanksgiving with Dan's side. The weather didn't cooperate this year and give us warmth to play outside. The girls (and their cousin) found plenty to do inside.

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all. Gooble Gooble.....

Happy Fall Yall 2009

2010-02-08T17:54:00.000-08:00

The fall season started off with a hunt for Halloween attire. After much debate over the P-E-R-F-E-C-T Halloween costumes, Emily decided to be a pajama mama and Anna Kate was a cupcake. Em was smart to pick a pair of Aero pjs that could be worn after Halloween. The cupcake was a perfect fit for a little girl who proudly shares her name with every stranger..."Anna Cake".

And the season just wouldn't be complete without picking out the P-E-R-F-E-C-T pumpkin. Our church has a pumpkin patch every year. The girls love to go look at all the different shapes, sizes and colors of the pumpkins.

We love our little pumpkins! They are such fun and the memories are priceless! :)

Fall Festival

2010-02-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to catch up...AGAIN!

AK's school had the annual Fall Festival. AK had a blast...I mean what is there NOT to love about face painting, jumpy things and carnival candy & drinks.

She is ready to climb....

And she is off to the top...

And down she comes...

A fall festival is just not complete without a rose painted on your cheek. :)

Emily didn't want to go to the fall festival this year. It won't be long until she doesn't want to be seen with us in public. ;(

Activities

2009-10-29T14:24:00.001-07:00

The girls started their activities in August. Emily has chosen to take ballet and jazz/hip-hop. She has class every Monday. I worry about her getting home so late and then having to be at dance until 8:00 ~ makes for a long, long day! I don't have any pictures because the studio hasn't had parent night just yet. I will post some when I get them.

Anna Kate decided she wanted to play baseball. We signed her up for t-ball and she has just loved it. She is such a competitive little girl. She got number 22...It's pretty special at our house. My brother that passed away, Chuck, was number 22!

Enjoy the pictures.

First Day of School ~ 2009

2009-10-24T21:17:00.001-07:00

I'm a couple of months behind in my blogging (again) and I'm trying to catch up!

Em started middle school this year and AK started Kindergarten. I did not want the girls to start school. I just really enjoyed being with them over the summer and didn't want the early rises to interfere with our time. Both are extremely excited about starting school.

Their backpacks were ready to go...

So excited to go to big girl school...I hope she is always this excited to go to school! :)
AK could hardly wait for me to take a couple of pictures before she was off to the bus ~ I'm not sure what she is most excited about...school, recess, lunch or the B-U-S!Em was very excited yet nervous for her first day of middle school. She has such a long day but seems to love being in middle school.They were welcomed home with a special treat...their favorite cookie cake!

The BIG 4-0

2009-10-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I reached another milestone in my life. I made it to 40 in one piece! I was surprised by Dan and good friends with a birthday get together at my most fav place to eat...P.F. Changs. I knew that I was going out to eat with Dan and Jason & Ami but I had no idea that when I got there neighbors, SunTrust friends and my nursing buddies would join us. It was such a fun, fun time! If turning 40 is this much fun then I can't wait til 41. Thanks to everyone that spent their Saturday evening with me. AND keeping it a secret...you all did good!

I actually turned 40 when we were in Chicago....When we got home, this was my view when we drove up...Thanks Ami for decorating my house! My neighbors and tennis pals...didn't leak a word! Thanks y'all for helping plan such a wonderful time :) Dan could not have pulled it off w/out your help!

My favorite SunTrust buddies...I really don't know what I am going to do without them after I leave ST! And these stinks couldn't answer my calls for almost a whole week because they were afraid they would spill the beans....

My nursing pals...See why they have the reputation that they have?!?!?!?

Tara, Andi & Holly ~ thanks for being such great classmates & making every class so much

F-U-N!

Everybody was told to dress in black (why not pink?)...Even Matt and Jason dressed in black! Dumb me...I didn't get it until I was looking at the pictures after the fact. I think I was in such a state of shock and excitement that I failed to notice what anyone was wearing (shocker, huh?).

Thanks Dan (and everyone that helped) for throwing a party that I didn't think I wanted. It was a total blast! Since it was a couple of weeks after my actual birthday, you made sure I got to celebrate my birthday for just about an entire month...something I seem to love to do! But hey - I only turn 40 once, right!?!

Chicago ~ July trip

2009-08-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to go back to Chicago in July. We spent quality time with the Chicago peeps, Grandmother & Poppa and celebrated my 40th birthday.

Mother, Nichole and I were downtown Chicago on my actual birthday. When we returned to Nichole's house, my girls, the Chicago peeps, Poppa/Daddy & Dan decorated the house with streamers, balloons and signs. Louie was in charge of the directional signs telling me where I was to walk, etc. Emily and Gracie were in charge of the sign that told me how to ring the doorbell and how to enter. Anna Kate and Charlie were the supervisors and told Dan/Daddy/Uncle Danny and Poppa/Daddy what to do. :)

These two waiting anxiously for my arrival....

And these two could have cared less when I arrived - I mean there was something really good on TV...plus making signs and giving out orders are tough jobs. :)

I can't find the pictures of the decorations....more to come later!

We did a lot of swimming ~ Nic's next door neighbor has a pool and let the kiddos use it. During this trip, we took the GA/Chicago peeps (minus Charlie) to Navy Pier.

Navy Pier has a really cool ferris wheel. We all really enjoyed it ~ it was so neat to overlook downtown Chicago.

Anna Kate is just not real sure about the ride. Emily and Gracie really liked it.

And of course, the boys liked it...Here are best buddies sitting away from all the girls!They had to ride the swings...Anna Kate wasn't tall enough to ride (which broke her heart).

But the heart break wasn't for long ~ she got to ride the Lighthouse ride on Navy Pier and her facial expressions says it all. We had such a good time! We can't wait to see the Peeps again soon! Thank y'all for making my 40th birthday such fun, fun, fun!!

Birthday Day Party ~ American Girl Style

2009-07-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

Anna Kate celebrated her 5th birthday at the American Girl Store in Chicago. Just as she wanted, she invited two people...Grace and Emily! Dan and I were invited ONLY because the curly headed princess needed someone to foot the bill..

She had such a wonderful time. She got to pick out another American Girl doll, an outfit and have one of her doll's ears pierced. The AG Cafe was very similar to the AG Bistro here in Atlanta. The actual store does not even compare to our store here. The Chicago store has a larger hair salon (where hair is done and ears are pierced), a hospital, photo salon, bakery, craft area...just to name a few things. They had tons more clothes and accessories than the Atlanta store. It was a treat to go and the girls had tons of fun!

Anna Kate, Gracie and Emily walking to Water Tower Place ~ Home of The American Girl Store.

This was Gracie's first visit..she was thrilled!

The girls in front of the store. Gracie had just gotten Chrissa.

The store was very overwhelming. It took Anna Kate forever to decide on a doll.

Anna Kate in the Cafe...They had this neat conversation starters on every table...so cute!

AK, Gracie and Em all selected the American Girl Picnic lunch as their meal.

She got a cute cake served with peppermint ice cream...it was very yummy!

Happy Birthday, Anna Kate.

We hope you will always remember your 5th birthday celebration!

Happy Birthday, Mimi!

2009-07-29T15:10:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Mom/Kathy/Mimi. We have A LOT of summer birthdays...once we get past the summer birthday expenditures, Christmas sneaks up on us. :)

Hope you had a great birthday!

A special visitor

2009-07-29T15:02:00.001-07:00

Dan's grandmother, Nana, came to visit. She lives in California and traveled all by herself at the tender age of 87. Fortunately, the weather was cooler (than normal for July) so she was able to do exactly what she loves...read on the front porch and go down to the dock/lake!

The girls were so happy to see her as well as Dan and I ~ She lived here when Emily was born and moved back to California when Emily was 2 1/2 years. Emily was her first great-granddaughter and they have a special bond.

Anna Kate, Nana and Emily sitting on the boat!

Anna Kate and Nana drawing & coloring....one of BOTH of their favorite things to do!

We ordered Nana a yummy cake from Very Vera....it was so very, very good! If you have never had a Very Vera cake then you just don't know what you are missing (www.veryvera.com)!

Happy Birthday, Nana! We love and miss you!

When we visited Nana, the girls and Dan took the opportunity to enjoy the jetski and lake. I like the lake ok (not really) ~ the older I get the more I think water is just toooo dirty for me. I prefer to see the bottom of the place that I'm dipping my toes. :)

4th of July

2009-07-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July. We had a low-key 4th this year. The city of Kennesaw had fireworks on the 3rd. We started the 4th off with tennis, followed by a day at the pool and ended with fireworks in the neighborhood.

Sass-a-frass was decked out in her flag dress and INSISTED on wearing the large, hot pink glasses. The girl has her own sense of style - I assure you all that she had matching sunglasses!

Downtown Kennesaw has a variety of activities to do to celebrate the 4th....the First Baptist Church always has a parking lot full of jumpy things, cotton candy, snow cones, etc. We packed a picnic lunch and found a good spot close to the church activities.

Anna Kate and Emily enjoying snow cones...

Emily came flying down the jumpy thing...

Anna Kate could have stayed on the jumpy things for days...

The girls in front of an old car...they were shocked to see a car without air and automatic windows...

I keep telling them they have it made!

Going for a dip in the pool on a hot, hot 4th of July day.

The girls patiently awaiting the fireworks display ~

They love Sparklers (just as Em's shirt says)...

Hope y'all had a great 4th of July!

Happy Birthday, Anna Kate

2009-07-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday, Anna Kate. You are such a loving, caring and funny, funny child. We NEVER know what might come out of your mouth....but we know it is always followed with a hug, a kiss and/or an I love you!

Anna Kate chose to have a small birthday party at the American Girl Store in Chicago (in July). Of course, we could NOT let her birthday go by without some type of celebration. On her actual birthday, she decided she wanted to go to the pool, order pizza and have a Princess cake.

Emily and Anna Kate tubing at the pool

Anna Kate eating cheese pizza and cheetosA princess cake for a curly-headed princess. AK opening presents...her wishes this year consisted of American Girl, American Girl and more American Girl.....Oh and "I'll take some Polly Pockets too".

Happy Birthday to you! Hope you had a great day.

We know you are so looking forward to the American Girl party in July.

Chicago ~ June trip

2009-07-29T13:08:00.001-07:00

We had the opportunity to visit my sister and her peeps in June. They live in Chicago. We did very little site seeing ~ it was just a trip to be with family and take care of some family business. The girls had such a wonderful time with the Chicago peeps.

The Chicago Peeps welcomed the DPGang with big smiles and warm hearts (if I didn't know better I would think they were born and raised in the south)....
We spent time at the local park, in their backyard and at a water park...

Lou Man and Anna Kate coming up with some type of game to play....The trampoline seemed to be a favorite meeting ground....

The temperature was unseasonably cool but we had one day where it was warm enough to go to a water park in Orland Park. It was such a great place and the peeps had such a fun time!

Emily & Gracie in the Lazy RiverAnna Kate has NO fear....I was scared to death Louis had the biggest smile when he jumped off of the platform (and I just about had heart failure)Anna Kate was Charlie's buddy...aka partner in crime!

A great time was had by all. We will visit again in July. We can't wait to see "y'all" again!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

2009-06-09T19:03:00.001-07:00

Today is Dan's Dad's Birthday. Happy, Happy Birthday to you! Hope you had a great birthday!(this is a picture of Jerry and Anna Kate on Grandparent's Day @ AK's school)

A tumbler you can't live without!

2009-06-08T15:12:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had a Tervis cup? If not, you just don't know what you are missing. These have to be the best thing since sliced bread. They come in different sizes and you can get a variety of designs on the cups. Swoozie's (one of my most favorite stores) carries them now. I just couldn't resist and picked up one with my initial on it.

These cups do not sweat and will keep your drink ice cold in the hot sun! I use mine at the pool and when playing tennis. The lids and straws are an added bonus PLUS these cups fit in my car's cup holders. Can you tell I just love them?

Dance Recital 2009

2009-06-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

The girls danced with Praise Him With Dance this year and had their dance recital on Saturday, May 30th. They performed at the Woodlands Performing Arts Center @ Woodlands High School. Emily performed a hip-hop/jazz routine and Anna Kate performed a ballet routine to Jesus Loves the Little Children. They both did a great job.

(excuse my pictures....I have dropped my camera two different times and in need of a new one...plus we couldn't use flash to take pics)

Anna Kate was most excited about getting flowers.....had I only known before the monthly dance fees, costume fee, recital fee, tickets, multiple pairs of tights....I could have purchased her a well established rose garden! :)

Emily really liked her flowers too. We are proud of both girls but Emily is just not as "showy" as Anna Kate....Emily did a great job on her routine! She really did enjoy dance this year.

The girls were happy to have their Grandmother & Poppa (my parents) and Mimi & Grandpa (Dan's parents) come watch them perform.

They are already planning for next year....Emily has decided she wants to take tap plus jazz/hip hop. Anna Kate says she wants to take ballet, tap & hip hop! Oh my.....what's wrong with just clogging?

Last Day of School ~ 2009

2009-06-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

The end of this school year was bittersweet....Emily finished 5th and will be going into Middle school in the Fall. Anna Kate finished preschool and will be going to Elementary school in the fall.

Anna Kate's last day consisted of watching movies and playing with her friends in her PJs. She thought she was really something to leave our house in her pajamas.

Emily's last day of 5th ended with the "5th Grade" walk. All the 5th graders walked up and down the hallways of the school. They walked thru the hallways with pomp and circumstance playing. Em is so ready for Middle School...I just hope and pray that it is everything she thinks and hopes it will be!

Emily wanted to ride the school bus home. Most of the neighborhood kids got off at the pool. They were welcomed with silly string and water balloons. Most headed straight to the frigid waters of the pool to open it for the season.

School's out for Summer......YEAH!

Awards Day ~ 2009

2009-06-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

Emily received an Outstanding Academic Excellence Award for the school year. You had to receive no more than 5 B's during the school year (w/ the rest being A's). She did it and was so proud of herself. This is extra-special this year especially after having such a rough year, in general. Anna Kate received two awards: Best Dressed and Most Dependable.

This is Anna Kate's translation:

"Best Dressed means that my mommy makes me match and put my clothes together so my Daddy can make me match too."

"Most Dependable means that I'm the best friend."

We are so very proud of both Emily and Anna Kate.

Lunch with the Girls

2009-06-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Just before school was out, a couple of the Phi Mu girls got together for lunch. Some of the girls I had NOT seen in approximately 15 years (last saw them when I got married).

Susan came with her little guys....

Amy came with the little princess, E and M securely tucked away in her tummy....

Chandra was there with Baby M....such a cutie!

Thanks Missy for planning and coordinating the luncheon. It was SO much fun to see you all. I can't wait to do it again!

Mother's Day 2009

2009-06-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

I had a great Mother's Day. Sadly enough, I do not have ONE picture from Mother's Day. :( BUT I do have a some great memories.

Anna Kate has a really hard time keeping presents as a secret....when I was driving her to school the friday before Mother's Day, this was our conversation...

AK: "Mommy, we have you some presents in the basement!"
Mommy: "You do!"
AK: "Yes but Daddy and Emily will KILLLLL me if I 'teld" you!"
Mommy: "Okay, well, let's just wait to see what I get on Sunday"
AK: "Okay, I'm so proud of myself for not telling you that we got you a new purse, sunglasses and flip-flops".
Mommy: "I'm proud of you too."

And the flip-flops...yellow box! Big bonus, the flip flops were picked out by Emily and they fit her perfectly. :)

All in all, I did have a great day ~ I just love my girls!

Wheww.....One year down ~ One year to go!

2009-06-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

Have you ever sat back and reflected on any of the really challenging and/or difficult things in your life and realized that those are really the best and most rewarding times of your life?

I took my Nurs 1102 final on Wednesday, May 6th. I have successfully finished my first year of nursing school (2 classes down ~ 2 classes to go). I will have to honestly say that this is the hardest thing I have EVER done in my life....the body is a complex thing but add full time mommy, full time employee, full time wife, taxi, short order cook, etc., etc....it is just plain HARD!

Fortunately, I do NOT have summer classes....until August, I will focus all of my time and energy on these three amazing people....

Big Sis ~ Lil Sis

2009-06-06T19:32:00.001-07:00

I found these iron-ons and just couldn't resist. I know I need to stop dressing the girls alike BUT I'll try to get away with it as long as possible....I might have a chance as long as I can find things with rhinestones (Emily's fav).

Oh and for the first time, I straightened Anna Kate's hair. She just loved it but there is NO way that I can do this daily....and weekly is probably out of the question too. Needless to say, it took a lot of product and elbow grease to straighten!

Happy Birthday, Emily!

2009-06-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

I'm still trying to catch up on my blogging scrapbook....

Emily turned 11 on tax day! I really just can't believe that she is 11 years old. It just seems like yesterday that she was born. Time has really flown by ~ This year she decided that she did not want a party....now coming from a Mommy who LOVES to celebrate with birthday parties, I was just heartbroken when she made the big decision of NO PARTY! :(

The only thing she wanted was to have a friend spend the night and eat dinner at the American Girl Store.

Emily started off with her favorite....pretzel bread.

Then came out the next favorite thing....PASTA!

And then came the polka-dot birthday cake....it was actually very, very good.

Emily was pleased with her birthday celebration this year. Matter of fact, she told me and her Daddy that this was the best birthday party she had ever had...I'm not surprised coming from a little lady that doesn't like to typically be the center of attention nor gets excited about much! :)

Happy Birthday, Emily! I still just can't believe you are 11!

ABC's of me!

2009-05-31T15:26:00.000-07:00

I saw this on another blog and thought it would be fun to do. =)

A - Age: 39 (almost 40...wow! That is old, huh?)

B - Bed size: King...all four of us could NOT fit into anything smaller.

C - Chore you hate: Laundry

D - Dog's name: Lucy

E - Essential start your day item: Starbucks or Cherry Coke from Sonic

F - Favorite color: Pink

G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: Silver or Platinum

H - Height: 5'5"

I - Instruments you play: uhhhh....nothing. I can't carry a tune in a bucket either.

J - Job title: Mommy, Student, Auditor

K - Kid(s): Emily (11) and Anna Kate (4)...Dan too. Does he count?

L - Living arrangements: My sweet girls and Danny Boy. Oh, and that four-legged friend, Lucy!

M - Mom's name: Donna

N - Nicknames: Lucy

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: A couple of times ~ I think all of the non-vital organs have been removed from my body.

P - Pet Peeve: When people carry on a conversation with some else after calling me on the phone or walking into my office!

Q - Quote from a movie: I can't think of one...I mean ~ I watch so many movies =)

R - Right handed or left handed: Left

S - Siblings: 4 brothers and 1 sister

T - Time you wake up: During school time, around 6:30. During the summer time, whenever the girls get up!

U- Underwear: Yes please, I don't particularly like going commando!

V - Vegetable you dislike: I'm not a huge fan of spinach.

W - Ways you run late: being lazy.

X - X-rays you've had: kidney, teeth, gallbladder....I could go on & on.

Y - Yummy food you make: I honestly can't think of anything! I'm not a cook.

Z - Zoo favorite: I like the giraffes and the pandas...I think they are just beautiful!

Now it's your turn ~ Have fun =)

Happy Birthday, Mother!

2009-05-31T13:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Mother! Her birthday is one day before Emily's....so 11 years ago, my poor mother celebrated her birthday in a labor and delivery room "patiently" awaiting the arrival of our precious little Emily. Three years later, in 2001, she buried her eldest son (my older brother, Chuck). Her birth "day" is far from an ordinary day...it is bittersweet, for sure.

This year we had a celebration at my brother Chip's house....a good time was had by all. The Chicago peeps made an unexpected, grand appearance. My brother lives on a pretty large piece of land and has a wide variety of motorized vehicles and toys for the kids of all ages.

Grandmother blew out her candles with the help of the grand-boys, Louis and Luke....

The grand-girls were excited about giving her presents...

The girls had fun on the golf cart ~ I do hope Emily's driving skills improve between now and the time she gets her driver's licenses. :)

Anna Kate really likes Michaela. Michaela was the designated driver for Anna Kate.

Cla and Dan had fun racing.

Happy Birthday, Mother! Hope this birthday was filled with happy memories.

Paint on the Walls

2009-05-30T22:49:00.001-07:00

We have lived in this house for 6 years and we finally painted the family room. I am not good at decorating or picking out paint colors to I called in The Nancy's (http://www.decoratingmakeoversandmore.com) to help.

Within minutes of walking into my house, they were able to select a color that would best suit my tastes....Dan did all the painting (bless his heart).

Here are the before and after shoots....what do you think?

If you are looking for inexpensive decorating help, I would highly recommend The Nancy's.

HOPPY Easter

2009-05-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

"Hoppy" Easter from the DPGang.

We celebrated Easter at my parent's house. My sister, Nichole and the Chicago Peeps joined us for an egg hunt.

My brother's missy prissy, Sammy Jo, came over to help color Easter eggs.

The Chicago Peeps ~

Here is Nichole and Gracie Girl....have you ever seen a little girl look so much like her mother?

Shhhhh....be beary, beary quite....Charlie's hunting for the prize egg!

Louis finds his prize egg first...Poppa makes up the best prize eggs ~ everyone gets one with their name on it!

My brother, Cla, has a little guy named Mason...this was his first Easter!

Couple more of my favorite pictures from a weekend of good, old fashion family fun!

A trip Downtown

2009-05-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

We took a trip downtown Atlanta in early April. My department was moving from one office suite to another. I needed to go down to box up personal belongings and such. We decided to make it a family affair.

We walked around downtown, had lunch at HardRock and the girls played in the elevators at the Marriott.

It's amazing how just plain, ordinary things create the most fun!

Walt Disney World

2009-05-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

We decided to take a trip to Disney during my spring break...the girls were not on spring break but we took them out of school for two days to have a little fun! We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to go to Disney. This was the best trip that we have ever had. The girls are both tall enough to ride every ride. We were a little afraid that Anna Kate might not want to go on a couple of rides but that wasn't the case....she begged to go on Splash Mountain over and over...she described Space Mountain as "wicked"....Soarin' was tons of fun too! Emily's favorite rides are Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain Railroad and Space Mountain.

We stayed offsite this time and well, we just like to stay onsite ~

Nothing compares to walking down Main Street @ Magic Kingdom and seeing the girls' faces light up with pure excitement and joy...It really is such a magical place!

The girls got autographs galore....

We had lunch at the Crystal Palace where Pooh and Friends were happy to entertain us ~

Anna Kate received the "Best Hopscotcher in Disney" award while shopping in the Briar Patch.

Here are a couple of more pictures from out trip....there are some many pictures! It's really hard to just pick a few!

Anna Kate did not meet a stranger during the trip....Here is Emily begging us to stop her from talking to everyone she saw...Emily was telling me she was "completely embarrassed".

Anna Kate was a real trooper. She stayed up late and got up early...on the last night, she fell asleep telling us about her day!

We all had such a great time....we can't wait to go back! Disney really is one of the most happiest places on earth, don't ya think?

St. Patrick's Day

2009-05-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

The typical symbols and traditions of St. Patrick's Day (listening to Irish Music, banishing snakes from Ireland and eating corn beef) aren't part of our St. Patty's Day rituals....however, dressing up in green and sporting shamrocks are a must!

Snow Day in Georgia

2009-05-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

When it snows here, the girls and I get excited. We got MAYBE one whole inch on March 3rd.

Our snow angels....

It took me longer to get them dressed in warm clothes than they stayed out to play! It is probably a good thing that we only get snow once in a blue moon.....These GRITS would be unlikely to survive!

Catch up.....Valentine's Day!

2009-05-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to catch up on my "scrapbooking", this will be the first of several posts to catch up! We have been busy, busy, busy since the last post in February. Like everyone else, we celebrated the love day at school and at home.

Anna Kate had a Valentine's Day Dance/Party at school...She was all decked out in Red and White (with the silver~glittery shoes, of course).

Her beloved D was at the dance...along with his twin Z! She can tell them apart - neither Dan nor I can!

This is Anna Kate's little friend from her 3-year old class. Unfortunately, she and K will not be in the same elementary school next year. AK is really gonna miss K!

At home, cupid left the girls a couple of treats...American Girl clothes, candy, candy and more candy!

All in all, it was a very "sweet" day!

Simple Words Are Music To Our Ears

2009-01-10T05:56:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the late update. Needless to say this has been a hectic week. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and your calls.

Thursday started out really early with an appointment time of 6:00am (and a 4:00 wake-up call). We left our house at 5:15am and the questions began. Anna Kate seemed to be okay until we pulled into the Scottish Rite parking garage. Reluctantly, she and her American Girls got out of the truck. We got checked in and Anna Kate seemed to be okay.....well, until the nurse called her name! She begged for "NO SHOT IN MY HAND". To our surprise, the nurse said "Okay, we can try this procedure without any sedation". He told us they would give it a try and if it didn't work out then the doctor would have to sedate her. So off we went into the MRI room, no sedation but tears flowing down her cheeks. Honestly, we did not think she could be still for 40+ minutes (and to add a loud, loud machine). Dan and I talked to her and she assured us she could be still and watch a movie! To our surprise, she got up on the table, the radiology tech placed the head gear around her and moved her into the machine. Because she was NOT under sedation, we were allowed to stay in the room with her. She did GREAT ~ the tech had to stop the scan only ONE time. Anna Kate started calling me...she needed me to scratch her foot.

After the scan, we headed over to the Neurosurgeon's office. We had the pleasure of visiting with "Dr." Christy (really a nurse) and Dr. Boydston. The previous scan was compared to this scan....Sweet words were spoken ~ STABLE and NO CHANGE. Her ventricles remain enlarged but no more so than the previous scan. After a complete head to toe assessment on Anna Kate, Emily and Mia (the two American girls she HAD to bring), Dr. B went onto to say that the Chiari is aggravated by growth. Typically, a Chiari surgery doesn't occur until adolescents. Growth causes the chiari to become distorted leading to neck pain, headaches and difficulty swallowing. For now, we are just to monitor her for the leading signs and symptoms. Dr. B suggested that we come back in 3 years for a follow-up and scan.

Although the uneasiness continues and she has NOT been released permanently, we are clinging to the words - STABLE and NO CHANGE. At 4 1/2 years old, Anna Kate has endured more than most will ever go through in a lifetime. She is such a brave, little girl and now we know that she can sit still for more than 5 minutes. Again, thanks for your calls, thoughts and prayers! They mean more than you will ever know.

4 Years Ago ~ Anna Kate

2009-01-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

Every day is a special day for Anna Kate BUT today is extra special. Four years ago today, Anna Kate underwent a surgery to correct her little skull from a birth defect and to assess a lifelong minor brain defect.

As Dan, my daddy and I were leaving our house for the hospital, my Mom gently said "Noel, God doesn't close doors without opening others". As I fight back the tears today, I can still hear her voice over and over again ~ I find myself leaning on those words more that she will EVER realize. That small little phrase is so powerful and so very, very true. For this Anna Kate is our little, precious miracle from God.

This is a picture of Anna Kate a couple of weeks prior to the surgery.

Here is a copy of the email (prior to blogging) that Dan and I sent to family about our sweet, little Anna Kate and her surgery.... and a couple of pictures.

11/18/04.
I took Anna Kate in for her 4 month checkup at the end of October. Her pediatrician noticed an unusual egg-looking shape in the crown of her head. She referred us to a Pediatric Neurosurgeon to look at the potential problem. The Neurosurgeon wasn't really that concerned with the egg-looking shape at the crown of her head. He was more concerned about the "caved" in portion of her skull (at the base of her neck). Ironically, this is the same spot that I asked the Pediatrician (3 different times) about right after she was born (in hospital) . The Neurosurgeon ordered a CTScan to look at the bone structure. He sent us over to the hospital the same day to do the scan (his office is located on the Scottish Rite campus so we just had to walk across the street to the hospital). The CTScan revealed "ridged" shaped bones. The Neurosurgeon told us that night that he wanted to send us for an MRI. He said that he suspected premature suture closings and a possible Chiara (kee-ar-ee) Malformation. Because the CTScan didn't show the suture closings, he also ordered a 3D model of her head. The actual model would allow him to physically look at her skull, measure the suture openings and if needed, prepare for surgery. We took Anna Kate in for an MRI and his initial diagnosis (after the CTScan) was accurate. She has been diagnosed with premature suture closings and a Chiara malformation. Her lambdoid sutures (in the back of her head) have partially closed. The neurosurgeon refers to the closings as "doorstops". This means that the brain will not be able to properly grow and expand if the sutures are NOT opened up. In addition, she has what is called a CHIARA (Kee-AR-ee). This is where the cerebrum "drops" from the normal spot in the skull over the spinal cord -- making a tear drop (how appropriate, huh?) looking shape over the spinal cord and brain stem. The neurosurgeon referred us to a Pediatric Craniofacial Doctor (Plastic Surgeon) for a "2nd" opinon. This appointment was nothing more than confirmation that Anna Kate had premature suture closings and surgery was required. The main concern at this point is the premature sutures. When completing the surgery, the Neurosurgeon will be able to assess the severity of the Chiara and at that point will determine if surgery is needed to attempt to correct the problem or leave as it. The Chiara can be present in different stages -- Both surgeons BELIEVE that she has Chiara I and is minor (we are so hoping). The Neurosurgeon says that many people may have this stage and NEVER know it. At this point, he thinks we just need to monitor the Chiara. She will have to go back for MRI's every 6 months for about 3 years. If the "drop" gets worse then we will have to take further steps (i.e. surgery). On the 5th of January, the doctors will have to make an upside down U in the back of her head, remove the lambdoid "plate", restructure the plate using plastic plates and screws and reattach/place back on her little head. We are told the procedure will take approximately 4-6 hours (of course, it will be the longest four-six hours of our lives) and she will need a blood transfusion...the plate will be screwed back into place with plastic screws which will dissolve within 6-9 months. The Craniofacial doctor told us this is a relatively "common" procedure. The rare part is the closure in the back of her head. Of course, he did tell us that we run risk with the surgery -- potential brain damage -- small chance but potential risk.

If the Chiara is NOT corrected in the January 5th surgery, we have been given signs/symptoms to watch for over time. If the Chiara get worse then she could have the following problems:
difficulty in breathing (known/referred to as STRIDOR),
difficulty in swallowing,
choking
mobility problems (walking)
regression in speech, motor skills, etc.
balance issues,
severe neck pains,
severe headaches,
scoliosis

These seem to be the most common but there are several more signs/symptoms that could go along with this malformation.

The Ped Neurosurgeon says that Chiara I is often unnoticed/undiscovered until early adulthood. If there is any good news, I guess this is………we may have caught it in time to do something. The Neurosurgeon says that we just need to love her and stimulate her. His nurse likes to prepare the parents for good and bad situations. She has told us worse case situations. Of course, we are thinking the worse and praying for the best. The words "she is going to be fine" are words that Dan and I can hardly stomach. We hope and pray that she is going to be fine but this whole process is scary. No one knows exactly how we are feeling. The neurosurgeon told us we could look this up on the internet but cautioned us that anyone can put anything on the internet………he said believe only a small % of what you read. Dan has looked a little bit up but of course, he continually finds the worse cases. We have decided to stay away from the internet for obvious reasons.I have to believe that God will give us strengthen and comfort through all of this. We are NOT dealt more than we can handle, right????? Dan and I have beat ourselves up over WHY -- we will never know the answer. I took care of myself during pregnancy so why US? People smoke, drink and do drugs and NOTHING is wrong with their babies. Getting babies here safely is just a smart part of the worries parents face, huh? When you are pregnant, you worry for 40 weeks that they get here safe and healthy. I thought I was home free!!! We are scheduled to go see a geneticist in January. Not because we are having any more kids but for the girls sake. For the most part, we are told this hasn't been linked to genetics and that it is just one of those things. For now, her little, sweet smile keeps us going. She seems to be progressing nicely and on targets determined by history/doctors. We have seen a lot of different kids at Scottish Rite that have had bigger problems than Anna Kate. I shouldn't be so selfish to ask WHY. I can't imagine how those parents feel! When your own child has an issue, you feel like it is the MOST severe problem in the world. I am thankful that the pediatrician noticed a problem and we MIGHT have a chance to resolve the situation with minimal to no brain damage. Anna Kate's sweet little smile keeps us going and Emily's desire to make Anna Kate laugh is quite amusing. To look at Anna Kate, you would never know anything was wrong. This Thanksgiving (more so than ever) Dan and I are extremely thankful for our two precious daughters -- Em and Anna Kate. I am extremely thankful that I have such a wonderful husband who works hard to take care of us and loves us all so very much. We will continue to update as we find out more...

These pictures were taken after she came out of surgery and placed in ICU.

These pictures were taken 2 days after surgery - just before we were moved to the regular floor (out of ICU).

And here is Miss Anna Kate 4 days after surgery. I took this picture the night we came home from the hospital. She looks pretty amazing, don't ya think?

Anna Kate came through the surgery with flying colors. We were told, initially, that she would be in ICU for about 5-6 days and on the floor for 3-4 days. She was moved from ICU to the floor after 2 days. After 2 days on the floor, she was discharged to come home. WOW! She did great! For the first two years, she was monitored every 6 months for fluid build up (shunt was a possibility). She has maintained all levels within normal limits and was put on a 2 year follow-up schedule. The Geneticist appoint was inconclusive. Of all the test performed, nothing could be linked back to genetics.

This Thursday, January 8th, we will again make a trip to Scottish Rite to take pictures of her little brain. As she gets older, her fears are stronger! We have tried to prepare her for the MRI on thursday. Of course, she has tons of questions and is having a hard time comprehending just exactly what Dr. Boydston and Dr. Christy (really Nurse Christy but I'm not pushing it w/ AK - ha) will be doing! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I will update again on Thursday with the results.

Noel

From our family to yours.....

2008-12-15T15:05:00.001-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

2008-12-07T08:21:00.000-08:00

....at the Pearce household. The tree is up, the stockings are hung and MOST of the outside lights are up. This year Dan decided to put a little music and flash to our outside lights. It is totally going to drive the neighbors crazy. Actually there are three families that are doing the lights and sounds this year (in our double culdesac) ~ the other poor neighbors are probably ready to SCREAM! Our house will probably look very dull compared to the others. We only have white lights but they are perfectly straight and measured out - haha. Wanted to post a few pictures of what we have been up to lately.

Emily is amusing her mommy by pretending to get into the Christmas spirit (what is her problem - so what if it was the first part of November).

Anna Kate did enjoy decorating the tree (well, for all of about 10 mins).....she picked out her favorite ornament (every single one she picked out was her favorite)

And here I am trying to make my own Christmas picture this year.....I didn't make a picture appointment in time and now they have nothing until after the first of the year. Oops...

Hope your season is starting off great ~ Can't wait to get all those Christmas cards with bright and cheery faces!

Merry Christmas,

The DPGang

Gobble Gobble - Eat more Turkeys

2008-11-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

Gobble Gobble....Turkey day is almost here! I made these cookies for Anna Kate's classmates this year. They are super cute and not hard to make (or else I wouldn't even attempt). You need ~

J Smiling round cookies (Kroger is the only place I can find them)

Nutter Bars

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Candy Corn

Skittles (for eyes)

Starburst jelly beans (for feet)

Vanilla frosting (its the glue of the cookie).

Have fun making them! They are sure to be a hit at any Thanksgiving feast!

Happy Birthday!!!

2008-11-17T18:08:00.000-08:00

Today my dear, sweet, only SISTER celebrated her 29th birthday (wink, wink) ~ she looks pretty darn good to be 29 and 3 little ones. Gosh I wish she lived closer to me. I love, love, love talking to her on the phone (every day -- okay Dan, several times a day) and love it when she visits. She always makes me laugh and always has time to listen! She is such a strong person (gets it from our Mother) and always seems to manage to hold her head high when the going gets tough! Happy Birthday, Aunt Cole...We love you and miss you so very much!

They really do love each other!

2008-11-17T17:49:00.000-08:00

At times the girls do nothing but fight! Other times they can't seem to get enough of each other....even when they are sleeping.

Cute, Cute Plates

2008-11-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE monogrammed things and anything with the girl's name on it. Check out these cute, cute plates ~ http://www.laplates.com/. I can't wait to order the Christmas plates for the girls.

Curly Headed Princess

2008-09-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

"Where do you get that curly hair from?"......it's the million dollar question. My hair is wavy but nothing like AK's. D's is thick and straight. Emily's is thick and straight. My mother's brother had curly hair and my mother-in-law's dad did too...was it like AK's....I don't think so. I think it was God's way of covering up her scar from her surgery....

Em wants curly hair and AK wants straight - go figure!

NLP

Prayers Needed for Two Mama's and Their Families

2008-09-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Life is just full of uncertainties. Some times you just wonder why things happen but ultimately know that God is in control and there is a reason for everything. As my Mother once told me "God doesn't close one door without opening another one". How true but still NOT always easy!

As you tuck your little ones in to bed tonight, kiss them and hold them tight.....I'm sure these two Mama's would want just one more night to do that & I can bet the Daddy's would want it even more...

www.caringbridge.org/visit/jamieoreilly

www.hyatt911.blogspot.com

TheDPGang

Am I really doing this?

2008-09-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm really doing this. After following several blogs for a year or so, I have decided to start one. I will enlighten you about the happenings of two sweet girls, their puppy ~ lucy, their mommy and daddy.