back to school

Carter started another year of school today. Like last year, he goes to the Mothers Day Out program at the Orchard Park Presbyterian Church Learning Center. He was very excited to go back. Carter loved his teachers last year, Mrs. Mary and Mrs. Barb. He has been asking about them all summer and when he learned that Mrs. Mary would be his teacher today he decided he bring her a teddy bear.
Picture: Carter saying goodbye to Dad before school (note: teddy bear in hand for Mrs. Mary). Picture: Carter ready for school.

When Carter walked into the classroom he gave Mrs. Mary a hug and handed her the bear. So cute! Carter had a few tears when I told him I had to go, but I'm sure he was happily playing with the other kids before I made it out the building. He was all smiles when I picked him up this afternoon. Carter will go two days a week (Wed/Thurs). It should be a great year. We are all very excited that school is back in session!

Ryan says

Oh, hello there. I'm just in the middle of eating some avocado.What's that? It would be more lady-like if Mommy fed me with a spoon?This seems to work fine. Do ya want some?

Oh yes, I am aware I'm wearing a Merry Christmas bib. Happy Holidays in August?

What is Mommy thinking? Geesh!

On a side note: I had some girl time with my friend, Suvi Monttinen, last weekend.

She lives in Cincinnati.

She turned 1 today. Happy Birthday chica!

Mickelson's arthritis

I just read an article that Pro Golfer Phil Mickelson was recently diagnosed with spondyloarthropathy. We're both left handed AND have the same arthritis condition. Gosh, if only I was a millionaire for playing professional golf!

Based on the article, his diagnosis isn't exactly the same. He has psoriatic spondylitis and my is undifferentiated spondylitis. The only real difference is I don't have psoriasis (that scaly rash that occurs most frequently on the elbows, knees and scalp). But the joint inflammation and spinal concerns are the same.

In the article he talks about being in so much pain that he couldn't get of the couch. That was ME last August! Mickelson is now taking the weekly injections of Enbrel and is feeling great. My doctor has been battling my insurance company for the last 4 weeks trying to get approval for the medication. Apparently Anthem are real sticklers as to what conditions they are willing to pay for. My doctor has a "level 2 appeal" meeting with a panel of medical professionals on Tuesday. Hopefully I'll get my approval. I certainly won't be paying $400 a WEEK out of pocket!

Although I don't wish chronic pain on anyone, I have to admit it's nice to know someone out here has heard of this disease. It's also nice to hear success stories of people who are pain free and living an active lifestyle.

If you want to read the article:
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/38647056/ns/sports-golf/

Hey

Hey Ryan, will you show us your first tooth?

"Um, no. Sorry, not tonight." Hey Ryan, can we see it now?

"No way, Jose"

What about now?

"Look people, mouth is closed for business"

Don't take it personally she doesn't want anyone looking in her mouth right now. Getting teeth hurt. But trust us it's there!

great state fair day!

Oh where to begin? Indiana has been hot, hot, hot this summer. The temps finally broke yesterday so today was the perfect day to check out the fair. We made it there early so it was only 75 degrees when we got there. Amazing! We had coupons for $2 admissions (instead of the regular $8 each). Score! Also because it was Tuesday there were no crowds at 9:30am. Heavenly!

So what did we do?

We got a basket and apron to play farmer for the day. So we gathered eggsAnd planted and harvested vegetablesAnd rode tractors

big tractors I mean great big tractors!Carter got a kick out of feeding the animals

Oh we did lots of other stuff like fishing, coloring, riding the fair shuttle and eating ice cream cones, but I don't think I can post so many pictures. So I'll leave you with one last pic. The only one where Ryan isn't sleeping.

dirty laundry?

I don't mind doing the laundry if my baskets are always full like this.....This is some darn cute laundry! Wouldn't you agree?

Our kids love

If I haven't mentioned it before, I will now.

Our kids love being in WATER!

They love being in the bath.

They love being in the pool.

It doesn't matter where.

They are little water babies!