Well, again, it has been a long time!! Rather than do a bunch of separate posts, I thought I would just let you know what our family has been up to. I went back to school in January. I am only taking one class right now, but getting my brain geared up for school has been quite challenging!! I have studied a lot and so far I am doing well, keep your fingers crossed!! Chad has been very supportive of this endeavor, letting me study when I need to, and talking about class with me when I get home. I still have a long way to go, but it feels good to have made that first scary step. My dear friend Jessica invited me and Abby and Emma to go down to Dauphin Island with her and her daughter a few weeks ago. The girls and I had a blast!! They have their own version of Mardi gras there that is very kid friendly. The girls got lots of beads and stuffed animals and they had so much fun!! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful friend who allows me to share so many experiences with her and her precious daughter!! The very next weekend, I headed to my sister Laura's house for some sister fun!! It was her birthday, and we had a spa day. She works at a fitness center in Dallas and she made me climb at the wall that she works at. I only made it half way up the kiddie wall!! I need help!! She was fabulous and I was realy impressed. My heart broke a little to think of the fun she would have had with Derrick, if he were here to share it with. I am a VERY poor substitute. I am constantly amazed by my sister. She has an amazing optimism and takes what life gives her with love and an open willingness and determination that is very unmatched. She is graduating from college in May and I am so proud of her. She is my inspiration! She is beautiful inside and out and I aspire to be like her in every way. Thanks La La !! I had such a good time!! Emma got her orange belt!! Way to go Emma!! Our whole family headed out Last Saturday to Peanut Butter and Jam. It is a show close to here that involves a band for kids and you sing along and dance and play your homemade instruments. Mary Rose and I had a blast! The other girls could not believe we dragged then to a "baby show!" Next time we will leave the party poopers at home!! I think by now you have stopped reading!! I will try and do better, but hope this catches you up for the time being!! Love to you all, Enjoy the pictures!!! Dawn
