Up Next....AutoCAD

Well, I'm on the final stretch for school. I have 4 more classes (including this one) and should be done by the end of summer. AutoCAD (automated computer assisted drafting) is difficult to say the least. To learn all that I'm supposed to in 5 1/2 weeks is almost unreal. I'm looking into taking more classes in this later, to ensure I learn all I can. It is the way the experts create drafts now, and almost nothing is done by hand anymore. I feel this class, above all the others, is the most important thing I can learn. I just hope that after the time I had with the drafting class that this will come easier. Now that I'm no longer working, I know I will be able to devote more time to classes...DAY time!!! I used to have to do all my class work in the evening when the kids went to bed. Now, I will be able to work while Dylan is napping and the kids are at school. Wonderful!!!

So here's to another class! I'll keep you all posted!

Total 180...for Easter

Easter this year was so warm and wonderful! After the mad snow storm for last year's Easter, we couldn't wait for a warm, clear holiday.
Dylan was big enough to really enjoy the day this year too. It was so great! When he went out to look for eggs, he ran right past them and made a dash for a baseball and threw that in his bucket! Too cute!
Laura insisted on a pink dress. The white dress with pink polk-a-dots was just what she wanted. It was still a little chilly, so a white cardigan made the outfit complete.
Dylan and Ben both wore green and they looked so handsome.
I was playing with Photoshop here, so no, it's not your eyes. I just really liked the funny coloring for some reason. I also have the photo in black and white (and natural color) if you like. (I can email it to you if you ask) These pictures of Dylan and Laura were other photos, but all the cars were the back drop. So I cropped them out of those pictures and added them to these fun backgrounds. Aren't they cute! I'm still practicing, but it's so much fun!















I loved reading about every one's Easter and it made me want to share some pictures. Hope you all enjoy!

New Baby Girls...

Oh how I can't wait to kiss on these new babies! The long awaited arrival of the Gifford girls came on March 20, 2008 at 1:40 and 1:50 am. The first day of Spring and the day before our beloved grandma Helen's birthday Baby Sophie came first (Sophia Eleni - Greek in honor of Michael's heritage....Eleni meaning Helen) and came out screaming. A tiny 4lbs, 3oz but full of vigor none the less. Next was Savanah (Savanah Hope....how perfect) who needed a lot of coaxing to join us. She was just too warm and happy where she was and was probably loving that she had a little more room! She weighed in at 4lbs, 11oz. She needed oxygen for a while, but is being stabilized without it now.

I get so excited when my sisters have babies. To know that they are experiencing that type of love and joy makes my heart leap and my eyes well with tears. To know that now, dear Michelle, now knows this too is more than words can express. These children make us excited, happy, fearful, hysterical, sad, smart, dumb, perfect and full of flaws. We give them our all every second and know that they love us no matter what. They are pictures of us and are reflections of our deepest selves. They are beautiful masterpieces of the Lord God Himself that are loaned to us with trust. It's so humbling and thrilling all at once.

I want these little angels to know what their mommy went through to finally get them here. The love and faith it took to bring this day is amazing. There has been so many trials and peaks and valleys. How one person can survive all of that is amazing, but a couple having to go through that is almost impossible. I am honored to call these babies my nieces and, even more, Michelle my sister!

Where I'm At, What I'm Doing....

I've been so busy and what else is new

Good days,

Bad days,

I've had a few.

Still taking classes and working hard

Late nights,

Bright lights,

For a good report card.

Kids have been sick almost all Winter

Stuffy noses,

Aching ears,

It almost seems sinister!

I've applied for Biggest Loser Couples too,

Funny skits,

Revealing tales,

Hoping to make my old body new.

The house work never seems done,

dishes galore,

laundry loads,

I'm ready for some fun!

What do I need? What more can I say?

happy hearts,

laughing smiles,

Sisters together this very day!