Double the fun

Jessica turned 7 yesterday and shared her party with her brother Gavin. Although the lime light was mostly on Jessica, everyone had a great time. Thanks to all the friends and family who came out to support my kids on their special day.

Gavin's tribute to Michael Jackson

Still love that Thriller album

IBR

I woke up early this morning worrying again about how we're going to make ends meet when fall comes and I still don't have a job. Not that I'm really jumping at the bit to get one. I still feel a sense of dread at the thought of going back to work and leaving my little Gavin, not to mention the other two when they come home from school.
So I'm crunching numbers in my head AGAIN. And really this new job would pay MORE than unemployment and we've been making it so far, but alas we've also had student loans on deferment. If only they could just stay that way. . .
I went to the internet to do some research on teaching grants, loan forgiveness, etc. and found a lucky little bit of information. Apparently starting July 1st of this year a new program is being implemented. IBR or the Income based repayment plan!! If certain parameters are met our monthly student loan repayment could be drastically reduced. After ten years of faithfully making those payments and working as a public servant the remaining balance can be . . . forgiven!!
So things might still be very tight if I don't work, but there is hope for survival if the right job doesn't come along. I think I can breathe again.

Swim Lessons

The girls have done a great job in swim lessons this year. Jessica learned to dive and retrieve a ring from the bottom of the deep end. Lily learned to swim alone with her floats without hanging on with a death grip. They both had a great time. I hope they will be able to apply their new found skills on our trip to Idaho in a few weeks.

First Ear Pierce

Last year Jessica wanted to get her ears pierced. I decided what the heck. If she wants to go through the pain, let her. She chickened out, but said wisely that she felt she would be more prepared when she turned 7. Well, she reminded me of her desire and we decided to go get it done. I asked if she was sure she wanted to do this. She said, "Yes!" What a trooper! No tears! I still haven't worked up my own nerve yet.

Gavin is 1

A year ago, I was taking my daughters to a dance recital hoping that I wouldn't go into labor so far from the hospital. I was over three weeks early, but I knew Gavin was coming soon. The next day, we went to College Station just in case and the girls went to Grandma's house for the week. Sunday night I got a migraine that just wouldn't go away. The next morning I went to my appointment and after discovering my blood pressure had sky rocketed, the doctor informed us that we were going to induce. My baby boy came into the world later that afternoon on June 16th.
I must admit I was a bit intimidated to raise a son. But Gavin has been a darling little boy and a joy in our home. His sweet hugs, flirty smile and sparkling eyes make him hard to resist. What a cutie! We're so lucky to have him in our family. Happy 1st Birthday Gavin!

Jhonny got a job

Jhonny verbally accepted an offer from Cameron's Ben Milam elementary school to be a bilingual kindergarten teacher next year. We are happy for the good news and hoping all goes well for him as a first year teacher.
Now it's just left to me to find something to help supplement the family income while he pursues this new career.
Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers.