Our newest addition.

Layla Belle Sparks.

Tuesday evening I told the kids that Darrin had to go inspect a house and we were going to ride with him, after much complaining we finally arrived. Out of the house came a man carrying our sweet Layla and Nicholas' eyes lit up. He couldn't believe it. Lucy asked if she were a poodle and if we could name her Santa Claus. She is a 7 week old, german shepherd pup. We took her for her first round of shots saturday, she got a clean bill of health. The vet said she had a good disposition and was going to be very large. Delilah seems to really like her as well, i think she is glad to have a friend again, she really misses Sampson.

Another down...Many more to go.

Lucy lost her fourth tooth this past week. She pulled it herself as she has done the others. The tooth fairy brought her 50 cents. The thing about Lucy is whether it was 50 cents or $50 she would have been happy. She did tell me later in the week on the way to school that when one of her friends lost his tooth she was going to give him her 50 cents. That he was one of her friends and that is what she wanted to do. What a great heart. I am attaching a picture for all my far-away family to see, Lucy has shown everyone here over and over again. She is so proud.

(of course lucy did not have clothes on in this pic, it was the weekend and she rarely does)

Yes, Disney Again

and yes it was an incredible time. you would think after so many trips we would be bored out of our minds but not us. Besides being lucky enough to go on my birthday, (which disney gave me a $75 giftcard to spend on me woo-hoo) it was ESPN weekend. Hollywood Studios was packed with athletes, broadcasters and events to participate in. The kids loved it, they got to play some b-ball, nicholas took part in the 3 point shootout, bmx event, and they all got tennis lessons. Mix in the rockin rollercoaster and 75 degree weather and you couldn't have a better vacation. Lucy's favorite part of the trip was the roller coasters, Nicholas' the ESPN events, and Jack loved the buses and Buzz & Woody. We are counting down to October to celebrate again when Nicholas turns 13....

lucyism's

Kids say the darndest things, we know that to be true. I learn so much from my kids whether it comes from what they hear or what they just come up with. Nicholas tells me things that warrant me keeping him in the imaginary bubble that he is residing in. I am so glad, and thankful he is honest with me but on the same note it terrifies me. Its sad when the innocence goes away and the reality sets in with their comments. Anywho- my whole point of this entry was to share what lucy has said to me this past week.



1- cows have gutters (if you don't beleive her, just ask her, her response is hysterical)



2- if you wear a pencil behind your ear, you are a mexican.



She shared comment #2 with her teacher who said she almost fell out of her chair. You have to love Lucy!!!

Happy Birthday

the real kids

the favorite kids

Saturday we had our annual birthday celebration for my sister, myself and my dad. We went to my parents house for some delicious lasanga and great company. We never get to spend enough time with my parents. The kids had fun, they loved playing with my parents new kids, Bonnie & Clyde.

Lucy and Katie dressed their best for the occasion.

Be Mine

Lucy had her valentine party at school friday. They played musical chairs, sung a valentine song, had treats (way too much sugar) then opened valentines. She addressed her valentines herself this year.

Jack celebrated at Ms Shannons with a special valentine lunch. We were happy he was able to go, he had been up all thursday night, with his first ear infection since his tubes last february.

Nicholas stayed girlfriend free this valentine. His choice of course.....

Happy Friday

We made reservations a few weeks ago to have dinner tonight with the kids at Brasstown Valley Resort. It worked out well, we had alot to celebrate. I went to the doctor yesterday for a one year followup visit for a lump removal. Though i knew deep down all was okay,(Thanks all to the good Lord!) it was still a surreal experience that i never want to go through again. I learned last year when all this happened that there is nothing more important than family, even though that is something i have always held dear, it really really put it in perspective, something i think that cannot be explained until you experience it. You realize that life is short, really short, and that the time you are here you better do what you can with it. Live right, love your kids, be nice to everyone especially the ones who are not nice back, don't gossip. All that being said, I wanted this february to be great, so we celebrated at Brasstown and then surprised the kids by giving them luggage tags that read "Pack your bags, we're going to Disneyworld, Feb 24-March 1" because where else does a Sparks go to celebrate!!!! Yes, it is horrible economic times and sure we have all kinds of bills to pay, but like i said life is short and we are going to have a great time and magical memories.