The Sugden Kids: A Week of Firsts

This past week was full of bitter sweet firsts! AJ had his first day of preschool... although it was not his first, first day of preschool.... it was the first time he's enjoyed it! At the last minute I switched his school, and I'm so glad we did because it really is a great fit! It's a Christian preschool, which originally was the reason I didn't pick it... I was nervous about what they would teach him. I'm very nervous about other's teaching religion or faith based lessons to my children as so often they focus on the fear and not the love of God. God is watching you, knows if you're naughty, etc.... I suppose that could work in my favor, but still... a little creepy from a childs perspective I think. But anyhow, I'm more open to the teaching of Christ now that I'm a Christian... and actually welcome the assistance in the area... since I am no pro!
Jack is so envious of his big brother, and really wishes he could go to school too! We are trying to get him into early intervention preschool for his speech delay, but the process is proving to be a slow and tedious one at best!
Maddie had her 1st Birthday on Saturday and Jeff worked a short day so he could join us for the party. A small intimate gathering with the neighbors, in our yard. We had pizza and princess cake... and she was as happy as could be with that! I asked Daddy to pick up 7 balloons, one for each child... and he of course came home with twice that, and an extra special one that cost a fortune, huge... and other goodies! I had to smile and chuckle.... not sure why I might have expected any different, she is Daddy's little princess... and nothing is too good! It warms my heart to see! And she loved her balloons... her excited squeals as she would pause between bites to reach for them! It was darling!
She made out like a bandit, thanks family for all the great gifts you sent in honor of her day! She absolutely loves everything! Such a fun age right now, she's developing such a personality. Dishing out kisses (open mouthed wet ones of course) but kisses none the less, and she's full of squeals and giggles! She pulls herself up on everything she can and gets around quick! A matter of time now before she is walking! I just can't believe our baby is 1~ And our last baby at that... makes me a little sad! Bust so happy too! Happy to be heading on to the next chapter in our lives.... enjoying them now that they're out of the infantile stages!

Next week is Jeff's 36th Birthday, and he has taken the week off on vacation. We're going to Wisconsin Dells where we've rented a condo for 4 days... they have really fun theme parks and water parks, all indoors, so your fun is not contingent upon the good weather! We are looking forward to getting away with the kids for some fun and enjoying Jeff's Birthday as a family. Then, it's Halloween time, fall festivals and harvest! Such a fun time of year! We are looking forward to a visit at the end of October from Mark and Tricia and another visit from my Mom, Grandma Cindy... at the end of November! So many things to look forward to!

Jeff is still working his tail off at work as the General Manager with out the pay or title.... which is exhausting.... but we're hopeful for the best and praying that if and when the spot is open for sure, that it'll finnally be his!
We're just grateful he still has his job at the moment as there are a lot of uncertainties with the company now. They just filed Chpater 11 and are selling to Canyon Capital Advisors.... hoping the original owner buys us back in court before the case is closed. It will be interesting to see what evolves of it all... we are hoping and praying for the best! They say the economy is improving, I hope they are right... so far, I don't see it.

But hey, we've got each other, and our health... not much else matters anyhow!
Sending our love! Missing you all!

Poor lil' guy, look at this nervous expression on his
face as he goes to enter the classroom and leave his
mama! He did it though, tear free!! So proud of my Boy!