Graduation

Courtney is now a graduate of Madison Creek Elementary and headed to middle school at TW Hunter! Here in Tn, elem school is from K-5 instead of 6th like in Fresno.

Courtney's 5th grade class had a ceremony the night before the last day of school. They marched in to Pomp and Circumstance, handed out "diplomas" and sang a cute song on how they could be anything "I'm gonna be..." There were refreshments and punch afterward for the class of 2017.

Courtney and her awesome 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Sanders. We have been blessed to have some of the best teachers at Madison Creek!

Great job Courtney! We love you and are proud of your hard work and the sweet young lady you are growing into.

Photo Shoot and Books

I attempted to have a little home version of a photo shoot to capture JT at 11 months. I enjoy doing this from time to time and I really thought JT was looking so cute in his little polo this day. However, my busy baby boy was not in the mood to sit still and pose for Mommy. I did manage to get some good shots, which do capture the very essence of JT- on the move all the time, cheesy open mouth smiles, and squeals.

JT did slow down for a bit to read some books. This month he really started to take greater interest in reading. I love it! This has been something that has always been a big part of our family- daily reading of books from a young age. JT might chew on his books more than look at them, but he will sit quietly on our laps for several shorter books each day and listen to the story and look at the pictures. Some of his current favorites are Goodnight Moon, Father and Son, and picture books for babies.

Just Videos

I'm going to do my best at posting several videos of JT. Blogger has a mind of its own- some days the videos upload quick, others slow, and for some they never upload at all :( These are a few of my favorite JT videos of the past month.



This is a video of JT making razzberries-something he figured out about a week ago.

These next two videos are of JT playing Peek A Boo and another of him relaxing across my legs at the end of the evening. JT and sitting/laying still besides sleeping is a rare moment- so glad I captured it!

Last month of babyhood

May marks the last month JT will officially be called an infant. This time next month after we celebrate his 1st birthday, he will move on to being a toddler- but he will always be my "baby" :)

John Thomas continues to be the master walker now, with almost all aspects of crawling gone. He now can get to a standing position from the floor by squatting up- no need to use furniture or the wall to assist him. He is also now quite quick at his walking.

I don't really have any idea of how much he weighs or how tall he is right now- his next well check will be after he turns 1. I'm guessing that he's at least 25 pounds though.

Since having his ear tubes placed a little over a month ago, we have seen JT's verbal abilities continue to improve. He babbles nonsense much more than before- a huge blessing and sign that his hearing has improved. JT's non verbal communication is progressing. He can now give kisses when asked- nice big open mouth slobber ones--He can also play peek a boo and imitate us when we do arms raised in the air. One of my favorite things he does right now is he will either crawl up to a pillow on the ground, or walk to the edge of the couch and place his head down like he's sleeping. He flashes this sweet smile at us like he knows how adorable he's being right then!

Here are some pictures showcasing some of JT doing life

This video is of JT walking on our trampoline for the first time.

Sarah's Big Week

This past week was a very eventfull for our oldest, Sarah.

Not going in order, but probably of the most importance (in my eyes at least!) Sarah has her AP U.S.History exam. This exam determines if she will get the college credit she has worked so hard for all year long. It doesn't matter how hard, how well, what grades she earned during the entire school year- it all boils down to 1 test! Talk about pressure!!!

Sarah had been studying for her "APUSH" test for several weeks. Reading, taking practice tests, doing practices essays in class, more reading, preparing flash cards, and yet again MORE reading! Sarah so impressed both John and myself for the discipline she has toward school. I can't think of a time where we have ever told her to go study or do her work. Its just something God so graciously blessed her with. Her test for APUSH was Thursday morning from 8-12- yes a four hour test!!! I know she had a big weight lifted when she completed that test. Crazy thing is, she won't get the results until mid July!!! I guess it takes time for the judges to read over all of the tests as there were 3 written portions in addition to multiple choice.

The first major event of the week is Sarah got her Driver's License!!! She took the test Wednesday morning. John took her early to become familiar with the testing area, its about 30 minutes from here. I waited at home nervous, praying she wouldn't fail. It only took about 10 minutes for the test and she passed!!! The only thing the examiminer told John is that she was a bit cautious after they went around a dumpster, but she would rather her be cautious than wreckless. Amen to that! So now, we have new found freedom for Sarah. To me, I feel more of my child slipping away and growing up- snif . While that is true, I am so excited for Sarah.

Lastly Sarah had her first prom this weekend!!! I think the most fun event capped off a pretty stressful week. Sarah looked absolutly beautiful in her strapless floral short dress. It looked so youthful and fun! We had a great time painting nails, applying sunless spray as to not be too pale, and then she had her friend, Marki, come over to help with hair and makeup. Sarah's date Doug looked handsome and did a great job with matching tie and vest to the color of the flowers in Sarah's dress. We took lots of pics here, then they went back to Doug's for pics there, then off to downtown for group pics with some friends, and then finally off to dinner with yet a different group of friends! They had a great time at the Prom and then around midnight when it ended, a group of them came back to our house for some after Prom fun, games, and food. We did send the boys packing around 3 am though :)

The next day Sarah and Doug become "facebook official". For those of you not in the know, that means they are now boyfriend/girlfriend and it says on each of their facebook profiles "in a relationship with Sarah Apedaile"- well Doug's says that! LOL! I hope I'm not being too embarrassing to Sarah by putting it out here on our blog, but I did want to capture this moment for me to remember. Doug is all a parent could wish for their daughter- smart, plays sports, in student council, and above all else loves God! I hope these two enjoy their time together :)