Quinton is 3

Our little man has turned 3.  I am in a bit of denial on this one, just looking at that cute little face I can almost convince myself it didn't happen and that he is still 2.  But then he so efficiently reminds me, "Mom, I'm 3 now, I'm a big boy".  Oh yes, that's right buddy, and you are the sweetest little 3 year old ever!

We celebrated twice for this occasion as we were on family vacation with my family just before the big day and then with Chris' on his actual birthday.  

Quinton, we love you so much and are so proud of the boy you are becoming.  While you are stubborn and hard headed you also have the sweetest most sensitive little heart.  You are the cuddler of the family and I love that you always choose me each night to snuggle with (no offense Daddy).  You have changed so much over the last year!  Your vocabulary is awesome and you are amazing me all the time with what you pick up.  I can't wait to see what this year holds.

All our love,

Mommy and Daddy

Mix, Pour, Find a Cure

This past weekend was National lemonade days for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.  In 2000 a little girl named Alex was diagnosed with Cancer and she and her brothers held their first Lemonade stand to raise money for kids with Cancer.  As of this year they, along with thousands of other kids around the country, have donated over 60 million to Cancer research and the care of children and their families struggling with Cancer.

We were introduced to Alex through a book her parents wrote after her passing to help other children understand her story.  A few weeks ago Shayden and I were reading it and I started to talk to him about how we could get involved, what he could do to make an impact and help other children.  It took about .1 seconds for him to decide we were DEFINITELY doing a lemonade stand and how could we get started!

So this past weekend we held our first lemonade stand along with 1,350 other stands across the nation.  And let me tell you, it was a total success.  My heart was literally bursting with joy to watch my little ones so eager to serve everyone that came.  Shayden and Quinton were a great team dumping ice and filling up cups.  While Quinton and Sutton were forced to take afternoon naps, Shayden stood strong by the stand the entire time and didn't allow a single cup to be served by anyone but him or Quinton.  He was gracious, kind and fully engaged...it was awesome!

Our goal was to raise $100, a small but mighty amount.  We were blown away by all our family, friends and neighbors who generously gave and have brought our total to over $500.  Shayden was thrilled and wanted to know if we could drive it to a hospital right away!  

Thank you to everyone who shared in this event with us.  Not only did you give to a great cause but you instilled community, faith and the heart of service into my children and I am forever grateful.  

 

Mixing up our lemonade

 

Our first customer - stopped on his 8 mile run

 

Team Testa

 

One very proud little boy

To learn more visit AlexsLemonade.org

7 Years

Chris and I have been married for 7 years....YEAH!

I don't know why but this anniversary didn't jump out and excite me.  We have had such a great year and have had so many highlights and awesome times together that I didn't need just one day to be excited about our last year together...does that make any sense?  I'm not even sure it does, but in my head it rings true.

I have an awesome husband, he is truly amazing.  And every year our love, marriage, family and life just keeps growing and getting better.  Is it all roses and romantic dates - um NO...absolutely not, trust me we have our moments/days just like everyone else.  But what is true and what is always the case with us, in the end none of that matters.  In the end of each day we have each other and we both now that no matter WHAT (literally) it will be that way until the good Lord decides otherwise.

That's a pretty amazing feeling and one that I don't take for granted.

So yes, today is our Anniversary, but in reality its just another Monday of being in the best marriage ever and to the greatest guy I could have.

Love you Chris...and sorry I forgot a card this year.  :)

 

April

The month of April in review

...it's been busy, and that about wraps it up.  Okay, okay that's why I have this blog...to force me to take a moment and recap.  Where to start?

The whole fam got to visit Daddy at work...YEAH!  After over a year at Paychex we finally had a real work lunch with Daddy and visited his office.  The kids had a tour of his space, met some of his office buddies and explored his cubicle.  The boys were in love and cannot wait to go back.

We had landscaping work done by Uncle Kathan.  Which meant machines, "workermen" and plenty of fresh air.  It was sad to see the large Ash tree cut down but a remarkable process to watch.  The tree climber said it was one of the largest he has cut and it definitely gave him a workout.  The 4 foot long chainsaw blade could not make it through the trunk - incredible.  I counted 108 rings in the trunk and am pretty confident I missed a few.

 

 Also this month Sutton accomplished rolling over from her back to her belly...yeah!  Seems like no big deal right, but this is HUGE people.  Now when she wakes in the middle of the night on her back she no longer has to scream until I run upstairs and flip her...she can just roll right on back to sleep.  Ahhhh sweet success.