Pride Award

Ryley won the "Pride Award" for Kindergarten. There was this big ceremony at school and she was called up on stage and it was all a big surprise. It may not seem like a big deal, but we are so proud of her. Ry was too cute. She told me that she kept hoping they were not going to call her name because she didn't want to have to get up on stage. Well, they did call her name and she did get up on stage with confidence and a big smile! Her brothers were there to cheer her on and daddy being home was a huge bonus!!

When did she grow up? I still remember holding her in the hospital with those big beautiful brown eyes just looking at me.

Daddy's home

To my kids, having daddy home for a day is an unbelievable treat. There are no words to explain the excitement of having daddy home for a whole week! We are in luck this week! There are no major plans though. No beach vacation or Disney getaway; no camping trips to Lake George or swim outings to Great Wolf lodge. Although those getaways and vacations are always a blast and treasured; we don't always need that. Sometimes just a plain old week off suits us fine. This morning, Joe even said he could get used to a life of just being home and enjoying his family.

Ryley is in heaven. She crawls into bed and cuddles up each morning. Daddy has been driving her to school each day. She has an extra 30 minutes to run around with her brothers(boy, am I in trouble next week!)

Joey and Owen have also enjoyed their rides to school in the jeep of course.

TJ just gets that extra dose of attention and has extra hugs to give out. Boy, is he affectionate!

So our week has consisted so far of cozy mornings, very special rides to school, extra good lunches, movies at night, a first concert for Ryley (in the box of course) an exciting trip to build - a - bear for Joey . . and it's only Wednesday!

Holding hands

I am not sure when this ends, but as long as my kids will hold my hand, I will love every second of it. TJ loves to hold hands. TJ makes me feel like I am the most important person in the world. He gives these hugs that are filled with such love. If you receive one of these hugs, you are a lucky person. Just knowing TJ makes you lucky!

My girl

Just look at her. That is my daughter. That is my Ryley girl.

She has this amazing spirit. You have to smile when you see her.

Her laugh is contagious and she is just so sweet.

She is smart, sometimes shy, yet has a tough side.

She can be bossy, especially with her brothers, but will give in because she is so compassionate and wants them to be happy. She has a heart of gold.

She has a sassy side of her that I love.

Ryley makes me smile every day. She is an incredible person.

Saturdays

Every morning, I wake up to. "Mommy, what day is it?"

Owen - Do I have school? I don't . . yeah!!! does Joey have school? Is daddy home?

Ryley - Is today Saturday? Is daddy going to work? Can I stay home? Why can't Kindergarten be half day?

Joey - Mommy, I love you! He says it every morning. Then, "daddy, do you have work today?

TJ - he just wraps his arms around me and kisses me and smiles at me like I am the best thing in the world. I will never get tired of that.

On Saturday, the best news the Dargan kids hear is that daddy is home! They usually burst into cheers of hooray!

On Saturdays, we lounge in bed longer, stay in our PJ's a little later, hang around the breakfast table an extra 20 minutes and just take our time. It is our favorite day, because we are all together; we get to do what we want; and did I say daddy is home!

Trick or treat number 4

Well, Owen and Joey successfully completed their parades. Now for the princess. Ryley marched in her Kindergarten Halloween parade. First of all, we picked Ryley up for lunch before her parade so she could see Joey. She is so sweet! She was so excited to see him. She was also very excited to get back to school and march in her own! She looked adorable and had such an innocent and excited smile on her face. Our day ended with another ragamuffin parade at 6:00 in the cold. Joey once again wore his costume proudly and shivered his way through the parade. Once again, the cold did not affect him, as long as everyone saw him dressed up as Spider man. He didn't wear his mask and was a little shocked that everyone knew who he was! You just have to love their innocence.

Finally on Sunday, it was Halloween. The kids had a blast trick or treating. They were proud to show off their costumes to GG and Grandpa. We had a great week and a lot of fun but I have to say that I am a little happy to put their costumes away for a little while.

Trick or Treat time for Joey

Well, Owen made it through his parade. There was a look of fear on his face the whole time but he did it. I am very proud of him! Then there is Joey. Joey smiled so much that it made me laugh the whole time. He is so happy and proud. He loved every minute of the parade and loved every second of attention. He walked out first as happy as can be and sang the loudest at his class party. He knew every word of every song and just enjoyed putting on a show. He is just filled with passion. Ryley came to watch him and after his songs, he received a big hug from his big sister.