What does it mean when...

your 2 year old says, "Mommy, you know, You are REALLY driving me crazy!"?

Yep. He did say that...and most likely he heard it straight from my own mouth. Nice.

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Indian Canyons

After a great morning watching Emerson perform, we decided we couldn't be inside the rest of the day. Jeff's dad and Kathy were in town visiting for the weekend, so we decided to go for a hike in Indian Canyons, in northern Palm Springs. We couldn't have asked for better weather to enjoy this beautiful hike.

I have actually been to Indian Canyons with my 3rd graders for three years in a row now. Jeff had never been there, so it was fun to be able to show him all I have learned from going up there many times before. Emerson even enjoyed getting out and having her first real hike in nature.

The hike is only about 1 mile long. It runs in the middle of an amazing desert oasis where the Cahuilla Indians used to seek refuge from the desert heat. At this time of year the waterfalls are flowing and you can see why the Indians loved this place so much.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Spring Performance

Our Little Polar Bear

Emerson's preschool has "Reader's Theatre" performance every so often. The student's usually sing a song that they have been working on in class. Well, their Spring performance is the grandest of all. So grand, that it was not even held at school, but at a local resort hotel. The title of the performance was "The Teddy Bear Picnic". Each class has a song and dance routine to tell part of the story. Emerson's class did the "Polar Bear Stomp". And for a shameless brag, our little girl, knew ALL the steps, without missing a beat. It was so cute!!! What a great excuse to miss work!Can you find her?

Lots of love,

The Grady's

I think it is safe to say...

that we have a little boy is officially potty trained!!!! HOORAY!

Of course, if he is anything like Emma, he will be in a diaper at night until he is 5! LOL!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Could it be...

I am being quite cautious, but optimistic.....but two days now, diapers only at nap time and bed time....not one accident....
Could it be the end of diapers in our house???

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Two Doctors, one day

Brennan had TWO Dr. appts. today. First we headed to see Dr. Hashmi, our favorite pediatric cardiologist. After waiting for almost an hour in the waiting room (sadly, he has too many heart babies to tend to), we finally made it into the first of the three exam rooms. I always dread these appts. for the simple fact that I know they are going to be long and they are going to do things that Brennan won't especially like. But, today Brennan was a dream, a real trooper. The echocardiogram was great, he was perfectly still for the EKG, got his blood pressure on the first try (unlike when he was a baby and we tried 5 times and finally gave up), and he held super still for Dr. Hashmi to check his pulse points. When all of that was done, Dr. Hashmi's conclusion, PERFECT! Our little man is doing great! His aortic arch (the surgically repaired piece) is growing very well, the "leaky" valve is holding strong, and blood pressures are all equal. We had a long talk about the "future" and what that will entail for Brennan's health. We will continue seeing Dr. Hashmi every year. We will also continue to watch the progress of the arch as he grows, as well as the valve. He has a 10% chance of needed a balloon catherization to open the arch if it constricts again (we already know how Brennan LOVES to fall in that 10%), and a fairly good chance of eventually needing a valve replacement when he gets older. But, right now, Brennan has a perfectly healthy heart! And to think that the scar we see everyday, the one that has faded to almost nothing (can you see it?), is becoming more and more a distant memory.
If that appt. wasn't enough, we also saw the ENT specialist about Brennan's ear tubes. Wouldn't you know it, the tube in his left ear has come out! Part of me was super excited, until the Dr. said...that he already has fluid buildup behind the ear drum. Great. So, he is on another course of darn antibiotics (we just finished some two weeks ago). And we will go back to have it checked in 4 weeks, as well as have a hearing test. But, the right ear looks great, tube still in place. Brennan's speech has improved immensely since the tubes were placed and I certainly do not want to take any steps back in that area.

So, it was quite an eventful day for our little guy. He was amazing all day, no one tear for any Dr.! He even sat all by himself in the big exam chair at the ENT office today. Wow, he sure is growing up fast! So after a long day...this is how he relaxes.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Spring Break!

You remember when you were younger and spring break meant hanging out with friends, lounging by the pool, sleeping in, and doing whatever you wanted? Well, I really tried hard to snag a bit of the ol' Spring Break this past week, succeeding just a bit!


Having a week off was wonderful, although it went way too fast. The week started with a birthday party at Pump it Up, then a play date at Pump it Up, a trip to San Diego, a dinner with friends, and finally another birthday party! Phew!!!! But we did find time for lounging by the pool, hanging out with friends, and sleeping in....oh wait, there certainly wasn't any of that with my early risers around!

Our trip to San Diego was great! Nice hotel, complete with spacious rooms and free breakfast, a day at the beach and a day at Legoland. A perfect little retreat for all of us!
Here are a few pics to show off our fun.

"So I am supposed to go IN the water?"

Waiting in line....did that a lot at Legoland!

Is that the "cheesiest" smile ever????

Lots of love,

The Grady's

hoppy Easter!

We had a beautiful Easter this year. We woke up and headed out to church early. Little did we know that about 1,000 other people thought the early mass was the one to go to. We ended up sitting in the parish hall, because the church was completely packed, as well as the outdoor courtyard. But it was a beautiful service despite the cramped quarters. Then we headed to the Easter Egg Hunt with the Blacks.

Lots of eggs to be found!

Following the hunt we headed to my parent's house for a leisurely day of food, lounging by the pool (it was 91 degrees!) and watching basketball. It was a great way to celebrate in my opinion!

We hope your Easter was memorable as well!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Holidays= Injuries

So it wasn't until Tad brought it to my attention, but obviously holidays and Brennan don't mix. Let's back track a little:

• Birthday 05/05/05(that's a holiday right?), open heart surgeries
• St. Patrick's Day 2007, 6 hours at hospital with severe eye bruising and possible face fractures
• Christmas 2007, split skin open above eye after falling off the couch.
• Fast forward to Easter 2008, yes today and here we go again.

He slipped while getting out of the bathtub. He was standing up so I could get him out and smacked his chin on the side of the tub. I truly thought he had knocked some teeth out, but nope just decided to spilt his chin open instead. I think we are good with the liquid band aid and a butterfly band aid to keep his adorable face intact. So does he just need to be in a little bubble on holidays now?

Lots of love,
The Grady's

P.S. Easter details and pictures to come later...

The sweetest thing

I was tucking Emerson into bed, Brennan already in bed, our usual routine. When from down the hall I hear...

B: "Now I whay me, down to sweep"..."I pway the Lord, my soul to keep"

E: Is that Brennan saying prayers?????

M: Yes, sure sounds like it (all the while I am astounded he is practicing on his own!)

B: "As angels watch me, frew the night, untwil I wake in morning light" "AMEN!!!!"

E: (whispering) "Wow, mommy he did good!"

M: "I know!" (a little teary, he really was listening all those times!)

B: "In the name of the Father, Son,..............................Holy Spirit. AMEN!"

then silence again....

Lots of love,
The Grady's

May the luck of the Irish...

Erin Go Braugh!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

It's been awhile

since I have posted some recent pictures of the kiddos...so here you go!

A beautiful sunny day, I couldn't resist.

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Excuse my soapbox

I need to get on my soapbox for a moment...and I might just have to use my teacher's voice as well. My school district is one of many being affected by our state's budget cuts. We have a $13.4 million deficit that needs to be figured out. There have been many things that have been thrown on the bargaining table including cutting sports programs, counselors, extracurricular programs at the middle and high schools, taking away yearly raises for teachers, etc.

But, two things on the proverbial table really make me angry. First, they are proposing getting rid of 3rd grade class size reduction and possibly continuing that on down to 2nd and 1st grades as well. For those of you who don't know, at this time K-3 has a class size ratio of 20 to 1. With the removal of this, we would be allowed to have 35 students in each classroom, which is currently the limit in the 4th and 5th grades. They wonder why we struggle with raising CST test scores each year, and then they think that adding another 15 students into our classes will be a good solution to their budget issue...doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize that that is completely ludacris. Second, an even more disheartening option, is the release of potentially 118 teachers, because they are "not tenured" in the district. Meaning they haven't worked for 2 complete school years. I know many teachers and friends that fall in this category. It sickens me to think that some 70 year old teacher is keeping their job, even though they certainly don't have the heart for it anymore, and someone who just so happens to be "fresh meat" is being shoved out the door. Yet, there has been no mention of the fact that administration at the district level all make 6-figure salaries that certianly could be cut. Yet, we should consider compromising our student's education because they can't find other places to cut their "budget".

I read a quote tonight from a retired teacher that really hit home. She said "To run a school it takes two elements, students and teachers. If you do away with the student or the teacher, you no longer have a school.". She is very right. Yes, I realize that we will still have teachers, but can we really do our jobs if we are outnumbered by 35 to 1? Can we do our jobs if the student's are so crammed in classrooms that they don't have room to think? Can we really do our jobs if we are continued to be looked at as the first "logical" cut in a budget? Sure makes me feel appreciated.

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Random

1. Today is a gorgeous day outside, cannot believe that summer is almost here...not sure I am ready for 100+ degree temperatures.
2. I have been doing laundry for two days now and am still not done, how do 4 people dirty so many things?
3. I love mellow weekends, just hanging out with friends. Such a great time.
4. I don't really understand why Brennan needs to wear ear plugs while he has tubes in his ears. Aren't the tubes there to drain extra fluid out? So, why prevent fluid from going in, if there is not a problem in it coming back out?
5. I am dreading this week of work, I have this weird sense it is going to be a long one.
6. Jeff leaves Wed. morning for FL, I sure hope the kiddos are feeling like they want to be nice to mommy, because 5 days as a single parent is going to be tough.
7. Today is the first day in a week that I haven't had a headache and all I can say, it is heaven.
8. Can you believe we change our clocks next weekend? How great to have another hour of light at night, the kids will love that.
9. Is it weird that I am basically talking to myself right now, lol?!?
10. (just for Paige), I saw a t-shirt a few weeks back that I am still talking about because it just makes me laugh. Some big guy wearing a shirt that said "The village called, they need their IDIOT back"....(remember the book written by Hillary Clinton)

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Girls, girls, girls

This past weekend Tiffany and I headed up to Lake Arrowhead to have a girl's weekend with some moms from Emerson and Kaitlyn's school. We drove up Friday after work, straight into a nice winter storm. We were prepared for snow, ice, rain, whatever was handed to us....except the dense fog that we encountered. I have driven in fog hundreds of times, I mean we lived in Northern CA for years. But, I have never seen anything like this. You know it is bad when you can't see the hood of your own car and you are driving by the yellow dots on the left and the guardrail on the right. We made it to the top of the mountain and to our friend's house in a little over 2 hours.
The rest of the weekend was a lot less eventful, and an all around great time. We played board games, Wii, watched movies, and talked about anything you can imagine. What a great way to really get to know some of the other moms.
Can't wait to do it again!!!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Conversations with a 2 year old

Me: "Let's get you in your car seat."
Brennan: "No, ME do it!" (gotta love being 2!)
Me: "Fine, you do it, but we need to hurry."
Brennan: ...taking his sweet time getting up into the seat...
Me: "Okay, B, we gotta hurry, Mommy needs to go to work" (finally in his seat, while I am buckling him
Brennan: "But, Mama, if you go to work, who is going to drive the car?"
Me: "Well, you are!"
Brennan: "I, not big enough to drive, might crash."
Me: "Oh, okay, I guess I can drive today then." (close his door and walk around to the front)
Brennan: laughing, making car noises...."Me driving, Mama!!!!.....CRASH, Uh-Oh!"
Me: laughing...."Guess Mommy should drive, huh?"
Brennan: "Yes, please!"

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Happiest Bday on Earth!

Saturday afternoon we drove over to Anaheim with the Black's on our way to Disneyland. We met up with the Butier family, all to celebrate Mason and Kaitlyn's 5th birthdays. See, Mason and Kaitlyn were born literally 7 hours apart, on different days, 5 years ago. So, there was only way to celebrate their special days, and that would be at the happiest place on earth!
We had a great dinner at Joe's Crabshack Saturday night. That particular restaurant is a parent's dream dining place! It has a full-size playground on the premises, completely fenced in and visible during your meal. It is awesome!
Sunday we all headed into CA Adventure park for a fun filled day with rides, shows, and amusement park food. With the exception of a yummy Princess Lunch at Ariel's Grotto. The lunch was complete with apperances from 5 princesses!
You can imagine that our drive home Sunday was very quiet, all but the driver (ME!) was sound asleep before we even got onto the freeway.
Happy 5th birthdays, Mason and Kaitlyn!

Lots of love,
The Grady's

Happy Heart Day!!!

Hearts, flowers, cards, candies, balloons, stuffed bears...

This is LOVE to me!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Cogential Heart Defect Awareness Week

February 7-14, 2008 has been named "Cogential Heart Defect Awareness Week". As you can imagine, this awareness week, is important to us. Please take some time this week to tell someone about this important week and what it means. Here are a couple of important facts to remember:

• 1 in every 100 babies is born with some form of a heart defect
• The cause of most heart defects is unknown, this is the reason why more research is needed.
• Most defects are not diagnosed right at birth, but often days and weeks later.
• CHD is the most frequently occuring defect in babies and the leading cause of birth defect related deaths.
• Most defects can be treated through surgery or dr. observations, although some can never be "cured".

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to bring families, health professionals, and local organizations together, and to draw attention to the needs of the congenital heart community. For more information you can look at http://www.tchin.org/

Lots of love,

The Grady's

Randomness

Wow, it has been some time since I have been here to post something...guess we have just been very busy with the craziness of daily life.
So I thought I share some of our randomness...

• Jeff took me away for a couple days to San Diego and Huntington Beach for my birthday. It was a great, few relaxing days just eating, shopping, watching the Superbowl and being by the beach.
• Emerson continues to love school and comes home each day with a handful of pages that she has worked hard on. She is now writing her first and last name so well!
• Brennan loves his blanket and elephant, yes a little stuffed elephant that goes EVERYWHERE with us. He is truly Charlie Brown's friend Linus, complete with thumb in the mouth.
• Took a field trip with my class yesterday up the Palm Springs Tramway. There was 2 feet of snow on the ground, and I think the teacher's had more fun than the kids!
• One of my best friends, Carrie, had a beautiful baby boy last night. I am SO excited for her!
• Jeff and Signarama just opened a brand new, 2nd location this past week. He has been very busy lately, but it is so exciting.
• I have a mountain of laundry to tackle this weekend....and often wonder where we accumulate all the dirty clothes!

Have a great weekend!

Lots of love,

The Grady's