Mom - HELP ME!

Mother - haven't you learned?  He has a tendancy to bite!

Backyard pools, best friends and just a grand ol time!

We enjoyed such a fun weekend in Austin for Memorial Day with the Hilton's.  Luke and Avery played to their hearts content.  They wore out the parentals - but we had a blast!

So,... are we supposed to play together now??  Well - at least we both have our crocs on.

 Time for some backyard pool time.

 Look at this precious chubby one's legs.  Love those sweet wads of love. :)

Nothing like getting splashed by dad!

 Our dearest Ann and Dave Hilton.

 Woo hoo - a backyard shower!

 Wow - that was a serious dousing of H20!

 Is that an airplane I hear?

 Oops - dad got me again!

 Luke's been hoping for Avery to join him!

 Nope, not happenin.  Avery's not interested in swimming today.

 No problem.  I'll take a break too and go for a ride in Av's car. 

 Our little smiley Lina having a grand ol time in her towel!

So sweet.

 We were sad about something but we are never too sad for a "CHEESE" moment with momma.

 Avery checking on her baby.

 Happy Memorial Day!!

We're pooped! Memorial Day is a busy day alright!

Such fun!!

One Year Ago...This Weekend

Memorial Day weekend 2011 - Joe came back from Afghanistan.  Going to his homecoming was definitely one of the top 5 most special days in my lifetime so far.  Obviously - marrying Benjamin and the birth of my precious babes are tops!  But, being there for Joe's homecoming was an incredible, unforgettable experience.  Watching the men and women who give up SO much for us finally come home and run into the open arms of their families - I cannot possibly give that moment true justice by describing it on my blog... 

I will never forget the roaring sound of the motorcycles leading in the buses of the servicemen and women.  On the motorcycles were veterans who fly their American flags high as they so proudly lead in their guests of honor.  I will never forget the sound of the brakes of those buses and "The Boys are Back in Town" playing loudly from the speakers at Camp Lejeune.  Off came the troops, one by one... until they found who they were looking for.  Little Luke - just 7 months old... sick with pneumonia - but there to meet his uncle for the first time.  And, of course, giving my little brother a HUGE hug after he found his cheering section. 

Here is a look at the videos I took of that day... (Part 1 and Part 2)

Thank you Joe and ALL of the military troops who give SO much to serve us - more than I could every truly understand!  I am so proud to be married to a veteran and to have many friends and family who have served or are serving.  Happy Memorial Day!  I am thinking of you SO much!

The cutest little Memorial Day crew!

Avery, Luke and lil Caroline... enjoying a Memorial Day Sunday in their red, white and blue.

Wacky for Wedges!

Coming soon at fibi&clo.  www.fibiandclo.com  $60!  Aren't these fabulous?!

ZZZzzzz...

 After 4 long nights, my sweet little Luke is finally better.  I am so glad that he is no longer in pain and his fever is controlled and pretty much gone.  Now for the leftover symptoms... SUPER large amounts of sleep deprivation.

This is a exactly how I felt this morning.  Thank you MOM for watching Luke today so I could catch some Zzzz....  Caroline must have been tired too because she slept longer than I did.  Here's hoping to a night full of rest. 

Herpangina has taken over our world...temporarily

Three days ago Luke came down with a mean fever - 104.  Well it only got worse from there... all thanks to an illness called Herpangina.  Here is your medical lesson for today folks... (from medicinenet.com)

Herpangina is an acute, virally induced, self-limited illness often seen in young children during the summer months. Affected children usually complain of mouth sores and fever. It is caused by a number of viruses, all part of the enterovirus family, coxsackievirus being the most common. Most children develop a high fever and complain of a sore throat. They then develop vesicles (blisters) or ulcers (sores) at the back of the throat and palate (called anenanthem). Children, especially younger children, may refuse to eat or drink because of the pain and are at risk for developing signs and symptoms of dehydration.

Needless to say, these past few nights have been quite challenging.  Here's hoping to a healthier little guy tomorrow. 

I am an aunt!!

Just 2 weeks ago, my youngest brother and his wife, Kristen, welcomed a precious little baby girl into the world. Elizabeth Cornell Lukefahr. I cannot wait to meet her.

Joe and Kristen on the way to the hospital!

Little Elizabeth is here! 

Look at how beautiful she is!

 Gotta love the fluffy bow and socks. 

What a doll.

Congratulations Kristen and Joe!

Luke and Lina - 3 months old

 Luke - On his 3 month birthday                                                  Lina - 1 day shy of her 3 month birthday

Ben and I were checking out the resemblance of the two kiddos today.  What do you think?

Our littlest loves!

Little Lina is 3 months today!!

Happy Birthday my sweet cheeks Caroline! 

Caroline - 2 months old

MAAAVELOUS MOTHER'S DAY!

I absolutely LOVE Mother's Day so much.  I never knew how much I would love it - each year gets better and better.  We had our best friends with us for the weekend - the Hilton's.  Luke had a great time with little Aves.  We enjoyed an adult night out celebratings Dave's sister graduating from Trinity.  Then, on Mother's Day -we had both sets of my kiddos grandparents, the David Hilton's and Avery's grandparents. We ate a beautiful brunch on the riverwalk and enjoyed a lovely setting, relaxing music and a gorgeous day. 

Ben spoiled me with my other best friend... diamonds!  Wow - I was not expecting that... and I love them.  Although, my most favorite part of the entire day was Luke snuggling betweeen Ben and me for an hour long nap.  It was so perfect. Little Lina was konked out asleep in her little swing also.  It was a wonderfully, relaxing Sunday afternoon. 

Then, I was SOOO excited to watch Kim WIN Survivor Mother's Day night!  So exciting to actually know someone win one of those reality shows - she kicked butt the entire way and I was so happy to see her win her $1 million! :) 

Check this out...

Knowledge is Power!

I think most of you know I work for KIPP San Antonio.  KIPP San Antonio is a high performing charter school and part of the larger KIPP network.  If you have not heard of KIPP then let me enlighten you - it is well worth the read! 

KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) began in 1994 when two teachers, Dave Levin and Mike Feinberg, launched a fifth-grade public school program in inner-city Houston, Texas, after completing their commitment to Teach For America. While only half of the students passed their fourth-grade tests before enrolling in KIPP, that year more than 90 percent passed the Texas fifth-grade exams in English and mathematics.

In 1995, Feinberg remained in Houston to lead KIPP Academy Middle School, and Levin returned home to New York to establish KIPP Academy in the South Bronx. These two original KIPP Academies became the starting place for a growing network of schools that are transforming the lives of students in underserved communities, and redefining the notion of what is possible in public education.

KIPP is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. There are currently 109 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 33,000 students.

Every day, KIPP students across the nation are proving that demographics do not define destiny. More than 87 percent of our students are from low-income families and eligible for the federal free or reduced-price meals program, and 95 percent are African American or Latino. Nationally, more than 90 percent of KIPP middle school students have graduated high school, and more than 80 percent of KIPP alumni have gone on to college.

I first heard about KIPP on 60 Minutes.  Ben and I were completely moved by the story and impact this program has on kids lives.  Years later I learned they were hiring an Associate Director of Grants.  I applied and, after a series of interviews and negotiations for work schedule, was hired a year ago.  Now being on the other side of the interview process and seeing how difficult it is to actually get a job at KIPP - what an honor to work for them!  (I mean, I am always grateful for work, but this is a bit different.)  To put into perspective... last year over 800 teachers applied for 24 positions at KIPPSA. 

The great thing about working for KIPP is that, first of all, they are results oriented.  There is no disputing their incredible work in changing kids lives.  Kids who have only the slightest chance of graduating high school are getting full rides to 4-5 colleges on average. Ivy League, top tier public schools, boarding schools, you name it - KIPP has partnerships.  Second of all, because of their incredible impact, KIPP is well-funded.  And people love to fund well-funded, successful organizations.  So, it is exciting working with an organization getting multi-million dollar grants and working for an organization where people are excited to learn more b/c they have heard great things... Bill Gates uses KIPP as an exemplar - a model for education reform - and gives multi-millions to support us.  The Fisher Family (GAP) - the initial investor and believer in KIPP-gives multi millions to leadership.  The Walton's (Walmart) - gives multi-millions for new KIPP schools nationwide.  The list goes on and on...

Just to put into perspective... today a student came to visit our CEO, founder of KIPPSA and a former teacher.  Our CEO instantly became emotional when she entered his office.  He had not seen her in 7 years.  She attended KIPP Aspire middle school for 2 years - 5th and 6th grade - before her family had to return to Mexico.  She was back in the U.S. because she had recently been offered full rides to colleges in the U.S.  Because of her 2 years at KIPPSA, she was leaps and bounds ahead of her class in Mexico.  She actually had to learn Spanish b/c she was educated in English. Because of her advancement, she recieved a full ride to one of the top private schools in Mexico.  She graduated high school and is now deciding where to go to college.  She attributes everything to KIPP. 

Stories like that ring loud throughout KIPP.  KIPP changes lives.  Let me put it this way... Ben is dead set on Luke going to KIPP.  But, KIPP is for underserved children - there are a few exceptions but most of the children get free and reduced lunches.  The thing about KIPP is that not only are academics stellar, but character building is a HUGE part of KIPP culture.  You come to visit KIPP and a student is leading the tour - alone.  They are taught from day one to SLANT - Sit up.  Lean forward. Ask/Answer questions. Nod your head.  Track the speaker. 

Kids earn everything - nothing is given to them.  They earn their desk.  They earn their KIPP uniform.  They earn their backpacks.   KIPP children go on trips all over the U.S. to look at colleges.  At KIPP, your class year is not the year you graduate high school but the year you graduate college.  Work Hard. Be Nice. - KIPP's motto and a phrase attributed to KIPP.

KIPP schools are all over the nation. I encourage you to check out KIPP.  Check out the immense amount of coverage about KIPP schools:  http://kipp.org/press-center/multimedia-archive/tv-news-coverage

You will be impressed!

HEB Ready, Set, Cook Challenge Update

Eight weeks ago I posted that I was going to commit myself to cook healthier and more often.  HEB had a contest that was focused on those same things... So, I completed the contest and cooked at least one extra meal at home for 8 weeks.  On May 10th, they draw for the winners of the contest!  Maybe I will win a year's worth of groceries!!! 

Wedding Bells for KKT and BBB - Part III

Announcing Mr. and Mrs. Beau Beduze!  Let the celebration begin!  (I do not have photos of the wedding as I was in the wedding... but it was absolutely beautiful - filled with emotions as vows were exchanged overlooking the Texas hill country.  After the ceremony, mariachis serenaded the guests over to a lifesized pinata of Beau and KKT filled with candy and fun goodies to enjoy during the evening - hats, sunglasses, glowsticks, masks, etc...

 

 The decor was beautiful yellows, greens, and pinks. As the guests waited for photos to end, they enjoyed cocktails and delicious tapas on these happy, bright cocktail tables!  As the guests entered the reception, there was so much to do and see!

Guests could sit on louge cushions and posh couches spread about the reception area. There was a vertical candy bar filled with chocolates and sweet treats!

The band was INCREDIBLE with a capital I! The Pictures out of Austin.  Absolutely fabulous.  Luke and Caroline's babysitter could hear the band from the house and she talked about the DJ... I corrected her and told her it was a band.  She was shocked at the variety of songs they could play and sing so PERFECTLY!  We danced and danced!

 Couches and lounge areas throughout.

 The gorgeous and delicious cake - carrot cake surrounded by family photos.

 KTB's beautiful bridal portrait

 Just one of the many food stations.  There was food for all tastes from all origins.  This was the Asian infusion area - dumplings - dim sum style, noodles in the chinese to-go boxes, and a delicious treat on the single spoon servings (I am not sure what it was - but delish)

 One of the centerpieces - low style.

 Annie and Dave enjoying the evening.  The Tex-Mex food station with gazpacho, ceviche, quesadillas, served on stylish wooden/bamboo plates.

First dance.

If you looked above, there were Mexican fiesta flags with Kathleen and Beau's name on all the flags with 'Felicitaciones'! Congrats!

Father/daughter dance as the sun set.

 A smooch from my lovey.

 Mother/son dance!

 Enjoying the party... and the photo booth!

 Thank you toasts.

 One of the many stunning floral arrangements throughout the reception.

Dancing the night away!

Maracas for the bride and groom exit.

It was an incredible event - and a very special night for Kathleen and Beau.  I was SO honored to be a part of the wedding.  Every detail was so personal and perfectly fitting for the bride and groom.

Congratulations Kat and Beau!