Kev and I got back from Mississippi this around lunch today. I have been busy, busy, busy. He went to Old Waverly, in West Point for a golf trip. So I went to his mom's house in Tupelo, about 45 minutes away for some rest and relaxation. He stayed at the country club with the guys Thursday and at his mom's house on Friday. We both had a great time. Meanwhile, I've been getting ready for school to begin. So I've been too busy making warm and fuzzy stuff to blog. I have my new roster and excited to say that instead of having 26 4th graders I have 16 3rd graders. I am so excited! I spent the earlier part of the afternoon looking through teacher editions. It looks like it'll be a fun year. Christian's going to be in my class, so he's been practicing calling me "Mrs. Riley" instead of "Aunt Cindy." Katelyn, his little sis, is pumped about becoming a full-fledged kindergartener. She's a mess! Well, I'm off to get ready for a birthday party for my big little bro. Happy Birthday, Darrell! Last year of your twenties. Enjoy!

Brotherly Love

Mike, Kevin, and Tim Riley-when they were much younger in Westpoint. Notice how the two older brothers have their hands wrapped around KJ's neck. No wonder he's so easy going these days.

Kindergarten Idol

New family member...

Congrats to Amanda and Tony! They are expecting their first child March 9. They will be great parents. They're so excited. I can't wait to be Aunt Cindy again. Katelyn keeps singing little songs to her new cousin and Aunt Manda's belly. She loves to sing and make up her own songs...but she sings a mean "Hollaback Girl" too.

Not looking for a free meal

I love to cook, but you know...I really love to go out to eat. KJ and I had a wonderful dinner with some friends at Sinclairs last night. It was a lot of fun. As we were finishing our meal and enjoying our drinks, the waitress came over and told us that there was no need to pay because our bill had been paid by another gentleman who had already left. How cool is that? What a treat! Thanks Ted!

Roller-coaster Ride

What a week! It's been a crazy one for us, filled with lots of ups and downs. Kev and I had some friends and family over for a 4th of July BBQ on Saturday. It was a lot of fun, but it always takes so much preparation. We were so tired Sunday that we went to the 11am mass instead of the 8am mass. Then we pretty much slept and watched movies on TV the rest of the day. Monday we went to have dinner and shoot fireworks with some friends of ours. The firework display, thanks to Cowboy, was just as exciting as the ones the city does. We also enjoyed watching the teenagers, about 30-40 slip-and-slide with shaving cream. My little sis confirmed that she is pregnant with her first child Tuesday morning. It was a very long day for her while she awaited the blood test. Needless to say she and Tony are thrilled as are all the grandparents. Also, on Tuesday, Kevin and I received confirmation that after months of testing and treatment we still have more hurdles to jump to have a child of our own. We are going to continue to trust that God is in control of the situation and pray for his guidance as we try to be patient. Kev is much better at being patient than I am. I'm so blessed to have him in my life. In the meantime, we've decided to explore the path to adoption. Pray for us. My Aunt Ann's alzheimers has progressed tremendously since her 65th birthday in January. Tomorrow she will go to a place where she can receive better care than her home. My mom is taking it really hard. Their mother died when Mom was 5. Aunt Ann is 14 years her senior and has always been her mother-figure. I know it will be very difficult for my uncle as well. Still, I think it is for the best.