adoption

family of 2!

announcing the adoption of
HOLLY
proud mother, Sharon Gammons

Mom and her new baby girl are on their way to the airport and back to Michigan today.  Holly will be in her new home tonight...she will love all the one on one attention and love from her mommy and will so enjoy all the walks and play time in her new yard and beach!  We love you so much mom and know you will both be blessed to have each other.

first day of school

Drew's first day of kindergarten today! We have been anticipating this day for months....first the kindergarten open house in the spring, notes and mailers throughout the summer, back to school shopping, waiting (and praying) for the big announcement-who Drew's teacher will be. This is a right of passage that we all make. I told Drew this morning, that this was my 10th time in kindergarten (8 years teaching, 1 year of my own, and now 1 with Drew). We have laughed more than cried over this event. There was a "boo hoo breakfast" for all the kindergarten mothers at the school, which was so nice to have. I am really impressed with Pelican Marsh Elementary and am so excited for his school years to begin! I love him so much, and can't believe my precious treasure is in school!

Below is the little card his sweet teacher, Mrs. Nash handed me. When he entered this morning she greeted him with, "Good morning, Drew, love!" She is just what I prayed for, kind, sweet and is haled by all who know her as an incredible teacher.

He started school this morning. And he seemed so very small. As I walked there beside him in the kindergarten hall.

And as he took his place beside the others in his class. I realized how all too soon those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw him as he first learned how to walk. The words that we alone made out when he began to talk.

This little boy so much absorbed in learning how to write. It seems as though he must have grown to boyhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred but hastily I brushed the tears away, lest by some word or sign of mine I mar his first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with him and keep him by the hand, to lead him through the places that he couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear was mingled with my pride, I know he would no longer be a baby by my side.

But he must have a chance to live. To work his problems out. The privilege to grow and learn what life is all about.

And I must shared my little boy with friends and work and play. He's not my baby anymore-he's in kindergarten today. (author unknown)

40 under 40

Check out this website...My fabulous husband was honored in the newspaper and chosen as one of the top 40 business persons under 40 in southwest Florida. They did an interview with each honoree. Congratulations, Joseph!


www.review.net/special-sections/detail/2010-40-under-40/#top

May update

...Lily & Holly...An unexpected Michigan trip...visiting with Pops & Gramma, Auntie & Uncle Bill, Uncle Dan...mourning the loss of Glenn...Karate...Drew's pre-school graduation...Sam sick with a fever...

This is classic Drew - check out how well he sings and does the motions... :)

Beach Boys

This was the picture that the Naples Daily News took of the boys last Saturday at the beach. It was on the front page, saying..."Joe Gammons, right, of Naples, builds a sand castle with his sons, Drew, 5, left, and Sam, 1, at Vanderbilt Beach on Saturday. County plans to improve the bathrooms and concessions at Vanderbilt Beach have had mixed responses from the community." Local celebrities!

Easter in Naples

As most of you know, we were suppose to spend Easter in Holland with Gramma, Pops, Uncle Danny and Auntie Elizabeth. However, I coming to find out that I'm not in control of the universe. Enter pneumonia. Two long weeks later, I think I have my little boys back. Samuel is close to 90%, so things are looking up. We spent the weekend having neighborhood egg hunts, swimming in the pool, and Easter lunch at Gigi's. I am looking forward to going to the gym tomorrow, an event that has been on hold. Here are our 2010 Easter shots...

Disney

Walt Disney World Recap:

Stayed at Disney, Bay Lake Towers. with the Falder family and Gigi..beautiful suite with views of Magic Kindom fireworks!

Day one, Chef Mickey's Character breakfast. Met and took pics with lots of characters!Hollywood Studios...cold and rainy, however, Drew LOVED Indiana Jones live show, Star Wars ride, Seeing Darth Vader and Muppets 3D

Day two, Magic Kingdom...perfect sunny weather, Drew went on Haunted Mansion ride first, determined to go this year and not be scared and he loved it. Of course Pirates of the Caribbean was a hit too. Great day until Samuel vomited in late afternoon. Drew vomited all night and the whole way home in morning. But they are on the mend today. Drew said, "God protected us like a shield so we wouldn't miss Disney!" So sweet. Wonderful memories, awesome time.