Yea Tori!

When we brought Tori home she was enrolled in the Early Start program to assist her in developmental issues. Since moving to Madera, we have had the privilege of working with Barbara Brotis, an incredibly talented and gifted teacher. This week Barbara tested Tori to see if she needed to continue in the program. She passed with flying colors! In several areas Tori tested at a five-year-old level. I'm telling you, this girl is smart! We were thrilled. Tori has now graduated from Early Start and ready to move on to bigger and better things. Maybe potty-training? Yahoooo!

Recent Kid Pix

We had such a relaxing weekend...we relaxed in the hammock...played outdoors all day, rode bikes and enjoyed to fabulous weather. At the end of the day the kids were all pooped and ready for Tori to read them a night-night story. Gotta love Pooh!

Congratulations Lizzie!

Lizzie was recently chosen as Student of the Month at Sierra View Elementary. She also received an awesome reader award and gets to go out to lunch with the principal (again!). She is really excelling in first grade and having a great time. UPDATE - Okay, so this 'Student of the Month' comes with (of course) a decal...for the car. Neither Kevin or I are thrilled about putting a sticker on either of our cars touting student of the month...but Lizzie thinks it is a must! So, parents out there, what would you do???

Three Months Old

We were excited to celebrate Joshua's three-month birthday yesterday! He is fully recovered from his battle with RSV and pneumonia. He weighs in now at a whopping 11 pounds 10 ounces! Here are some pix of our happy boy.

Whew, what a week!

It has been a week full of tears and fears for the Alvey family! On Monday, my grams died. Wednesday night we rushed Joshua to the ER at Children's Hospital because he was having trouble breathing. Joshua was admitted and began treatment for RSV and pneumonia. Thursday was gram's funeral (what a celebration of life!). Friday night my nephew Jeremy had an emergency appendectomy AND my uncle Jerry died. (My uncle's funeral is this Thursday.) Unbelievable!

Here are a few photos of Josh in the hospital. This is Joshua's first breathing treatment in ER. It is a vapor shield. After he was admitted, they put him in a breathing tent for approximately 18 hours.
He was put on oxygen and an IV immediately.

Thankfully we came home yesterday. Yahooooo! Thanks to everyone for their support and prayers.

Ode to a Warrior

Everyday she fought…
Sword of the Spirit in one hand
The Shield of Faith in the other

She was strong and mighty, never fearing her enemy
She fought with the strength of an entire army
Drawing on those that have gone before her

Her body began to weaken, but never her spirit
Her eyes would light up as she began to fight
Willing again to do battle for her family
She never gave up, always knowing and believing in The Promises

She was betrayed in this world…
Her flesh finally giving up

Now her bright blue eyes see the Final Prize
She has fought the good fight
And has been rewarded

She has heard the heartwarming words
“Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

It is our turn now
We must continue her legacy
Never giving up, never turning back, never letting go

We love and miss you Grandma

Two Months Old!

Well, we've had Joshua home with us for over a month and he has been so much fun! He is smiling, cooing and laughing a lot. The girls are still delighted with him. Here are some very fun pictures of our ten pound smiling boy!

I'm so happy!

Brother and sister

We laugh a lot!

I'm a big boy now!