This was Kaylynn’s third year taking lessons with Miss. Shelley.  Kaylynn did really well and really enjoys her time with Miss. Shelley.  I just can’t believe how much she has learned.

Last weekend, we wrote the Light Rail down to the Science Center with John’s family.  The kids had a ton of fun, but I think one of the highlights was eating lunch at Friday’s Front Row.  The kids thought the ballpark was the neatest place.

Playing on some really hot metal bug sculptures near the Science Center.  Ewwwww.

Gavin’s first time facing out in the sling and he loved it.  He smiled and made eyes at everyone.

Kaylynn all dressed up at the Lego exhibit.

  Sleeping after a long day and some nummies.

This clip was shown at church today.  It is comedian Steven Harvey during a show talking about if he had the pleasure of introducing Jesus to a crowd.  This is a secular audience, but check out the reaction.  It’s pretty awesome to see this and hear how Steve Harvey would introduce Jesus.  It’s only about 3 minutes, but totally worth it.

We also had an open invitation today for anyone who has not been baptized to come down front, have a quick chat, and then get baptized.  I’m sure there were over 30 in our congregation this morning and with 10 chances to attend service all weekend, I’m guessing over 300 people were baptized this weekend.  I always get  a little teary-eyed when someone is baptized, so this morning I was pretty much a basket case.  It was wonderful to witness!

My deep freezer!

For as long as I can remember my parents have had a deep freezer (and my Granny too).  I always talked about getting one and the benefits of them, but John just didn’t buy it.  Since his parents didn’t have one he didn’t see the need.  Finally a few years into our marriage I talked John into getting a small chest freezer.  We quickly filled it and he loved it, but it wasn’t exactly what I wanted.  So a few years later, after he saw the benefits of having one, we got a full upright deep freezer.  We picked one that is okay to have out in the garage, since our kitchen and utility room are small. 

We’ve had it for years now and it’s perfect!  I can in bulk and I don’t have to worry about filling up my side-by-side in the kitchen.  I can shop meat, bread, and milk sales to save money and I buy sides of beef for even more savings. 

What I really love is making meal kits and keeping them in the freezer.  I have hamburger kits (which include 4 patties that I seasoned and made myself, 4 buns, and 8 slices of cheddar cheese).  I have cooked and seasoned taco meat, and lemonade kits (from the lemons off our tree).  I made double batches of soup, enchiladas, lasagna, mexi-cali meat for burritos, made my own spaghetti sauce from scratch, and the list goes on and on. 

I love being able to pull something out of the freezer for a quick meal and stocking up to save money.  I love it and can’t live without it!!!!

This is what John usually sees when he leaves for work.

And a silly big sister!

We love pizza.  It seems that we can never get enough of it over here.  I have tried and tried for years to make a decent pie at home and they all come out just okay….nothing spectacular. 

Well last night, I did it!  I made the most wonderful pie.  John said, "This is good enough to sell"  and Kaylynn said, "It’s delicious, can we have it every night" as she devoured 3 1/2 slices.

I’m sure you are wondering what changed.  I found a secret and it’s my Friday Favorite.  Check out Pizza Making.  There are some real pizza fanatics out there, so why not let them figure it out and then I get all the credit at home.

Two summers ago, we went to Chicago and had the best pizza ever at Giordanos.  So after lots of wishing that I could go back for another slice, my friend (who went on the trip too) found this site with info on duplicating the pizza.  So, last night (after 3 days of waiting for the dough to be ready) I made a stuffed deep dish cheese pizza and a thin crust pepperoni pizza.

I ordered a new pan, mail ordered special tomatos (which are to die for and I will probably use them for everything), and let my dough go through a cold fermentation process for 3 days.  I know it seems like a lot of work, but it was really easy and since the dough was already made it only took about 45 minutes to assemble and bake the pizza.  Hey, on a Friday night delivery in our area can be from 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours.

And in case you are wondering, yes those pictures are of our pizza last night!  YUM!!!

Both of the kids are asleep and I’m still functioning enough to update the blog. 

Kaylynn’s Graduation

Kaylynn graduated from pre-kindergarten last week.  The class had a little ceremony and recited a cute poem.  She was so excited and proud of herself.  She has really learned a lot and is excited to start kindergarten this coming fall.  Unfortunately, school starts on her birthday.

Kaylynn is in the back row on the right (without her graduation cap).

  Kaylynn and one of her friends, James.  Watch out Junior….you have some competition.

Gavin’s 2-week Appointment

Gavin had his two week check-up last week as well.  He is doing well, but has not gained back all the weight he lost.  He seems to be having a few little nursing issues that we are focusing on right now, but there really isn’t a huge concern at this point.  He also has some really bad plugged tear ducts, so he is on eye drops to help those clear up.  He seemed to feel so much better after the first dose.

Okay…I look horrible, but I am extremely tired!

These were taken today.  Gavin was happy and Kaylynn climbed on the bed to say hi and then they started cuddling…I couldn’t miss out on the photo shoot.  Kaylynn loves her baby brother!

I know I’m a little late on this post, but I finally got a minute to do it.  The day started off with a yummy pancake breakfast in bed (okay really it was breakfast on the couch in my room while nursing a baby) and presents.

Then we were off to surprise my mom with flowers and a huge family dinner at Garcia’s with almost the entire O’Neal side of the family.

The Men: Top (L-R) Jeff, Uncle Larry, John Jr (Grandpa), Matt, Uncle Jim and Jalen (6 months old), Brian   Bottom (L-R) John and Gavin (11 days), John Sr (Great Grandpa), Jason

The Ladies: Top (L-R) Wendy and Gavin (11 days), Joely and Jalen (6 months), Sara, Aunt Chris    Bottom (L-R)  Dorothy, Kaylynn, Virginia (Great Grandma), Bernice (Chris’s mom), Julie

4 Generations of O’Neal Men

Gavin was born at home (planed home birth) on 4/29 at 11:34 PM.
He weighs 8 lbs 4 oz and is 20.5 in long. Both Wendy and Gavin are doing well and his big sister Kaylynn is very excited to finally meet him.

Who is tired of pregnancy updates, besides me?  Apparently baby is quite happy and content to stay put a little while longer.  We thought he was going to make his grand entrance over the weekend, but turns out he was just messin’ with us.

I saw my chiro and midwife yesterday.  Everything is looking good and baby seems to have moved lower into my pelvis (a really good sign).  My blood pressure is good, baby’s heart rate is good, I have no swelling, and no real complaints (except that I’m 2 weeks past due).

I know a lot of you are wondering, but yes…my dates are right.  I really am 2 weeks late, but ya know 40 weeks is just an average so some have to go past that to get it as an average.  I’m just one of the lucky ones, I guess.

Please say a little prayer for us…I really would like to have him soon!