The Relatives Came

What a great weekend!!!  Sarah, Ryan, Blake and Maggie (the dog) got here Saturday, July 28th.  Oh what a great day!  Love, love, love getting my hands on Blake...well, all of them but seeing Blake after 5 months was so exciting.  He's grown so much.  He smiles and laughs...what a joy!  Just see for yourself:

On Sunday, we the fun continued in Stedman.  We went to Gregory and Danielle's to see them but mostly to see Baby Hope Olivia!  She's precious...just take a look!



Lottie was the first great-grandmother to meet Hope Olivia.  She was elated!

This was a wonderful, memorable weekend.  Life as the Dixons is fabulous!!!!!!

Hope Olivia Dixon

Hope Olivia Dixon

Born Wednesday, July 25, 2012

9:41 p.m. at Cape Fear Valley Hospital

6 lbs 5oz and 20 1/2 inches long

Fayetteville, NC

We got the call from Gregory that Danielle was in labor and going to the hospital at 4:45 Wednesday afternoon.  I had just gotten home from school, Greg was at work in Durham and Taylor was working at the Y.  We all came together and got to Fayetteville (in 5:00 traffic) in record time.  Danielle had a very fast delivery!  About 5 hours of labor and Baby Hope Olivia made her arrival.  She was welcomed by Melonie and Kaitlyn, Dianne and Danny, Greg, Taylor and me!  What a joyous event!!!

Meet Baby Hope Olivia...



(This one was taken just minutes after she was born!  Look how alert she is.)

HaPpY Birthday to ME!

This is the first year I have ever had to work on my birthday.  Since I've been teaching at a year-round school, I have always been tracked out on my birthday and before that I was working at a traditional school and would out for the summer.  And the is the first summer our family hasn't been at Lake Gaston on my birthday (we are awaiting the arrival of Baby Hope Olivia).

I must say that even though I have to work on my special day, I have gotten lots of well wishes on Facebook, by phone and cards.  Greg greeting me this morning in bed with a "Happy Birthday, Darlin' " and Taylor gave me a birthday hug before she went to work. Ryan and Sarah call to sing "Happy Birthday" to me. I heard from all the kids.  Then all the many, many other calls and messages started.

One of my favorite gifts...



Blake's Birthday Message to Granny

 Later...

Taylor brought me lunch (hot dog and fries from Shorty's).  She treated me to a birthday balloon too.  My goodness, the day just keeps getting better.

Outback Steak House

Tonight, Greg, Taylor and I went to Outback to eat.  Then, home for cake and I think, a few presents!  WOW, what a nice birthday.  Heavenly Father has blessed me with so many people that care for me.  I am so thankful to have such wonderful family and friends in my life. As I celebrate the 19th anniversay of my 30th birthday, I know more that ever that  Life as the Dixons continues to sparkle and shine.

Birthday cake...thanks Taylor!

Greg got my pjs...the Dixons in plaid.

Taylor and Greg have put a smile on my face and in my heart today:)

"Meet the Teacher" Night

It's the beginning of the school year for Wake County Year-Round Schools.  Since I was a beginning year teacher (26+ years ago), I always had fresh cut flowers in a vase in my room when we have "Meet the Teacher" night.  I got the bright idea to harvest some brown-eyed Susans from our little school garden.  (I just got a few....I left some for the viewing enjoyment of our parents.)  Well, I walked out the building, scissors in hand, eyeing the prize, thinking..."I'll just do this swiftly (~you know snip, snip, snip) and I'll be back in the school before anyone notices me taking advantage of our blooming garden." 

As I was almost at the garden (remember...I was eyeing the prize), I felt my feet sinking is ankle-deep water!  Yep...it has rained inches the past three afternoons and my sandaled feet were under water.  GROSS!!!  Instead of running back in the school with nothing to show for my dilemma, I snip, snip, snipped those flowers then squashed backed slowly in the door.

So even though my sandals and feet were yucky and I got myself into one of my typical situations, I got some pretty flowers for my reading table for "Meet the Teacher" night.

Dixon Family Updates

*GREAT news...we found out Sarah got her old teaching position back at Wake Forest-Rolesville High School.  She and Blake will be moving back home at the end of the month.  Maggie, their dog, will be joining us too. Ryan will help them move home and he'll be joining them in 6 months when he's finished with the Army.  Greg, Taylor and I have been getting Blake's room and Sarah's room ready for them.  (We are sooooo excited!!!)

(Can't wait to see this precious smile every day!)

*BAD news...Clint and Tiffany took Saydee to the vet.  She's very, very sick.  She is in the late stages of liver failure.  They were not able to do anything to help her recover.  They are making her comfortable these last few weeks. 

On Saturday, July 7th, Gregory and Danielle had a baby shower for Hope Olivia.  Taylor and I helped host the big event at Danielle's father's church in Rocky Mount.  Let's just say Hope has many, many, many things to help make life really comfortable.  Lots of clothes, diapers, wipes, carseat/stroller, pack and play, high chair, etc... Just 3 more weeks until Baby Hope Olivia  makes her debut.

Vacation

In June, Greg had a business trip in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Tiffany suggested that I tag along with him.  Well, we decided to do just that.  We booked our flights and off we went.  Taylor stayed at the house all by herself and was very responsible.  Greg and I appreciate her so much for taking care of the house and dogs while we were away (plus, she worked at the Y).  While Greg worked during the day, I laid out by the pool.  When he got off, we went out to eat, shopped, went to the beach and the last evening I was there, we went on a dinner cruise.  Greg and I just don't treat ourselves to vacations like this and I must say we had a BLAST!