Pumpkin Patch 2013

I think I'm posting this for the one, maybe two people that still come check my blog.  Without google reader I'll admit I don't check anyone's anymore either.  But, since I'm on day 9 of my Facebook fast, where else am I supposed to share pictures?

Blake is loving kindergarten.  She has a teacher that is just perfect for her, and Blake raves about how nice and smart she is.   Having the right teacher makes all the difference in the world and I'm so so thankful we've been blessed with a good match.  Blake came home last week saying

"Mom!  Did you know Mrs. T requested all the best students in all of kindergarten and she got them!?"  Isn't that the sweetest?  She builds their confidence and has taught Blake so much more than I could (Blake + me + learning to read = tears) 

I admit I didn't know teachers worked as hard as they do.  I knew they worked hard, but man they work hard. I'm excited to start volunteering in Blake's class on Thursdays.  Do you know how much I would need to be paid to teach 21 5 year olds to read????  Infinity, that's how much.

So, with how great kindergarten has been we decided Blake needed a day off!  We are on week 7 and haven't had to miss any school (praise the Lord!).  So today we took a break and went to the pumpkin patch, hello no crowds!  With me working Fridays and Saturdays then church Sundays I've really been missing taking the girls to do things just for fun.    I can remember my Mom letting me skip school every once in a while to have a fun day.  I think we'll keep up the tradition. 

So here's a few shots of our day.

And here is the precious bedding my wonderful grandma made for baby, I love it!!

Things seem to be coming together, I think it's more my heart that has to prepare more than anything else when it comes to having a baby.  It's the strangest thing....knowing how much you love your kids and how that's about to start fresh with a whole new little family member.  And in case you're wondering, there IS a name :)  Whether we choose to tell before she's born is undecided...but she has a name.  Initials CRB.  Happy guessing!!

August 23, 2013

My sweet Blake.  In just a few days you will start the journey of kindergarten.  How we’ve come so quickly from diapers and Dora the Explorer to a little girl who is embarking on a journey that requires less of me than I prefer is astounding to me.

 Part of me is excited for you.  You seems so ready for this next step.  You love friends and learning and having a routine.  You are smart and outgoing.  WhenI ask if you are ready for school you always reply, “I’m excited, but a little nervous too.”  There is a part of me that is sad.  Sad that you will enter a world where I won’t be right there to make sure kids don’t say things that I know aren’t true.  That maybe there will be a time you get in trouble and your little feelings melt and I won’t know till the school day is over.  That you will no longer learn songs and stories that invlove Jesus and his great example of how to lead a life while you are at school.  It makes me wonder if I’ve done enough.

 We’ve only had 5 years to get ready, and now it doesn’t seem so long.  Did we talk enough about how there are kids that aren’t always nice?  And how to repond with mercy and know that maybe their home isn’t like our home?   Did we talk about how there may be another kid who doesn’t dress or talk or look like you and how it’s our job to be a friend to those kids, too?  Most of all have you seen me show grace, mercy and kindness to those around me to know it’s not just words I say but how I live a life?  Will you remember the times I let frustration overtake me and you saw anger instead of peace?  I can only hope that you saw the good and quickly forgot the bad. 

I wonder if the evening hours will be long enough for us to fit in all that a day requires and still have a little for just me and you.   It makes me so thankful for all the sacrifices Daddy and I were able to make to ensure that we’ve spent as much time with you as possible these first 5 years.  Like I told you the other day, spending time with you and Kate is my all time favorite thing….and I meant it. Even if I can’t always stop and play or work on art with you, it’s always a joy when I can.   The days we’ve spent doing a million fun things or the days we spent curled up on the couch watching a movie we’d already watched 10 times, they were all worth it. 

I hope you stay the same.   The exact same girl you have been these first 5 years.   I know it will take work and me sometimes being the bad guy, but I’m willing to do just that if it means your little heart and spririt are guarded.  I pray you will be a light to those around you.  That the kids will know they can look to you for encouragement, a friend to sit with at lunch or play with on the playground.  And I hope there are friends in your class that will do the same for you if you need it. 

Yes, it seems too soon.  No, I’m not ready, not really.  But I will smile while I get you ready, smile while we walk to school and smile while we drop you off in your classroom.  I give no promises after that.  But for this first day as far as you know Mommy is only proud, not scared.  I’m sure the days will pass and years will make me jumping for joy that the school year is beginning…and I’m excited for that phase too.  You are my littlest best friend and I can’t wait to pick you up and see you grinning ear to ear ready to tell me about all you’ve learned and all the friends you’ve met. 

Love,

Mommy

 

 

 

March 29, 2013

Dear Kate,

My goodness how time flies!  Today you turned 3 years old.  I can’t help but smile to myself just thinking of you!   Remembering you as a dark haired precious baby that loved the be snuggled up inside her sleeping wrap. And now you are a bright blonde, blue eyed, rambunctious girl that does not like to be still for long (unless there’s a movie and some popcorn). 

Some fun facts about you. 

We moved since you turned two, so now you share a room with your sister.  You two begged for bunk beds and to share a room, even though we now have space for you guys to each have your own!  Not only do you share a room, but you both sleep on the bottom bunk so you can be close to each other. 

You love your friends.  Little Cora is your best friend this year.  You two are little pistols together!  You are in the same preschool class and I’m sure give your teachers a run for their money! 

We still keep piggy around.  You aren’t as attached as were last year, but you still love her and want her for bed time. (A big change from me driving frantic over town with a crying child last year when we couldn’t find her!!)

You love church and preschool.  You are so outgoing.  I took you up to the hospital last week to visit the unit where I work.  You were all smiles and charm, introducing yourself to everyone. 

Your favorite foods are cheese (we won’t get into your gastrointestinal issues that make this a real issue for Mommy), pizza, apples, pancakes, strawberries, boiled eggs, and green smoothies, aka: shrek smoothies. Oh and you want chocolate milk all day every day.

Your favorite shows is Wild Kratts.

You still let me pick out your clothes without a fight (God knew I couldn’t fight two kids every morning!)

You started gymnastics recently.  I just watch you and giggle.  You’ve really caught on and are SO cute out there. The other day your teacher told you to put your arms up by your ears while you jumped....so you covered your ears with your hands and jumped the length of the trampoline :)

You and sissy love the trampoline, you are out there every day doing tricks and jumping.  We walk to the park and you’ve started riding your little tricycle all by yourself. 

Our new house has lots of neighbors and friends to play with, but I think your favorite it our neighbor-cat Snickers.  You chase him and would gladly take him as your own.  You really love all animals.  No dog or cat is safe from a hug from you.  Daddy set you up an aquarium in your room and so every night we sit for a while and watch the fish eat. 

You’ve recently become more attached to me.  You’ll admit that you are now Mommy’s girl.  You love to curl up on my lap and have time just me and you.  We like to read or watch TV together.  You also like to be in the kitched with me when I cook and in the bathroomwith me while I get ready in the mornings. 

You are quirky and funny with a personality all your own.  I can’t imagine life without our little Katie-Kate.  Even while I write this you just came up behind me to “scare” me with giggles and smiles. 

Oh Kate, you are my joy.   I ask the Lord for wisdom to guide your adventurous spirit, and for the grace to mother you in the ways you deserve. 

Remember Jesus, Kate. No matter what, remember Jesus.  He is real.  He loves you.  He wants you to know him. 

All my Love,

Mommy

Family Visit

For the first time in maybe forever we had all three of us girls with all five of our girls in the same house for a nice long visit!  I can't tell you how much I looked forward to this trip.  We stayed super busy and got in as much fun as we could, though truth be told I think the girls had just as much fun playing here at the house as they did going out to do fun things!

Our Sunday afternoone was spent at our Church's Mother Daughter Tea. How fitting to have Nana with all her daughters and 3/5 of her grandaughters.  (Kate was way tired and sleeping and little Hayden is still a bit young to not want to eat the pom-poms that were the decor).  So we all dressed up and had a great time!

Everyone got their nails painted by Aunt Steph

My beautiful girl.

Love this shot!

Nana with Layla, Charleigh and Blake

Heather and Layla

To fit with the Cheerleading theme. 

Kim and Stephanie.  Aren't they pretty?

Not easy to get them to take a serious picture.

Headed home.

Blake and her sweet friend Easton.

Me and Blake

Hayden talking to her Daddy on Facetime

Monday we made a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo.  The girls all do so good, they were happy and kept up well considering how big the place is!


The only shot with all 5 girls looking and smiling!

Charleigh and Blake

Me and my girls.

Kate and Charleigh

Nana and Layla

Papa and Hayden

Stephanie feeding the birds

Layla feeding the birds.

Taking a break in the stroller

Our only pic from dinner at Babe's.  Picking out music from the Juke Box with Papa.



5 little monkeys having their breakfast.



The next day we had lunch at Rainforest Cafe.



Checking out the sea life



At the Grapevine Aquarium

 

Blake petting a starfish and a shark!!




Blake and Charleigh playing on the trampoline.  Why in swimsuits?  Why not?

Kate hadn't quite woken up but still wanted in on the fun.

It was a busy, fun, exciting week to have us all together.  I can't wait for the next time!