100th Day

I still have trouble believing he's even in Kindergarten but to think is more that half over is too much.  He is thriving and just enjoys everything about school!

When planning his ideas of how to wear 100 items it was decided that balls were a  must.  Lucky for him mommy had some ideas. 

We did 100 of his fingerprints to look like baseballs, footballs & basketballs. 

It was fun and turned out really cool too!

Mommy, Daddy, & lil sis attended the parade.  All five classes went around the school to sing their 100th day chant to the older and special classes.  He was excited to visit big sis' class!

After the parade we went outside to release 100 balloons...pretty neat that their are 100 students too!

Each balloon had a note attached with the school address. 

Most of the letters they have recieved in the past have been from VA.

The children were amazed by the balloons floating away...the simple things that make you smile.

His sweet buddy!

Sweet Girl

2004

Such a sweet baby girl.  Pleasant, quiet, calm and loved to sleep!

2008

At four, she was all girl!  Loved all things Disney Princess, Little Pony and dressing up.

She was also very into books, her "guys" and watching DVDs.

2012

Simply amazing to see the young lady God is growing.  She is a straight A student who is full of spunk when she arrives home.  She loves the Lord and understands sin as well as forgiveness.

Her self-esstem seems to be in check...confident but aware of others. She still enjoys coloring, creating, watching TV and her interest in reading by herself has picked up.

She swims,  plays basketball and is looking forward to warmer weather so she can begin horse back riding.  She has expressed interest in acting...might wait a few years for this.  Music is something she also enjoys. She has such a gift for memorization. She can hear a song once or twice and knows the lyrics.  She learned the books fo the Bible and Ten Commandments (a goal set by her teacher for the year!) within the first nine weeks of school! 

We love you sweet girl!!!

Her Big Day

January 29th has finally arrived.  We had her party a week early but today was the day!

After sleeping in a bit, we had a little birthday celebrating before church.

Our main gift to her was her party but there were still a few fun items to open today.

He was super excited to give her a Wii game. 

 I think deep down he wants her to play with him more.

Kisses for big sis!

No birthday is complete without cinnamon rolls for breakfast....mmmm!

After lunch we dove into this beauty!

Then she requested to read and shop!

A nice, fun birthday for an eight year old!!!

Rock Star

Somedays I feel like I am living the Hannah Montana song "Best of Both Worlds."

I have been able to go back to work part time but continue to be with this sweet pop star at all times.

Today was not a school day but we attended the schoolwide Art Show.

She insisted on wearing her glasses and was all so proud of each piece.

I love how she's holding her hand up to the handprint here.

She held this saying "daddy gonna love this!"

And of course he did!!!

We had a super fun morning together.

I am thankful for each day as her momma!

Star Student

This week is big sis' special week at school.  Her teacher has tried to aline the Star Student with their birthday week...great idea!  We all had lunch with her and brought a special treat to share. 

(the photos are all out of order...sorry!)

Being Silly

Waiting for her to take her math test so we could go home early. 

Isn't that a cool mascot statue?

It was nice to be together and celebrate out star student!!!

We could not be more proud of  you!!

2.5

Winter Wonderland Pool Party

Time to celebrate...big sis is turning EIGHT!

She requested a winter themed party at Pullen Aquatic Center.

I prefer to just show up for a party but must admit it was fun collecting fun winter items and putting this together with her!

There just weren't too many photo ops at a public pool with 23 party guests...but I tried!

The diving board was a big hit this year.  I tried not to point out just how deep 14 feet really is...I also tried not to think about just how deep 14 feet is!!!

I am pretty sure this was growl with the stop taking pictures momma tone!

Lil sis and brother had a great time as well.

Happy Eight Birthday my Precious First Born!!!

More to come this week!

Hockey

I got this jersey a couple of years ago knowing one day he'd want to wear it.

He was so excited to put it on tonight and come to a game with mom and dad.

He had distant memories of going almost three years ago...or so he claims!

A former student and his family became huge hockey fans (thanks in part to my excitement during the 2002 Stanley Cup run!) and currently have season tickets.  We were able to buy a game ( and hopefully more!) at a reduced rate from them.  The orignal plan was for a date night but we decided brother would really enjoy this experience and boy did he ever!!!

I was a great game and the Hurricanes won 4-2!!!

We had fun with our little sports fan!!

A New Season

When brother turned two we began to pray for God's will for our family. 

 We wanted another child.

Oh how sweet it was to be patient and wait for His timing.

Lil sis has brought so much joy to our family.

Five is the perfect number for us!

As the new year begins, so does a new season for our family. 

Lil sis no longer wears diapers.  This process took a few days to click but she's a pro now!

She mostly uses her "tiny toilet" which big sis and brother never used.  However, when out she'll go where we are at that moment...knowing momma has a tiny toilet in the car gives her security!!

Then a few days into the potty training brother mentioned to her that the front could come off of her crib...she has asked almost daily for it to come off.  So she and daddy got out the tools and here is her big girl bed.  It is interesting how each child has changed seasons at different paces.

Big sis went to this same bed at 19 months, no paci at 2 years & 2 months, and potty trained 3 weeks before 2 1/2

Brother went to a toddler style bed at 21 months, potty trained 2 weeks before 2 1/2 and kept the paci until 35 months!!

Lil sis has done potty training and big girl bed together roughly 2 weeks before turning 2 1/2 and will keep the paci until....TBA!!!!!  Might be 5 at this rate :)!!!

Above is her "I NOT" pose.

Here is her sleeping pose.

Here is her face when she realized she got to show big sis and brother how she could get in her bed...

and out...which is where the possible problems begin!!!

(yep, that's a rattle in her hand!  She found it when daddy went looking for her side rail!)

Big sis pondering how she ever really fit in there! 

Me too sweet girl, me too!

So as the seasons change my heart grows thankful.

I try not to harp on what is gone but what is ahead.

This is difficult when the changes are so big!!!