Meet the Teacher Day

We were one of the first.  

It wasn’t hectic. 

It was relaxed.  

Everything I needed it to be.  

We even saw a familiar face.  

As a mom, I needed that.  

Support for me is huge, especially in this phase of life.  

So many things are the same, but so many things are changing.  

Emma’s been to school before.  

For the last 3 years, I’ve dropped her off for Pre-K, and then picked her up.  

It’s never been a full-day away from each other.  

As a mom, it’s hard to let go of that time.  

Trusting that although there's always better use of the time that you've had together, the things you've taught her will guide her day by day.

Teachers aren't taking our place, but instead coming along side our family.

This all just seems way BIGGER than it’s ever been before. 

The phrase chin up keeps coming to mind, but chin quivering is more like it lately. 

Doesn’t she look so big sitting in her desk?

Guessing game answer….HER BIRTHDAY! 

I did get some surprising texts from friends saying “You better tell me if your prego” 

That would be the lost chain in the world.

Our oldest has quite a few exciting events coming up in the next month.

Meet the teacher day(a few days ago)

Sleepover with all her friends

First day of Kindergarten

Dentist apt and eye exams (yea, I wouldn’t want to count down to those either)

AND THEN...a very special day...one that changed our world FOREVER...her BIRTHday!

I thought 5 was a big milestone.  

6 is feeling a whole lot BIGGER right now.

So of course when I asked her to be crafty with me (which let me tell you, she’s usually the one telling me to be crafty with her) and make a countdown chain, she said sure.  We got through 9 links.  It was supposed to be 17.  Not looking like we’re finishing it this year.  Maybe next year.  

What did we start making this countdown chain for? 

 Haven't finished it yet.  

It was definitely started with a goal date in mind.  

Several exciting events are coming up for our oldest.  

Make your best guess.

HAPPY Friday!
This is a silent video. 
 The facial expressions and body language say it all. 

Hope this video brings a smile to your face!

Happy Weekend!

Summer's Ending

We've enjoyed our summer full of fun activities. 

The ZOO....WAGON RIDES...FISHING...BLOWING BUBBLES...SWIMMING...PINATAS...SPLASH PARKS...PLAYDATES...CATCHING BUGS...SPARKLERS...BONFIRES...WRITING BOOKS...ART PROJECTS...VISITING GRANDPARENTS...and TONS MORE.

One of my friends had a list of "100 Things to Do This Summer" posted on her refrigerator.  Every time I would go to her house, I would try to make a mental note of what it said.  I'm all about relaxing and enjoying every moment of summer, but the side of me that makes check lists wanted to feel like we "accomplished" some thing this summer.  When my friend posted the list on Facebook, I scooped it up and printed it off right away.  I'm kind of crazy about check lists, especially fun ones.  It's been on our refrigerator ever since, and we've been checking away.  We still have our fair share of lazy days with way too much TV, and pajamas way past lunch time.  

One of their favorite activities has been playing with Water Balloons.

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In our area, some kids are already in school, which means summer is coming to an end.  Our family is officially two weeks away from having a Kindergartner.  Emma will be considered a full-time student.  It's a foreign concept, that I would like to keep that way for a little while longer.  It comes with mixed emotions.

Strawberry Picking

Once upon a time we went to a strawberry patch.  I say once upon a time because it was at the beginning of summer, and we are now getting to the end.  Our friends always go with their girls.  They make the yummiest treats.  We decided this year we would go.  We'd never been before.  I never went growing up.  Always thought it would be fun, so we took the challenge and went on an unknown adventure.  I say unknown because I had no idea if the girls would like it, throw tantrums all the way there, or just sit back and enjoy the ride.  I had anxiety for no reason; which happens fairly often.  

We packed up the car, got the girls ready, headed out with camera in hand, ready to make some memories.  

Ben and Emma did most of the picking, I took pictures, and Norah did A LOT of eating!  Silly mommy put a white-ish shirt on her.  The front was red by the time we left.  She kept giving me this look as if to say "Mommy, if you tell me I can't eat these berries, I will make it so every one knows how upset I am".  I didn't want to experience that moment in public.  Her basket was always empty.  Ben and Emma's were always full.   

(Strawberry coma kicking in) 

Look who wrote a book.

A short story about owls.