Friday, May 21, 2010

School Days Graduation

It's official.....my baby boy is a pre-school graduate. He will start Kindergarten in the fall and although I am super excited for him and all the fun it will bring, I am also very sad to see him leave. Not only is it just the growing part, but it's the memories of this place known as School Days. All 3 kids have gone here and I just cannot say enough about their 'home away from home.' The morning rituals of me racing the kids to the door to get them in faster, or me making funny faces at the window, then going outside to do a little good-bye jig in the driveway. Then there is the good wave and kiss blowing that takes place as I pull off. A funny story just this past week. I was running late and got to school to drop Cade off and realized I forgot his lunch. I was like "UH OH." So I was in such a tizzy I walked out w/out the wave, the dance, the kiss, etc. I get in the car and pull off and was like 'oh my gosh, I forgot all the important stuff.' So I park and go back in. Of course he's already gone about his business to the puzzle table. I poke my head in and he sees me and he's like 'what are you doing back mom.' I motioned him over and whispered, "I forgot my good-bye wave." He was like "I know." He could've cared less, it was mom that was tore all to pieces. So I said "I'm sorry, let's do this again." So, we did and I ran home, got the lunch, and brought it back. Yes, I was late to work, but didn't really care either! Halle, Gracie, and Cade have all loved School Days and the teachers have loved them back even MORE! I am so sad to leave this happy place of centers, art, playground fun, picnics, and fieldtrips to Winthrop. I know we'll visit but it will never be the same.

The cutest song ever about 'throwing junk in your backyard.' Don't throw junk in my backyard b/c my sisters play here. Cute as pie.....and brought me to tears!


Cade was the "baby bear" in a song about Goldilocks and The Three Bears.



Cade w/a solo...he rocked it of course!
Singing 'Puff the Magic Dragon'

The Grand Ole Flag

My heart!



Priceless!

Daddy's pride and joy!

Cade gets his diploma!







































Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Mother's Day 2010

A rare family photo, and we are by no means, sporting our best attire, but this is the real 'us.' I thought a lot about Mother's Day and what it means, and mostly I am just thankful to have a healthy, happy family. I keep thinking of all the people who have to go through this day w/out their mother, especially young children who did not get enough time w/ their mothers. Or those that are in an unloving situation and just want a mommy to give them some attention. And then there's the flip side. Mother's who have lost children, something I do not like to even think about. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, and as the kids get older, it's easier to do that because they have so much going on. A funny memory of this past Mother's Day kind of sums it all up. We come home from church and I slip out the back door to soak up some sun ALONE. And I mean I slip to the very back of the yard, almost hidden. Literally within 5 minutes I had Halle in a chair to my left. A few minutes later, Gracie is in a chair to my right. Then a few minutes later Cade is sitting at the foot of my lounge chair. Then to top it all off the dogs follow their lead and are sitting diagonal from me. It was kind of hilarious. I feel like the momma duck w/ all her ducklings. Thankfully I have forgiving children b/c sometimes I sure do not deserve them. Sure there are times when I wished everyone would just be quiet, but in the rare event they are all 3 gone at the same time, I realize just how boring it is and it makes me want to stop time. For I know time will fly, and they will be gone in a flash....each to lead their own lives. I pray while they are with me I can teach them as much as I possibly can so they can be confident, strong, and loving people. I am so thankful God chose me to be their mommy.










Saturday, May 8, 2010

Halle's Triathlon 2010

This year we did the YMCA kids triathlon. It was a great event and I am so proud of Halle and all the kids that participated. I know I'm biased, but I think it's pretty impressive that an 8 year old wants to exert this much energy, and I mean WANTS to....not pressured by mom, dad, or anyone else. She's a great swimmer, but lap swimming/competitive swimming is not the same thing. We worked a few times in the lap pool at the Y to prepare for this event, and I can say she did much better at the race today, than when we practiced. It's amazing what adrenaline will do. She swam 2 laps, up and back, then got out of the pool and headed to the bike. I helped her get her helmet, shorts, and shoes on, and off she went for a 1 1/2 bike ride up a very MEAN hill. She made it on her little girly bike. Poor thing. She will definitely be getting a new bike if she continues to particpate in these. She returned from the bike and then ran up the mean hill again, and back....never stopped. She finished 8th out of 17...not too bad. She's definitely a winner in my book!
Halle w/ the sign we used to cheer her on. A friend made it for her....so sweet!
I always love a picture of the 3 of them.

Lydia and Halle.....friends and competitors!


This is one determined kid! And I am so proud of her.
Happy to be done!