Monday, August 30, 2010

Our Little Cheerleader

Football season is in full swing for our little family. We're new to all this :).

Ella joined the cheerleading squad this year, and it has been so great! We love the games on the weekends, and I just love how the younger girls admire Ella from a far - they think she's SO cool :)...

They do a half time "dance" to our teams fight song. And can I just say that we have a pretty rockin' little football team - those boys are great little players and SUCH cuties!

Ella just loves it. And I always prove yet again that I am "that mom" by taking 1000 pictures!

Can you blame me?

Oh I love that sweet 6 year old!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Because Memory Lane Can Be Fun

I ran across these pics the other day, and I had to post them.

When Reese and Charlotte were 2, they used to get in each others bed at nap time and night time. I told them to stay in their own beds, but secretly I thought it was the sweetest thing ever...

This was a classic nap time scenario, Reese on the edge with no covers...and 1 Croc? I promise I don't put them to bed in shoes :)...

And then at night time, they would do it again...

Sigh...

They grow too fast!! I love those sweet, sweet memories!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

We're Getting The Hang Of It...

Our new school/Fall routine, that is.

I feel us slipping into a groove, which I love. No schedule equals chaos over in these parts, so a new groove is just splendid :).

The pool is the past (for now), so we are onto new adventures...


It has been a while since we have been to the park, so the girls are enjoying a change of scenery...


And these little ladies, are ready for some Pre-school. But not for a couple more weeks - they are SO excited.

This picture basically sums up their relationship...

They are always entertained by each other - you know, unless one is hitting the other.

Ahem.

I'm thinking of going to bed tonight right after the girls - this week has worn me out too!! Anyone else??

Hope you all are having a great week!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

It's Time, Baby.

Or should I say, "It's time, little girl."

I knew it was coming. I knew you were ready. And I knew you were excited.

What I didn't know is that I would see 6 years flash in front of my eyes as you walked into your classroom. I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest.

Wasn't it just yesterday that God gave you to us? And wasn't it a minute ago that you were standing at your 1st birthday doing animal sounds for everyone?

My mothers voice saying, "before you know it, she'll be in school..." rings so loud in my ears today.


But as I've said, you can't fence time, and 1st grade is calling. For the past year, we have been praying that God would give us direction for our family, and we believe that He planted us in a great community, with great schools. I know it's a big change from last year, but I also can tell you that this is where we are supposed to be. You're going to love it!

You are indeed ready my smart, savvy little girl. Have fun, learn a lot, and stop growing so stinkin' fast!

I love you, my sweet Ella Girl.

If you need me, I'll be in the car - trying to pull myself together. :)

It's time, Baby.

(I posted this (almost) exact post this time last year. I did a repost cause I felt exactly the same :)!)

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Apparently, I Am "That Mom"...

Well, my sweet Ella started school today. I am going to post pics later of everything, but for now I want to show you what my view looked like this morning...

It's blurry, you say?? Oh thats because I could hardly see since I was already crying on the way IN to the building.

Get a hold of yourself, woman!

Ahem.

I may have said in the past, "I won't cry when school starts. It's time. We've prayed and feel like this is where we are supposed to be!"

(eating my words.)

Sooo. Apparently I am "that mom" that cries on the 1st day of school.

Sheesh, and I thought I was strong :).

Pictures coming of our new 1st grader...

Saturday, August 21, 2010

A Little Bit Of This, A Little Bit Of That...

I am way behind. On a lot of things...

I'm enjoying these last summer days with the girls - they have truly been so much fun.

I'm feeling indifferent about school starting. I know it's time, my savvy, smart little girls are more than excited (especially Ella), but my heart hurts a little knowing she will be away from me most of the day.

We will miss the pool days - my girls and I have made some good (and funny) memories there this season.

I have learned a lot this summer.

I have taken deep breaths.

We took a hiatus from Target, but are about to be reunited when our School schedule kicks in.

I laughed at a lady the other day in Kroger's when she said, "wouldn't it just be easier to come after they're all in bed???"

(yea, lady, that would be easier I guess. But not as much fun, right?!)

(and besides, all that candy at the register isn't going to unwrap itself - you need lot's of little, mischievous hands for that!)

I have been learning that useless advice and comments are just that. Useless.

I've decided to make some small changes to the blog. Nothing real big.

The girls are already asking when the hayrides start.

And maybe I'm wondering that too.

I already have my Fall decor stuff sitting at the front of our storage ready to go. Once September hits, it's on.

I will definitely be sharing all our pumpkin recipes. We love all things pumpkin. Seriously.

Raya and Kinley have started "chatting" a bit. It's hilarious. Every morning I hear Kinley in the monitor yelling, "aya, aya, aya!!" Love it.

That's it for now - back to the "end of August crazy schedule." At least that's what we like to call it. :)

Hope you all are having a great weekend & enjoying the end of summer. Do you have a crazy schedule right now too???

Thursday, August 19, 2010

The Monkey Went To The Pool

He showed up in our pool bag once we arrived there - I usually try not to take him. Even though sweet Kinley wants to take him everywhere...

He has been around since the beginning...

Kinley and Raya both have one - but Kinley grew attached to her's early, Raya could take him or leave him...

That monkey has had many hugs...

We found out today that Monkey doesn't swim or float well...
But Kinley kept dragging him in :)...

He seems to be recovering well...

I'm pretty sure those little guys are 2 things that I'll keep forever :)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Soakin' It Up

I am just soaking up every minute we have left of Summer with the girls...

Meeting up with bloggy friends (more on that later)...

Hanging out at the pool every chance we get...

Running errands and picking up school supplies...

Asking Ella if she would just stay small...for maybe a few more years...

Eating Popsicles on the back porch...

Enjoying the pool some more...

We have had so much fun the past 3 months, and even though it's never fun to see Summer go - I am ALWAYS excited to see Fall on it's way!

I loovve the colors, cool temperatures, and hayrides!!

Is it to early to think of Pumpkin recipes?? :)

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

When I Say Smile...

She does this...


And I just want to squeeze her!

I love those 1st "smile for the camera" smiles, don't you??

Monday, August 16, 2010

Let's Just Pretend...

That it's not already August.

Let's pretend that I have 3 months filled of fun in the sun with all my little ladies.

And please, plleeaase - let's pretend like this savvy little girl is not starting 1st grade a week from today...

Ok?

Ok.

Anyone come up with a way to fence time yet???

Friday, August 13, 2010

1 Year Ago

Then...

Now...

Then...


Now...

Is it me, or does Raya look exactly the same??? :)

What I Say VS. What They Hear

I say, "Come here right now, I mean it!"

They hear, "run to the next aisle, but not before running (basically) over that elderly lady looking at the clocks."

I say, "If you don't eat all your food, then you will have no snack later."

They hear, "Don't eat, I will nag until the woman gives in - she's clearly at the end of her rope."

I say, "If you put your mouth on that mirror one more time, we're leaving. The workers have to clean that!"

They hear, "Lick the mirror."

I say, "Sit right at the table, you're going to spill something!"

They hear, "Sit on knees, place cup at edge of table, knock it over with your elbow - then watch it spill all over the table, on to the chair, and then on to the floor. In that order."

I say, "Because if you put the blanket over your head while you're walking, you will run into the walls."

They hear, "Do it! Running into walls is awesome - the most fun ever!

I say, "I told you 3 times that we are leaving soon - I'm going as fast as I can!"

They hear, "Ask one more time."

I say, "Because we just painted those walls!"

They hear, "walls aren't complete till coloring is finished - scribbling is the new accent color."

I say, "I love you - more than you can ever imagine. One day, when you become a mommy, then you'll understand."

They hear, "She loves us - more than anything. Even when she is tired, frustrated, or stressed, that lady adores us."

I do believe they are hearing that last one correctly, even if I'm not making myself clear on everything else. :)

Thursday, August 12, 2010

I Always Have It Together.

(except on days that end in Y.)

I never lose my cool...

and never feel frazzled.

I never let the girls say words wrong just because it is SO STINKIN' CUTE...

you'll never hear the word, "turkulator" (calculator) around this house.

And I always have our laundry done...

(except on days that end in Y.)

My kids are always under control...

and would never try to wash their own hair in the bathroom sink - "just like at the hair place!"

I'm never rushing out the door 10min behind schedule...

and always have my house picked up before we leave...

(except on days that end in Y.)

I never laugh when trying to discipline...

and always stand my ground - cuteness never wins me over.

I wouldn't let my older 3 ladies make hot chocolate on their own...

because I know that they are not qualified hot chocolate makers...yet.

I would never say "I don't want to know why on earth you would make it that thick, and you can't make me listen to your explanation."

(except on days that end in Y.)

I am super mom...

and always have it together...

because I just have SO much patience.

(except on days that end on Y.)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Sweet.

Spunky.

Savvy.

Sigh...


Kinley.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

A Battle I'm Not Currently Fighting