Mother's Day

What a great Mother's Day I had!  I am so grateful for my 3 wonderful children.  They bring much laughter to my life.  Obviously as with any mom, there are days that are crazy, screams that are loud, tears that are shed, but the small moments, the twinkle in an eye, the blowing of a kiss, a cheeky-cheeky, a tight squeeze around the neck, a "Mom, just hold my hand" - it is all worth it.  We need to just stop sometimes and absorb our surroundings.

Absorb the sound. 

Absorb the sight. 

Absorb the touch. 

Absorb the smell (although not too much sometimes).

God gave us these senses for a reason.  May we soak in his Glory as we enjoy our kids...EVERY.SINGLE.DAY!

 

Leprechauns Visit

Did you know that we are visited by little green men, called Leprechaun's on St. Patrick's Day? 

Ella stayed busy on Sunday making a trap for the Leprechaun that will visit our house.  She made a gold doubloon to put into the trap as well as some green Lucky Charms in hopes to lure the little green man into the trap. 

It didn't work though :(   Instead he made a mess, ate some Lucky Charms...

and left her some chocolate gold covered coins.  She was sooo excited!

Since it was raining, Clint drove the car down to the bus stop that morning. As they were waiting, Ella jerked her head really quick.
Dad:  Ella, what is it?
Ella:  I think I saw something.
Dad:  Well, what was it?
Ella:  I think I saw the leprechaun running really fast.

Love her!   When she got home from school this afternoon, she worked diligently on a "play ground" for the leprechaun, because he will visit again.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Parks and Princesses

It was a typical Saturday morning.  Mary Catherine had gymnastics.  Ella had a soccer game.  One big difference...it was a beautiful day.  So, after lunch, we decided to forgo naps and head to the park.  We stayed for like 3 hours.  The kids had a blast.  It was nice to just be outside!

 

Once we got home, Nate and Heather texted and told us that Elsa and Ana were going to be at Chick-fil-A.  So, I packed the kids up and we took off.  There were SOOOO many people there, it was UNBELIEVABLE!  The kids patiently waited in line for 1 1/2 hours.  Yes.  One and a half hours.  They got to say hello and get there picture made with the ice princesses.  It was worth the wait. 

Where is Wesley?  He waited with us.  Never complained.  But when it was time for pictures, he wouldn't let go of my leg.  He didn't want any part of having his picture made with all 4 princesses.

Tacky Day

As we drove by the school a couple of weeks ago, we noticed a sign that said that Tacky Day is Jan 10th.  So, Ella asks, "What does tacky mean."  Wow - that is kind of hard to explain.  I tell her that it might be when you wear something that doesn't match. She tells me pretty fast that she does NOT want to participate because she likes to match.

Ms Cheryl picked her up from school that day and this how the conversation went.

Ms Cheryl:  That little girl over there...she has on two completely different pairs of boots. Did you see that?
Ella:  Yeah - today is wacky day.  [wacky day...I think she meant "tacky"]
Ms Cheryl:  Really?  What is wacky day?
Ella:  [very serious and matter-of-fact] You know - when you were something that doesn't match.  Like - what Mary Catherine does all the time.  She NEVER matches - so she is wacky all the time.

Ms Cheryl said she just died out laughing and Ella just looked at her like "why are you laughing?"

Mary Catherine - not sure that I would call it "wacky" or "tacky".  I would just call it "expressing her personality".

1st Day of 1st Grade

It's here! 

The 1st Day of 1st Grade!



Meet the Teacher

Ella is starting 1st Grade!!  Her teacher this year is Mrs. Hegwood.  She is so excited.  We have been counting down the days.

She is all ready for her first day.  I was much more calm this year than I was last year, that's for sure.  It's still emotional seeing your once baby girl growing so fast and heading off to first grade.  She is tickled pink to meet her teacher.

Ella is excited about her new classroom. She found her desk immediately. 

And of course, Ella had to sit down and test it out.

 Ella and Mrs. Hegwood.  Looking forward to a great year!!

Ella Hair Donation to Pantene

Ella has been growing her hair out for awhile now. She wanted to get it cut short for school.  Since it has gotten so long, we have decided to cut it short enough so that we have enough length to donate to Pantene. 

 

Sue from work had given me some books today that her kids didn't read anymore.  Turned out to be great timing, as this was the perfect thing to keep Ella's mind off of getting her hair all cut off.

 All the ponies are in place.  Ready for the first cut.

 So serious.

 And here she is!!

 Beautiful, sweet girl!

And so excited to mail her hair to Pantene.  She even included a colored a picture and put it in the envelope.