The Birthday Boy and a day in MS

Happy Birthday, Cade! My oldest turned 7 Friday. I can't believe I became a mommy 7 years ago. He decided to have a spend the night "Super Mario" party for his birthday. So, his dad and I picked up 6 little boys and took them to play laser tag. We came home watched a movie, had pizza and cookie cake, and played Wii. I finally turned off the movie at 12:30....and shhhh'd for the last time at 1:30 am. They woke up to donuts and more Wii. These guys put away some food! And, they had a blast with each other. We had a good time watching all of them interact...their conversations were hilarious! What a great birthday for an awesome kid!! Happy Birthday, Cade!! They were so excited as he opened his gifts! What great friends, he has! We also went to MS for a 24 hour trip and had a little swimming birthday party for Cade. Of course, my kiddos love all the cousins that come - so many people to play with! My sweet Aunt Donna always makes a cake for the birthday boy or girl... Charlie Bear also had a good time being passed around by all the family members. Jo and Charlie are big buddies!!!
To end our day trip, we attended my cousin's wedding....
It was a fast (and so much fun) weekend!!

the turn around

Well, since we have hit 25 pounds and our feet were pushing against the carseat, it was time to be turned around. This is a big step in babyhood. My baby boy is growing fast. Before the turn around: And, after the switch: He sure is happy at his new car riding status...liking his new view on life!
And, yes, that is a pool diving stick he is playing with....he is definitately a third child.

fun day!

Also on Saturday, we had a birthday party to attend...so they slid and jumped all afternoon. Why didn't I think of inventing these "jump" places? I absolutely LOVE that my kiddos are buddies - they even chose to sit by each other with all the other children there...ahhhh, sweet.
Bear got his first ride in a coup car...and thought it was soooo very fun!!!
And, I got lots of kisses and hugs...don't ya love Saturdays just playing and being together!

"date day"

She has been asking for months for a date with her daddy...so, Saturday, we made it happen. She and Daddy went to get her very first, real manicure and pedicure. He took these pictures to show me how excited our sweet girl was on her "date".

He even picked out her colors for her...she wanted orange fingernails and pink toenails....glitter and a little artwork on each nail. She was as happy as can be....add a grilled cheese shared with her favorite guy at a favorite diner, and it was a fun day for this big girl (and her daddy).

C and I also had a date Saturday night. We went to see a movie - with popcorn and a shared lemonade. I had soooo much fun with my little man. He was hilarious....all the way home, he kept talking about scenes from the movie and laughing. Oh, how I wish I could freeze moments like those. So, no pictures for our little date...but some awesome memories!

a movie in the park

My daughter is still sleeping at 9:30 am, my baby just went down for his morning nap....so, time to bring on the onslaught of updates/pictures....

A few weekends ago, we were invited to hit the park for a movie at dusk with some great friends. We picked up some dinner, grabbed some frisbees and a blanket, and prepared to melt in the heat while we caught the movie in the park. We had a GREAT time....can you tell by the pictures???

Mr. First Grader

Here he is, folks, on his first day of first grade: first full week is almost over - he likes his teacher, no buddies yet in his class, but no complaints yet, homework already started, and first spelling test Friday...
Hellllooooo, First Grade!!!!!

they make me laugh

So, here's to two kiddos who make their mommy smile...and, hopefully, you too!

The other night during her bath, I heard S doing her checklist of body parts as she washed herself...neck, tummy, arm pit, arm pit, leg pit, leg pit, front bottom, back bottom....I just love that kid!!! Leg pit? I mean, how cute is that??

C came in from school today telling me all about his day. I really love having a talker as a son....hopefully, it will continue as he ages....oh, how I pray. But, anyway, he came in telling me it was time to sell wrapping paper again (yes, grandmothers, we will be calling soon - you have been forewarned). He just started laughing and told me he had some silly friends in his class. He said, "Mom, they were being so funny. They thought that we had to go to Espanol to pick up the wrapping paper because it said, you know, like IN Espanol on the outside of the thingy. Mom, I had to tell them, like, guys, it is in Spanish, like can be read in it. They are sooo silly, huh, mom?" I think I have a 6 year old teenager on my hands....a funny one.

decisions, decisions, decisions

We are here....the end of summer vacation....my big boy just started first grade....time is flying by me....my son is almost 7 years old - a first grader!!! This time of year always is soooo bittersweet to me. We are filled with excitement about new things to learn, new school friends, growing, new seasons, cooler weather....but, there is that sadness that another summer of cartoons, bible stories over Apple Jacks, visiting with out of town family, playdates that do not have to end because of bedtimes....is coming to an end. The fact that we are in the throws of August amazes me.

This is also the time of year of recommitments...even new ventures. As I have been talking over decisions such as these with my big boy (like football versus karate versus baseball), I am in the middle of making some decisions of my own. It all comes down to not wanting my plate to be too full to be able to serve efficiently.....where God wants me. I have to be wise...I have 3 little ones all under 7 and a hardworking honey at home depending on me. I have a few carry over responsibilities from last year....things I love and feel led to continue. But, there are new interests, new callings on me this year. Which to do? What to take on? How much is too much? When there are soooo many "good" things to commit to, which ones are the "best" for me? I have been spending a good bit of time examining my motives, searching my heart, praying for guidance and wisdom. I have encouraged C to do the same in his decisions. He has chosen...to focus on school, attend his Wed. night church class, and play flag football - saving baseball for spring. We will wait to decide on karate until we can see what school will be like this year. His reasoning was sound. He is confidant in his decision....now it is Mommy's turn.

back online and ready to go!

I am back online....yeah!!! My little Dell decided to get sick for a while...whooo, I do NOT like computer viruses. They make me angry. Thank you to our sweet friend and computer guroo that helped us out by doctoring this "little window to the outside world".

And, now, we are in "kick off" mode - kicking off school, ballet, football, church activities...on our mark, get set, and GO!

August is here, my friends!!!