Paisley's first day of Kindergarten

Paisley started Kindergarten yesterday. She was SO excited to finally be in the "big school". The reality of the situation was brought home to me a few days prior when we had her teacher meet-n-greet and she was given her first homework assignment, due upon her arrival to school. Wow! Are we seriously hitting homework already? Life is a-changing, as they say!!

I thought really hard about what to post about Paisley's first day of Kindergarten. Of course, I have posted a few pictures so you can see what her new uniform looks like. She has several choices from which to pick - jumpers versus skorts, solids versus plaids, different color polo shirts, etc. She informed me this morning that she needed more than one choice of shoe to wear so I guess I'll go get those navy Mary Janes that I've been contemplating. They will look really cute with her uniform as well. The navy and white saddleback tennis shoes were my favorite, but I am learning that as she gets older she deserves to have a say in what she wears... and considering the required uniform has reduced her choices quite a bit, I think the least I can do is give her more shoe options.

She was excited when I picked her up at the end of the day. And she was happily anticipating going back today. That seems to be a good sign. She couldn't remember 90% of her classmates names... even when I prompted her... in fact, she wasn't even sure of the name of the girl and boy who sit on either side of her at her table. Not sure if that is a lack in social skills or memory - but hopefully she'll pay more attention to her new friends today. She told me she was "perfect purple" (they follow the colored card system for discipline there and purple means you had a perfect day). Whew! That one was a relief for me. Not that she normally has behavior issues (because she doesn't) but I was slightly concerned when she was tempted to throw a fit over the fact that her doll, Allison, was not allowed to attend school with her. Apparently, she pulled it together and had a fine first day anyway!We didn't walk the entire way to school. We actually drove the golf cart part of the way in the neighborhood and then Colby, Whitley and I all walked her over from there - waving to Officer Rick along the way - and joining several of our friends from the neighborhood. It was a fun way to start the new year. We will reduce the golf cart portion a little each day so that the walking portion is longer than the driving... until finally we are walking from the house to the school (about a 15 minute walk). I didn't want to wear her out too much the first week since she is already getting up earlier than usual - her brain and body are so tired from all of the learning and new activities she is adjusting to, not to mention the longer hours she is now attending. It will just be easier once her body has adjusted.

After contemplating what to write for her first day, I decided to write Paisley a letter - something that she can hold onto and reflect on when she is older - maybe it will give her a window into what my feelings were on this momentous day. So, here goes. I hope I can get through it without crying.

My sweet miss Paisley Rae,
Yesterday you started Kindergarten. Wow! Is that really possible? It seems like just yesterday I was holding you in my arms amazed that I was finally a mom. The possibilities seemed endless for you then - just as they do now - your whole life is ahead of you still. What an amazing reality!

I remember when you were first born and some of my friends with older children would say "Enjoy it. It goes by so fast. You'll blink your eyes and she'll be graduating from high school." I laughed at them then thinking that was ridiculous... but I must say that I now have a greater understanding for how they could feel that way. These five years have truly flown by. As I sat on the floor playing with your baby sister this morning, it amazes me that you were once that small. That you were learning how to talk and how to walk - and laughing with delight as you dropped things from your high chair. The fact that God created our brains to go from nothing to SO much in such a short amount of time is absolutely miraculous!

I wanted the best for you when you were born. I still do!! I tried to do everything the experts say will make a wholesome and complete child. I signed you up for music and creative play classes. I put you to sleep on your back and side. I breastfed you for over a year. I read tons and tons of books to you every day. In fact, books were your favorite thing - above any toy - for the first 2 years of your life. I limited your TV time so much so that you didn't even watch 5 minutes of TV until you were 20 months old. To this day, you still don't care much for TV... you'd much rather prefer to be drawing or playing with dolls. I love that about you! I try to keep you on a schedule, make sure you get lots of sleep, limit your juice and junk food and ensure that you eat a fairly healthy diet. I have only wanted the best for you!

But I'm far from perfect and I worry so much that I haven't done enough right. That I haven't given you enough one-on-one time with me. That I didn't teach you enough things when your brain was growing at its fastest. That my discipline methods weren't the best and that I have somehow broken your spirit from time-to-time. These are the things that scare me to death because I am afraid that the mistakes I have made cannot be undone. When you have your own child one day, you will understand this. How it feels to love someone so much and want the world for them, but to know that you are not perfect and you inevitably will make mistakes. There is nothing so important as raising a child, and that is the one place in life where making mistakes can be terrifying!! Did I choose the right school, the right educational methods, am I teaching my child the right things about how to handle rejection and loss and how to interact with other people? Have I set a good example for how to handle arguments and anger and frustration? These are just a small number of the questions that go through my head every day and I can only believe that with God's help and wonderful people around to guide me, that I can raise you with as little collateral damage as possible. God has entrusted this precious gift to me - you! He chose me to be your mom and ultimate teacher in this life. I just hope I can live up to His faith in me.

As I watched you walk down the sidewalk to the school entrance, I was overcome with emotion. I think the hardest part for me was realizing that for a large amount of time each day, you will be in someone else's care. Literally, 1/3 of the your day will be spent with other people... and under their influence. That is scary to me! The lack of control I will have about what you are seeing and hearing and learning... it's the most difficult to swallow. With all that I have tried to teach you over the years, there are also things I wish you never had to learn. If I could protect you from those things, I would, but unfortunately you must learn them the hard way. I can tell you about each one but it won't truly sink in until you experience it for yourself.

• I wish you never had to experience rejection - that you'd never have to know loss.
• There will be days you will be chosen last... and even worse, there will be days you may not be chosen at all.
• There are people who at times will find pleasure in your pain. I wish I could teach you how not to care what others think - but no matter how old you get, that one is hard to master.
• At times, you will experience loneliness, jealousy, heartbreak, and insecurity.
• Sadly, it's only a matter of time before you realize that the world is not fair - and nothing you do will ever change that.
• If I could, I would protect you from mean girls, being excluded, bullies and profanity.
• From now on, grades will become a measure of who you are to some people, but I want you to feel secure with the fact that no test or piece of paper can ever give you self-worth. It's you who determine your value in this world. I really hope you give yourself an A+.
• There will be days you won't want to go to school because someone has been mean to you, your best friend has decided she wants to be best friends with someone else, and your teacher isn't that great. These things will happen but life must go on and you must learn to deal with the bad, right along with the good. Life, after all, is chalked up with a lot of both!

But you will also have teachers that will inspire you, friends who will be a part of your life forever, and a knowledge bank that will place a world of opportunity at your feet. So, as you enter the "big school" each day - with all of that possibility laying before you - my greatest wish is that you'll stay a newborn at heart for as long as possible. What I mean by that is hold onto that naivety and innocence. You can always grow and learn, but you can never go back to that sweet ignorance that only a young child possesses.

Really, all I can do is pray for you (and I do!) and put my trust in God to guide you. I can tell you this one thing for sure - He is always there for you. No matter how much I let you down or your teachers and friends prove they are only human... God is the rock that you can always count on. If you hold onto that, I know you'll be just fine. I love you, my sweet girl. Now go... the world is waiting for you.

Love, Mama

Colby's First Day of School - PK3

Colby had his first day of preschool today. He is officially a student! I cannot believe it - where have the last 3 years gone? I did so well dropping him off but I am getting teary eyed tonight. Considering Paisley started Kindergarten the same day (I will talk more about that in a seperate post) and he is starting school for the first time - I could have been an emotional wreck today and it would have been totally justified. I guess having little miss sweetcheeks in my arms helped me get through it. At least she won't be going to school for a few years!!

The good news is that I adore his teacher and her parapro already. They both seem to be truly kind and wonderful people. I know they will take good care of him, nurture him and love him for me while I'm away. I hope they get to experience the big heart this little guy has and see his sweet spirit - and that his little personality will shine in the classroom the same way it shines here at home. Man, do I adore him!!

Ironically, as I sit down to type this hours later, it now seems too much to bear and the tears are beginning to flow. I saw this letter posted in the newspaper and it made me cry (get your kleenex out everyone). I didn't write it (obviously) but the author and I are clearly kindred spirits because he couldn't have captured my feelings today more accurately if he tried. I hope you enjoy this article as much as I did.

Colby Reese - I love you, my sweet little man! I hope you LOVE school and think learning is fun! Your little brain has so much growing and developing yet to do - the world is just beginning for you! And to your wonderful teachers - Mrs. H and Mrs. S - thank you for your gift of teaching and for loving our little ones when they are out of our care - I hope you have a good year together and please... "teach him gently, if you can".


TEACH HIM GENTLY by Dan Valentine

My young son starts to school tomorrow. It's all going to be strange and new to him for a while, and I wish you would sort of treat him gently.

You see, up to now, he's been our little boy. He's been boss of the back yard. His mother has always been around to repair his wounds, and I've always been handy to soothe his feelings. But now things are going to be different. This morning he's going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand, and start out on a great adventure. It's an adventure that will probably include wars and tragedy and sorrow. To live his life, in the world he will live in, requires faith and love and courage. So, world, I wish you would sort of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know. Teach him, but gently, if you can.

He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just, that all men are not true. Teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero, and that for every selfish politician, there is a dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy, there is a friend.

It will take time, world, I know, but teach him if you can, that a nickel earned is of far more value than a dollar found. Teach him to learn to lose, and to enjoy winning. Steer him away from envy, if you can, and teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Let him learn quickly that the bullies are the easiest people to lick.

Teach him if you can, the wonder of books, but also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hillside.
In school, teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong. Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with tough people.

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is getting on the bandwagon. Teach him to listen to all men, but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen on truth and take only the good that comes through.

Teach him, it you can, how to laugh when he is sad. Teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him there can be glory in failure, and despair in success. Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness. Teach him to sell his brawn and brains to the highest bidders, but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob, and to stand and fight if he thinks he's right.

Teach him gently, world, but don't coddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel. Let him have the courage to be impatient. Let him have sublime faith in himself, because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind. This is a big order world, but see what you can do. He's such a fine little fellow, my son!

Beach Trip

We enjoyed a nice vacation to Destin , Florida with my sister-in-law, Tracy and her kids and my friend, Kristin, and her kids. It was a lovely time!! The weather was a little hot and muggy but overall a wonderful vacation! See some of our pictures below:

Little man loved the ocean

This is Paisley and her best cousin, Omie! They love each other so much!

My 3 beautiful beach babies!

Fun in the pool.

Paisley and her best bud, Kiira.

Little Miss Dainty

Footprints in the sand...

All of the kids - this is the best we could do to capture them all.

Priceless...

Michael Phelps - you better watch out!

At just 3 years old, Colby has become quite the swimmer. Most people who know him are aware of this and it doesn't phase them to see a little guy so small out there doing things without a life-vest on or an adult around to watch over him. However, I can't help but chuckle at the faces of people that we don't know whenever he jumps into the deep end of the pool without an adult next to him. I can see the fear in their eyes as they search around to see if the lifeguards or his parents are nearby to rescue him. What they don't know is that the kid can swim better than me - and I might be the one who needs his help someday in the pool. Of course, the lifeguards know Colby very, very well (we go to the pool every day) and do not worry about him one bit, but again it probably seems crazy to those who are not aware of how much this little guy can do in the pool

Once Colby mastered swimming, his daddy (Mr. Daredevil himself) decided it was time to teach him a few fun (and I'd say a little nerve-racking) pool tricks. Keep in mind that I had NOTHING to do with this... but once Colby gets a taste of something, there is little you can do to discourage him. So, being the supportive mama that I am, I videotaped them to remember that he was able to do them when he was just 3 years old. I thought I'd post them so everyone can see what he has learned.

Doing a back dive:


Doing a front flip just like his Daddy:


Diving and hitting a small target (in this case the small hole inside of a tube):


Michael Phelps - you better watch out!

A Princess Spa Party!!

Paisley turned 5 years old this week. For her party, she chose a princess spa theme. She invited 12 lovely little princesses to be pampered, primped and spoiled at the OohLaLa Day Spa (our house). After all of the royal spa treatments, it was time for the girls to dress in their princess attire and enjoy an elegant princess luncheon. It was truly a fun party for everyone - even the moms!
Here is how it went down:

First they were given manicures and pedicures

Then, it was time for the facials. We exfoliated their skin with a watermelon scrub and put cold cucumbers on their eyes to reduce puffiness.


followed by a little relaxation time...

Next, it was time to get dressed.

We mustn't forget our princess make-up...

and hair accessories...

While they waited on everyone to finish getting ready, they played at the princess craft station.


Once the girls were all pampered, refreshed and fancied up, it was time for a mini photo session.


We ended with princess luncheon. It was such a fun party!!


Of course, they grabbed their spa bags as favors on the way out.

Happy 5th Birthday, Paisley!

Dear Paisley,
Today you turned 5 years old. I can't believe it. Where have the past 1,825 days gone? It is amazing to see the changes in you this past year specifically - both physical and emotional.

• Physically, you have thinned out - your face has lost some of it's chubbiness and your body has become more toned and fit. In my opinion, you become more beautiful (on the outside AND the inside) everyday)!
• Emotionally, you are more helpful, more willing, more obedient, more respectful and more mature.
• You are very inquisitive - you ask a lot of questions and want to understand how the world works and why things happen.
• You can be dramatic and overemotional at times but I'm sure that is mostly due to your age.
• You are sweet and thoughtful - making cards for your friends and family almost every day! In fact, one of your favorite things to do is to deliver mail to your friends in the neighborhood.
• You love art. If I'd let you, you would draw and paint, cut and create all day long. I wonder if you'll be an artist one day.
• You sing all of the time - you sing while you're drawing, you sing while your playing with your dolls, you sing in the bathtub, you sing while you're playing dress-up. Sometimes you sing the right words and sometimes you make up your own. Either way, it always sounds beautiful to me.
• Your favorite doll is still Allison - your American Girl Itty Bitty Twin. She goes everywhere with you and you love to wearing matching clothes with her. You call her your "dolly", which I think is really cute. You also love "My Little Pony", "Barbie" and "Play Mobile". Those sets will keep you occupied for hours!!
• You swim, play soccer and do gymnastics - all of which you really enjoy! And this past winter, Daddy signed you up for Ice Skating and you have already moved up to the 3rd level. You have great balance!!
• You are a good eater - love fruits and vegetables - and will try most anything.
• You hate to be hot. You hate not having choices. And you definitely hate to make mistakes (you are a perfectionist). You hate being told what to do.
• You adore your baby sister more than anything in the world - you really want to be a mama and sometimes wish Whitley was your baby, not mine!
• Your favorite colors are pink and purple. Your favorite food is probably ice cream (you love Rainbow Sherbert). Your favorite princess is Ariel from "The Little Mermaid" which is one of your favorite movies. When you watch TV, you like "Max and Ruby" or "Ni Hao Kai-Lan".

These are just a few things about you this year so you'll have an idea of who you were entering Kindergarten. I believe you are a smart little girl with lots of possibilities ahead of you. You love to learn and I hope you'll always feel that way. Your dad and I are so proud of you.

Happy 5th Birthday, sweet girl.
We love you so much!

Love,
Mama

Happy 4th of July!

We had a delightful fourth of July...(we actually celebrated it on the 3rd as it would turn out because that is when our city decided to celebrate everything). Erma Bombeck says, "You have to love a nation that celebrates its independency every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." And we certainly fed our faces and celebrated with much fun! First, we went to the parade downtown (Paisley loved the southern belles the best (the pink and yellow dresses were her favorites),
and Colby loved the police motorcycles and the firemen. Next, we enjoyed time at the pool together - it was hot but the water felt refreshing. Then, we came home, took naps to get refreshed for the evening's festivities and went to a friend's house to watch the fireworks (they have a great view of them!). The kids at the party played with glow sticks, sparklers, pop rocks and downed quite a few cookies and popsicles.

Around 7:15 pm, our really good friends went to the hospital in labor and we were able to find someone to stay with our kids once we got home at 10 pm so that we could be there when sweet little Eliza Maria arrived. The sex was a surprise (however, I did call it all along)... and it was such fun to share such a special time with our dear friends. Welcome to the world, sweet girl!

While there is so much fun surrounding the Fourth - fireworks, parades, watermelon and ice cream - let's not forget the true meaning of this holiday. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness!"

I thank God every day that I live in a country where I have these rights. May God Bless America!

The sweet sounds of miss Whitley

Look at Whitley's cute crawl and listen to all of the sweet coos and other sounds she make. It's such fun having a little one in the house. She follows me around like a little puppy and is ALWAYS so happy. She plays quietly and doesn't really get into anything she shouldn't. What a sweet little blessing!

Colby's Bike Party

Colby had a bike party for his birthday this year. It was such a great party - not expensive, fun for all involved and easy!!! Basically, everyone brought their bike, trike or big wheel to the school parking lot (which was free and a great location to have the party)... and the kids could ride over Colby's bike ramp or through a few obstacle courses I set up with cones and other items. There was a playground nearby where they could play and also sit down to eat. And we had cake, pizza and shaved ice. What more could a bunch of 3-5 year olds want?? For favors, we gave away plastic bike license plates with their name on it.

Here are the pics:

Happy 3rd Birthday, Colby!

Colby, it's your 3rd birthday. One year later, and you are still the most adorable little guy I know. You still have such a great personality - you're fun, adventurous, mischievous (in a good way), inquisitive, and ALL boy. You love life and get excited about almost everything (except certain things... like eating vegetables).

Here are some of your favorites:

• Riding your bike - you can do all kinds of tricks like stand up on the middle bar of the bike, go over your bike ramp, go over the curb, put both feet on the side of the bike while riding and run and jump onto your bike to get started. It is very impressive.
• Swimming - you are still a little fish in the water. I know you are going to be all over the pool this summer probably learning new strokes and dives.
• Building things - you love to build train tracks, legos, towers, you name it!
• Sports, sports and more sports - pick one and you'll be happy to play it. Soccer - yes! Lacross - yes! Basketball - yes! Baseball - yes! Football - yes! If it involves a ball and you can play it, you're in anytime someone asks.
• Games and puzzles - you love to play games and work on puzzles. You are pretty decent at it too.
• You are really happy 90% of the time. You love to do most anything and are willing to try new things. (Especially if you're Daddy encourages you to!)
• You are cuddly and loving. You still like your pacifier and blankie to comfort you. And you love to be held. I particularly love to read books and sing to you while you are in my arms.
• You know your shapes, colors and how to spell your name. I think you'll do well in school.
• You prefer to play with older kids... I think they can do more and that challenges and excites you.
• And you don't like to be alone - you definitely like to be around people.
• You are the pickiest eater I know!! Very difficult to get you to try new things.
• You have a big heart and an even bigger smile!

You are just a cool kid. And I'm so glad you're mine!!

I love you! Happy 3rd birthday, Colby.

Love, Mama

Missing my blog

Okay so I'm seriously missing my blog. It's not that I don't have time (although that can be a challenge with 3 kids) - it's that I never seem to find the inspiration or right topic to get me started. I am hoping it's just a case of writer's block and I'll be through it soon. My problem is that I'm a perfectionist and every time I sit down to write, I want to write really well... you know, from my heart... the kind of writing that is meaningful and inspiring. That is my goal (how lofty and egotistical of me!!). However, it is hard to think those kinds of thoughts and string together words so that the story or message I'm relaying is meaningful when there are kids screaming at each other, pounding on the door, making the baby cry (accidentally of course), whining about something, breaking things, asking for my help, or telling on each other, etc. You get the picture, right? Talk about some serious writer's block!! I will start a post and then set it aside for that moment when inspiration will hit me to finish it... and alas, it never happens. So... I have about 20 half-finished (half you-know-what) blogs. My goal is to finish them and get back on track. I will focus on this over the next week or so.

I hope you can hold me accountable for this. (IF I even have any blog readers anymore... stay on my case).
Thanks!

What is my calling?

Okay - where to start. First of all, in the wake of this 2nd earthquake in 2010... I feel so helpless! Helpless that at times of pain and suffering in our world, there is nothing I can do. I feel like God is tugging on my heart and preparing me for SOMEthing, but I am confused as to what that "something" might be. I clearly cannot go to Haiti or Chile right now to help those inflicted by these terrible earthquakes. I have a 4 month old baby that I am nursing 100% of the time so I cannot leave her for even 1 day. That prevents me from physically going there... so what else can I do.
Sure, I can give money (and we have).
I can pray (and we do).
I can trust that with God's love ALL things are possible (and I truly do believe in Him).
But I just feel in my heart that God has a bigger plan for me and I just for the life of me cannot figure out what it is. I have prayed for him to reveal it to me... but I know that God's time is not always the same as "my" time.

I just feel SO helpless (from my very comfortable home where food and water are readily available) as I watch (on one of my multiple TVs) the absolute loss and suffering they are experiencing. It seems so cruel that we have so much and something so tragic can happen to people that have so little. I don't understand it.
I can only pray.
Pray for for healing for the traumatized, sheltor for the homeless and love for the orphaned.
Pray for water (to drink and bathe), food and medicine (for those who need it).
Pray for diapers and milk for the babies (can you imagine not being able to change your baby's diaper or feed her when she's hungry?) I think of this every time I hold Whitley.
Pray for those sweet, sweet children who lost one or both of their parents. They must be so scared! So sad! So lost. How their little lives have been forever changed.
I wish I could just... do... SOMEthing. Please God - reveal to me your plan.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28