Presents Every Day?

It has been way too long since I blogged.  A friend has recently chewed me out reminding me that blogging is as much for me and my kids as anyone else.  It is to keep a diary of our lives for later.  A better diary then I can keep here.  So my desire to let long distance family see moment to moment as Lexi got to open her birthday present got me up and started again.

So this diary entry… or blog entry… is dedicated to Aunt Lanette and Uncle Phil (and their amazing children):

First, an adorable box arrived on Monday, March 4th.  We got home so late that it didn't get seen by the newly minted 7 year old until the next day after school.  But then….

She read the label.  Who could it be from?  Is it really to her?



Once she was sure it was really hers to open...

She pulled out the card...

And read it very carefully.  I admit the note was confusing that stated that her mommy said she could print off patterns online.  So the gift was just the supplies and not a kit… oh her mommy has a bad memory and was at a total loss! What did I say?  What did I do?  

Until Lexi reached in side and smiled!  She had fun...

Pulling out one after another...

Of all the different colors of duct tape!  Yeah crafting world as we  Lexi takes you by storm!  Now… mommy needs to start printing off those plans from the Internet!  I see gifts of pencils, rings, crafts and maybe even clothes!

Thank you Aunt Lanette and Uncle Phil!  Your surprise gift in the mail made a 7 year olds day!

Wow... Has It Been That Long?

Well, after getting chewed out by a dear friend (LOL) I thought I would start the new year with some photos. No catching up from the last posting. WAY too long and WAY too many photos that I love. But here is January so far...


Lexi has taken to dressing herself more and more. She can be reasoned with when we are going to church and she has sweat pants on, for example. But some days I let her go... this is a mild example of her desire to FULLY coordinate. Yep, pink socks, shoes, sweats and headband. Well... it matches.

January has been so wonderfully warm... but to Lexi's dismay. My little girl loves the cold and winter. I don't get it. I truly don't. But I was happy for her when it snowed for a short time.

Dont' we all catch snow in a butterfly net?

And use a garden hoe to play?

I was extra happy when it got warm fast and we got to play outside in the sun instead of the snow!

Lexi was happy too. She loves to swing as much as she loves to play in the snow.
We had a great visit with Aaron, Mary and Aubry!

Yep... had to throw this one in. Don't ask us why but Lexi decided to draw a mustache and beard on her face before dinner.

Are you noticing a trend with these pictures... I just now did!  Pink!  Yep, she dressed herself in each one.  She does like wearing other colors but apparently she has not outgrown pink!

New Camera Fun!

Wow, I am very behind. A computer FULL of photos, moments, memories. And today I tried out a new camera... pocket one finally. It only took me TWO years to commit to a smaller camera so I don't have to carry my SLR around me.

So today... I tried out my Canon Power Shot SX210 IS.


A sweet photo. A sweet girl. Pigtails and popsicle.

A little boy who came home from school with a bad headache right as school was getting out. A headache that was only cleared up by a bad release of pain in throwing up... and then there he is. Happy, playing golf in the front yard and eating a Popsicle. Migraine? I hope my poor boy doesn't have that as a part of his future, his life. Right now, I see a beauty and joy in his eyes that wasn't there an hour before. And that is what I am glad this photo captured!

Innocents and sweetness that I treasure!

What is that? Okay, some people have a twinkle in their eyes. Nicolas has a twinkle ON his eye!

I have a bad feeling that this camera is going to be the start of a future... watch out world... I see lots of memories captured. I hope they are all as sweet as these!

Preschool Princess

Lexi was in for changes. Changed schools to St. Mary's. She changed days to going three days a week. Changed hours... wow, they go early! And is leaving her good friends behind at her old preschool. If anyone has a right to be scared, nervous or at least apprehensive it is her. And was she?


I am happy to say she was excited, ready and positive!
That's my girl!

And her brother was there... now having to get up earlier himself so that he was ready to go when she has to even though he doesn't have to be at school for much later! But now he gets an hour on those days to hang with his mom alone. And we do...get breakfast, play games, read, tennis...whatever we can. And Lexi? How is she doing with change?



She is doing great! Makes new friends every day. Excited to eat in a real lunch room, play on the playground, feed the bunny and whatever else she can do.

And of course she got a slushy too at the end of her first day!

As for her friends at her old school? We have gotten in as much play time with them as we could before they started back. Thanks ladies for coming to play all week! We hope to see you all as much as we can after school and on the weekends!

First Day of First Grade

Nicolas might not have wanted to say good-bye to summer just yet as he has enjoyed so much swimming, hanging out with friends, trips locally and away. But he was excited to start first grade. He can't wait to use his desk for homework (wonder how long that will last). To keep learning to read chapter books, learn more about globes and maps, and to bring on all the math you can. Oh, don't forget P.E., recess, art and whatever else he can soak up in school.

So the first day of school came.



Backpack was ready, supplies were in tow (by his parents who were beating the bus to school to greet him there) and Nicolas was excited to meet his new teacher, classmates and a desk all his own.



(top left corner - clockwise)
I get one more hug in with my little boy. We both held it together much better then last year!
Shawn is there for first day as he always is for any moment with his kids that he can be. Good daddy!
Nicolas gets off the bus with his buddy, Aidan. They may not be in class together but they get to play at recess and that works for them.
Nicolas waves from across the bus... "bye bye mom"
The day is over and Andrew gets the squeeze on to neighbors, Nicolas and Ryan, as they have a great day.

We surprised Nicoals with slushy and lunch and a trip to our friends pool for the afternoon. Great first day!

Batter Up

One season ends as another one begins. The life of parents today. This was our first game of the t-ball season. And this year Shawn managed the boys team. Nicolas really liked having his dad so involved. I loved watching both of them on the field.


Nicolas gets ready to bat and Shawn watches another player. Hmm.... hope he doesn't try to wear that shirt around house. (hee, hee)

Swing! There goest he ball! Run, Nicolas, Run!!!

What cute players Cooper and Nicolas are.

Having fun! Even with the other team.

Soccer Finishes

Lexi has all her bases covered... loves dolls and drawing, lipgloss and cooking, dance and sports! So she was a bit sad when the last soccer game came so quickly.


She mad quite an improvement from that first, memorable game when I couldn't get her on the field for anything ... no bribes worked! She isn't the master of the field yet (that would go to Joey) but she gets a bit braver every week. I think by the time fall soccer is over... next spring she will be ready to take anyone else on! (laughing) Of course she will take us on here in our backyard on any day.

But THIS was the moment she played for! This was the item she had in her sites. Her very own trophy! Does she look happy? She was ecstatic!

What a sweet little team. Watch out next season because they won't be the smallest, youngest ones anymore! I think our girls kept up with the boys too. Way to go pink ladies!!! And way to go Marty!