My favorite red dress

We went to a wedding last and I wore the same dress that I wore to my cousin, Corinne's wedding 6 years ago! I didn't think I would ever get back in to it.....but thanks to a little spanx help I did it=)

August 2004

August 2010

Kindergarten homework

Tyler is doing really well in Kindergarten. He gets a "weather" report each day telling us how he did and knock on wood, he has come home with ALL sunny days so far!

He also has a research project that we have to work on each week. He is responsible for learning three facts about whatever topic they are covering. The first week they worked on flag etiquette. He and I sat down together and found the facts then he copied them on paper and illustrated each fact. He was so very proud of himself (and I was a awfully proud too) as he headed to school on Monday ready to present his facts!

Best hubby ever!!!

Have I ever told you how great Marshall is? He is such a wonderful husband and father and I am thankful each and every day for him.

I am going to brag on him a little more and tell you about the great trip that he (yes, I said, HE) planned for me. He arranged the time and place without ANY input from me. He even completely took charge of arranging child care!

Two weekends ago we drove over to CA and dropped the kids off at Marie's house. We then drove up to Dana Point and spent two FABULOUS nights at the St. Regis!

It was beyond wonderful. I got a massage and spent a few hours in the spa while he played a round of golf and then we just spent the rest of the time hanging out together enjoying being alone and soaking up the amazing Southern Ca weather.

I didn't really take any pictures because it was such a chill out trip---however there were a few weddings taking place while we were there and for some reason I was just so in awe watching this one being set up that these are the only pictures I took!

I always say that I want to get remarried in a church for our 10th anniversary---but I gotta tell you, if we by chance win the lotto before then the ceremony will be taking place here!!=)

As you can see the kids had a great weekend as well!

Bowling

One of the indoor activities that we tried again this summer was bowling. Tyler loves it, but Emma is done after about four or five frames. Here are two quick videos from one of our bowling adventures.

Still loving the pool

This summer the kids have gone from terrified of the water to not ever wanting to get out!!! I am not exactly sure why they are suddenly obsessed with doing mean faces at the camera--but it sure does make for some funny pics!

Now the tears are really flowing!

If Monday seemed like an emotional day-- you should have been in the car with me as I sobbed driving home from dropping Emma off at her first day of Pre-K on Tuesday. Now granted, this little girl has been ready to go since Tyler started, it was still really tough on this mom. In fact, it had gotten increasing harder to leave him at school and try to pry her away from the classroom, so it was time to start sending her. You see...she was ready (even if I wasn't!).

Here she was two short years ago helping Tyler to get ready for his first day of Pre-K.

She was so excited about school that she kept practicing taking a nap on her new school nap mat.

She was so excited about being a big girl and being able to actually go and stay at school.

I am not saying that I want more babies....but I sure do miss having a baby around here----just look at these two!

I think the thing that made me cry the most about leaving her there was that she was so much more ready to be there than I was to have her there. There wasn't a moment of hesitation. She ran up to Ms. Sheri (Tyler's former Pre-K teacher) hugged her and said, "I am ready for school!". Emma has been a part of Resurrection Lutheran Child Development Center for the past two years that Tyler has attended. It feels like a second home to her and for that I am so grateful!

I plan on volunteering at the school on Tuesday each week and Thursdays are reserved for some much deserved "me" time. I hope my house will start to become a bit more organized, I still need to learn to use photo shop, my other blog has really been on the back burner, and I may even try to sneak in a few shopping or lunch dates with friends! I haven't had a day off in over 5 years so even though I cried I know this is going to be good for ALL of us.

This whole week has been so very better sweet. You want your kids to grow up and love school--- but it just happened too darn fast.

Say it ain't so!!!!

I just can't wrap my mind around the fact that the tiny little red headed baby that I brought home from the hospital, what seems like yesterday, started KINDERGARTEN this week!

I am not ashamed to tell you that I cried. I cried because my baby was growing up. I cried because I am not going to see him near as much as I want to. I cried because he is going to become so much more independent and not need his mommy as much as I would like. I cried because that was the fastest five years of my life! And...I cried because I am sad.....sad that my baby isn't a baby anymore!

Here are a few pictures of his big first day.

Ready to go with his new Star Wars lunch box and backpack.

Is he not the cutest?

Posing with his little sister.

Arriving at school.

Being VERY silly on Mrs. Head's lap!

He had such a fabulous first day. When he got in the car I asked him what the "peak" of his day was and he said, "Getting my Awesome First Day sticker!". When I asked what the "pit" of the day was he thought for a minute then said, "Mom, I didn't have a pit...it was an awesome first day of Kindergarten!".