Disney countdown

Let the countdown begin! We are so excited about taking the girls for their first Disney trip in a few weeks! We are using this as a visual way to count down to our trip. We'll use a sticker to mark off each day until we go!

First "Real" Day of Kindergarten

Dear Claire:

Tomorrow is your first full day in kindergarten. You’ve been to school a few times already, but this is the real deal – your classroom, your teacher, all day long. While we all (but especially you) have been anticipating this day for some time, it still seems a little surreal that it’s actually here. I really feel like you were just a baby!

I have no idea how I will feel as you walk into your classroom tomorrow, but I do know that whether I am an emotional mess or completely holding it together, my entire day will be filled with thoughts of you - what you’re doing, how you are feeling, if you are behaving/using your manners, if you miss me, sissy and daddy, and so on. It is difficult for me to imagine that I won’t be there to help you make good choices (whether it be with food or with friends!), but I know now is the time I have to let go and simply trust. Trust that we have equipped you (as best as we can) to enter this exciting, yet frightening new world on your own. Trust that God will watch over and protect you while you spend hours each day away from us.

I know that you are an independent, fun-loving, determined, adorable, smart, energetic, thoughtful, sensitive, affectionate young lady and I pray that others will see your amazing qualities as well. I pray for patience, wisdom and discernment for your teacher as she cares for you and many other children each day. I also pray that you find friends who will encourage you and accept you for exactly who you are. And of course, I pray that you will enjoy school and always do your best!

I know that while this journey will be full of excitement and joy, there will also be a few disappointments along the way. Always remember that your home is a safe place where you will always be loved and accepted. You are a wonderful young lady and don’t you ever forget that! Also know that no matter what happens, God has a plan for you! We love you, Claire bear and are so proud of you!

Mommy (and Daddy)

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans of good and not evil, plans to prosper you and give you hope. ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Are you sleeping?

I seriously don't know how anyone could think this is comfortable. This is how we find Ava sleeping most of the time.

Ava's First Day of MDO - Two Year Old Class

Ava started Mother's Day Out today. She walked right into the room without crying or clinging to me (very unusual for her), so that made the morning go much smoother than I thought! Unfortunately, it was not the best day for a photo shoot! The poor thing was sporting an injury from an incident with a swing a few days before.


She headed straight for the baby dolls when she arrived! That's her go-to toy these days.

Luckily, I snapped a few pictures of Ava (shiner-free) with her teachers when we did our meet and greet the week before. They are both very sweet and I know Ava will have a fantastic year! We've had a wonderful, fun-filled summer, but I haven't been child-free since May, so mommy is super excited to have some "me" time!

Mommy-daughter date #3

You know I really love this girl if I am willing to play miniature golf (her choice for today) with her in nearly 100 degree weather!!! Thankfully, because the place wasn't busy and there were just two of us, our 18 holes went by quickly. Thank the lord!!! We had fun, though, and did enjoy sharing an ice cream when we got back to the clubhouse!

The last picture was obviously taken near one of the last few holes - notice Claire's signature red face! And yes, she was loaded with sunscreen!

Mommy-daughter date #2

Claire is really enjoying the "big girl" activities we are doing together while Ava goes to summer preschool. Today, we went bowling and played arcade games. While we were there, the bowling alley went "cosmic" with all the black lights and such. Claire thought was pretty neat how it made everything neon! I can tell a big difference in her bowlng since the last time we went on her birthday. She figured out a few different ways to roll the ball as you can see from the pictures below. It sure did help my score to have those bumpers up!! Haha!

Mommy dates

Before Claire goes to kindergarten in the fall, I told her that we would spend some time together and do some special "big girl" activities. Last night, I gave her a little book about spending time with mommy and the list she helped me compile of special activities we could do together. We will do these activities on the days that Ava attends the summer program at our church, which will total eight days (if all goes well and no one gets sick). This works out wonderfully since most of the activities on our list are not really age-appropriate for Ava. I kept the words on the list simple so she could recognize them, but we plan to go watch a movie, shop for school clothes and supplies, explore a museum, visit a swim park, play miniature golf, paint pottery, go bowling and get pedicures. Hopefully, we'll be able to fit in everything - if not, we'll make up for it one weekend!

On our first mommy-daughter date this summer - getting pedicures! We treated ourselves right after catching a free movie at the local theater.

The finished product...she was beyond thrilled since she is in love with polka dots!

I can't wait for our next outing together! I am determined to savor every minute I can with my precious girl before she goes off to school!!!

Master bath windows

Since we moved into our house, I have been wondering what to do with the window in my master bath. Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love fabric and custom window treatments, but I just didn't imagine a fabric treatment there. These windows are a little challenging because they are so close together and the casing is right at the corner. Enter my husband, who loves to dabble in carpentry, and voila - a beautiful cornice! I'm so proud of it and my talented husband!

Before...

After...

Happy New Year!

I'll have more on New Year's resolutions later, but one that's high on my list is to work a little every day on my blog until I am caught up! I have some from WAY back that I need to get on here....so stay tuned!