Happy 6th Birthday Jordan!

Saturday was Jordan's 6th birthday! Somehow the oldest 'grandchild' is now 6 years old and in Kindergarten. When did this happen? I can still readily recall sitting in the hospital waiting room for hours... I think I was there for 14 of the 30 something hours Amy was in labor... until Jordan was finally born around 2 am. Somehow 6 years has snuck by since that day. Surprisingly I remember that day she was born as vividly as, or maybe even more so, than the days each of my girls were born. Maybe because Jordan was the first born into the family, maybe because there were many more hours of waiting to remember since Amy had such a long labor and both of mine were relatively quick, or maybe because I was experiencing the day as an on-looker, and had no pain, anxiety or pain medication to interfere with my ability to experience the moment or remember, all of which I strongly experienced when my girls were born.

We celebrated Jordan's birthday with her at her party on Saturday evening. We went and watched her soccer game and then went to the park where all the kids had fun on the playground and enjoyed hot dogs and cake. Ashlyn experienced her first tire swing. These use to be so popular when I was a kid but I haven't seen a tire swing in years until Jordan's party. I guess they may be viewed as too dangerous these days. It was apparent why they might be dangerous when some of the dads (of course) spun the tire swing high and fast where the kids could barely hang on. At one point even dare-devil Ashlyn felt a bit uneasy and decided to get off of it.

So Jordan is now 6. Ashlyn keeps reminding us that she is almost 5... these birthdays keep coming faster and faster each year. Slow Down Time!!!

GLOW Kids showing Initiative

Ashlyn is involved in a new, parent-involved program at church called GLOW Kids- Go Love Others in the World. The intent of the program is to teach children Christian virtues through fun learning activities, fellowship and service projects. As the children learn and carry out these virtues they naturally become part of their daily lives. "It was created to instill in our children hearts of compassion, generosity, and love for others through Biblical principles." Go to http://www.glowkidsonline.com/ to read more about it. September's virtue was Initiative- take the initiative to help others without being asked. We have 2 meetings a month: the 1st meeting we read books, bible stories, do crafts and play a game all related to and teaching the virtue. The second meeting is the service project. September's service project was at the Plano Community Garden where the children cared for the gardens. They learned that these crops will benefit the local food pantries helping the less fortunate who don't have enough to eat. Chris and Ashlyn really enjoyed digging in the dirt, planting seeds and learning more about gardening. While they were at the gardens, Avery and I were showing "Initiative" by picking up a Senior Box of individually packaged prepared meals for my Mimi through a program called Angel Food Ministries. Since my Mimi fell recently and fractured a rib (and a few months before that broke her wrist) daily living has become quite a bit harder. Mag discovered this wonderful relief program that provides quality meals for seniors and families in need at a more affordable price. http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ Both GLOW Kids and the Angel Food Ministries were started by just a few people. It's amazing to think what a big difference these programs can make, started by just a few, but benefiting so many people!

Wordless Wednesday, Cooking southern-style

My little chef-in-training is helping me make cornbread. It must have looked and smelled good to her since she kept wanting to take a big bite right from the spoon.

Open House for Avery

Tuesday night was Open House at Avery's school. Everyone gathered in a large room for cookies and juice first (I couldn't keep the girls away from the many, many dozens of cookies... just way to0 tempting, even for me). We met and visited with several families with children in Avery's class. Then we went in to Avery's classroom. We saw art work created by Avery and we were able to see her in 'action' engaging in various activities/centers through out the room. She has adjusted well and likes her school. Many mornings when we are eating breakfast and getting dressed, she'll ask, "My 'cool?" wondering if this is her school day. (she pronounces school without the 's') She gets quite excited on the days when I tell her, "Yes, today you go to school!" I love her school, too. I always sense a warm and loving environment when I am there and around any of the teachers and school staff. The only issue right now is she doesn't eat much of her lunch while at school. Her teachers send home everything that she doesn't eat and before we can get to the car she is already digging in her bag for her lunch. "Hunjee" she says. She'll eat it in the car but not during lunch time. I can't figure that one out.?

Happy Birthday Payton (on Sept 14th)!

Happy 3rd birthday to Payton! Wow, a big 3 year old. She is so petite, it's hard to realize that she is now 3 although she certainly loves "big girl" things like make-up and shoes. Her birthday party was on Saturday. Stephanie had it at their house and had a petting zoo! The kids had their faces stuck to the windows as they watched the animals being brought in to the backyard. They could hardly contain themselves as they had to wait patiently inside the house until all the animals were "unpacked" from their cages and corralled inside the temporary fence. Payton was happy viewing the animals from a distance for most of the party but finally was brave enough to go inside the gate and pet a few animals toward the end of the party. Avery was reluctant at first to get too close but inched her way closer and closer and soon was inside the gate and feeding the animals from her hands. Ashlyn, to no surprise, didn't hesitate for a second and felt right at home amongst all the animals. She even helped the animal keepers load all the animals up (including carrying a small goat) when it was time for the zoo to leave. There were so many cuddly and cute animals... I loved the week-old pot belly pigs the most. I guess because the little pigs brought back memories of the pig I had in high school, named Garth. (ha, ha) Avery loved the goats and pot belly pigs, Ashlyn loved the Shetland pony best, (Avery never would get close to the pony but Ashlyn spent most of her time with the pony) and Chris... well, he didn't have an answer when I asked him. I guess he enjoyed the food the best and watching the girls with the animals. Happy birthday little Payton. What a great party!

GOAL!

Ashlyn's very first soccer game was this past Saturday morning (8:15 AM to be exact!). I had a bit of trouble getting her to wake up until I mentioned it was time to get ready for her soccer game. She was up in an instant and dancing around with excitement! She is on a fun spirited co-ed team. You might be wondering how the boys and girls do playing together... actually, the girls seem to be tougher than the boys. The game was fun and even amusing at times. Ashlyn played a great game! We are quite impressed with how natural she looks out there- a little bit aggressive, staying right in front and close to the ball at all times, quick and alert. You never would have know that she had never played a soccer game before and had only had 2 practices. Best of all, Ashlyn scored a GOAL! I'm not too familiar with the soccer lingo, but she took the ball from the halfway line, dribbled it all the way down field and kicked the ball into the goal in what seemed to be just a few seconds. I was up on my feet, jumping and cheering. I may have been more excited than she was. Chris was so excited he forgot to take a picture. I think I managed to get it on video, but I'm not sure how great of an aim I was with the video camera while jumping up and down in excitement. Avery also enjoyed the game and tried her best, over and over, to join the team on the field. Ashlyn said she had a lot of fun playing and she can't wait until the next soccer game. Of course, the donuts that her teammate brought for the after-game snack may have been the perfect ending to the game, in her opinion anyway.

Ashlyn sporting her soccer uniform: Team name-"Blasters"

Ashlyn (#6) and her buddy spot the donuts!

Plano Balloon Festival

The girls, Chris and I went to the Plano Balloon Festival Saturday evening. This is an annual event that I look forward to each year. We had a fabulous time eating a picnic dinner while being entertained and amazed by the skydivers and 70 hot air balloons as they set up, inflated and then launched into the clear blue skies. The girls were mesmerized as the first few balloons took off; clapping, pointing and cheering with excitement. We saw such a variety of hot air balloons; many were beautiful multi-colored patterns which I love. The girls loved the daisy flower, dinosaur, tree with birds, pirate, and jungle themed balloons. What an amazing sight to look up and see so many great balloons hoovering just above us in the sky. After the last balloon launched, we headed over to the crowded kiddie area for a little fun. Then we decided to stay for the "Balloon Glow" at dusk. As the sun set, all of the hot air balloons lit up the field where they were affixed to the ground by opening their flames to coordinated countdowns and rhythms. A spectacular sight. Afterwards, the crowd was allowed to get up close and personal to the hot air balloons and their pilots. We had a lot of fun!

Avery's 2 Year Check-Up

Avery had her 2 year check-up on Wednesday. She handled the appointment very well, but she was a bit suspicious the entire time. She stood on the big girl scale by herself, let the nurse listen to her heart, measure how tall she was and measure the size of her head. Avery talked to her pediatrician and let the doctor check her out from head to toe without any problems. Then the nurse came back with her 'basket' of shots, band-aids and alcohol wipes. That is when Avery knew something was up. First she was given the flu vaccine- not the shot but the nasal mist. This took a lot of practice with the nurse and me demonstrating how to sniff in. We must have looked really strange because Avery just sat staring at us with a blank face and continued to blow out like blowing her nose instead. Eventually, the nurse was able to administer this flu mist. Then came the shot; only one luckily. Boy did she scream though. It was over in an instant but she suspected the entire time that it was coming. She was all smiles when she got to pick a sucker and sticker from the basket though.

Avery's stats at 2 years and 2 weeks old:
height: 36" (92 percentile)
weight: 25.6 lbs (20 %)
head circumference: 19" (65%)

Her next check up isn't until 3 years old. She needs to have her follow up appointment soon for her kidneys with the urologist though.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow, what a busy week! We normally have a do-able schedule, but this week we have had several 'extra' to-dos. Our typical weekly schedule looks like this:

Ashlyn has school Mon-Fri from 8:15-2:15.
Avery has school Tues and Thurs from 9-2
Monday: Ashlyn school; I have Mom to Mom meetings every other Monday morning
Tuesday: Ashlyn & Avery have school; I run errands (grocery store, etc), Ashlyn gymnastics in afternoon
Wednesday: Ashlyn school; Avery story time at the library in the morning; Ashlyn soccer practice in the evening
Thursday: Ashlyn & Avery school; I do housework, cook, occasional lunch with a friend, etc; the girls and I spend the afternoon with my Mimi after I pick them up from school
Friday: Ashlyn school; Avery gymnastics in the morning; evening=relaxing family time
Saturday: soccer game; run errands, family time
Sunday: church & Sunday school; every other Sunday afternoon Ashlyn has GLOW Kids

So that is our typical schedule; Chris is usually working all day during the week, either on the phone, off to meetings or business lunches; he has a monthly City of Plano meeting. He is able to make Ashlyn's soccer practices usually and assists the coach with the very energetic and excited 4 year olds.
This week we had some added "bonus" things to do... I went to a "Meet & Greet" Tuesday morning at Avery's school to meet some of the other moms. Then I raced to Ashlyn's school for her Parent/Teacher Conference and afterwards met some girlfriends for lunch. Then on Wednesday Avery had her 2 year check up. (more to come about that). Last night we went to the Plano Balloon Festival, this morning a soccer game, this evening Payton's 3rd birthday. The girls and I love keeping busy. It is strange, but I actually felt more upbeat and energetic this week than normal. It must be because a change in routine was nice and not so monotonous.

With the busier schedule this week, I have gotten behind with my postings. I also have been attempting to get to bed earlier (as in before midnight to try to get at least 6 1/2 hours sleep). So I'll try to catch up this weekend.

Ashlyn's teacher conference went well on Tuesday. Ashlyn's teacher said she "adores and really enjoys" Ashlyn. She said Ashlyn is always so bubbly, up-beat and friendly. She said Ashlyn is doing well academically. Ashlyn is struggling a little with handwriting and fine motor skills. I think it is partly due to her using both hands (switching hands) to perform tasks like writing and cutting rather than perfecting the tasks by consistently using the same hand. I think Ashlyn is left handed but I can't say that with certainty. I guess time will tell after more practice. She is certainly not behind developmentally with fine motor, however Ashlyn is use to most things being easy or natural for her. So these fine motor skills take a bit of work and she easily becomes discouraged. When she takes her time, practices and gives more effort she is able to "get it". So that is the lesson to be learned. It will come with time...

Wordless Wednesday

My Weekend Away

Time to play catch up. We are stuck in the house today since hurricane Ike is invading Texas causing rainy weather for us. The worst of the storm has not reached us yet, though. I won't complain as we need the rain and we are fortunate to not be experiencing the damaging winds and flooding happening in the Galveston and Houston areas. Ashlyn's first soccer game was cancelled this morning due to the weather. We were really looking forward to it.

Last weekend I went by myself to New Braunfels for Mag's baby shower. Ashlyn, Avery and Chris stayed home as did Ross and Abbie. So, mom , dad, Mag and I were able to really enjoy some time together which I can not remember the last time we had this opportunity. As much as we enjoy spending time all together with the kiddos, all focus is usually on the kids doing kiddo activities. So this weekend we were able to do what we wanted to do- adult things. I flew in Friday night and mom, Mag and I enjoyed my favorite, sushi! Dad did not join us; he'd rather stay home then have to eat sushi which is surprising because he typically is very go-with-the-flow and eats just about anything, just not sushi. After dinner Mag and I went out with her friends to celebrate her friend's birthday.

Saturday mom, Mag and I enjoyed a very girly day. We went for manicures/pedicures at the salon at Saks and then we had impromptu make-overs. Mag introduced us to a great line of cosmetics called Benefits. Then we did a little shoe shopping. What more can a girl ask for? Afterwards dad joined us at a quaint, upscale restaurant in New Braunfels that we never would have attempted with the kiddos. It was delicious and very relaxing and pleasant.

Beautiful mom after her make-over

On Sunday we enjoyed brunch together and then mom, Mag and I headed to Mag's baby shower. I had a great time visiting with mom's good friends and meeting many of Mag's friends. She received so many cute gifts to help prepare for the arrival of their baby girl. So exciting!


Chris and the girls survived the weekend without me. Ashlyn did not want me to go out of town. On the way to drop me off at the airport she was pouting and said to me, "Mom, don't do this to me!" Chris said she was sad at times throughout the weekend and I could hear it in her voice when I talked with her on the phone. Of course, they had several fun things planned during the weekend and Ashlyn was perfectly happy during these times. They had dinner with friends Friday night, attended a birthday party on Saturday, went to church on Sunday morning and went to Ashlyn's first GLOW Kids meeting at church Sunday afternoon. They greeted me at the airport Sunday night with big smiles, excitement and a bouquet of roses! I was happy to be back home with my girls and Chris but I certainly enjoyed (and deserved) my relaxing weekend away with my parents and sister.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Ashlyn's 1st soccer practice-today

Avery's Turn To Go To School

Today was Avery's very first day of preschool. She is attending a Mother's Day Out program at a local baptist church. Ashlyn went to this preschool when she was 2-3 years old as well. Avery actually has one of the same teachers Ashlyn had. I really love the warm, loving nature of the school and teachers as well as the Christian-based curriculum. Her teachers came to our house last week for the initial meeting. How great is it that all the teachers take the extra time and effort to visit each child in her own home so that the child feels more comfortable and relaxed.

On Friday Avery and I went to parent orientation where she was able to see her classroom and meet the other kiddos .

Avery was very excited this morning while getting ready for school. She was all smiles, anxious to get dressed and told me several times, "Le' go, mommy!" As we were walking out the door headed to school she turned to Chris and shouted, "Bye daddy, go school!" She is quite familiar with "school" as she often assisted me last year in chauffeuring Ashlyn to and from school and went with me to several holiday parties and events at Ashlyn's school. And I think she thought this was where she was going this morning. After we dropped Ashlyn off at school in the car pool lane Avery asked me, "Where DeDe?" I told her Ashlyn was at school and she said, "ME!"

Avery seemed equally excited as we drove up to her school. She was ready to get out of the car right away, trying to unbuckle her car seat. She posed for pictures outside the building and then checked out the two playgrounds located on each side of the sidewalk leading up to the door to the church. She remained cheerful until we entered the building, rounded the corner, and she saw 'the' room. She suddenly became a bit clingy and dropped that pretty smile. I entered the classroom but she stayed put in the hallway, not wanting to enter, as if she was saying, "I know what's about to happen here." She eventually made it into the room once given a little encouragement and a slight tug by the arm. I tried to make a quick escape; she began to cry, but her teacher quickly picked her up and consoled her.

I headed straight for the car, probably feeling some of the same feelings Avery was having, including wanting to cry. I became teary eyed but somehow managed to hold back the tears from rolling down my face. It was tough the first time I dropped Ashlyn off at preschool, but she has always been so independent and comfortable in new environments and situations. Avery is a little more timid so I was sad partly because she was upset when I left and I was worried about how she was handling being in a new place with new faces, new routines, everything new. But I was even more sad because Avery starting school and being in someone else's care for several hours means I already have to let go of her a little bit. For my girls to grow, I have to let go of them a little bit at a time. It is extremely hard to do and it is happening extremely too fast!

I couldn't wait to pick her up at 2:00. I kept myself busy grocery shopping and cleaning house from her birthday festivities. Avery saw me as I walked into her classroom and instantly put the biggest smile ever on her face and ran right to me. I was just as excited to see her. Luckily, her teacher let me know Avery only cried for a minute and had a great day after that. She even took a nap on her nap sak, which I was concerned if they were even going to be able to get her to stay put throughout nap time. Avery had a great first day of preschool; let's hope Thursday is just as great.

After I picked her up, we rushed with excitement to pick up Ashlyn from her school. We couldn't wait to see her and hear all about her fun day, too!

In the hallway, unsure if she wants to go into her classroom at drop off

All smiles at pick up time