Sweet Lily-grace

Oh my sweet Baby Grace, how is possible you have turned three? I want to soak up every minute I can with you as time is going by way too fast! You are my little fire cracker!! You have the most outgoing spunky littler personality. You are most definitely not the third child in the shadow or left behind. You make your way just fine and you are very independent. You are the child who asks for a hug and kiss at least every hour. You still love for me to hold you...everywhere we go! You LOVE LOVE LOVE clothes, shoes, and accessories. I had to lock all the closets because you would change outfits every 30 mins. Fashion must be in your future! You love school, you love your friends, and you love your family! I love that you love the name Mommy gave you, Lily-grace. You could not be more perfect! I am so blessed I was gifted with you! {I'll love you forever,} {I'll like you for always.} {As long as I'm breathing} {My baby you'll be} Hard to believe this was 3 years ago ...can't figure out how to link it...you will have to copy and paste to watch the video http://www.glimpseofsoulphoto.com/Slideshows/lilygrace2

This BOY! 7 yrs old

"I belong to you You belong to me You're my sweetheart." How I missed this blog! Life is going by at the blink of an eye! I am going to be better at this, I am going to write, and I am going to do this often! My sweet Jackson just turned 7 years old! How is that even possible?! I wish I could slow time down, but life moves fast. Jackson is such a special boy! He is kind hearted, compassionate, God loving, a little OCD, and I would not trade him for the world. He is ALL boy through and through. He is my right hand, my helper, my sweet boo! I am grateful for slow days like today. It makes me stop and remember he is just 7, still a little boy. He is so bright and full of so much energy! He loves baseball with all his heart or maybe he just likes all the time he gets with his Daddy! He makes me proud everyday! I am so lucky I was chosen to raise this boy! I hope I do Him justice. Jackson had a great birthday! Thank you to everyone who made his day so special, these are times he will remember forever! “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.”

Not good, great!

Jackson had an amazing first day! Greg, the girls, and I all took Jackson to school. We got there, said hello to his teacher, found his seat, and I sat with him until it was time for us to leave. He was all smiles! When we picked him up he was beaming! He was talking so fast and so much I wondered if he could breathe! He jumped out of bed this morning and said he was ready for school. I know this year is going to be great!

I still am a little apprehensive. I worry since we as parents never see the teacher. It was such a luxury having so much communication a private school. The student/teacher ratio was so much smaller that the teachers actually had time to visit with the parents. I am still the Mom that is going to walk him in everyday, not drop him at the door. I will still be at the door everyday when he comes out. Most of all I still will be the Mom who is always involved with his behavior/academic progression. I feel so blessed to have all the benefits that pre school has given Jackson! His confidence, maturity, self esteem, and eagerness to learn I owe to pre school.

I have had an over pouring amount of support from other Moms, so many who parent their children the same, and even from one’s who don’t (who understand). You have to do what works for you and your child and that varies with each family. Thanks to all my friends who have been on this journey with me the last few weeks XOXO! Happy 2011-2012 school year!

Big Day!

Last night I had trouble sleeping. I have so much anxiety as we prepare to send our baby boy off to Kindergarten. I can’t believe how fast the last five years have gone. I started thinking I should have done this more and I should not have done that. Truth be told, I don’t want to do this! I think it is ridiculously long day, 7 hours for a 5 year old! Up until two days ago he still took a nap every day.

BUT Jackson is so excited to go back to school. He is my child who thrives on structure. Everything has a time and a place! After being home for one week with no set schedule I was not sure we would make it through the summer. He is so confident and so ready it is hard to be sad, but I just am. Will his teacher love him as much as his last, probably not possible. Will he make friends, will he be scared, will he do well, and the list can go on.

I just want to keep him close forever and this is a huge step for all of us. Truth be told I am intimidated as well going in not knowing anyone. I decided to be room Mom so I can get to know other parents and the faculty. I plan to be at the school every Friday while Ava is at preschool and Lily Grace is with a sitter. I just want to be involved as much as I can and never lose the connection we have. Why does this feel like I have to let go so much just to send him to Kindergarten?

I truly felt God’s presence as the priest prayed over all the children this morning. I know just like with everything else, he is with us. Jackson is a great kid and has a great foundation. I have no doubt he will be a leader and succeed. More than anything I know the years are about to fly by even faster and I am just not ready for that!

Jackson Thomas you are amazing! You are a gift and I am so lucky to have been called to be your Mommy. I never knew it was possible to love someone so much! I can’t wait to hear about your first day! Go getem baby, Godspeed!

XO
Mommy

I will report back on his first day

8 months

What a difference 8 months can make!

2010-2011

Pics are from the first day of school and the last



Sweet Ava Bear you had your end of the year program today. It was your first year of pre school. Today was one of my very proud Mommy days. You were just a baby, barely 2 years old when the school year started. You have blossomed into this beautiful little girl. You are so confident, full of personality, and beauty. You are so funny and very independent. At just two years old you are a leader, kind, and very gentle. You love clothes, shoes, jewelry, and your nails painted. You have been asking and asking to start dance so I think that is what your summer activity will be. You are a performer for sure! Dream big baby girl and never give up! We are always behind you 100%.
XOXO
Mommy

Jackson's thoughts on Mommy

1. What is something mommy always says to you?
I love you

2. What makes mommy happy?
when I smile

3. What makes mommy sad?
when I get a spanking

4. How does mommy make you laugh?
when you tickle me

5. What do you think mommy was like a child?
you wore a bow

6. How old is mommy?
20

7. How tall is mommy?
really tall

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
have fun

9. What does your mommy do when your not around?
stay awake

10. If your mommy becomes famous what would it be for?
Being a Mommy

11. What is your mommy really good at?
writing words

12. What is your mommy not very good at?
I don't really know

13. What does your mommy do for her job?
stay home with us

14. What is your mommy’s favorite food?
Vida Loca

15. What makes you proud of your mommy?
being good

16. What do you and your mommy do together?
ride bikes

17. How are you and your mommy the same?
because we love each other

18. How are you and mommy different?
we eat different food

19. Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
Y (YMCA)

20. How do you know your mommy loves you?
because you hug and kiss me