I'm great!

At back to school night, I sat at Brinley's desk
eager to hear all about kindergarten policy & procedures
...and was greeted with this:

I am great.
It is written :)

First Day of School - 2011

Back to school?

What?
But I'm posting these pictures from the 'Summer 2011' album!

Anytime the high is 106 degrees, it's summer.
No matter what the season, we're heading back to school.

It's official...

I have a kindergartener and a 1st grader!

Finally, for the 1st time, going to the SAME school!
And...another 1st...both going ALL day!

Bo, caught up in the excitement, running after the bus to catch a ride...

Someone should tell him he's stuck here with me.

Off they go...

Happy First Day, Ben & Brin!
XOXO

Sprinkle in a little fun

Two wheelin'

Brinley decided to get a jump start on her summer goal and lose those training wheels!

She is able to ride on her own for a little bit...

But is still very apprehensive...

or maybe just blinded by that hair in her face?

And she only wants Daddy to help...

"Thanks Daddy...Mommy lets me fall."

Jumping for Joy!

The kind of joy only the last day of school can bring.

Truth be told, it took Brinley a little bit to muster the joy. She loves school and will miss her teacher terribly.

Ben, not so much.

Looking forward to spending my summer days with these little faces.

Happy Birthday Brinny-Girl !

Brinley~
Just the other day you told me "My eyes are beautiful...know how I know?"
I said "well, they are but how do you know?"
You said "because you told me so it must be true".

I love that trust! Luckily, you also trust in the Lord because Mommy won't have the answers forever. You are an awesome little girl inside & out and we love watching you grow even if it is bittersweet.

You are full of joy. So bubbly, giggly and a little pouty....everything a girl should be!
Your brothers are lucky to have you. You are always nurturing Bowen, holding his hand on the playground and cheering on Ben, no matter if he's playing soccer or at home playing Wii.

You just learned to make your bed, like a big girl should. But don't usually stay in it all night because you love, love to cuddle with us.

Your favorite colors are pink & purple and anything that sparkles.
You love to bake, paint, and get crafty.

Your favorite toys are animals - plastic, stuffed or real. You pretend to be a puppy, kitty, lamb, bunny and horse, complete with "horse language" and "horse dancing".
Did I mention you are hilarious?
And you want to be a veterinarian with you grow up.

You are Daddy's girl and Mommy's sidekick.
We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful daughter.

Happy Birthday big girl!
We love you,
Mommy & Daddy

Favorite Foto Friday

It's a tie!
There's this little jewel of evidence -
I was taking sweet little kitty lovin' Brin's pic (trying out my new flash, yay) when Ben runs by and pushes her!
Not smart. Gotta save it for memory's sake, though.

And then there's Bo...

2 years, 24 lbs, 34.5 inches of silliness.

Raising a girl

This list of proverbs was compiled/written by Harry Harrison and included in Dr. Dobson's book "Bringing up Girls". It takes up a whole chapter of the book, and is aimed toward Dads - of course I was all teary by the end.

But for the sake of time, I'm just sharing my personal favorites:

• Relish the moments when she toddles up and for no reason at all throws her arms around your neck. Resist the urge to buy her the world.
• Let her see, by the way you treat your wife, the way a man is supposed to treat a women.
  
• Make her a Valentine's Day card - every year.
• Never, ever, make fun of her.
• Encourage her to be kind... even to the girl nobody likes.
• Don't tolerate her temper tantrums. Not now. Not when she's 15. Your home will be more peaceful for this.
• Take long walks with her. If you listen, she'll eventually tell you everything that's on her mind.
• Teach her that if she acts stupid to attract boys, she'll attract stupid boys.
• Drag her to church...every week. She may not share your enthusiasm but after 18 years, the message will have sunk in.
• Remember you're her definition of a man. If you drink, smoke, take drugs, chances are the men in her life will too.
• Society is teaching her its values 24/7. You need to be more determined to teach her yours.
  
• Remember if her home life is crazy, the rest of her life will be too.
• Don't miss a recital, concert, play or any other performance of hers. Not now. Not until she graduates.
• Tell her she is the daughter you always dreamed about.
  

Kicking off a new soccer season!

Ben was all set to play with a new soccer league this fall but in a strange turn of events, Ben & Brinley ended up on the same team, old league...long story short: don't have a late summer baby, age cut offs are a pain!

Anyway, it looks like it's gonna work out. Ben is one of only 2 boys on the team and doesn't seem to mind. Brinley thinks she's one of the big girls...of course she's the smallest on the field.
This is the fastest I've ever seen her run...

Yes, I've been picniking again..so fun!

Lots of girl power ~ we won our first game!

And, most importantly, they love being on the same team!

Back to school!

The kids started school on Thursday...it's gonna be a crazy year because despite being only a grade apart, they are in 2 different schools!
So every afternoon I drive twice to each school - once for drop off & 2 hrs later for pick up.
Yes, this is my request for prayers :)


Ben, finally in kindergarten!
He was nervous and didn't know anyone but thought it was cool that they have a guinea pig in their classroom....no, it will not be coming home with him.

Brinley started Pre-K, her very first year of school ever!
There were no tears, only excitement. She has already brought home 5 paintings!

Happy Back to School, everyone!

Worth every penny...

Private swim lessons.

Because seeing my children actually (happily) swim...

is priceless!

M&M olympics

Another season of gymnastics has come to an end, and to celebrate the kids get to show off their ever-improving skills at the M&M Olympics.
This year, Daddy & the boys were able to attend!

We're so proud of you, Sweetie!

This little piggy...

I was in a surly mood tonight,
cleaning up the mess that appears in Brinley's room on a daily basis.

Then I spotted this scene and I couldn't help but smile.

Where else would a pig be?

Run, Princess, Run

Brinley participated in her first run yesterday- 1 mile, girls only!

Princesses were rewarded with medals, cupcakes,
and Brin's fave, mini lipsticks when done!

We're so proud of our little runher,
great job!