It's Hot, Y'all

Checklist for surviving summer:

• Sunblock
• Bug spray
• Pool & sprinkler
• Water
• Popsicles
• Ice cream

It's really that simple.  Now if I can just find the energy to keep up with these girls!

Class of 2013

It's official, Addison is a preschool graduate!  The program was great and Addison did everything she was supposed to do.  She also did things that she wasn't supposed to do!  Like, chew on her hair and stomp on the stage while others received their diploma.  She has just started chewing on her hair in the last week.  It grosses me out and I've tried to explain to her how nasty it is!  I guess I'll either chop her hair off or keep it in a ponytail 24/7.  

If we look a little sweaty, it's because the a/c in the church wasn't working very well.  It was working, just not 100%.

Last Day of Preschool 2013

It's hard to decide what to gift a teacher!  I played it safe and let Addison choose a card and a pink cactus.  It's a durable plant that will keep on giving!  Right?  Addison's teacher surprised the class with gifts too.  She got sidewalk chalk, bubbles and a Minnie Mouse stationary set.  There was also a book wrapped up with a note on the front.  Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss and it was signed by Addison's teacher.  We already have 2 of these books that I bought a couple of years ago for the girls.  My plan was the same as Miss Michelle's and have each teacher sign the book throughout the school years.  Such a thoughtful gift!

Curb Appeal

I gave the flower beds in the front yard a makeover last weekend!  It's crazy how a little mulch and brick edging can make such a difference.  I may have trimmed the monkey grass in the small bed about 10 inches too much.  But, it was growing out of control and just looked an ugly mess.  Maybe it'll grow back.  I won't be heartbroken if it doesn't though.

I know the before & after pictures should have been taken at the same angle, but it didn't happen like that.

Lemons

The lemons have started to grow!  We check them out every day to see how they are looking.  I guess lemons don't require much care because I haven't done anything to the tree this year.

Since we are talking lemons here, every morning I wake up and set a goal to be a better parent.  Every night when I go to bed I'm fully aware that I didn't meet that goal.  I give myself a pat on the back anyway for always trying to do better.  “I believe when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade...and try to find someone whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.” 

― Ron White

Happy Mother's Day

I'm not sure why I don't have FIVE Mother's Day pictures!  Looks like someone dropped the ball in 2009 & 2012.  Guess that's part of being a busy mom and letting things slip.  Luckily, I was able to find a few pictures in the month of May for those years of us.  I really need to do better of getting in pictures with them.  That is a goal going forward.  At least once a month I will get a picture of all of us together.

Before my first Mother's Day, I had no idea how hard awesome being a mom really was.  As I watch my girls grow every year, Mother's Day is more special.  Hearing the girls tell me Happy Mother's Day and that they love me is the greatest gift ever.  Sometimes, it still blows my mind that I have 2 daughters.  I watch them walking, talking, playing, laughing...and I think to myself 'what in the hell have I gotten myself into' 'this is a great life'!  Our family is not perfect!

2008

2009

2010 (very pregnant)

2011

2012

 2013

Sprinkler

We are ready for a summer filled with outdoor activities and crock pot meals!  Who has time to worry about cooking when we just want to play all day?  It's so easy to throw a delicious & healthy meal in the crock pot and not worry about it for hours.  Now I just need to figure out how to get the house clean and laundry done while we play!  

Sleeping Sisters

It takes a little longer for them to go to sleep at night, but seeing a sight like this makes the extra time not matter to me.

Kindergarten Tour

This morning we met Addison's preschool class at the elementary school where she will be going to kindergarten.  There are 3 other kids from her preschool class that will be attending the same school.  It will be nice to see familiar faces this August.  We toured the nurse's station, cafeteria, gym, playground, music class, art class, library, and all of the kindergarten classes.  The school is really nice and everyone we encountered seemed very warm and welcoming.  Addison is pretty excited now that she has seen the new school.  I'll confess, I'm disappointed that this school doesn't require uniforms.  My 5 year old is very opinionated about what she wears and mornings would be easy peasy without a decision of what to wear!  Maybe I'll join the PTA and see if I can make some changes!

Kitchen Helper

If I'm in the kitchen, you can bet that my little shadow is right there with me.  She loves sitting on the counter (I know that's dangerous) while watching and helping me cook.  This day she chose to wear a raincoat instead of her apron.  Silly girl!

Party Day

The day started out beautiful and the plan was to have Addison's party outside.  When 3 o'clock rolled around the clouds also rolled around!  So much for 30% chance of rain and my 70% chance that it wouldn't rain!  We managed to party inside with Addison, Alyssa, Parker, Maggie, Travis, Angela, Grams, Erin, and Danny.  The cake was beautiful and delicious.  All of Addison's presents were a huge hit.  It was a great day with family and friends.

Parker got the first lick of the cake!  Notice the path from the castle that has frosting missing?