Ella First Day of Kindergarten

I can't believe that summer is officially over, and my sweet baby is starting Kindergarten. The time could not have passed so quickly? We have been talking about Kindergarten for almost a year now, and I know she is excited to finally be going. Ella is so brave and seems to be ready to venture out on her own. She is excited to ride the bus and go to "big" school.

Her friends at the bus stop are our neighbors Katie and Elaina. Elaina is in Ella's class.

Daddy plans on walking her to the bus every morning.

Here comes the bus, bright and early.

and there she goes; our sweet, big girl.

We were not sad to see her make this big step, but more excited for her. I am sadden by the fact that she is already in Kindergarten, but I know it is her first step into the real world. My prayers for Ella are:

1. That she is kind and loving towards everyone.

2. That learning will be exciting for her.

3. That God will protect her as we send her out.

4. That although she is in the world, she will keep her innocence for a long time.

We love you Ella.

The Girls are Getting Older

It is hard to believe that my babies are growing up so fast. Ella is turning five, and Wren is turning three. Our home has become bottle free, diaper free, and both girls are in big girl beds.

Ella is a very sweet little girl. She loves her babies, playing outside, using her imagination, collecting bugs, and riding her bike. She just finished preschool, and is so smart. Sometimes Ella can be shy, but she is very adventurous and seems to go with the flow in whatever we are doing.

Wren is very sweet as well, but has a mischievous side that won't stop. She loves her babies, getting pushed on the swing, using her imagination with her big sister, and dressing up. She usually stays dressed up all day long. Wren is never shy and knows how to get what she wants. She is not afraid of a spanking, and loves her passy.

I love that my girls are best friends, and I cannot wait to see where five and three take us this next year.

A Very Merry UnBirthday

This year we decided to celebrate the girls birthday a little early on Father's Day weekend. Because they still had a few weeks before their actual birthday, we decided to have an unbirthday. The girls have been in love with the Alice in Wonderland movie lately, so the theme fit perfectly.

The girls helped make a few of their own birthday decorations. They painted these sun catchers

Ella & Wren & Lowen

And other unbirthday quests

We ended up having a great weekend of celebration. The girls spent time swimming, boating, playing with friends, eating lots of candy, and they racked up many new presents. Not bad for an unbirthday

Memorial Day Weekend

This Memorial Day, we decided to head to my grandparents house on Lake Martin. A large group was going this year, so it was a good time to catch up with family. We spent most of our weekend swimming and lounging. My grandparents had just finished their new covered dock so most of our time was spent out there. Monday afternoon several of my cousins joined us for a cookout and more swimming. It was a very fun and relaxing weekend.

Ella's Preschool Graduation

Ella has officially graduated from Preschool. She has learned so much this year, and had the most amazing teachers; Ms. Suzie and Ms. Sheila, leading the way. They not only taught her academics, but lessons of Jesus and His love for her. I could not have asked for a better start to her school career.

Well this Wednesday, they had a ceremony to help end the year. The kids started out singing a collection of songs they had learned throughout the year.



However, Ella did not sing one single song.



My shy girl.



Afterwards, we headed down to Ella's classroom, where each child was presented a little diploma.



Ms. Suzie presented each award and told a little something about each child. Ellas wants to be a mommy when she grows up.

Ms. Suzie is such a special teacher.

We are so proud of our smart, kind, silly preschool graduate.

Small Group Love

I have been going to a Ladies Bible study for about five years now. Over the years, my small group has had different woman come and go. I would have to say, that this year has been the most special group I have been apart of, and I have truly grown to love each and every woman in the group. This year our study was called "Breaking Free." This study was about breaking free from anything and everything that keeps us from growing closer to God. It was about recognizing personal struggles and idols that stand in our way. Every friend in my group had opportunities to share major life experiences, and we shed many a tear together. Although each persons struggle was very different, we each felt as though this study was meant for us. It's funny how God works.

As we break for the summer we are left with many fond memories and a special bond in Christ that cannot be broken. When we begin again in August, this group will be different, but I will cherish the memories and friends that I have made.

Mary, Brooke, Me, Renee, Wendy, Mary, Angeline, Jennifer, Rebecka

Troubled Sleeper

Lately, Wren has been quite the troubled sleeper. It seems as though she thinks bedtime is a suggestion. For weeks now, after we lay her down, she will get out of bed a minimum of ten times before falling asleep. She gets in trouble each time she emerges, but in true Wren fashion, it does not seem to phase her. She is strong willed and plans to get her way most of the time.

Well one night, she decided that she would not come all the way down the hall and get caught out of bed, but instead stay right outside her door. She brought her pillow, blanket, and passy to keep her company.

Matt and I found her like this around 11 p.m. on our way to bed.

This reminds me of someone else I know a few years back...

Ella exactly one year before.