Thursday, August 29, 2013

PreK Princess and 3rd Grade Super Star

I can't believe we have a PreK Princess and a big old third grader, so bitter sweet!

I will say, that they flat out rocked the first day of school and are both loving it!  They have wonderful teachers and plenty of friends.  There were no tears, but there were lots of smiles!!  And the best thing, turns out that in PreK, they have PINK Play.doh (that we bought... ha)!!

****I am grateful for
1) first days
2) loving school
3) those big smiles even though we were up earlier than we had been in ages
4) a wonderful summer had by all
5) the first week of school is almost under our bet

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

5 years, a lifetime ago and yesterday.

Today makes 5 years since we said goodbye to our precious twins.  At times it feels like a lifetime ago, but my heart still aches like it were yesterday.

****I am grateful for
1) my rainbow baby
2) my oldest baby
3) love
4) those things that make us stronger
5) saying goodbye and knowing that one day we'll again say hello

Wordless Wednesday - Our Tiny Ballerina


***I am grateful for
1) a summer filled with new memories
2) my tiny ballerina
3) rain
4) the smell of fresh cut grass
5) morning snuggles (I will so miss this when I'm back at work next week!!!)

Monday, July 29, 2013

Our 2013 Junior Olympian!

Back in February (I think) Chase qualified for the 2013 Junior Olympics in cup stacking.  If you don't know what cup stacking is, google it.  It's a speed sport and there are some absolutely amazingly fast kids out there!!!  As awesome as it is to have qualified the Jr. Olympics were in Detroit, MI.  You know, way up North, by Canada.  We live in SE Texas.  You know, as in way down South, by Mexico.  So, 22 hours away.  22 hours there, 22 hours back.  But, I love Chase and felt like this would be an awesome experience for him.  I mean really, how many kids get to participate in the Junior Olympics?  So, last Tuesday, we packed up the car and Duchess (my mom), Chase, Emery and I hit the road.  Thursday afternoon we arrived in Detroit and what an experience it was!  One of my students, L, also qualified and her dad is a pilot, so they agreed to go too.  Her and Chase started "training" in April as doubles partners.  So, it was neat that they got to go together.  They both did amazing and while neither placed for a medal, they beat their personal bests with was what we our goal was.  Other than their qualifying event, this was only their 2nd tournaments, so this was quite the accomplishment.  We are already looking at getting a relay team together from our school for next year and L and Chase will continue on as doubles partners.  So exciting and fun!  Here are some pics and a video of Chase and L doing their doubles stack.  This kid never ceases to amaze me!!!









And I'll just add that since he began seriously stacking in Feb/March, he has shaved over 9 seconds of his cycle! Just think of how fast they'll be next year!!!!

****I am grateful for
1) road trips (even if they are really long drives)
2) Duchess who went with us and sponsored a LOT of our trip
3) well behaved children
4) once in a lifetime experiences
5) friends to share them with

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

My "baby" boy is growing up!

I know every mother says this, but where does the time go???  Chase has always had his hair cut high and tight, think military style, and has always been adorable.  But lately he's been mentioning fohawks. Not the full ugly kind, but the kind where it's just on top. Mrs. Crystal has cut his hair since he was 2 and when we went last week, I think even she was a little hesitant to change that sweet boy's haircut because we are so used to the other.  But we did what he wanted and boy is it cute!  The only thing is it means he's growing up and making his own choices.  That makes me a little sad.  I wish I could keep him my baby forever!

***I am grateful for
1) every single day
2) growimg up, even when it makes me sad
3) new haircuts
4) that happy smile
5) my baby boy

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Happy 4th of July!

 2013 Little Miss Panorama
 Our Little Family

****I am grateful for
1) all of those that have sacrificed for our freedom
2) time with family
3) good recoveries
4) summer vacation
5) watermelon

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Better Late than Never!

Oh my gosh time flies!!!  It's been almost a month since I posted, I really had no clue.  At least I know it's not just me because my blog roll has been pretty slow lately too.  Let's see what's up:

Emery had her first dance recital last weekend.  She did awesome!  That girl is not shy on stage at all and I'm thankful she is so outgoing.

Chase had his 2nd grade awards today and he got EIGHT awards!  I was blown away!  When she announced he received the reading award, she followed it by saying that he was one of her top readers with the highest reading average!  I'm so proud of him!

Baseball season is over, our Rangers took third place which is pretty good in my book.  Chase was in the outfield this season, so he didn't get a lot of field time, but when he did, he rocked it.  He's come a long way and is looking forward to next season.  He'll be moving up to kid pitch and is pretty excited.

We have decided to put our FET on hold for a little while.  I am having surgery on the 19th of June (more to come on that), and it means that we'll have to wait for the FET, but I'm OK with it.  Not thrilled, but accepting.

My school year has been absolutely fantastic and I'm so happy where I am.  I'm happy with my administration, my co-workers, how Chase is doing and how happy he is.  I'll be staying right where I am for next year and am perfectly content with that.

Speaking of school, tomorrow is our last day before summer break!!!  This last week has been a killer, but it looks like we're gonna make it!  Teachers are actually supposed to work Monday but I have a comp day and then they said regardless, if we are done by tomorrow at 4:05, we don't have to come back!  I can guarantee you that this girl will be done!

We have a busy weekend ahead full of parties, family, and fun!  Hope everyone else is doing well!

****I am thankful for
1) summer break is almost here
2) the rain we got today, my yard loves it
3) it actually cooled off after the rain, it's going to be a hot summer
4) a wonderful school year for Chase and I!
5) exciting things on the horizon