Splashing into Summer

It's officially blazing HOT in central Texas.  We welcomed Summertime with a trip to the splash pad.  Did I mention that this is the BEST invention ever?!  Free entertainment has always been a favorite of mine :)  It's petty nice that both kids are old enough to run around and splash without me following them around like a mama hawk.  

Owen's new favorite toy is a water gun (bath time, splash time, anytime!!) 

Strike a pose :) 

 So glad daddy came to splash!!

Gymnastics Performance

On Monday afternoon the kids performed in their end of year gymnastics program.  This was the first year of gymnastics for  both and they really enjoyed it!  I did the "Mommy & Me" class with Owen and he progressed beautifully all year long.  Emma learned so many new skills and made new friends.  We discovered plenty of benefits from their participation in this activity and I feel sure we will continue next year.  Many thanks to the grandparents who took almost three hours out of their busy schedules to watch them :)  This year's theme was Olympics and they did an excellent job decorating and transforming the gym.  The kids were lucky to have coaches Melissa, Ky and Kelly this year.  Their encouragement and patience were incredible!

Bridge

Taking a break from stretching

Floor routine

Bars

Posing with the torch

Sweet girls Elizabeth & Emma (these two performed in their very first dance recital together at age 17 months!)

Trampoline

Bars

At the conclusion of each age group's performance there was a gold medal ceremony.  So proud of our favorite little gymnasts :)

Wordless Wednesday

Pre K Graduation

Last week Emma graduated from Pre K!!  It's true, they grow up sooooo fast.

First United Methodist did a great job of making the day special for the kids.

Weeks prior Emma returned home from school and told me that Ms Glory said all of the mommies would cry.  I had my stash of Kleenex handy but luckily the only time I felt teary was at first glance of Emma in her bright red cap and gown.  Each graduate entered the sanctuary one by one to the classic graduation song.  Her class performed many cute songs including the entire alphabet in sign language as well as the state song reciting all fifty states in alphabetical order!  

Emma is a lucky little girl to have had so many supportive family members in attendance.

 Grandpa and Grandma Bailey

 Aunt Linda

Big Daddy and Lita 

 Proud mom

Favorite little brother

One of her favorite classmates, Aubree

She was thrilled to receive her first diploma (she calls it her "iploma")

Ms Glory put together a booklet with sweet photos and memories. It also included this cute info page on Emma.  I especially adore the fact that her favorite food is broccoli and that she loves her mom :)

I guess we shall add that to this overflowing file of Emma's artwork and important keepsakes from her Preschool and Pre K years :)

Emma gave each of her classmates a farewell goody that said "Have a ball this Summer" which a plastic beach ball (thanks Pinterest!!)

Congrats graduate Emma!  You did an excellent job in Pre K this year and we are SO very proud of you!  You learned so much, made fun friends and LOVED school days.  We know that you will accomplish great things....starting with Kindergarten this Fall (you are definitely looking forward to the first day more than your mom is).  

"In the sunlight or the rain
Brightest nights or darkest days I'll always feel the same way
Whatever road you may be on know you're never too far gone
My love is there wherever you may be
Just remember that you'll always be my baby"

~You'll Always be my Baby by Sarah Evans

Mother's Day 2012

I am so thankful to God for allowing me to experience the JOY of motherhood.  It is definitely the most exhausting, rewarding, humbling and terrific job in the world.  Jarrod and the kids got me the most beautiful gold and crystal heart necklace and matching earring set that I will cherish forever.

These two are such blessings!  They keep me busy in their own different ways and I couldn't ask for two better kiddos to devote my time, energy and tears to :)

Emma made me a beautiful bead/pipe cleaner bracelet at school.  She has requested that I wear it every day, even Christmas because she included some green :)  She also completed this cute questionnaire.  Her teacher commented that Emma doesn't consider me brave because I am "scared of snakes".  She also didn't agree to me being considerate but later admitted she "doesn't even know what that means!"

I am so happy to be a full time mother.  I couldn't imagine my life any other way!  I am so lucky to have good kiddos, a supportive husband and a wonderful village to help us out.  

Cubbies

It's finally May!  The first of Emma's many activities concluded this evening.  This year she really enjoyed Cubbies (which is her age group in Awanas). 

(Yep, she is in her t ball uniform.  She had team photos at 5:45 and this awards program stated at 6pm!  I haven't quite figured out how to be in two places at one time so we cut it very close!)  

This group was such a blessing and it makes my heart glad that she looked forward to going each Wednesday to learn more about her savior.  She memorized one Bible verse each week and recited it for her sweet leader.  I have so many wonderful memories of church activities and youth group and I want the same for our children. 

One week she was asked to draw what she thinks heaven might look like.  Without hesitation she drew Mimi and Jesus.  She told me that Jesus was bigger (of course)!  Mimi is my grandmother who passed away when Emma was 18 months old. 

Some of her assigned Bible verses this year included "God is Love (1 John 4:8)", "I am wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)", "Love one another (1 John 4:11)" and "Children, obey your parents (Ephesians 6:1)".  I pray that she tucks these away in her memory bank and remembers them always.

She was excited to receive a certificate of participation and a new patch to add to her vest!  We look forward to finding a new church home in the Trinity/Huntsville area that offers a variety of activities for children.

One activity down, lots more to go.....stay tuned :)