Peyton turns 1!

It's so hard to believe it's been a year since this little guy was born.  Happy Birthday, Peyton!

 

Fun on the Farm

The kids love our annual shrub trimming at Mom's house.  Of course they're not the ones doing the work!  They love the chance to ride bikes back the lane and play with Isaac and Luke's 4H pigs.  And the opportunity to see Mark and Gary is always a highlight!

Daddy filled up the truck and let the kids ride on the back as he drove to the burn pile.  So much fun!

Then Gary showed up on the Ranger.  Alivia thinks he is the greatest! 

And now he's even better after letting them go for a wild ride.  Gary's always been a crazy driver! 

Drew drove while Alivia clung to her seat belt.  You could hear them giggling from so far away.  They loved it!  If we lived closer, I think I'd need to invest in helmets. :)

Preschool Graduation

Our time at Faith Lutheran Preschool has come to an end.  Drew's graduation marked the end of a three year stint that was very meaningful for us.  The kids absolutely loved going to school and we're so fortunate they've had such a positive experience.  While Drew will not attend kindergarten for another year (he misses the deadline by less than a week), he will only attend ICA and have lots of time with me on his days at home. Congrats, Drew!

 

Mrs. Smith handing him his diploma and memory book. 

He kept his eyes closed through the entire song of the Lord's Prayer. So cute! 

 

 

Such a great group of kids!

Alivia, Drew, Ethan, Brayden, Nolan & Blake

Bargain Desk Project

I've been looking for a desk for Alivia's room for quite some time.  Our neighbor was having a moving sale a few weeks ago and I stumbled upon this old desk.  I knew it needed a face lift, but I honestly enjoy that part!  So here's how it started and ended.  My inspiration came from Pinterest, of course.  I've so happy with how it turned out!

It's solid wood and only cost me $15!  Alivia and Brad weren't so sure this was going to work. :) 

I really had them worried after sanding it... 

I stained the top, then started painting it to match Alivia's bedroom furniture... 

I recovered the chair and let Alivia pick out the fabric.  It's not perfect, but looks much better.  I love that we can recover it as she grows or changes her room decor. 

And here's the finished product!  I love it!!  It's so cute in the room and I think it will really grow well with her.  I may even add a mirror over it when she's older so it's more like a vanity. 

Alivia picked out the knobs to give it a little sparkle. :)  I only spent $50 to do the entire project.  It was well worth the time and money!

Class of 2026

Alivia's class held their Kindergarten graduation program last evening.  She did a great job singing with her classmates.  Enjoy the pictures. :)

Alivia and Mrs. Whitaker (principal)

Our sweet graduate! 

Some of Alivia's girlfriends...Emery, Cara, Alivia & Emily 

Mrs. Hahn (teacher) & Alivia 

Hailey, Alivia & Drew (he was so excited to be in a picture!)

Hailey & Alivia

Mother's Day 2014

It's such a blessing to be the mother to these two beautiful children.  I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be home more now that they're older, too.  I was told years ago that your kids need you more as they get older.  I'm seeing that already.  While I often feel like all I do is run them to school or practice, I wouldn't trade it for anything.  This is by far the most rewarding job I'll ever have.  So thankful God chose me to be there Mommy!!  Thanks to Brad and the kids for making today a day just for me.  We went to church, lunch at Olive Garden, picked out and planted some flowers, then took a walk/ride along the canal downtown.  So much fun!

We also want to wish my mom and Brad's mom a very happy mother's day.  Without them, we'd never make it!  We can't thank them enough for their unconditional love and support.  Our children are so blessed to have you, too!

1st time riding the "deuce coupe" :)

We rode for 55 minutes and got lots of exercise.  We went all along the canal and then around the back of the zoo.  It was such a beautiful day downtown!

Enjoying the Mother's Tea at MCE with Alivia.  She was so excited to have me at school!  So thankful Brad came home early so I could be there for her.

Drew and I at the Mother's Tea at Faith.  They even had Magic Mike entertain us with a show. :)

Twins

Today was twins day at Mt. Comfort.  The kids could pay $1 to dress alike and raise money during Teacher Appreciation Week.  Alivia told me this morning that she and Emery were going to wear their 'Love' jammies to school.  I decided to send Emery's mom a message this morning just to make sure.  They had it all planned out and looked cute as ever.  Emery's mom sent me this picture while she was volunteering in their classroom.  Adorable! 

Let's Play Ball!

It was such a great Opening Day for our little ball players!  Alivia and Drew were so excited for their games and both did a great job.  Alivia plays for the Pink Zebras.  She was 2/2 at the plate and enjoyed being the last hitter so she could run all the way around the bases each time.  She played pitcher's helper and had lots of opportunities to field the ball and throw it to first.  We're so proud of #8!

Drew plays for the Orioles and went 3/3!  He made a great catch at first base, too.  One that made the crowd cheer and made Daddy smile from ear to ear. :)  You can just tell Drew has so much fun playing baseball.  It sure does make it fun to watch.  Way to go, Drew!

Field Trip with Alivia

Alivia has asked me to attend every field trip this year and we were finally able to make this one work.  She was thrilled to have me along.  (So sweet because I'm sure it won't always be that way.)  Despite the cold (it was 49 degrees and felt like 40 with the wind), we enjoyed the day.

Catching butterflies in the butterfly garden. 

My girls for the day:  Cara, Emily, Bella & Alivia