These Little Moments...

My Gracie, Today, you are 5-years-old. I need a moment to let that reality sink in…Wow. I have a 5-year-old! My little girl will be starting Kindergarten in August! This has certainly arrived much more quickly than I thought it would. 5-years-old seemed so far away not so long ago… It doesn't seem possible that my chubby-cheeked toddler is now on her way to elementary school in the fall. As bittersweet as this is for your momma, you’re ready. I’m so happy and so proud. (We're gearing up for your 2013 Recital! Themed weeks at the dance studio have begun; here you are all dressed up for Rockstar Princess Week - May 23rd) I've watched you continue to bloom over this past year.You are sassy and sweet; I adore your silly sense of humor. I have so much fun watching your interact with, and love on, your brother.You love dancing, all things “princess”, and cuddling up for a movie.Your daddy and I are very proud of the little girl that you are, and know that ...

This has been such a bittersweet day for me! As with so many other milestones in my daughter's life, bidding farewell to the preschool years has left me with an ache in my heart as I consider how quickly this time has gone. I watched Gracie walk out of her school doors as a preschooler for the last time this afternoon. While there is a sadness woven within my emotions today, I'm mostly excited about what the next school year holds for Gracie. She'll be attending the same school, Calvary Baptist Day School, which is also our church. I'm also so proud of my girl! I've witnessed so much growth in Gracie during this past year. She's excelled in her objectives for the year, but has also shown a kindness and compassion for others that makes my heart smile. Gracie and Raegan - last day of 3 Yr. Preschool Gracie and Raegan - last day of 4 Yr. Preschool Our summer has officially begun, and we're kicking it off with a 5th birthday!!!

Mother's Day is one of my favorite days of the year! Being a mother is by far the greatest role I've ever had in life, and celebrating all mothers is important to me. I'm so very blessed to be surrounded by amazing women, who also happen to know a thing or two about mothering. These women inspire me, encourage me, and offer loving guidance when I need it most. From my "mommy friends" (a circle I couldn't function without) to my mother-in-law, grandmothers, and of course, my own mom - each have helped to influence my mothering style and I'm better for it! I told Sean that the above picture was the best Mother's Day gift I could have received. Both kids looking at the camera AND smiling! :) Sean was also sweet enough to have Gracie choose flowers for me (which are still beautiful sitting on the kitchen table) and bought me the Study Bible I've been wanting. He also let me do a little clothes shopping, which is always a huge plus. My husband a...

Ashley and I spent this past weekend in Charleston, West Virginia visiting family and showing off sweet Ryleigh. We decided a few months ago that we would make this road trip without our older children. We both agreed that we wanted to focus on our Mamaw and really be present with her during our visit. As much as we wanted her to see her other great-grandchildren, this weekend was for Ashley and I. A big bonus was that we were also able to see other family members we've been missing. We were finally able to meet Miss Brooklyn, our cousin's daughter. She turns one-year-old on May 11th. It was so sweet watching her grin at Ryleigh. Even my dad's oldest brother, Mike, got in on the baby-holding action. ;) I had so much fun spending this time with my niece (who is now 4 weeks old!). I even pitched in during the late-night-feedings and loved every minute. One of the highlights of this trip was sitting back and watching my ...

After months of practice, Gracie's 4-year-old choir group sang in front of parents and grandparents this evening. There were new songs, but also a few classics, such as Jesus Loves Me and I Have Decided. It was very precious to watch and I was so proud of each child. I was especially proud of my daughter. This was her first-ever choir performance and she did a wonderful job. She didn't even appear to be nervous at all, even though the room was full of adults taking pictures and videos of the children singing. Being a part of this group has been such a blessing, in so many ways. I'm very thankful for the music ministry at our church. I believe it's helping to lay an important foundation for these young children. Gracie was lucky to have two sets of grandparents present to support her on this special evening!  We are so proud of you, Gracie!

Students of Calvary Baptist Day School put on an amazing show this afternoon. We were blown away by the talent and hard work that was obviously involved in making their presentation of  Cinderella With A Twist a success! The younger audience members were invited to join the cast for a character breakfast before the show. There were also games, autographs, door prizes, opportunities for pictures, and face painting. Since it was a royal breakfast, the kids dressed to impress.  Sean and I have been looking forward to this event for weeks. Ethan stayed with a sitter so that we could take this time to focus on our little princess. Gracie's best friend, Raegan, also attended, as did their buddy Harrison. Gracie and Cinderella Face Painting Fairy Godmothers The show was hilarious, and since it was a musical, there was also lots of great music from the 60s and 70s. The acting, the singing, the costumes - it was so fun to watch! I'm so grateful ...

Gracie and Ethan were finally able to meet Ryleigh today! I held off on this introduction because I wanted to be absolutely sure my kids were well before meeting this tiny baby. Uncle Sean will have to wait a little while longer, since he has a bad case of pink eye. He's being properly medicated now and feels much, much better, but we're not taking any chances. Gracie was so excited to meet her cousin, and she loved holding her.   Ethan's first reaction upon seeing Ryleigh was to lovingly poke her in the face. He then tilted his head to one side and said, "Aw...cute!" (He got a nice bruise this morning on his forehead from a fall on the gym sidewalk...)   I am loving having a sweet newborn to hold! Oh, and today was Ryleigh's due date! She's now 12 days old.