Lucas' Kindergarten Christmas Party

 My sweet little boy had his school Christmas party on Friday. We walked into the class to see about 20 little Rudolph's smiling at us. It made my heart so happy. He is such a ball of joy all the time!

 He was so excited that I brought his sister. I did not bring her to the Halloween or Thanksgiving parties. She is VERY active so I expected her to be a mess and into everything the entire time but she did amazing for me.

 We had lots of yummy treats.

 The kids did a dance to Jingle Bells. It was so funny! They also sang Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Lucas totally lip synced but when it came time to dance he was all over it. That boy can move! I left my phone in the car, which makes me so sad because I would have loved to have video. My camera is great but does not have this option unfortunately.

 I love that I am so easily able to attend things like this. I am so blessed to be able to have this time with my babies. It is the most important thing in the world. I will never get this time back.

That said... I was going to post this on Friday afternoon when I got home. After turning on the news I found it impossible to do so. The Sandy Hook Elementary shooting have hit all of us very hard. As a parent I cannot fathom what it must have felt like to sit and wait to see if my child was going to walk out or not. I cannot imagine the immense grief that these people are feeling. The teachers that were so heroic... My child loves school so much and would never once leave in the morning thinking that he was in danger. It should be a safe haven. Never could I imagine sending my child to school so excited for recess and to see their friends only to not be able to pick them up that day.

There is nothing we can do as individuals to take away any of the grief and pain that these people are feeling. What we can do is pray. Pray HARD. We can let them know that we feel deeply for them. We can do everything humanly possible to show compassion. On a daily basis. Sometimes all it takes is making eye contact and a smile. What if we all made efforts to do one small act of kindness a day for a stranger? Maybe holding the door and saying good morning. All I know is that heaven gained some beautiful angels on Friday morning. I hope these families can feel even the slightest bit of comfort knowing that these children are not afraid anymore. They are more than at peace with Jesus Himself. I know that he welcomed them with open arms and they were immediately comforted. Let's all take a little peace in that...

...and pray.

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving 2012

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

I thought it fitting to share the adorable photos I took at Lucas' Thanksgiving Feast at school.

 The class performing their play. They did a wonderful job. I have some video I will ad later.

Working hard! He loves school and is excelling and that makes my heart so happy. :)

 My sweet pilgrim!

 The most awesome teachers ever!

 Lucas and his best buddies!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day full of food, family, and fellowship!

.... then go shop 'til you drop! ;)

~Nicole

Bits & Pieces

I'm back! I feel like I have not blogged in forever. Wait, I haven't. Our old computer completely crashed on us and I had to decide on a new one and order it and all that good stuff. It arrived today and I couldn't be happier with it so far. Time will tell. If you have any experience with a Gateway let me know. This is my first!

Now for the pics (things that have gone on since the computer crash of 2012):

1-4: Paisley playing in the yard. She loves balls, refuses to keep her pretty bows in her hair, and pushes her car now more than she rides in it.

5: After MUCH research and searching for deals I joined the mini van club! Couldn't be happier and I absolutely love my Honda Odyssey. Best. Car. Ever. This is further proof that you should never say never. ;)

6: Lucas had his banquet for fall baseball. It was very low key and nice. We took them to McDonald's (YAY- HA!) and let them wear themselves out.

7-9: Lucas had a Veteran's Day program at his school. They asked each family if there were any Veteran's that they would like honored. Of course we signed my Grampy up. They were all so impressed that he still fit into his uniform. Of course I got the most precious pictures of him and Lucas!

~Nicole

First Day of School 2012!

 We have had a busy and hectic morning. Both of our boys hit milestones today. Lucas started kindergarten and Blake started middle school.

 I cannot believe that this sweet, sweet boy that has been by my side every day for the last five years is in kindergarten now.

 I plan on doing this picture every year, just to see how it changes!

 I really believe that he would have walked in all on his own. He is such a brave kid. He has been so excited.

 How handsome!

 Finding his hook and hanging his things...

 Finding his cubby for all of his papers.

 How did he get so big so fast? I have been a mess all morning. This tore me to pieces, but it is beautiful and I had to share it:

He started school this morning, And he seemed so very small. As I walked there beside him In the Kindergarten hall. And as he took his place beside the others in the class, I realized how all too soon Those first few years can pass. Remembering, I saw him as He first learned how to walk. The words that we alone made out When he began to talk. This little boy so much absorbed In learning how to write. It seems as though he must have grown To boyhood overnight. My eyes were blurred by hastily I brushed the tears away Lest by some word or sign of mine I mar his first big day. Oh how I longed to stay with him And keep him by the hand To lead him through the places That he couldn't understand. And something closely kin to fear Was mingled with my pride. I knew he would no longer be A baby by my side. But he must have his chance to live, To work his problems out, The privilege to grow and learn What life is all about. And I must share my little boy With friends and work and play; He's not a baby anymore -- He's in Kindergarten today...

 I remember walking him to his first day of kindergarten like it was yesterday. Time flies. The best advice anyone has ever given me was to cherish the "small" years.

 I didn't follow him into the school for a photo shoot. We walked him to the lobby and he told us we could go now :( I did snap a few outside...

I love these two more than anything! I guess now it is time for mommy and Paisley to have some girl time!

Wordless Wednesday: The Graduate

Pre-K Graduation

Last night we watched our sweet baby boy graduate from pre-k. We end this school year so very proud and very thankful that he was able to attend such an amazing program. We are very fortunate that we were able to send him to a faith based school and I am so happy he has enjoyed himself to the extent he did. He loves it. That may actually be an understatement. My sweet boy is getting so big...

Miss Priss was in attendance. She had on the most darling outfit and I had to post a picture.  She was pretty much awful during the performance though. Actually she was bad all night, HA! (If you can really classify a baby as being "bad").  At dinner afterward she dumped her daddy's entire tray of food in the floor and all over her white dress. AHH!

My sweetheart and I! I am such a proud mommy!

This is when her headband was actually on.

Walking in. He was a ham the entire time. Not afraid of a crowd apparently...

Lining up...

He led the pledge of allegiance. He pretty much screamed it! It was awesome!

"Flag of America, Red, White, and Blue. Flag of America, a salute I give to you!!"

 He did so good on the songs. Especially the ones where they signed. They worked so hard on this and it really showed.

 This was the part that made me cry. They sang a song while holding hands. It went "He ties our hearts together and friends we'll always be. We'll be friends forever: Jesus and you and me." I just cried typing that. It was so sweet.

Getting his diploma from his amazing teachers. They are truly special ladies.

 This gorgeous fountain is right outside the church. We had to make a picture with everyone that came! Here he is with Nana and Pawpaw...

Aunt Chelsea and Uncle Zach...

Mommy and Daddy...

Grandma...

Uncle Kenard...

Papa...

...and our whole family.

Lucas, I am so extremely proud of everything that you are sweet boy. You are going to go so far in life. Everyone last night kept joking that you had a little "preacher" in you because of how well you did on stage. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for you. You will do wonderful things baby. I love you!

~Mommy