How Time Flies...

Was it really only five years ago that Bailey graduated kindergarten? While she still trades lip gloss with her friends and hasn't "physically" grown a lot since then she has matured and grown far too fast.

We attended Bailey's 5th grade graduation last week and had to keep the tears in check. Not only was it a fabulous program about our country but my little girl is no longer in elementary school! No more recess to swing on the bars or see who can do the most cartwheels in a row (I'm pretty sure Bailey always won that one). No more riding bikes to school and making sure your little brothers make it home safe. No more class parties, having only one teacher, and no more having mom come "help" aka spy on you in class. While there are kids Bailey's age that are starting to meet boys at the movies, Bailey so far seems to care less for that type of behavior. I'm grateful she has a great group of friends that for the meantime, just seem to be happy hanging out together. I've heard the "rumors" of the 6th & 7th grade center and am admittedly scared. I hope that Bailey carries on her group of friends into 6th grade and always remembers her worth.

I am constantly in awe that I was privileged to have such a beautiful, special daughter. There's just something about her. She is always aware of others feelings and is such a happy content person. I used to get frustrated that after Santa came there wasn't much excitement. Bailey is just happy no matter what. Such a smart and talented kid to boot. I really wonder sometimes if there was a switch in the hospital. Of course, I could see all of this the first time the doctor placed her in my arms. She had my heart then and only continues to make it grow. Congratulations Bailey!

Sunday Morning

Sunday mornings at our house are usually quite busy. For some reason no matter what time our service starts at we are always running behind. Unless, of course, we have the 1:00 time slot. Today in particular Easton isn't feeling well and since I was only conducting Mat is opting to take the other kids so I can stay home with Easton (and Peyton of course). Needless to say we are having quite the lazy morning.
Last night we had a fun BBQ in the backyard for the "adults" so the kids wanted to do something fun for them. Mat took the mattress off Bailey's bed and put it in the upstairs family room for them to sleep on. While Mat and I were being lazy lying around in the backyard, eating peas this morning, the kids were adding enhancements to their "bed". They took the mattresses off the boys beds and used them as the box-springs and somehow took down Bailey's canopy netting and reconnected to the fan in the family room. I shouldn't say somehow, apparently it was a series of stacked up object (including Caleb's back) that played a part in their ability to reach that high.
I must admit it is rather a cozy spot. I love my kids doing silly things like this. My siblings and I used to make the most elaborate huts (in my mind at least) and I loved it. The kids know they can't play with friends on Sunday so it is always such a treat to see them working and playing together.

Peyton spent most of the morning sitting in the pea patch chomping away. Our vines are super tall this year but they are no match for a 23 month old who likes her veggies. Peas are like gold in our house so normally the trampling of the vines would lead to a major fence being built but how can we NOT let her fill her tummy with vitamins?

Life IS Beautiful

Spring is such a busy time in our house. So many activities, year end performances, and of course sporting events. :) The weather seems to mirror our schedule. Wild and unpredictable. This spring we lost a tree in our driveway which is always just a very sad occurrence to me. However, underneath the eve of the breakfast nook something did in fact survive the wild weather. A mother bird in her nest. Easton has become quite fond of "his" bird and the other morning I looked out the window to see him standing on the ladder playing the bird music on his ukulele. Such a sweet kid.
We decided to keep Bailey on the Senior 3 team at Raglan and this week she has finally decided that she can actually kick some trash when it comes to cheer and tumbling and is showing it. We are tickled that she's decided she CAN do it!

Caleb and Easton have both had their year end programs at school and as always stand out as being the cutest boys around. Serious. Look at all the faces surrounding Caleb and then, there he his shining in the center.
Easton looked too cute in Mat's dress shirt for his program. He even sang along with the group and everything. I love seeing my kids perform, play sports, all of it. I am so lucky to have such a blessed family.