Day 147

My trip to the thrift store yesterday was supposed to only be a 'drop off' trip...but from yesterday's post, we know that E has a hard time leaving without some new friends.  I also found THE BEST prize for Jack---he loves blocks, Lego's, bristle blocks, etc-anything that 'connects' and can be used to create things. I've never seen these in the store, but they are awesome!  They are made by Megablocks-which he loves-and are magnetic. He has played with them for hours, and took a nap with them today :-) I will be on the lookout for more to add to the set for sure...

Day 146

I'm pretty sure I just bought back some of the stuffed animals I've donated to the thrift store... This girl is obsessed!

Day 145

I forgot to post last night so here is yesterday's picture...
Anyone who knows Jack, knows that he is a quirky little guy...He likes what he likes and is very passionate about it. He is creative, smart, funny and stubborn. There are so many things that I think he would like, or should like...that he doesn't.  I guess it all goes back to the fact that he enjoys things that stay the same. New places, activities, people, etc aren't his thing and he is not a happy camper 'on the go'  The last 2 summers, plus numerous beach trips have proven 100% unsuccessful in the area of pool, sprinkler, water, splashpads, etc....so yesterday as  I almost died trying to inflate this pool--- I was thinking to myself, if he doesn't like this, I am never getting it back out, and it's going in the trash!   Well, I am happy to announce.....he LOVED it!  WOO-HOO!

Day 144

We made it back home this afternoon all in one piece. Overall we had a great time, and made many great memories. It was stressful at times (Jack is not a fan of anything outside his regular, predicable routine and environment-esp if it involves a chaotic environment and becomes very unhappy and difficult) and relaxing and fun at times and I'm glad we were able to go. I know we are far more privileged than many families to even go on a vacation at all--stress included.   Chattanooga is a great family place to visit, and not too far away. Here is a slideshow of the pics, so I didn't have to post all of them on here.  I hope it works!

Day 143

We've had a looooong day in Chattanooga, even though we really havent been here all that long. Here was our last stop of the day.

Day 142

Day 1 of family vacation! We just arrived at our cabin and the kids are super excited!

Day 141

Jack is NOT a fan of carwashes.

Day 140

Today is a bittersweet day for me....I am very ready for a break, but so sad at the same time that this is the last day of school. I have had such a great year, with wonderful kids and wonderful teachers, and will miss them SO much next year. I have watched Elizabeth grow so much this year in Kindergarten and it's hard to believe that she will soon be in 1st grade. Here are her pictures from the first day of school and the last day of school. She looks so much older....sniff!

August 2011

May 2012

Day 139

Elizabeth brought home her writing journals today from school. I loved looking through them and watching the transformation in her writing. Because she was (is) so young, handwriting/writing was something I worried about...but I am very pleased at how far she has come. Here is a sample from October, and sometime recently. Notice that they are still both about dogs....no shocker there. She is a dog lover, just like her mommy :)

Day 138

Today was Elizabeth's first Field Day at MVES.....Aside from a rocky start with the potato sack race, I think she had a blast!

Getting ready to head to class!

Sadie in the sack race

E was NOT feeling the sack race. Too much pressure....

Snack break....skittles of course

Fireman's Relay

Add caption

Getting ready for the tug-o-war

Puuuulllll! 

E and her BFF Audrey....so cute!

Day 137

Jerry has been in the Virgin Islands since Wednesday---and although technology is awesome and facetime was really cool each day, we are happy to have him home again. This morning we were lazy and then went to the playground/walking track.

Day 136

The kids and I had a fun day visiting Jerry's side of the family at Spring Park in Tuscumbia today...

                                          Walking to see the water with Granddaddy

                                                 Aunt Tonia brought an awesome ball!

 Jack was TOTALLY freaked out by this tree trunk carving. He talked about it all the way home and keeps asking questions and confirming "It's JUST a statue mommy"

                                                                        Jack and Nan

 Jack insisted on eating his popsicle with his hands, and it broke.  He was not happy about it. Note the sticky sheen coating his hands and legs.  Oy

 Jack of course hurt his elbow on the way to the rock to try and take the 'cousin' picture. He refused to look at anything except his elbow from that point on.

 I took about 50 shots to try and make his look at the camera....this was as good as it got. At least Abby, E and Addy are smiling :)

134

Dance party! (+Jack)

Day 133

We took our 2nd graders on a hike to Ebeneezer Swamp today from school. It was beautiful, and I am so mad at myself for forgetting my camera. I'll definitely take another trip out there with my real camera. These are from my phone...

Day 131

Look what came in the mail today!  I am giddy with excitement, and you all know that giddy isn't really something I'd ever claim to feel. I.CANNOT.WAIT.  Have you seen the lineup?! http://lineup.delunafest.com/

FOO FIGHTERS AND PEARL JAM!

 OMG!  Someone wipe the permagrin off my face.  K-top....get READY!

Day 130 Happy Mother's Day!

I consider myself extremely lucky to have somehow been chosen to be mommy to these 2 little angels. I don't know why God thought I was deserving of such loving, smart, healthy, beautiful and amazing children, but I am glad he did. I couldn't possibly love them any more than I do and am thankful and honored to have them in my care. I am also grateful for such a wonderful loving mother, whom I can thank a million times over for the gifts she has given me to try and pass on to my own children.
 Happy Mothers Day!

they spotted a worm and I thought this picture was so cute....

Day 129

Dinner date! If youve never been to 5guys... Make plans to. Its the best burger around, hands down.

Day 127/128

I forgot to post last night--So tonight will have to count as 2.
Elizabeth's kindergarten class hosted a Mother's Day Tea today, and it MIGHT have been the best thing I've ever attended. The kids held our hands as we came in, and pulled our chair out for us, then stood beside us while we put on our hand print corsages, and had a treat of cherry cheesecake, tea cookies and drink. Next they put on the sweetest little performance of songs.  I can promise you, there were very few dry-eyed mommies, including myself (and we all know I don't make a habit of crying).  As a teacher, I can recognize how much effort was put into this day, and I am totally honored to have been part of it. Moments like those are what makes so many crazy stressful moments and days just disappear and become forgotten. Ok no more tears...I've reached my quota for the month.

Elizabeth's silhouette....looks JUST like her

No I am not abused, and yes my recipe for yoplait yogurt is awesome!

my place setting, complete with corsage, floral arrangement and placemat

waiting to go in the classroom

Day 126

Field trip day 2... NOT a success. We were scheduled to go fishing at Oak Mountain State Park- sponsored by Alabama Power. It poured the entire time we were there... And we (teachers) were miserable. The kids didnt seem to care. We didnt catch any fish, but then again fishing in the rain using an umbrella isnt the greatest way to catch a fish. Oh well...