Things that make you go hmmm....

"Donny, did you eat the hippo balls?"

Now, THAT'S a question I never thought I'd have to ask!

We bought the kids the game, "Hungry, Hungry, Hippos," and all the balls went missing. Luckily, Donny didn't actually eat them. He just put them away in a lunchbox. Good place to keep them, right?

These kids are definitely keeping me on my toes!

Why does potty training frustrate me so?

Why, oh why does this have to be included as one of the mommy duties?!?

I really think we've turned a corner with peeing in the potty, but pooping is a whole other story!

This morning, I took the kids to the pool. About 15 minutes in, I noticed Donny straining to GO. I tried taking him to the bathroom there. No luck. SOOOO...since I know it's a big no-no for someone to poop in the pool, I pack the kids up and bring them home thinking I'll take them back after Donny does his business.

I put Donny on the toilet here at home, and about 30 minutes later we're still there. I want to scream! I HATE potty training!

Sweet moments

One of my favorite things about having children is watching how their relationship with each other grows. Braelyn has loved her brother from day 1. Donny, of course, didn't know any better as an infant, but the love he now has for his sister is incredible. He wants to be around her most of the day, do what she does, and say what she says.

It makes my heart happy that almost 3 years down the road, Braelyn still adores her little brother. Just this morning, they were both laying on the couch. Braelyn used half of her blanket to cover up Donny, gave him a kiss on the forehead, and then laid down on the other end of the couch with the other half of her blanket. I wish I had been quick enough to take a picture, but instead I took that moment just to watch it and soak it all in.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to be the mother of these two babies!

1st and Last Day of Kindergarten - Comparison

First Day

Last Day

Last Day of Kindergarten

 Braelyn and I took a picture similar to this one on the first day of school. I had to get an "after" version. :)

 Here's Braelyn "walking the stage" for her Kindergarten graduation.

 She even got PERFECT attendance!

Here's Braelyn with the most amazing kindergarten teacher ever, Mrs. Burnett. She's moving up to 2nd grade this next school year. Maybe she'll be lucky enough to get Braelyn again in a couple years. :)

Daddy took the day off to have a Daddy/Daughter day with Braelyn to celebrate her accomplishment of surviving Kindergarten. I'm pretty sure they had a great day - filled with Chuck E. Cheese, snowcones, and shopping.

Teacher Leader Academy

This school year, Stephanie and I had the honor of being chosen to be a part of Teacher Leader Academy. We were part of the 5th class for the district. People have to apply for this class, and then there's a team who decides who qualifies to represent the district as a leader. I'm glad I got to be a part of it, and I can't wait to see what doors are opened for me as a result of this experience.

Dance Recital 2012

 The picture above is Braelyn with her friend Katelyn from daycare. They took dance from the same dance teacher, but they weren't in the same class. It sure is fun watching these two grow up (though...much too fast!)

Pictured on the top is Braelyn with our neighbor Macie. Aren't they sweet?!

Pictured on the bottom is Braelyn with one of my former students (current student at the time), Katie.  

I love this picture. This IS Braelyn! There's a lot of spunk in that little body of hers.

This was Braelyn's second year to parcitipate in a dance recital. This year, however, was a little different because they had two dress rehearsals. One was a few days before the recital, and one lasted for a few hours before the night of the recital. This teacher means business! We're looking forward to dance again next year...or maybe we'll try out a little cheerleading. I think that might fit her more. We'll see! :)