Emily is 2!

How can this be? Wasn't she a 6 pound baby yesterday? I sometimes feel she should still be that tiny baby, and not be talking, running, growing into a little girl. But the sad, yet happy truth is that we now have a two year old. Sunday, the 9th, was her birthday. It was a family affair and was a lot of fun. She was all about the presents and, "cucakes". My mom even bought her a new outfit to wear on her special day, but it was huge on her! So she wore her outfit from last year, which was too big then but fit perfectly this go around. She was beyond blessed with all the gifts. Her gifts included baby dolls, baby clothes, new crib and highchair for babies, books, clothes, and a mommy and baby in a pink SUV. Like Wayne said in the birthday video, " those are going to be some well taken care of babies." The girl loves taking care of her babies. I know she'll be a good mommy one day. I'm happy to announce that instead of the terrible twos, we will be saying, "terrific twos"! A girl can hope right? Happy Birthday Emily! Everyone loves you so much!

We did it!

 

 

 

Owen and I completed our first week of homeschooling! I use the words, "I", and "our", because it was a first for both of us. The first day had a few bumps in the road, aka Emily. But after rearranging our schedule a bit, the rest of the week went smoothly. It has become routine now after only a week. And I love that I am able to watch him learn and see his brain click when he understands something. We are using a work box system and it works really well for us. It is a way to keep us organized and a visual for him to see how much schoolwork he has left. The red cards mean that has to work with me. Green cards-a little help from mommy. And the star cards mean independent work. He is really liking this system. I can officially say that I have a kindergartner in our house! YAY! So say a prayer and a cheer, for the rest of the year. I'm a poet and didn't even know it! =) cheesy, I know.



work boxes



the only picture I took of him working on schoolwork

Wanted to take 1st day pics outside but the rain had other plans

Sweet Sleep

Bedtime isn't always easy around here. For instance, tonight I fought with our youngest to go to sleep. She shed tears and finally gave in after wearing her self out. The oldest child was told to stay in his bed, at least 4 times. After having just one more sip of water and going potty, AGAIN, he too went to sleep. I love to see my children asleep. Not only because I can finally sigh and reflect on the day, in peace and quiet. But it is a precious time of the day that no one can take from me. I  pray over them while they are sleeping. Sometimes I even lay beside them and breathe in their sweet smells from freshly washed hair. When looking at their faces I wonder how they got so big and so quickly, and thank the lord that I am their mommy. I know that one day it will no longer be hard to get them to bed but it will be hard to wake them up. Can I just say that payback is coming sweet children! I promise I'm not evil but I too like my sweet sleep. And by the time I'm able to sleep in again, I will be old and waking at the roosters crow, just because. And guess what? They will also be waking up because I love them dearly and don't want them to miss out on their day. :0) But for now I'll enjoy their dreaming little faces and take all the sleep I can get. They'll both be in my bed before 3 am so I'm going to bed now. Goodnight, sweet dreams

Southern comfort (not the drink)

About a month ago, my mother, sister, Emily, and I spent the day in Atlanta. I love Atlanta for several reasons. One being my favorite aunt lives there. Two my cousin and her son also live there. But I now I have a new reason for loving the city of Atlanta, Ga. A little consignment shop,

http://southerncomfortsatlanta.com/

 

It is truly wonderful! It was my aunt who introduced us to this treasure.My sister was was looking for some items for her new house before moving to NC and we spent a lot of time in there. I will be making this a regular stop every time we venture that way. I cannot wait to go back and with extra $. There were a pair of lamps that I dream about and wish I would have gotten. So if you are ever in hotlanta, you will want to visit this store. If you don't mind buying used items, which isn't a problem for me. And this store isn't exactly in Atlanta, but they have 3 stores! One in dunwoody, 1 in Alpharetta, and one in Roswell, and I consider it all Atlanta.

 

 

I was not asked to endorse this store. I'm just in love!

 

 

Standing in front of Bernie Marcus' house. If you don't know who that is, google it. E loves Atlanta too!

The olympics

 

 

Our computer has been down and out but all is well now and I'm back. And I would've have posted from my phone but who wants to do that? Not this girl. Anyway, we had a blast learning about, and watching the Olympics. I think this was the first time I watched more than 3 events. Owen would watch an event or two in the mornings. And we would all watch as a family at night. Owen liked running and fencing the best. I'm still partial to gymnastics, swimming, and track. Owen, Emily and I checked out a few books from the library and made a few crafts to celebrate the events. It was a lot of fun and since the Olympics ended a few weeks ago, I've come to a conclusion that there is nothing on TV worth watching as a family. Hope you and yours enjoyed the summer games as much as our family.

painting the olympic rings

sorting fruit loops on the rings

Happy 23!

Happy 23 months that is. Wow can you believe that sweet little girl I blogged about the other day is almost TWO! I know it is cliche to say...but, where does the time go? I feel as though she was a tiny baby like this yesterday.

And then a pappy  addict the day after that, thank goodness it's gone.

And then a sweet 11 month old.

Oh and I can remember taking these pics for her birthday invite like it was 5 minutes ago.

I miss the baby days but I'm looking forward to the days to come. Especially when the terrible twos are over. We were going to celebrate the monthly birthday with a trip to the park but the rains came down. Now it looks like a fun filled day inside. Happy 23 to my baby girl.

The strong willed child

This cute, adorable, beautiful little girl   ----> is strong willed.
You are thinking how can that be? Surely not this sweet precious face! But it is true I tell you. She can be demanding, bossy (yes my almost 2 year old is bossy), throw fits with the best of them, and dig her heels in so deep when she wants something or is being told no, it is just plain scary. She is called Sassy for a reason. =)  With that said, she is a leader, very confident, super smart, hilarious, truly cares for other, and can melt you with her words and eyes. The good outweighs the bad, but trying to find a balance with her is tough! Yesterday was a hard day and I finally pulled out the spoon. Oh, we believe in spanking by the way. I'm not saying she is a bad child! She is precious and I wouldn't trade her for a thousand other little girls. But she definitely knows how to push my buttons and seconds later melt me. I love her to death and continually pray for her. Join me in praying for this sweet girl, my patience, and my sanity. Pray that we find a balance.