1st little ponytail

Her hair is finally just long enough to put into a little Pebbles-like ponytail on the top of her head.  So cute!

2011 Awards night

About two weeks ago, the boys had their awards night for AWANA and Kidz choir.  Also, Logan and Preston's choirs performed.

In all the pictures we took, Logan never looks like he's singing.  But he actually loves choir and sings all the time, must just be the luck of the camera!

Preston's and Logan's choir sang one song together.

All three boys got awards for their participation and acheivements in AWANA.  I am so proud of how much they learned and all they were able to do in a year.  Logan completed his 1st book and his whole review book, for which he earned a Sparky extra credit pin to go on his vest!  He did so great in his first year in Sparks, he definitely went above and beyond and really seemed to enjoy the challenge.  I'm excited to see him grow even more next year.

This was Brayden's last year in Sparks, next year he'll be in T&T.  I seriously can't believe that, time when by way too fast!  Brayden earned the Clubber of the Year award, which is a very special honor because it is only given to one boy and one girl each year out of all the Sparks.  Way to go Brayden! 

Preston absolutely loved Cubbies this year.  I think he was so excited he finally got to be a part of something that he had been watching his brothers do for years.  I have learned to not be concerned about how a 3-year-old will learn verses, all the boys have done fine and Preston was no exception.  Preston really enjoyed his teacher this year too.  She is so fun and her and Preston just clicked.  Preston also got the Clubber of the Year award for Cubbies.  I am so proud of him!

10 things I've never done

This post is all about me, little known facts about me.  I just thought it would be fun for a little change of pace!

1. I never been across the ocean. 
2. I've never worn contacts.
3. I never attended my college graduation.
4. I've never been drunk.
5. I've never driven a stick shift.
6. I've never liked popcorn.
7. I've never lived anywhere but TX and CO.
8. I've never been skiing.
9. I've never lived by myself.
10. I've never been to the Grand Canyon.

Now for a fun little game.....one of those things isn't true about me.  One of the things I've listed, I've actually done.  Take a guess!!

Playing dolls

One of the parts I was most excited about when we found out we were having a girl was watching her play with dolls.  Ashten got a couple of dolls for Christmas, but really hasn't shown much interest until just recently.  The dolls came with those little plastic bottles that when you tip them upside down, all the white stuff that's supposed to look like milk runs to the bottom and it looks like the baby drank it all.  Well Ashten especially never played with those because she probably had no idea what they were.  She's never used a bottle and we haven't been around any babies who use them either.  Well, until recently. 

For a couple of weeks, I watched a friend's baby while she and her husband worked.  Ashten LOVED having a baby around, she would get so excited when he would come every morning and always wanted to touch him and play with him.  She was so curious, yet still so gentle and careful around him.  It's funny to see her get all excited about babies like she thinks she's such a big girl now and not in that category anymore.

 

As she watched me take care of him, especially feed him his bottle, she started feeding her own baby dolls with the bottles too.  Now she does it all the time.  She even holds the baby like you would hold a baby on your shoulder and carries it around the house.

 

I love seeing her play mommy and take care of her dolls.  When I was little, I loved playing with my dolls and I even wanted to be a mom when I grew up.  It's fun to see my daughter doing the same thing.

Dandelions

The boys have been picking and bringing me dandelions lately.  It is so sweet.  They don't know they are weeds, they are just bringing their mommy flowers.  One day they brought me so many that I put them all in a jar on the counter by the sink.  Of course, they only lasted about a day in there, but everytime I looked at them, I was reminded about how innocently my children trust me and love me.  They are showing me love the best way they know how.  And I would say it's a pretty great way to show love! 

Everytime I see dandelions (either in the ground or in a vase in my kitchen), I am reminded of this song.  I love this band and especially this song!  If you have time, you should really watch the video.  While the graphics aren't great, the lyrics really are!  I also printed the lyrics down below.



In a field of yellow flowers,
underneath the sun,
bluest eyes that spark with lightning,
boy with shoes undone.

He is young,
so full of hope,
reveling in tiny dreams,
filling up his arms with flowers,
right for giving any queen.

Running to her beaming bright,
while cradling his prize.
A flickering of yellow light,
within his mother's eyes.

She holds them to her heart,
keeping them where they'll be safe,
clasped within her very marrow,
dandelions in a vase.

She sees love, where
anyone else would see weeds.
All hope is found.
Here is everything he needs.

Fathomless your endless mercy,
weight I could not lift.
Where do I fit in this puzzle,
what good are these gifts?

Not a martyr or a saint,
scarcely can I struggle through.
All that I have ever wanted
was to give my best to you.

Lord, search my heart,
create in me something clean.
Dandelions
you see flowers in these weeds.

Gently lifting hands to heaven,
softened by the sweetest hush,
a Father sings over his children,
loving them so very much.

More than words could warrant,
deeper than the darkest blue,
more than sacrifice could merit,
Lord, I give my heart to you.

-Dandelions, by Five Iron Frenzy

End of school

I can't believe this school year will be over in just a couple short weeks.  I am really looking forward to having my boys and my husband home for the summer, not having to make lunches every morning, not having to be presentable to leave the house and drive the boys to school every morning, seeing my husband more than a few hours at night......

August 2010

May 2011

In just a few short days, I'll have a 1st grader and a 3rd grader!  WOW!! 

Ashten found someone else who will gladly read to her....

Classic Preston

On any given day, Preston will display one or more of these poses.  Such an animated guy!

A long time coming

Brayden lost his first tooth today!  It's been loose for a long time and the permanent tooth was already growing in behind it, but it just wouldn't come out.  Part of that was because Brayden grinds his teeth, so they were down to just little stubs and it was hard to even grab a hold of it to wiggle it.

But Brayden was so brave, he let Chris grab a hold of it and yank it out.  He definitely didn't get that from me, I wouldn't let anyone touch my loose teeth, they'd just have to get so loose they'd fall out on their own!

Yay Brayden!!!!

So proud of these guys!

Brayden and Logan both were awarded the "clubber of the month" award in May!  It's based on how many points they earn (which you earn by saying verses, bringing your Bible, wearing your uniform, etc) and also on their behavior.  To be chosen for this award out of all the sparks is a honor for them!  This is Brayden's last year in Sparks, he'll be moving on to T&T in the fall, and he has acheived almost every award possible so far! 

This was Logan's first year in Sparks and he completed his whole first book as well as his whole review book!

I'm so happy to see them excel in something that will be with them for the rest of their lives.  Scripture memorization is so important and has such lasting rewards!  Way to go boys!