Graduation Day

First, he has to go and turn 5. Then he graduates from 4K. What is the world coming to? My kiddos are growing up and I CANNOT stop it from happening. All these changes are really shaking me up - I am an anxiety ridden mess. Paul came home and I just looked at him and told him I was sad. He asks me why, but it is one of those things that you can't really explain. Nothing is technically wrong, just different. I am so happy that my children are happy and thriving and all of these things are good. What is up with me??

So anyway.

He graduated and here he is - looking all big and Kindergartenish.

MY BABY IS TWO!

Happy Birthday to my sweet Christopher. I love you more than I can put into words. You were such a miracle - overcoming so many obstacles to be born...knot in the cord, failing placenta, growth restricted, under so much stress. God blessed you with a special strength. You fight for everything and you have become such a little champ. You will go far, little one! I love you and can't wait to see where God leads you as you grow.

SHE HAS A FAMILY!!!!!

Oh my heart rejoicing! My sweet 'Phoebe' has FAMILY! I have been thinking and praying for this sweet girl. She reminds me so much of my darling Christopher - they could have been twins and nearly the same age. Tonight I was scrolling through my FB newsfeed and Andrea didn't know how thrilling her link would be for me. My husband and children asked what happened and I immediately wanted to read all about Phoebe's new family. Please follow this link and help her family reach their goal and go get this little pumpkin!!! http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorsmith-2 or http://www.savinganangel.blogspot.com/

SO HAPPY! I LOVE YOU LITTLE GIRL!

Five

I thought 5 was going to be a great age. Maybe I have not given it enough time. Some days my 5 yr old is an angel - sweet, caring, cuddly, fun and easy. But most days he is hard. He is what most people would call "strong-willed". He wants to be the boss. He wants to make the decisions. He cannot help but moan and grown at simple requests. Bath? "I don't WANT to take a bath!" Brush teeth/hair? "I did that yesterday!" Help clean up these toys? "I like it messy." UG!!!

So I am going with a new approach. It's going to be a mix between 1-2-3 Magic and another book that has been suggested, You Can't Make Me (but I can be persuaded). I think with these two tools, I can keep from feeling like running away. Because... you know summer vacation is coming up and we will be spending a LOT more time together. Also, Christopher is a sponge and big brother's bad behavior is definitely rubbing off.

If you have any other tools or tricks, let me know. I am going to make a chore chart and reward system, so I will post an update after I finish my handiwork. :)

Planning Christopher's Party

It's time to plan my sweet baby's birthday. He's turning two. Two. My teeny, tiny baby
is growing up. I seriously love this child more every minute of every day. He and his brother play together and act silly - just like I pictured. Actually, they are playing together now...fighting over a rock. Hahaha.

So, the birthday plans are coming together and I think we will be celebrating at Gymboree Play & Music. He loves going and I can't think of a place where he would have more fun. I need to get the invitations designed and mailed. Time to get to work!

Almost a week...

It's been almost a week since the violent storms raged through our state. One week of pitiful stories, pictures of devastation and people in pain. However, there have been so many people - just wanting to help. TV and radio stations devoting air time to help relief efforts. Students making vacation time into volunteer time. And complete strangers asking "what can I do to help?" and then DOING IT! Water, clothing, diapers, wipes, food, generators, tarps... from all corners of the state and from all corners of the country! People helping people. It's been incredible to witness the GOOD. No one complaining, everyone helping. It's really awesome. God Bless Alabama.