Here we go...

Summer time has started!!  We're so excited.  We have lots of fun stuff planned for the summer.  We're finishing up our bucket list and can't wait to check things off and make some memories. 

Ava graduated from preschool and will be off to Kindergarten in the fall.  She had such a great year!  We loved her teachers and she made some great friends and learned so much.  The day after graduation we had her end of year field trip.  I got a babysitter for Elsie so I was able to enjoy some time with just Ava.

   

  

     

Ava got her library card and started swimming like a fish this past weekend at Nana and Papa's house so we are ready to let the summer activities begin!!

   

We'll share our Summer 2013 Bucket List when we finish it up this week and put it on display :-)

Mother's Day 2013

I think I'm starting to really get it.  Mother's Day isn't about me at all.  It never has been and it never will be.  And I love that.  Now, don't get me wrong.  This past weekend when Jonathan offered to let me sleep in a little and cooked me breakfast and reminded the girls to be extra good to mommy, I took it all and enjoyed it.  But I found myself looking for that next snuggle from Ava or listening for Elsie to shout "group hug".  It wasn't about enjoying all the things that people wanted to do for me on Mother's Day (although I did).  It was about taking the time to really stop and enjoy each snuggle and hug and picture drawn and pony game just a little longer.  I did my best to take everything in slow motion on that special day.  I realized that the only thing I wanted for Mother's Day was exactly what I've been blessed to get everyday for the last (just over) 5 years....To be Mom <3

Some pictures after church.

       

 Ava painted me a flower pot and planted some flower seeds.  Elsie holding my flower after church.

 

The sun was really bright.  It was a beautiful day!

I had a nice chat with my mom yesterday but I look forward to being able to celebrate Mother's Day in person with her in a couple of weeks.  And I get to help her throw a party!  It's one of my favorite things to do with my mom and I think she enjoys it, too :-)  Hopefully I'm a help to her.  I know she always is to me whenever I'm throwing a party.

My Mom, Me, Baby Ava

 

A Mother's Day side note...
I love the tradition that Jonathan's family has on Mother's Day every year.  They always gather at Mamaw's house for an afternoon treat of homemade ice cream and, most importantly, laughing and sharing stories and watching the little ones play in the yard.  I didn't get any pictures but I think I saw someone snapping pictures so maybe I'll have some to share soon.

Watch It Grow

We wanted a small garden this year.  We've tried in the past but nothing ever really worked.  Sometimes it was because we forgot about the plants and sometimes the timing was just off.  We got off to a late start this year but so far things are looking pretty good.  We're enjoying checking on our garden every day to look for changes.  It's currently growing in our sunroom/playroom but we will probably be making the move outside this weekend.

Sunflower

 

 Left to Right:  Batchelor Buttons, Brussels Sprouts, Cucumbers, Tomatoes

 

MMMmmmmmmmm!!!  Can't wait for the fresh veggies :-)

The Last Few Months

There is absolutely no way I can catch up on the last (almost) 2 years so I figured I would go back just a couple of months instead.  Jonathan's been working hard at his job and has taken on some responsibilities at church which include helping with almost any relating to electronics and most recently, reading the scripture each Sunday morning.  I started a part time job as church secretary at the first of the year.  I'm blessed that I'm able to take Elsie with me when I have no one to watch her.  Elsie and I attend BSF every Wednesday and thoroughly enjoy it.  Ava is finishing up preschool and will start Kindergarten in the fall.  She really excited to go to her "big school".  She has really gotten into playing games.  Mario and Pictionary are probably her favorites!!  Here's a glimpse into what we've been up to lately.

Supper time outside.

 

Evening strolls.

 

Easter Egg hunts.

Springtime yard work with Daddy.

 

Swinging at Grandma's.

And enjoying these sweet, sweet moments with the girls.

 

Blogging

When I go through all my friends blogs looking for updates I always get so disappointed when it's been a while since they updated.  Although I know there isn't even a handfull of people who read this blog, today I realized I have no room to talk!!  

So here I go again.  Each time I pick this back up I do a little better so we'll see what comes of it this time...

An instagram share.