Look Mom! No training wheels!!!

Jake has been on vacation (at home) this week and since the weather has been ideal to play outside, he and Owen have embarked on a new adventure. Learning to ride a bike WITHOUT training wheels! When we first broached the topic about a month ago, Owen basically said, "no" (with a little drama thrown in there). Apparently after starting Kindergarten, you decide things that were once challenges or obstacles are worth an effort of tackling. I'm sure we'll have our share of scrapes and bumps during this exciting process, but watching a father and son work together is worth it. How do you say it... "Priceless".

How was your first day of Kindergarten?

This picture says it all!

First Day of Kindergarten

Today was Owen's first day of school. After a great nights sleep, Daddy made a hero's breakfast. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, toast and orange juice. We got dressed in some new clothes, got our pictures taken in the "usual" spot, loaded up the cars (Jake's parents came with us) and the entourage followed Owen into Wheatland Elementary with flashes going off. After we got into the classroom and found his hook and chair, he put his name tag on, kissed his fans "good bye" and was ready to start the day. Allie and Daddy were lagging behind in the kitchen play area and Owen had to inform Daddy, "Daddy, it's TIME FOR YOU TO GO!" I guess he had no fears of his first day of school, just embarrassment from his parents. Did I mention I was wearing spandex!!??

Watermark!

This morning I was baptized! I wish I could explain in words how I am feeling and what I was feeling in that moment. Some people have compared it to being "born again". Other's have said it is like "getting a clean slate". I have to say, I don't quite feel like that. The closest thing I can compare to this, is my wedding day. I was excited, nervous, happy, wet (it rained on my wedding day) and surrounded by those I care about. Some of you weren't able to make it, but you were still with me. I feel like it is now publicly known, like a wedding ring, that Jesus is my savior. It doesn't mean that I am perfect or I know how to live my life anymore than the next person. However, I know that even though my life on Earth will be temporary, my soul will be eternally be in heaven with God. Life might have it's ups and downs, but I know that he is with me and I am not going through it alone.

The best part about today, Jake was baptized right beside me in the pool. We locked arms and did it together. Just like on our wedding day. We vowed to be there for each other richer or poorer, sickness and health. Now we have vowed to be waiting for each other in heaven, when that day comes. And until that day comes, our life will be a blessing. We will enjoy the gifts we've been given and continue to thank the one who gave them to us.

The Hair Makes The Man...

If this is true, my son is READY for business! This afternoon we took care of our final "to do" item to be ready for Monday's first day of school... he got a hair cut! I tried to get a picture of before and after, but they didn't come out very clear. However, I took a picture of the "3 Stooges" in their Boston hats this morning. (notice Allie's enthusiasm!) And I also took one of Owen once we got home. He looks so much older with his hair cut. I guess this means our summer of fun is now over:(

Confessions of a S.A.H. (somedays are hectic) Mommy

Why is it so hard for a mommy to take care of "HERSELF"? I take quite pride in my schedule/organization abilities. However, this morning couldn't have gone more wrong. I had made an appointment with a dermatologist in May for this morning at 8:40. They called yesterday to confirm and to ask me to get there 15 minutes early. I'm thinking "No Problem"... it is if you wake up at 8:40!!! Not only did I wake up then, but I woke up to the house alarm going off because the kids were downstairs shutting the cabinet doors too loud. Apparently it sounds just like a window breaking! Who knew? I throw on some clothes and call them to let them know I am on my way. As I get off the highway, my gas light comes on. SUPER!!! This clinic is near Wesley, there aren't any "nice" gas stations near there. I take my chance and drive straight to the appointment in hopes I will have enough gas to get to a station afterwards. I walk up to the Check In desk and give them my name. This nurse looks at me with a semi-glare and says, "You'll need to reschedule." No problem, being late was my fault. She's taking back by my easy disposition and actually cracks a semi-smile and proceeds to look up the next available appointment. Yeah, I will be going back there on OCTOBER 20!!!! In a semi-smart ass way, she gives me a reminder card and says, "You might need one of these." Thanks. I get back in my car and even make it to a decent gas station to fill up my car.

Why is it when it comes to everyone else in the family, I am all over appointments? I'm even early to most! But when it comes to me, I am a slacker! I hope that nurse is working October 20th, I'll be there 30 minutes early with bells on.

Meet The Teacher

Allie brought the Kleenex in her backpack.

Owen outside of his classroom.

The "Welcome" bulletin board.

There's his name.

Owen sorting his school supplies.

Me and my BIG boy!

Owen and Paige.

Tonight was Owen's "Meet The Teacher" at Wheatland Elementary. We got to take his school supplies (we brought them in our new back packs) and meet some of his new classmates (of course Paige was there). His teacher is Mrs. McEwen. I think she is going to be perfect for Owen. We even bought him a school tee shirt and water bottle. I'm not sure who is more excited, Me or him!? Some of the mommies (Amy :) were a little emotional, but I am more anxious! It will probably hit me next Monday. My baby boy is going to be starting Kindergarten... this is going to be a fun/exciting ride!

Camera Fun

Dad, this one is especially for you! Tonight before "Meet the Teacher", we had some pictures taken. I took one, Jake took one, Owen and Allie each got to take one. You can figure out who took which one!

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Today, if you ask me, was the best day ever! We got up and went to church, came home for lunch and Jake went to the gym while Allie took her nap. As soon as she woke up, we packed in as much family fun as we could before bedtime. We played in the front yard for about half an hour then decided to go for a "Subway" picnic to Yellow Park for dinner. It was getting so humid after we ate that we chose to come home and get our suits on and visit the neighborhood pool. We came home ready to take our baths and get our PJ's on. Just before stories, we had a special snack on the back deck, frozen yogurt on a stick! I love family days. I may be more tired than normal, but I go to bed with a smile on my face.

Busy, busy, busy...

We are definitely make the most of what little summer we have left this year. Owen had a week of parties to celebrate turning 5! The friends party was at Pump It Up last Saturday. We had a family lunch after church on Sunday, followed with more presents. Tuesday afternoon, we went to a Pool Party to wish our friend Addie a Happy Birthday. On Wednesday, my birthday, Owen had to go to Dr. Nichols for his 5 year old check-up and to receive his Kindergarten shots. Daddy took him and he was so brave, they stopped at Target for a toy. That same day, we met Nana, R.J., G.G. and Nennie at Chuck E. Cheese for the final birthday shin-dig. And yes, he got MORE PRESENTS! Saturday, after Story Time (see other blog entry), my friend Amy took me to lunch for my birthday. That very afternoon we found ourselves back at Pump It Up for our buddy Carl's birthday party. What a crazy, busy, fun and exhausting week! We still have one week of summer left... keep your eyes open for the blogs to come.

Story Time

FYI... On the third Saturday of every month, Watermark Book Store and Cafe has a Story Time at 10:00 with a zoo keeper from SCZ and an "animal friend". Yesterday we went there early to see Nennie while she was working. When the time arrived we sat down and listened to this cute story called "I Wanna Iguana". Our animal friend was a Bearded Dragon named Melbourne. The kids loved it! We are definitely going to be putting this outing on our monthly calendar from now on.

Upgrade!

I have a few friends who think that getting older isn't anything to get excited about. Today I turn 34! I can't think of a thing NOT to be excited about.

I got the best nights sleep last night. Woke up to my two beautiful children climbing into bed with me to "cuddle" this morning. I got dressed in my running clothes and walked into the kitchen to find the most perfect birthday present from my wonderful husband. A set of speakers for my ipod. I got to test them out first thing this morning. They were AWESOME! I have had several friends text me, a few phone calls, a ton of facebook shout-outs and even a delivery wishing me a happy birthday. My husband just told me he wanted to take me on a "real date". Dinner and a movie! This sounds like the best birthday ever.

I understand why some would have issues about getting older. But not me... I think of my self as getting an "Upgrade". I'm not the same person I was 10 years ago, but I wouldn't want to be.

5 Years Old!!!

I first would like to thank all of our family and friends that were able to make it to Owen's Birthday Party today. My little boy turns 5 this weekend and I couldn't have imagined celebrating this milestone without those we love. (Those of you who weren't able to physically be there, you were there in our hearts.) It was the best party I've thrown. I had such a blast watching the kids mingle and to catch snips of their conversations. Of course, I wasn't without my camera. When I got home I uploaded 100 pictures! I did end up deleting about 9 of them. My son is so lucky to be able to celebrate another year older and to have so many people care enough about him to be there. Thank you all again!

P.S. My son is currently asleep with a Spiderman Transformer and a giant stuffed Dino. To those to friends, you know who you are, Thanks!!