First Day of First Grade

I can not believe we are parents to a first grader...I woke Elena up yesterday morning, singing and talking about being a big girl and how special her first day was.  She smiled big, then nuzzled into the covers further, saying,  "Mommy, this is much too early for a first grader!  We shouldn't have to get up this early! "  Hilarious!!! 

I know how much she loves school and has been anxiously waiting for her first day back...I thought I'd only have a hard time taking her to Kindergarten.  I think this was much worse.  Watching my baby hop out of the car, guided in by helpers to walk to her classroom all by herself, lunch box in hand...and I had a moment of pride in how lovely she looks, and how big she's getting, and how smart she's becoming...and then the big lump in my throat and pit in my stomach took over as I saw my baby girl leave.  Literally and figuratively. 

I've caught myself praying for her almost hourly, that she'll be ok, that she'll get through and have fun, that she won't be bullied...she already has and took it like a champ.  She has her Daddy's skin, not mine, when it comes to sticks and stones...and ugly words.  Where I am torn apart, she exclaims after telling me what happened, "Oh, it's ok, Mommy.  They are just having a hard time.  They don't know better, but I do. So it's alright."  Thank You, Lord, for that strength in her. Wow!  She is getting SO BIG!

I can't wait to see all she does this year. I'm looking forward to it, and more quiet time with the Lord I'm sure to have this year in thinking about it...  ;)

Oh Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say...

My sister sent this to our family, and it was moving, gripping...a great reality check.

Please click in to the link...

http://www.yourchurch.com/sermon/o-be-careful-little-mouthwhat-you-say-about-yourself/

Thank you, Jaimie.

Pooped!!

I think our little flower girl sums it up...

Wedding Reception!

Wedding Day!

We ended up with some storms, but a more than gorgeous sunset and most importantly a happy bride and groom!  Things went well for the service - I was one of the speakers as well as a bridesmaid - and the reception was something out of Hollywood...roses made from ribbon encrusted the tables, the flowers in the reception could be smelled walking into the ballroom, crystals hung from everywhere, and we got to take home gourmet cupcakes...after having two different kinds of cake during the dinner!!! And the sweetest thing was that Rena and Steve called ahead for gluten-free options for Eric!  So terrific!

More Wedding Weekend!

Rena and Steve wanted to be sure we experienced as much fun and hospitality as possible during their wedding weekend.  We were greeted the first evening with a beautiful tote gift bag filled with goodies and maps for all we had going on that weekend!  Then the first full day was met with golfing for the boys, pool time and mani/pedi's for the girls, then rehearsal and rehearsal dinner that was beyond beautiful and delicious!

Wedding Bells!

We had the distinct honor of getting to be a part of Rena and Steve's wedding in Naples, FL this past weekend.  Rena and I became friends through the National American Queen Pageant when we each won our divisions - she won the Miss and I won the Mrs.  From there on we shared appearances and a wonderful friendship bond that has been almost a decade in the making.  Watching the two of them grow closer and become engaged has been a pure joy and to be a part of their celebration has meant the world to us.  They are lovely people inside and out and we love them very much.

Thank you, Rena and Steve, for including us in such a special time in your lives.  Thank you for all the kindness shown to us, the gifts - not necessary, but grateful for them all just the same - and most of all for your continued friendship.  May God bless you and your beautiful union!  Know we will be here for you always to encourage you and support you!

We'll have a few posts...

Day one was checking in, dinner at sunset and enjoying the view from our room at the Ritz ... special thanks to them as well for treating us like royalty!

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/featuredhotels/naples?utm_campaign=09011&src=ps

We're the Very, Very Best of Friends....

If you know the Doodlebops, you know what song I'm singing...that kept running through my mind as Megan and my Ladies Night turned into a Girls Night as we got Izzy and Elena together for a play date and dinner at Big Bowl.  Elena was especially ready to show Izzy all "her jewels" all around Macy's.  Too funny...thanks, Meglet, for another great time together! XO

Lyrics...I Can Dance with You...

I can dance with you
You can dance with me
Your the kind of friend a friend could ever hope to be
You betcha
We're the very very best of friends
You're a good someone
We can have some fun
'Cause we're gonna be friends with everyone
You betcha

We're the very very best of friends
We go up and down and all around together at the speed of sound
I wouldn't have any other way
We can work together
Play together
Care for one another 'cause we're laughing and we're singing everyday
You can count on me today
And appreciate the love that comes my way

You betcha
We're the very very best of friends
You betcha
We're the very very best of friends

I can dance with you
You can dance with me
I can dance with you
You can dance with me
You betcha
We're the very very best of friends
Oh yeah

Dog House

Elena was concerned about Diva not having a dog house...but isn't the house itself already hers?!?!  Apparently not, according to Elena, who decided to make her one...and believe it or not, Diva actually likes it...buddies...

Giving While Getting Ready for School

As we get ready for the school year to start, we also like to help another get ready through our book bag gifting project at church.  Elena picked out school supplies to help a child in need before she shopped for herself, and it was heart-warming to see her understand how fortunate she is.  Listening to her in the car talking about how she wanted to "give this blessing of a book bag to someone" and then say, "I'm blessed I get to pick out my own.  I am really glad." was probably one of the best things I have ever heard from her. 

If you see a need...any need...take a moment to see if you can help meet it.  You never know who you might bless and how God might work through you!