Good-Bye Twin City All Stars

This year, Ashton and Jordan took cheerleading/gymnastics at Twin City All Stars Gym. Wednesday was their last day so I snapped some pictures of them at the end of class. Now, if you have ever seen any TV shows about Texas cheerleading, you'll understand when I say, it is serious business! The girls went from not being able to do somersaults at the beginning to now working on back handsprings! I was amazed at the committment level. It was quite something. Even though the coaches were strict, I can't believe how much more confident the girls were at the end of the year. They also have bigger muscles!

Kindergarten Graduate!

Is it possible? We have a kindergarten graduate! Ashton finished her year last week. She did very well and had a lot of fun. We are proud of her!

Weekend Getaway!

Over Memorial Day weekend, Tod and I drove down to Hunstville, Alabama to check out the area where we will be moving at the end of the summer. His parents flew down from Missouri to watch the girls so that we could go by ourselves. And I have to say, it was heavenly! I have never really understood why people would want to go on vacations without their kids...we have never left our kids since Ashton was born. Well, now I am a believer!

Tod and I had such a good time together, away from all the pressures of life. I was reminded of all the similarities that we have and what really brought us together in the first place. He and I share the same quirky sense of humor. We both like to accomplish things quickly and efficiently and have little tolerance for indecision! (You should have seen us driving around Huntsville and the surrounding areas and checking places off or circling them on our maps!) We like the same kinds of restaurants and the same kind of junk food! The list goes on and on. It's important to reconnect sometimes. (And actually have an uninterrupted conversation?) Anway, we loved Hunstville and think it will be a GREAT place for our family. The growth there is amazing and the housing options are endless, so we are excited and looking forward to it.

I just have to say how thankful I am that Steve and Cindy came to be with the girls. The second that we found out where we would be moving, they offered to come stay with the girls so that we could visit our new area. I didn't worry about the kids at all which is huge for me. And Regan was even good for her grandparents- less fussy and slept both nights. They took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese, miniature golf and garage sales. So of course, the kids had a grand old time! All in all, it was super weekend for everyone involved, and I'm so glad we had the opportunity.

Field Day at Pleasant Grove

The last two weeks have been so busy! Here's my attempt at a quick recap, mostly so I can remember all the events that have been going on. Last Friday was field day at Ashton's school. Now I've been to several field days in my time...and never has one even compared to this! It was amazing! The entire family was invited and they let siblings participate as well which was great. They have probably 30 different activities and the high school students helped run the games. They also had 5 jump houses and concessions! It was a lot of fun!

Preschool Graduation!

I am coming to realize that I am a person who gets attached to things and people and places and moments, etc. I guess I've always know this about myself which is why I find it ironic that for the last 10 years of my life I have moved around and said good-bye and hello more times than I can count. Anyway, my attachment issues came to my attention again this week as Jordan finished her first year of preschool. Can this year really be over? It seems like just yesterday we arrived in Texarkana and now here's my Jordie, 6 inches taller and another year older.

After we had only lived here a few days, I loadad up my girls in the Texas heat, and we drove around town to "find Jordan's school." After a few stops and phone calls, we found the Walnut Church of Christ. We got out of the car, went into the school, talked to the director and Jordan turned to me and announced, "This is my school." I heartily agreed. We both felt so right about the situation. Enter attachment issues. Now the year is over and we are preparing to move again. I have had a tough week saying good-bye to her wonderful (seriously two of the best ever) teachers, her darling friends and her amazing school where she has grown and learned so much! Hello people, this is only preschool, right? I think Tod is beginning to wonder how I'm ever going to survive watching these girls grow up...lots of hellos and good-byes ahead of us. I'll just keep my box of kleenex handy for the next several years!!!!

The pictures are from her last few days of school. She had a program on Tuesday night, and it was so cute. Jordan is very detailed oriented, so she had picked out her outfit, shoes, necklace and hairstyle. For the last day of school, the class went to Chuck E. Cheese.

Mother's Day Photos

I am finally getting around to posting these pictures from last Sunday! Mother's Day is an interesting day for me. I obviously miss my own mom and that brings with it lots of emotions. But because she is no longer here for me, I find myself treasuring even more the time that I have with my girls. It's strange to think that her absence has brought any kind of blessing, but one thing I can say is that I don't take for granted the time that I have to spend with my daughters. I know that it could be taken away from me in an instant, and in a strange way, I am grateful for that reminder. This year I had to give a talk at church, and I was a little bit worried about it, worried about being able to express myself and keep my emotions in check on a day that is difficult and a topic that is sensitive. I was asked specifically to focus on being a mother of young children. Of course, I used Elder Ballard's talk from last conference which to me is an absolute landmark talk, one that will be referred to for years to come. His four suggestions to young mothers: Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments, Don't overschedule your self or your children, Take time for yourself, and pray, study and teach the Gospel. Great advice. I am so thankful for my own mom, an incredible mother in-law and a wonderful step-mother, too.

Note: I've been playing around a little with photoshop and digital scrapbooking, so I had some fun with these pictures. There is so much more to learn!

Mom's Day Tradition

Last year, when times were a-changin' for our family, I decided I wanted to start a Mother's Day tradition. And since it was for Mother's Day, I did the choosing. We decided to go on a picnic on the day before Mother's Day. Last year, we went to Scott County park in Iowa. This year took us to Millwood State Park in Arkansas. It was a gorgeous day, and we had a lot of fun. We ate lunch, enjoyed the playground, fed the geese and went on a hike. The hike ended abruptly when Tod spotted a 4 foot long snake! But it was fun while it lasted. I am hoping this tradition continues for years to come!