Birthday Celebrations

So Friday was my little girl's 3rd birthday. Austin was off which was nice that he got to be with us on her special day and he was a huge help in getting ready for her party. She goes to school on Fridays so we went ahead with those plans so that we could get things set up for the party. As she gets older I might let her choose if she wants to go to school that day or not. But this year I knew she would want to celebrate with friends and since it fell on the day before her party and we were hosting it here I knew I needed that time. I baked pink cupcakes with sprinkles (per her request) the night before. She was super excited about sharing that with her school friends. I am happy she got to celebrate there since not all were able to attend her party.
Austin and I were pretty busy during those 3 hours. After we picked her up we went to pick up the cake and also got her chickfila for lunch (her fav). Oh and she had McDonald's pancakes for breakfast. Honestly I hated that we fed her all that fast food on her b-day but it was a crazy day and somehow I don't think she minded ;) That afternoon we rested and continued getting things ready for her party.
That night the kids and I had an event at church Merry and Bright. It was like a one night VBS type thing. I originally didn't plan on working since it was Lindsay's b-day but once I found out it was drop off I also didn't want to leave her on her birthday either. It all worked out fine and the kids and I had a blast! Colby was over with the big kids. He was grouped k and 1st. I worked in the 3 year old class with Lindsay. We had 18 preschoolers total but once we split into 2 classes we had 9 and 9 which wasn't bad at all. We have more then that some Sunday mornings =) I think we all had a very fun time but were worn out that night. It was quick baths and off to bed!
Saturday was PARTY DAY! We had to get started early since her party was at 10. Elizabeth came to help me get the food ready around 9. Austin's parents and mine got here around 9:45 and then it was time for GUESTS! We had 7 girls and then Colby and Nijel were both here so there was lots of activity! I thought it was the perfect amount of friends though! Kept it from being too overwhelming. Colby actually had a Cubscout thing that morning where they sang at a nursing home. I hated I couldn't be there for that but it was a nice thing for him and Austin to do together. It also gave him a chance to get out of the house a bit while we got ready for the party. They got back though right about the time the party started. Nijel and Colby played together in his room most of the morning. They did come out for lunch time and cake though. I was glad he was able to have his best friend here while Lindsay had her party going on. I think everyone really had a lot of fun. The girls did some crafts then had lunch (tea time) and then played and opened presents. I think they all loved playing in Lindsay's room. I am so thankful for her little group of friends. It was a very fun time! I think we had another b-day party success!
That afternoon we relaxed. We didn't do much the rest of the day but play outside and watch movies and play with her toys. It was nice to have a break from the madness of life!
Sunday we had church. I was able to switch with someone so I could go into church. It had been over a month since I had been in there. It was nice being with my parents and just having that worship time. They also had Baby Dedication and I always love seeing that too! Again that afternoon we had nothing planned so it was great to just relax and play with the kiddos!

3 Years Old!

Wow seriously how can my baby be THREE?!?! It does not seem possible!! Gosh how I love my sweet petite though! She is 3 going on 13 in many ways! She is so grown up sometimes! So she is still small...not sure exact weight and height but we will find out Monday at the doctor. She is just starting to wear 3T but some pants are too big on her little waist. She wears a size 8 or 9 shoe.
She is my very picky eater. She thrives on cheese, applesauce, yogurt and fruit! She does love Chickfila though! She also has quite the sweet tooth!
She is really into princesses and her favorite is Ariel. She also likes baby dolls and basically anything pink or girlie. She loves to dress up. She never makes a fuss over wearing a dress and stockings! So different from me as a child!
She is loving preschool which I really am so happy! She has so many sweet little friends and its so fun seeing her blossom! She goes 3 days a week for just 3 hours. I do still love our days together though! I will miss her so much when she goes full time!
She also loves church. I am her teacher and I love getting to hang out with her. She talks so much and can just about anything! I am not sure when we will start any extra curricular stuff with her. I have contemplated gymnastics. I am going to research it and see for the spring? I dunno our schedule is so full but I would like her to do something she enjoys! She's growing up so fast and I just want to treasure each moment with her!
I thought I would update from her doc visit:
She is 30 lbs and 36 1/2 inches. She's still little but def growing! She did very well at the doc. She still hates the being weighed and measured but she's making progress so maybe by 4? The doc said she's doing great. She had a little fluid in one ear but the doc said just to watch her. She also has molluscum. Colby had this as well. She's had it since about April but the doc said it will probably just go away on its own. It doesn't really seem to bother her.

Thanksgiving Break

So it has been so nice having the littles home so far. Yes there have been some trying moments already and I am sure more to come but I do miss having them around and its been lovely just being able to relax!
Friday night we had our weekly movie night. We watched Despicable Me. It was really nice to wake up Saturday morning and not have to rush out the house! First time in gosh I don't even know! Probably weeks! Anyway we had a low key morning around the house before getting ready and going to the park. My parents met us at the Terrytown Playground. The 2 of them played so well. We were out there for atleast an hour. I was glad to see them getting some outside time and exercise. Afterwards I promised them lunch at Chickfila. This was fun too and nice for mommy to not have to cook and clean!
That afternoon was relaxed. We hung around the house and they played. We did some phonics and played outside. Again not having to be anymore at night was awesome! We stayed in and watched football.
Sunday we woke up to rain and I almost backed out of going to church b/c the kids and I all have colds. No one has run fever though and Colby has had it for over a week. Obviously you can't keep kids home for that long b/c of the sniffles and cough! I taught the preschoolers. We had a small class of only 8. The kids were really well behaved too which made the morning go smoothly. I am glad we got out for church b/c we will be home the rest of the day. We will probably do some more school work and play outside. Colby has a F and a D in reading and math right now so I am trying to really catch him up with those subjects.
Monday has been a busy day. We had a slow morning then we all got dressed and I brought the kids to the grandparents. They have been wanting to hang out with them and today looked like the best day. I needed to go to the grocery store which meant nothing fun for me to do with them. Plus I had several of things to do around the house. I was thankful for a few quiet hours! I love my kids and I am loving this time with them but goodness they are tiring!! This has really made me think what it would be like to homeschool? Some days I am all for it and then days like today I am like HECK no! I mean I love having time with them but 365 days a year I am not sure! HA! Anyway they got home at naptime so now we are just taking it easy. Lindsay is still struggling with her cold so I am hoping the rest will make her feel better soon. We will do our usual outdoor time and maybe do some school work as well. Last night we watched Home Alone so we might try to find another good movie on tv as well.
Tuesday was a fun day. We were so happy to have Austin off and home with us. We had a low key morning then went to Lakeside for our tradition of seeing Santa and picking out ornaments. The kids wanted to start out in the Disney store to get ideas for Christmas. I just love seeing their excitment and magic of the season. Afterwards we went to visit Santa. I was surprised at how timid both kids were. Colby was really shy at first...usually he gets up there and talks Santa's ear off but I think he is getting to the age of ?s. He even asked me when we got home if that was the real Santa. He did finally warm up. But not Miss Priss. She cried again when it was time for the picture. We ended up all 4 getting in the picture but it turned out cute nonetheless. Just another memory! Life isn't perfect so why should we pretend? I loved the memory of it! Anyway after we went to PB Kids so they could look around and play with the toys. They really enjoyed this. After we went over to Panera Bread for lunch b/c the mall was starting to get crazy! It was a nice lunch just the 4 of us. The kids ate well and seemed to enjoy it too.
That night we had Lifegroup. It was our last session of this year so we wanted to go. We have missed a few lately just to being really busy and kids being sick. Even though the kids and I were still a little sickly we went ahead and went. I am so glad we did b/c the kids had a blast! They don't get to attend lifegroup often with us b/c of it being during the school week. There were about 9 or 10 kids there last night so they had a blast! They love all the toys at the Richardson's and just being with the other kids. The kids range from 10 years to 2. I helped watch the kids with Stephanie. Even though I hated to miss the lesson I knew Lindsay was the youngest plus she was still a little sick so I wanted to stay with her. I felt like the kids really behaved well though and played really well with each other and with the other kids!
Wednesday was a busy day for us. Austin was off again thankfully and we had lots of litte projects and errands to accomplish. We had our low key morning around the house with breakfast and hanging out first though! I am def loving this part of vacation! The not rushing out the door! Once we all got dressed though it was time to start the day! The kids and I left and met up with Colby's Cub Scout friends at the library. Each month they have to take a special field trip somewhere and one of the suggestions was a library to learn about your local city and state. It was a neat time with friends. We found some Louisiana books and talked about life many years ago and some important facts about our state. I think the boys all enjoyed it. Afterwards I let the kids pick out a couple of books to check out as well. After that we needed to order Lindsay's birthday cake. We also made a quick trip to Target. We then picked Austin home and went to eat Mexican for lunch. I had promised Colby a few days ago. It was fun eating out as a family. I love going out to eat this time of year. The rest of the day we spent working around the house. It was nice just to stay in and get caught up on a few things.
Thursday-Thanksgiving
Friday- I wanted to do something fun with just the kids and I. We decided on the Children's Museum. It was fun just hanging out with the 2 of them. I think they enjoyed the museum. It was crowded though! More adults then children. But we still had fun and they got to do pretty much everything. I think their favorite section was def the boats that's where we stayed the longest. After the museum Austin met us for lunch at Jimmy John's. We did this last year and it was a fun tradition to keep up. That afternoon we just rested and hung out.
Saturday-Austin was off yay! The kids and I had planned on meeting Elizabeth at Chickfila for breakfast. We had planned to discuss all the details of Lindsay's birthday and just hang out with her. With our busy schedules we don't get very many chances to just hang out with her. It was fun! Something I realized we should do more often! I think the kids enjoyed the change of pace. They also got to play while she and I visited =) best of both worlds. Afterwards we went to Michael's to get a few things for her party. Afterwards we came back and met up with Austin and went to get our Christmas tree. I was so glad to get that done over the weekend. That afternoon was spent putting away fall stuff and getting out our Christmas stuff. We still aren't finished but atleast we are closer. Austin and I are going to work really hard this week to have everything ready for her b-day party on Saturday!
Sunday was church. It was just the kids and I. I taught...we had a good crowd of about 10 kids. We had a lot of 2-3 year olds. Its neat that right now that is the biggest age group. I am glad Lindsay has a big group of kids to grow up with. That afternoon we had a short rest time then it was off to do Christmas pictures in City Park. Once again my friend Katie Hodas did them for us. This year she did Mini Sessions out there. This was really great b/c honestly 30 min is enough picture time for my kids anyway. And they both did great! I was so pleased and proud of them! It was a lot of fun too! Cannot wait to see how they turned out! Afterwards we ate at McAlister's. This used to be our weekly thing it was nice to go back! My how the kids have grown though! We were remembering the many meals we ate there especially with Colby! Anyway it was a perfect ending to our Thanksgiving break! I am thankful for all we got to do and all the fun family time we had! Despite our little colds we still managed to have a great time!
Its bittersweet sending the kids back to school. I mean I am looking forward to a little quiet time this week and being able to get some projects done around the house but I will miss them! I will also miss our lazy mornings and laid back schedule! Things are in full Christmas mode now and also this is Lindsay's birthday week so there will be lots to post about this weekend!!

Thanksgiving 2014

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone. Wow how fast time flies! Well this year was nice. The only thing that would have made it better would be had I not have been sick. The kids and I have been struggling with awful colds all week. They are about over it but I am right in the midst of it and pretty much miserable!
So Thanksgiving morning was busy. I had some cooking and cleaning to do before we left the house. The kids enjoyed watching the Macy's Parade while I scrambled around. Finally by 10 we were all dressed and ready to go to my parents.
This year we had a small gathering of just my parents, Ausitn's parents, and the kids and I. We got there first and were able to help my mom set the table and decorate it. She was also able to help the kids with a craft. Austin's parents got there about an hour later. We just enjoyed visiting and hanging out and watching football. The kids were really well behaved and found lots to keep them busy in Grammy's house. We played games, did art, playdough, etc. We ate a light lunch around 12. Soon after that I put Lindsay down for a nap. Had it been a lunch Thanksgiving I probably wouldn't have made her nap but since we were eating later I knew she knew she needed to rest plus it gave Colby a chance to enjoy the grandparents on his own. He was so good. I really was proud of him. He was so helpful and so cooperative the entire day. I cannot believe how much he is growing up. Once Lindsay got up it was almost time to eat. Austin got there around 3ish and we got all the food out and ate by 4. It was fun eating and visiting with our parents.
The kids ate and ran around and played. Once we finished up dinner and started cleaning up I was getting very weary. I would normally be a little tired but with also being sick I was very tired. The kids were also starting to get a little cranky. We waited until Randall and Elizabeth stopped by though to speak to them. We visited with them a short bit then came home. It was a wonderful day. I loved seeing the kids so excited about Thanksgiving and being Thankful. I hate I was sick and not feeling my best or I probably would have enjoyed the day a little more.
We have so much to be thankful for though. Thankful we were all together and able to spend the day as a family. Thankful for health and for my 2 babies! Thankful for Austin and that he has a job and about to start a new one! Most of all thankful to Christ who gives us grace and the reason to live!

Thanksgiving Feast and Grandparent's Day

So Friday was a very busy day for my littles. My big boy had Grandparents Day and fortunately my parents live here so it was easy for them to attend this fun and special day with Colby. They have looked forward to this for quite awhile. Last year he was sick and couldn't go. I think they all had a fun time from what I heard. I wasn't able to go b/c Lindsay had her own special day at her school. She had a Thanksgiving Feast. We got to do this with Colby when he was 3. It brought back so many memories. This year I signed up to help out so I had to stay the whole morning and help set up and prepare the food. I loved seeing the little interactions of Lindsay and her classmates. They are such cute little ladies. It was fun visiting with some of the parents and Melissa (director) while we were working.
The feast was adorable as expected. They first gathered up to sing...well ofcourse my little petite princess didn't sing. She sat there just like her brother. She was still cute though! Afterwards they ate their little meal with their teacher. She ate her cornbread and pumpkin pie =).

The rest of the day was really low key. It was so nice to have everyone home early. We rested and the kids just enjoyed playing with their toys! I am so excited about Thanksgiving Break! We plan to do lots of fun things! Just mostly looking forward to the quality time.

Aquarium Field Trip

Thursday I got to go on Colby's 2nd elementary field trip with him. I am so thankful for my job as a Stay at home Momma that I get to attend all these fun things with my kiddos. This was our first aquarium field trip. I am also thankful for the city we live in and that there is so many cool things to go see and do! I brought Lindsay with me on this field trip. I used to leave her behind when she was a baby but now that she is older and easier to keep up with I think its fun to bring her along as well! Also she doesn't go to school on Thursdays anyway and its been awhile since we had all been. Nijel's mom rode with us and it was great having her help. We met the kids there. I had to keep up with Lindsay, Colby, and a little girl Kennedy. The 3 were really good so I don't feel like I really had my hands full at all. They enjoyed most of the exhibits. Colby always wants to rush through but we did manage to lengthen our normal times a bit ;). We did spend a long while in the play area and downstairs in front of the big Gulf tank. By the end of the field trip the kids were starving!! I had a good time visiting with all the other moms too. Once we got outside for the picnic the kids were thrilled! It was nice to eat and get some fresh air!
That night Colby had his 1st Pack Meeting for Cubscouts. At this meeting he and the other 2 boys earned their Bobcat badge. It was neat to see what all goes on at a pack meeting. Each den shared what they had been working on during the month. They also did the pledge and sang "God Bless America". They ended the evening with a skit and a couple of science experiments. I think this is going to be so good for Colby. I look forward to all he's going to learn. They also got cupcakes at the very end which was also a hit!!

Preschool Pancake Breakfast

Today we had a Pancake Breakfast for our preschoolers at church. It is the first time we have done anything like this since we have been back at Calvary. We did Thanksgiving feasts at Metairie and it was a little like that. Anyway our day started early. Austin had to leave at 6:30 and the kids and I left at 7 to be there. We have prepared for this for a couple of months now so I felt like things went so well. Everything was organized and pretty much set up by the time the kids and I even got there.
We started the day with a prayer over the event which was so awesome. I love how our leaders see the importance of this. We gave all the thanks and glory to God before starting the day. Afterwards we finished all the last minute things and got ready for the day. I think both my kids had a lot of fun. They loved fixing their pancakes with all the wonderful toppings and just had a blast visiting with their friends and teachers. I am so thankful for this core group of people my kids have to grow up with.
After everyone finished eating we gathered the kids up to sing a couple songs that we sing and have been working on in Clubhouse. It was so neat for the parents to get to see what we really do. The kids loved it and were so adorable! After the music Laekan did a little storytime with them. After this time they went outside to play a few games. It was good to just let them all expel a little energy. As the children finished they were able to go inside and do some crafts. My kids LOVED this!! As everyone was finishing up and visiting we packed up everything and started cleaning up.
I would venture to say we had about 25 kids and about 50 people. It was less then what we had hoped and/or planned for but it was still a nice turn out for an early morning in November.
I am thankful for the time we have had to rest this weekend. Friday night we were able to get back to our usual movie night. It was nice to relax with them and have some much needed down time. Now our weeks have been so busy with Bible study, Lifegroup, Wednesday night church, and Thursday nights Boy Scouts on top of regular errands and just getting the kids back and forth to school! The rest of the day Saturday we also stayed home and watched football and played outside. Again so nice to catch up on rest! Today (Sunday) we have church then once again plan to come home and relax and get ready for the upcoming week!
There will be a lot going on this week with Chickfila Spirit night, Lifegroup, Wednesday night church, Cub Scouts, and Grandparents and Thanksgiving Feasts oh and a trip to the Aquarium! So look for many exciting posts to come later this week!