Preschool Co-op Graduation 2012

This past year, Bethany and I have had the privilege of being part of an amazing little co-op made up of an equally amazing group of moms and little girls. We met with the simple goal of preparing our little ones for school by teaching them the basics of the classroom, like raising your hand, taking turns, and standing in line. We also went through the ABC's, practiced fine motor skills, and did a lot of arts and crafts.

Most importantly, our goal throughout the year was to teach our girls about the precious love of God, and how He is a part of their everyday lives. We taught them Bible songs and stories, along with character lessons which they had many opportunities to put into practice during our weekly meetings.

I am so thankful to each of the moms and little girls who made Bethany's first school experience one we will always remember.

 July 13, 2012

Each of the girls received an award certificate highlighting their area of strength and a very official looking diploma, all made by mommy Judy.

Happy 11 Years!

20/20

A few months ago, we went to get Austin's eyes examined because he thought he had trouble seeing things at a distance. Our opthamologist confirmed that he did in fact need glasses, but that the loss in vision was minimal. He told us there was no need to rush, but recommended we wait no longer than six months before getting Austin fitted for glasses.

Well, tonight was the night we decided to get Austin's glasses. He has been dreading this day ever since his eye exam, and let out a sigh during dinner saying, "This will be my last meal without glasses.". He can be so dramatic at times. :)

Checking out the selection.

Checking himself out.

With his glasses picked out, Austin was finally feeling a little bit better.

I know he is not looking forward to it, but I really hope he will get accustomed to them quickly, and realize they're not so bad after all.

Besides, all the cool people wear them, right? ;)

Not to be outdone by her brother, little sister decided to get in on the fun.

If only I could look this cute with glasses.

Seriously.

So cute right?

Mother's Day! 2012

To those who are expecting
To those who have given birth
To those who struggle with infertility
To those who are foster moms
To those who are spiritual mothers
To those who have experienced the miracle of adoption
To those who have suffered the incomprehensible loss of a child
To those who have lost their own mothers

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Thank you to my mother-in-law who helped shape my husband into the man he is today, and for loving me and our children.

Thank you to two very special women who I have yet to meet (but hope to one day); Bethany's birth mom, who selflessly chose life for my precious girl, and Bethany's foster mom, who lovingly cared for her when I was half a world away.

Thank you to my mom for showing me what it means to be a mother. My mom is an amazing woman and I have always admired her strength, loyalty, courage, wisdom, creativity and sense of humor. She has lived a life of continued sacrifice for those she loves, and has unconditionally given of herself without ever asking for anything in return. Not only is she an amazing mom, but she is also just as amazing a mother-in-law and grandmother. Just ask my husband and kids! I am so fortunate to have her be a regular part of my family's life, and I can only hope to follow in her footsteps as I strive to be a better mom to my children.

I love you mom!

Oxnard - July 4, 1979

Mother's Day is not only a time to give thanks and recognize all the different moms, but it is also a day that reminds me of what a great privilege it is to be a mom, and the great responsibility that goes along with it. I thank God for entrusting me with my children, and for using them to stretch me and humble me in ways that would not otherwise be possible. Thank you God for drawing me closer to You as I seek to grow and mature as a mom.

And finally, thank you to my two precious kiddos for being patient with me, and for forgiving me when the flesh gets the better of me. Thank you Austin and Bethany for giving me the most treasured, exciting, fun, and blessed gift I could ask for, the gift of being your mom. It is my pure joy to be your mom, and my heart overflows with love and thankfulness for you both.

Thank you to my family for a very special Mother's Day weekend!

Happy Birthday Best Friend!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

*warning - pic heavy post*

On Saturday, our sweet girl turned three. We celebrated the day with lots of hugs and kisses, and ended the evening eating a delicious meal with dear friends.

On Wednesday, we had a party with a handful of very special friends ages three and under. As you can imagine, for the next several hours, our home was filled with lots of laughter, and it brought me so much joy to see Bethany have so much fun with her friends.

Despite her traumatic encounter with Hello Kitty a year ago, I went ahead with a Hello Kitty themed party. Being the good mom that I am, I of course made sure there were no life size versions of Hello Kitty around. ;)

Welcome!

 

I had two "stations" set up for the girls.

The first one was for Hello Kitty tattoos.

 

And the second was a Hello Kitty cookie decorating station with iced cookies, edible markers and baggies to take the cookies home in.

 

Soon it was time to fill our tummies with some party food. Party food is what these little girls wanted, and since it was a special day, I was more than happy to oblige.

After their tummies were quite full, they worked it off with some more running, jumping, squealing and playing. Then it was finally time for what they had really been waiting for.... dessert!

 

After getting their sugar high, the little girls were ready for some more fun in their new found play area.

 We managed to wrangle them in for a few minutes to take a group picture, and after many attempts, this was the best we could get.

Thank you dear friends for celebrating Bethany's 3rd birthday with us. We thank God for each and every one of you!

*a special thanks to my friend judy for taking most of these pictures!*