First and Last

The picture on the left was taken this morning, Aidan's last day of First grade. The picture on the right was taken on the first day of school. I thought he'd look so much different. He IS so much different. I'm not even sure how much he's grown in inches, but I know he's grown much bigger on the inside. I really wanted something tangible, something I could see with my own two eyes. I guess I'll have to be happy with the worn tennis shoes that I know are too small now and were too big in the fall, the tired eyes today that were bright with anticipation at the beginning of the year, and the changes in my decor that show that time has passed and life has changed.

Aidan breezed through first grade, loved his teacher, and worked extra hard to keep his brain active. I pushed for harder curriculum, but had to settle for extra work due to testing requirements. Many afternoons when Aidan's friends were out playing, he was sitting inside still doing homework. He never complained about the additional harder work, but gave me heck about the easy stuff. He loves to be challenged. David and I had to stop ourselves from expecting perfection and embrace the fact that he is only seven. What I hope he left first grade with, is not all things perfect, but the love of learning that he has always had. Boredom can be a very defeating monster, but with the help of his teacher, I hope we kept it at bay.

This summer will be about rejuvenating. I pledged myself to my kids and making them happy. No schedules. We are traveling a lot, Aidan is going away to camp, and we're having visitors too, but in between, we're going to be lazy!! I've got to get that sparkle back in Aidan's eye before school starts again. August will be here before we know it.

Happy Summer everyone!! IT BEGINS NOW... if you live in Auburn, AL that is.

You are My Sunshine

Every Wednesday morning since August of 2008, Camryn and I have been working our way toward last night, her very first recital.

I say "Camryn and I", because it was a "mommy and me" class, meaning that I was also in the recital along with the other Moms. We were more like animal trainers on stage, just prompting and poking to get the little two year girls going in the right direction. I have no idea how cute they were. It was over in flash. Every minute spent preparing, was worth sharing this experience with my daughter and she loved every minute of it. In reality, it was worth it to see her in her costume feeling like a real ballerina, literally walking on her toes from the minute she put it on . The performance was just icing on the cake.


Backstage , waiting for their turn in the spotlight.


My first "bun", a requirement for all ballet students.

Lining up to head to the stage.

The anticipation is too much.

Waiting for their curtain call, all pressure off.

Bonding with her dance buddies.

Cracking herself up!

Making silly faces.

Making Libby's face silly.

Getting flowers from Aidan.

Aidan was so proud of her!

Or maybe he just wanted some attention.

She couldn't wait to see her Daddy after the show. And yes she waved from the stage!!

Do I look tired?? My eyes were so bloodshot from the backstage hairspray, that the "red eye" fix on the computer turned them blue. That's what happens when you're in a room with forty girls under the age of six. I think I better get used to this. I danced until I was fourteen. Thanks Mom! Now I know what you went through and I know how much you loved it.

Life is Beautiful

Dancin' her toes off!

Our little fairy princess.... It's hard to believe she'll be three next week.

Today she was my sunshine!

Our Amazing Grace

Sometimes people come into your life unexpectedly, stay a short while, and live in your heart forever. That is our Grace (and her equally amazing Fiancee Ethan). We met Grace and Ethan last year at the beach and they've been a part of our family ever since...mostly babysitting, but also as friends. We were also lucky to have Grace as an intern in Aidan's classroom the last few months.

This week we're saying good-bye. Grace is graduating from Auburn this weekend, Ethan will follow shortly, and at the New year they will be married and make their home in Memphis.

I know how much Grace loves my kids, but I don't know if she knows how much we love her. Some people are born with the ability to change the world, one small step at a time. Grace has done that for us.
She has been our peace of mind when we needed to be away from the kids. I trust her and love her like family and will miss her everyday ( and every night we want to go out and need a babysitter).

I can't wait to see the great gifts life brings their way. So long friends. Your Auburn family already misses you!!

Grace, Camryn, and I

Grace's First Class (They loved her)

Acting the way they want to. We needed some comic relief.

Beautiful Grace with the kids saying good- bye.