Mother's Tea-Minus the Tea

Yesterday was our preschool's annual Mother's Tea

(There wasn't any tea which was a bummer to you Miss Olivia.)

It was an afternoon full of fun crafts and bonding time.

This year's theme was "Cooking in the Kitchen With Mom."You made a beautiful butterfly trivet, a fun Chef's Hat,

and an adorable tea pot picture frame.

We also ate yummy cookies, drank pink lemonade, and chatted with the Shreves.

I LOVED our afternoon together, and you looked so beautiful! The school put together a cookbook.

Each mother sent in a recipe that her child enjoys making with her.

I sent in our Baked Ziti recipe. We make it together often.

Your teachers then asked you how we make it.

You responded, "My mom doesn't know how to make it. I only get to eat it at the restaurant."

Thanks O!

First

The society in which we live promotes the idea of always being first.

So imagine/remember the frustration that a kindergartner feels at the end of the school year with a mouthful of baby teeth.

Andrew, you weren't the first, second, or even third...but you are assured to be the last to loose a tooth.

This has been a sore spot with you for months.

Last week, the dentist's news was grim.

He is pretty confident that you will b e a seasoned first grader before you see your name in lights (a.k.a. Lost Tooth Chart).

I hope that you always remember that it is not about being first, but finishing STRONG.

God's timing is perfect.

I LOVE your sweet, baby-toothed smile.

Several nights ago you were boxing with dad.

You stated, "If you are going to hit me, make sure to hit me in the mouth and knock this tooth loose."

On another note, I had to post another photo of Olivia's fashionable biking attire.

Learn to Swim-Check

My Dearest Andrew,

There are moments when I am overwhelmed with the task of training you.

Your personality is an exact replica of mine.

I completely understand your fears and frustrations.

However, I am determined for you to become stronger, more confident, and more tolerant of your weaknesses than I am.

This is an incredible task!

Since birth, you have fought 3 major things: reading, riding a bike, and swimming.

Practice...hate it...must practice!

Doesn't come naturally...quit...must continue!

I am proud to say that regardless of the misery that you have experienced (Not to mention..your parents), YOU ARE DOING ALL 3! And...doing them WELL!

Just wait...more will be added to that list!

I am so proud of you-my reading, bike riding, swimmer!

Mom

A Day in the Life of O

Sweet O,

You spend A LOT of time playing and chatting with the neighborhood dogs.

(While I complete my household chores.)

Sometimes it makes me smile...but sometimes it makes me feel sorry for you. While feeling sorry for you, I agreed to let you make mud pies.

(I am a sucker...what can I say?) You had a blast and a bath!

You so enjoy being a well-rounded gal!

Last night, you hugged me and said, "I love you mom. You are such a blessing to me!" Olivia...you are the blessing!

Daddy Has the Camera

I am almost always behind the camera.

I recently read a blog post which encouraged parents to have REAL photos of them loving and playing with their children.

I have A LOT of photos of dad playing with the 2 of you, but not so many of me.

I decided to hand over the camera.

(I am learning that a great camera doesn't equal great photos. Sorry Sweetie!) Olivia, you recently learned how to skip, and you skip ALL of the time. We were playing "Red Light, Green Light" while skipping to the car.

Andrew decided to join the fun.

This photo makes me smile and cry at the same time...I love the joy of your faces!

Then, we decided to march.

It had been a long evening chasing a 16 year old all over town, and I hadn't made the time to shower. However, I am certain that I will treasure these photos.

Proof: I do play with you!

Love, Mom

The Hunt for Hannah

Our niece, Hannah, decided (with much persistence) to attend her Junior prom.

She fought having her photos taken, but reluctantly agreed to let me meet her group at a local park.

Loaded with my camera, Kleenex, and a vocabulary full of "hip" lingo, I made my way to the car only to discover that we were under a tornado warning.

As a result, the group decided to head to Union Station on their "party bus".

Not going to let a little storm stand in my way, we all loaded up in the car for a little road trip....all in the name of love!

We finally parked and slowly made our way into the building only to be informed that the bus was heading a different direction.

No photos of our beautiful Hannah!

She felt so bad, yet loved.

Here is a photo in front of Union Station. Don't you think for a moment that I put $.75 into this crazy machine! Andrew, look at your legs! I think that you are getting too big! It is hard to be an extremely tall kindergartner.

Anyhoo...I still had to post some photos of Hannah.

I took these photos last summer on her 16th birthday.

I can only imagine how beautiful she must have been in a fancy dress, make-up, and fancy hair. However, her beauty is much deeper than what you can see on the outside.

She is a true treasure!

Thank you Hannah for entertaining the idea of letting your not-so-cool auntie take your photo!

And...for a family adventure!

We love you beautiful girl!

This gigantic tree is in our front yard.

If you look about 2/3 of the way up that tree you will see a red shirt...a red shirt that my gigantic baby boy is wearing! YIKES!

This over-protective mother is about to have a heart attack.

Heart attack or photo opportunity? A photo opportunity sounded more fun!

"Jesus..please watch over my baby as he is becoming more adventurous and independent. And, please strengthen his momma's heart!"

After taking this photo, I did proclaim, "That is high enough!"

The Vacation's Over

The thieves have finally returned our Fraidy!

Doesn't he looked thrilled?

Maybe...it has something to do with the pink flower that Olivia decided he must wear.

(This is the most lovable, easy-going cat EVER!) Welcome Home D! We missed you!

Weekend Re-Cap

We had an extremely beautiful, busy, but non-exciting weekend.

We managed to get A LOT of yard work done.

The 2 of you spent the majority of the weekend on 2 or 4 wheels. Andrew...you really enjoyed popping wheelies. The weekend wouldn't be complete without a wardrobe issue.

I can over-look a lot of things, but a bright orange ball cap with a Sunday dress just isn't one of those things.

However, I can overlook cowboys boots with your Sunday best.

Boy do I love the two of you!

Mom

1/3 of My Heart

My Dearest Andrew,On Sunday, you made a familiar comment to me.

You said, "You NEVER play or do anything with me!"

I was so hurt because I am trying my hardest and giving my very best.

I know that you are 6 and all things are relative....

My prayer is that you and Olivia will become better parents than your dad and I. Learn from our mistakes and our sucesses.

My sweet boy...I hope that you will one day look back and realize my love for you even if I NEVER play with you. You are my life, and I play with you ALL (let me say that agian...ALL) of the time!

Love,

Mom

Andrew's Make-Up Easter Photos

Andrew,

I decided that we were in desperate need an evening together.

We headed to Jefferson Barracks Park for your photo shoot.

We finished our evening at CiCi's Pizza.

We had A LOT of dessert, played air hockey, and even wasted a few dollars in the machines.

I so enjoyed my alone time with you! This is such a common Andrew face.... I only wish that you were looking at the camera. However, this is what always happens when you look at the camera....I love it! Plotting your next silly face (aka..next way to annoy your mother).

Perfect!

This is my favorite blue-eyed boy!

You are a true jewel Andrew Michael!

I LOVE YOU!

Mom

Yesterday, it was hot enough to play in the sprinkler.

Both of you enjoyed running through the REALLY cold water.

Even Skipper joined in the action.

Yes Andrew....your shorts are on backwards.

You can figure out adult Sudoku puzzles, but you struggle figuring out the front and back of your clothing.

I am pretty sure that you will figure it out before Jr High!

Just a couple of kids and their dog

(who just so happens to be driving momma Crazy...with a capital C)

The Home Depot Fairy

What can I say...if I have learned one thing the past 6+ years, it is to pick your battles!

So instead of trying to explain why a tutu and fairy wings aren't proper attire for a trip to Home Depot, I avoided this battle and grabbed the camera.

This fairy is loved by her fellas!

I must add that Andrew was pretty appalled by the ordeal.

He asked, "Mom, are you really going to let her wear that?"

Yep....I am!

Washing Dishes

I give my mom a hard time for not having a dishwasher.

With that said, I really enjoy the time spent in the kitchen washing dishes with my grandma.

As a little girl, I always enjoyed watching my grandma, mom, and aunts work busily together cleaning the kitchen.

There was always such loving, warm conversation and a sense of accomplishment.

Scott took these photos of me and 2 of the most important women in my life while in the middle of such a conversation.

Warm, loving memories...without a dishwasher.