Wall Art by Saela

Shortly before I started working, Saela and I were able to create some wall art for her. Mostly, I watched and she painted. We had a great time. Now, if I could just get those letters on the wall...

Stay tuned...my sweet baby's birthday pictures will be coming soon!

7.26.11 - A FIRST

Unprompted Saela wrote her name on her board.

When she got home...she said, "I don't think this is right."



...and so she fixed it.

...and The Tears Finally Came

...and it is only pre-K!

SCG & SCG

I'm going to school?
Whatch you talkin' about Willis?

Asher is not really sure what is going on...at all.

Mommy & her Baby Girl

(sniff sniff)

Her first day of school treat...a strawberry cupcake with white frosting.
~

Saela had her first day of pre-K on July 20, 2011. I thought more kids would be emotional. I thought more adults would be emotional. I get it's pre-K...but the kindergarten is right across the hall - it might as well have been kindergarten for goodness sake. Saela sat in her seat and as I bent down to kiss her - it was all I could do not to let the tears out. NOBODY else was teary...so I managed to get it together and walked out dry-eyed. Saela did wonderfully at school and came home to enjoy her strawberry cupcake (her request.) This was probably her favorite part of the day. My favorite part came that evening when I snuggled with her in bed and the tears finally just came pouring out. Both happy tears and melancholy tears. Each stage has been so wonderful to witness (cough cough with the exception of the sassy mouth 3s) and I know that each stage to come will bring joy and warmth to my heart and I look forward to sharing her youth with her. I do, however, lament the passing of these early years - the innocence, the not knowing. For now, she will be judged. Not necessarily in a bad way always - but she will be judged by her peers and graded by her teachers. I know that is just a part of growing up - but it makes me a little bit sad too. I can hardly believe that it has been nearly four years since she arrived on this earth. As 'teary' as her growing up makes me - I am so grateful that she is HERE and that she has the chance to grow up and change people's lives as she has already forever changed mine. I know God has great plans for her and I am so thankful that I have been afforded the opportunity to watch her grow. We all love you Saela!

Michigan 2011

This wasn't initially planned as a family trip...but I'm so glad it turned out that way! We left on a Thursday evening in order to "split up" the 10.5 hour drive. That worked out well and we were able to visit some old neighbors in Lansing before heading up to Hemlock. Overall, the kids really did pretty well in the car for the long rides there and back.

"Tractor Time"

Both Asher and Saela enjoyed riding the tractor with Grandpa Green.

Steve and I had a "date" to the wedding and it was nice to spend time reconnecting after the hustle and bustle of moving.

Asher, Daddy and Grandpa

Saela and Grandma

Summer Days

Despite the record high temps throughout the region...

Saela chose to go walking like this...

...yes, no need to do a double-take,
those are reindeer ears and snow boots ;).

Asher is currently enamored with anything "Hat."

aka "The Cat in the Hat."

Saela "teaching."
...while Mom hyperventilates about the
dry erase markers ending up on the walls.

Saela and her babies.
Asher tagging along for the ride.


Don't have a place for your stickers?
Well, duh, just put them on your legs!


P.S. Happy Anniversary to our Great Aunts and Uncles!

The 13-year Cicada

So, this is something new to me. The 13-year Cicada arrives in middle Tennessee every thirteen years. Perhaps some of you have heard of this phenomenon as I had not and at first thought it was absurd. My neighbors (in their 30s) were talking about how the last time the Cicadas came they were in their late teens. Weird. These creatures arrive in May in SWARMS and then disappear in about a month to not be seen again for 13 years. Read about it people, it is fascinating. Or perhaps, you think I AM absurd for posting this on our family blog. Mostly, I just want to point out that the next time we see the Cicadas, Saela will be 16 and driving and Asher will be nearly 15. Whaaaat????? I guess that is if we can actually stay put for thirteen years...let's hope right.

Fun in Boxes

The Fort


Here I am Mom!

Comin' Dae-a comin'!

Come on in Mom...it's fun!