Summer

One of the things my kids are going to remember most about this Summer, is how much time they got to spend with their grandparents.  Since we were living with my mom well into June, and Laurie watched the kids a lot for us while we were working on renovating our home, they had plenty of time together.  Much of that time was spent gardening, climbing trees, feeding the birds and squirrels, and even deer.  And of course, eating watermelon.   

 

Emma's Kindergarten Graduation

It feels like a few days went by and Emma has already made it through her first year of school.  She made it through Kindergarten like a boss.  This year we learned that she struggles a bit with dyslexia, but with a little extra effort, she was able to catch up and exceed the standard.  She is very artistic and creative- a talent that has been a blast to watch blossom.  She had a wonderful time making lots of friends, learning, and demonstrating her autonomy from me and Trenton.

The school threw the kids a fun art celebration as the year came to a close, giving the parents an opportunity to see all the kids' art displayed on the school walls.  The kids got to make their own clay pots, paper flowers, and stained glass.  Emma enjoyed nachos and cake with her friends and even got her face painted by her mama (someone who is most decidedly NOT artistically gifted.)

It was tough for Emma to say goodbye to many of her friends for the summer, and she was even more devastated when she learned that we'd most likely be moving her to a different school in the new year with our impending move.  Luckily, she makes friends quickly, and I have no doubt she'll do well on all fronts as she shifts into the 1st grade.

This is Mrs. Moomy.  She is a volunteer that helps the kids with their reading and sight words.  She made a world of difference in Emma's life.

 

Enjoying the art made by my kindergartner has got to be one of the sweetest byproducts of being a mommy.  I marvel at the reality that I created the hands that created this art.

Ballet

Emma's dance teacher didn't have a Spring recital this year, which was kind of a relief considering that it's such a busy time of year.  However, her teacher did invite parents to the final class before Summer break so that we could see the progress the kids made throughout the year.  I'm not delusional- I don't have Emma in dance classes because I think she'll develop into a prima ballerina (although I'd support her if that's what she really wanted to do.)   The reality is,  I pay for and drive her to these lessons each week because when she's dancing, she's truly happy.  She doesn't get caught up in perfection (actually she doesn't have much interest in anything that is even close to perfection.)  She's just fun.  She's sweet, beautiful, caring, kindhearted and loving.  And I'm not quite sure how she does it, but when I watch her dance with that cute little body, I see all those traits emanate from her all at once.  I love my Emma.

 

Mother's Day and a Birthday

The Saturday before Mother's Day this year, Trenton took the kids so that I could go with Shannon and my mom to enjoy a girls' day.  We went to Old Colorado City and enjoyed window shopping, gourmet cupcakes, and beautiful weather.  On Mother's Day, Trenton and the kids spoiled me with handmade gifts and so many hugs and kisses.  When Trenton asked what I'd like from him for Mother's Day, I asked if he could make it possible for me to do nothing more than go to church, and then come home and lounge in my pajamas all day.  So he waited on me all day- keeping the kids occupied and bringing me lunch, dinner, and dessert in bed.  I napped, and read, and watched my favorite movies.  It was pure heaven.  The next day was my 31st birthday. Trenton took the day off and spoiled me and Ben at a completely gluten-free restaurant, "Coquette's," and then we spent the afternoon looking at model homes (one of favorite things to do.)  That evening he cooked me a dinner with all my favorite foods as we caught up on "Grey's Anatomy."  Couldn't ask for a better man.  Thank you, Trenton.