Memorial Day weekend 2013

We celebrated Memorial weekend at Ryan's parents house with family! We had so much fun with Ryan's cousin, Kari, in town from Minnesota!  Then on Sunday my cousin Lisa and her family came up to the lake. Ryan's brother, Jacob and wife Laurie and Laurie's mom, Patty came too!

Pancakes with grandpa

 

Finally enough water to get the boat out! Avery's first boat ride!

Kari, Sage, Avery, and Nana

not sure about the boat

Our captains

 Sage is such a good swimmer and Avery is great with her floaties!  A much easier summer than last year!

 

Loved this hairstyle!  Thanks Kari!

 Football time!

 

 

Chutes and Ladders!

Sunday Funday!

LOVE this dress!  From the turquoise door in Tomball!

Avery was here!

 

Jet skis!

Sage and Brian, my cousin

Jumping in with Carson

 Beautiful!

Such a big girl!

Jet skis with Grandpa!

 

Cousin time!
Reese, Sophie, Carson, and Sage

Always fun at Nana and Grandpas!

Pictures of Memorial Day at Houston Oaks tomorrow!

 

Carly's Birthday!

My sister, Carly, had a little birthday celebration at Crazy Canvas in town.  We all had lots of fun trying to paint like the pros!  I'm not such a great artist but I like trying!

Me and the Birthday Girl!

The progression...

Alicia and me making Jessica jealous! :)

 

My momma and me!

 And we are done! Masterpieces!

The group!

The Little Things

So, over the past few weeks I have been subbing a lot lately.  I like the break from the everyday ins and outs and I love the kids at Windwood Academy. But working four out of five days last week really changed our household dynamic .  I didn't have time and frankly missed doing the things that I was excited to take a break from.  Things like, grocery shopping, working out, laundry, cuddling in the morning with the kids before we get ready, dropping off and picking them up from pre school and talking to their teachers and other moms.  After we got home from school last week, I was exhausted and it was time to get inner ready. I can't believe I used to teach everyday without any problem. HA!  I didn't feel like painting, playing outside, or really doing anything but watch a movie with the kids.  That was really different for the kids. I was different.  And I missed them!
When I was home I was determined to spend some FUN quality time with the kids.

Having some fun with Mommy while Daddy and Sage play outside

 Impromptu visit to bouncing Bears Wednesday afternoon

Naming all the Princesses

 

Thursday was my day off and I took the kids to Little Beakers! (right by the new house!) Sage had a great time.  Avery was a little too young to enjoy it much, but Ryan was there over lunch time and my mom after he left, so I could enjoy some experiments with Sage!

 

 

Friday night we took the kids bowling with my parents and had so much fun!

 

Avery was so funny.  She would carry her ball to the slide and roll her ball down "all by myself!" and then instantly turn around and start cheering. HA!

 

 

Then just cherished the times I had with them this weekend too.

I realize now that I am not ready to go back to teaching full time.  I need my kids just as much as they need me, everyday.  Although some days seem so routine and the kids can easily get to me with their whining or bickering, I WILL cherish the little things. 

The grass isn't always greener on the other side. 

 Me at home with my kids is what works for our family, and I couldn't be more happy!

It is what the Lord has called me to do, and I will do it faithfully!

Mother's Day 2013

I am so blessed to be the Mother of Sage and Avery.  The lord created me to be their mother and I strive everyday to carry out my purpose and Love them as the Lord loves me.  I just can't get enough of their hugs kisses and cuddles!  I am one lucky girl! 

 

My Origami Owl living locket!

 Mothers Day at Houston Oaks!

 

 

Not to mention I have an incredible mom of my own.  Mom raised three children into successful, loving, and faithful adults. She is not only my mom but also one of my best friends.  A person I can talk to about anything, trust with my life, and go to for any type of advice! I hope to follow her lead and be a great mother and Mimi like she is!!

 

And I can't write about mothers without mentioning my amazing Mother in law.  Jean has welcomed me into her family and loves me like a daughter of her own.  Thank you Jean for raising the man of my dreams and loving me and my children more each day! 

 

And none of this could be possible without my LOVE!