Vaillant Visit

These lil men love their mama SOOO much! It's so precious!

Playing dress up!

Veda and Kk are watching Barbie and the Popstar! Veda impressed us with her amazing singing talent!

Saturday night we had a pizza party at Gramma Deb & Grampa Lou's! Abby and Jordy were there too! All the kids played so nicely and enjoyed their pizza.

After our pizza party Gramma Deb had icecream popsicles and those were enjoyed to the max!

Then mommy drove home with Auntie Tab & her littles - we entertained ourselves with great conversation and silly faces!

Grant and I are saying, "NO! I don't wanna go home!"

Mommy's Girls

Just a quick, "I am lucky to be your mommy!" post. The pictures say it all. xoxo

Last Day of School

Happy Last Day of 1st and 3rd Grade my loves!

Week 22: Last Week of SCHOOL!

It's been a big week! A week full of fun for you both!
Saturday kicked off soccer time with daddy. (Mommy was busy icing my knee when daddy decided to kick around the soccer ball with you both... no pictures and after my long post about wanting to take them more; I'm disappointed in myself.) But, it was fun to watch you three. The smiles from that moment are imprinted in my heart.

Sunday we went to Gramma Deb & Grampa Lou's for a visit. Kk needed to plant her cabbage plant and Grampa Lou tilled up some gardening space just for her! So sweet... priceless moments!!

Monday Kailee and daddy went on the 3rd grade field trip to Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City. Kk has been BEYOND excited about the trip!! Could be because she has been paired up with Sophia but I think it is mostly because Daddy is going on this fun trip!

Tuesday Grace and daddy went on the 1st grade field trip to the State Park where they went hiking and learned about all the fun things that the State Park has to offer. When the field trip sign up sheet came home in Thursday folders Grace immediately told daddy, "you told me that when I went on my 1st grade field trip you said you would go with me." Well, daddy keeps good on all his promises so naturally he signed right up to go! Gracie has been talking about how her and daddy are going to pick up sea shells on the beach to put in the fish tank. Our list of must haves for the field trip include: lots of bug spray, lots of sunscreen, extra bag for shells, lunch, sweat shirt and long pants.

Wednesday is officially Gracie's last Art class; she is really sad about her favorite class coming to and end for the summer. Not to worry Gg we will fill the house with ART fun and expose to you all kinds culture this summer... I am sure!

Thursday is officially your last FULL DAY of 1st and 3rd grade! This is your last "lunch" hour at school as 1st and 3rd graders... it makes my heart flip flop knowing next year my Grace will be in the lunch room with older kids. Oye! It makes my heart hurt just a little inside that mommy spot thinking that my lil Kk is going to be a 4th grader - UNREAL! So, last night while we grocery shopped we picked out a special "sub" from the deli for you both to enjoy as your "last lunch". It was bitter sweet packing your lunch yesterday. I felt it deep inside; the twinge in my heart, sigh you're growing up too fast. The other day Gramma Sandee posted something to the effect of "the days are long and the years are short." This is so true but I hope that the days feel long for the entire length of our summer. xo

Friday was only half day for the year and IT'S THE LAST DAY of 2012-2013 School Year! Now, we officially have a 2nd Grader and 4th Grader in the house! (Oh my word that made my stomach do a flip as I typed that.) It doesn't seem possible that we could seriously have a 2nd and 4th grader already. I mean you were babies just the other day, weren't you? Oye... my life is moving by too quickly. WAY to quickly. We have so many fun things that we will do for the summer; I can hardly wait to get started! Today Auntie Tab, Veda, Grayson & Grant are on their way for a weekend visit. We are going to have the best time!  I can hardly wait to see what the weekend has in store for us!

The Night before the Last Day of School!

End of the Year; Thank You Teacher Gifts

June 7, 2013

Dear Lisa,

“Thank you,” does not seem adequate when I consider everything you have done for us this year. You have made such a huge difference in our home life.  We really appreciate you working with us to make a difference for Kailee and what her future holds. We know how trying her “quirks” can be at times and you have had a lot of patience with her, thank you!

She definitely loves you, and wishes you could move with her to 4^th grade. The impact you have made upon her during this year has been incredible. Even though she has so much trouble with math, you have given her so much self-confidence. It’s interesting because when she comes home from school she says her favorite part of the day is usually math. You do such an amazing job finding creative ways to teach subjects that can be quite hard, thank you!

Our time with you this year has been (as I’ve said many times before) a huge blessing. I will be honest, I was quite worried about what would occur this year at the beginning when you were gone; but you made the transition so incredibly easy. You made the entire process for Kailee just flawless. She is a better student and much more patient now because of you. The magic when you teach has touched her soul and I see it and feel it at home. You’re a blessing to our family, for Kailee and to me personally.  As I said, you have made a huge difference in our home life, thank you! This is a thank you that I hope you know comes from that special place in a mom’s heart.

You have given me hope for what the rest of her education can be, the worry I once had is eased now. Lisa, thank you so very much for that special gift of hope that I know will be reality. I know her future will be bright and our home life is much more peaceful because of you.

We are definitely going to miss you. Enjoy the summer with your little ones, (fingers crossed) for a warm up quick!

With a grateful heart,

Maria

June 7, 2013

Dear Jan,

How does a parent ever begin to express the thanks they have for a teacher like you? The magic of learning that you worked on my Grace is remarkable! She is so confident now. I will never forget that moment when she came home so excited about being moved into chapter books. That day, that moment, her proud little smiling face is forever imprinted upon my soul and I have you to thank for that. I appreciate you more than you will ever know. You are the “perfect” teacher in so many ways. You have definitely mastered the craft of teaching. You put so much of your heart, soul, and love into the lessons you teach. I often wonder if you even realize you have done so because you make it seem so natural.

We have been so blessed to have had you for both of our little darlings. I wish we had another child just so we could have you again. Every student you have had and will have will change the world in a way that only you could have taught them. My daughters are both avid readers, not only because we love books; but because they had you as their teacher. You taught them the value of the words they read. You taught them the importance of finding out what they may not know. You gave them opportunities to bloom within the warmth of the safe haven that you created for them. You are definitely “that teacher” whom my daughters do and will look back on as being the reason they love school. You made them feel, see, and understand that learning is fun.

Teachers like you are definitely Angels sent from Heaven to do God’s work. You touch a child’s heart in a way that a parent cannot. I hope you feel the gratitude that we have for you. Thank you Jan. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my soul.

I hope we can keep in touch as the years go on. We are definitely going to miss you.

With a grateful heart,

Maria

Meijer Adventures

We did the biweekly shopping trip tonight with daddy. We decided to split up (daddy only agreed because mommy was in an electric cart and I was "safe" with Grace). Grace and Mommy took Produce and Meat, Kailee and Daddy took on the rest. While Mommy and Gg were picking up items we kept running into these older ladies they would smile and stare. I just figured they were admiring Gg's beauty. As we passed the ladies for the 7th time they said to mommy, she is beautiful and has your eyes. I smiled and said "thank you". It was so sweet especially because not many people think Gg looks like mommy. It was definitely a special little snip-it that is forever imprinted upon my heart. xo

Us moments

There are these beautiful moments of us that just make my heart skip a beat. I love you both.

Blurry lovey dovey moments

Sweet, Kk takes a picture with her iPod, lovey mommy moment.

Growing up...

For your birthday Kailee you received these books titled Mackenzie Blue, a three book series. Kailee received them 2 Sundays ago and has almost finished the last book! Well, one of the brief mentions in the book was "periods" and within that topic was "pads". So last night when daddy went in to tell you to turn your light off Kailee asked, "Dad, what's a pad?" Daddy's eyes got as big as saucers (so I imagine) and he said, "well, do you mean like paper you write on?" Kailee said, "Well, in the book they talk about periods and pads but I don't know what means." Daddy who now is getting a "wee bit uncomfortable" says, "how about I get mommy to answer that for you?" And Kailee said, "ok, thanks."

Honestly we haven't had "the talk" about periods yet, well, because your only 9 but now I realize, you're 9. So, last night after your conversation with daddy, he came into the bathroom while I was showering all in a tizzy about "mommy needs to explain that." I went in and briefly explained what a period and pad is. As I am explaining this Gracie is listening... when I look at her, her eyes are HUGE! To which Gg says, "I AM NOT HAVING THAT!" To which I says, "well, usually every girl does... but it's not that bad Gg." She says, "I do NOT LIKE BLEEDING!" Oh lord... we're in trouble.

While I know these conversations are going to come more and more because that's part of growing... that's part of learning...it's still a tough -tears in my eyes, knot in my throat, pain in the heart moment. It's hard to know if mommy comes up with the right words to say to answer your questions, I hope I do. I just want you to know that if my answers leave you wondering more; you can always ask me anything. I love you both and want to do right by you! xoxo

Pool helper

Daddy has had a huge pool helper this year... Gg has been daddy's second hand gal throughout operation pool set up! Gg is Ubber excited about swimming! So excited she thought that the first night it was filled she was going swimming; I came out of my room to find you both in bathing suits and pool floaties. You were less than pleased when I said it the dreaded, "Uh... no."
There was a new pool addition; the sand filter - it's this "new" thing that daddy bought to make an easier and less chemicals cleaning pool process. Part of using the pool filter is it goes into "boost" mode. I don't really understand why this is so much fun to say but daddy and Gg tease back and forth about "boost" mode. I think it's just fun to say; so you both say it -- when talking about many things. It's adorable and it brings a huge smile to face to see that sweet interaction between you. I just had to write it about it because it occurred this evening and I always wanted to remember "boost" mode for you both.

Summer Bucket List

A list of our "want to do's" for Summer 2013! 

* Have a PJ Day   *Build a Fort   *Have a water balloon fight   *Feed the Ducks   *Go on a picnic   *Host a BBQ   *Go to the library   *Make sun sweetened ice tea   *Play board games   *Play UNO Attack   *Play Dominoes   *Eat breakfast for dinner   *Go for a bike ride   *Go to the fountain park in Charlevoix   *Fishing   *Go to the Fireworks   *Go to the movies   *Write a story   *Make your own pizza night   *Sidewalk Chalk   *Make popsicles   *Go to the beach   *Catch fireflies   *Go to the 4th of July parade   *Have a friends sleepover   *Make Lemonade   *Eat on the deck   *Play at a park   *Go for a walk    *Find little critters outside and see if we can identify them   *Make a summer reading list   *CAMPING!   *Paper airplane contest   *Get Summer Pictures of the Girlies    *Make a sand castle   *Star Gazing   *Concerts in the Park   *Make sail boats out of soap   *Get Slurpies   *Swim in the pool   *Go to the beach   *Plan a Road Trip   * Say "yes" to everything for a day   *Go to a Bon Fire   *School clothes Shopping    *Go Tubing or Canoeing down a river 

Love is the Key!

This is something your daddy does everyday in every way! Your daddy shows mommy he loves me by doing nice things like dishes, laundry or cleaning the bathrooms. He also calls me throughout the day to see how I am. He even makes me coffee every morning. He most importantly tells me he loves me every day. xo

Love Yourself!

All these "steps" to self care mean one thing; LOVE YOURSELF! If you value who you are as a person my darlings you will know what it means to love yourself then in return you will have the opportunity to find true love with another. I hope that you love yourself as much as daddy and I love you! xo