meet Bella Michaels

She's 41 years old, married to Nick Michaels (a pharmacist), with three children (2 daughters Kate and Marshall, and a son Ryan). They live in Portland, Oregon where she teaches the third grade and violin on the side. They have a beach house on the Oregon coast, Canon Beach, where they frequent often. She won the National Teacher Award and was able to meet the President of the USA, and started an organization with her husband Nick called Plant Us Hope that's all about taking care of the earth.


[in the scrapbook you needed photos so she used this target ad for her "husband" page. Instead of cropping out the girl I helped her put her face on it. He's cute, no?]

In the 6th grade the kids are given an assignment to create a scrapbook of what their life will be like in 30 years. Will they be married? Children? Pets? What is their profession? Where will they live? Education? Etc. The assignment was due on Halloween so instead of dressing up traditionally in scary costumes etc., the kids come dressed as their profession. So that day instead of having a Halloween party they had a 30 year reunion, complete with a theme (Moon and Stars) catered food, games, and a photo booth.

I loved sitting back and watching Bella's future world unfold. It seemed from the very beginning she knew exactly what she wanted to be, where she wanted to live, and that she wanted to be married and have 3 children. Part of the assignment was making sure to get all the dates right so she was busy researching how long it took to get a teacher/pharmacist degree, when would she meet Nick, how long would they date, fitting in study abroad to London, figuring out the best time to get married and have her 3 kids, and when to move to Portland. I never realized how intense it could be to create a life timeline.

I love that she was given this assignment and that it gave her a chance to really think about what she wants down the road. Although none of us can really guarantee what our life will be like in 30 years, it sure doesn't hurt to have your major goals in mind so you know where you're going. When I look at the next 30 years of my life I have a clear picture of what I want it to be, and know, the only way to get it is to be working/moving towards it now.

As her mom, what a weird feeling it was to look through her finished scrapbook and wonder, what, if any of these scenarios, would come true? I know one thing for sure, if she comes home with a boy named Nick I'll probably start panicking.

the power of one

This afternoon I had the opportunity to go to our school's patriot assembly. Bella informed me yesterday that the poem she wrote about The Power Of One was chosen, which meant she was going to read it in front of the school (a student from each of the 4th-6th grade classes are chosen to recite their essays/poems at the assembly).

It's an assembly they've had since Bella started attending, but I've never actually been before. I had only intended on staying until Bella read her poem, which was about half way, but enjoyed it so much I decided to stay for the full hour. Each time the kids would sing tears swelled up in my eyes and I'd get all choked up. And forget about the Pledge of Allegiance, I was a mess. With all the talk that's been on the news lately it gave me goosebumps to hear the children recite it. It was very powerful and inspirational and I left with an overwhelming feeling of hopefulness. These children are our future--everything will be just fine.

A hero's like a lion,
Bold and fast and free.
A heart full of confidence,
That decides what it will be.

When people picture heroes,
They think of strength and power,
But sometimes heroes can even be,
The one who cares of others each hour.

A hero's a beacon that guides the pack,
A lantern in the night,
A lighthouse in a violent storm,
An angel who brings light.

There are simple children,
Who share their laughter and fun.
They can make the biggest difference,
And that's the power of one.

checklist

Meeting teachers | 18 AUG


 new haircuts
 outfits laid out
 backpacks packed
 forms signed
 alarms set
 8pm bed time
 cinnamon rolls prepped
 back to school anticipation & jitters

Looks like we're all set for the first day back, well, that is except for me. I'm not really looking forward to them going back. The summer raced by and I truly am sad to see it end. Partly because I'm not ready for the winter to come, the light to fade, but mostly I'm not ready to be without them. Don't get me wrong, I don't think it will take long to settle into my new schedule, there is a lot I want to do and accomplish, but this summer has been such a wonderful 11 weeks I just wish I could have a few more. Plus, every time a new year starts it just means they're one year older and I'm not ready for them to be "older". Crazy to think this is the last year they will all be at the same school together. Oh well, as they say, all good things must come to an end and so here we are a few hours from a new school year, excited to see what this year will hold.

I heard a lot of chattering today/tonight about seeing friends again and getting started on this new year. I don't blame them. I always loved the first day of school. I can so remember going to bed, trying to sleep, waking up with butterflies in my stomach, getting the best breakfast of the school year, walking to school in the coolish morning air, and taking my seat for the very first time while looking around at what would be the next 9 months of my life. I loved it and so do they.


--Did you love the first day of school?
--Do you wish you had a few weeks longer? (maybe you do)

summer begins now

[taken as they left the house on the last day]

There were tears shed by Megan, some frustration from Tess this afternoon when they thought no friends made it into their class next year (they were wrong), but it was the tears shed by me that surprised me. I so loved their teachers this year and appreciated the efforts of each one to help my child succeed. Truly I cannot thank them enough for everything they've done. When you're sending your child out the door you want to make sure they are going to a safe happy environment where they can thrive. We got that this year and so much more. I will missed not having them apart of my girls life next year.





But like they say, all good things must come to an end and we are all ready for summer to begin. A week or so ago I was a little apprehensive for the school year to end, but now that it's here I'm really looking forward to this time with my girls. We have big plans this summer to stay on task academically, we can't afford to loose what we gained this year, but more importantly, to enjoy the freedom of summer. After all, you only get one childhood and I want these memories together to be memories that last a lifetime.


Has summer break started for you?

over the weekend

annual school art night: the girls got to showcase their many forms of art. It is always so enjoyable to walk through the halls and see what the kids have been working on all year.



project: I made this for my friends sister (she came up with the phrase) and then took photos of said sister Saturday. Enjoyable afternoon.



Soccer game: spent a windy morning at the park watching Megan. With comments like, is the game over yet, I'm thinking she's mentally come to the end of her season even though she still has one game left. She did get her first goal though.

recently

I've been trying to make more of an effort to teach my girls life long skills like cooking. I'm good from time to time including them in what I do, but for the most part it's much easier to just whip dinner up quickly rather than try to teach them to chop. I wish I had given more time to this over the years as I'm finding how enjoyable this time together is and as long as I allow for plenty of time to cook, I have quite a bit of patience.

I've been thinking about making jewelry. I bought a few jewelry supplies years ago to make some earrings and a few bracelets, but that was the extend of my jewelry phase. I've had the urge recently to pull it out and get reacquainted with my stuff. More specifically I'm thinking stamped metal jewelery and using bezel pieces with my photography.


I've been volunteering at the school once a week. Each year I've always volunteered in some way, but this year I really wanted to go at least once a week to each classroom. It takes up a good portion of my Thursday mornings, but find it invaluable to get to know the teachers and children in the classroom with my girls.

Are your kids as into the silly bandz as mine? I've only bought a few packs, but they are eager for more after seeing from their friends at school just how many one arm can hold. There's a boy in Megan's class that's wearing 150. He told me he never takes them off. Oh dear.

I keep wondering how long the skunk will stay in our backyard and it's just now occurring to me that it's taken up permanent residence...is it possible he'll stay for the winter? We are on the list for a trap from the county, but apparently so is everyone else because it's been over 6 weeks and we still don't have it yet. UGH! While I want so badly to have a fondness for it, thinking, at least we don't have problems with other critters, he's making it awfully difficult to enjoy the cooler mornings.

As we drove up to Park City last weekend we were delighted to see the colors starting to change (took this photo while Adam was driving on the freeway). I will admit though, my initially reaction was, so soon. It's so hard to believe we are doing this again...autumn, Halloween, darker evenings, etc. While I'm looking forward to the change, I guess I hesitate because I don't want it to happen too fast. I want it to slow down a bit, not change too quickly, so autumn can linger a little longer this year. Love the fall.

have a good one.

xxox, amy

the first day of the rest of my life

I've been anticipating this day since the beginning of summer, well, in reality if I'm being honest with myself, this day has come and gone in my subconscious for about 5 years now. I think the first few times I was home crazy busy with three little kidlets I wondered what it would be like with them all in school. My thoughts have been all over the board, one way I'm full of apprehension and the other excitement.

[bella 5th grade, Tess 3rd grade, & Megan 1st grade]

I admit I thought it would feel differently walking away from the elementary alone, kidless for the next 6 hours. I thought I would feel free or sad or a little of both. What I found was walking away from the school alone was the most natural thing in the world, and I guess that's exactly what it is...natural. Each year since Bella was 3 and started pre-school our schedule has changed and the amount of time they've left me for has increased with each one. Where I am today has definitely been a natural progression, we should be here, and so it just feels right.



Perhaps it's not quite hitting me yet, the fact that this is my new reality. That my days will be open to my schedule and not theirs. It's a weird concept after having someone underfoot for over 10 years to no longer have a shadow. I'm sure in a week or so when all the excitement has died down that being alone all day will hit me and then maybe I'll feel the full weight of our new life. I know one thing for sure...I have a lot of plans for myself, projects to keep me busy, activities to keep me moving in the right direction. I definitely want these six hours to count and be meaningful.

For now though, I am grateful to feel like everything is aligned and everything is as it should be.

xoxo,
amy

Miscellany

**I'm playing catch up today after spending a great weekend away, actually I should say, I should be playing catch up. I've been busy taking kids to music lessons and school registration that I haven't had the time to catch up like I ought to. Luckily though, Adam did a lot of it over the weekend (what a gem, right?) so it won't be overwhelming once I get after it tomorrow.


[adam took this with my phone]

**Well there was one thing I did get caught up on...being with my girls. It was an utter delight to see my girls this morning. I got in at 10:30p last night so I was unable to be with them when I got home and was anxious to get my arms around them today. I didn't have to wait too long as they each made their way into my bedroom when they woke up to say hello and cuddle up next to me. I have decided these moments have been my most favorite from the summer and will be the ones I miss when they're back in school.

**School. So hard for me to believe school starts in less than two weeks. Like I said we had registration today to sign up for SEP conferences and volunteer times throughout the year. I'm hoping to be at the school one day a week to help in all the classrooms. Hard to imagine they will be at the same school with the same drop off/pick up times...first time in 7 years.

**I've had my computer at the shop getting windows 7 put on it since last tuesday. I took it in then thinking I would be able to pick it up when I got home, but it turns out they haven't even started on it. UGH! They did say they were super busy when I dropped it off, but come on, a week. The joys of technology.

**I've uploaded and am in the process of looking through my photos from the weekend. Had hoped to have a post this evening, but spent the night playing go fish, jenga, & the 50 states. A wise choice if I do say so myself...I'm learning.

**I'm grateful to be feeling so recharged and happy right now. What a blessing it is.

the difference four years make

[1 June 2006]

I remember this day like it was yesterday. It was June 1st, the last day of Kindergarten for Bella. She was 6 years old and excited for the summer to begin, though sad to be leaving her teacher behind. Tess had been 4 years old for only 4 days and Megan was a couple months shy of 2.

Life was really intense then. Always a kid under foot, always someone who needed me. I remember being exhausted and tired (it's amazing what you can get done when your tired). I remember the times when I cried and I thought I wouldn't be able to do it another day. I remember wondering if I would ever feel whole again, but at the end of the day I loved it because I loved them and I would do anything.



Today, four years later, I feel like not much has changed and yet everything has. Megan is ending her kindergarten year getting ready to be like her sisters and go to school all day. Tess is only a few hours away from turning 8 and getting baptized. Bella is 10 years old and saying goodbye to her 4th grade year.

It's crazy to see the time fly, to look at these two pictures and compare where we were and where we are. Though life definitely isn't as intense as it once was, it's still just as busy with school projects, volunteer work, and after school activities. I don't have someone pulling at my pants or climbing up on my lap, but I am just as needed. There are days that I miss when they were younger and all home, days that I mourn the passing of time, but I know there is nothing more I can do about those days so I remind myself to be here in the now. Soak up and love where we are so I can appreciate it once it's gone. And I am...loving where we are.

My girls are independent, yet they still need Adam and I. They listen to us, yet they have there own strong opinions. They like time with friends, but not more than time with family. They still have an early bed time and wake up at the crack of dawn. They can easily put themselves to bed, yet they still love and want me to come see them before they drift off to sleep.

I love to see them become more of their own person, but I love that they still need Adam and I. I'm hoping even when they get older, when other things become more important that they will still need us in one way or the other because I know one thing for sure...I will still need them.

monday miscellany

It's so nice that it's finally feeling like spring. I was early for a meeting with the women I'm presenting with so I took advantage of her beautiful blossom covered "popcorn" tree. It was eerie standing under it and hearing a distinct buzz from the many bees.


Cracked me up to see her reading with her alligator visor on. She said she made it to keep the sun out her eyes and it felt sunny inside.


I ran the 5K on Saturday morning. It wasn't something I had planned on doing, but I'm so glad I did. (Thanks Tasha for putting the idea in my head and Amy who ran it with me.) When I got there I figured it would be a glorified exercise with a free t-shirt. I didn't plan to try, but a race is a race and well, I was curious. Quickly, my competitive side kicked in and I went for it. I can see how racing can be very addicting. I'm planning to run a 10k this summer.


from the other night while painting.


Megan had an opera at school and she was a pig. She was really funny and animated. I'm not sure why, but afterward when I tried to take her picture she gave me this face. She put up her fists and looked as if she was ready to fight me. She's gold.


I spent a good portion of my afternoon outside yesterday and couldn't help but watch the lone paraglider floating around in the clouds. I wondered what that must have felt like to be up so high and free...too bad I'm to chicken to find out.

it's been one of these days today...

what a day

it all started like this...

2:37am I hear a bang crash and then moaning. I turn over to Adam, realize he's not in bed and go bolting for the bathroom. There he is face down. I'm not sure what has happened, but gather he must have fainted. After getting him to wake up and respond to me (the longest minute of my life) I realize he's sick.

2:45am-5:24am Laid awake, listening for Adam because the whole ordeal of finding him face down has left me a little panicked. Helped him when he needed it.

5:25am Since I wasn't sleeping and Adam seemed to be handling himself better than before I figured I should go to boot camp as planned.

5:40am Went down to the garage to get my stuff and heard some rustling. It was Tess looking for her shoes. She was fully dressed ready for school. When I asked her what she was doing she said, "I tried to sleep, but I just can't. My eyes just stay open." So I put her in front of the television and left.

6:00am-7:15am boot camp

7:16am Walked into a quiet house and wondered why the girls weren't up yet. I found Bella and Tess in Bella's bed giggling. Apparently they were waiting for her alarm to go off before they got up. I can completely remember my first days of school so vividly and how excited I was to finally get there after so much anticipation.

7:17am-8:20am It was a flurry of activity all the while feeling like crashing. Made the girls french toast and cut up cantaloupe. Helped walk them through what they needed to get done before we left, ie shoes, hair, lunch, snack, teeth. Apparently you can unlearn everything in 3 months. Left on time.

8:25am Watched my girls, who could not have been more excited, find their friends and anxiously await the beginning of their new day.


[Do you notice there new hair cuts? Finally Bella got the hair cut she's been trying to get for a year. Thanks Tami for telling me about your stylist. click here to enlarge]

8:30am Said my goodbyes and left. On the way out I ran into my friend I go to boot camp with. She offered to take Megan so I could go back to sleep. Precious gift. I didn't hesitate to put Megan, who was still in her pajamas and looking rough, in their car and left.

8:46am Got home, checked up on Adam, opened the windows, made a few phone calls and went to the couch to sleep.

9:14am-11:55am slept. delicious sleep.

11:56am Had the hardest time waking up. I realized I probably should so I didn't ruin my sleep tonight, but I didn't want to. It was so needed. Called my friend who said to come get Megan at 1:30pm. I closed my eyes again.

12:15pm Pulled myself off the couch and found Adam. He was doing so much better. Apparently the nausea was wearing off and was feeling hungry. He is convinced it was food poisoning, but I'm not so sure. He still had blood on his face from where he fell and found out he had a huge goose egg and a split lip. He took more of a fall then I realized. I'm so glad it wasn't more serious because I was too out of it to think of how he fell or that he could have had a concussion.

12:55pm Adam broke the news...our realtor had called and our buyers pulled out. Apparently they gave a bogus reason that our shed in back wasn't built on a foundation. Whatever. It's a 9x9 structure, a place to put bikes and lawn mowers, hardly something to let go of a house for. I guess they had changed their mind for whatever reason.

1pm I feel shocked and a bit overwhelmed. In a way I feel this relief of not moving, but then I feel let down that the IG won't happen. Adam is quite disappointed, but has put the final decision, to continue to sell for another 30 days or stop, in my hands. Doesn't he know how bad I am with decisions? You would think it would be crystal clear to me, but I am unsure of what to do or what is right for us. Lots to think about.

It was a good 9 months

If I could tell the complete story of our last day of school in a photo it would be this....



Megan bouncing around being her cheerful self not in tune to the heightened emotions going on around her. Tess a little in different and bothered about the teacher she got next year. To be completely honest, I'm a little bugged as well only because it's the same 2nd grade teacher Bella had. It's not that I don't like her, I just don't want her comparing Tess to Bella because academically they are not the same. Tess' teacher did make sure to put her with her good friends so she has that to look forward to. Then there is sweet Bella in the background struggling to keep it together. In fact, she totally gave into her emotions and cried as she said good bye to her teacher (swollen eyes here). I can understand...I cried too. She's the type of teacher you don't mind your child spending 6 hours a day with. I'm not sure how it started, but they sure do have a special relationship. Her teacher even told me as we were leaving that Bella changed her in many ways...not sure what that meant exactly, but I couldn't have agreed more.

The last day of school the kids have an awards assembly. I never go because the kids haven't gotten awards, but I wish I had this year because they did. Tess got the Physical Fitness award (she still hasn't told me what it was for) and Bella got an award for being in the top 10% in the nation on her Iowa tests in reading & language. Needless to say I was more than impressed that someone from my genes could ever get an award like that (if you haven't noticed already reading & language are not my strengths). I was proud of them both and wouldn't you know, the awards fit them perfectly.


[megan art, may 2009]

So the summer has officially started for us. Do we have big plans? NO, not really. I mean we are going to do swimming lessons and the girls are going to do a theater & dance class, but other than that we don't have any big plans. I'm sure we'll go swimming a lot, have picnics at the park, club house read-a-thons, and hopefully time with cousins. I was feeling a bit intimidated weeks ago, but now I'm looking forward to the lazy summer days.

bound & determined

This morning has been anticipated at our house for the last few weeks. It was the annual school Fun Run that Bella and Tess both love. Remember last year, Bella left off telling me she was going to practice more so she could do better. Well, last night she was out in the backyard doing squats and running up and down the street with Tess to prepare herself. She woke up this morning excited, but anxious for the race.


[enlarge]

When her grade lined up at the starting line she had a big smile on her face...she was ready. She had a nice start, but you forget how far a 1/4 of a mile is to a kid and quickly you could see her energy waning. About 3/4 of the way through she looked like she wanted to stop, but I could see her determination and knew she would keep going. I was very proud of her for pushing through and not giving up. Heaven knows I've been there before.



I haven't asked her yet, but I wonder what was going through her mind as she ran. I'd love to know. She finished about where she did last year, somewhere in the middle, but the difference between this year and last year was her attitude. She wasn't so concerned about getting in the top 10, in fact she said, "Did you see me finish, I did good". Yes she did. Well done Bella. Well done!

Tess has also been preparing herself for the race, but as it turns out she's been doing it for weeks. She told me the other day her and her friend run the track during the first and last recess. She is my competitive girl and really wants to do good, but I was still surprised she was practicing. She even asked me last night if she could go running with me this morning so she'd be ready. So cute.


[enlarge]

She had a great start and if you can see from the picture she was #2 for a while. I was hopeful, but pretty sure she couldn't keep up her speed because she started out going at a sprinters pace. Gradually girls inched up on her as she slowed down and I could tell it's what kept her moving.



She finished in 6th place which she was super excited about. I was so proud of her for wanting it enough to actually take the steps to prepare for it. This girl never ceases to amaze me by what she's capable of. Way to go Tess!

So there you have it...another year, another fun run, another excellent race.

spt: gift

for tuesday, april 7: gift a family member
for tuesday, april 14: gift a friend
for tuesday, april 21: gift a neighbor, teacher, co-worker
for tuesday, april 28: gift a total stranger



I've always been grateful for my girls teachers and for all the time and effort they put into their classes each year to make them a wonderful place to learn. It hasn't always been easy for me to help out in the school, but this year I was determined to find time even if that meant taking Megan with me. So on most Thursdays Megan and I head to the school, Megan armed with crayons and paper and me with a smile, to help the teachers that give so much to my girls each day.

It such a little thing to do that not only makes a difference to the teacher, but to my girls as well...they love the days I go in. I'm looking forward to next year having them all in one place and making volunteering that much easier.

in the weeds...the holiday edition

I'm officially over my limit. To be fair I feel like it's calming down a bit, but all week I've been so busy running around going from one thing to the next, no exaggeration, hoping not to miss anything. Luckily I do have a quiet night tonight, but then again I do have some wrapping to do so I may start working on that tonight.

proof of the crazy

1.

It snowed really bad twice and I was unfortunately on the road each time. It's a crazy feeling driving on the freeway at 25 mph. I don't care what kind of car you drive, when the roads are this bad you slide all over the place.

2. As a family Monday night we went and purchased our Sub for Santa gifts that I have been working on for Enrichment. It was fun for the kids to pick out the items they wanted to get and feel like they were apart of it. Of course this event wouldn't be complete without some drama...one thing I needed to get was a $25 gift certificate and by the time Wednesday came along I couldn't find the card. I looked every where I could think of and no luck. This morning I went out and got another one and of course, of course when I got home I found the one I had previously bought. Ah, got to love the timing.

3. Made holiday cookies for enrichment night. Set up, ran, and cleaned up the event.

4. Yesterday my car came 3 feet from getting back into in the Costco parking lot. A huge truck with a large trailer backed up into the car that was right next to mine. I was, to say the very least, so grateful it wasn't me standing in the snow wondering how I was going to get Megan and myself home or anywhere else for that matter. I said a big thank you for that one. Why was I the lucky one?

5. Note to self...I live where the winter comes, I need boots or else shorter pants. Tuesday I walked around with 4 inches of my pant leg sopping wet. Not to mention there was actual snow build up in my pants.

6.

Went to Megan's dance class and watched them do a little show. Nothing special, it was just for the kids to show us what they've been doing since September. It was nice having Crystalyn to talk with during the breaks. Megan and her Hanna take the class together.

7.

I put together and delivered our neighborhood gifts. This year we did something simple and gave out hot cocoa.

8. Went to book club and came home with the book The Collected Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald. I've very happy about that...thanks midge.

9.



I finally got most of my Christmas cards put together. Tess helped me by stamping all the envelopes. It was interesting watching her put them on as straight as possible...she likes to do everything perfect or not at all. I think she did better than I would have done.

10. I left the house a wreck on Tuesday when I walked out the door at 8:45am. When I came home that night at midnight, from bookclub, the house was clean. Adam knowing how much I would love it cleaned it up for me. Thanks love. You saved my Wednesday.

11.

Another program for Megan. This time it was her school performance. She gets a bit shy at first, but once they start going she sure does love to put on a show.

12. While watching my friends kids today, so she could get a much needed break, the 2 1/2 year old who is in the process of potty training pooed her pants. Yes, you read that right. Poo! I was surprised I didn't loose it. If it had been my child I think I may have (I wonder what that's about), but I just calmly cleaned her and my carpet up. I think the two of us have definitely bonded.

13. I've been to Costco and Target twice.

14. Had lunch with some friends in my neighborhood.

15.Volunteered for both Tess and Bella's classrooms.

I know I've missed some things, but I better call it quits. I think 15 items is enough for one post not to mention one week.

five somethings

1.


Megan had her school Halloween program today. She was as animated as she always is, but gladly this year she wasn't yelling the songs, though it does make it more fun. In the program the teachers make a witches brew. I found it extremely funny when they asked for volunteers to try it out and Megan was one of the only ones not holding up her hand. She had no desire to try a foreign substance...until she could smell the root beer. Then her hand shot up and explained to her friend that it was going to be good.


[This is her celebrating when she found out there would be root beer outside for everyone.]

2. I spent the bulk of my morning organizing my closet. It was way past due and I figured it was time to get rid of the clothes I never wear once and for all. I don't know why it's so hard for me to give away stuff I never wear, but it is. I was pleasantly surprised, however, when I found myself piling up clothes, stuffing them in a bag, and not looking back. Now I just need to get it over to the DI before I can change my mind.

3.

We have pumpkins ready and waiting for Halloween night. With the warm weather we've been having the pumpkins haven't lasted long so I'm hoping they will make it to tomorrow night. I can't believe Halloween is already upon us.

4. I have been thinking a lot about Christmas. I really would like to make gifts for everyone on my list, but in order to do that and enjoy December, I need to start thinking about it now. I have a couple in progress, but I'm still searching for ideas. Are any of you planning on making gifts this year?

5.


Speaking of projects. I finally picked a non discreet door frame and measured my girls. I've been wanting to have a growth chart for years and have just never gotten around to it. When I was growing up my aunt&uncle used the entrance to their kitchen as their growth chart so I figured if they can do it on the wall so could I. It doesn't have to be anything special it just needs exist. I'm not sure how often I will do it, but I am hoping to fill it up as the years go buy. I even want to include my nieces and nephews. My siblings and I are still on my aunts wall and I love it. I made sure to do it on the door frame so if we ever move I can take it off the wall.

I found her like this

collapsed on the floor in tears all because of school picture day.

And so it begins.

back to school

We've successfully made it through our first day of school. Bella and Tess started today and as far as my girls were concerned it was five days too late. Since back to school night, last Wednesday, they have been chopping at the bit to get back to school so needless to say I think Sunday night was a sleepless night for the two of them.



For someone who claims to like taking pictures I sure do a lousy job at remembering my camera. It wasn't until we were on the school grounds and I saw other mom's taking pictures that it occurred to me I should have brought my camera. I guess I was just trying to get everyone out of the house and it slipped my mind. Thank goodness I had my phone on me and was able to capture the event after all.

I don't usually go into the school with them so it was a treat for me this year to send them off this way. Once I was there I realized how much I've missed these last 2 years having them go with our carpool instead of taking them myself. It was fun to see my girls meet up with their friends (some they hadn't seen the entire summer) giggling and laughing as they waited for the bell to ring, all of them excited to get into their classrooms and start the day. One thing I hadn't anticipated, but was thrilled to see was how much Bella and Tess loved going to school together. They couldn't wait to look for each other during the day and meet up after school to talk about their day.

I'm glad I decided to see them off at the door because it felt like such a significant event. Two kids gone all day seems so unbelievable to me. I remember thinking about this years ago, wondering what it would feel like. Strangely enough it feels natural, like it was meant to happen this way. I am more excited for the adventures they will have this year than sad at missing them. It is a part of life and childhood to have them gone and it will definitely make the times we are together after school and in the evenings that much more meaningful. Plus let's not forget I will have Megan here with me to keep me company. I think in two years when they are all gone I may feel differently, but then again you never know, it may feel as natural as it does today.

Do you feel sad when your kids go back to school?
or Do you look forward to the day?

Megan's spring sing

I found myself sitting in the audience Wednesday night with my camera and nikon ready to get photos and videos when I realized I didn't have my CF card with me. Not the first time this has happened so I'm shocked it could happen again. What's wrong with me? Argh! Anyway, I'm glad it wasn't a bigger deal, I mean I know photos in these situations are never the best, but I still want them. Oh well, at least I was able to get some video of her because really that is where the magic is.





It's so funny to watch this age sing and perform. They aren't really singing, it's more like they're yelling at the top of their lungs. If I didn't get such a kick out of watching her perform I may have noticed my ever growing headache. It was so loud, and now you know, but of course how could I not enjoy watching her.

So now I just have one more, Bella's on the 14th, and this time hopefully I will be prepared.