Well, it was about time...

Avery finally lost her 1st tooth. Boy, was she excited. She was walking on cloud nine. Delighted. Jumping (literally) with happiness. She has always had a big beautiful smile, she still does...but, now it's a bit wiggly and crooked. Her 2nd bottom tooth is hanging by a thread (I don't like this look) Her top tooth is so loose that it is sticking out, as if the permanent tooth is pushing it. I do happen to love this phase in a child's life, though. A big beautiful smile with missing teeth and happiness in the air. Joy is written all over her face.

You can see it in her eyes

Avery loves her big sister. It is obvious to all that know her. The way she looks up to Ellie will melt your heart. Sisters. Avery watches her every move. Not a gesture, joke, or attitude goes unnoticed by this little one. It's a sincere form of flattery as Avery imitates it all. She adores her big sister and you can see it in her eyes. Those baby blues sparkle at the mere mention of her name. I never knew admiration could run so deep.

Ellie's number one fan is Avery. After dinner the girls often put on mini dance performances for us. Avery gladly takes 2nd place in honor of Ellie being front and center. Last week, Ellie had a dance concert ( half time show at the high school) Sitting on the stands watching the show Avery said, " I knew Ellie would be good but, I didn't know she would be the best dancer in the show!"

And there you have it...Ellie," best in show".

Who doesn't love it...

Do you remember singing into your hairbrush when you were 10.

Apparently, the lampstand is the new "hairbrush."
break out the microphone...the stand is to confining. Tonight, Ellie invited me into her room to watch a performance. She would sing 6 Taylor Swift songs and I would pay her 1.00 admission. She had practiced every song and memorized the words. She sang with her heart out. And, even came up with a signature "twang" to her voice. She was thrilled to perform, (after the first few moments of silliness) and put on quite a show. She didn't even mind me grabbing my camera, make that... her camera. Mine was out of batteries (hate it when that happens.) Who doesn't love moments like this.

New Year, new blog

Let your light shine this year.

Have a bright year.

Holiday highlights

We love December in all it's crazy glory. I was determined to not let this month get by without a wrap up blog post. Bear with me...it's better late than never.

Let the month of celebrations and activities begin...

Kindergarten is such a joy. The middle of the month was "gingerbread time." I joined Avery and the entire kindergarten in making a gingerbread home. Tempting to not eat the candy but Avery held out and built a beautiful home.

Avery was invited to ring the bell for salvation army in the middle of December.

With no sunshine overhead and icy cold temperatures, Avery set out to ring the bell with the finest intent. She and her friend, Alexis were very shy but serious in their bell ringing. I don't actually know how much money they raised (they stood out for 20 min) but, I am quite there has been anyone cuter collecting money.

Brrr......this winter has been dreadfully cold and icy. We have been bombarded with 3 feet of snow and even higher drifts. School has already been canceled 6 days. Yes, 6 total days SO FAR. I can't imagine playing in the snow these days, but if Jeff is out shoveling the kids will still want to go. Here is Zach after some time shoveling the brutal icy snow. Can you notice the ice on the trees. You might think, oh how pretty, I say YUCK
My birthday lunch was fabulous. Friends gathered to celebrate and chat with one another. Everyone was so kind and I was treated to many wonderful birthday gifts. Thank you ladies.

Christmas morning

Christmas morning brings lots of smiles and bright happy faces. Lucky for us we didn't start opening until 7:00 and enjoyed every minute...well, every hour of the "opening" Avery will stop and play with each new item. Ellie is loud and happy. Zachary just can't wait till the next gift. That's the way it goes. Santa surprised the kids this year. I have to say they were really good and Santa must of noticed. We were happy to have grandma and grandpa at our home and excited to have gigi and papa join us on News Years Eve. Thanks to our parents for making our holiday so special.

Pinkalicious delicious birthday party

Every year, I promise to slow down during December. Everybody does, right?

It never fails, I am in over my head. Here, my "craziness" starts with Avery's "pinkalicious" birthday.

We had such a fun time at the dance studio. Her instructor ran the show. I loved it, especially since I had had just painted and redecorated her room all day. I was exhausted. First, they danced. She taught the girls a dance to Miley Cyrus. Ah, wish you could see them get their groove on. Precious. Then she played group games with the kids. Musical chairs etc. They giggled till they fell over. Next up, pizza, cupcakes, and presents. The cupcakes were "pinkalicious" delicious. And, darn cute too (I had them made with edible glitter covering the top.) Avery is a wonderful hostess....she was sincerely thankful for each gift and friend.

After the structure and control we let the kids run wild through the studio in their stocking feet. This was their favorite part of the night. Remember that for future parties. No matter all your planning, attention to detail, creative games....the kids will always love the few minutes of unstructured time better than the rest. Ha. And, since that wild time was the end at the end of the party, when the parents came to pick up their child...no one wanted to leave. Lots of pouting kids walking out the door. I'm glad they all had such a good time. And, I was extra glad to have no clean up!

Thanks to Fluidity dance, this was a very easy and totally fun party.

It must of been Thanksgiving

This is what I saw.

Family time. Lots of family time. Playing. Singing. Sleeping. Games. Movies. Food. More food. Children being grateful. We celebrated the holiday exactly as I had planned.

Just being together and enjoying the company. Thanks to Gigi and Papa for celebrating with us
I consider myself blessed. I am purely, absolutely and totally grateful for my life. My husband, my love, is my best friend. I am lucky. My family is my life. My children bring me more joy. They smile, hug, and laugh everyday. Happy. The gospel of Jesus Christ is my stability and strength. Blessed.

But, it's the little things" in my life which bring me the most happiness this Thanksgiving.

Ellie's growing confidence, the kindness of Zach's friend-Ian, the dramatic side of Avery, Zach's love of cologne and clothes, his tutor, Avery's obedience, Ellie's nurturing nature, Avery's conversations Zach's innocence. a new 'chore' chart, reading recovery program, FHE and participation from everyone, emails from Jeff, Little Sally Walker (because its sure to get everyone laughing) morning prayers and routine, this school year, Jeff's patience, Ellie's grades, a budget, Zach's much improved handwriting, Avery reading, my quiet time in the a.m, even when Zach turns it into "our" quiet time. A forgiving and understanding husband, Zach's aide: Ms Flower, Jeff's phone calls during the day"just to say Hi", having my prayers answered, volunteering in Eby's and Devoe's classroom each week, plans for a big vacation this year, Jeff's job, preparing for middle school, friends, dinner together, no snow in November, my soon to be new sister in law; Kat, family sing-a-longs, and snuggling on a lazy Saturday morning.

A big, happy birthday wish to my mom and Avery. I'm glad we had a double celebration for two of my favorite people.

Oh happy day!

This is why I love fall.