My Baby is All Grown Up (and saving China!)

Kate started Kindergarten today. Yes, I am the mother of a kindergartener. I am that old. When did she grow up? I could swear it was just yesterday she looked like this:

I feel like Mushu at the end of Mulan. When he says, "My baby is all grown up and saving China!" But really, where did the time go? Kate was so excited to start school. She couldn't wait. She had her First-Day-of-School outfit picked out weeks in advance. We went shopping and picked out her binder and pencil box. She got to meet her teacher at an open house almost 2 weeks ago. She was super excited that she shares 2 names with her teacher. Not only is her teacher's name Mrs. SMITH, but they have the same middle name as well. Kate couldn't have been more excited. She was ready.

Then, Rob took her shopping earlier this week to pick out her backpack. She was so excited to come home and show me. She was so proud of herself. She was so ready.

We got ready. She told me how she wanted her hair.

She put on her backpack. She was ready.

We took a few pictures at home, and then a few more in front of the school.

And another just outside her classroom. She was so ready.

She went in and hung her backpack on her hook.

She found her seat, saw a few friends, and sat down.

Then she got back up, gave me a hug, and told me she'd miss me.

She was ready.
She started working with the wooden counting blocks.

That was my cue to leave.

She was ready.

I know she will do so well, and she will make new friends. She'll learn so much.

I'm just not sure I'm ready to let her go.

A Letter to My Kate

In my hopes of getting caught up on scrapbooks for the girls, I've decided to start making books (on blurb) for each year of their life. It just so happens, that I've started Kate's first book just as she is starting kindergarten. For the book, I wrote her a letter with some advice from me. It may be a few years, okay a few decades, down the road before she appreciates this advice, but hopefully some day she will appreciate it.

Kate,

My goal is for you to have a book of each year of your life. By doing this, I hope for two things. One, that you will know where you come from, and two, that you will know just how much you are loved.

I remember the day you were born. You were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I was so happy, and yet at the same time, I was scared. Here was a precious baby our Heavenly Father had entrusted to my care. You depended on me to take care of you and to keep you safe. That was pretty easy for the first little while, but then you started growing, and you began to explore the world on your own. I was no longer "in charge" of all you were exposed to. Have I taught you well enough that when the world knocks you down you will be strong enough to stand on your own? These are the things I worry about each and every day.

So, here is my advice to you.

If you make mistakes, and you will, don't be afraid to admit them. Just make sure you learn something from them. Be kind. Treat others how you would like to be treated. Hold the door open for someone following you. Always say please and thank you. Don't be afraid to stand up for something you know is right. Remember who you are. You are a daughter of God. Laugh often. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. Don't let anyone break your heart twice. Be determined. Read a lot. Send thank you notes. Always stand up for yourself. People can only treat you badly if you let them. Don't gossip. If you won't say it to their face, don't say it behind their back. Find somrthing you love and do it well. Don't be afraid to be smart. Listen to your parents and your grandparents, they love you more than you'll ever know. Smile. Don't give up. Stand up for what you believe in. Pray. It works. Be polite. Take care of your friends. Be a shoulder to cry on and provide a listening ear. Don't be judgemental. Looks can be deceiving. Be yourself. Some people may not like you, but it's okay. They won't know what they're missing out on. Appologize if you hurt someone's feelings. Listen to your heart. There is nothing you cannot change or correct if you have the will to fight for what you want. Your future is defined by your choices, not by the chances, you take in life. And most importantly, never settle for less than what you know you are worth.

All my love,
Mom

Help Us Help Them

Hello Readers,

I'd like to introduce you to Randy and Tracy. Randy, Rob's identical twin, and his wife Tracy
have recently decided to adopt a child. After several years of trying to have children on their own with no success, they have decided that adoption is the route for them.

What can I say about Randy and Tracy? They will make AMAZING parents! Randy loves anything to do with the out-of-doors, as does Tracy. Randy loves rockclimbing, snow kiting, hugemogous kite flying, ect. Tracy has so many talents! She is a beautiful piano player, and has an amazingly angelic voice too. They have started a website to aid them in their search for a birth-mother and baby. Their website is http://www.blessuswithababy.com/.

This is how Tracy describes Randy (on the site):

We often like to joke that the reason Randy and I were meant for each other was because I was the only girl that could keep up with him! He’s never been one to sit still for very long. Randy loves to be active, especially outdoors. Just to give you an idea of how adventurous he’s always been, Randy’s mom once found him and his identical twin brother on the roof of their house. They weren’t even 2 years old at the time! Randy is one who excels at anything he tries and gives his best in everything he does. He’s very innovative and loves to design and build things, like finishing the walkout basement of our home and building raised beds in our backyard for a vegetable garden. Others often depend upon him for his handyman or computer skills.

Randy is very dedicated to supporting his family, serving God and others, and making his wife happy :o). When he does find a little time for himself, some of the things he enjoys doing are snowboarding, playing tennis, volleyball or ultimate Frisbee; flying his gigantic para-foil kite or his R.C. airplanes at the park, and teasing me or our cat, Indiana, every chance he gets. What I love most about Randy is his ability to make me laugh at any given moment, no matter what mood I’m in. He is a great example of patience, selflessness and unconditional love.

We love spending time with family. We’ve been fortunate to live close to many of Randy’s family and get together with them regularly. Our nieces and nephews ADORE Randy (as do all children for that matter), and more often than not you can find him either climbing a tree, playing hide and go seek, or wrestling with them. He much prefers this to sitting and socializing with the adults. He can’t wait for the day when he can play with his own children. So often people comment on what a wonderful father Randy will be.



And this is how Randy describes Tracy (on the site as well):

Tracy’s parents always referred to her as their little firecracker; partly due to her being born on the fourth of July but mostly because of her beautiful red hair. As for me, the firecracker name comes from her being a little saucy (if you know what I mean). Tracy is absolutely hilarious, a hoot to be around, a great wife, and I know she will be an even better mother when given the opportunity (more on that later).

Tracy is a great cook, plays the piano beautifully, can sing like an angel, but as can be seen from her photos Tracy’s instant attraction is her beauty. Another aspect that immediately attracted me was her athleticism. If you are lucky enough to win when playing anything with Tracy (including board games) it’s not because she lets you; she has a competitive edge to be reckoned with. Even with her competitive nature she loves team sports like volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and others because of the friendship with her teammates. Tracy is a bit of a social butterfly with her friends and loves good company.

Speaking of good company, when with her family Tracy loves nothing more than to sit and socialize with her siblings and parents. As an outside observer I can tell you it is difficult to compete with the conversation and wit produced by Tracy’s family. They are a very close family and love to be together, I know it has been hard for her to live away from them. It turns out that Tracy and I are both from families with seven kids and we would love to have a large family also.

Tracy will make a great mother with a steady hand to teach our family the most important things in life. I know this because I have seen Tracy interact with children and with her family. The example of Tracy’s mother in raising their family is invaluable experience for any future mother; both Tracy and her mother are astounding people. Tracy is kind, loving, and as I mentioned before, a pleasure to be with. She and I are deeply rooted in our faith and will teach and raise our family the best we know how.


So if you know of anyone who is giving a child up for adoption, please remember Randy and Tracy. Seriously! They will be such WONDERFUL parents!

For further info, please refer to their website: http://www.blessuswithababy.com/

"Short Hair to HERE!"

My neghibor was cutting hair today, and was kind enough to cut Kate's for me. Thanks Heather! We were just going to trim it up, but Kate told me she wanted

"short hair to HERE" (her chin). So I gave in and let her go short!

The back.

Side.

I think she likes it!

The Package

Since my Mom and Dad haven't come out this summer, and might not be able to, Mom sent a package for the kiddos. It came to our house, but since it had stuff for Blake and Sara too, we had to wait to open it until they could come over. The girls were in AGONY seeing the package on the counter, and not being able to open it!



The Washtingtons came over for dinner on Sunday evening, and then FINALLY the kids could open the package. Thank heavens!

The girlies loved their dresses.

Blake got swimmin' trunks.


All the grandkids (minus Baby Boston).

Then all the kids, including Rob, had fun throwing Blake's suction cup balls on the walls, fireplace, and ceiling fan. Once it was attached to the fan, Kate would run over and turn the fan on full blast and we would all wait and watch it fall off and bounce off walls. Needless to say the kids were bouncing off the walls too!

Then the kids started this:

I think they were having a little fun!

Thank you Bama and Papa for the candy, pens, suction cup balls, dresses, and swimmin' trunks. The kids loved it all!

Indiana, Take 3

While we were in Indiana, we also got to visit with a lot of people we don't get to see very often. This is my Uncle Tim with me and the girlies. He and Bobby brought books for the girls, which was so nice of them. Kate's was a collection of Princess Stories, and Andie's was a collection of Sesame Street stories. We've read almost every story in both books since then. Thanks Tim and Bobby!





I also got to spend time with some of my friends from high school. This is one of my besties, Cheryl. I also got to meet her boyfriend, who seems like a really nice guy. Cheryl and I took the kiddos to the park one morning.


It was kind of cold, so I made the kids wear their coats.





After the park, we went out to lunch, and went on a drive through the country. I miss how green it is in Indiana!

I also got to visit with my another one of my best friens, Noelle. Noelle moved to B-town when I was a Junior, and we became fast friends. So, it was good to catch up with her. I hadn't seen her in almost 3 years.

The girls had a blast at Bama and Papa's house. We went to the park several times, we went on walks, we blew lots and lots of bubbles, and had so much fun.

We also did a lot of this:

Kate told me the other day, "Bama tells stories the best!"

I love to see my girls reading stories with Bama.

We love you and miss you lots Bama and Papa!

Thanks for letting us come visit!

Great Grandma and The Children's Museum

One night the girls and I headed up to my Grandma's house in Indianapolis. There, we enjoyed a delicious dinner of corn on the cob, green beans, and steak for me and Grandma Francis, and chicken nuggets for the girls. They had so much fun exploring her house and looking at all the porcelain dolls she collects. After dinner, the girls colored in coloring books, and played with some toys (that I remember playing with as a kid). Grandma Francis painted their nails. Then we got in jammies and the girls decided they wanted to decorate the box the toys were in.

Isn't it amazing how much fun kids can have with a box?!?

They spent at least an hour decorating and playing in the box.

I think we need more boxes at out house!

In the morning, we had breakfast, got ready, and met my mom at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. The museum is awesome, and brought back lots of memories from my childhood. It was fun to experience some of the same things with my own kids. We listened to a story about a train, making choo-choo sounds and all.

Kate trying her hand at making blown "glass" art.

Andie's turn!

Meeting the Princess of the Lego Kingdom. Andie wouldn't go near her!

The dinosaur guarding the treasure. (Made completely out of legos.) Kate was sad she couldn't take any gold for herself.

Kate modeling the foam jousting horses.

Sailing a boat down the "river."

Rock climbing.

(Rob would have been so proud to see how quickly his youngest scaled this wall!)

Kate made me a delicious slice of pizza in the deli.

Playing at the sand table.

So excited to finally "catch" a fish.

It was really interesting to see more of Andie's personality come out on this trip (especially at the Children's Museum). She and Kate are SO different. Kate was like a humming bird, she would spend 2 minutes looking at or playing with something before she flitted onto the next bigger and better display. Andie takes her time with things. She would play with one thing/display for 20 to 30 minutes, or until she mastered the skill (ie. fishing). I felt like I was only taking pictures of Andie because Kate was way to fast, and I could never capture her actually playing. Mom and I spent the day split up between the kids. She'd go with Kate while I was with Andie, or I'd be with Kate while she was with Andie.

Andie played with the train table for about a half hour. At first she had the whold table to herself, and she was in heaven! But when another kid wanted to play, and she had to share the trains and the table, she wasn't so happy!

(This is why we got her a train set for her birthday, and she has played with it almost everyday since! Gerb, I think we need to get her and Hubba together!)

The girls also got to ride the Carousel in the Museum. Kate was so upset that she had to ride on one of the stationary horses, that we had to ride it twice so she could ride an "up and down" one. Demanding little thing!

Kate happy to be riding an "up and down" horse.

The girls had so much fun at the Children's Museum. They were both conked out in their carseats before we got out of the parking garage! And mom got to drive home in peace and quiet...a rare thing around here!