Being a Child Again....

I was just thinking tonight what a true blessing it is how God designed the circle of life and the amazing blessing he gives us by giving us our children (or child). I know that this is not anything new to any of you Mom's, but you know sometimes God reminds us of this in the business of everyday life just when we need it most and I guess today is one of those reminder days for me. I was struggling with having to leave at bed time to go to Paiyton's school for a volunteer training class. I had put the girls to bed and Tim's Mom was going to be here to stay with them. Well, it did not go as planned and I had two crying children wanting Mommy and I had to leave and let Grandma finish bed times. I felt HORRIBLE and as I pondered that I was reminded how wonderful it is to have the love, fun, excitement, play time, silly time, all the firsts, even the difficult times with my girls. How wonderful it is that God gave them to me to bring him praise and joy but at the same time to bring me such wonderful joy in a world that has tons of heart ache and disappointments. Part of it is like he is giving us another childhood (but with a lot more responsibility), if that makes any sense....I am thinking out load. I am so thankful and honored that God thought so much of me to die for me but to than also bestow such wonderful blessings of children!! These were just my reminders and thoughts today.

Day Four......

This is the picture of Tim and the girls on day Four of Kindergarten. Tim came back home unexpectedly for a week and was so glad to at least be part of the first week of school with Paiyton. She was soooooo happy that Daddy was here to take her to school too.

on a side note Emmah's binky is now HISTORY praise God..........finaly.....whoohoo. Paiyton did not have hers any where near as long as Emmah...thank goodness. This was one of those things that you feel like your the worst Mom, because she had it till 2 yrs old. Looking back I don't know where I went wrong with the binky thing with her).

Look With Your Eyes Mommy.....

There are no pictures for this post, I just wanted to post it to remember and put it in Paiyton's Scrapbook. We were in the "Great Indoors" store a couple weeks ago and was just looking around. I decided I would pick up a frame on one of the shelves to check it out and when I did one of the other items started to fall over. I placed them back up-right and started to move on when Paiyton says to me "Mommy your suppose to look with your eyes not with your hands"...."I told her she was so right and thank you for reminding me of that Paiyton".....too funny. I say this to the girls all the time before entering stores. Well, at least I know she is hearing what I am saying to her. A side note, she was very good and not touching anything just as Mommy told her before entering the store. (Emmah was following directions very well too.)

Loved the First Day of Kindergarten!

< It was an early morning for Paiyton but she didn't mind at all. She was so excited to be going to school. We all had breakfast together and talked about school. Grandma was on vacation this week so she was there to tell Paiyton to have a great first day as well. When it was time to leave I set her back pack down for her and she said to me "Mommy did you put my hanitizer (hand sanitizer) in my pack pack (back pack)?" without laughing out loud I said yes my sweet girl I did. (I have rubbed off on her with the germ precautions obviously.) Then she proceeded with wanting to go down the list of other items to be sure they were in her pack pack.....I love it! Posing with her can that she decorated for school! Emmah wanted to pose for a picture with Sissy. I love these little apple socks..... apple was the theme of the first school outfit, it was also on her pony tail band that you can't see! I know, I know not very practical but oh so cute. I have to say I was doing well and held my composure until I stepped out of the class room to leave than tears started a bit. Though she is growing up and starting this new phase I can't wait to share each New thing with her this year. I am so very proud of Paiyton and happy for her. She did such a great job today. Than as I walked down the hall I was reading this Poem that Mrs. Neumeyer gave to each Mom this morning with a baggy attached that had a travel pack of tissues and some candy in it. It was so sweet and nice. I LOVE that Mrs. Neumeyer is Paiyton's teacher, what a Blessing.

Mrs. Neumeyer's Poem

I gave you a little wink and smile As you entered my room today. For I know how hard it is to leave And know your child must stay. You've been with her for five years now And have been a loving guide. But now, alas, the time has come To leave her at my side. Just know that as you drive away And tears down your cheeks may flow I'll love her as I would my own And help her learn and grow. For as a parent, I too know How quickly the years do pass. One day a while ago, it was my turn To take my child to class. So please put your mind at ease And cry those tears no more For I will lover her and take her in When you leave her at my door.

Love, Mrs. Neumeyer

Does this poem pull your heart strings even more or what? But at the same time it gave such reassurance and peace with leaving Paiyton on her first day of school.

My sweet girl LOVED Kindergarten. When I picked her up the first thing she said was "Mom I need a PACK PACK with wheels...this one is to heaby (heavy)" I said oh really she said yes really. It was too funny and cute all at the same time. Obviously she had seen someone else with one that had wheels that morning.

Grandma and Aunt Mary were waiting when we came back from school. Paiyton was very excited to tell them all about it.

WHAT A FABULOUS DAY!

Catch them all....

Hey all, sorry there are so many New post's at once. There will be a day I am posting when it is happening like the rest of you! The first day of school post is coming!

School thoughts......

I am not sure who knows this but God provided a way for Tim and I to be able to send Paiyton to a Private school this year. I had checked into it back in May when we were here in Michigan and than we had prayed about it all summer long. We had actually enrolled her in the Public schools. We felt God guiding us straight to St. Stephen School though. St. Stephen is here in Waterford where I grew up and has been open for 28 years. St. Stephen's is in one of the Public Waterford School buildings that they purchased from Waterford District many years ago. The other FUN thing is that I attended there when it was public schools for Kindergarten through 2ND grade. Paiyton's Class Room was also my Class Room for Kindergarten class. The first time we visited her class a flood of memories came rushing back. This was fun for me to tell Paiyton about my time in the same class room, and she thought that it was neet that Mommy went to school in her class room too, she said to me "Mommy you were little like me and went to school?" and "Mrs. Neumeyer was your teacher?" it is fun to listen to Paiyton and how she is taking in what your saying on the "little" level. I love it!

Gettin Ready for Kindergarten....

Paiyton is sooooo... excited to start Kindergarten, as you can see by this first picture. She has been preparing for it all week. She said to me in the car this week "Mom you have to drive me to school and let me out to walk in all by myself". I told her for the first couple weeks I will walk her to class and than Mrs. Neumeyer (her teacher)wanted her to start walking down the hall to class on her own. She said OK Mommy. Honestly I was glad she was ready and willing but also sad that my little Chickie didn't want Mommy to walk her to class all year...ha....ha. She is growing and changing so much this year, just as I get used to one change she's changing again. I know that's all part of being Mom and watching your children grow and I am so HAPPY and EXCITED for Paiyton as she moves into this next phase of life with Kindergarten. I pray that God protects and guides her and that her heart's desire is to always want to please God.

I was talking to Paiyton about Kindergarten starting the next morning and this was her response....a great big HURRAY in the bath tub! We had a visit with her New Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Neumeyer. This visit was a individual time the week before school started in her class room at the school. She loved that she could see her room and check out what there was in there. Her Favorite part after that visit was the Purple Bathroom that is just for the kindergarten girls connected to their class room, oh and the play horse's in the toy bin. She wanted to stay that night. She was asked by Mrs. Neumeyer to decorate a large coffee can that would hold all of her essentials, crayons, glue, scissors, pencils etc. The Friday before school started we had a Mommy and Paiyton night out. It was her choice where to go for dinner, she chose Chili's. So we had a great dinner together and talked about school. Than I surprised her and took her to a Scrapbook store to choose what paper and things to decorate her coffee can for school. She loved this.....she found lots so we narrowed it down to her favorites. Then we did a little Uniform shopping at Target and Kohl's to prepare for the first big week. We had a great time. It was just as nice for me to have some one on one time with Paiyton as it was for her, in the midst of so much change this year. I am so proud of My little Chickie!

Paiyton and her decorated can she did for school....it has three pictures on it that she wanted. 1. Her and sissy, 2. Her and Daddy, 3. her and Mommy. She loved doing this can and decorating it just the way she wanted, which was princess's of coarse.

Paiyton was getting all tucked in the night before the first day of school and being as silly as could be....we were both laughing hysterically. One of the things she said to me that night as I was hugging her was "Mommy I am hugging you so tight so your head pops off" Where do they come up with these? We had lots of fun that night preparing for the First day of school.

Paiyton's Birthday Week...

This has been a busy time with just getting back in Michigan and Paiyton's 5th Birthday and only two weeks before School starts Yikes!

Paiyton wanted this cake and it worked out that the picture I picked worked out perfect!

Paiyton with her NEW purple hello kitty lipstick on, when she kissed daddy he got some too!

It's the Big Day and officialy 5! August 31st

Filling out her "All About ME" that her teacher gave her to do before school starts. She is so excited to start school.

Paiyton wanted to bake some cup cakes for her Birthday today and here she is frosting them. She is getting so Big!

Emmah enjoying the fruits of Paiyton's Birthday Labor...this is too funny...no the frosting isn't rubber...the New Camera is so fast that it caught the frosting this way.

Happy Birthday Paiyton!

Happy 5th Birthday My Sweet Little Lady!

Our Sweet Baby 8 hours after Birth!

My Sweet Happy Baby....3 months old 12-2003

I loved this little Hat! Five years ago August 31st our sweet little lady was born. It was the BEST day of our lives (besides the day we married). Tim was working as an Active Duty Recruiter with the Navy and I was working For Daimler Chrysler in my 10Th year in the Automotive Industry as an Executive Sales Assistant (not all with Daimler though). When we found out that we were going to have a baby we both said at the same time how wonderful it would be to have a little girl. It wasn't just four weeks later that I was praying one night for the Baby (Paiyton)as I was laying in bed and it seemed as clear as if he was standing next to me I heard God whispering this is a daughter that I am giving you. I was in tearful thanksgiving for a while that night for his abundant blessings. I don't know how to explain it but from that night I KNEW it was a girl, I never questioned it again. From that night I also always called her my "little Chickie", which now I have Two little Chickie's. I had a wonderful pregnancy, I LOVE being pregnant, my pregnancies are easy. When we went for our ultrasound at 18 weeks Tim said to me are we going to find out the sex? I said sure, but I already know it is a girl. I think he thought I was a bit crazy or had lost some major brain cells because I had been saying girl from the time I had prayed that night in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Well, sure enough they said girl that day. I entire week before Paiyton arrived. I had been having contractions all week (but didn't know that's what they were), and was retaining some major water. It took all within me to go to work everyday. I had to put my feet up under my desk practically all day, my feet and ankles were so swollen. At Daimler Chrysler Headquarters I had to walk a long ways each day in and out and to get any where for that matter (the building and grounds are huge). That whole week I prayed Lord please do not let me go into labor during a work day or in the parking structure. I would pray please let her come at night. Well, he sure answered that prayer that Saturday night. August 30, 2003 Tim and I had spent the morning running around town getting last minute baby items, groceries etc. Than that afternoon was our niece Jessica's Birthday Party. We were on the go and on my feet all day. That night I was doing laundry and getting baby items put away when I said to my self I really don't feel well. I looked at the clock and realized it was 11pm. I told Tim I was going to take a hot bath and go to bed. While in the tub the contractions started and were progressively getting worse. I called Tim into the bathroom and asked him to time the pains I was having, I still wasn't convinced that I was having contractions. Well, they were 3 to 5 minutes apart. He said to me are you in Labor? I said I don't know I have never done this before. He helped me out of the Tub and into the bed while doing so he told me we needed to call the Dr. I said no I don't think I am in labor than it all of sudden they were two minutes part, so I called my sister (who had birthed two children). I explained how I felt when having a contraction and she said you need to get to the hospital that baby is coming. So we called the Dr. and he said "I don't think your in labor but come in anyway". After the Dr. saying come on in as a precaution I had to tell Tim item by item what to put in a hospital bag, I had not packed one yet. We arrived at the hospital at 1:30 am and at that point they said I was 4 centimeters and they were admitting me. I was still saying no I am not in Labor, I can't be yet, I wanted to work for at least 3 more weeks (crazy I know). So after the remainder of the night being very intense contractions every two minutes we were pushing at 5am and at 7:03am my sweet little lady was born, 7lbs .05oz and 21inches long. Beginning to end was 8 hours (pushing for 2 of those hours). But Paiyton was so worth it. Tim and I cried together as I held the most Beautiful baby girl in my arms. She was just wonderful and perfect.

The last five years have been so wonderful watching our Sweet girl Paiyton grow. God knew exactly what he was doing and the peace and comfort that came when we had her is indescribable. Paiyton you have turned five! I can't believe it. I am just over come with lots of emotions. I think back to the day you were born and how excited and absolutely taken Daddy and I were with you. We stared at you for weeks, we were amazed that God had used us to create such a beautiful little baby girl. We used to try to race each other to getting you from naps to hold you and cuddle with you and kiss your cottony little cheeks (which you still have, I LOVE to kiss your cheeks).

1st Time at Busch Gardens, 2 years old I love to watch you explore and grow. This last spring with your pure determination you taught yourself how to ride a bike. Daddy and I helped a little but you stayed focused for hours on end and conquered it and when you did Daddy and I were there to cheer and clap and give hugs and kiss'. I love this about you my little Lady, your focus and determination but yet your playful and excitingly funny. The things you are interested in these days are riding your bike as fast as you can, playing soccer and going to Ballet and Tap class'. You LOVE the beach so very much, you turned into our little beach baby over the last three years in Va Beach. You love doing crafts with Mommy and Emmah. You love to play horse with Daddy on his back. You love people and you have such a tender heart for others and loving them. I love that about you. You are free spirited but at the same time cautious. You are always thinking and you have such a memory, it amazes Daddy and I all the time how far back you remember things and places. You are so great with your sissy and play well with her. You two are two little peas in a pod. I love that you love your sissy so much. You two can't go to bed at night without giving each other hugs and kisses' and saying "I Wuv you" to each other. You love routine and can get cranky when it's not followed. You can be dramatic when you get the slightest little scrap or wound. But you always want Mommy to fix it and kiss it and than you are all better. I love that Mommy's kiss helps. You love Little Einsteins and all the Princess stuff. Your favorites are Cinderella and "Sleeping Deuty". You LOVE to Dress up and constantly be changing your outfits, shoes and purses. Oh, my little girly girl! I have had the best five years of my life with my sweet little Best Friend. I love exploring things with you and being there for all your "firsts" and I can't wait to have many more with you and watch you blossom into the beautiful little lady you already are on the inside. You excepted Jesus last summer 2007. I had taught your VBS class and that week while I was putting you to bed one night you asked about Jesus and said you wanted him in your heart. So there in your bed that night you asked Jesus into your heart. I was so blessed to be the one to pray with you. I pray for your protection and guidance from God. I pray that you always follow the path that Christ has for you. Remember that I love you more than I could ever express and God loves you even more. I love you my Chickie! Happy 5Th Birthday Paiyton Rea!

My Man is home for an Un-expected visit....

I am so excited and happy. Tim showed up here yesterday afternoon and will be here in Michigan with us until next Saturday (13Th). The Navy delayed him going to New Orleans due to the Hurricanes and it was either drive back to Norfolk from Chattanooga or take some leave time and fly home. The girls and I are so excited to have another week with him. Paiyton and Emmah really struggled the last two weeks without him around. Please pray that this helps them and that it's not worse after he leaves this time. Tim's sister and I were already planning on going to the Steven Curtis Chapman Concert here in town last night, so Tim ended up getting to go too. It was Awesome to have another concert night with him. We put the kids to bed at 7 and left them with Grandma and headed to the concert to meet his sister (Mary). We had fun! Can you tell I LOVE THIS MAN more than I could ever express in words. Mr. Goofy, having some fun!

The Man I Love.....

There are no pictures for this post but during the last week together I surprised Tim with Tickets to see Third Day, Switchfoot and Jars of Clay at our local Amphitheater. They all three Bands do GREAT concert, but Third Day is incredible in concert. This was Tim's gift for when he finished his Degree back in the spring right before we moved. He worked so hard taking 3 to 4 classes at a time to finish before going back to a ship. I love you babe and I am so very proud of you my Sailor!

Summer Time Fun ....Continued

Here is a little more from the summer. I had to stop posting last night it was very late. I promise the First Day of school post is coming Katy! My Sweet Emmah on her Pony "Ozzy". We took the girls over to the Oceana Stables this summer. They do hour long pony rides for kids on the weekends. The girls love horses and pony's. Paiyton with her Pony. (I can't remember her pony's name right now,it will come to me.) Having some fun in the sand, they both actually let me bury them all the way this time! Our fun Craft day making Princess Crowns! July 4th at eh Ocean front for the Fireworks! We went Birdie's on one of the real hot days of 99 degrees and believe it or not we were literally the only ones there. It was fun, Tim helped the girls build a castle while I snapped pictures. These are the girls on our last beach day before leaving. they both were so tired that day as you can see with the serious looks. Tim, Emmah and Baby Kennedy. All of us just love Baby Kennedy with her chubby little cheeks. The Rasmussen's are some friends from Dance. Their 4 yr old Karly was in Paiyton's Dance class the last two years. Summer Fun with Daddy at the Park! The last night Tim was hear in Michigan we took the girls to the Build a Bear store so that they could build their own animal. Yes, this is pricey, but the reason we decided to do it was so that they had something from Daddy, done with Daddy and he placed a recorded message inside each of their animals for them to listen to while he is away. They love them and listen to them daily since he left. The other added benefit is that at a later date if you want to, you can change the recorded message to something else, which means you don't have to buy a bear again. This summer has gone by so very very fast. We enjoyed each and every bit of it though (except the moving part of coarse). We are thankful that we were able to get more time with Tim over the summer and make more family memories together. The fall is almost in full swing. We have signed Paiyton & Emmah up for dance class and for Awana's at our church here in Michigan. Mommy is signed up for MOPS and BSF at Church as well as a Leader for Awana's. This next year will I am sure go by fast!

Summer Time Fun....

Well, Since there is so much to blog about for the summer I thought I would do a all in one post with a little bit of everything. I took this picture of Paiyton Playing at one of our out door parks here in Michigan in June. Same park with Emmah, I have to say this kids play park is the best park ever. I am not just saying that because it is in Michigan either. If you could see all this play park has you wouldn't believe it. All states should build these in their cities. Back in Virginia spending some time out side in the heat, Michigan was quite cool to us. (always seems cool to us up here now since living in Va Beach). Oh my sweet little Girly Girls... they love to play dress up. We have several out fits for this and they are changing their outfits, shoes and purses every few minutes these days. (Is Girly a word? I hope so I use it all the time.) I took this picture of Paiyton jumping in the waves at one of our MANY MANY Beach days while we were back over the summer. We literally went to the Beach every week sometimes a few times in a week. We were (or I was) soaking it up while I had the chance. More Beach Days! My Little Beach Girl. Paiyton and Emmah have asked every couple days since returning up here to go to the Beach.....I have to explain to them that the Beach they want is not here, Emmah does not understand though and Paiyton says can we go back to Virginia and go home now. What would summer be without Busch Gardens in Virginia.....we made regular visits this year using our season passes as much as possible. The girls LOVE it there, they have been asking to go here too since being back in Michigan. We will be back there soon my little Chicky's! "You will never know how much it cost my generation to secure your freedom.I hope you will make good use of it." This is one of my FAVORITE quotes. Think about how true this statement is today for the people who have served and died for our country. We visited the Presidents out door Museum in Williamsburg this summer. It was fascinating. Every president is built out of stone and is enormous. They place a "Fact" sign with each one so that you can read the complete history of each one. We highly recommend going, as long as you like history that is. So now for some trivia......Which president is in this Picture with Paiyton and Emmah? This was one of our visits to York Town. We decided at the last minute one night to go over to have dinner on the water and enjoy some walking around. Of coarse it is not complete without getting Ben and Jerry's Ice cream. We ended up getting to have more family fun with their "Shagging in the Park" night. It was so much fun to watch people dance and to dance and have fun with the girls. We did not get back to Va Beach till 12:30a.m. that night. It was well worth the late night. This was another great night of bowling. Paiyton LOVES to bowl and would do it every day if you let her, like many other things...ha..ha. Both girls had been such troopers that afternoon getting their vaccines at the Dr's. As you can see by the band aides on Paiyton's arm. Poor Paiyton had to get 4 shots to be up to date for school and Emmah had to get 2 shots. I told them that once Daddy got home we would go bowling that night since they were so great at the Dr's.