What a Difference a School Year Makes...

And just like that the school year was over, and the girls were no longer in the "ones," but now "twos!" This is so cliche, but it floors me how fast time goes by and how much they grow up in just a school year. I remember their first day at WDS (in the cribs class) and thinking they were so "big" at almost-8 months old. And now they will be in the "twos" class, which mean they will turn 3 during the next school year. I. Just. Can't. Take. It. They are growing up before our eyes and it's beautiful, amazing, a huge blessing, but also brings this mama to tears. I truly feel like these crazy days are the best days of my life and that I'll look back fondly on them for the rest of my life. Oh, how these sweet girls have changed my life for the better!

Although they aren't quite 2.5 yet, I wanted to document some fun things about them. I feel like so much has changed since they turned 2!


Annabelle Jane -- you are a firecracker! I think I've written that before. ;) You know what you want and are all about figuring out how to get it. You are such a logical thinker and like to figure out how things work. You speak totally in phrases and sentences and remember everything. Just last week you were talking about going to Grandma's house and said you wanted to go on the boat and wear your blue life jacket. You've only done that one time and it was a month ago, but you remembered! You want to do everything we do -- wash dishes, sweep, drive cars, wear sunglasses, drink from a regular cup with a straw, etc. You are so independent and are just fine playing by yourself. You love to climb over and under, jump, sing, read and cuddle with mommy when you are tired or sick. You rarely sit still and love to be outside. You love your sister and EV. They are your best friends! You love routine and remind us if we've forgotten to do something (like at bedtime--it's TWO books and we have to single Twinkle, Twinkle). In the mornings, you want to get dressed and go. You really had a fun school year and love to talk about your friends Sam, Millie, Hayden, Lindsey, Riley, and Jordan. You have the most infectious smile and we just love you to pieces! You can recognize and pick out the numbers 1-10, count to 20, say your ABC's, and pick out some letters. You know all of your colors and shapes love to sing songs that have motions (like Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes). You are such a delight and we can't get enough of you!!

Ashley Dianne -- you are a little mommy! You remind me so much of myself in everything that you do. You are emotional and such a lover. You love kisses, hugs and being held tight. You love your baby and take her everywhere. You are so concerned about her well being and make sure she is fed, clothed, and happy. You love jewelry and to build with blocks (polar opposites, I know)! I can tell that you are always watching me, because if your sister falls or something and I ask how she is feeling you do the same to your baby. You are as sweet as sugar! You love playing outside and announcing that you are a "big girl" and "I do it myself." You are speaking completely in sentences and are just a little parrot. One of the funniest things is that you'll say, "Oh my goodness" and use it in the right context. I wonder who you heard that from! You are like Daddy in that you are a little grumpy when you wake up and usually need some cuddles before you are ready to face the world. You love your sister and EV -- they are your best friends! You also love Baby Will so much. You really enjoyed playing with the girls in mommy's class after school this spring and they loved you, too! School was so much fun for you and you made some great new friends, You loved your teachers and love talking about Sam, Hayden, Lindsey, Riley, Millie, and Riley. You are a little ham and have the cutest "cheese" grin. You melt our hearts with it! You love to sing and read and have recently taken over saying the bedtime prayer. You list every member of our family and talk to Jesus. It makes my heart so proud! You can almost count to 20, recognize and pick out the numbers 1-10, say your ABC's and pick out some letters. You know all of your colors and shapes. We are so proud of you! You make life so much sweeter!

Both of you love learning and love your family, We talk about everyone daily and you get so excited when you see your grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousin. You've started to really get sad when we have to leave them and I know it makes them sad, but it makes me thankful for the deep bond that you already have with them all. Your village is so mighty and you are so fortunate to be so loved!

We are so thankful for a wonderful preschool full of loving teachers that have loved and nurtured our girls this past year. I know I am forgetting lots of things, but wanted to document all that I can remember about them at this age. Two has been pretty terrific for us. Of course, our girls have their moments like all two year olds do, but we try to stay consistent and firm and pray every night for God to lead us in all areas of parenting to be just what our girls need. These girls were such an answered prayer and we are so thankful for His great plan and choosing us to be their parents. Here's to the TWOS class, sweet girls! :)

April Recap

April is usually a busy and fun month for us, and this April was no different. We kicked off the month on April 1st with Weekday School's annual Spring Party. It was at the Fort Worth Zoo, and so much fun. George and I sat at a table with some of my students' parents and had the best time. However, a strong cool front came in just before the party and it was freezing. My safari-themed sundress was a no-go, but the cold didn't spoil our fun. It was such a fun night out for both of us!

George left just a few days after the Spring Party for a work trip to the Masters. He took two customers that are more like friends and had a wonderful time. I think it's safe to say it was his favorite work trip (may trip) yet! He brought back lots of goodies (since Masters items can only be purchased at the tournament) and we were so happy to see him. He got to witness back-to-back hole in ones, which is something he'll remember forever! I think it's safe to say this will become one of his annual "work" trips!

The rest of the first week of April was spent with birthday celebrations and the JLFW Provisional Pancake Picnic. Since next year Nicole and I will be planning it, we stopped by for set-up and tried to take it all in. Later George and I came back with the girls and the loved the pancakes and fun games. This year's provisional class (and chairs) did an AMAZING job! It was fabulous!!

I turned 31 on April 8th, and George surprised me by coming home from work a couple of hours early that day and giving me some time to myself. It was so appreciated and fun not to be in a rush (or go to the grocery)! That evening, we walked up to River Crest with the girls for a sweet little birthday dinner. Saturday evening, we celebrated with a casual dinner with Rachel and then a couple of hours out with friends afterwards. It was a wonderful birthday and I am so thankful to be where I am at this point -- a wife and mom. It's all I ever wanted and He has provided. Life is sweet!

The next week, we celebrated Laura's birthday and Taylor and Matt's birthdays from afar and then the four of us headed down to Lakeway Resort on Lake Travis for George's work incentive trip. This year it was a family trip (where usually it's just employees). We weren't sure how the girls would do in a hotel room, but they were rock stars. We had so much fun! Friday evening we had dinner and they played in the room before going to bed. I stayed in the room with them and read (and retired early), while George hung out with co-workers. Saturday, it was rainy so we took them to the resort's big indoor Kid Zone and they had a blast (and took great naps). I spent a couple of hours at the spa while they napped and then we all went to George's work dinner that evening. We got back in time for a birthday dinner for Grandma and then back to business as usual.

The next week was crazy as George and I prepared to leave for a work trip (with wives) to Sonoma. The girls would stay with Grandma and Pawpaw. I always get so anxious and hate leaving the girls, but I know it's good for me to have a break and for George and I to have sometime together. I planned the entire trip for four couples and I had a lot of anxiety about everything running smoothly. We were attending Passport Weekend for the second time (first since the girls), which is a huge food and wine "festival" at each winery. You purchase a wine passport with 45-ish wineries and can go to any of them over a two-day period for tastings. Each winery has a different theme (Italian, Spanish, country club, Hollywood, New Orleans, etc.) and has food to accompany each tasting. We didn't know any of the couples (aside from George having lunch a time or two with the husbands), but we had so much fun! It was a great group and the girls had a wonderful time with Grandma and Pawpaw. What a fun weekend for everyone!

We ended the month relaxing and recovering from being gone so much and, of course, celebrating Rachel's birthday. It was fun to have Matt join us for dinner, too! April was jam-packed, but so much fun was had and memories made. The girls continued to "grow-up" before our very eyes and we love seeing their personalities blossom. We could not ask for more!!

Easter 2016

Easter is one of my all-time favorite holidays. I love what is represents for the Christian faith. I love that it is the "start"of spring. And I love that we typically have both of our families together.

This year did not disappoint! George was gone Monday - Wednesday of that week, so he had to go into the office on Good Friday. But he made it home in time for a family lunch at River Crest. It was so nice to walk in the sunshine and enjoy a leisurely lunch outside with our family. We don't get to do that often enough, so I soaked up every second. When the girls went down for nap, I went grocery shopping for the weekend. We would have my parents and Taylor here until Sunday and have George's family over on Saturday for the egg hunt at River Crest, plus Easter lunch after church at our house on Sunday. We needed a lot of groceries! My family arrived that evening and the girls were absolutely giddy to see them. They were ecstatic to see their Uncle "Tay Tay." It is amazing to me how kids just have that automatic connection with your siblings, and it's so sweet.

On Saturday, we somehow got 9 adults and 2 toddlers to River Crest by 10:30 and the girls hunted eggs! It was so special to have all of their grandparents there and Rachel and Dom and Taylor. We missed Matt, Cortney and Blaire, but knew they were having a fun time with Cortney's family. We enjoyed spending time with the Sanders at the Egg Hunt, as well as other friends. The girls loved the Petting Zoo and were perfectly content waving at the Easter Bunny but didn't necessarily want a picture with her. After the Egg Hunt, we all went to lunch before the girls took a long nap. Saturday evening, we enjoyed a late dinner with my family before retiring early since we were going to early church on Easter.

Easter Sunday was a wonderful day! This was the first year I really did Easter baskets for the girls, and they loved them! George had a tradition as a child of having the same Easter basket every year and he wanted to pass that along to the girls. I ordered them beautiful, personalized Easter baskets and placed them just outside the door (another idea from George) and they were so excited to see them Easter morning. We really don't want Easter to be about presents, so we put their swimsuits, summer sandals, a small toy for each girl, and a little bit of candy in Easter eggs. It was plenty for the girls and they were on a sugar high the rest of the day!

Church was fantastic and Reverend Mary's sermon was wonderful, as usual. She preached about how Good Friday wasn't good at all, but Easter Sunday followed it, and how we have to believe that God's plan is greater than anything we can ever imagine. This hit so close to home for me as I reflected on our struggle with infertility and how I never could have imagined how doubly wonderful his plan was for our family.

We hosted a traditional Easter lunch, following church, and then everyone was on their way home. The girls and I enjoyed a bonus day off -- Easter Monday, and hung out close to home and enjoyed the day together. He is Risen!!! :3