Back to School...

My baby girls are in the TWOs! I just can't believe it. I remember thinking they were so "big" when they started in the cribs class (at 7 months old). We are so fortunate to attend such a wonderful preschool. I give thanks for our sweet school and teachers on a daily basis.

We had a big summer of development. The girls are talking SO MUCH now. They use complex and compound sentences. The describe what they see and make predictions. They love to count, name their shapes and letters and colors, and we are really working on letter sounds. They love to read and can even "read" (the pictures -- not words, of course) some of their favorite books and love reading to me and their babies. They love to play outside, build with Legos, and do puzzles.

Ashley still loves to play with her babies (she now carries two around at all times) and I see/hear her doing and saying things to them that I do and say to her. She loves to rock, sing, kiss, and read to them. She calls them "sweetheart" and tells them that she loves them. And she also prays with them. It warms my heart and makes me feel like I am doing something right on those days when I feel like I've done NOTHING right.

Annabelle loves imaginative play. She loves to play with little figurines (especially Peppa and her family and Mickey Mouse) and comes up with so many scenarios and conversations. She will occasionally play with baby dolls and she is so sweet as she cuddles, sings, and reads to them. She is still more adventurous than Ashley and loves to jump off of things, climb, and have Daddy or Uncle Dom lift her to the sky. She also loves to play hide-and-seek!

Our school year started off with a bang -- and not in a good way! Annabelle woke up on the first day of school at 4am violently throwing up. The stomach bug would pass between both girls and me over the next three weeks and needless to say, we didn't have a full week of school until the fourth week. But now we are in a routine and loving it! Mrs. Heather is their teacher every day and they just love her. Ashley calls her "Mrs. Feather." They love talking about their friends and the playground and are so happy every day when I go to pick them up. This year, we go back to my room for about 30-40 minutes and they play while I prep for the next day. It's become a time that I treasure and they look forward to it every day.

I am so excited for what the school year has in store for the girls and our family. I bet it's going to be the best year yet!!

So Long Summer...

We're back in the swing of school and almost settled into a routine, and I am just sitting down to recap our last glorious month of summer. I have to admit, although the last two summers have been special and fun in their own ways, I really loved this summer most of all. The girls are just a little bit older and we are able to go and do and explore and enjoy each other's company. I was so sad to see summer go!

August started out with our annual Buckmaster Family Vacation with George's whole family. We all met in Granbury on Wednesday and enjoyed a long weekend together. Thursday we played at Grandma and Pawpaw's house and then on Friday we all went to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and drove through the facility seeing so many cool animals -- like zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and antelope, just to name a few. It was so much fun and the girls LOVED it! We ended the busy morning at Cici's (a first for the girls) and everyone enjoyed long naps afterwards. On Saturday, Grandma and Pawpaw graciously agreed to have granddaughter duty and the siblings and spouses all spent the afternoon at the local brewery. It was so much fun to visit and spend time together! We were sad to see our vacation end on Sunday and can't wait for next year.

The next week, the girls and I spent the beginning of the week at Mommy and Me Art Camp at Van Grow Art Studios. We are so lucky to have this little gem so close to home! It was challenging keeping two toddlers on task (and not painting their entire bodies), but they had fun and the instructor was a good sport! We skipped out on art camp a little early and headed to New Mexico for a long weekend with the Sanders. We had the BEST time! We loved it so much that by the end of the trip, we were looking for houses to buy together! We drove up Thursday morning and George and I were not sure how the girls would do on an 8 hour road trip. Although they didn't nap until 30 minutes before we arrived and probably watched way too many cartoons, they did so well! It was a pleasant drive and we made it to cooler weather and the mountains in great time. We spent four days playing, laughing, cooking, eating, bouncing (the bounce house traveled with us, of course), hot-tubbing, and laughing some more. There was a great park super close to the house, so on Friday we got lunch at ate at the park before letting the kiddos burn off some energy. Saturday we went to the horse races, which was such a fun experience. Saturday evening it was chilly (around 50) and preseason football was on and I felt like I was in Heaven! We headed back (begrudgingly) on Sunday ready to prepare for back-to-school. It was such a wonderful vacation and the perfect way to unwind and relax before school started (and escape the crazy August heat in Fort Worth). We constantly feel blessed and so fortunate to have such wonderful friends living across the street.

The next week was busy with school prep, Junior League and a work day and in-service at the end of the week. Grandma helped out and we were so grateful (and of course, the girls loved spending time with her). We had a fun dinner with the Sudbecks, and I was officially back to work the fourth week of August. This year, I don't have a teaching partner (because of a small class) and it was so overwhelming and stressful getting ready for school to begin. We made it to Friday, which meant Meet-the-Teacher time, and the girls were so happy to meet Mrs. Heather. We celebrated the last day of summer with ice-cream and had a low-key weekend at home. Monday meant back to school, back to schedules, and back to crazy but it also meant that college football was just around the corner!

Fall is my favorite season of all --but I was so sad to see summer go! It's hard to believe that next summer we will have 3.5 year olds! I can't wait to see what this school year has in store for our family. <3 p="">

Sweet Summertime

Good morning! It's August 1st! I can't believe it. This summer has gone by in the blink of an eye, and so has 2016. Don't get me wrong, fall is my favorite season and I am so looking forward to football, crockpot meals, and a chill in the air, but I have soaked up every second of summertime with my sweet family and enjoyed it so, very much. We've had busy days, lazy days, and everything in-between. The girls seem so much like little girls this summer, and it's enjoyable to have conversations with them and see their personalities and opinions really develop. I love witnessing the special bond and friendship they share with each other, and can't wait to see how much stronger it gets as they get older. We don't start back to school until August 29th (I have some meetings and trainings the weekend of the 22nd), so we still have some summer left, but here's a recap of what we've done so far. 

May began with a trip to West Columbia for Mother's Day and lots of end-of-school year stuff. George had a quick work trip to New York and my amazing Co-Chair and I prepared for the Junior League Provisional Retreat with our newest members. We finished school in mid-May and headed down to Nonnie and Pawpaw's house while Daddy George had a boys golf weekend on Lake Sam Rayburn. We loved seeing our family and he had a wonderful time with high school friends. The next week was the Colonial PGA golf tournament in Fort Worth, so the girls and I were solo most of the week while George entertained clients. Memorial Day was laid back and relaxing with Aunt Rachel and Uncle Dom. We kicked off summer the right way! :) 

June was crazy busy, but so much fun. The first weekend was Crestival, the annual member/guest golf tournament at River Crest. The little ladies spent the weekend in Granbury and we had a full weekend of golf, friends, and parties with the Sudbecks. Crestival is known as "Golf's Biggest Party" and it didn't disappoint. After several weeks of nonstop rain, the boys were forced to walk 36 holes (which was exhausting), but they made the best of it and it definitely didn't ruin a good time. It is so much fun to see so many neighbors and friends that we only see once a year. Crestival is definitely one of my favorite weekends of the whole year! The girls had a wonderful time in Granbury and it was nice to be reunited on Sunday. The next weekend, George and I made a quick day trip to Austin for a wedding and the girls spent the night at Aunt Rachel and Uncle Dom's house. Everyone had a fun weekend and they enjoyed one of the splash pads in their neighborhood (until it started unexpectedly storming). The third weekend in June, we headed to Pearland with George's family to spend the weekend at Matt and Cortney's house. It was so much fun having everyone together and we stopped by Nonnie and Pawpaw's house on the way home to see them. The last weekend, we celebrated the newly-married Corby's at their wedding in Fort Worth. The girls had Summer Fun at their preschool two days a week and started a ballet/gymnastics combo class at Little Gym. Annabelle LOVES the gymnastic portion (and often is asking when it's time for gym during the entirety of the dance class), while Ashley seems to enjoy both portions equally. It's such a fun activity and I love seeing how they have different interests. I don't think they'll be in the same activities when they get older! As mentioned in my previous post, Lindsey and I started taking tennis lessons in June and we are both really enjoying the workout and the sport. June was a fun month! 

After a busy June, I vowed to slow down in July and be home more. It's always great seeing and doing, but I felt like we were running around too much so we really tried to keep our weekends open and not so busy. My parents came up for July 4th, and we had so much fun with them. We went to Granbury on Sunday and got in a little lake time. I always feel so lucky when our families come together because they get along so well. It seems like they've known each other forever. I know we are so incredibly fortunate for that bond! The next couple of weeks were filled with more Summer Fun at our preschool, Little Gym, lots of pool time, trips to the trampoline park and Happy Lark (an awesome indoor play space in Fort Worth) and lots of Chick-Fil-A playdates and lunches. We spent a lot of time with our friends, EV and Will, and the mamas enjoyed the adult time and energy release (for the kids) during the day. George played quite a bit of golf and continued to be so busy at work, which we are always grateful for, but do miss that daddy of ours when he's gone! Lindsey and I improved our tennis game and started playing once a week in addition to our weekly lessons. July was a fun, "laid back busy" kind of month. Towards the end of the month, we celebrated the Scotts at their wedding in Dallas and then had a long weekend in West Columbia with my family (complete with lunch with Nonnie, an impromptu trip to the beach, and a visit from Aunt Dixie). It was a wonderful month and just full enough to stay occupied but not too full as to feel overwhelmed. 

We can't wait for August fun -- a trip to Granbury with George's family, a weekend away with the Sanders, and the excitement of a new school year! I know it's going to be a wonderful month! xoxo

What's Up Wednesday

**Pictures to be added later!

Several of my favorite blogs post "What's Up Wednesday" on the last Wednesday of every month. They answer the same questions and I think it's a fun snapshot into where we are in life right now. Here's to starting a new blogging tradition and hoping I can keep it going! I think it'll be so fun to read back on these posts at different times of the year!

1. What we're eating...
Well, I forgot to cancel our Hello Fresh subscription for this week so on Monday we had seared tuna over rice and a salad and tonight we will have seared steak with a chipotle sauce with veggies and a potato hash. Last night (Tuesday) we had Chinese because George worked late and I was exhausted from a full day at the zoo and splash pad! Thursday we leave for my parents' for a long weekend, so I am off the hook the rest of the week! 

2. What I am reminiscing about...
My baby girls as babies! Time flies by and I can hardly remember what it felt like to hold and squeeze my squishy-cheek little loves!

3. What I'm loving...
TENNIS! Lindsey and I started taking tennis lessons this summer and I really love it! It's a fun sport, great workout, and fun girl time away from housework! :)

4. What we've been up to...
We're getting ready to start major construction on our house -- the addition on a master bedroom and bath downstairs, a garage, and outdoor living space. We are so excited! We've been finalizing plans, I've been pinning like crazy (I'm sure George will give me NO budget when picking out everything--ha!), and we're moving everything from our existing tiny garage and guest house into a POD. It's going to be great when it's finished, but crazy during the process. It's a good thing we do crazy well! ;)

5. What I am dreading...
I can't really think of anything too terrible....I am dreading picking up the house because it's kind of a disaster right now!

6. What I am working on...
We need to purge! Before school starts, I hope to purge clothes, shoes, and toys. It's time!

7. What I am excited about...
I am excited about back-to-back weekends with our families -- my family this weekend and George's next. The girls love seeing everyone and so do I!

8. What I am watching or reading...
I am reading The Nest about a super dysfunctional NY family who is patiently awaiting their inheritance (or "nest"). I am a little over halfway finished and LOVE it so far. 

9. What I am listening to...
I've been listening to a lot of podcasts while doing house work. My favorites are Inspired to Action and God-centered Mom. 

10. What I am wearing...
Tennis clothes right now and house shoes, because my feet are sore from playing this morning. But I can't wait to wear my fall goodies from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

11. What I am doing this weekend...
The girls and I are headed down to my parent's house tomorrow and the George joins us Friday night. We can't wait for a fun weekend with everyone!

12. What I am looking forward to next month...
College Football (almost)! We will be so close to college football and I can't wait! I am also looking forward to beginning a new school year. It's always so much fun!

13. What else is new...
Not a lot -- just trying to soak up the last few weeks of summer and figure out what activity to enroll the girls in for the fall. 

BONUS:
14. Favorite part about summer...
I have LOVED all of the extra time with the girls and not rushing around. They are such an enjoyable age and are becoming more and more independent, but still love to cuddle and lay on mommy. It's the best of both worlds and I hope I remember it for the rest of my life!

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