Hillary's Graduation

We got to go see our neice Hillary graduate from high school this past Friday night. As you can see, she was extremely happy to have made it to this big day. We are all very proud of her, too. She has grown up so much in the 11 years that I have known her. She doesn't look much like the little flower girl that was in our wedding 10 years ago! Now she's making big plans to head off to college in a couple of months. Hillary received some pretty hefty scholarship money to go to Freed- Hardeman University where she's already registered to start in the fall. Way to go Hillary!!!

Preschool Graduation

Tonight was Noah's graduation from Lindsey Lane Baptist Church Preschool. He looked too cute in his little cap and gown. He was so proud of himself as he walked down the aisle to the stage- everytime he looked at us he couldn't quit grinning. He really looked like a big boy. The ceremony was really cute- they sang several songs, had a slide show, then received their diplomas and a big hug from their teacher. Mrs. Drea Thompson was Noah's teacher this year and he really seemed to like her. I know that he learned a lot from her. There were many times throughout the year that he'd do or say something and I'd ask where he learned that. He'd always say "Mrs. Drea taught me!". Sometimes I think kids just learn some things better from someone other than their parents!

Mrs. Drea made a scrapbook for each child with pictures and activities that they did throughout the year. In it there was a poem with Noah's handprint next to it that made me stop and think. (The whole night did actually. I never thought I'd be one of those mushy moms that cried at preschool graduation, but I did!) Anyway, once we got home and I read the poem, I cried a little more. Both of our boys really are growing up too fast and the poem just made me think we need to slow down a little and enjoy them all that we can, because pretty soon they'll be all grown up!

Here's the poem in case anyone is interested:

The years fly by and before you know,

I'll be so big from head to toe.

Before it happens please hold my hand,

Take time with me to play in the sand.

Or ride your bike right beside mine.

The smiles we share, one day you won't find.

A day at the creek with you and some fish,

Is all I would ask if I had my wish.

Please play with me while I'm still small,

For the years fly by in no time at all.

And when you look at this small hand print,

I hope it reminds you of time well spent.

Because, you see, each day as I grow

I'm becoming like you, I love you so.

Okay, I'm drying another few tears after just reading that again as I typed it! Now everybody go hug and kiss your babies and tell them you love them- no matter how old they are!

Texas Travelers

Aunt Heather and Sarah James came from Houston for a weekend visit. We got to see them for a while on Saturday, then they spent the weekend in Florence with her mom. They came back over today before heading to the airport. We met up at Tortillas Blanco downtown for a late lunch and visited for a little while. We don't get to see them very often- traveling to Houston has slowed down a little bit since we all had kids. Things just aren't quite as easy as they used to be! Anyway, it was very good to see them and we're looking forward to making a trip out there before too long.

License to Drive?

Nope- don't think so! But Jackson sure looked cute trying out Noah's little red car the other day. He thought he was big stuff sitting there playing with the steering wheel- right up to the point that Mommy wasn't paying attention. The car rolled a little bit causing him to slide out the bottom and get a stuck under the car for a few seconds! He wasn't real happy about that. Oh well, guess everybody has their first wreck sometime! Look out Fred Flintstone- Jackson's learning to drive early and he's coming after you!

One Pooped Little Cowboy

We made it to take Noah to the rodeo here in town last night, and as you can see, he wore himself out! He fell asleep on the couch about 15 minutes after we got home. It went really late- we actually left early because it was getting so late and Noah looked like he was about to pass out. He really had a great time though. He got to take a pony ride, ate hotdogs and popcorn, and thoroughly enjoyed the show! We were pretty impressed with the Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo. It was much better than the one we went to in Huntsville a couple of months ago (and much cheaper too).

Ready for the Rodeo

The Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo is next weekend, and the events of the week got started today with the rodeo parade. We've already got tickets to go next Saturday night, so we headed to the parade today to get Noah psyched up for it. As you can see, it didn't take much to get him excited about it. He had to fully dress the part with the cowboy boots, vest and hat. Also included in completing the look this time was the lasso (a souvenir from the last rodeo we went to). When the parade got started he stood out there swinging his little lasso round and round. Sheriff Blakely waved at him and everybody kept saying "Hey little cowboy!". He had a great time and can't wait for next weekend to get here- he'll actually get to take a ride himself then. They've got free pony rides for kids when the gates open.
Even Jackson seemed to have a pretty good time watching the horses go by. He sat in his stroller taking it all in- not sure if he was more entertained by the parade or by his big brother playing cowboy! He was probably sitting there wondering why all he got stuck with was a silly baseball hat while Noah was styling with the cowboy hat, boots, and lasso!

My Mother's Day Present

Noah brought home my mother's day present that he made at preschool today. He painted and decorated the flower pot, and planted the flowers himself. He was very proud of his work. He also made me a card in which he wrote out "I love you" all by himself! Thank you Noah for being such a sweet little boy! You'll always be my baby no matter how big you get!

Water Baby

Jackson seems to have outgrown his baby bathtub- the last few times we used it, more water got on me and the floor than stayed in the tub. He's just a little too mobile for it. He kept trying to roll over and climb out. So we decided to graduate up to the kitchen sink- he loved it! He really liked watching the water come out of the faucet. He put his little hands under there like he was trying to catch it. It also made giving him a bath much easier on Mommy, too! I guess Jackson's gonna love the water just like Noah. Last summer Noah pretty much turned into a fish and wanted to stay in the swimming pool as much as possible! Can't wait to see how Jackson likes the pool! By the way, he's 7 months old today- So Happy 7 Month Birthday Little Buddy!

Girls Night Out!

Tonight several of the girls from church got together to eat at Cheeburger Cheeburger in Providence. We used to call it the Bunco group, but somewhere along the line we stopped planning it at someone's house and actually playing Bunco. Now we just try to get together once a month and go out to eat. Mainly it's just fun to get together and have a little bit a time out away from the kids! After we stuffed ourselves with burgers, fries, and milkshakes, half the group went to a movie. Some of us (Lori, Atina, Emily, Jessica, and myself) weren't feeling like night owls, so we just stopped by Kohl's to shop a little and then headed home. It was a good time with good food, company, and conversation! Thanks Lori for keeping us laughing with all your entertaining stories!!!

Unexpected Playdate!

The other day while David, Noah, Jackson and I were outside walking and riding bikes, Rebekah dropped by to bring me another box of Ben's outgrown clothes (thanks, Rebekah!). Needless to say, the boys quickly turned it into an impromtu playdate. Noah was thrilled to share his swingset with Brody and Ben and play for a little while. They were all sad to see it end. We promised to try to plan a time very soon for them to get together to play. Come again soon Brody and Ben!