Good Morning!

Most mornings -because of my wonderful, giving husband -  I'm able to sleep in a bit while he fixes breakfast, helps the kids get dressed, and basically gets the day started.  But on Fridays, he meets up with some friends from church for a men's breakfast. 

So, I was on my own this morning, but I don't think the kids minded too much, as I made special cinnamon-sugar toast.

I snapped a few pictures:


I particularly love Lucy's outfit today.  I love the rainbow leggings, and I really love that she still wears that skirt I made her for her 3rd birthday.  I took out the original elastic in the waist, and added a new, longer strip, and voila! lots of more years using it :)  Her shirt is the one from Papa and Lady that says, "Lucy in the sky with diamonds" that she got when she was a wee tiny thing.

Jack is really loving his new "Ninjago" books :)

And Connor, he was too busy eating to be bothered to take a picture :)

What Jack wants to be when he grows up

This video played at church last Sunday.  I never even knew Jack was in a video, and on Sunday when Jason and I were heading home from a wedding in Atlanta, I received two text messages from friends who were seeing the video in church.  Both of them said Jack brought tears to their eyes, but I had no idea what the video was about or what he said.  I couldn't wait to see it when I got home.  God gave us such a special one, Jack.  His heart is as pure as gold...And all these kids are just so innocent and pure, it's a joy to watch them and hear what they have to say. 

click on "When I Grow Up"

Jack's end-of-year program

Mayfair is an exceptional preschool; our family just loves it!  Here are some pictures from Jack's program.  He had been practicing his songs, and was so excited to perform.  Thanks Baba for buying his jeans for the show!  :)


Finding me in the audience :)

Sweet praise!

Darling Claire, in a different class but just a few spots down from Jack

I guess both my older kids have things for red heads :)

And afterwards, enjoying cake in the gym:

Brothers, so sweet

"Look at my nuts!"

Hilarious conversation in the car this morning on the way to preschool.  I just have to share.  It's a tiny bit crude, but I'd still give the story a PG rating considering Jack had no idea what he was saying.

Jack had collected acorns at Baba and Grandpa's house this weekend, and he was excited to bring them to class and share.  So, on the way, Jack is holding up his baggie of nuts, talking excitedly to Cameron:

Jack:  (super excited)  "Cameron, look at my nuts!  Look at my nuts!"

Cameron tried to reach for the bag of nuts, which prompted Jack to now shout, "No Cameron, don't touch my nuts!  Don't touch  my nuts!"

I'm not sure if the fact that this conversation made me laugh out loud indicates that I'm immature or just have a good sense of humor.  Either way, "out of the mouth of babes..."

Time

There's never enough of it, right?  I know it's one of my biggest struggles - fitting in everything I want to do.  One of my favorite books to browse through is "Lists to Live By."  Just yesterday I came across this list and thought there were some really good points; I'll share a few of my favorite.  Perhaps it will be a helpful guideline for you too.

"Taking Control of Your Time"

1.  Remember who's in charge.  Time is something you manage, not something that manages you.  Learn to think through each time committment in its entirety.  Buy yourself time to think by asking, "Can I let you know tomorrow?"

*Love this one because it's just so darn easy to let our days fill up with busyness, only to come to the end of the day and realize that you didn't get around to something you really wanted to do, whatever that might have been.  It's all about prioritizing what's important to you.  To protect ourselves from mindless busyness, we just need to take charge.

In that vein, this one follows:

2.  Schedule in reverse.  Put the real priorities on the calendar first - family picnic or date night.  Then, write in everything else. 

*Our pastor spoke a wonderful message about this topic and how it relates to our relationship and intimacy with God.  Whether it's God, family, or a hobby - whatever your priority is - if you put it first, you can make sure it gets done!

3.  Get your spouse's perspective.  Ask your mate to comment on how you're using your time and what seems to be robbing you of your time.

*LOVE this one.  What a wonderful source to seek wisdom from, right?  :)

Have a great day! -Kelly

Lucy turns 6!

Her birthday fell on Friday, which was Kite Day at school:

 Papa and Lady arrived in time to come!

Friday night, it was family celebration time.  We opened presents, headed to Rosie's, and had ice cream and brownies at home.

Super sparkly dress from Uncle Brendan - she LOVED it!

From Uncle Ryan:

And Lady and Papa sent her on a scavenger hunt to find letter to spell the words of her gift from them, "Princess Camp" this summer!

Birthday party Saturday morning, "Pancakes & Pajamas"

This is one of our favorite Shel Silverstein poems :)

Making fruit wands

Connor kept to himeself - wisely - during the party in my room :)

Her hair nearly caught on fire, but all was well :)

And so many presents! 

She got some out and went to creating right away!  :)

And our annual "Birthday Questions:"
 
1.  What's your favorite toy?  - the purse you color

2.  What's your favorite thing to do at school?  -go to lunch

3.  What is something you like to say? - count

4.  What is your favorite food? - peanut butter and jelly

5.  How do you treat your brothers?  - nice

6.  Who's your best friend?  - Audrey

7.  Where do you like to play?  - "Kidventure, but we never go there anymore."

8.  What is your favorite tv show?  -Care Bears

9.  What is your favorite book?  -Barbie sticker book

10.  What is your favorite color?  - pink

11.  Who loves you?  -my whole family

Getting ready for the party...

When I asked Lucy what color theme she wanted for her party - a pancakes and pajamas breakfast party :) - she named nearly every color of the rainbow.  So, I suggested a rainbow theme, and she loved it (and me too, of course :)

Here, she and Audrey were making paper chains to use for decoration.  I love that Lucy is helping participate in preparing things for her own party (teaches her how planning and preparation help an event go well :) and best of all, is having fun with her friend!

sweet girls!