Christmas Programs and Piano Recital

Thanksgiving was great as always.  Lots of yummy food and got to see all of  our family.  After a great meal we carried on the tradition of getting our Christmas Tree.  Of course, my kids are not lazy and are extremely excited...so our tree was up and decorated Thanksgiving night.  Our elves are back...Chipper and Snowflake and they have been very mischevious.  They cut Daddy's hair on their arrival.  No slackers in our elves.  The kids love it.  It is like Christmas morning every day around here.  They have gone deer hunting, built train tracks, taped each other up, had a piano recital and much more. 

Last week was a busy one.  Friday, Gracie had her Christmas Tree Presentation from her Seniors at school.  Her tree is absolutely amazing.  I have never seen anything like it...ever.  It is so pretty that there were people wanted to buy it or just take it home with them.  It is so pretty that I kept it in the living room instead of her room.  Good thing she likes to share!  She has two amazing seniors.  They gave her a stocking with tons of great girl stuff in it and took her to the Japanese restaurant to eat after the program.  She is one lucky girl. 

Saturday...Hayden had an all day Softball tournament.  She played great in all games.  She pitched the third game.  I love watching her play.  She did a fantastic job.  At first she held them to 4 runs until the 3rd inning and then she got upset and walked several....however she came back and struck out the last one.  She struck one girl out all three times she came up to hit!  She was nervous but as always held her own and showed everyone how Hayden can play ball.  Watching her pitch stresses me out but she always proves to me that she can do it.  She is one strong little girl!

Sunday, Gracie had her first piano recital.  I was so sure that she would not perform but she did amazing.  She wore her beautiful dress and played like a star.  I was so very proud of her, she also amazes me at how she can perform in front of a room full of people and do it very well!

Disney World 2015

Disney World was so much fun this year.  All three babies were big enough to ride all the rides.  Gracie is are adventurous girl; she rode everything even Space Mountain.  I am here to tell you that I will probably not ride Space Mountain again.  It was in the complete dark and I had no idea what was coming next!  Gracie was a big girl and didn't get scared!   Heck, I think I was having a panic attack by the time I got off of it!  Hayden did not do Space Mountain because even though she tries to say she loves roller coasters....she DOESN'T!  As you will see in the pictures later...she looks completely sick and terrified in most of them.  Colton was about an inch too short for the Space Mountain but I don't think he is ready for that quite yet. 

Mimi and Pop rode most rides with us this year, which made for three happy kids.  Aunt Kim took turns with all three at different rides to be fair across the board.  Mark and I just took who we got...haha...they love to ride with Kim.  I think it was planned pretty well...we had some fast passes each day and we spent most of the day riding rides instead of standing in long lines to see characters.  Guess my babies are over that part of it.  We went to many shows in Hollywood Studios.  The Frozen show was amazing and it was a sing along...and who doesn't know all the words to Frozen songs???  We saw an Ariel show and it was neat because all puppets and pretty interesting to Colton.  Then we saw Fantasmic, which is a fire work show for Hollywood Studios and it was awesome.  It is like movie screens in the water.  At the end they had a fire around it while shooting all the fireworks.

The Animal Kingdom was fun too but I think we were all starting to show how tired we were.  We spent about half the day there and rode several rides.  The water ride was lots of fun but very short.  We went back to the hotel and the kids went swimming.  After some swimming we went out for a great dinner.  Then we headed back to the Magic Kingdom to watch the fireworks there.  They were good but not as good as they were for Christmas.  It was such a wonderful and time.  I hope my three babies know how lucky they are!

  

Rain, Rain, Rain

Well, this week has been unusually quiet because it has been raining for a week and there is still more to come.  Hayden's first tournament last weekend was cancelled and all practices since then have been as well.  She is so excited about her new team and has only got to practice twice.  Gracie's riding lessons were still on even in the rain.  They have an arena and she was able to practice in there.  Mark actually got to pick her up this week and said she was riding all by herself and doing a fabulous job.  He tried to video it for me but messed it up.  That's ok though, I get to see lots of firsts and he usually only gets to watch a few.  Gracie was also excited that he got to be apart of it. 

Hayden is supposed to have another tournament this weekend on Saturday, but I am thinking that it is going to get rained out as well.  There is talk of a tournament on Sunday but I am certain that it will get rained out as well.

Hayden is off to a great start in 4th grade.  She has to really work for some of her grades as now it is much harder to receive good grades.  She does have a lot of homework and some nights it is frustrating but we make it through it.  Thank goodness she is not as hard to deal with as some kids.  She loves Science, it is by far her favorite.  She also loves her writing class.  She has a talent with words.  All three of her teachers love her and tell me so anytime they get a chance.  She recently had a spend the night field trip at the Zoo.  She loved it but realized that she doesn't like being away from Mommy and Daddy at night like that.  She made it with no tears and was so very tired the next day when I picked her up.  I am so proud of the hard working little girl she is. 

This is the first year that Gracie has real grades and she is doing so well.  She has all A's and gets so excited about them.  She works hard for her Math grade...She stays after with Mrs. Morris on Mondays for extra practice and boy does it seem to be paying off.  I am so thankful for wonderful teachers.  Her average in Math right now is a 95!!!!  She is really having a great year.  Mrs. Morris assures me that Gracie is going to be a different child by the end of the year as far her shyness goes. 

Colton is doing so well in school.  The computer teacher said that he is the best one in his class.  He is doing well writing his name and learning his phone number.  He really likes it when he has homework, but I know that will all to soon change. 

Today is my Daddy's birthday.  He would have been 58 years old.  I was due on his birthday but I was three days late.  He always joked that he knew I was going to be hard headed from the beginning.  Even after several years I still want to pick up the phone and wish him a happy birthday. I miss him so much and wish that he could see all of his grandkids.  I know he would be so proud.  I know that he would be more proud of the person that I have become though.  I didn't grow up with a wonderful childhood but I always knew he loved me no matter what.   I always promised him that I would make something out of my life and that is exactly what I am doing.  Happy Birthday Daddy!  I love you!

Travel Ball

Well, Gracie had a wonderful riding lesson last Tuesday.  She got to ride outside instead of the arena area.  She was so excited because she also got to ride all by herself.  Elizabeth said that she is really getting in sync with the horses and is doing a wonderful job.  She wanted to know if anyone in our family rode or rides and had any experience.  I told her that her Daddy did and she said she must take after him.  She is really enjoying dressing like a cowgirl and riding. 

Hayden has officially gone travel ball.  She made the Vortex. She is so excited to have her old coach back.  She did a great job at both of the practices this weekend.  I am so excited to see what this has in store for her and us.  Ready to watch these girls have fun at the tournaments.  We have a good bunch of girls. 

Colton just goes with the flow right now but he is excited about starting baseball in the spring.  He says he wants a water bottle with his name on it like Hayden's. 

We stay so very busy but I am loving every minute of it.  This week we have Softball games Monday and Tuesday at 6.  Riding Lessons tomorrow at 3.  Softball Lessons Wednesday at 3. Thursday Hayden has a field trip to the zoo, which she will be spending the night at.  Friday we have Vortex practice.  Saturday we have a softball tournament all day in Covington.  Sunday not sure yet.  It is truly like this every week. 

Gracie's Birthday Party

 

This year we celebrated Gracie's birthday with a big pool party at the Monroe Country Club.  She invited all the girls in the 1st grade and some of the boys.  It was a fun party.  This was her first big party.  She had all of her friends there.  There was lots of swimming and jumping off the diving board.  There were also lifeguards, which made it more enjoyable for the parents too.  We had pizza and cake.  She had so much fun but was very shy while opening her presents.  She got so many nice things for her birthday.  We still have some things we haven't even opened. 

Gracie really enjoyed her 7th birthday party.  The fun didn't stop with just Friday birthday party though,  because Saturday we went to the Rodeo.  She got to wear her new cowgirl hat from Mimi and Pop and her new cowgirl belt and boots from Aunt Kim and Uncle Artie.  I must say she is the prettiest cowgirl I have ever seen.  She got to see lots of horses.  We were hoping to see the barrel racing but the place was packed and we left right before they started.  Figures, that is the way it always happens.  If we had of stayed it would have been one of the last things they did.  They weren't disappointed that we left early because more fun was on the way.  Hayden and Gracie got to spend the night with Kim.  They were so excited for their girls night.  Colton wasn't as happy about it but he was a big boy and took it well.  The girls had so much fun with Kim.  They really look up to her and want to be just like her.  More fun still on the way....Hayden had Softball tryouts Sunday but Colton and Gracie stayed with Kim and Mimi and Pop.  We still had to celebrate Gracie's party with just family.  Grandmama and Linda came also...we had her favorite fried shrimp! She ate more than her share of it too.  She also got a few more presents.  I would say that we really went all out to make this wonderful little girls birthday very special this year.  She kind of gets left out sometimes but she was the star for the whole weekend, well all week actually.  Happy Birthday to my angel!  Can't believe that she is 7! 

Gracie is doing so well with her riding lessons that this week she gets to ride all by herself.  She is so excited.  She keeps asking when is it going to be Tuesday.  I love that she loves it so much.  She is my cowgirl.  Her trainer says that she has wonderful control of the horses and is doing so well considering she has only had 5 or 6 lessons.  Go Gracie Leigh....we can't wait to watch you show off all of your skills. 

 

 

 

Gracie is 7!

Today is such a wonderful day....My smiling, happy angel is 7 years old today!  I say it every year so I have to say it again.  Gracie Leigh came into the world smiling and still continues to keep that beautiful smile on her face every day.  She has an amazing smile.  She can light up my heart and a room with just one smile.   She is also my silly girl.  This is very surprising for most people but Gracie is a goof ball at home.  Recently Aunt Kim and Uncle Artie got to witness some of this.  She is a mess in her comfort zone.  This little girl of mine loves riding horses, playing piano and playing school.   She is loving the first grade.  She is making great grades and so proud of herself for it.  She was disappointed last week that she made a 90 on her reading test instead of a 100.  I told her an A is an A no matter what, but I was glad that she cares. 


Gracie is really growing up on me.  She has always been my baby girl; the one that loves to sit in my lap and snuggle.  She now wants to do her own hair, which is hard with all the curls....so we have to compromise on that one.  She gets up to an alarm clock and fixes her own breakfast.  She loves to play in her room and make big messes but she really, really, really dislikes cleaning up her mess.  This is the only thing she gets in trouble for! 

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl.  Daddy and I love you to the moon and back and infinity.  You are a beautiful, sweet, caring, sometimes assertive, strong minded, happy, and silly girl. You bring so much joy to our lives and we are so excited for all your accomplishments this year at school and riding lessons.  You keep reaching high and aim for the stars baby!  We love you!

We are having a big pool party this year with all of the first graders. I have lots of RSVPs already.  This is her first big party with school friends and I just know she is going to love it.

Shaking the Nerves

Last night Hayden had to play against the team that she really wanted to be on.  Most of the girls on the other team were the ones she went to the World Series with.  It was hard for her...she didn't want to strike them out or play against them.  I had to explain to her that they would all still be her friend after the game even if she did strike them out or hit them.  Hayden always steps up to the plate though.  She was all nerves at first.  I could see it on her face.  She was taking deep breaths and I am pretty sure her heart was beating extra fast.  I know mine was. She started pitching and unfortunately the first one to bat was her best friend from school and she ended up hitting her with the ball in the side.  I thought to myself, oh no this is it...now she is really going to have a hard time....however, as always she made it through it and she threw several strikes.  She finally calmed down by the 2nd inning and looked relaxed and more confident and comfortable.  I am so proud of her and all of her hard work with pitching.  She has to really practice and focus on her release point and then she is going to be unstoppable.  I love hearing other people say WOW when she throws the first pitch.  She throws so much harder than any of the other girls her age.  In fact, I can't even practice with her because she throws so hard and fast.  I didn't play ball and I just don't have the ability to do it.  She hit me in the knee the other night and then told me I should have used my glove.  That is so easy for her to say because Softball is easy to her and really difficult for me.  Mark does practice pitching with her and she even catches him off guard and he was the catcher. 

She only got to hit once last night, which really disappoints her.  She hit a pop up all the way to the outfield.  When she came up to bat you could hear all the coaches on the other team telling the outfielders to get way back this girl can hit!  I love it!  We lost 5-3 but they played a great defensive game against supposedly the best team in 9/10 league. 

Riding and Cross Fit

Yesterday Gracie had another riding lesson....and she still loves it.  She got to ride Fergie yesterday.   She is really starting to improve.  I didn't watch the whole time yesterday because I find that sometimes kids do better and focus more when parents are correcting and helping them the whole time too. She looked so cute in her cowgirl outfit.  She really just needs a cowgirl hat to match her trainer Elizabeth.  She even got to take the saddle off this time and brush Fergie again before we left.  It is a lot of work but she loves every minute of it. 

Hayden and Gracie both wanted to do Cross fit with Uncle Artie yesterday.  We met him there at 5 for the kids class.  Hayden absolutely loves and can't wait to do it again, however she has to work around her softball schedule.  Gracie liked it until the dodge ball game at the end.  Those kids were chunking the ball at each other.  Hayden was throwing harder than any of them, she nailed about 10 people.  Gracie ended up crying and scared, so Uncle Artie told her she didn't have to play.  Gracie decided that Cross fit is not her thing, but she was glad she got to try it.  Hayden is all about it now, she came home and did lounges all the way to the house and then did bear crawls all around the house.  She is such an athlete.  Thanks Uncle Artie for letting them go and try it.  They were so excited to do it with you!

Parties and More Parties

Colton got invited to his first birthday party.  Of course, it was also on the same day that Hayden had her Allstar Team Party....so Mimi took Colton to his...thank goodness.  It was a great birthday party, I am a little sad that I missed it.  They had a petting zoo and a train! Yep, you read that right!  I can't even imagine how much all this costs.  There were donkey, baby kangaroo, camel and other things that I am sure Colton forgot to mention.  The train was like one of those they can ride in the mall.  Mimi said that Colton rode the train 5 or more times.  The party favors had the little girls name on them and it was cotton candy, sidewalk chalk, candy, and bubbles.  He had a great time and I am so glad that Mimi was able to help us out.  He is going to be making some great friends this year. 

Hayden had her Allstar Party and I had to get all the stuff for it and help set up.  I am one of the only signers on the team account.  It was a lot of work but it turned out great and all the girls were surprised when they received rings instead of trophies this time.  We had hamburgers and hotdogs.  Oh and cupcakes!  There was a pool so they all had a blast.  Of course they also played wiffle ball....always thinking about Softball.  They all got their rings and put them on proudly, and I took pictures. They also did the whip and nae nae one more time for their coaches.  This team really went far and made memories they will cherish forever.  I am so proud of all of them, but I am especially proud of my baby.  Go Walton....Go Hayden....#1 has my heart!!!!

Gracie did not have a party to go to but she is waiting patiently on her own birthday party on Sept 4th.  She had lots of fun at Hayden's team party.   She has made friends with all of these girls and their siblings too.  We are kind of like a family!  She is going to have so much fun at her party.  I hope everyone she invited makes it!

Riding Lessons

Riding Lessons are going very well.  Gracie is still loving it.  She even has a rare youth riding style, which made me pretty proud!  Apparently most youth riders trot and ride better standing to control the horse, however Gracie does better sitting, which her instructor says is very rare for young riders.  Gracie was all smiles while her instructor was telling me all of this.  For the record I do not know anything about horses or riding them, so I will just take her word for it.  Gracie comes home and pretends to take care of her stuffed horses.  She brushes them, cleans their shoes and practices saddling them up.  It is so cute, and I am so glad she is truly learning and practicing.  I really, really hope this is her thing.  I want her to know that we support her and are so very proud of her. She is by far the prettiest cowgirl I have ever seen.  She looks adorable in those brand new boots and her tank tops and jeans.  Now she m some fancy cowgirl pants and a cowgirl hat and she will be set!  Pretty sure those are some of the things she will be asking for with her birthday coming up. 


Go Gracie Leigh,  Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you for trying this and truly loving it so far.  Your love for animals amazes me! 

Lunch and Dave and Busters

Well we completed our first week of school.  All three of my babies had a wonderful week.  Saturday, we had some fun.  We went out to eat at the Red Crawfish with Uncle Artie and Aunt Kim.  It was yummy and spicy.  We had fried pickles, shrimp, crawfish, fries, and crab legs.  Everything was delicious.  After an amazing lunch we went to Dave and Busters for a little bit of fun.  Hayden showed Kim and Artie all the fun games she played there last week with friends.  Gracie played the games that won lots of tickets for prices.  She won 500 tickets two different times! She is a lucky girl.  Hayden was a little upset that Gracie had more tickets so she started the coin games and really racked up some points.  Uncle Artie was also nice enough to share all of his tickets with them.  Hayden ended up with 3,450 tickets and Gracie had 1,800 tickets.  Hayden was able to get a small disco ball, crystal growing kit and fun dip.  Gracie got a stuffed animal...surprised aren't you?  and she got a small purple fan and some candy.  They were really happy girls.  They had a fun, fun day!  Thanks Artie and Kim for the lunch and fun! 

After that we went to Mimi and Pop's house to collect our third child.  Mimi and Linda took him to ride the trains at the horse park.  Lucas also joined them so two little boys had lots of fun too.  Since we were at Mimi and Pop's house and they have a pool.  Hayden and Gracie decided to swim for a bit too.  We all had a great weekend.  Now to start another busy week and try to keep this blog updated in the process!!!!

First Day Success

The first day of school was a complete success.  They all three had great first days...thank goodness.  Colton said that he had a great day.  He sits beside two girls, so I asked him if he gave them kisses and he yelled, very loudly NO.  He did say that he got to play on the playground two times, which was the best part for him.  He was so tired that he fell asleep as soon as he got in the car. 

Gracie had a wonderful day.  I really think this is going to be a fantastic year for her.  She said her teacher really funny.  Mrs. Morris also trust Gracie to do lots of errands around school, so she is really loving that.  She already knows how to spell all of her first week spelling words.  She was so excited to have real homework, that she did it on the way home from school.  She also had her second riding lesson yesterday and she still loved it.  It is so much fun watching her do something that she really likes.  She looks so cute in her cowgirl outfits completed with brand new cowgirl boots from Uncle Artie and Aunt Kim.  She was so excited the boots got here in time for her lesson! 

Hayden had a great day too.  Mimi had to take her to softball lessons yesterday, being that Gracie had lessons at the same time.  I didn't get to see Hayden until her scrimmage game last night.  She really liked her teacher and having all her friends in her class.  She showed me all of school supplies and how she organized them and labeled them.  She did well at her game last night.  She pitched one inning and did it very well.  She threw quite a few strikes, hopefully built her confidence a little more.  She did strike out both times last night but she went down swinging and swinging hard.  I think she wasn't watching the ball but I let it slide because I knew she had to be exhausted after her full day.  When we got home she still had to read for 20 minutes.  For those of you who like to read that is really easy but for those of us that don't like it....IT seems like forever.  It was more like forever for Hayden.  She talked and listened to us while she read....which means she read the words on the page but couldn't tell us anything about the book.  I couldn't really fuss at her because I think she may get that totally from her Mommy!  I used to have to read things over and over again because I disliked reading so much that I would be thinking about anything and everything else going on. 

First Day of School 2015

Today is the first day of school for my babies.  It is so hard to believe that Hayden is a 4th grader, Gracie is a 1st grader and Colton started K4 this year.  I know I say it all the time but man they are growing up way too fast.  They were all three excited about school this morning.  However, I'm sure by the end of the week I will be dragging Colton out of the bed.  He loves to sleep late and I am pretty sure by Friday he is going to be exhausted and tired of getting up early.  Hayden and Gracie always get up great...they even have their own alarm clock.  Colton was all excited and ready.  I made sure to tell him that he had to listen and be good....so here is to hoping that he does.  I think he is going to be just fine, with that being said I bet he gets in trouble for talking at some point.  That baby boy loves to chat.  I can't wait to hear all about his day. 

I hope Hayden is adjusting well to changing classes and all the big girl stuff.  She looked so grown up this morning.  She ate breakfast, got dressed and waited patiently ready to head out to start a new journey and see all of  her friends.  I am sure she is not going to like the homework she comes home with this afternoon but that is all part of it. 

This year Gracie was all smiles and not quite as scared looking.  I am so proud of her, she is really opening up a little bit anyway.  She looked adorable in her cute little outfit.  I have to take advantage of the one that will dress up really cute and girlie.  Hayden  is all about shorts and polo shirts....no dresses at all!  Gracie loves her skirts and dresses.  She is over the bow days....but I did get to put a real cute single ribbon in her hair this morning.  I hope she adjusts well to the big world of 1st grade.  I know she will be ready to tell me all about it when I pick her up. 

Open House 2015

***********************There are two posts today!  So don't forget to read both!************

Today was open house for the 2015-2016 school year!  Where or where did our summer go????  I really want to go back to surfing and relaxing......but.....it is that time for a schedule.  I can't believe how fast Summer has gone by, however we did spend it playing Softball, swimming, and going to the beach! We really made some fantastic memories this Summer. 

All three of my babies go to GWA this year.  That is really hard for me to believe but it is really happening.  I have a 4th grader, 1st grader and a K4 baby.  They were all very pleased with their teachers and classmates.  They all have great classes with some of their best friends.  I truly believe that they are going to all have a wonderful year. 

Hayden and Gracie are so excited but Colton is the one who is ready to go.  He has been talking about it for weeks.  Although he was a little shy today, he did talk to Mrs. Sherre.  I can't wait to pick him up on Tuesday and find out about his day.  He is the one child I have that will probably tell me everything when I pick him up.  He loves to talk!  The other two I kind of have to pull info out of them.  I am excited, nervous and sad all at the same time...if that is even possible. 

Ready or not here we go!  I hope they have great 1st days! 

Mommy loves you all to the moon and back and infinity.  I already have the Kissing Hand ready to read Monday night.  I must carry on the traditions even though I think Hayden thinks she is too big. 

Horse Back Riding Lessons

Well, Gracie has decided to do riding lessons.  We went to our first lesson yesterday morning.  The best part is that it is only 5 minutes from our house!  She absolutely loved it.  Ms. Elizabeth taught her how to use the rope to control the horse, brush the horse, saddle the horse and ride the horse.  It was a learning lesson for me too.  She was a beautiful cowgirl and looked like she belonged there.  She did fantastic and may have already asked Uncle Artie for a horse!!!  Oh my goodness!!!  She goes for lessons once a week, so we will have another lesson next Tuesday after school. 

I really hope this is her thing. She is such an animal lover!  This should be perfect for her!

World Series and Beach

Hayden's team placed 8th in the little league World Series.  Those little girls gave it their all and played hard but it was HOT!  It was probably the hottest I have ever been and I wasn't on the field in pants and socks up to my knees.  Hayden played 3rd base like a beast and I mean a real beast.  I was so proud of her. She had many big hits and ran hard to bases.  It was an adventure she will never forget.  We even have many songs associated with the trip like the fight song, the whip and nae nae, baby I'm worth it, and cheerleader.  Every time those songs come on the radio we have to turn it up and jam out.  After we finished our last game on Saturday we headed straight to Florida for our real vacation with family.

Vacation was wonderful as always.  Hayden got to try out her Christmas present, the surfboard.  As always she was a pro.  She stood up and surfed right along the very first time.  and if you don't believe me just ask the rest of the family.  The child is amazing at all things.  She had a blast and I was able to capture several videos and pictures.  Gracie got a little bit jealous, so Uncle Artie had a surfboard delivered to her at the beach!  She was so excited!!!  She did very well too.  It took her a little longer but she accomplished it and I got it on camera!  Yay Mommy!  Colton built lots of roads with his tractors and trucks.  He loves the sand.  It is like a huge sandbox.  He also liked the ocean and jumping the waves. 

It was an amazing week!  We caught blue crabs, ate lots of fish and shrimp, played in the ocean and most of all enjoyed being at the beach.  We spent lots of time sitting under the tents just enjoying the sound of the ocean.  The weather was perfect this time too. 

Thanks everyone for a great vacation.