This year, Josh and I celebrated our sixth anniversary! I can't believe we have been married for that long already. I mean, its actually nothing compared to the 12 years we have been together. Now, that is a long haul. Probably longer than most marriages last! I am so blessed to have my best friend as my spouse and there isn't a day that goes by where he doesn't make me laugh (or experience other emotions!). For all our faults, we understand each other and make strides to compromise and communicate as much as possible. We love each other and are blessed with two wonderful girls that keep us grounded. Thank you Joshua for these many years of wedded bliss and hopefully many more of laughter and smiles. To quote Tammy Wynette: "I stand by my man". Thanks to everyone who helps us constantly with our crazy life! :-)
Emaline had her very first soccer game today! When I first asked her what she wanted to do this year, sports or dance, there was no hesitation: sports. Which actually surprised me because of her obsession at times with pink. Here was our conversation:
"Would you like to play sports or try dance class this year?"
"Yes Mom, I wanna play soccer."
"Okay, we can do that. Are there any other sports you'd like to try? How about baseball?"
"No"
"How about basketball?"
"No. I want to swim. Can I swim in the winter?"
"Sure, we can do that. Anything else?"
"Yes, I'm going to play golf with Pepere"
I gotta hand it to her, the girl knows what she wants. So she was signed up for a six week soccer program where its 4 & 5 yr olds and they practice for 20-30 minutes, then play a game for 30 minutes. It is quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen. There are no goalies and all the kids just run around after the ball, usually going the wrong way. Such fun. So far everyone on Emaline's team is really into it and all good sports...well, Little Miss Sunshine had a moment where she was convinced that she would never play soccer again, but I have a feeling after a few days she'll want to get back into that saddle. :-) Here are some pics of the game!
The video is of Em getting into the thick of it! She's the only blond girlie out there, just in case you need to double check.
I cannot believe this day has come, but my baby is going to school! Granted, it isn't all day, everyday school, but still! She is getting older and older every day. We go to school through the Rockwood School District early childhood program, two days a week, half-day. So, its not like she's already applying for colleges, but still all you mother's out there know it pulls on your heart strings a little to know that your babies have to go out into the world and do something on their own. She has been at school for two days now and is already loving it. There was also no turning back. Me, Josh and Piper all dropped her off and she hit the ground running. I had to remind her that I was leaving and that I needed a kiss goodbye, she turned around, gave me a quick smooch and said, "see you later Mom!" and off with Ms. Linda she went. We all peeked into the classroom for a little bit from the window, but then Josh said we should probably leave before school was over for the day. :-) I can't wait to see what kind of things we will learn together as the school year goes on!
We spent another low key Fourth at my parents' house because Josh had to, yet again, work on this holiday. :-( So we went swimming, ate lots of food and got to see my Mom's good friend from grade school, who she recently found lived in Branson! Such a small world....thank goodness for Facebook. After all our gorging ourselves on good food, we got all the kids together to head to the fireworks at the Mall. Then...Emaline AND Piper fell asleep on the way home. So, unfortunately for us, we had to cut our night short and when we got home and I got both kids into the house and into bed, Emaline woke up and the first thing she said was, "so what time are we going to see the fireworks Mom?". My heart just broke. After telling her we didn't go because she fell asleep and that Piper was down for the count she just started crying. Many years ago, when Josh and I were first married, we used to sit up on our roof and watch all the surrounding cities' fireworks displays. So, I thought, maybe Em and I could poke our heads out of my bedroom window and see some glittery lights through the trees. Thankfully, I was right and she got to see some rocket's red glare and did some oohing and ahhing of her own. It was actually a really great moment for me and her together. We then saw a bunch of the neighbor's grand kids setting off some sparklers and such and we walked over there to watch their show. They even let Emaline have a couple! Thanks Sheila ;-) Afterward--bed. I was pooped.
I'm glad that everyone enjoyed their Fourth this year and all were safe. Here's to another great year!
Then yesterday we had her big Ice Cream Social Penguin party. I know it is a mouthful, but hey, its what she wanted. We held it at Nana & Pepere's house because our backyard was completely torn up! Josh had grand plans to have it all done and ready for Em's birthday, but we hit a supply snag and ended up being no where near done when the date came around. I think everyone had a good time regardless! Thanks to Stephani and Nana for all their help and especially to Steph for making penguin cupcakes with me. I think they turned out awesome! We then had ice cream sundaes and cones, drumsticks and popsicles along with lots of other salty snacks (to go with the sweet!). Emaline had a great time entertaining and playing lots of fun outdoor games like bowling, ring toss and kickball with all her friends and family. The weather was also fantastic and the rain held off until later that night! We couldn't have asked for a better turnout. Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with my little girl! I can't believe she is four already. It feels like yesterday when I heard her first cries in this world and now there is no way we can imagine our lives without her and her sister! Now, I better save up and start thinking about next year! :-)
See all the pics from her birthday here.
