Dare Devil!

He was very proud of himself! It's crazy how different he is from his big brother.

First Day of School!

I am just in disbelief that my baby is in kindergarten right now. The past five years have just flown. It feels like a dream I will wake up from any minute, I just cannot wrap my head around this! He's been in "school" for the past three years, but two or three days a week for 5.5 hours just is not the same thing. This is five days a week, this is the beginning of the next 13 years of school. This has me thinking about homeschooling...

Okay, that's not true, but it has been hard to comprehend all of this. I know he is ready...I'm just not sure that I'm ready to be that mom! The mom of an elementary school student. I still vividly remember MY elementary school experience. It is blowing my mind that my baby is embarking on his...today.

I set my alarm this morning for the first time since I started staying home with him in November 2007. I woke up early to shower, get ready, and make his special first day of school breakfast. He requested pancakes. He woke up on his own at 6:40 AM because he heard the mixer. It ended up being perfect timing because of course we were rushed for time.

K is for Kindergarten!


We both got a little weepy eyed this morning. He made a comment that he didn't want us to leave him at school, but we talked about how we couldn't stay and that he would be just fine. I kissed his hand and told him that if he missed me at all today, just to put his hand on his cheek and it would be like I was giving him a kiss on the cheek. Well I couldn't say that to him without tearing up! So he got teary, but we were both fine within a few minutes.

Obligatory 1st day of school pics...




On our way!


In front of the school!


Luke and Joshua on their first days of kindergarten and 1st grade.


By his locker.


Putting away his backpack.




His teacher, Mrs. Butler, helped him put on his nametag and then told him to find a seat and color a picture about his first day at school. He got right to work!




Giving hugs goodbye.


We were so proud of Luke. He was so brave and excited to get to kindergarten. He walked right into his room and obeyed all of Mrs. Butler's instructions - put up his backpack, get his nametag, sit down and start to color. He gave us all hugs goodbye and did not shed a tear when we left. He did stop us to give us kisses, but then went right back to his seat. When did he get so grown up?!!

There was another random rain shower this morning, and Caleb and I spotted another rainbow on our way to our RidgeMoms meeting. Another message from God that everything is going to be great!

The Night Before Kindergarten...

His backpack is packed...
His clothes are picked out...
He is ready for his next adventure!

Last Day of Summer

And it rained! Can you believe it?! Luke was supposed to have baseball practice, but it was cancelled due to the rain. It was gone before 5 PM so instead we played out front with the neighbors, and the boys had a blast riding the 4 wheelers.

By boys I mean Luke, Joshua...plus Nate and Josh!




Helmet hair.


About 6:15 PM it started pouring out of nowhere! Everyone else took off inside but Luke and Caleb had a blast playing in the rain. It was the perfect way to end our summer!








After we went inside to shower and get ready for {gulp} school in the morning, the sun came out. When everyone was ready for bed we went out to look for a rainbow, and sure enough - there it was!


I told Luke it was God's way of telling him he is going to have a great year at school! He liked that idea.

Caleb's Favorite Song

Caleb's favorite song is Newsboy's "God's Not Dead (Like a Lion)". The first time I played it after downloading it was at 5:45 AM on the way to my parents when we were leaving on vacation...I looked back to find Caleb dancing in his seat when I was expecting to see him chilling out. Since then, he dances every time he hears it.

We were on the way to the Rangers game when it came on the radio. Since I wasn't driving, and it was on the radio not my iPhone, I was finally able to video him. He cracks us up...and these aren't even his best moves.

Promotion Sunday

This Sunday was Promotion Sunday at church. Since Luke starts kindergarten this year, he got promoted from the preschool ministry to the children's ministry! It was his first Sunday to meet upstairs. He was very excited about it. Caleb was moved up to a toddler room, too. We are excited because his new teachers are some of our favorites from when Luke was two, Mr. Todd & Mrs. Kelli. We know he will love them as much as Luke did.

Since we were all coordinated this morning, I made Nate take some pictures. I wanted a family pic but figured he cooperated at the game yesterday so I would take what I could get. At least I got some cute pics with my sweet boys.





Couldn't resist this one as we were leaving church...

Rangers Game with Ken Man

Once again Ken Man Plumbing has provided us with an awesome Rangers experience!

This year the Ballpark underwent major renovations out in center field. One thing that was added is the Batters Eye Club, an airconditioned suite right behind the grass hill in center field. We had the privledge to spend the game in there, and it. was. awesome. It was nice and big, with plenty of room for the kids to move around and have fun with each other without all the adults tripping over them. There was plenty of room for Caleb to be a maniac, and lots of steps for him to go up and down. By the end of the game, he was a pro at going up and down while holding on to the hand rail.

Luke was ecstatic when he realized we would be sitting so close to the flag girls. He loves it when they run the Texas flags back and forth when the Rangers score a run. He got Hayden and Karlee in on the excitement.




Mr. Mike took Luke out to talk to the flag girls. He was so excited. They even made him and Karlee balloon puppies.


Caleb sat down for 2.5 seconds. I had to capture the moment.


Luke and Karlee cheering for another Rangers run, with their balloon animals.


I had to get pics with each of my boys...and then with the field behind them.








And finally, my new favorite family picture!


The Rangers won 9-3 - it was a great game and a great day!

My Precious Boys.

An impromptu "photoshoot" for Caleb's 15 month pictures turned into some of my most favorite pictures of my kids, ever. I'm so glad I asked Luke to join in, and that both of them were willing to give me some good smiles.



Looking at his brother...


Initially, Caleb was not thrilled about having Luke sitting with him. He doesn't like to be held in place. Ever.


He was much happier when Luke wasn't holding onto him.


This. Is. My. Favorite. Picture. Ever.
I'm not sure how we ended up with such beautiful children. What a blessing.



Now for my sweet Luke. Can't believe he's about to be a kindergartener. Where has the time gone?


Love that smile.

15 Months

15 facts about my 15 month old...

*he says 'thank you' like "da ya"
*he roars for a lion, oinks for a pig, quacks for a duck, and moos for a cow.
*he loves his dogs.
*he yells 'play ball' {"da ba!"} and throws his hands in the air at the end of the "Star Spangled Banner".
*he has now been to Tennessee and Arkansas.
*he still has 4 teeth, but seems to be cutting a few more. very slowly.
*he loves the sprinker/fountains at Hawaiian Falls the most.
*he has a major temper.
*he has had his first haircut.
*he loves his milk.
*he is a dancer.
*he would rather be outside than anywhere else.
*he is obsessed with stairs.
*he loves books.
*he points is finger and waves his hand at whatever he wants.

Pictures through this month...








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15 Month Stats:
Weight: 23 lb 8 oz (25-50th %) Height: 32 in (75th %)

New Toy!

Check out Luke's Nate's new toy!







Nate, Luke and Josh went to Trader's Village last Saturday to pick it up. Nate has been wanting one for Luke ::cough, himself, cough:: for months now. I'm not sure who is more excited!