First Day of Preschool

Today was Garen's first day of preschool! He did great and loved being with his friends. He got to make a glitter Rainbow fish, A shiny Snake for the letter S, and a giant Jellyfish. He had blue seaweed jigglers and gummy fish for snack and loved singing songs and playing outside.

Maddie's First Soccer Game

Now which way are we going?-

Maddie had her first soccer game on Saturday morning. She did so well-her aggressiveness has really improved since the last time she played! She ran the whole time and worked hard, she just had to sit out a few minutes after a head collision with another girl. Other than that she jumped right back up everytime she was knocked down. And she loved that Grandma Jann and Grandpa Boyd were there to watch her play!

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All alone and accomplishing Much

So on Thursday and Friday last week Andy took Garen and Sophie with him to his parent's new house. They wanted to visit and also need to find us some more patio bricks for the back yard (Rock Springs is out).
So I was left alone for the first time in like 6 years. My two days were packed full, but some how I had this new found energy to do everything and more with the knowledge I could do it without packing snacks, listening to crying and whining, buckling and unbuckling, threats, and potty training.
Thursday I got Maddie to school and then had an open house treasure hunt for the preschool. I was done by 1pm. Ran errands, picked up Maddie from school, went to the library, sat through soccer practice, picked up Maddie's uniform, went to Back to School Night and got to actually talk with Maddie's teacher without interruptions. Then Maddie and I headed to Applebees for a yummy girls out dinner and dessert! They were pretty busy and we had to wait awhile but I enjoyed having a long uninterrupted conversation with my growing up to fast girl. While there she made me laugh when she said, "It's fun eating out with just you, we don't have Sophie throwing food, Garen jumping on the seat, or dad making Garen scream."
Maddie was in bed at 9:30. I got a few more things done ( I didn't have to clean again because the house was still clean from the morning-Crazy!!) Bed at 11 and I slept straight through the night till 8am-I can't remember the last time that happened!
In between the girls turn they would swing each other to the ground-


Maddie at her first grade desk-


dinner at Applebees-

Since I had accomplished my 'have to get done list' by Friday I decided to accomplish a bigger project. One I am never able to do because of to many interruptions from a 3 year old and 8 month old. So I head to Home Depot and got everything I needed to stain and waterproof our deck. I didn't think it would be to big a deal, but 7 hours later I wasn't quit finished but needed a break and needed to get Maddie from school.
Andy called and said they were heading home and that his parents were nice enough to come as well so they could hall all those bricks in their truck for us! So Maddie and I ran to the store and made some lasagna, breadsticks and salad. It was nice to have my baby girl back-I haven't left her overnight before-but she was safe with daddy and grandma. Within a matter of minutes the house was noise and messy again, but I like it that way. :)

before-

After-

Help from Grandma Sue

My mom was here last Monday-Wednesday. It was so fun having her here and she was an amazing amount of help. She wallpapered our basement, made curtains and help me transform my unfinished basement into a little preschool for a group of kids I will be having over from church.

She also babysat while I went visiting teaching, and took Maddie to school, ballet, etc. The help was wonderful! Not to mention the laundry she folded and the dishes she washed! I wish I could have her here permanently!

Basement before-

Basement ready for some preschool time-

First week of First Grade!!!

Maddie started first grade on Tuesday! She was so excited to go, she walked right in without a worry. They got to start out on the playground and I asked her do you see anyone you know, and 2 seconds later about 6 different boys (yes, all boys) yell out MADDIE! And I practically had to beg for a hug goodbye before she ran off to play.
I met her after school and she had a wonderful day. She loves her teacher, Mrs. Peirpoint and has made some new friends.

Tuesday night Andy gave her a beautiful school blessing. He blessed her with the ability to choose right from wrong and to stand up for what she's been taught even when everyone around her is doing something else. He blessed her that she would learn quickly and easily and that she would stay safe while she is away from us. Also that she will be the one to be a friend to everyone.

I made her breakfast of her favorites; hash browns and blueberry muffins for her first day of school-

The next day at school Maddie was thrilled to have grandma Sue walk her to school, since she is here visiting (helping) us.

And today Andy was home and got to walk with Maddie to school-

Maddie is loving school and being with her friends all day, even though Garen and I miss her during the day.

silly little 3 year old

We were waiting for Maddie to get out of the tub to say prayers last night, and Garen wanted me to take his picture. These are the poses he gave me:

What a fun little boy he is! He tells me he loves me several times a day and is so sweet. I think we are to the point now where I can officially call him potty trained! Yeah!!! Just in time for Preschool to start next week!

Standing Solo

please excuse the piles of laundry in the background, we were right in the middle of folding.
It's hard to get a good video of her standing (which she does all the time) because she is also very interested in the camera.

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Soccer Season

Soccer has begun! Maddie is really enjoying herself this year. She has a great coach and loves the girls on her team. I wish I could have coached again this year, but every game is on a Saturday and Andy works every Saturday. I didn't figure it would be a good idea to coach every game with a baby on my hip and a 3 year old running down the field.
I love how Maddie's tongue is out in all the pictures I took that day.