Fun with Friends

I am helping a friend out today and watching her two boys! The kids have so much fun together and I hope the are life long friends. We have know this family for 8 years and I love being able to watch our kids grow up together!

Sara

Video

She dances like me... Or Nate. Not sure which is worse!

Somethings Missing

Belles second day at school has given me more time to fill up with things to do. I keep looking around because I have the feeling that something is missing. It's weird because I want her here with me but I also want alone time. I feel that constant tug to know what she is doing! I have been such a part of her life for three years and now she doesn't need me every step of the way!

She dresses herself in the morning from the clothes that I pick out. She makes my coffee from the Keurig and I pour her a glass of juice. Then she eats breakfast while I get somewhat ready for the day. No help needed for the backpack or buckling up in the car... don't even try to help because she will light you on fire with her eyes. Seriously.

The past hour and a half I glance at the clock, do a task, then glance at the clock again. Finally I find myself at the computer writing a post. The dishes are done and laundry is washing.... Floors were cleaned yesterday.... ummmm. I guess this gives me time for Photography! Next Tuesday I will have prepared a list that way I can be efficient in getting things done and making the most of my time. Even though I want to take a nap I feel that the anxiety wouldn't let me at this point. Maybe in the middle of the year when things settle down!

Sara

Mom

A tribute to you mom: You couldn't be more perfect and I hope this picture helps you to see it! I love you so much and hope you are having a great week :)

Sara

First Day!

Just dropped her off and she ran into the classroom! Zero kids were crying so this slow entry to school works beautifully. I couldn't be happier with the way things have been conducted. Prayers that she makes it through without being sad!!!

Sara

The Blog Book

A while back the blog got so full I had to unload the content into a book to make room for more stories. Three years later the book sits in our entry way and serves as a great resource for all the fun times we had in Brazil before Belle. This past week I just made another book but only used blogs from when I was pregnant. Hopefully this book will be a gift to Belle when she gets older and finds herself about to start a family.

Later in the year I plan to make a book from the blogs of her first year of life and then combine years 1 to 3 into one book. Obviously the book from 1 to 3 years won't even come close to content as the preceding books but I tried! I can't believe how much I have written and this September will mark 5 years of blogging.... oh my! We haven't even lived in one place as long as I have been writing. That is another story for another day. For now I want to focus on keeping the writing going and maybe, just maybe, these blog books will serve the family well in the future. I really like the idea of leaving something when I am gone and our little family story is the perfect way... for now. Of course there would be more heroic ways of being remembered but we can't all be heroes.

Sara

Classroom

Today we met all the students in Isabelle's class! She had such a great time and I really like the idea of introducing the class slowly!

Tuesday is the first official day. Well half day :)

Sara

Letting Go

Just like the popular song from Frozen I just need to 'Let it Go'. Well, actually I need to let Isabelle go. Next week will be her first week of school and I know for a fact she is ready to do this on her own. I don't know what I fear most, her going to school or me not knowing what to do with my time. I have gotten so used to the job of teaching her and maintaining the household that it will be unusual to have a few free moments.

I imagine what I will be doing with my two free mornings. Since she will be going to school Tuesday and Thursday 9-130 that gives me 4 1/2 hrs to get something done. The list I have prepared goes on for pages and pages. Most of it includes things like the dentist and finally getting a picture framed. All the things that I couldn't get done while dragging Belle around. I wonder if I will just skip the list and sit at a coffee shop staring out the window while drooling and relishing the moment of time where I am not required to interact or think.

While I do feel a small tear that she is growing up I am also loving it! She has turned into the most amazing little person I could have imagined. The things that do bother me about not being by her side are the normal fears. For example, what if she can't make friends? What if they tease her? Will her teacher be as nice to her when I am not around? I guess it's a control issue. I have been in complete control of what she is exposed to for the past 3 years and now I have to trust someone else to assist me. Once again I solve my issues by writing them out.

Please pray for Isabelle to love her new time away and let her continue to grow in a positive light!

Sara

Princesses

This weekend the parents had a cookout and the girls played dress up! So nice to have adult time and Isabelle getting friend time at the same time! Sure makes for a happy family ;)

Sara

Parents in Town

Just spending time with the fam ;) So glad my parents came up for the weekend while Nate is traveling!

Sara