Judah's End of Year Programs for Kindergarten and First Grade

Since we're going way back, here's Judah's end of Kindergarten program in Mrs. Sapp's class in May of 2016.

And his end of 1st grade program in Mrs. Underhill's class in May of 2017.

Luke's 5th Grade Graduation Speech and Shrek Performance

Luke was Pinocchio in his 5th grade play, Shrek.

Luke received the honor of giving the speech for his 5th grade graduation in May of 2017. He got to wear the sports coat again, and he looked like a professional. 😊

Luke's Nashville Trip

Trying to catch up here, so I'm going way back to 2017. In the early part of the year (I can't even remember exactly when!), Luke and I took a trip to Nashville to visit Raeanna and Josh. They had lots of fun things planned for you, Luke, mostly things you had requested. We had to find you a jacket for the symphony before we left, and you enjoyed dressing up a bit.

We flew, of course. I think it was the first time you had flown since you were about 4 so you were pretty excited. 

Their first treat for you was a Predators' hockey game. You had never been to an ice hockey game, but you totally understood what was going on and really got into it.

 Uncle Josh has a really cool drum set, and you were starting to get into the idea of music and loved that you could play as much as you wanted.

We both looked very nice for our night at the symphony. It was a really cool experience for both of us.

The science center was a fun experience too. You liked trying out all the things and really enjoyed the moon walk. It did take a little getting used to...

 We missed the snow by a few days, unfortunately. But Aunt Raeanna saved you some in the freezer. :)

Woah! I fell off the blogging wagon big time. But I want to be back on it, so.....

Luke, you are now 13 (you'll be 14 in less than 3 weeks!). Eli, you're 12. Judah, you're 9. And Susanna, you've just turned 6. You guys are the laughter in my belly, the tears in my eyes, the peace in my heart. You absolutely make me feel alive every single day. And we are doing life well. We fight, we fail, we make things really messy, and we learn and grow. We're doing life well. I have learned so, so, so much from you four. I am a different person than who I was before you. And I am so grateful to be your mama.

I want to capture what's happening these days and all the awesome ways you are succeeding and growing in life. I want to have a record of the moments and a place to put your videos and pictures and copies of your awards and creativity. I want YOU to be able to look back and celebrate yourself just as your daddy and I are celebrating you.

You are still my favorite treasures!

Peach Perfection

While you were not nearly as excited about our little impromptu photo shoot, I think we can both be pleased with the outcome. And really, you looked too beautiful in this second generation, homemade dress to not capture the moment, even if it took a garbage truck and some choking hazards to get you to stay still. 

Sleeeeeeeeeppppyyyyyy

This pretty much sums up how we all feel about right now. Late nights and early mornings. Not enough time for snuggling down and sleeping in. 

Spring break in one week!

At the Ball Field

That's where we'll be if anybody needs us.

I knew this day would come. We've put it off through pregnancy, infancy, moving, building, moving again...as long as we possibly could. And now, it's time. We're at the ball field. Almost every day of the week. Well, I should say, Kris is at the ball field. I'm mostly home with Susanna and whoever else doesn't want to go that day.

Luke, you are so fun to watch out there. You are strong and sturdy, confident and brave. You dive after every ball and catch most of them. You swing wisely, taking instruction from your coach, taking the misses in stride. When you connect, it's a solid base hit most every time. You hustle. You focus. You excel. And you love every second. As I think on how you play ball, I can truthfully say that is just how you do life. It's fun to watch you do life too.

Eli, this is the first time you've played on your own team without Luke. I have been so proud of you, how you've been determined to practice and improve. You have the most graceful and natural throw and swing. When you swing the bat, it looks like you were born with a bat in your hand. That's a gift. I feel confident this will be your season of excellence. Not only because you'll get hits and make catches, but because you have such a great attitude about working hard and so much humility. You are a team player in every sense of the word, both on the field and at home.

Both of you boys bring me so much joy. I couldn't be more proud of you.