Hair & Horses

We straightened Lily's hair on Saturday and snapped a few photos of it. I also did a quick fishtail braid on Shelly's hair before we went to a birthday party at a horse farm. 

Straight Hair

Fishtail Braid

Shelly photo bombing Lily's picture

Happy on a Horse

Party room

John and Charlie Brown (the horse)

Sir Ken Robinson

I have some pretty strong opinions about education and the education system. I recently read an article in the Costco magazine by Sir Ken Robinson and I was beyond inspired by what he said. So many of his insights met up with my feelings about our educational institutions. Here are a couple of videos of his awesome take on what is happening in our schools today:

Being a Mom

Mom and Shelly
Summer of 2004

So hard this time of year not to have my mom nearby to lean on for her motherly advice. So many questions that need answering and so many times I've thought of picking up the phone to speak with her.

Being a mom is some pretty tough stuff. When those babies are little you worry if they're still breathing in the crib, if they are getting enough to eat, and how to soothe them when they're crying. When they are toddlers you worry about when they'll walk, if they'll ever stop having temper tantrums, and if they will start eating more veggies. 

As they enter Kindergarten, you think about them all day without you there to help when they need you. And, as they go through elementary school, moms think about how their children will do making friends, answering questions in class, and what's the right balance for them with sports and free time. 

Middle school challenges include puberty, school dances, and lockers to only name a few. As the years pass by quickly, high school seems daunting with all of the importance of each grade earned and the thoughts of what's next for them academically, athletically, and socially. 

I can only imagine the day that a mom sends her precious little baby who fit perfectly in her arms off to college. The strings loosen and now the tough times are only eased by phone calls in place of snuggle time. And after college, I can say as a daughter, I needed my mother more than ever. 

So, this job of rearing children isn't a part time thing or a stint that lasts for only 18 years. It's a full time, 24/7, non-stop occupation.

Being a mom is tough, but somehow my mother always made it look so easy!

Crabs and Cousins

The past few days were filled with lots of family time. John's sister, mother, niece, nephew, and niece's boyfriend stopped at our house for a few days on their way to Virginia Tech. Our niece is now an official Hokie!!! YAY.

They brought a bunch of crabs with them and we had a little crab feast on the deck. Fun. 














We also celebrated John's mom's birthday with a red velvet cake. YUM!

Making a Wish

Contemplating her Wish

Blowing out the candles

Tea Time

On the first day of school when the girls come home, we get together to have a little "tea time" chat. It's a fun way to hear about their first day and enjoy a little snack. They both get a surprise gift at the tea. We always look forward to this yearly tradition.

Past tea times here: 2010, 2009, no photos from our 2011 tea.

The 1st DAY

Monday was the first day of school for the girls. Shelly headed into 3rd grade with a smile on her face and Lily went off to 7th grade as a seasoned middle schooler. 






 
I was proud of them both and incredibly melancholy to see them go. As always, happy for them to start a new year but a bit sad to see the summer come to an end. They both did a great job!!!

Back to School Teacher Gift

For the girls' homeroom teachers we put together a little something for the first day. I was inspired by a similar cup and nuts duo I saw at Cracker Barrel this summer. Just a little something fun and easy to bring a smile on the first day!

Summer's End

The girls head back to school tomorrow. So hard to believe this school year is beginning and summer is coming to an end.  We have had a nice summer break. We did some new and different things...went to an amusement park, summer camps in Virginia Beach, and did more cooking than ever before. We also slept in most days, had a very loose schedule, and laughed about all kinds of silly things. 

When my girls are older, I hope they remember the lazy and uncomplicated days they spent together in the summer. I hope they realize how lucky I always felt to have those special days with them. And, I hope they remember feeling refreshed each school year and ready to begin a new year. 



 
Lily will be a seventh grader and Shelly will enter third grade this year. I know the time is speeding up before my eyes. I know this because I remember Lily's first day of kindergarten like it was yesterday. And, I remember thinking how little Shelly was when she climbed aboard that school bus on her first day. Her first of many where she would leave home (and leave momma) for life in a classroom where she would make decisions for herself. 

 
I'm trying to stay positive and happy as they both embark on their latest school adventures. But, I must admit that it will never be easy to see them leave my side. But, I know it's exactly what they need to do.  And I will be their biggest cheerleader as they head out the door tomorrow. 

Mod Podge Fun!

Crafters

We had a little crafting fun on Thursday. I had a mirror that Lily wanted to use in her room. So, I suggested she might want to jazz it up with a little Mod Podge and magazine pictures.

Supplies

That also got us thinking of something for Shelly to Mod Podge. So, after dumping some cream of mushroom soup into my chicken dish the other night, I cleaned out the can and saved it. This would now be the foundation for her Mod Podge craft...a new pencil can.

It was a calm and fun afternoon of cutting out from magazines and gluing on to the mirror and can. They were both pleased with the final products.

Fun times peeling Mod Podge off her fingers