Dining Room Chair Re-Do

Out with the old...

and in with the new...sort of!

I decided to recover my dining room chairs this weekend! It was much easier than I expected and I'm so pleased with how they turned out. I'm not normally one that's very crafty, but it was so exciting to have a hand in making something for our home. I think I'm going to ask for a sewing machine for Christmas - I would love to try and make some pillows, curtains, placemats, etc...any suggestions for a good machine to learn on?

Lovin' the Ice Cream Truck

This weekend as the kids and I were playing in the yard, the ice cream truck came driving through our neighborhood. This momma never has cash - and daddy wasn't home! What a sweet ice cream man we had...he saw the devastation on Lily's face and gave her a popsicle.

Lily continued the kindness by sharing her popsicle with Bear! Both my sweeties were covered in bubblegum flavored stickiness, but what a sweet moment to witness.

First Day of Preschool

Today was the day I've been looking forward - but also dreading - since Lily was born. She had her first day at preschool today. I really can't believe that she is old enough to be in school already! I was told when she was first born that time would fly and at the time I didn't see how it could. It seemed like the days of round the clock feedings and diaper changes would never come to an end. Now, it seems to me like time is flying by...3 years have come and gone so quickly!

This morning, Josh and I took her to preschool together. We both wanted to be there to see and share in this milestone with her. Lily did great! She was thrilled to put on her backpack and walk into school. She seemed to remember where her classroom was and was excited to see "Miss Jeniper" (Jennifer). She put away her backpack and headed straight to the doll/kitchen center. We hung around for a few minutes, but she was oblivious to our presence.

She did great - Momma didn't! Josh had to somewhat peel me away from the door. As we got in the car and drove him to his office, the tears started falling. The 3 1/2 hours passed quickly and she was so excited when I picked her up. She told me about playing on the computer, seeing her friends Meredith, Ailee, and "the other Lily" on the playground, and drawing a picture for me.

Lily, you are growing up to be such a big girl and Momma and Daddy are so proud of you. I am so excited to see what you are going to learn this year in preschool. I pray that the Lord will open your ears, eyes, and heart to all that is around you as you experience school for the first time. You are such a special blessing and we love you sweet Lily Grace!

Open House

My sweet little girl starts preschool this week!

I can't believe it! We've been talking to her about "school" since we registered her in the spring, but it didn't feel real until we went to open house this afternoon. She will be in a 3 day/week class at First Presbyterian Church. We are really excited about this, but at the same time I'm a bit sad. I just can't believe she's already old enough to be in preschool.

I figured she'd be shy going into open house today...and she was. She wouldn't say much to her teacher, Mrs. Jennifer, but did eventually take to playing with all the baby dolls and other toys set out in the room. She is super excited about the playground!! Her teacher seems very nice and Lily also got to see several of the other boys and girls that will be in her class. One of her good friends Meredith, will also be in the 5 day/week class next door to her.

I know that it's time for her to be in a more structured setting - she's learning and growing so much and this will be an exciting outlet for her. I also feel better that she is a Christ-centered school. Bible stories, prayer, and chapel time are incorporated into her day and I love that she is getting a firm foundation at home and in school!

We've got our school supplies purchased, the book bag and lunchbox picked out, and first day dress decided on. Preschool...here we come!

So Excited...

I haven't been blogging much lately - and it's on purpose. I was starting to get in a habit of grabbing the laptop as soon as the kids were tucked in to bed. Josh would watch tv or play on his Blackberry while I read blog after blog and combed through cute pictures of my own family to post. Then, the other night, Josh and I got to talking...about our own lack of talking. We had a wonderful - computer free - night of talking and it was so good to catch up on what was going on in each of our lives and in a sense, reconnect. It was as if God was telling us each to put away our distractions and focus on us - and Him.

As a result of that - and that we needed to pick up Lily on Saturday somewhere between Atlanta and Columbia (she's with my mom and dad right now), we are going here on Friday after work.

I'm so excited - a kid-free evening with my man surrounded by beautiful scenery. I've never been to Reynolds Plantation; Josh has been once before with work. Friday night, we'll have dinner and enjoy exploring the lodge. On Saturday, Josh is going to play golf and I'm treating myself to a massage. Though we will miss the little ones terribly, we are overdue for such a treat. I love our hectic, busy life, but this momma is excited too about a quick getaway.