Busy Busy...

Things around here have been busy busy. This week hubby started a new job that has lots of cool new perks. We went to the Royals game last night and got to sit in a suite. This weekend we get to go to a preview showing of Toy Story and Toy Story II in 3D. Ashlyn is going to be very excited.

Ashlyn gave a speech this week to become student council representative and she was voted in. She was very excited and ran to the house to tell us. We are so proud of her involvement in school and her education. She is a smart little girl that has really became outgoing this year.

Gavin has discovered a love of ketchup and just overall "dipping" of his food. He continues to stand for a minute or so at a time. He is saying "out", "all done", "up", "mama", "dada", "sissy", "bye bye" and "thank you". I am sure there is others that I am not thinking of. He is getting big fast and really is starting to act like a toddler and less like a baby.

SAGE

Ashlyn started SAGE (our district's gift program) on Tuesday. We have always known that she was advanced. She was first recommended for the gifted program in Kindergarden but she missed out on testing in 1st grade because we moved. School and everything education related has always come easy to her so when we were told her IQ was 140 we weren't that surprised, just beaming with pride. This girl was counting and reciting songs before 1. She knew all her colors and could count past 20 way before 2. She read early, would explain topics like opportunity costs and tell us about the continents. She is our gift and we are so thankful for her!

My baby is ONE!

Dear Gavin,

My sweet boy, you have completed our family. You are all boy, into everything, trucks & dirt, cabinets & "no nos". You already know how to irritate your sister and give her sweet kisses to make it better. Your curiosity amazes us and your baby babble make us laugh. You are the joy we didn't know we were missing.

You have been so easy and the time has just flown. Over the past week you have really started standing with no hands for a few seconds. We catch you doing it when you don't even realize. It won't be long and you will be walking. You love being outside, playing with your toys and dancing to music. They only fear I have sensed it you don't like to feel like you are falling but are fearless in doing things that could make you fall. You have been going up stairs for months and would just go play in your room until mommy got you. In the last month you have really figured out coming down the stairs. Daddy said it looks like you are parallel parking because you pass the stairs then back up until you go down. It is really cute!

You love your family but do not have a fear of strangers either. Your face lights up when Ashlyn walks in the door from school. You love it when she reads or sings to you. Now, I don't want to admit this but you really are a daddy's boy right now. You love to just sit on daddy to watch movies or sports. Daddy is the pro at putting you to sleep, you just love curling up in his arms. Now mommy, you know she is the go to girl to get what you want. Mommy knows all of your cries, faces, and needs. You can crawl over to me and get whatever you need. I love it when it's nap time and you crawl up on my lap and lay your head down. Or when you want mommy to sing pattycake you will just gently clap your hands until I start. My baby, I love you so much! I can't believe how fast you are growing. I cherish every second with you.

Love,

Mommy

First Day of School...really?

Today my princess started 3rd grade. She is growing up to be such a sweet, responsible, respectful young lady. I can't believe that she is 8 and in 3rd grade. It seems like just yesterday she was a baby and needed me for everything. I am so proud of who she is becoming but I really miss my baby!

She picked out her own clothes this year with very little direction from me. She even decided what she was going to wear for her first day of school all by herself.

Luckily she did allow us to take pictures before school began. It has became quite the tradition around here so I am thankful for another year.

This is the first year she just said "Bye" without getting upset. I am so glad that she loves school and was ready to go back. She will also start S.A.G.E. this year, which is our districts gifted program. She is smart, just like her mom! Mommy loves you big girl! I hope you have the best year ever.

Not Me Monday

My first "not me" Monday. To read all about the details head on over to My Charming Kids blog and if you do your own not me Monday you could win a sweet prize!
I did not quit paying attention to my 11 month old son for just a few seconds to find him with a fly in his mouth.
Not me!
I did not get really lazy yesterday and decide to just give said baby a shower with me even though he loves his baths. Nope, not me!
I did not evaluate my daughters suitcase when she returned by smelling clothes to decide if they were clean or dirty. I wouldn't ever do that.
Not me!
Now really we had a pretty good week so not many Not Me's this week. Just the disgusting fly incident that I already tweeted about.
Luckily he's cute, really cute, or not sure what I would do with him. :)

Oh and if you are into papercrafting go here for a chance at some FABULOUS blog candy!
Take care,

New developments...

We are back from our weekend at the lake. It was mostly enjoyable although I did end up on baby duty more than I would have liked.

The great mom that I am remembered the camera...too bad I forgot to load the SD card so no pictures were had.

In the last week or so baby Gavin had started waiving, got two new teeth and stood for a few seconds hands free (JUST TODAY!!!). He is re

ally getting big and won't be a baby for long, it is truly amazing how fast they learn and grow. Poor little guy was down for about 5 hours with a fever today but seems to be recovered and in to everything again.

Here is a couple pics from our last lake trip since I failed this weekend:

On the deals front, make sure you go here and get your $10 in free food from Schwan's delivered to your door. I just ordered 16 corn dogs and my total was $.06!

Take care,

Average day

We had an average busy day today! Laundry, cleaning, packing, deal shopping, 8 year old activities...same ole' same ole'. I did manage to get some hilarious pictures of Gavin today.

Here is one of him praying to the sleep Gods...

and one of him attempting to snap...

I can't believe he is almost 1 year old. He certainly makes life more interesting and perfect. I am one lucky mamma to have 2 perfect kiddos that are completely different.

On another note, I did snag a couple great deals at Target today.

Cranium Cadoo games on clearance $3.75 - $5.oo Target coupon = $1.25 MM (money maker)

Pop Tarts 8 ct. $1.52 - $.55 Manufacturer's q - $.75 Target q = $.22 each

Hope that helps somebody out there!

Sabrina

It's been a long day with a teething little guy. His 7th tooth has shown up on the bottom left. Ashlyn has been spending her time at art camp and playing with friends this week. Pretty lazy summer days for a few more weeks before school begins.

Let's do this!

I have been following blogs forever and have had the desire to start one for my family and hobbies. I keep putting it off not knowing exactly what I would post, so today...I am taking the plunge! After all, I love showing of my beautiful kids and bragging about their many accomplishments so why not put them all in one place for memories sake & yours!

Let me introduce you to the people this blog is all about:

J & I (at the kiddos first Royals game.)

Our beautiful daughter, Ashlyn (8)

Our handsome son, Gavin (10 months)