dance 2010

 

 

today, hampton embarked on her third year of dance at kansas dance academy! she was welcomed by her fabulously seasoned teacher, mrs. sydney for pre-tap and pre-ballet. she was especially happy to see some familiar faces, after posing for pics at home in her new blue leo (she's really wishing the color would change already), ballet slippers, tap shoes, and dance bag (made by aunt ju-ju)! though the day was SUPER busy...hampton was happy to "go to dance again!" yay!

driveway fun

 
 
 

since aunt ju-ju had a reunion meeting in our neighborhood this week, hampton and evie were able to enjoy some fun! on the driveway. they thoroughly delighted in the warm, bug-filled evening...on scooters, playing hopscotch, running, and just plain being silly together! i am overjoyed that these sweet girls love each other so much. pretty soon, we will be planning sleep-overs (just because)! yay!

heavenly celebration

 
of my mother's birth, august 30, 1944. she passed away at the young age of 38. today, she would have turned 65. what an honor and privilege to have experienced her warm smile, gracious spirit and unconditional love. she was an exceptional mother, who was able to demonstrate a lifetime of guidance in the short thirteen years i was blessed to spend with her.

after weeks of prodding by hampton, to go see my mom at the cemetery (that we drive by each and every day), she joined me in placing a few fresh flowers on her grave this day in her honor. the questions were sincerely steadfast...regarding heaven, how she looked when she died, what color her hair was, what she was wearing, and why there wasn't a window to look at her...

i helped provide the window, with words anyway. she glanced up to the heavens at the very moment i snapped a picture...and said, "i'm not scared to die, i getta see Jesus AND your mom someday." speechless i was, before she abruptly spoke again, "are you gonna cry, mom?" a little, honey, just a little...but with a smile on my face.


 

first day...hampton

the third of our little chicks (the tattooed one) fled the nest today (for a mere 2.5 hours). hampton thoroughly enjoyed her first day of pre-kindergarten with mrs. patti, mrs. laura & mrs. gretchen at chapel hill. she was reluctant at first to allow me to walk her in, as she is now the big 5 year old. thankfully, upon reaching the parking lot, she decided that my accompanying her was approved. after a hug and kiss at the door, hampton made her way into the large classroom of little soon to be friends...ready to begin her new adventure. these are the things i'll reminisce upon today...

1) the way you tell me "i love you like 100" and that i am your "best friend ever"
2) your uncanny way of belting out every song you hear, whether you know it or not
3) your fervent desire to demand the proper song, movie, temperature, volume, gum, game & companion before our car even departs the driveway
4) your immediate desire to pray whenever you hear a siren
5) the way you become skittish around cute boys...and hide behind me
6) the way you say you are "firsty for lemonade," that you are scared of "bosquitos" and that you are excited to take your new "pack-pack" to school
7) the feeling of your sweet hand reaching for mine
8) your idea of me "playing with my friends at the grocery store," while you play with yours at school
9) you unique sense of style and steadfast obsession to "look cute"
10) your cute button nose and dimple laden smile, in addition to your keen ability to "get more kisses" if need be

first day...austin

 

the second child to begin the new school year in our home. eighth grade at that! (i honestly typed seventh first, before realizing i was unfortunately wrong) big stuff at andover middle school, in a good way. again, i am sitting here in complete and utter dismay that my "baby" has grown into a young man! wow! when people stopped me to say i would miss the toddler days...i didn't listen. today, i sit as a mom who truly understands now. the time has simply stumbled away. sweet austin...these are the things i love about you today...

1) the way you smile with your eyes...still
2) your "cool" swagger (though i think you are deliberately sluggish)
3) your slightly crooked bottom tooth (despite braces)...hmmm, perhaps the retainer could fix that?
4) the fact that you now tower above me by a mere 1/2 inch at 5'10"
5) your now lower voice...you are no longer a cute little boy...cute (yes), little (not so much)
6) your unconditional, brazen love of Jesus which you so effortlessly show to those around you
7) that YOU chose ME to be your facebook friend
8) your incredible appetite, that must be causing your feet to grow (size 12?)
9) your diverse talents...in music, art, athletics and academics
10) that you know it all (at age 14)...and plan to be it all

first day...coleman

 
the big fourth grader, ready to take on the world! i simply cannot begin to phathom where the time has disappeared. it seems like just yesterday that i held you in my arms for the first time. for now, these are the things i love about you...

1) the way you snuggle your "soft pillow" to sleep each night
2) your random, unexpected (but overly appreciated) hugs and "i love you's"
3) gushing tears upon the the thought of reading time equalling xbox time
4) the simple, sweet prayer that you recite each night before i tuck you in
5) your unsatiable desire to make everyone around you happy
6) the fountain that you so effortlessly spray from between your top two front teeth
7) your passion to be creative through music or art...especially your incredible fort construction and card tricks
8) the way your voice softens to a mere whisper when asking for something you're not sure you'll get
9) your sweet spirit...the patient, calm way in which you respond to everyone around you
10) the deep dimples that frame your beautiful smile on both sides

5 is sweet

hampton celebrated her fifth birthday at cero's candies last weekend with several friends and family. after putting on hair caps and aprons, they entered the cero's kitchen to make a special treat! they had sweet fun dipping rice krispie treats in melted chocolate, before decorating them with icing and sprinkles. yummy! they also enjoyed a story, presents and cupcakes! what a fun day for all!

ohhh, dodger

this is a picture of dodger doodle...it is fascinating to imagine that in a matter of seconds, our sweet 20 month old ball of fluff could be capable of such torrid stuffed animal torture.



minnie was the latest victim of dodger's rough-housing. luckily, i saved her before limbs were removed. some of the other animals haven't been so lucky. though i don't so much miss most of them, i am ready for this stage to be over already!

lake fun 2010

what a wonderful, relaxing week we spent at the lake of the ozarks again this summer! it is always great to get away and simply relax. the kids have THE BEST time! austin completed his boat license course, which meant we rarely saw him (he was off on the red seadoo for most of each day). garry had fun driving coleman and hampton around on the yellow seadoo, while jessica and i enjoyed floating in the pool. dreamy. the kids also enjoyed tubing and boat rides, in between austin's water skiing practice! he got up on skis on his fourth try...what fun! coleman is anxious to try again next summer!

family, friends, fun, food...what summer is all about!