Cookie Decorating Party

When I decide to do or make something, it's all or nothing.  Last year we hosted a gingerbread house making party, so this year we changed it up a little and decorated cookies. 

Our house is small so I told Noah he could invite three friends.  His immediate response was Jared, Chris and Austin.  There was no doubt what friends he would invite.  These boys have been classmates since they were between one and two years old.  At times, they disagree and I'm sure have even told each other, as kids like to do, "I'm not your friend," but through their four short years on this earth, they've spent a lot of time together and the friendships they share are special.  We wear glad Pearse, Luke and Thomas joined us too.

I sent the e-mail, set the date and then the planning was on!  Noah and I made several trips to Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's and Michael's to get the supplies we needed, mostly sprinkles and candies for the decorating.  I did decide to make each friend a gingerbread apron to wear while they decorated cookies and to take home.

 

Today, they arrived ready to see one another and were, at first, more interested in playing swords and soccer than decorating the cookies on my agenda.  We were thankful the weather was good and they could enjoy some time outdoors before the festivities began.

How does one determine if such a gathering was a success?  There was a lot laughter, much sugar was cosumed, there was other yummy food and my own four year old is still napping and he's been sleeping for two hours now.

As I write and consider our celebration a grand success, I stop to think about the tragedy in Connecticut yesterday and cannot imagine the pain those parents are enduring and will endure in the days, months and years to come.  Our prayers and thoughts are with all of those involved.

Stinkin' Cute

He's four, he's full of life, full of energy and hard to snap a picture of!  We took some photos late in October when Autumn and Elijah came to visit and this one is one of my favorites.  Noah was being silly, and it shows in this picture!

First Day of Pre-K

I've always heard people say that children grow up so quickly, but never thought so until we had Noah.  This statement is so true and again, it reminds me of how we need to slow down and enjoy every minute of it.

Noah started Pre-K on August 13, 2012.  To him, it meant a new teacher and a new classroom. We decided to keep him at the same school he's been attending since he was a toddler, so the transition was easier.  One thing different this year is that Noah is required to wear a uniform.  Most of the time, he doesn't fuss about wearing it, but occasionally, he and I argue about the color polo he is going to wear that day.

The school year is off to a great start!  Noah has began site reading and doing simple math problems and we, along with his teachers, are encouraging and challenging him.  We are in awe at how he picks up things so easily.

 

Here's a quote I found on Pinterest, one of my current obsessions:

It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings. ~Ann Landers

Happy Fall Y'all!

It seems to be a trend that I only post to our blog about every three months.  Obviously, we're busy and yes, I question if we're too busy.  What have we been up to since my last post?  Just to name a few things that keep us in the road; we've been to the beach, Noah had a visit with his cousin, several trips to South Carolina, Noah started Pre-k, we moved Dominique into college, a new soccer season started, our annual birthday weekend to the cabin and a trip to the fair.  I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting and I even looked through the pictures we've taken over the last few months.

Apple Picking in Elijay, Georgia

We are loving this cooler weather!  We love that there's a chill in the air, but we're still able to enjoy lots of time in the great outdoors.  This past week Noah asked us why it was getting dark so early.  We explained that when the seasons change, the time it gets dark also changes.  He said he didn't like it and we agree with him.

It is so hard to take Noah's picture.  He insists on making some crazy face everytime a camera is in front of him!

I hope everyone is able to sit outside and enjoy this glorious weather and catch up with those closest to you!

Busy

Yes, it's been three months since I blogged about anything.  Needless to say, we've been BUSY!  It's been a good kind of busy, but Daniel and I both will tell you it's been nice to slow down a little the past few weeks.  The slow down isn't for long, as we're headed to the beach in a few days, then shortly after Fall semester begins for Daniel which means we have to get back into our "regular" routine.  Here's a little of what we've been up to.

Celebrating Easter

How many times have you heard me say how busy we've been?  Honestly, I feel like we are traveling nomads!  We've been on the road a lot since January.  Trust me, we've had fun and loved the time we've spent together and with others, but I enjoy staying home sometimes!

We traveled to the Tennessee to celebrate Easter with Daniel's side of the family.  Papa and Baba traveled from South Carolina, so we could all spend Easter with Autumn and Elijah.  We were sad we didn't get to see Dan as he was busy working, but we always manage to have a good time anyway.

Noah and Elijah had loads of fun!  Noah didn't let Elijah rest one bit the ENTIRE weekend and I know N was tired when we left on Sunday afternoon as he slept for three hours in the car and he NEVER sleeps that long!  I heard E was tired, but refused to nap because thirteen-year-old boys don't do naps.  He will learn, naps are treasured moments when you're an adult!

The boys ran around with Nerf guns, jumped on the trampoline and acted like they were crazy.  We had a fish fry on Friday and had cake to celebrate E's birthday.

On Saturday, we got to see E and the "big boys" play soccer.  Then we dyed eggs and celebrated E's birthday again with dinner out.

On Sunday we made Resurrection Rolls to start the day, went to church, had Easter lunch and an Easter Egg hunt.  You see we like to cram as much as we can into a little bit of time!  It was a good time and we were sad to leave.  We'll be going back soon and are hopeful that Dan will be there to join in the never-ending craziness!

Yes, all of those baskets are Noah's!

So much fun seeing who could find the most eggs. 

Chocolate, Noah's favorite!

  An amidst the chaos, we got the boys to stop for some Easter pictures!

First Soccer Game

Noah's first soccer game was today, March 17, 2012, and it was great!  The entire Red Raider team played an awesome game and although there's no official score kept, their team won.

Noah's fancy moves!

Noah doing a great job of staying right with the ball.

And learning that it's okay to fall down.

Soccer Time

Organized Sports - Another new chapter in Noah's life.

The anticipation had been building for over two weeks.  We were sad that our first practice was cancelled because of the weather and looked forward to the next practice.  We quickly found the right field, met Coach Valentine and Noah's teammates.  The boys put on their jerseys and the fun began.

Listening to Coach Valentine

 

Noah patiently waiting his turn.

Noah and his best buddy Jared chatting it up.

Love this boy!

He was so excited when got possession of the ball!