Paula, Randy, Simon...Eat your hearts out!

It is moments like these that make my heart happy! By the way, this is the first time I have really heard Gage sing a song. Who cares that i have no idea what he is saying. I think it is something about the sun!

My Little Betty Crocker

The other day I was in charge of making dinner for one of the couples in our life group who just had a baby. I make my regular stuffed shells and banana bread for any couple who had a baby. I use this 30 min meal recipe, along with my beloved banana bread for any couple who has had a baby or requires a meal because it is easy to make multiple batches. One for the couple, one for me, one for my mom/brother/neighbour...you get the point. My mom was putting Gage to bed, and Jillian was requiring a hip to perch on. Once my mom came out, she captured these photos! I know I will cherish them for many years to come! These are the moments to remember...

Notice where Jilly's fingers are...

And where are her fingers now...you don't have to teach them these things people!

They just know!!

Don't you just love my apron...I got it here! Tell them I sent you! I keep it proudly hanging on my pantry door, and do you notice what is hanging there with it?

Jillian's matching apron! Ya'll, I get teary ever time I see this. How sweet is it??? I just love it! I went to do a little shop-walking at our new Market Street grocery store and found it! You can find your own Jessica Steele items here!

My Little Betty Crocker!

To many more kitchen dates my sweet baby girl!

Meet the Teacher

My baby is growing up. Today was Gage's meet the teacher at school. How sweet and sad is that! I have been reading all the packets of paperwork they have given us, done the shopping for clothes and size appropriate backpacks, sent in the payment and bam! The time has come. So, with Jillian snug at home with Grandma, Dave and I took Gage to meet the teachers.

We had to take a family photo with us, here it is:

Here is another cute one...

I didn't get any pictures at meet the teacher. I would have totally been that mom, you know, the one who looks like a tourist because she is taking pictures of every third step her child takes, but I forgot my camera. Once inside the new wing for the 2 and 3 year olds...mighty fun!, we went to his classroom where we were greeted by his teachers Ms. Paige and Ms. Jenny. They both seem so happy. And isn't that the greatest description of a teachers. They seemed happy to be on the floor, happy with the kids, happy with the parents, just happy!

Gage started to get anxious as we neared the classroom. I am sure he was anticipating the departure of the parental unit, similar to when I leave him at church or at the gym child area (from which he graciously required me to exit my training session because he decided he "want to go home"). However, mom and dad were by his side the entire time. Not goodbyes, only hellos! He clung to my leg for about 1 minute before he realized there were way cool toys in there. We met other parents and kids who will be in his class. All seem great! I can't wait for my little Mister to start building those friendships.

I signed up for the multicultural snack, the relative read and the parent volunteer days, all of which I wrote on my hand, which have been washed about 100x since then. Did I write them down on a piece of paper first, NO! I hope they send out reminders! I need to invest in a planner.

School starts on Tuesday, Sept 2nd (2 days before my 28th birthday!). I will take all kinds of crazy pictures then. Until then I will leave you with this lovely picture of Gage trying to hug (tackle) Jillian. She is going to have to be a tough girl!

toddler backpacks

For Gage's 2nd birthday, my mom got him this super cute Stephen Joseph backpack...

We use it for all sorts of things, a diaper bag for when he goes to church, to hold all of his Cars cars in, to put snacks and toys for road trips, whatever. I love it so much because, well of course, it is cute, but also because it is a good size for him. I hate seeing those little toddlers with big kid sized backpacks. Not good for their backs. I loved his so much in fact, that I bought Miss Jillian one!

Now she has her own little back for church.

Well, tomorrow is the open house at Gage's school. It is hitting me. My baby is starting preschool! Is he ready? Am I ready?!?! I hope that he has fun, makes some friends and maybe even learns a little something.

Side note: Today was a horrible day. I was up all night feeling horrible...stomach bug going around and I had caffeine a little to late. Gage woke up at 4:30AM. Are you serious? Yes, I am. He didn't go back to sleep either. He was AWAKE at 4:30am. I let him cry, rocked him and finally sat him in front of the tv. I was in bed most of the day. The kids were a little crabby because I don't think they feel so hot either. So, please pray for a good night and rest of the week. Pray that Gage starts taking his good naps again, which he hasn't been doing for about 2 weeks now, and pray that we get healthy. Amen!

am I to old for a tutu?

Ha! That post title makes me laugh. I have always been a lover of dance. I just got out of practice. I took dance classes as a child and even hip hop classes in college...but just a few. I just got done watching Step Up. It was a good movie, which got me thinking. Why don't I start taking dance classes again? I mean, I love to go out dancing with my neighbor friends (and most of all my sister-in-law...love you Gina). We even went out last night to our local dancing establishment, from which I am still recovering...

At the end of the movie, the questions is asked, are you living your life? Well, I am, but am I doing something just for me? Kind of would be my answer, but maybe there could be more. Who knows! I googled adult dance classes in my town and found a place 2.6 miles from my house that has adult classes. How great is that! I will call tomorrow.

So, my question remains, am I to old for a tutu?

Back to School Shopping

Well, Gage isn't really going back to school, but he is starting school. How fun is that! I can't wait. I think he is really going to enjoy it. He will only be going on Tuesday/Thursday from 12-2:30, but the preschool is great and he will increase his brain power. So, in leau of going to school, I did some serious shopping at the Children's Place. That is my favorite store for boy and girl clothes. Here are some of my favorite things!

These are Jillian's...I LOVE this hat!!!

Here are Gage's! Very educational shirts don't you think!

Then I ran into Journey Kidz and bought these totally awesome shoes! Love it!

Of course I had to get me something. I mean, I am going to have to drop Gage off at school. And, lets be honest, I don't want to wear my stretchy pants all the time. So I bought these from Gap. They are great because the back pocket is low, which makes your butt look perky! Love it! They are at my sweet alterations lady because they were made for giants, but I will get them soon!


Happy Shopping!

Sisters' Day

Having grown up with 3 brothers, sisters' days never happened. This summer by dad, stepmom and their 3 kids, Ali, Jack and Kitty spent the summer here in Texas. We had lots of days at the pool and many large and noisy dinners. I was able to take my sisters out for a girls day. We started the day at a super girly place, where they were treated to a mini-mani/pedi, an up-do, a toe and finger ring as well as the treat of smelling like cotton candy and having so much glitter applied they could be seen shimmering from outer space. It was a treat to watch them enjoy being pampered. Here are the pictures!

from l to r: Kitty, me and Ali (this what their finished look)

Ali in the car
Kitty in the car
Ali and me...don't worry, I was at a red light!

nailed...check!

Ali getting her toes done!
Kitty in heaven...she was so cute!
feet...check


Ali getting her updo

and kitty...
finished product

Then it was time to hit the runway!

The next stop was to our local pottery painting store where we all picked one item to paint. I love painting pottery, it is so relaxing. Kitty picked out, what else, but a kitty.

I painted a cross for Jillian
And Ali picked this star box. The finished product was great!

Had fun girls!!! See you in December...