First Day

Thought I’d share Clara’s first day of Happy Harbour. She was excited to go this morning then became a little apprehensive when she realized Ella and I were leaving. She didn’t cry, but just kind of held onto me. I was really surprised because I thought she’d run away from me and never look back! When I picked her up they said she was “ready to graduate preschool” because she did so well. HAHA! They said she was one of the few that didn’t fuss the entire time. She yelled "mommy!!!!", was all smiles and kept saying “more, more.” I had no idea what she was talking about until she motioned toward the room they have “chapel” and sing time in. I asked “you want more school?” and she nodded her head with a sad face. When I told her we had to go home, her bottom lip pooched out and her eyes started to water. Haha, silly girl! I’m pretty sure she loved it.

My friend was taking pictures at the Meet the Teacher celebration thing last week. She was dancing and singing here.

Was so passed out this morning I just had to take a picture of it! I turned on the lights and opened the window and she didn't even move. haha

Breakfast of champions

Ready to go

Still growing into her backpack

Silly Ella

I'll miss ya sis!

So this is the first thing Clara played with when she walked in. When the sweet little boy in the picture tried to play with it too she shoved him up against the cabinets behind her and yelled "no!" That was a fun teaching moment. haha. Mmmmmm....teaching toddlers to share is fun. I'm so glad she's not going to be an only child! haha

Play-dough!

Change

Wow, how much can change in just a short time. Quick overview of the past 3 months:

• I turned 28



• Clara turned 2
  


• We completed the Pearland triathlon



• After 2 years I have FINALLY started serving in our church again. I’m working in the baby room and enjoying it so far. (Well, maybe not the crying, snot and poop part of it).



• We decided to put our house up for sale



• Sold our house



• Bought another house
  
  

We are now in the process of packing our stuff. (Tear). Even though we've only lived here for 4 years, it feels like 20. As we pull all our stuff out of cabinets and closets, I feel nostalgia for all the memories we’ve created in such a short time. I can’t imagine how people live in houses for 20-30 years and then leave! I just don’t think I could do it. We are very excited though about creating new memories in our new house. I think Jason is especially excited about not having my “arts and crafts” take over the house anymore. Haha.

We will be finishing up our triathlon season this weekend as we race in the Clear Lake Triathlon. The start is conveniently located 5 minutes from our house! Jason will be racing in his first Olympic distance race. This is a 0.9 mile swim, 24 mile bike and 6.2 mile run.

Clara will be starting a little Mother’s Day Out program next week (Happy Harbour). She will go Monday and Wednesday mornings. I anticipate she will LOVE it and will probably want to go every day (which will make me sad). What’s new in Clara’s world? Well, she’s totally into Winnie the Pooh and Elmo (or as she calls him, “Hell-mo”). HAHA. For some reason, she adds H’s to some of her words. She calls our dog “Hamber” instead of Amber.

Ella is now sitting on her own, grabbing things like crazy, eating solids and screeches in delight. So far, I’m thinking she might be my “loud child.” She is a happy chubby little thing, and I seriously want to squeeze her all the time. I’m looking forward to having a little more one on one time with her when Clara is at Happy Harbour.

Along with all these exciting things, we’ve also been dealing with some hard times too. As we walk along side some of our loved ones enduring trials, it really has put life into perspective more than ever. All of life’s excitements such as buying houses, completing goals and getting raises are such blessings and we are beyond thankful for them. But as I take a step back and look, none of them are COMPLETELY satisfying. None of them lead to true and complete happiness. As you watch a loved one endure a trial, everything else seems pale in comparison. Nothing else seems to matter. (I don’t mean that in a depressing way or anything). It’s just that at the end of the day our relationships on this earth are the most fulfilling things we have, and most importantly, the one with Jesus Christ. Although He has never stopped pouring His grace in my life, it’s still hard sometimes to accept the truth that He is ALWAYS good in ALL things. I know He is and will continue working to strengthen my faith in this truth.

We are really looking forward to all the joy that comes with moving into a new house and I’m cherishing every millisecond I get with my family. My love for them is stronger than ever...

Loves cooking with Mommy

Can't believe she's already half a year old!








Clara wanted to take a 6 month picture too. I swear she looks 5 years old here.

First swim with floaties




Making it official. (Sold in one month exactly!)












Mulching the yards to impress potential buyers!










Sweet thing

Cousins Mira, Misha and Micah visiting from Colorado

Rolly Polly Baby

Officially 2

I was dying laughing at this awesome "hairstyle" she had in the tub the other night. It so reminded me of something I'd see at Walmart....or a trailor park

They LOVE each other and are always making each other laugh....I'm one blessed Mommy