Worth Noting- Juliana's First Week of Preschool

Another school year has begun, meaning more structure (THANK GOD) for all of us!

On her first day, Jules could barely keep herself from jumping out of the car and running into the school...quite a big difference from last year with all of her kicking and screaming as I tried my best to gently hand her over to the teachers...(I'm seriously wincing at the memory!).

She's growing up much too fast for my liking. Where do all of those little moments go, you know, the ones where you just stop what you're doing and look over at your children and try so hard to capture (in your fading mind's eye) the goofy face she's making, or the pure joy he's radiating as he just mastered writing his own name.

Each and every day I thank God for reminding me to stop here and there and take note of those moments.

This blog was created for that purpose-so that I could stop, take note and physically record our family's moments and experiences. I've let too many other things get in the way of keeping track, keeping current. Beginning today I am going to challenge myself to post here every day-at least from now until the end of the year. I'm curious to see how it will go for me-so many new responsibilities have left me feeling drained, unmotivated and facing a creative block (ahhhhh!).

But I know it needs to change, and I need to get back here. Even if I only post a picture or a quote, I'm committing myself to once again being present here daily...because this is the place for my good stuff...the stuff that is worth noting.

Today's Memory

Last night at Nate's baseball practice, Juliana saw her little friend, Tristen, reach into her mom's purse and pull out a package of gum.

"What is that?" Jules asked her friend's mom.
"It's gum," she replied.

To which Juliana responded, "what's gum?"

...Have I sheltered her TOO much?!!!!!

The Gang's All Here-Jule's Backyard Picnic

Since I've started having children, my mom periodically brings old boxes to us filled with clothes, toys or other items from my childhood. I love that my mom took the time to save a few of our things, and that she knows just the right time to pass them along to the kids. Recently, she gave Juliana the remnants of my sister's and my Fisher Price Little People (circa 1980!)! It was so cool to see them all again, and watching Juliana play with them has brought back a lot of memories for me.

What are some of your favorite childhood toy memories?

Taking Note

Today's memory:

Jules to me: "Mom, let's make some LOVE YOU cookies for Nate today, so that when he gets home from school he'll know how much we missed him, and how much we LOVE him!"

What's New?

We're navigating through some new, uncharted waters around here lately...

1.) I've gone back to work! Well, kind of. I've begun doing some freelance work, (check out this, and this) and (thank God) I get to do it from the comfort of my own home! Yet, as wonderful as this seems, I am struggling with NO desk of my own/space, and of course, continual interruption from well, you know who...! I'll get the kinks worked out sooner or later.

2.) Jules is REALLY lost without Nate now that he has started kindergarten and is gone ALL day! She is soooo grumpy, and I am literally counting the days (12) until she begins preschool!

3.) I am getting organized...I know can you BELIEVE it?! It is a slow and steady process, but I am finally beginning to feel a (small) grip on things, and it feels good, really good!

That's all for now...Happy Monday!

Kindergarten!

And so begins a whole new phase of life for Nate (and the rest of us as well)!

Nate did fantastic with his first two days of school last week! We were a bit anxious at first, as Nate had been feeling really nervous about starting Kindergarten all throughout the summer. However, after meeting his new teacher and seeing his classroom the day before school started, his fears began to melt away!

I dropped him off at the school's entrance, and watched as he walked along the sidewalk, another woman's arms wrapped around his shoulders, maneuvering him toward the door. It was hard for me to see someone else taking my place as a guide for him. Juliana and I felt a little lost for a bit, as if we were missing our best friend. But with the chance to have some wonderful quality time dedicated just for Jules, we soon began to enjoy the day!

Congrats to Nate, we're so proud of you!

Catching Up!

The lazy days of summer are coming to a close around here as my sweet little guy starts kindergarten tomorrow! I can still hardly believe it, he has grown up so fast-too fast.

But we have had a great past few weeks with several trips to visit family and friends in FL, NC, and SC.

It was awesome to get away for a bit, and honestly, just what I needed to refresh my motivation and energy levels!

Here is a look into our last few weeks of summer...

Papa and Jules in Papa's pool

A visit with friends in SC (former Birmingham pals-we're so sad that they left us!)

Juliana and Nate's best friend Drew were hugging a little bit too much that evening!

Geese outside of Maggie's (my mom) house one morning- how awesome!

Playing the drums and bells at the Durham's Life and Science Museum in NC

The Butterfly exhibit in NC

Nate and one of many dinosaurs we came across at the Life and Science museum

Train ride with Auntie Krista and Maggie

Driving, Driving, Driving (and yes, that is a giant PEACH)

Juliana learning to (fly) jump

Chilling at Maggie's pool

Nate decided that he is officially now a lifeguard

Auntie Krista and Nate at the museum

Visiting with one of my dearest, and most fabulous friends, Robin (from my Kent State days!)

Did I mention that we also hit Disney World?! It was an amazing trip- I'll get pictures from that up soon!