Preschool Celebration

Preschool Celebration

Ranch Elementary

May 14, 2012

Talmage had is end of the year Preschool Celebration. They sang 3 songs. Grandma, Emma and Mommy all were there to see him sing. He was the cutest little boy up there. After their songs, they called each of them up, one by one, to get their preschool diplomas. They each crossed a bridge and walked over to their teacher. Talmage still has another year of preschool (thank goodness! I'm not ready for kindergarten!) so he received a different certificate. It was the best Mother's Day present to see my little boy singing and doing the actions to the songs. I LOVED it!!

Emma's all ready to go to brother's celebration. She likes to sit on the seat, like a big girl, but we she knows she has to be in her car seat. So she's just chillin' til Mommy puts her in her seat.

About to sing!

Emma just loved watching! Her favorite part was the clapping!

Waiting for brother's name to be called!

As soon as she heard his name, she darted out there, as you can see!

Hugging Ms. Jenny

Mother's Day

May 13, 2012

Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. All day, I just felt this overwhelming feeling of how blessed I am to be a mother to my two little ones. It was a great day to stop and remember the most important things in my life. 

Jacob gave me a really pretty watch and two cute shoes for the summer and, of course, some chocolate. And for the first time, Talmage sang in church with the primary. It was his first experience. Needless to say, he was pretty nervous and didn't sing at all. But that's ok, I still loved seeing him up there. 

This is the only picture that was taken on Mother's Day. 

Here's what our afternoon looked like:

Home

Since this is our family blog, I rarely write about anything, unless it pertains to the kids, and I always include lots of pictures of our growing family. But, I felt inspired to just write about us and our wonderful life. Sometimes it feels like our life isn't too exciting but we honestly have a great life together as a family.

I love our home.
It is just perfect for our family. We were so blessed to be able to buy our first home and watch it be built. It made us appreciate it so much more because it was OUR home and only ours. In November 2009, we moved in, only having Talmage at the time. Our house is about 1500 sq ft with 3 bedrooms, a den, and 2 baths. I love having a smaller home. Here are some reasons why:
**For one, we accumulate less stuff. There is just enough room to store what we love and need. And no clutter!
**It's easier to clean.
**Our bills are cheaper for gas, electric, water, etc.
**It's easy to decorate.
**It's cozy.
**It's taught us to be more creative with storage and organizing.
**And, it brings our family closer together. I love how we don't have too many rooms. The kids could be playing in their bedrooms while I'm in the kitchen and I can still hear them singing and talking. Love that!

I love being able to stay home with my two cute kiddies. Not only is it fun to be with them, but I just love being home. It just feels good. Before Emma was even born, we sold my car and went from 2 cars to 1. It has been such a blessing too! We not only save money because of gas, insurance, and car maintenance, but we spend less money too. Since Jacob only works about 5 miles from home, it's so easy to just drop him off at work if I need the car. And, I'm able to be at home more and spend more quality time with the kids. I just love it!

What Happens at Target

Having Fun at Target

April 29, 2012

We love Target! And we love to have fun! Emma pulled this dump truck off the shelf and started pushing it around the store. Then Talmage got in, while Emma pushed him. After his turn, Emma hopped in the truck while brother her around the store. They were laughing so hard! It was the cutest thing!

Watching The Muppet Show

April 22, 2012

The Muppet Show

Tonight we watched two episodes of The Muppet Show. As you can see, the kids had their popcorn and chairs from Papa & Grandma Linda. They love to watch movies in them.  

1st Soccer Game

April 21, 2012

1st Soccer Game

JO Combs Traditional Academy

Talmage had his first soccer game on Saturday. He was a little confused at first but quickly got the hang of it.     

By the end of the game, he was kicking the ball across the field. He even got the ball away from someone and starting kicking the other direction. 

Kicking

Score!

Team huddle

About to kick off

Lining up

Cheering brother on

This is what Emma really thought of the game.

Emma trying to take the water away from brother.

Water Break

Soccer Practice

April 14, 2012

Soccer Practice

Talmage just started his first season of soccer.

Emma loved watching brother and kept trying to run after him.

Mommy & Talmage Date Night

April 14, 2012

Preschool Mini Concert

April 11, 2012

Singing at JO Combs District PTA Meeting

POPS Preschool from Ranch Elementary

Talmage's Preschool sang 2 songs, that they had been practicing, for the JO Combs School District PTA Meeting. They wanting to showcase the POPS Preschool and show them what they're all about. Talmage ended up standing with a different close, not knowing anyone around.  As a result, he looked really confused and wouldn't sing or do the actions. During the next song, he finally started to sing a little. Emma was also singing her heart out, right along with them! It was so cute!

Wind Cave Hike

April 11, 2012

Wind Cave Hike, Usery Mountain Park

During Jacob's vacation, we decided to go on our first family hike. We chose the Wind Cave hike. I had hear d a lot about it and really wanted to try it out. Once we started the trail, we quickly realized that we were definitely not taking our stroller and lugging it up the mountain. It was fairly difficult at times, but a fun challenge. Talmage hiked the entire mountain both up and down. It totaled 3.2 miles of hiking. Since we couldn't bring a stroller, Jacob and I alternated holding Emma. It was challenge but we did have fun. The view was amazing!

Before the Hike

Ready to go in the stroller, before we saw that we were hiking up a mountain!

Cactus Flower

Talmage in front of a Mesquite Tree

Mommy & Emma join the picture

Talmage wanted a picture on this huge mossy rock

Daddy & Talmage

We made it to the Wind Cave! Here we are inside the cave.

This was our view from the wind cave...amazing!

Jacob at the top

We're higher than the Phoenix Sign!

Part of the Wind Cave

There were so many beautiful cacti.

Here's a picture of the mountain...we hiked to the very top!

AFTER the hike