Big Girls Don't Cry

"And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket.
But Ive got to get a move on with my life.
Its time to be a big girl now.
And big girls don't cry.
Don't cry...Don't cry...Don't cry."
- Fergie





Most of my family and friends are familiar to these bath pictures by now. For all 3 kids, I have taken these monthly naked pictures since birth...but don't worry, I stop at 1 year. It is a great way to compare siblings.

Ms. Pink: 23 lbs 12 oz & 29 inches








Little: 22 lbs 8 oz and 30 1/4 inches












Big: 20 lbs 6 oz & 30 inches

Here Comes the Hammer

"Oh-oh oh-oh oh-oh.
Here comes the hammer!
Oh-oh oh-oh oh-oh.
Here comes the hammer!"

- MC Hammer








Every other Saturday, Daddy takes the kids to our neighborhood home improvement store for their children's workshop. It is a great place to teach them tool skills and it keeps our house quiet so I can sleep after working my Friday night shift. This morning I was able to take the boys for the first time. Today's project...GMC truck. After signing a short waiver you get your bag which includes pre-cut parts, nails, and instructions. After finding a bucket to sit on and a place at the table, we were ready for hammer time!



All you have to do is slightly push the nails into the pre-drilled holes and the kids do the rest. After the item is complete, you can decorate with stickers or markers. Finally, sand the "sharp corners so no one gets hurt." Then you take your finished project up to the Lowe's guy and he congratulates you with a certificate (which hangs in our garage) and a patch (I will sew onto their apron). Of course then there is an open treat station full of cookies, cupcakes, and candy. Best of all...this is FREE!!!

Next months agenda...pirate ship and fire truck.

Let the Children Play

"Let them play.
Let them play.
Let them play.
Let them play.
let your children play."
- Eek A Mouse











Throughout this summer, I have organized a play date with the boys' school friends each month. Since my 2 are a bit "socially challenged" I thought the familiar faces would help out with the next school year.

Each one of them were quite successful. In June we met at a local park for a BYOB...bring your own bike and bubbles. With the play ground and sandbox in reach, we never got to the bubbles, but it was fun watching each kid trolley around with their helmets and training wheels.







In July we spent the afternoon at Going Bonkers since the HOT weather was too much for anyone outside. After 90 hard minutes of play, every kid was ready to go home for a quiet evening.

Then today we had 27 people show at the CR Smith Museum. The kids squealed in delight as they boarded the anchored plane for pretend play. Not only a great museum on a rainy day, but the $1/per person rate for groups is unbeatable!

I think the transition back to school will be quite a bit easier now for us in 14 days...not that I am counting down or anything.

There's Power in the Blood

"There is power, power, wonder working power.
In the blood of the Lamb;
There is power, power, wonder working power.
In the precious blood of the Lamb."









We just completed our first round of VBS. The boys participated in the preschool program and I volunteered in the nursery...not ready to leave Ms. Pink yet. They had fun. I worked my tail off! Close to 20 kids, ages 4 months to 3 years, that me and a few other adults were responsible for. Kuddos to all daycare workers out there that do this week after week. Rumor has it "snacks" is the area to volunteer.









A structured 3 hour morning filled each day...song & dance, Bible lessons, arts & crafts, snack, short video, games, and the closing song & dance. The boys loved every minute and would continue the chanting well into every evening. They even remembered each lesson...be thankful, help others, be brave, live forever, and tell others.







It is amazing how far VBS has come in the past 25 years. I would attended as many as possible each summer growing up. There never was a theme, the songs were always the same, and the crafts were creative works of art from sticks, yarn, tooth picks, and milk jugs. From my experience this year, you can get the "package deal" from Group. Next years theme...The Crocodile Dock!