2007~A Look Back

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I hope you can take a moment to view this. Once it loads, each page has several pictures. You can click on each individual picture to read the captions that match.

We Are The Proud Owners Of A...

Guinea Pig!

That Santa is a smart fellow. He knows Ellie has a great desire to own a pet. Although dogs are her passion, guinea pigs are a close second. This all stems from Rosco, the guinea pig in her preschool class that we got to "guinea pig sit" last Memorial Day (see this previous post). Ellie wants a dog so badly, but our family is just not ready for a dog yet. Easton isn't even potty trained!


Just before Christmas, "Santa" made an impulse buy and splurged for both of the kids. Note to self, never go to a pet store right before Christmas. They overload on the animals and have a package deals put together to tempt you.


It has actually been very sweet to watch Ellie with him. Easton is a bit indifferent. Ellie could hold the guinea pig every second of the day. It is nice to have something to work toward; like helping with a job to hold the guinea pig or pick up room first to hold the guinea pig.


We are still searching for a name for this guy. So far his name has changed a few times. Sam, Sammy, Lenny, Mac. What's your vote?

Merry, Merry Christmas

We have been so busy enjoying the Christmas season, we are a bit behind. If my mind could post for me, I would have a dozen posts that would include:

• Easton singing "You Better Watch Out, You Better Not Cry, You Better Not Pout...."
• Ellie and Easton singing the Drummer Boy while listening to our favorite Christmas CD, Mercy Me in the car
• Our Christmas Cards (we have them and they are addressed, we just need to stuff them and mail them so now you will be receiving New Year's cards!)
• Our trip to the Children's Museum and Zoo Lights
• A look back at our year; the highest of highs, the lowest of lows
• Our biggest impulse buy for the kids that we are so excited about for Christmas morning!!!!!!

We hope you enjoy your Christmas and take time to remember that Christmas is Jesus' birthday.

It's Been 6 Months

Tomorrow will mark 6 months since Leora has been gone.

I keep seeing these commerials for a TV movie called For One More Day based on a best selling book of the same title. I have never read the book, but I remember seeing it advertised as Oprah's Book Club selection or seeing it in Starbucks when it was popular. When I see those commericials, of course it makes me think of her.

Leora and I had an interesting relationship. She was with with my dad for a very long time, so although they were not married, I did consider her my stepmom and for obvious reasons it was just easier to refer to her as such, rather than as my dad's girlfriend that he has been with forever.

She was a hard woman to get close to. I have learned the circumstances as to why she ws a hard woman to get close to through her short, difficult illness and death. Even though she was hard to get close to, here is what I know. I know I cared for her.

I know I cared for her because she was my dad's companion and helped raise my brother. I know I cared for her because she took a genuine interest in me as I grew up and in my family as I married and had kids. I know I cared for her because even through her gruff exterior, I recognize she wanted to please.

Because of the way the events of her death made me feel, the way I have felt the past 6 months, how much I have thought about her, how I have cried thinking back to what she was doing a year ago or what events she has missed or how at this time last year she already had her Christmas presents bought, wrapped and under her decorated tree a month ago, I know I loved her. I loved her because I know she really loved my kids and they were one of the most special things in her life.

I always knew she loved my kids and she loved that she was able to be called a grandma even though she didn't have biological kids of her own, but considered my brother and I her kids, so us having kids made her a grandma. I just had no idea how very much she loved all her grandbabies and loved being a grandma until after her death. That is hard for me.



It is an odd feeling, I don't even know the words to describe it, to not realize until it's too late how much someone cares or loves you or your children until they are gone. When someone you knew for a major part of your life was such a contradiction and now they are gone and you are left trying to still figure them out, understanding them more after their death. Knowing you didn't saying nearly enough of what they needed to hear because you had no idea they even needed to hear it. A gruff person whose greatest joy in life was being a proud grandma. A woman who never asked for anything, who acted like she needed nothing, but really needed so much; emotionally.

At times the past 6 months seem like they have flown by and here I sit saying "it's been 6 months". Other times 6 months seems like an eternity ago because everything about her death was so hard and continues to be for many more reasons than just she is gone. I feel like the last few days leading up to this 6 month mark have been really emotional for me and I can't quite figure out why. Of course the holidays are hard, especially Christmas will be hard.

What is hardest for me is my dad. I cannot imagine his loneliness, the feeling of doing it alone; when she did it all. He is doing well, but it is slow going. I will admit I feel a burden for him because we are still trying to help him do life alone; trying to help him figure out a new life. But that's more than I can get into now. Please pray for him. I would so much appreciate your prayers for my dad, Ron.

I know some of this might sound like ramblings. Just getting things off my chest and sometimes it feels good to just feel sad.




Look at her face. I cannot help but smile to know my children and my brother's child, of whom made her a grandma, brought her the greatest joys of her life.

Got Elf?

Everybody's doing it. Check it out below.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1165292879

I Have Been...

... a very good girl!




This is my Christmas present from Aaron. 10 glorious feet of counter top, three beautiful sets of 36 inch-wide double door cabinets above, two wonderful 15 inch 3-drawer cabinets below in the center and two excellent 15 inch cupboard/drawer cabinets below on the ends (does it sound like I am describing a hot rod?)

It's my ultimate dream; my scrapbook space. I had dreamingly talked about cabinets to Aaron for a long time. When we moved to this house, Aaron got his own devoted office space, which he needs for work since he works from home. We also have a bonus room that acts as a play space/spare bedroom/craft room. So, I kept mentioning (pestering, bugging, nagging) to Aaron cabinets, cabinets, cabinets.

When he mentioned he found these premade cabinets at Home Depot, I didn't honestly think he meant now. When he took me to Home Depot to look at them and even ask me what size and kind of cabinets or drawers and what the layout might look like, I still didn't think now. But, goodness, he meant now! I was so excited when he went to Home Depot on Thanksgiving Eve and brought home most of the material (despite losing something off the roof of the truck on hwy 14) . In usual Aaron fashion, he got right to work and busted the cabinets out, finishing quickly.

There are even under-cabinet lights. The counter is high, like a normal counter, so I can stand and work on a project for a few minutes here and there. Eventually I'll find some stools. I am excited that the kids can work on projects up there, too and leave them out to dry; not on the carpet.

Want to come scrapbook???

Thank you, thank you, thank you Aaron. Have I really been that good? I'm sure glad you think so! You are the best!

Ellie - Star of the Week

Make a slide show, scrapbook, or ecard

Ellie got to be "Star of the Week" in kindergarten. She had to take several photos to school and describe herself. Here is a highlight of the pictures she chose and some of the words she used to describe herself.

*edited to note* this smilebox can be a little temperamental when you click play. I had to refresh the pop-up window a few times for it to play. thanks for being patient.

I'm Back To Bloggin, Baby!

I am back to the blogging world! Things around here got a little busy. Between parent/teacher conferences at school, a traveling husband, hosting Thanksgiving at our house, starting my new Uppercase Living business and last but not least, report card season; I had to let something go and that was my blog.

On Thanksgiving - Our first Thanksgiving in our new house was quite nice. I cooked the turkey, stuffing, sweet potato/apple dish and twice baked potatoes. My Mom and sister-in-law, Nikki filled in the rest. My Mom, Nikki, nephew Tyler and my Dad joined us. My brother came later after unsuccessful day of hunting. The day was very sweet and I loved having my family here. My heart was heavy for my dad as the holidays are here and his heart aches for Leora.

We ate Thanksgiving dinner in our dining room at our new table for the first time. We christened "the beautiful room" (phrase coined by our neighbor girl and Ellie when they were discussing what Aaron was working on each day in the dining room and the mess all around).

About a month ago Aaron completed a project in our dining room by adding a wall panel that I can best describe as a smooth wainscotting, with a raised framing. It's hard to describe, but here is a picture.

He had wanted to do something similar in our old house, but we just didn't have the right room to do it in. Instead he had added a chair rail in our old bedroom. In our new house, the dining room is quite long and it seemed like a great space to try this project. I am so pleased with how it turned out. Here are a few other pictures.

Aaron really enjoys having projects to work on. I wish I had half the motivation he does. He tackles new projects and researches how to do them. He works really hard and gets things done quickly. I wish I could take some credit and say I help, but I don't. I just try to keep the kids from causing too much destruction from playing with Daddy's tools. Great job, Aaron! I love the beautiful room.

Uppercase Living

I just became an Uppercase Living Demonstrator. I am really excited about this. Visit the website if you get a chance. Let me know if you want to host a party or want to order something.

www.uppercaseliving.com

To view the catalog on-line, you login as a customer at the Customer Corner Login.

• You will then register. My Demonstrater ID is : 390764
• The Registration Token is: McCarty

The next time you visit Uppercase Living, you will already be registered and you just sign in with a username and password.

Want to order something by Christmas?

Place an order by November 24th to guarantee delivery before Christmas!

A New Milestone

Ellie came home from her friend, Claire's house and announced to us that she wanted her training wheels off so she could ride her bike like Claire; two wheels only. (See Sara's blog for the inspiration http://themillerspage.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html)

So, Aaron obliged and had the pep talk with Ellie about not getting frustrated and it may take some time to ride on two wheels. I didn't even run in to get the camera so she wouldn't feel extra pressure. Ellie's bike is getting small and we have debated when to get her a bigger bike. I'm glad we waited. After a bit of practice and a great lesson from dad, she did it! Then I ran in and got the camera and video camera! We were so proud. I was a little apprehensive when Aaron let go so quickly.

Watching Aaron encourage Ellie and teaching her made me fall in love with him in a whole new way. Seeing your husband as a terrific dad does that! I loved watching him run along beside her.
Ellie would get nervous and slow down and Aaron just kept helping her gently, but firmly and not making big deal if she stumbled. He just quickly helped her jump back on. We were cheering her on and trying to give her some confidence and Aaron bent down to tell her, "You did that all on your own! I wasn't even holding on. Let's keep trying."

They got all set to give it another try and she replied with, "Daddy will you hold on to me and not let go for a long time?" My heart melted. I see a scrapbook page coming on with that comment! She rode all afternoon by herself mastering turning around and practicing getting started. Great job Aaron and Ellie! Thanks Claire and Molly (maybe it was the pink Crocs? Sara-was Molly wearing her pink Crocs?)

Here is a video of Ellie's terrific bike riding. Click on the play button twice!

Soccer Fun

Ellie had a fun opportunity to play a 5 minute exhibition game with her team at the half time of the last game of the Camas High Girl's Soccer Team. Ellie's coach this year was a senior soccer player for CHS. It was dark and under the stadium lights so our pictures didn't turn out. We did get some great video though.

Here is a clip of Ellie making a goal. She is wearing white number 9 and has a ponytail. We were impressed with her skill of kicking diagonal into the goal. The best part was Ellie's reaction to the crowd when they all cheered for her goal. Then you can see her run to her coach's mom for a high five. Click on the play button twice.

An Evening with Katie

This is Katie, the daughter of my job share partner, Carmen. Isn't she cute? She has the cutest little voice, too. Katie is 8 months younger than Easton. Katie and Easton go to the same daycare, but only spend about an hour together as Carmen and I swap our day during that time. Katie came to hang out one night while Carmen took a class. Katie is the recipient of a lot of Ellie's hand-me-downs. Katie seems so small to me and when I see her wearing something Ellie used to wear, I can hardly believe it. Ellie adores Katie and tends to be a little mother when Katie is around. Easton enjoys playing with Katie and he thinks it's pretty cool she likes Thomas too; except when Katie wants to play with Easton's Thomas Trains.

While at our house Katie enjoyed coloring (above), going on a walk in the red wagon to look for kitties, eating dinner and playing with playdough.

Trick-or-Treat

We had a fun Halloween. (I think most parents say that when their kids are young) We decorated our house a bit with fake pumpkins in the kids' rooms and carved pumpkins on the porch; Halloween books, movies, and crafts; candy corn placemates, pumpkin plates and pumpkin straws; other Halloween decor around the house and even a giant spiderweb and spider on our front porch! The fun mom in me likes to "theme" the house a little to put us in the mood for holidays and I think the kids enjoy it.

We all dressed in orange on Halloween, even Aaron and I.

Halloween Wednesday was my non-work Wednesday so we took Ellie to kindergarten then Aaron, Easton and I enjoyed coffee and milk at Starbucks. After Ellie came home, she had a playdate at our house and we had orange lunch that consisted of Spaghetti-Oh's, apples (Fuji that look a bit orange), gold fish and carrots. Later we decorated pumpkins cookies.

When Dad came home we ate and got dressed to be ready for trick-or-treating. Easton was a firefighter. His coat was a little big, but he loved it. He resembled E.T. as he walked from house to house in his floor length coat.

Ellie went as a veterinarian, which is so fitting. When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, she always says, "a veterinarian".

I felt like we lucked out with Halloween costumes. I have learned from experience, you have to start shopping for good costumes during back-to-school time. We found both of these costumes at Costco for a very reasonable price. The kids did great trick-or-treating. One trip around the block and Ellie told us her bucket was filled with candy so it was time to go home. It worked for us. Now, on to Thanksgiving...

Happy Birthday Kara & Sally!

Happy Birthday to two of the most special, treasured friends I have had in my life. Kara and Sally represent two completely different, important times of my life. They don't even know each other. Ironically, they share the same birthday.

Kara was my BEST friend in high school. I met Kara or rather, knew Kara, in middle school. She sat behind me in math and pulled out my hair, one strand at a time from the crown of my head. When she tipped back in her chair and fell in front of the whole class, I thought it was sweet justice. Kara was pretty, happy and popular in middle school. I, however, was still wearing Minnie Mouse and had a pony tail sticking out of the side of my head. Deep down, I thought Kara was cool and I wished she were my friend.

(Me and Kara. Oh my, what big hair we had! 1990)

Kara and I became friends in high school as cheerleaders. Kara was always happy, always smiling and overwhelmingly generous. We came from COMPLETELY different families, but she never judged me - never. Her family loved me and accepted me. Being friends with Kara allowed me to put my family obstacles aside and just have FUN as a high schooler! I loved being at her house. We spent a ton of time together. She was the one person I knew that had hair almost like mine, but blonde and she loved it. Kara was the essence of fun and confidence and I really needed that in my life. Kara was the person that drove me to college. I can vividly remember hugging her through tears in the parking lot of PLU. Like a parent she told me she was proud of me and that I could do this.
(High School Homecoming 1991)

(High School Tolo Dance)

Aaron and I met Sally and Jeremy at our church's young married's group the summer of 1999 when we moved to Vancouver. The Brandt's were friendly and sweet and the kind of people you just know you want to be friends with. We hung out with Jeremy and Sally a lot. Jeremy and Aaron shared the common male bond of sports and both Sally and I were teachers. Sally had this great Texas accent, was charismatic and fun-loving, kind and encouraging. She filled a void I had felt when Aaron and I moved from Tacoma and left behind my cousin Emily and her husband Chad.

(This is Sally. Doesn't she look fun? Her happiness is contagious!)

Along with Jeremy and Sally, Aaron and I also hung out with 2 other couples from church and spent lots of pre-kid time together doing things like camping, having monthly breakfasts, progressive dinners at Christmastime, going to the Christmas tree farm, having late night get-togethers, celebrating New Years, having girls' nights and on and on. All four girls were even pregnant at the same time. Sally and I began scrapbooking together and more importantly completed our Master's Degree together.

(Sally and I hiking at Silver Falls.)

As couples, the Brandts planned a vacation with us and we took a week-long Caribbean cruise together. We even worked out together for 6 months prior to the cruise just to feel comfortable enough wearing swimsuits in front of each other! It was the big trip we all took prior to having kids.

(Sally and Andrea on the cruise - 2001)

Sally and I were pregnant at the same time with our first borns and had our babies 2 months apart. The Brandts came to the hospital in the early morning hours to be there for the end of my labor. Sally was the first person who was not family to hold Ellie in the hospital. She came over to my house to listen to me cry when Ellie was only days old and encourage me; hold Ellie and just listen.

Although life has gotten busy, Kara and Sally remain dear to me. How could they not? They both represent so much to me. Don't they sound awesome? I cannot express with words what they have meant to me. I could write a book on what they have done for me over the years.

I will be the first to admit I haven't done a good job at staying connected in the way a really good friend should. However, the older I get I just realize how important these relationships are. Your time gets busy, you get married, have kids, make new friends, work your job, keep up your house; too much time goes by and you feel guilty you haven't made the effort, then you feel bad - but in the end you need your girlfriends! They know you! Thank goodness for e-mails and blogs (Sally, when are you starting one?).

I just want these two to know what special women and friends they are. Kara & Sally - I really love you both. Thinking of you today, girls. Have awesome birthdays!

Finneman Fun

Our good friends, Lonnye and Rachel are in Italy. Their girls, Claire and Kate are staying with their family friends, The Miller's. http://www.themillerspage.blogspot.com/

To give mommy Miller a little break, Claire and Kate spent one afternoon with us.


Luckily, it was a 74 degree day and we spent much of the day outside at the park and playing in our backyard. No-nap-Easton was tuckered out from all the estrogen and fell asleep in our truck on the 5 minute ride back from the park.

He stayed asleep and slept for 2 hours while the girlies played upstairs!

We had a lot of fun playing dress up, Little Pet Shops, having a dance party, making necklaces, wrestling with Aaron and setting bunny traps (with a soccer net) in the backyard. Claire and Kate stayed through dinner. They were really good girls. Claire was cracking me up telling me her mom and dad were going to be back by Christmas and that they didn't have any plans, so did we want to come over?


On the way back to the Miller's, in the dark, Claire was telling me I was going the wrong way and where to turn. She got really frustrated once with me and said, "You are doing it wrong" and then started whispering to Ellie to have Ellie tell me what to do. I was laughing so hard, I had to pull over!


The craziest part for me was having 4 car seasts in the truck. Thank goodness for third row seating, but I will never succumb to a van!


Sarah, you are doing a fabulous job! I felt like my little bit of 6 hours of help was nothing compared to what you are doing! L&R - keep having a blast, your girls are fine!

Catching Up

So busy, so tired lately. Lots of blog posts floating in my mind, but by the time the kids go to bed all I want to do is veg on the couch and spend time with Aaron watching some good fall TV. In between shows and getting up to eat a snack I do laundry, put dishes away, dust, work on school work, check my e-mail. What is it about fall and being in the house that makes you want to snack and be unmotivated?

Here's what's going on with us in a few phrases and some pictures thrown in for a nice visual.

Aaron:

• Busy with work, traveling, even traveled to Californa last week
• Attended a U of O football game with a good friend, Brad
• Enjoying Fantasy Football and ALL things football during football season
• Loving sports right now; basketball has started, baseball World Series, football in full swing!
• Finished updating our dining room. Oh My Goodness - I love it! Pictures to come soon

Andrea:

• Loving part time teaching, even more than ever
• Feeling inspired and motivated at school by a recent 3-day literacy workshop
• Attended Women of Faith (see previous post)
• Trying to schedule monthly scrapbooking with friends
• Prepping for a friend's baby shower
• Prepping for an Uppercase Living Party (want to come? Nov. 3rd, 10am)
• Feeling blessed to have Ellie at my school
• Being introspective about myself

Ellie:

• ABSOLUTELY in love with our neighbor's new lab puppy, Emma
• Finishing up a fun season of soccer
• Loving school, making new friends, being responsible about homework
• Living for playdates with neighbors and school friends
• Going to the pumpkin patch with kinder class and daddy
• A new haircut
• Wanting to always wear something beautiful (but still a Tom Boy!)
• Setting "traps" for the bunny that lives in our neighborhood

Easton:

• Will do anything to watch a Thomas the Train video
• On pumpkin patrol (and all Halloween decorations, too) as we drive around
• Making us laugh
• Having absolutely no desire to potty train; come on!
• Throwing anything and everything
• Proud of the noises he can make, we are working on manners!
• On nap protest, but really needing it
• WHINING - oh, it's driving us insane! I don't know how many times an hour Aaron and I say, "Use your big voice" or "Make your voice sound like mine" or "I listen to your normal voice" Advice anyone?

Our Family:

• Connecting during homework time
• Great conversations during dinner
• Dancing to Monday Night Football

Mom Overture

Did you laugh?

Went to the Women of Faith conference this weekend. My friend Sarah scored free tickets in a suite at the Rose Garden. A suite is, well sweet! Free popcorn, soda, they take your orders for lunch and your own private bathroom; great parking, too! Four of us went altogether, Sarah, Rachel, Carmen and myself. We had a great time. Lots of tears, lots of laughing, lots of women's voices. It was awesome. The speaker I enjoyed the most was Anita Renfroe. She is a comedian and part of her act is to do parodies to popular songs. I posted one above. If you love it, check out the one below.

Anita Renfroe on Bananas - Don't Breathe

Easton's Pictures

Pictures of Easton at 2 years, 7 months. (I only add the "7 months" because that's more than 2 1/2; pretty darn close to 3 years old!)

I adore this picture. I love his eyes, I love the expression, I love the black and white, I love the tilted angle.

But this! This one is my absolute favorite! This is SO Easton right now. He often dons this look and I don't know if I can quite describe the attitude here. He will do things how he wants in his own way.

~*please note, these pictures were scanned by my not-so-high-tech scanner, so the quality on here is not great, but seen in real life, the quality is amazing!*~

All of these pictures were taken by Debbie, our wonderful childcare provider. She also has a photography business. She did these spur of the moment as "school" pictures. Debbie even made a key chain for me and a big photo button for Ellie's backpack. I love the way Debbie takes pictures. It is not typical; not traditional and she has a great eye for cool angles, settings and props. Check out her website http://www.ashdownstudios.com/ If you browse through the "portraits" there are a few of Easton. The adorable little girl without shoes is Katie, my job share partner, Carmen's, little girl.

The Start of Football

Aaron is in his element. Football has started. I don't know if there are words to describe how much he loves football. He has a Fantasy Football Team, loves the NFL channel and even chooses to get up with the kids on Sunday morning so I can get a little more sleep, but I think it's so he can watch more football!

Being an Oregan native, Aaron has a special place in his heart for the University of Oregon. Over the years, he has developed an allegiance to U of O football. He started buying a few T-shirts, hats, a sticker for the truck with giant green "O" but I knew it was serious last year when he bought Easton a green Ducks track suit, Ellie a pink Ducks jersey and a T-shirt for me. Aaron is going to attend a Ducks game next weekend, so you can imagine how excited he is.

His passion for football is not limited to college, although if you come to our house on a Saturday you would surely find college football on the TV. He is crazy for the NFL. I know his Fantasy Football team feeds the obsession. Our kids readily recognize the Monday Night Football Song as they do a special dance with Daddy to it. Aaron bought each of the kids their own Seahawks jersey this year; Hasselbeck for Easton, pink for Ellie and I joined in and bought a pink Seahawks T-shirt just to make my husband proud.

I have learned to embrace Aaron's passion football. It has been special for me to witness how he enjoys watching games with the kids and teaching them things about the game. It is a unique way for them to bond. I could resent it, but Aaron loves it and football is something he can share with the kids. He gets so tickled when Ellie asks him who the teams are or when she can remember who the mascots are. It makes him smile when Easton yells out, "Daddy! Football!" when ANY kind of sport is on TV or in a store. We even watch the "Mayne Event" together on Sunday morning. We attended our first high school football game as a family last weekend for Camas and we all had a great time. I know taking an interest in Aaron's passion is making a HUGE deposit into his emotional bank account and it's something we can do as a family. Do you think I could ask him to reciprocate with my passion for scrapbooking?

Here's to a great, fun, family-time filled Football Season! CHEERS!

The Start of Soccer

Ellie had her first soccer game on Saturday. We are really excited for a new season of soccer as last year was not the best experience. Her coach is a high school senior that plays soccer, Coach Kristen. Kristen's little sister is on the team. Kristen is doing a fabulous job with the kids and they all do a good job listening to her. Ellie is playing on an all-girls team with 6 players. They play 2 20 minute halves, 3 on 3.

We could see quite an improvement with Ellie from last year. She seemed more sure on her feet, more comfortable dribbling the ball and more confident to get in amongst the other players and try to get the ball. What a difference a year makes in that none of the players stopped to pick flowers or do sommersaults! Ellie had a blast. (Not that we were keeping track, but she scored about 10 goals.) We were really proud of the way Ellie kept a positive attitude and on the side lines she cheered her teammates on. Aaron was asked to be the referee for the game and Easton and I cheered on the sidelines.

Kindergarten

Check out those VANS! (Thanks for the "fun shoes" Grammy, as opposed to the "practical shoes" mommy purchased.)





Today was Ellie's first day of kindergarten. We have been counting down the days since the beginning of summer! Here is her picture at home before school with a new backpack that is almost as big as she is. Poor thing woke up with a sty in her eye (you can kind of see it in the picture!) Aaron took her to school and walked her down to her classroom. I was anxiously greeting my new classroom full of kids, while at the same time peeking out in the hall to catch a glimpse of Ellie. As she walked down the hall, my eyes teared up! It is so cliche', but our little girl is in kindergarten. I fought back tears, just like all the other moms, tears of pride and a bit of bewilderment that time flies so fast. Ellie was confident, excited and beaming with a big smile. Her favorite thing of the day was recess because she loves monkey bars. She didn't use the bathroom all day. She thinks her teacher is pretty. She can't wait to pick out her clothes for the next day. She wants to get to school early so she can have before school recess! She got to stay at school all day because our school building houses a program called K-too where kindergarteners can go for the remainder of the school day; it is a sort of curriculum daycare. So, Ellie was excited to eat lunch in the cafeteria and extend her school day.


Having Ellie at the same school I teach at is a perk I have been waiting for since I became a teacher. This is my 12th year teaching and I can remember my first year, at my first school, seeing many teachers that worked in the same building that their own children attended. I just couldn't wait for that moment. The building I am in now is considered a "new" building. It opened the same year I was pregnant with Ellie. I experienced my pregnancy along with the first year of opening a new school building. It is just an awesome feeling to now have Ellie at that same school. It is so fun to see many parents and former students who knew me pregnant or heard my stories of Ellie as a baby, toddler and preschooler and now see Ellie at school!



Today was a perfect day...seeing Ellie throughout the day, checking in with her, listening to her excited voice as she relived the most important parts of her day...sharing the excitement of your first born in kindergarten, at your school with your co-workers who are your close friends...working a full day with your job share partner (two teachers in one classroom is AWESOME!)...hearing Easton yell "Ellie!" and run into her arms when we picked him up at daycare. He has only been to daycare with Ellie so I am sure his day felt different. The kids played great after we got home, ate perfectly and we topped it off with a trip to Cold Stone. These are the days you live for. The days you close your eyes and whisper to your husband, "I love my life!"