Do I Dare.....

Even try to catch up at this point? We have had such a busy Summer and especially the last few weeks since school started, I haven't had the chance to blog about it all!!

First off I am thoroughly enjoying the "back to school schedule", we are up and going early every morning and the day just feels more, and is more productive! Lexi has to be to the bus by 6:40am and then Grace is there at 7:40am so by 8am it is just buddy and I!

Lexi went back to school on Thurs. Aug 12, she started Middle School and was BEYOND
excited!! For the first time she has a locker and she was even able to "open it on her first
try!", when she got home that afternoon at 3:10pm (they have longer school days here than in
Vegas), she told me she felt like "she had always belonged there" (only slightly dramatic). Lexi
has always been a bit advanced maturity wise, so I think getting out of Elementary school is
exactly what she needed!


She is playing the flute in band, which makes me happy since I also played the flute, (which I
would still have if I hadn't traded it in for a guitar in college, but don't worry I don't have the
guitar anymore either since my mom decided to give it to my BIL, whatev, I'm not bitter or
anything. I kid I kid). Back to Lexi, it was fun to show her how to hold the flute and help her
figure out some notes, she felt really good the next day when she was "the only one that
knew how to hold it!" I love that as a 6th graders she still gets excited and impressed with
just the simplest of achievements, she must be like her mother! Yup, that's us, just simple girls!








Grace had an assessment day on Aug.12th, but she didn't officially start until Monday
Aug.16th. Grace is in the 1st Grade and after the second day she told me she "wanted to go
back to Kindergarten, because it is more fun." It has been a huge adjustment for her,
going from half days to full days, she is exhausted after school! I have been surprised by how
much she loves sitting at the table with Lexi after school doing homework, I think it makes her
feel like a "big kid", but hey no complaints on my part!

So far it is going well for her, she likes her teacher and she is making some new friends. I love my
sweet Grace, school doesn't come so easy for her, as we were walking to the bus stop on the first
day she looked up at me and said "You know what I dream about mom?, I dream
about being the SMARTEST girl in the world!" with tears coming to my eyes I said,
"Well if you keep working hard you CAN be the smartest girl in the world." which
she responded with "Or I could just wish on a star." touche Grace, touche. I pray that
things will start to get a bit easier or that she will at least be given the strength to overcome her
struggles.

(and if my Spunky girl wants to be colorful and bright who am I to say no)

The Reasons Why....

...I spend less time blogging
Less time editing pictures (sorry to those waiting)
More time laughing
More time happy
Less time alone
Less time sleeping
More time out of my mind
Less time knowing the answers
More time grateful
and More time being Me

Flashback Friday: A little Nudge

Today is the girls last day of school, school is not actually out until next Thursday, but we have a family Emergency and we will be headed to Vegas in the morning. Anyway, I was reflecting on the past school year and tears filled my eyes as I realized how perfectly placed the girls were into there perspective classrooms!!

The thought came to me that while all the things preceding our move to Colorado were difficult/stressful/sad/frustrating, they were set before us as a roadblock, not to hinder our progress but to draw our eye to another path. This new path has provided our family with opportunities, blessings, and joy, it was a little NUDGE from the Lord.

Before our move I had the distinct feeling that we needed to move for not only the job, but for the sake of our children. I wasn't sure why or which child, and today I realized that it had been especially for my girls. Grace was set in the most perfect Kindergarten class, her teacher has been so patient, so kind and truly provided a safe place for her to be each afternoon. Lexi has made so many friends and loves her teachers, she needed the change so much. She is happy and blossoming into such a great young women, I really find it mind boggling that she will be going into Middle School next year.

The Lord has blessed our family so much this past year, I know I have said this many times before but it's true and I can't let it go unnoticed and unappreciated.

(Lexi on the first day of school)

(Grace on the first day)

Just a couple days ago

First of all it is not right that Lexi's hair grows that quickly and Grace looks like a big kid now!!! What a great year they have had!!

(oh and as a side note I will be in Vegas for the next little while so if my Blog suffers my apologies in advance)

Happy Friday!

All My Love,

The Bully Part 3: Happy Ending!!!

Here is the 3rd and final chapter in the bully saga! I am doing much better on all accounts!! The last couple weeks have been crazy and I haven't had much time to pee let alone blog so my apologies for the long wait!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Mom 1..........Bully 0!!!!

I decided to share this next story via video

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I would love to hear any thoughts on how best to deal with this situation, maybe your child has gone through something like this or perhaps you are a teacher or you have some insight on what I should do.

Oh on a side note the dresser behind me is a sneak peak at my newly decorated room :)

Love and Thanks

Flash Back Friday! Happy Birthday Jack and Lexi's First Day

Today is my Little Brother's Birthday!! I love him so much and I wish we lived closer so I could see him more often! He is the most easy going Holler child, he smiles and laughs tons and he has this magic way of easing tension! I am so proud of the adult he has become, he is a wonderful husband, uncle, brother and I know he will be an AMAZING father someday!! Love you Brother!!

These are some pictures I got of Lexi before heading down to the bus stop

Lexi was EXTREMELY nervous while getting ready for school, then walking to the bus stop and then while waiting for the bus!! She wanted to send a little message to her Grandma and Grandpa in Vegas but as you can tell by the video she is less than her chipper self!! Poor thing! Please notice the 80's attire! I had to laugh (to myself of course) when I saw her selection for the day and (again to myself) then thought "I hope none of the kids make fun of her, if this isn't the style here." Then my worries were put to rest as the other little girls made there way to the bus stop many of them were wearing very similar things!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Love to you,

Where Did She Go???

Where did my little girl go? As parents I know we say "They grow up too fast!" but man, I just can't figure out how Lexi got to be a 5th Grader! Tomorrow is her first day of 5th Grade, it will be a little tougher this year, as she is going to a brand new school and they have a longer day here, but I am sure in no time she will be making friends and finding her way around campus! She is very nervous, and I can totally relate, I remember the night before school started I was excited but also felt like I was gonna throw-up!

Lexi is such a gem, she really is, I know I expect a lot out of her and I can be tough on her, but I sure love her so much and when I hear her silly laugh or notice her looking over the top of her glasses I can't help but smile. Her help with James and Grace is priceless, she is smart and has this inner joy that just stumbles out of her. Lexi loves her family and is fiercely loyal to all of us, if she senses me getting upset at someone she will say to me "Mom, they don't know who they are messin with huh? I could tell you were about to go all 'Holler' on them!" How can I not appreciate the fact that she knows me oh so well!! (for those unaware the "Holler" in me can be the horns of the bull)

Well I am sure I will post a little tomorrow on how her first day went but I had to post a little something about my sweet girl tonight!

Love to you,