Paige's speech

 Paige was chosen for a Patriotic speech contest for the 5th grade at her school.  She made it to the contest where she presented her memorized speech to teachers, students, the vice principal and military personnel who were appointed judges.  She did not want me to shoot pictures during her speech because it would make her nervous, but I stole a few before and after.  She was so composed and did so well!

Her best pal, Sarah.

Great job, brave Paige!

Lucy

Happy Birthday week, Lucy!

Lucy's 1st Birthday!

I am super sad because my camera lens was not working for Lucy's birthday.  I didn't have the idea to switch lenses until it was too late.  I just thought it was the camera.  So we had a fun birthday on the trampoline (one of her favorite places) and sadly, not one photo is in focus!  So, I only included a few, but atleast we have them.  Once we got inside I found my point and shoot and took a couple of cake-eating ones.

 She did not let go of this ball all night...except to eat cake.

 In this photo, Gavin is holding a letter from Preston to Lucy:  "Lucy I hope you have a happy birthday and I hope you grow.  Love, Preston"



She is one.  One!!  We are in denial over here.  On her birthday, I was remembering the day she was born and pining for it.  You want labor to be over, then you want your body back, then you want her to sleep through the night, then you want her to sit up, then you want her to hold her own bottle, then you want her to walk...then when she does all those things, you want it back--all the time before any of it. 

Truly, I did enjoy this little baby girl all year, though.  I nursed (well, truthfully this part isn't over yet) and swaddled and sang and cuddled and drank her in.  She is our last baby, so this day was bittersweet.  Of course, she is still a baby, really.  Still, I miss it.

I was also reminded of the poem I wrote for Gavin when he turned one.  So, I adjusted it for Lucy and want to post it again:

Magical Disappearing Act

where o where has my little babe gone?
i've looked in the cradle,
i've searched all day long.

she's disappeared i tell you,
nowhere in sight.
my infant has vanished,
can you sense my plight?

that baby who cuddled,
and kicked, and cooed.
is replaced by a toddler,
another small person in my brood.

you see, i'm poetic--
she's not gone, per se.
she just had a birthday
and she's "one" today.

as if this sweet little cherub
could sense a coming change--
as if she knew she was older
her abilities did rearrange.

no more sitting idly by,
why, first steps were taken.
she learned "mama" and
"ball" and, well, i was mistaken

that my baby would stay
and always remain.
that just once one wouldn't change--
just continue the same.

change is constant.
we learn that at birth.
God wants us to change,
to refine while on earth.

so, i'll let her keep changing.
i guess it's okay.
for the other ones did--
and they're better each day.

disappeared, that small baby,
the one not yet "one",
but how pleased i can feel
that the magic lives on.

magic, like change,
is constant you see.
it's the marvelous presence
of possibility.

so change and grow
my magician, my doll.
i've got photos and memories
to keep you small.

Easter

 Easter Bunny brought kites this year and with all this wind lately, they have already been put to good use!

 Our centerpiece for breakfast. 

Roses from our yard and Preston found this rock and we compared it to the stone in front of tomb that was moved.

 Spent the evening at Grandma and Grandpa Owens for the annual easter hunt and feast.  This is when my camera began it's "fritz" mode.  (See Lucy's birthday...)

St. Patty's and April Fools

We've had a tradition the past few years of making these rainbow cupcakes for St. Patrick's Day.  Gold-at-the-end-of-the-rainbow-thing, I guess.  The kids love it and they turn out so pretty.

Then for April Fool's I finally tried some of those Family Fun ideas.  This is why I love the kids' ages right now--they LOVE this stuff!  Little things make big memories.

First was Cupcakes for Dinner---> which was actually meatloaf with mashed potatoes on top and a dab of ketchup.

Then Dinner for Dessert---> which was actually, a slice of white cake with frosting "noodles" and strawberry jam on top.  Side:  Candy peas and carrots (that I found at Marshalls of all places).

Cub Scouts

Trevor is a Cub Scout!  He is loving it and is so cute how well he takes care of his uniform and all the pieces.   This was his first Pinewood Derby (ahem, and ours...we had to glue $2.00 in quarters to the bottom at the weigh-in.  I guess that whole "must weigh 5 oz" thing is serious.)

 Phoenix Suns Winning!

 He ended up in 3rd place overall!

Oh, and also a shot of our first "pinning the mommy" moment. 

This is just the beginning of 3 boys in scouts.  Here we go!

SNOW in Arizona!!

Preston with our snowman, Friend-y.  Not Friend-ly, but Friend-y.  He still talks about him.

After batting my eyes a few times at my husband, he took one of the days of Spring Break off of work (in the middle of tax season, which is saying something) and we headed up to Flagstaff for the day.  IT WAS PERFECT.  Not too cold at all, but still tons of snow. We found a little road off the beaten path and ended up in a spot that included our family and Friendy.  That was it.  It was so much fun!  We ended the day with some great pizza in town and headed back in time to be in our own beds.  Great day.

 Checking out the hill-riders.

( Does anyone remember that I have braces? And I'm 34?  It's super fun times.)

 After sledding, they took a jaunt into the woods.  I walked in on a discussion of who was going to play Peter, Susan, and Edmond.  Obviously, we had a Lucy already. 

Oh, and here she is! 

(Sideways...because blogger decided this one picture would not be rotated.)

Too cute to not include.