Preston's Bday Celebrations

So, Preston decided he still wants to get a bigger and have another birthday.    He was so excited about turning 6 years old.  Madagascar 3 was released the weekend before his birthday and that is one of Preston's favorite movie series.  We invited a few friends from school and church (and a friend for Kaitlyn) and headed to the movies.

While watching the movie, each person got a kids combo that included popcorn, a fruit snack, and drink.

Preston LOVED the movie!

Then, we headed to a restaurant next door for lunch.  Everyone got a chicken strip basket, fries, and a drink.  For dessert, we had some yummy oreo cupcakes with vanilla butter cream made by my friend. She also made the Madagascar fondant toppers and they looked amazing!!!!

Preston loved all of his gifts and had such a fun-filled day!  Best of all, we didn't have to clean up afterwards!!!

The boys are singing to Preston.  We ate on the patio of the restaurant and had to deal with a little bit of wind.

For Preston's actual birthday, things were a little calmer.  Preston wanted to go swimming at our local rec center.  He also kept going down a huge water slide.  

Preston picked what he wanted for his special dinner, Burger King, and Craig's parents joined us.  We suggested lots of other restaurants and I offered to cook whatever he wanted.  He kept insisting on Burger King.  Whatever makes the birthday boy happy....

We headed back home, had more cupcakes and sang to him again.

It was a fun weekend, full of festivities (including Father's Day), and everyone was happy.  Preston's big gift? A Nintendo DSi.

Preston's Birthday Letter

Dear Preston, 
It's hard to believe that 6 years have passed by since we met you. You made your daddy so happy and proud by being born on Father's Day.  It was love at first sight for the entire family.  Thank you for showing us how big a parents heart can get.


You have grown into such a handsome young man with such a great personality.  You continue to have a passion for cars and vehicles.  You know every single car you have and you love to line them up all around the house.  You absolutely love playing games and you never hesitate to make us laugh.  You are a class clown in the making.  Thank you for helping us see the silly moments in life.


We have learned that you will understand things in your own time.  You have taught us that patience is what helps you flourish.  Thank you for teaching us that each child is very unique.


Your affection for your family is indescribable.  You never hesitate to say 'I love you'.  You still can't go to sleep until we all give you a 'kiss, hug, noses'.  Thank you for loving us back.


You constantly ask when we can go to church again.  You love hearing about the amazing things God has done and continues to do.  You know the importance of prayer and you understand how we must rely on Him for everything.  Thank you, God, for everyone who has spoken your Word into his life.


So, Preston, our little monkey, keep growing, keep learning, keep doing things in your own time.  We are so proud of you and can't wait to see what God has in store for you.


We love you, love ya, super love you, lots of love you,
Daddy, Mommy, and KK

Don't Worry

Worry is a form of unbelief.  Who is in charge of your life? If it is you, then you have good reason to worry. But if it is I, then worry is both unnecessary and counterproductive...I will either take care of the problem Myself or show you how to handle it. In this world you will have problems, but you need not lose sight of Me.-Jesus Calling, Sarah Young

I read this passage recently in my daily devotional.  Not only did it speak to me, but it seemed to jump right out of the page and grab hold of me.  I always feel like I am one of those performers that can spin several plates at once and just keep them spinning simultaneously.  Each activity or event in my life represents one of those spinning plates.  If I don't keep an eye on everything, all at once, one or more of those plates will come crashing to the ground and break into hundreds of pieces.  

It would be easy to say that I'm only going to spin one plate at a time.  However, that's simply not me.  I would be completely bored out of my mind.  I enjoy the multitasking.  I enjoy the many activities and busy schedule.  It helps me stay organized and on top of things.  It makes me keep an eye on ALL of the spinning plates.

But this does not come with ease.  All these activities comes with stress, worry, and may I dare say, doubt.  It's only human nature to wonder if we can handle the busyness of our lives and if we can make things flow smoothly.  

But this is where our faith in God needs to stay strong.  When we get tired and weary is when God takes over.  In fact, God is there for us the entire time.  We just need to remember to let Him handle it.  ALL the time.  Why do we worry so much?  Why do we stress so much?

I have many plates spinning right now.  However, I'm learning to just let God take over and I'm going along on the journey.  I'm not saying I have absolutely no stress in my life, but I'm able to handle everything in a much more peaceful way.  Life won't end if my house isn't spotless or my To Do list isn't finished.  It's okay if dinner isn't ready right on time or if there aren't two different veggies on the plate.  

God is in control, always has been, always will.  We just need to stop worrying about dropping the plates and God will keep them spinning.


Linking up here:

Cross Moms

Wednesday Night Achievements

With the end of the school year, comes the end of our Wednesday night classes. Kaitlyn and Preston stay very active in their different classes memorizing Scripture, learning Bible stories, and doing whatever is required to earn their badges.

Kaitlyn just completed 2 years in her Prims class for MPact Girls.  She earned every badge that was required and even became an Honor Prim.  That is a very big accomplishment.  Next year, she moves up to the Stars class.  Kaitlyn is very excited.

Preston completed his first year as a Ranger Kid for Royal Rangers and it was a challenge for us.  He had a lot of memorizing to do and a lot of tasks to complete.  In the fall, Preston wasn't used to having to memorize so much and he got very frustrated.  By this spring, he was a pro at memorizing and had very little difficulty.

For Ranger Kids, there are 2 badges to learn per semester and 8 patches to earn under each badge.  For one year, that is a total of 4 badges and 16 patches.  Preston accomplished everything that was required.  Call him (or us) an overachiever, but he was so proud of every single badge and patch that was earned.

Needless to say, Mom and Dad are extremely proud too.  Craig was one of Preston's teachers and really enjoyed having that time with him.  Craig remembers what it was like to go through the Royal Ranger program and loves passing the tradition down to our son.  Way to go Kaitlyn and Preston!!!

The End of the School Year

The kids had a blast at their End of Year Parties.  The parties for each grade level are organized by the Room Reps (Room Moms/Dads).  They were so fun.   Preston's party was a carnival and he got to play lots of games.

He also got a tattoo that he just loves.

Kaitlyn received the "Starburst Award" for always being a good helper.

They also had some treats.  Kaitlyn had an ice cream sundae and Preston had cookies and juice.

Kaitlyn got to decorate her own shirt with puffy paint.  The whole class had a lot of fun coming up with their own designs.

I'll admit, I saw this sign hanging in Kaitlyn's class and it hit me that she was going to be a 3rd GRADER!!!  Yes, my eyes started to get teary.  It got worse when her teacher played a slideshow of pictures through out the year and she put some sappy songs on it.

Preston was blessed to have an amazing teacher for his Kindergarten year.  We had some extra conferences with her during the year and we knew Preston was being taught very well and with a lot of patience.  He received all 'M's' (Mastery) on his final report card.

Kaitlyn had the best teacher ever in 2nd grade. I was privileged to be the Room Rep for this class and LOVED every second of it.  I got to know all the kids, I read with them every Wednesday, I helped plan all the parties, corresponded with parents, and really got to know the teacher.  She's young, positive, energetic, and a Christian.  Kaitlyn received all 'A's' on her report card.

It was a very special year for our family:  a brand new school, great new teachers,  and Preston's very first year.  The Lord has blessed our family so I'm able to only work part-time and I can be at all of their school functions.  We are also so thankful that every teacher our children have had were so encouraging and touched their lives in some way.  We will end this school year with nothing but great memories.

Preston's Kindergarten Graduation

Ahhh...Kindergarten Graduation.  It's always such a bittersweet time for parents.  I had been crying about it for over a month.  Ever since Preston brought home his graduation pictures order form, it hit me that he was growing up.  And it's been very emotional.  

All 5 Kindergarten classes sang several songs together and it was so cute!  I actually didn't do too bad with the tears.  Then, as the kids were lining up to receive their diplomas, they decided to play "Let Them Be Little" by Lonestar.  Really?!  I think the goal was to make all the moms cry.  I think they succeeded.

Only one of the grandparents was able to come to the ceremony, but Preston still loved it.

I love that smile!!!

It's official!

Daddy is so proud!

We brought Kaitlyn and Preston lunch in honor of graduation and the end of the school year.

We celebrated some more that night with Preston's favorite dinner, Cranberry Chicken (or as he calls it "my favorite brown chicken").  For dessert we had fudge brownies with vanilla ice cream.  His graduation gift was a Texas Rangers hat that he had been wanting for awhile.  It was a great and emotional day!

Field Day 2012

The kids had their first Field Day at the new school and loved it!!!  It was all Olympic-themed and very well organized by the P.E. Dept.  Thankfully, the kids had their activities at separate times so I could spend time with both of them.

They did a 50 yard dash, tug of war, archery, frisbee throw, relay races, and so much more.  They especially loved getting their faces painted and eating Pop-Ice and Frozen Custard.

There was a Field Day Casualty in the Kelley Family.  Kaitlyn was sitting in her line while another classmate was pulling someone on a flat coaster.  Well, when they came running up to the line, nobody tried to stop the coaster and rammed right into Kaitlyn's wrist.  She immediately started to cry and went to the nurse.  The nurse said she had a busy day with other injuries.

Besides that, everyone had fun.  Just FYI, don't forget to put sunscreen on the back of your knees.  LOTS of sunscreen!!!!  Because when you get a sunburn there, it hurts to wear jeans.  Just sayin'...

Here's a video of Kaitlyn doing her best to throw a frisbee despite all the wind.