Celebrating Grandma

We celebrated Grandma's birthday this weekend.  When our plans to go to the lake were crushed by rain and cool weather {what?!?!}, we opted for a plan B birthday celebration.  

The kids and I spent  Saturday morning baking cupcakes for the birthday lady.    

It's a shame that Maggie has to  reveal my secret recipe.  But I can assure you, even with the little short cut, they were baked and most definitely decorated with love.

And yes, you are seeing right.  Two lost front teeth.  The tooth fairy is pretty much broke after this week.  But, those missing teeth didn't stop Jack from sneaking licks of icing and raking up spilled sprinkles.

With all of their creative genius, this is what Jack and Maggie's final product looked like.  Strawberry cupcakes with pink icing, green accents {because that is Grandma's fave color}, sprinkles, and fresh strawberries.  I promise you they tasted even better than look.  Thankfully, huh?

After we all found a way to incorporate green {again, Grandma's favorite color} into our attire, we headed out for a birthday dinner.  As expected, we chose to forgo the dessert menu and come straight home for those delish cupcakes and the much anticipated presents.

Lucy got a preview of what next Saturday will look like. {hopefully without the rain}

After Jack downed his cupcake and then any remaining crumbs he could find, Maggie helped Grandma open her birthday presents.  But, not before she told her what they both were.  We are trying to teach Mags about the element of surprise.

From there it only went down hill.  Jack found himself fighting a terrible case of the sillies {also known as a sugar rush} and the girls were longing for bedtime.

I'm confident in the fact that Grandma won't hold it against us.  She loves my trio way too much...as only a Grandma could.

Happy Birthday Grandma!  We are looking forward to celebrating many many more with you! All our love!

Celebrating Lucy next...

Because I Just Have To Brag

Only the 3rd day of school and Jack came home with this...

My cup runneth over with pride...as did his.

And She's Off

Just like that I had to let another one go this morning.

Letting go of Maggie is the teeniest bit easier.  And not because of my lack of total obsession with her.  No, we all know this one stole my heart the day she arrived into this world.

It's only easier because it's Pre-School.  Which means three half days for my three year old starting in the 3's room. {wow,that's a lot of 3's}  Which happily also means two full week days of my ever adorable Magpie and a lot of afternoons.

Maggie has been anxiously awaiting her first day of school.  The part that has most excited her...the school bag.  I'm not exactly sure why, except for the possibility that it's an accessory, and if you know my Mags, you know she loves her accessories.  I was waiting for her to ask me to bedazzle it up... because that would be so Maggie. Instead she focused on picking out her first day outfit.  I find her choice to be absolutely adorable.  And I find her wearing it to be even more adorable.

As, I was taking her annual "Back to School" pictures that precious little one in the background showed up.  Instantly I was reminded that if it weren't for little Lu, this Momma would be awfully lonely on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Once we arrived at school all went exceptionally well.  Maggie walked right into her classroom without so much as a wince.  She hung her bag, gave me a lovely kiss, delivered her teacher's gifts, and sat down to paint.  {I must note the dog in the purse did not go to school with her.  It was a car accessory.  I told you she likes accessories.  Yes, everyone gets to take a ride, I just never know who the special guest will be.  But, trust me, there is always a guest.}

Three "missing Maggie" hours later, Lucy and I returned to pick her up.  Lu could hardly contain her excitement.

Maggie must have had a wonderful day.  I know that because when I picked her up she said with a scowl and gruffy voice, "that school {insert finger point to her classroom} made me so tired".

My my, how I love this little gal and all her drama.

Three cheers for the 3's room and a new school year!

Back To Kindergarten

I sent my first and oldest one off today.  Jack started his Kindergarten 2013 year.  To say he was excited would be an understatement.

However, I did get him to tame his wild horses to get one legitimate "first day" picture.

That 6:30 am alarm went off way to early this morning.  When I went to get Jack he was still snoozing, rightfully so.  But when I woke him with "it's the first day of K" he  popped right up, got dressed, and was ready to get this party started.  It took us both a bit of trial and error to remember exactly how school mornings run.  But together we were able to work through the kinks as the flow started coming back to us.  Saying goodbye to summer is harder than I thought. 

Nothing like saying goodbye to that sweet little face though.  After some convincing, Jack let me walk him into school.  I'm pretty sure he was expecting the carpool line, but I just couldn't do it.  Not today anyway.  And whether he admits it or not, I know he liked it.  He even held my hand.  I made a mental note to never forget the way his little fingers felt in the palm of my hand at that exact moment.

Jack walked right into his new room.  Confidence in check {that was the best part}, put his things away as directed by Ms. S, delivered goodies to his teachers, and grabbed his seat.  I gave him a bittersweet farewell with lots of love and headed out his Kindergarten door.

Then I got to my car and fanned the tears away.  I decided that may be a challenge I live with for the rest of his school years {along with the girls}.

2:30 could not come soon enough.  I anxiously waited for him at the bus stop hoping for a full report.  Who am I kidding?  This is Jack we are talking about.  Details are scarce.  But, I did get that Ms. S is the "nicest Kindergarten teacher" and "G told him his garage code" and "he sat with J at lunch".  Sounds like a pretty good day.

Luckily I got the full report from Ms. S in her first day email.

Letting go again tomorrow.  Maggie's first day is up next.