First Day of School

So I have been dreading this moment since the day Gracie was born. I knew that the day would come that I would be sending her off into the world, and she would no longer be under my 24/7 protective hand. In contrast Gracie, has been anticipating this day for SO long. She is more than ready for Kindergarten. It has been so much fun watching her grow up this summer, she has blossomed so much. Her teacher said Gracie was her tallest student, and would be one of her oldest as well. When we went in for registration everyone thought that Ben was the Kindergartner and Gracie was the first grader. (Ben loved that). All in all I did make it through the day, I actually did not cry, only because Jake wanted to take Gracie to school, and we agreed that would probably be in mine and Gracie's both interest. (I didn't want to embarrass her by any means.) I know if I dropped her off at school I would have not been okay. =) Then I am wondering if I missed out on a certain "Mom" right of passage? Ohh well I am sure it will be the same for the other 3 or 4 or 5.... (ahh.. the thoughts of having to do this again and again. I don't see it getting any easier). Anyways Gracie has had the "best" week of school so far. According to her, she has the best teacher in the world and she apparently is "the Bomb!" (its starting already) Gracie also aced her first homework assignment which was writing her name 4 times perfectly, and received her very first "Great job" sticker, and a prize from the prize box for knowing her birthday. She is loving Kindergarten and could not be happier. I am so excited for her this year, I know there are going to be many more posts about all the things she accomplishing.

Funny Julia

I needed to get some pictures of Jules on my blog, she is so much fun, and really growing up fast. Last night I just did some quick pics, nothing fancy. So you can see my progression as I am trying to get her to smile for me.

At first she was so happy and cooing and cawing.

Such a chubby chub!

Things are going well, so I bring out the back drop and the Bumbo chair. She starts to get these really serious looks, like she knows this is not going be over anytime soon if she continues to smile.

I think the last picture speaks for itself...

New Technique..

I received this awesome book on photo editing for my birthday from my mother-in law, and I have been having so much fun with it! I am going to be posting my pictures as I learn more and more. Today was black and whites.. this was a really fun technique to learn! Thanks Mom!

More pictures of Julias Blessing Day

Julia's Blessing Day

We blessed Julia last Sunday, and it was the most wonderful day. As you can see she was a perfect little angel. It is always a worry if they are going to fuss during the blessing, but everything went so well. It was such a special day for me. I felt this overwhelming closeness to my Mothers and my grandmothers. The dress Julia is wearing was made by my great grandmother Berezey. I feel so blessed to have this dress. Gracie and I were both blessed in it, it is so special to me. Out of hundreds of grandchildren and great grandchildren, I am probably the only one with such a treasure. I was privileged to know her, my grandmother took care of her when she was older, so I was able to see her often as a child. She had arthritis in her hands, and I can still remember watching her time and time again crocheting from her favorite chair, and she would tell me stories. From the things I have been told of when she was younger, she lived an incredible life of joy, hardship and love. She was just such a wonderful women.

The bracelet on Julia's wrist was made by my mother in-law Jen. Funny story, I actually forgot it at home, and had to run home and get it because it was SO important to me the Julia was blessed wearing it. I would have missed the blessing if it wasn't for all the announcements that Sunday! Talk about cutting it close. Though Jen couldn't be there physically, it meant so much that Julia had something to represent her. And her name, Julia Isabelle. My mothers name is Julie and come to find out, Julia is the name of an ancestor whom I am just starting to learn about and means a great deal me. Isabelle is my great Grandmother Hess's middle name. When I heard Jake give her her name, I can't explain the feelings of reverence and gratitude I had for all of these women in Julia and Gracie's lives, past and present. I am not saying that Julia's day or name is more special than any of my other kids', because of course I love them all the same. It just happened to work out this way, and it was very symbolic to me of everything Julia had with her was almost like a protection or a shield, and she had all of these amazing women with her, ready to guide her and be her example as she started her new life.

Ju Julia...

I feel bad that I didn't post any pictures of Jules in my last two posts! She was sleeping both times we were taking pictures, so last night after baths, I snapped a few, so I could show her off. She is the BEST baby in the whole world. She is just starting to be smiley and interactive and fun. As you can see, she has the biggest cheeks! They get heavier and heavier by the day. I think she taking on a slight resemblance (see below), there is just something about how they can't help but hang down. I must confess, it's pretty hard to resist from kissing her chubs.

Happy Birthday Nate!

My "baby" Nate is 3! Wow time is flying by!  We have been so busy with July, I keep thinking, "I need to post on my blog, I need to post on my blog!" I wanted to do a full makeover, goin private and all, but by the time I get to all that, all of these fun events will be past and gone. SO I guess I better just post what I have and worry about the cosmetics later.  Ahh so hard for a perfectionist. =)  Nate had a wonderful birthday.  This weekend was just crazy with the party the night before and his birthday the next day.  We all had party hangovers this morning, it was nuts trying to peel myself out of bed to go jogging.  Anyways, Lightning McQueen was the name of the game, and everything from the cake, the decorations, and Nate's P.J's was McQueen.  So fun.. Happy Birthday buddy we love you so much!