This is it. . .

When will the tears stop? I am so overcome with emotion I can hardly see straight. It all started last Monday when Gracie’s teachers put up the “yearbook” style bulletin board (see photo). At that moment, it struck me. . .this is it! We will not walk these halls, see these same faces or be in the classroom that took Gracie from baby to big girl. This is it. Regrettably, it is the end of a season that I have so often wished away. The last 5 years have been the most incredible time of my life. The opportunity to watch the child that grew in my womb turn in to a loving, kind, smart young lady has been truly priceless. We have had good times and bad, but every day was a blessing. In three months, my constant companion will be moving on. I will not have her shining face and silly songs to “drive me nuts”, nor will I have that soft, tiny hand in mine every time I go to the store. How do mothers do this? I don’t know that I can let go. I feel like my heart is ripping it two! I have so many regrets. Why didn’t I stop and play more? Why were silly little things such a big deal? The time has passed and I can’t get it back. . .Oh, dear Jesus, please do not let me miss one single moment this summer. Let me cherish each second. . .this is it.

Easter 2011

What a wonderful weekend. . .family, friends and Jesus! Here are a few photos from our egg party, Easter Morning and dinner & hunt at Aunt Sue and Uncle Gary's house. . .

Now you see it. . .

Now you see it. . .now you don't! Gracie lost her first tooth today! Two weeks ago the dentist let us know she had a loose tooth. After several days of hard work, she resorted to Daddy and a pair of tweezers! As awful as that sounds, it was just hanging on by a thread. . .but I will admit, she was WAY braver than I ever was! It's unbelievable how different she looks. . .how "big" she looks:)

After the big event, we went to another "big event". . .Lindsey and Jake's engagement party! We all had a wonderful time celebrating. . .and showing off her "tooth". On the way home she was very concerned about the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy coming to the house at the same time:) Fortunately, we all crashed when we got home. . .and the Tooth Fairy came early!

The Easter Bunny. . .

Tonight at the dinner table Gracie announced "The Easter Bunny is just a guy dressed up in a bunny costume." I don't get it. . .she's scared to death of the tooth fairy coming in to the house, but somehow a big creepy guy in a bunny suit is o.k.??? Thank goodness she's got this one all wrong:)

Gracie's 5th Birthday Extravaganza!

What a fun way to start off Gracie's 5th Birthday celebration! We had a 70's party (thanks be to "Julie" her 70's American Girl Doll) at Amma and Poppy's house; there was disco music, freeze dance, a tie die craft and fondue to eat. Plus, the end of the party had an extra-special surprise. . .see the video below (make sure to pause the music player before watching the videos).

The grand arrival!

Surprise!!!

After the party we had a special phone call from the "big cheese". . .

That night we had the tradtional "Red Robbins" Birthday dinner and hit the sack early to be ready for our VERY early morning!