The First Day of Preschool!

Today was the perfect first day of school! We woke up early (after a late night flight home from vacation), had a relaxing breakfast with Amma and Poppy, put on her school clothes, loaded up her backpack, took the traditional photos and headed out. It was a longer than normal drive since we stayed with Amma and Poppy last night. As we got closer and closer the butterflies started and then full anxiety set in. Fortunately, by the time I got her out of the car. . .I was starting to feel much better:) I guess her calm, confident demeanor helped me settle down! I had come to terms with the fact that she would completely melt down and make it a heart-wrenching experience for both of us. I am proud to report LBG (Little Big Girl) did awesome! I am also pleased to announce that Mommy did not make a scene:) I must confess that I was a bit weepy on the ride to school but as soon as we walked in and saw Joslyn and Andi the excitement took over. The girls (big and small) were very happy to see each other, gave hugs and said "see you on the playground"! It was absolutely precious watching these babies walk hand in hand down the hallway this morning as they crossed over in to this new season of life. I am grateful that we are able to share this with a dear friend! Upon arrival at her room, we found her cubby, hung up the backpack (with the promised Hannah Montana picture inserted in the display area) greeted her teacher, Miss Amy, gave hugs and kisses and walked away. It did surprise me how easy it was for her to go in to the room. . . she didn't even look back (obviously, I did:)). On the way to school she talked to Daddy on the phone and rocked out to the Hannah Montana CD from Nikki. I could just see a change in her personality. She knew this day was a right of passage. The smirk on her face was priceless. She did say that she was most excited to play with her new friends. I think the class has about 12 kids, with a few more boys than girls. Several were in this same class last year but most are new students. My friend and I had to laugh at ourselves (and each other) as we both arrived 20 early to pick them up. They have the parents line up outside the classroom door and one at a time come get your child. All of the kids sing this sweet little good-bye song as they empty out their cubby and wave good-bye. It is such a nurturing / caring environment! On the ride home I asked her about her favorite part of the day and she replied "making a craft for you and daddy"! Yes, my heart melted. I know she and Jozi played together at recess and that they had circle time. I also know that she did not get to play dress up/baby dolls during "stations" because it was already full and that she choose not to read, but that is really all that I know about today. As I sit here processing the events, it puts a lump in my throat to realize that this is the first time that I was not a part of her life. I know she was excited to show me her craft, but there were plenty of things that she did not want to share ~ maybe because she could not remember, but maybe because she wants them to be her own. That is hard. So, now it is time to move on to the next phase of life. Interestingly enough, I am already very excited. . .no real sadness. God is so good. . .last week while on our vacation, He allowed me to get to know this new "little big girl". I don't know where she came from. . .it was almost overnight, but she is even more awesome than before (refer to the definition on the top right of the blog). I can not wait to share my LBG with you. . .here are several photos from today, but stay tuned for more stories, pictures and videos. We had a great, great time last week at the "Rivah" and by the time I'm finished, you'll feel like you did, too!
First day of school (at Amma and Poppy's house). . .

Her new favorite pose. . .

In front of the entrance. . .

Gracie and Jozi. . .

After school they showed us everything they did on the playground!

Silly little girls. . .

The first piece of art, which included marker, stickers, scissors and Hannah Montana Glue!

What a week!

In the last post I mentioned that we had something every day until. . .forever! It has been a crazy, busy week but full of fun! We spent last weekend with Ken, Lara and Nikki. We had a blast riding ATVs, shooting, shopping and playing Polly Pockets! Thank you guys for a great time! Monday we had an ice-cream social for the Mom's Group, Tuesday was family day with my nephew Joey, aunt Lindsey, Grammy and Papa. Wednesday was the much anticipated Teacher Conference. . .to say the least, we are all very excited about her school. That morning I woke up early to get dressed and while I was showering she came in with her hands covering her mouth and said with a silly look on her face "I'M SO EXCITED!" I can only hope the first few days of actual class go as well. After the conference we went to the Grand Opening for our local Walmart. I think I was walking around, covering my mouth with both hands, saying "I'M SO EXCITED!" Sad when Gracie knew what a big deal this was for me:) After a quick shopping trip we headed to Lil' Monkey Bizness to meet up with Alyssa, Amy, Jeremy and Jacy. More fun, followed by a good nap! As great as this week has been, today was definitely the highlight. . .the first Ballet and Tap class at our new dance school! I love Colorado School of Dance! It is completely different from our prior experience (in all good ways). She was absolutely adorable! Brey must have known how great this would be, because he actually left a meeting to come and watch her first class! GOOD DADDY! She was "beside herself" excited when she saw him in the reflection of the mirror. I can not say enough wonderful things about Miss Kelly, our teacher. They have two way mirrors for the parents to watch without disrupting, but she saw many of us trying to take pictures, so she said to "come on in!" I love the professionalism and discipline this school offers, but they also get kids (and parents). She made us all very happy! Here are a few pictures and a video from today (as always, don't forget to pause (II) the music on the playlist at the bottom of the page).
Gracie and Joslyn. . .full of anticipation!

Miss Kelly establishing expectations. . .

Ballet is over. . .let the tap begin!

Too cute!

I'm not quite sure what to say about this photo:)

Click on the arrow after you've muted the music.

This video is the first few minutes of the tap class. . .

This video is the end of class and includes an impromptu performance. . .warning. . .it's over 3 minutes long!

So, this is it. . .the last day. . .the last day that Gracie and I will hang out around the house together, just the two of us, before school begins. It struck me that we have something planned everyday from now until August 31st, which is the first day of school. Then I realized that after 3 1/2 years of being together, all day ~ everyday, that things are about to change. . .forever. Am I being a bit mellow dramatic? Maybe, but maybe not. It is so much fun to just sit and watch. She has started to enjoy playing alone. . .she takes care of her baby (Hannah), plays Barbies, and of course reads (and reads and reads. . .). She spends hours dancing and making up songs and is always so pleased when one rhymes. The look on her face is priceless when she catches you watching! She has changed so much this summer. She is much more adventurous (and less fearful). I am still amazed to watch her at the swimming pool considering last summer she would not go in past her ankles! She has become much more sensitive towards others, especially our Lab, Denver. I am thrilled to report that she likes to share now. It is still on her terms but we've made significant progress! Her vocabulary is better than most "middle-schoolers". . . if we could just master the "R" sound:) It is always entertaining to watch her dance. Any time she hears music she'll "bust a move". . .regardless of location (living room, grocery store, church). She really is a natural! She also LOVES to help! She tries so hard. . .she'll sweep the floor or dust daddy's office, help "fold" laundry and do the dishes. We can only hopes this continues! Being potty trained has changed the entire dynamic of our household. It's almost like when she decided to do it we all decided she was a big girl and needed to behave / be treated like one. . .and we've never looked back! It is amazing to think back to the first few weeks with her as I tried to imagine who she would be and what she would be like. I can honestly say I never dreamt she would be this amazing. She has changed my life in every possible way and made me a better person. So after I mourn this first season of our life together, I will begin to dream again about who and what she will become. Will I get it right this time? Probably not, but I know that she will not disappoint! Whoever she decides to be will be perfect. . .because that is how God created my sweet Amazing Gracie! Now, I'm off to get a box of tissues because I can barely look at her with out "welling" up:)

Happy Birthday to our 1st baby!

Today is Denver's 12th birthday! I can not believe we have had her that long. . .yet I can not remember a day with out her. She is truly a gift from God that I could not be more thankful to have received. I know it sounds silly, but she really did change my life. . .a true demonstration of unconditional love, forgiveness and joy. I will admit, I often find myself trying to behave more like her! I remember when we picked her out. . .it was a month and a half after our wedding and a few days before Brey was scheduled to go to the field. As usual, I traveled the entire time he was away. 3 days before he was scheduled to come home, I picked up my precious puppy. I put her in a box on the front seat of my car and made the hour drive from Nashville to Clarksville, Tennessee. I slept next to her crate those first few nights and got up with her more times then I ever did with Gracie. And then came the call. . .Brey would not be able to come home until a high tech piece of equipment was "found" (or turned in. . .everyone knew someone had stolen a pair of night vision goggles). The first time Brey met Denver (as our puppy) was at a Company Meeting with 100 angry wives. This was the first time sweet NeNe was able to calm the crowd. Everyone oooh'd and ahhh'd over her and then I put her back in the travel box and headed home. After a few more days together, her true personality began to shine. I actually had bruises on the backs of my arms from her "sneak attacks"! I remember Brey calling from the one spot in the field that would get a cell connection and all I could do was cry and say "I don't know what to do with her. . .I may have to take her back!" I still laugh out loud every time I think of it:) Daddy finally came home and it took all of 12 hours for her to start sleeping in our bed and she had gone from a Momma's girl to Daddy's girl by nightfall on day 2. Some things will never change! I often credit her with saving our marriage during those first few years. When we'd disagree and not know how to make-up, she would often be what brought us back together. What a priceless gift! She would go everywhere with us. . .day trips, road trips, shopping trips. . .it did not matter as long as she was riding on Daddy's lap. We would come back to the car and she would be curled up in my seat. . .it became a game to see if we could see her before she saw us. No matter what we threw at this dog, she would roll with punches. Beaux definitely wreaked havoc on her lifestyle, but even he adores her! A lot has changed for Denver in 12 years, but she has only become more loving and more loyal. I know this might be a bit much for "non-dog" people, but I kid you not, this animal is a blessing that I count second only to Brey and Gracie. I am so thrilled that Gracie loves her as much as we do. Every morning she comes in to our room and cuddles her on our bed. I often find her laying next to Denver just petting her head or telling her what a good dog she is. It is so precious to see her develop Brey's love of animals. So tonight I thank my Heavenly Father for this gift that He has used over and over again to teach me and to love on me. . .I will cherish each day we have to spend with her!.

GAME ON!

I am so excited I can barely stand it! For months, we've had a vacation planned to Brey's family cottage. . .two weeks ago we received Gracie's Preschool information and it overlapped our vacation. Without a flinch, Brey cancelled our trip knowing that this was important in the overall picture of her education. After phone calls to the school, the family and the airlines:), Gracie and I will fly to the "Rivah" while Brey executes the original plan. As I look back at the photos from our last trip, my excitement is almost too much to contain! I don't know why, but this is my favorite place on earth. It is so restful. . .I remember a trip the we took the day after I buried my grandfather. It was so peaceful. . .I firmly believe God knew exactly what I needed. . .He blessed us with mild temperatures and no neighbors. I sat on the porch and read for 5 days. It was a perfect way to mend the soul. Several trips come to mind of. . .crazy fun! We love spending time with our "neighbors". . .it's as if not a day has passed. Boats, beer and being with "forever friends" makes for an unforgettable time! I can not wait to walk down the pier, breath the sea air and know that all is well in the world. This place is especially sentimental because of Brey's memories. Photographs of his childhood line the walls. It is one of the few things he truly remembers from his childhood ~ and it is complete happiness for him. I long for Gracie to have the same memories and feelings that we have for this modest cottage. A 27 hour drive makes it more difficult, but I vow to uphold this heirloom in the eyes of my child. I will admit, the idea of three days in a car with a strapped in kid and two dogs (each way. . .uphill both ways, without shoes on) was enough to drive me to drink! When Brey decided we should cancel the trip I was not really disappointed. However, now that the trip is "GAME ON!" I could not be more excited! Brey (and the dogs) will pick us up in Washington, D.C. (another one of my favorite places) and drive us the short 3 hours drive to the cottage. I can't wait to cross the bridge over Horn Harbor. . .Denver (my precious 12 year old lab) will raise her head (no doubt, she will be riding in Daddy's lap), sniff the air. . .look at Brey. . .sniff the air again. . .and begin to cry! She knows. . .we all know. This is a small piece of Heaven on Earth. Please pray for our safe travels. . .Brey will be driving 27 hours each way. . .alone. Granted, he usually drives 90% of the time. . .but it is a long (boring) drive. Gracie and I will return home the night before Preschool begins (responsible. . .no ~ heirloom. . .YES!). Hopefully we will land on time and only be a few hours past bedtime. So. . .here are a few of my favorite photos from "the Rivah". . .hope you can "step off" for a few moments and enjoy our "Sound Retreat". . .

I promise ~ more to follow. . .