Happy 1st Birthday, Callie!

Has it been a year already?!

Baby girl... you've made it to your special day!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY! We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you!

Blogworthy quotes

**On Sunday mornings, Howie & I usually split duties after early church service. Callie is not quite ready to skip a morning nap, so one of us takes her home to nap, and one heads over to Sunday school. Hudson always wants to go to Sunday school... Cade... well, not so much :) This particular Sunday was not a Sunday to "battle", so Cade & Daddy took Callie home for her nap while Hudson and I went on to Sunday school. While driving home, Howie asked Cade about why he didn't want to go to Sunday school to learn more with Hudson. Cade responded, "I'm all done learning. Me & you, Daddy... we're all done learning today." HA!

**On the way home from preschool one day, Cade was telling me about seeing a police officer that visited his school. He said, "She had badges, a speaker thingy, and handcups." Too cute!

"I don't want to go!"

Yes, this has been our first "I don't want to go" morning. ha! Hudson's was a dragging around-my stomach doesn't feel good-kind of protest. Cade's protest was more screaming "I don't wanna go to school!!!" and refusing to get dressed! What fun! Not much breakfast was consumed, but both were all smiles by the time they hit the door :) After two full weeks, I think their little bodies are ready for a break already! They're on-the-go most of the time, and I believe they're just a little run-down and tired... Here's to hoping for a restful weekend :)

Change...

You know when you have kids that they won't stay little forever. Growing up, separating themselves, & gaining independence little-by-little is part of the process. That knowledge doesn't make it any easier, though! When you hear it, it is so cliche' and lots of times just kind of passed off as a general comment. When you experience it, it can hit you like a brick wall! I guess I'm experiencing a little separation with all three of my kids right now, and if I let myself think about it, well... I can get a little emotional :)

Callie is about to have her first birthday, so we're transitioning her to "big girl" milk and a cup (= less 1-1 time with Mommy). Plus, she's trying to walk, so she wants to be down and about all the time (= don't hold me!)!

Cade is going to preschool for the first time. He's enrolled 5 mornings per week, which was a decision we did not make lightly. He's almost 4-years-old, big brother is gone all day every day, and the 5-day-wk teacher is wonderful... all of which factored into our decision. It is really good for him, socially & developmentally. He will thrive, but I miss my little man!

Hudson has started Kindergarten this year, and he loves it! I knew it was coming, and have known he was ready, but I'm still processing that he's in real school. It sort of just occurred to me one day that he'll never be "at home" on a daily basis again. Wow... talk about sobering. I am so proud of my big boy.

Kiddos - Always remember how much Mommy loves you!! And I cherish the times we spend together! Even though it's busy, busy, busy most of the time, I just love being with you!

First Steps

How exciting! Callie is beginning to take a few steps on her own! Wow! She seems so little to be learning to walk, but I suppose it is that time.

You go, baby girl!

Fun with Chalk

MawMaw's birthday

MawMaw celebrated her birthday with a dinner & cake!! (the kids favorite part :)

I'm not sure the candle is even lit yet, and Cade's already blowing! ha!

I think Cade decided the candle needed "cleaning off" after it was blown out. ha! (again :)

MawMaw sharing her milk with Callie...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAWMAW!! WE LOVE YOU!!