A Small Gift from Above

Lately, during my planning period, light has been seeping into my classroom just perfectly. When this happens, stress lifts and I am able to breathe more deeply. Every time this happens, I can't help but think that it is a small gift from above.

Fall Photos

Since having kids, fall has become one of my favorite seasons--it passes by way too quickly. Here are a few photos from Dorris Ranch, the pumpkin patch, and Halloween. This was the first Halloween that Carter had an opinion about who he wanted to be. I was disappointed that the boys would not be matching, until I realized they were both going to be "Mike"--Michaelangelo and Mike Wazowski.

Both boys enjoyed trick-or-treating. It was especially fun to watch Carter choose his candy--he examined it carefully before deciding which piece to take.

Playing in the fall leaves at Dorris Ranch.

Carter loved the hay ride.

It is impossible to get a photo of these two together. When I ask them to stand next to each other, it turns into a wrestling match.

Daddy said they had to pick out a pumpkin they could carry themselves.

Examining the pumpkins.

Found one he could carry.

With one hand even!

Michaelangelo!

Excited that he actually got to play with the nunchucks that Uncka bought him (I can't wait until he has kids!).

Mike Wazowski!

He always tells us, "Be back!"

I was trying to take a photo of his "Mike belly," but he just kept showing me his belly.

Kindergarten Days

Dear Little Man,

We are so proud of you. So so proud of you! You just began kindergarten and are in an extremely challenging kindergarten program. It breaks my mommy heart that every day has not been easy for you, but deep down I know you are going to be better prepared for life because you have been willing to take on something so challenging. 

You played in your first real soccer game on Saturday and you almost scored a goal. You were so close! Next time, buddy! (At your request, I will keep cheering!)

Daddy and I are enjoying watching you try new things, but we feel you are growing up way too fast. I told you that I was going to keep you "5," but you said, "I am going to turn 6!" I'm glad you will be "5" for just a little bit longer.

We love you Caden Baden!

Love, Mommy & Daddy

P.S. These photos are actually from your last day of preschool (pajama day). We will take some new kindergarten photos soon!

Spunky, Alive, and Determined

Dear Carty,

You turned "2" this summer and mommy is just getting around to blogging about it. . .I wonder why?! You keep us SO busy. SO busy! You are active, fearless, mischievous, a climber, a tease, and you forget you are "2" and not "5" like Caden. You become easily upset when you cannot do something you think you should be able to do. 

You love airplanes, Monster's Inc., playing outside and at the park. You were born knowing how to be a little brother; you spend most of your day wanting anything Caden has and imitating anything Caden does. It is a good thing he is such a good role model because you adore him.

Watch out ladies. . .you are a charmer! When you are being corrected, you kiss us or sing "You and Me" from Monster's Inc. You love to sing and dance. Your favorite songs are "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," "Jesus Loves Me," and Alicia Keys', "Girl on Fire" (I need to post the video of you and Caden singing "Girl on Fire." You entertained us all summer).

You are teaching mommy and daddy patience. . .lots of patience. I hope you are always spunky, alive, and determined. Boy, you are going to move mountains!

We love you Carty Bart!

Love, Mommy

P.S. You are 37 inches tall (97th percentile!) and 32 pounds (89th percentile).

Flying a helicopter

Your "I hear an airplane" face.

Airplane!

You love your planes!

The Ring Master

My youngest brother married his high school sweetheart today. It was a beautiful wedding and I can't wait to see the photos. According to Caden, he was the "ring master." When I explained to him what his duties entailed he asked, "That sounds like an important job. Can't they find an adult to do it?" He is always making us laugh.

"The Ring Master" (5-years-old)

Cousin Brody (2-years-old)

Boys 'n Planes

One of my many goals before heading back to work is to catch up on our family blog. I have been busy editing wedding photos, so I have neglected our own family photos.

When I heard the Cottage Grove Airport was having a free vintage plane show, I knew our boys would love it. Carter is our "plane watch"; he makes sure to let us know anytime a plane is flying over our home, which happens numerous times a day. As expected, the boys loved the plane show and they were on their best behavior which made for a really fun trip. It was nice to find something to do that was so fun and free.

Caden, who doesn't like to have his photo taken, wanted a photo by every plane.

Carter had to have his photo taken, too.

Poor Carty has a wedgie, but I love this photo of the boys watching a plane taxiing.

Our Li'l Soccer Star

Caden has been wanting to play soccer and we thought summer would be the perfect time for him to begin. He has been to three practices and loves it. It is so much fun watching him play--he is so full of joy and has a smile on his face the entire time. 

My brother captured this awesome photo at a superhero birthday party.

First soccer player in the "shark cave" for a team meeting.

Team meeting.

I love how they all fit into the goal--too cute!

Practicing dribbling.

Practicing throw-ins with the "squishy" balls.

The Museum of the Art

May came and went without a post. Carter Someone is keeping us a little busy. Now that school is out for the summer, I will try to update our blog.

Our biggest news is that we have a preschool graduate in the family; Caden will be going to kindergarten in the fall! For the past two years, I have been throwing his preschool artwork in a laundry basket neatly organizing his preschool artwork. Last week, Shutterfly was offering a free photo book, so Caden and I organized his preschool artwork and created a photo book. He entitled his first art book, The Museum of the Art. We can't wait for it to arrive!

The Museum of the Art preview:

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create your own personalized photo books at Shutterfly.com.

Getting Paid to Do What I Love

For the past couple of years, I have wanted to go to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm to take photographs. This year, my digital photography students "persuaded" me to take them there. We had such a fun day. I feel a little guilty for getting paid to do what I love. My students continue to inspire me with what they see through the lens. I am saddened that this is most likely the last year that I will be teaching digital photography, but that is another post. . .

Here are a few of my favorite photos from our trip. Landscape photography is not my strength (mostly, because I lack the patience), however, I have been trying to challenge myself with regards to photography lately.

Easter Day

We celebrated another busy but fun Easter with both sides of our family. The boys enjoyed going on three Easter egg hunts--they have quite the loot. Each year, Caden is beginning to understand The Easter Story a little more. He can actually explain most of it. . .when he wants to. We are so thankful for God's grace--it is so exciting to see our boys begin to learn about the real meaning of Easter.

I love this photo. Imperfect but perfect.

Carty loves to swing.

What is this? Where is my chocolate?!

I love chubby baby fingers.

Caden's Avenger eggs.

I smiled, Mom. Now let me find more eggs.

Our Easter Bunny has a sense of humor.

Good Friday

Easter is always a busy day for us, so today I had to bribe the boys with a trip to "a special park" to get dressed up in their Easter outfits so I could take a few photos. One boy was a little more cooperative than the other, but I will not mention any names. It was so nice out. Sadly, Spring Break is coming to an end. We can not wait for summer!