Hiding

I heard lots of giggling and wall bumping in Ridley's room while I was putting away laundry.  I peaked in her closet to find her and her brother hiding.  They both died out laughing when I would open and close the door.  I just love how well they play together, and I really enjoy them be silly friends.

Snow?

The snow is starting to fall, so we ran out to pick up a few last minute items we might need.  

I love Reed's gaze out the window at the snow falling.  The magic of a potential inconvenience to a three year old.

Masterpieces with MOPS

Some of my MOPS group met for dinner and painting tonight.  I really enjoy the diversity of this group.  Some of us have multiple children and some only have one.  Some are older, while some are younger.  It was a great night of conversation and laughter, all while painting an old tree picture.  

Valentines

The boys spotted their Valentine treats, and they were begging to open the gifts.  I loved the oversized heart glasses.  So fun and silly!

Valentine Partying

It was time to celebrate LOVE!  All the cards and candies are stuffed and ready to give to all of the friends.  Ridley and Reed joined me in celebrating with Ryland's class.  It was total craziness, but all smiles.

The story of little love monsters were an inspiration for a craft.  Ryland's love monster turned out looking a bit like a devil.

Reed and Ridley posed for pictures and this is the best one I could get.  Those two!

Ryland and his buddy, Campbell, in their Valentine shirts.  Watch out ladies!

Valentine's Party at CHCS

Reed and his sweet friend, Mac, cheese it up after the party.  These two sweethearts are definitely going to be heartbreakers.

We had fun making crafts.

Ridley took over as the teacher, and all the children laughed.

Valentine Box

Directions for Valentines came home a week ago.  Fifteen cards that needed to be signed and addressed by Ryland.  He would also need a bag or box to collect cards.  We worked on the cards a few days in advance, and Ryland picked out a gift bag with colorful hearts.  He was all set, so I packed everything in his book bag.

Around 11PM, I crawled into bed, and I flipped through Facebook on my phone.  I saw all of these "Valentine boxes".  Completely over the top, Pinterest, Martha Stewart crafted boxes filled my news feed.  Immediately, I knew I could not send Ryland to school with his heart gift bag.  Back up and ready to craft.  I mod podged a head of Steve from Minecraft on a cereal box.  

The next morning, Ryland was so shocked.  His expression made my hours of work so worthwhile.  He loved it and was excited to show it off at school.

Jump Rope for Heart

Ryland's school had their annual fundraiser for the Heart Association.  The Jump Rope for Heart presentation took place in the gym, and parents were invited to see all the jump rope practice play out.  

I was nervous for Ryland, because I had seen him try to jump rope a few weeks ago.  He didn't quite have the timing, so he was pretty bummed.  After a few weeks of practice in PE class, and he was ready to show off.  

When the music started, he jumped right to it.  I noticed that he jumps rope backwards, but he was able to jump several successful times.  As I looked around the gym, I noticed that all the kids had been working on this skill.  Amazing!  Ryland did fantastic!

Yellow Belt Presentation

Ryland received his yellow belt in Jiu-Jitsu after passing his test last week.  He was so proud of himself, and we are too. 

West Texas

Miles and miles of wide open beautiful west Texas.  Alone with my thoughts and lots of rocking horses.

1 Year Photos

I am blown away by these precious pictures of Ridley.  They are perfect, and I will treasure them forever.  Here are a few of my favorites.

100 Days

Ryland is 100 days smarter!  He still loves Kindergarten and looks forward to going to school.  We are amazed by how much he is learning, and we are thrilled by his love of learning.  

He is reading and feeling more confident in sounding out harder words.  He enjoys science, music, and recess.  

Yellow Belt Test

Sensei tested all the students who were ready to progress to the next Jiu-Jitsu belt.  Ryland was excited but a little nervous.  He did a fantastic job, and we were so proud of him. He was self confident and nailed his demonstration in front of all the students and parents.