Childhood Innocense

On this particular day something was falling from that sky that we South Texans have not seen in a LONG time.................RAIN!!!!! The air was cool and there was no thunder or lightening so Ryan and I went to sit on the patio. We sat and watched the rain for a while...singing Ryan's favorite song the Itsy Bitsy Spider. Then Ryan's curious side took hold. He walked over and watched the rain dripping off the roof. After a minute or two he stuck his hand out and began "catching" rain water in his hand. He did this for about an hour....giggling the whole time. Oh to be a kid again!

High School Homecoming

Friday night I returned to my High School Alma Matter...Floresville High School...Home of the Fighting Tigers. It has been 18 years since I have graduated. Man, that makes me sound old! Lots of memories came flooding back that is for sure. I was also ble to see friends that I have not seen in years...some since we graduated HS! The joke between a lot of us now is that we spent 18 years trying to get out of Floresville, yet slowly but surely we are gradually moving back!
As you can see in the pictures that we were sporting the school colors maroon and white. Madeline is wearing the spirit ribbon she had purchased at school for 50 cents from the HS cheerleaders. I remember buying spirit ribbons....but they were 25 cents back in the day! :) I just love being able to share traditions that I grew up with. Makes me feel like a kid again! How much fun is that?!

Water and Dirt

It's a known fact that boys are born attracted to DIRT! Ryan is no exception to this rule. In fact, I just bought him the cutest t-shirt that says "I am a dirt magnet." So true! At the end of the day, the bottom of the bathtub looks like a beach! However, when it comes to water...and by water I mean large amounts as found in a pool or at the beach... he really could care less. What? Last year I could not get him out of the pool! We have tried ALL summer to get him in the "big" pool or ocean...nope. He won't hear of it. At the end of August we went back to Rockport and tried once again to get Ryan in the pool....and FINALLY ......he did! He could not get enough of it and we actually had him floating and kicking! It was such a joy to hear him giggle and having so much fun! Of course, the dirt was a huge hit, too! Silly Ryan!

Kollman The Brave Starts Pre-K

Today was a HUGE milestone for our Kollman. It was a day that we have been praying about for months now. It was a day that I realized how far we have come. Kollman started pre-k today at First Baptist Christian Academy!! In the not so distant past it has been a struggle to leave Kollman w/ anyone outside of family. Kollman is a HIGHLY anxious little boy....to say the least. This morning I was expecting tears and a struggle...much like we experienced during VBS...before we even left. Much to my surprise Kollman was full of excitement about school! He was laughing, full of kisses for Mommy and excited about wearing his new sketchers and carrying his CARS backpack and lunchbox. No pacing, no tears, no whining....WOW! We dropped Madeline off first and then it was Kollman's turn. After big kisses and hugs from Mommy there was a slight hesitation (my heart was racing and my stomach in knots) and he began to tear up. He got out of the car and looked at me and Mrs. Joyce and said....."I am going to be brave." I fought back my tears (knowing that he really was nervous, but wanting to be brave at the same time).....until I drove off. The tears flowed from my eyes. Tears of sure joy in knowing that he is growing up....and tears of reflection....how far we have come! He had a WONDERFUL day and now LOVES school! Thank you Lord for answered pray. You are an AMAZING God.

Back to School for Madeline

Hard for Matthew and I to believe, but our "baby" girl is starting 2nd grade!! Really, where did time go? She was so excited and ready to be back! She loves school and is such a good student. She informed me b/f we left this morning that I did not need to walk her in b/c she is in second grade now. Can we say independent? I admit I was a little hurt at first, but at the same time I am grateful that she is independent. Looking forward to a great year!!!