Sunday, May 29, 2011

Will you allow me to brag a moment?

My oldest son Owen just finished first grade. First grade was definitely a bit of a transition for both Owen and my husband and I. Kindergarten was very easy, but first grade was hard work. We had spelling words and math tests and science projects. It took a little while for our family to adjust to the transition.
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Last week we got to finally celebrate all of our hard work at the end of the year awards ceremony.

Walking the Red Carpet 

Owen received many awards including Excellence in Chinese, a Media Production Participation Award, an Excellence in Art Award, a Perfect Attendance Award, Most Improved in Language Arts, Most Improved in Math, and A-B Honor Roll. I was a little surprised by the Math award but after talking to his teacher we found out that he scored a 98% on his final test of the year! He's been excellent in Math all year but since his final test score was so good he had the highest percentage increase for all of the 1st grade students. He excels in math and his test score just proved that he really loves the subject.


As a mother, I'm most proud of his "Most Improved in Language Arts" award. It took Owen a little while to understand that he had to work at something to become good at it. His last report card of the year arrived in yesterday's mail and for the first time all year he got all A's. I don't so much care about the straight A's but it is really nice to see that all of his hard work really paid off. By the end of the year it finally seemed like everything school wise was really clicking with him. He was coming home with great scores on his reading and spelling tests and starting to enjoy the challenge.

I hope that he continues to enjoy the challenge of academia. I wish only the best for this little boy!

I owe so much of his success to his teacher this past year. She has been a true blessing to our family and I am thankful every day that we were able to go on this school year journey together.

Owen and his teacher Ms. Hickey

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Has it really been 7 years already?

My oldest son Owen turned 7 this past weekend.

Where has the time gone?

I remember the day he was born - 7 weeks early. I remember the first year being more fearful than enjoyable, but I'm assuming these feelings are semi-common amongst young new parents. I always loved watching him sleep.

He's about 4 months old in his picture.

I was scared to death. It's amazing how one day can change your life so completely.

It's been so amazing watching him grow up over the years.

2 years old

4 Year Old

6 Years Old

I'm trying to adopt a "Less is More" philosophy in life, so for a birthday celebration we invited his cousin and two of his friends for a game of Frisbee Golf. I was a little scattered getting everything together and out the door so I failed to bring my camera on our outing.

After 8 holes of golf the boys were hot and tired and ready to head back home. Once we got back to the house Ed set up a slip and slide in the back yard.


My parents bought him his first Nerf Gun which he adores!


We ended up having a great evening with wonderful family and some amazing friends.

I am thankful everyday that I get to be his mom. I love watching him grow up and turn into this amazing person. Life is good.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The 2 Busiest Weeks of My Year

The last two weeks of May are always the busiest of the year for me. In two weeks I get to celebrate the birth of four amazing people in my life.

May 16th marks the birth of my one and only niece Kayleigh. She turned 11 yesterday. I can remember when she was born while I was still in college. She's an amazing young lady and the closest thing I'll ever have to a daughter. My mom has some really cute pictures of Kayleigh on her blog.

Today, May 17th, we get to celebrate my husband's birthday. I did the math today and this is the 14th birthday of his that we have spent together. It's amazing how time seems to be flying by these day.



One of my favorite birthdays that I spent with Ed was when he turned 23. It was the year after college and we were living in L.A. We were broke and in love and spent the evening celebrating with his mom and sister. We went to dinner at a restaurant on the beach in Malibu. While we were eating a young couple got engaged at the table next to us. The guy got down on one knee and pulled out a ring. They celebrated with champagne and everyone in the restaurant cheered. I remember looking at the newly engaged couple and thinking, "I want that." Ten months later we were living in Atlanta and engaged and we got married six months after that. When I think about it now the time between that birthday in LA and our wedding seem so far apart, but really a lot changed in those short sixteen months.

Five short days after my husbands birthday my oldest son Owen celebrates his birthday.


Five days after Owen's birthday we celebrate my youngest son Ellis' birthday!


I'll be very busy the next several days celebrating all of these wonderful birthdays!

Monday, May 9, 2011

It's the Little Things

For years I have been telling my husband that he can show me that he loves me without spending lots of money. He doesn't have the best track record when it comes to special holidays and anniversaries, but for Mother's Day he hit a home run.

Friday when I got home from work I had a beautiful bouquet of flowers waiting for me. Ellis was so excited that he got to buy me flowers.

Saturday I did some work in our back yard. We're currently cleaning up under our deck so that we can lay down some wood chips and hang a hammock. I had purchased a hammock earlier so Ed hung it up for me Saturday afternoon. I'm looking forward to many, many, many relaxing hours in the hammock.

Sunday morning they boys and I woke up earlier. My husband normally sleeps in on the weekends but Sunday he got right up and told everyone to get dressed. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and I love being treated to breakfast. We had a nice meal at one of our local favorite spots.

After dinner we stopped off at the gas station and Ed filled  my car up with gas. In my mind nothing says I love you like putting gas in someone's car.

When we got home Ed and the boys decided to wash my car for me. I wish I would have taken a picture. They looked so cute working together. It was tough to stay inside and let them "work" but I managed to find something on television to watch.

While Ellis took his nap I decided to go to the Farmer's Market to pick up some groceries for the week. Ed suggested that I leave Owen at home. I know it sounds strange but I NEVER get to go grocery shopping by myself. It was so nice to walk around the store and not fuss at the boys constantly.

We had a lazy afternoon around the house. I didn't really feel like making dinner so we picked something very kid friendly - hot dogs and mac and cheese. It reminded me of a dinner from my childhood so somehow it was fitting.

After dinner I got control of the remote!

It really is the little things.

I hope all the mom's out there had an amazing Mother's Day! I know I'm feeling especially blessed today.