Goodbye Forever

I can't believe my youngest is headed off to 1st Grade and I will never have another kindergartner! That breaks my heart a little!

This was his kindergarten graduation picnic and it was HOT!

Cannon was much more interested in sucking on a some ice in his mouth than smiling for a picture:)

These were in the shade which seemed to elicit some smiles--I don't blame him!

I am truly so thankful for his teacher Mrs. Huskins--an angel on earth, I am not kidding! See that blur...that was another little girl going in for a quick hug l:)  Everybody loves her!

So true! 

I am so grateful that my boy had such a kind and loving teacher for kindergarten.  

We will miss kindergarten and especially the darling Mrs Huskins:!

Cannon is now referring to himself as a 1st GRADER and talking so sweetly about the "babies" that are coming for kindergarten next year, like he is so far removed from those days:)

I am trying to get used to the idea that these baby days are gone forever, but I can't help but dream of just one more...:)

What the World Needs Now...

is more brave and mighty Indian warriors arrayed in macaroni necklaces.

We had 'Fishing Bear' join us for our Thanksgiving Feast this year.

It was quite a treat!

I LOVE kindergartners, don't you?
Little ones make life sweet--sometimes I wish he would stay 5 forever!

A New Chapter

This has been a BIG week for us.  Cannon had his Kindergarten Checkup and shots--ouch!

Even though he talked tough--when the shots actually happened he couldn't help the tears for a few moments. I was impressed with how quickly he wiped them away and resumed his BIG boy attitude!   Even after all these years of vaccinating my boys, it still breaks my heart to watch them hurt.

He was a brave boy and we celebrated that courage with a lunch together at Chick-fil-a.

I am going to miss having this little man as my daily sidekick!

We read the Kissing Hand.

 a MUST read, in my opinion for EVERY Kindergartner.

It is the sweetest book--I love it.

Have you read it?

Cannon had his "phase in" day and he did great and LOVED it.

He is just bursting with pride and excitement about being in school.

He tells everyone--friends and random strangers that we run into the BIG NEWS!

After dropping him off at school, I walked home fighting back tears with a big lump in my throat, but a friend called and I happily chatted away the heartache. I thought I was fine and that this was going to be FUN to have the whole day to myself.  It wasn't until my Mom called that my emotions got the better of me.  I know I made the right decision but this is HARD!

For 15 years I have had little boys with me as (almost) constant companions.

This is the END OF AN ERA for me.

I no longer have babies on my hip and chubby little toddlers underfoot.

Trust me when I say, I KNOW I will enjoy this new phase of life, in fact I already have LOTS of fun plans and created lists of exciting projects to do.  It will be a great year

BUT today my heart hurts and I just can't help it.

Sweet Little Graduates

We had some sweet GRADUATIONS this week...

for my littlest boys and I have to say I loved every minute:)

First up Cannon graduated from Morris Hill Baptist  Preschool.

Do you see that little white blurr infront--that is his teachers head Mrs Kate.  She just might be the sweetest little 80 year old preschool teacher in the whole world.  She has been running this preschool for a LONG time.  One of my 40 year old neighbors had her for preschool too:) Crazy huh?!  She should get some kind of huge award or medal of honor or sometimgs for her years of service to these little people!

 She is full of love for these sweet littel souls and they all love her right back.  Bridger couldn't wait to see her again.  (he went there last year) She sat up front softly leading them thru a whole program of songs, nursery rhyms and bible verses they had memorized.  I am so sad that I did not get a picture of her and my boys.  They served cake, chips and pop and my boys RAN off with their little friends.

 The pastor handed out the diplomas.  Cannon and his funny handshake:)

 Our little graduate and Daddy. He is ready for Kindergarten!!  I can not believe my baby is going to be in school next year!!  I guess it is time for a new baby :) ha ha!

 Next up was Bridger's Kindergarten Graduation. 

 What a cutie!

He also performed serveral songs--this one was a butterfuly song!  Can you tell?

 They stood when their name was announced.  Look how happy my little man looks.

He was good boy and posed for lots of pictures for his Mom!  I was a little camera happy that night:)

Bradger and buddies Brady and

  Sam.  Alot of time spent on the playground and at the lunchroom table with these two guys!

Mrs Chamberlain--the perfect Kindgergarten teacher! 
Seriously she was fantastic--sweet patient and loving!

 Love this guy!
  First Grade here he comes!

And if you made it through all these pictures then as they say here in the South...

"BLESS YOUR HEART"!

Bird Chirping and Little Boy Wisdom

Source
Last week, I was trying to hurry my littlest man out the door for preschool one morning but he was in no rush as he leisurly strolled to the car in the driveway totally oblivious to my "schedule".  It was an unusually warm winter day and he seemed to be soaking in the bright sunshine, grinning ear to ear. 

 I finally got him in the car and as we pulled out he asked me to please turn off the radio so he could hear the "birds chirping in the trees!" How sweet is that?!

I was feeling a bit discouraged about something that day, but in that moment I felt some joy sink in and crack that hard candy shell  on my heart:). I slowed the car, rolled down all the windows, and we happily listened to the chirping birds together.

  lt was such a gift to have that sweet reminder to enjoy the small and simple beauties that God has so lovingly created.

It brought to my memory a time when Bridger was a toddler and would exclaim in the car "It is a BOOTIFUL day, huh Mommy?"  It always made me laugh and then stop and think--'my gosh he is right, it is a beautiful day!',  feeling a little shocked that I hadn't really noticed myself.  Melted my heart everytime!  How blessed I am to have these little side kicks to help me focus on the good. 

 I had that feeling that I have felt before as a Mother...
 that these children entrusted to our care are really just 
 wise little souls in chubby toddler bodies.

I hope you have a happy week and take the time (depending on your climate:) to

 ... listen to chirping birds,

... or enjoy a beautiful sunset,

... or the soft falling snow

...or the sweet words of a child

and allow the love of God to fill your heart!

In these simple moments you will know that you are LOVED!

Happy Monday!

What the World Needs Now...

More fierce and lovable NINJAS following your every move, bravely protecting you from bad guys and that big bad pile of laundry:)

I am trying to savor these sweet diversion from "getting stuff done" knowing that in a blink of an eye he will be too grown up for the costume box and off at school with his big brothers. 

And I will have an ache in my heart when I am no longer tripping over little boys all day:)

It's the Pirate LIfe for Me (pirate party ideas)

I am not sure how many pirate parties I have put on over the course of my years as a Momma of boys...but this may be the last one:(
  My littlest man turned 4 last month and we celebrated buccaneer style!!

So if anyone out there is thinking of a pirate party, here a few tried and true tips for a great time!

I did not take a picture of the invite, but I printed the following on tan card stock which we (carefully) burned the edges, rolled up and tied with twine:

Aye ther Matie!

Ye be invited fer some Birthday merrymaking at

Capt’n Cannon’s

Pirate Party

Chart yer course fer the

Port of Christensen

(address here)

On Tuesday, July 26th 2-4pm

Be ready to pillage and plunder

Your way to a swashbuckling good time!

See ye there…Aarrgghh!!

When the little pirates arrived we decked them out in their own hat and eye patch and let them play with an assortment of ships and pirate themed toys while everyone arrived.

We then played some easy games such musical chairs with little islands on the floor, and earning treats by tossing ping pong balls into bowls candy/treasures .

Then I read my favorite pirate book---

This book was gift from my Mom years ago and is absolutely A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.  The kids LOVED it!  It is such a cute book, if you have a boy--get it!  It will be a favorite!

I was planning on making this amazing pirate cake, but never got to it--so cupcakes with jolly roger flags had to do.  Luckily Cannon didn't know what he was missing out on and loved his boring little cupcakes:)

We enjoyed cake and juice boxes

where I made a point to tell the boys that today they are pirates, and pirates have bad manners!
 They giggled about not saying please or thank you and yelling 'down the hatch" while pounding their fists on the table,just like the book we read!  

Next we played" cannonball"

Each little pirate had a balloon tied around their ankle.  The goal was to bust other peoples cannon balls while trying to keep your from popping.  It was silly but fun!

After unwrapping gifts we sent the little pirates on a treasure hunt created by Cannon's big brother.  The little boys ran all over the house with Connor reading each clue until they discovered a treasure chest of party favor bags.  So fun--thanks to Conn:)

One of Cannon's buddies made him a real 'duct tape' pirate sword, hat and hand crocheted eye patch--he was thrilled!

A couple of hours later the celebration continued with a family party!

On the menu

Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Doritos

Grapes

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

And more cupcakes, of course:)

He opened gifts from his grandparents, brothers and Mom and Dad including legos, super hero action figures, pirate PJs, cool football shirt,books and more... He loved them all:)

He must of said at least 10 times  "This is the best day EVER!"
Happy Birthday Cannon ---we love and adore you!!

You my darling boy are a treasure:)

And can you please please stay little!

This boy can move...

Our smallest man loves to groove! I found him in the kitchen dancing with the ipod blaring the "Lighting Mcqueen Song", strutting his stuff shirtless with one of his big brothers beanies on. He was so serious about his dancing that it absolutely melted my heart (and cracked me up)! Sometimes I watch this big personality bursting out of that little body in wonder. Could this really be my baby? Why oh why can I not slow down time and keep him small forever?

Watch out world here comes Cannon!

My own Personal 'Worker' Guys

Bridger and Cannon are into being "worker guys" lately. I think it has something to do with the recent kitchen remodel. They were very interested in the "workers" we had in and out of the house. Now I have these little men that want me to put them to work all day. They are done with each job REALLY quickly, don't need breaks and expect me to come up with more work to be done on the spot. Oh and aside from the occasional glass of chocolate milk, they are free!

Would you like me to send them over?

Yesterday while I was making dinner, I was hammered with the never ending "Ok Mom now what should I fix for ya?" And they remember what they fixed yesterday, so I have to get really creative or Cannon will say "Silly Mommy, I alweady fix dat!"

Speaking of the remodel...I am LOVING it! My space feels 100% bigger!

I will take some pictures and show you my new and improved kitchen, soon!

But not now, I have to go my 'worker guys' are calling!

Sunday afternoon...

is a good time for a little snooze!

Church just wears this little guy out! He couldn't even get thru his fishy cracker snack!

Need a snack? Go here...yum!

Birthday Boy

Photo by Bluelily

Dear Cannon Jay -bird,
Oh my boy, my littlest boy, you are growing up so fast! I can hardly believe my baby is a big two year old now! It seems like just yesterday that you were a little bundle in my arms. What a treasure you are. I adore your chubby little hands and feet and can't get enough of your sweetly puckered kisses. I thank Heavenly Father everyday that He sent you to me. I am blessed.
Happy Birthday my precious son !
All my Love,
Momma

Poor Baby

Stitches + Ear Infection = Miserable Baby and Tired Mama

Poor little Cannon and his Mother have had a rough time lately.

I was seriously wondering what on earth happened to my sweet little baby?? He has been on and off sick for over 2 weeks, nothing bad, just runny nose, bit of a cough and a low grade fever that comes and goes. The worst of it all was his temperament...HORRIBLE!! Cranky with a capital C, up before the sun (6am), demanding, LOUD (lots of yelling) and hard to comfort. Anyway, the other night just before bed, he bonked his head, split the skin over his eye and needed stitches. Getting stitches was very TRAUMATIC, involving lots of screaming and crying. So sad! That night as I tucked him in (hours after his usual bedtime), I was just sure that he would have a good and LONG night sleep. I knew he was exhausted after the incredible fight he had struggling against the nurses trying to hold him still for those blasted stitches...but shockingly, I was WRONG! Once again he woke up at 6am, very GRUMPY. So, after a horrible morning of Cannon screaming and mad over everything, my sweet and smart husband offered, "Maybe he has an ear infection?" He suggested that I get his ears checked, as he left for work. So I made an appointment with Aunt Mindy our own personal PA. I seriously thought I was wasting her time and just causing Cannon more frustration as I had to hold him down for the ear exam...but the prognosis was bulging, red EAR INFECTIONS!

I have never been so happy to hear that before. That explains it...Poor Baby! It gives me hope that the horribleness has a reason, and that my sweet little baby will be back! I started the antibiotics promptly... wish us luck!

Thank heavens for Aunt Mindy, and her otoscope!

Hopefully more sleep and happier days to come!