Bye-bye 1st grade!

And just like that he's off to 2nd grade. I don't know why, but 2nd grade just feels so much older than 1st...tho I know I'll say that again next year when we're in the same position. Micah's had such a great year and I've seen him really come out of his shell in his class. Sometimes not in the best way (poor Mrs. Newman and her talkative group!) but he really formed some good little friendships in his class and it's been fun to watch him grow. I'm also excited that Reid will be at the same school with Micah next year - that makes it feel even more real...like my boys are really growing up!

The littles decided to buy small bouncy balls today and gave one to each of the kiddos getting off the bus with the phrase "hope you enjoy bouncing in to summer" lol. I just love it - yay summer!!

House Updates!

We decided to update all the trim in our house and paint it white, from it's wooden state. And then we also chose to paint the cabinets in the kitchen. And the walls. And the ceiling. And then because that wasn't a large enough project, we painting the walls and ceilings in the laundry room, the office and the upstairs bathroom. Needless to say, it was quite an undertaking (but not one that we did!). Thanks so our painters, 4 days later our house has a nice face lift and it's super enjoyable to see! Now to figure out how to decorate our newly painted house!

Swinging Reidees!

Reid learned how to swing!!!!  I am SO proud and SO impressed. I literally was just talking about how that was a skill he still had yet to learn for his birthday letter 10 days ago! And here he is tonight just swinging away. What a huge life style, one of those big boy pinnacle pieces that pushes you in to a different kid category, and he's here (single tear!). Reid, I'm so proud of you buddy! Awesome job learning how to swing from start to finish!

A whole hand old! (Happy Birthday Reid!)

Dear Reid,

I blink and we're here again - celebrating yet another of you turning older. It doesn't seem to matter what I do, you continue to grow up and get older and now you are a whole hand ✋.  I feel like I am writing some of the same thing every year Reid, but that's because it's the truth. You have a smile that is so infectious and lights up a room. You have the ability to make anyone's grumpiness and disappear with your sweet laugh and big personality that just loves life. Your giggle is fantastic and I'm so glad that hasn't disappeared as you're getting older. What a joy it is to be your momma and watch you grow. You are independent and stubborn and loving and ever so thoughtful.

Year 5 has been fun, Reid, and I can't believe this means that in a few short months you'll be heading out the door to go to kindergarten (someone hold me, please!). You have been in preschool 4s this year, and are so smart and bright. Your teacher comments how smart you are and how you are a leader in the classroom. She also said that the girls are sweet on you. "There's just something about Reid" she'll say. "All the girls want to be friends with Reid." and I find that to be ever so true sweet boy. You have a soft spot for these girls in your life, and treat them with such respect and honor (as much as a 4, now 5 year old can)! I love watching your friendships develop and Mrs. Holmes is right, you are a leader. I see that in the classroom and also when you play at home. Maybe not so much with Micah and his friends, but with Gemma and your own friends, you like to lead, but not in a bossy way which I think is a good sign.

Speaking of your siblings, man alive Reid, you and Gemma have really become best buds this year. Poor Micah is gone all.day.long at school and therefore you and Gemma have the chance to grow your sibling bond. You guys are always playing something creative, and she looks up to you so much Reid! My prayer for you is that you always guide her in a positive direction and help her to understand how valued she is by you, her family, and God. I pray you are the best big brother example she can have because the love between you two is so deep and rich. And Micah. You and Micah have a different type of relationship that consists of playing together, fighting, whining, playing together. You love each other so much...always giving him hugs and kisses on his way out the door and running to him when he gets off the bus. You certainly miss his being around during the day (although I'll admit I appreciate the moments of peace and quiet🙊) and are ever so grateful for him coming back home, even if only for 5 minutes before the fighting might ensue. My prayer for you two is that you continue to learn how to play together peacefully and soaking in the precious advantages to having a brother close in age with you.

You are such a delight Reid and we love you so much. You love to ride your bike (now on an 18in!), look at the days on your calendar, check out the weather, build with magna tiles (and boy are you good!), help mommy in the kitchen and really where ever you can add value. You love having a job or task to do that makes you feel more grown up. You're a lover and a snuggler who is also loud and sometimes quite feisty. You add such joy and happiness to our life Reid, and we're so grateful for you. I hope you have enjoyed your 5th birthday ever so much and can't wait to see what this next year of life brings you sweet boy.

I love you to the moon and back, all over the world, to infinity and beyond, I love you, I love you.

Love,
Mommy

(dr. stats:height -

Big Girl Bed = Bye Bye Paci

Gemma has officially moved out of her crib. She's been climbing out for some time now, and it just took us a bit of time to make the official transition to her bed and take the crib down for good. Part of me has held back due to the idea of her being out of the crib. The fear of that next big girl step and acknowledging her growing up as well as not knowing just how things would go once given a bit more freedom. The other part of me holding back is the emotional roller coaster I have been on accepting that my crib is coming down, for the first time in 7 years (since it was up 6 months before Micah was born 🙊.) That's the crib that gave Micah a place to sleep, Reid a place to sleep and Gemma a place to sleep. It's housed all 3 of my babies and I can't believe that era has come to a close 😢.

In addition to the bye-bye-crib, we also did bye-bye-paci. The third thing that was holding me back. Was I really ready to take this next step and take that comfort (and therefore quietness and sleep) away from us? How would she transition out of that crib in addition to being done with the paci? Well we're a week in, and she's done phenomenal! I can't even get over how well she did getting rid of the paci. She did fall out of her bed 2 times for 3 nights in a row, but hasn't since, and I'm thinking we're past that part. And she's just done amazing. That first picture is the last of her with her paci. Amazing, Gemma Jams! Such a big girl 💜

Reid's basketball glory days

Reid tried out basketball for the first time this fall/winter. Let's just say, he needs to keep practicing 😉. He wasn't the biggest fan of the sport - but I was still proud of him for sticking it out and he definitely made some gains throughout his span on the team. I think he'll take a break for the next session, we'll practice at home more frequently, and give it another go next fall. Seriously though, these little boys out trying to play the game (and some quite successfully!) was just the cutest thing. Micah's going to try in January and I'm excited to see the improvements he's made from last year!

Run the Race

Just your typical Tuesday...getting inked for the first time. This tattoo has been in the works for awhile now, and I can't believe the day has actually come and gone and I have my first tattoo! I have been thinking about this for a few months, and then literally "ran into" a girl in Utah while I was out for the Young Living convention last June who wanted the same type of tattoo which motivated me even more. A few months go by and then my friend Noelle gets her first tat (along with this girl Ashley I met in Utah within days of Noelle) and the motivation became real! Christian and I sat down one Sunday afternoon and designed what I wanted. Originally I was planning for it to be on my foot (appropriate, yes, for the symbolism) but three days before my appointment I looked up the pain of foot tattoos and read. Mistake...or not! I ended up making a pro/con list for my foot and forearm, and the arm won out. And let's just say, I'm in love. I am so happy with how it came out, with the design that Christian created, and the tattoo artist who basically copied it exactly as we wanted. He had one modification (which is great!) and said he had to add something to Christian's creation, hahaha. The artists at the shop were very impressed with Christian's work and I told him I think he has another career waiting for him on the side ;). My artist was also impressed with the size and location of my choice since it was my first...ha, I told him go big or go home, right?!

So, for the meaning behind my tattoo: the five dots at the beginning of the "r" are for my family. The abstract runner girl at the end, obviously ;) And the "run the race" from Hebrews 12:1 is so symbolic of my life, both in marathoning and everyday activity. We are only given one life and I want to live a life pleasing to Jesus, running the race He has given me with endurance. My kids know the meaning, Reid in particular has grown quite attached to it, and Gemma has asked Christian to draw a tattoo on her arm (as they saw him practicing on me before the appointment to make sure I would like it). I am looking forward to having the visual reminder on my arm, for the rest of my life, and also to let it be one more piece in my story and witness for Christ. Without further ado, here are the pictures of this very big deal in my life!